Aufblasbarer Seitenvorhang

Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) which has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) into a position between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant. An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) comprises a pair of overlying panels (40, 42) having overlapping portions that are secured together at points of connection (60). First and second points of connection (70, 72) are spaced vertically apart from each other and positioned along a first straight line (74) that extends between the first and second points of connection. Third and fourth points of connection (80, 82) are spaced horizontally apart from each other and positioned along a second straight line (84) that extends between the third and fourth points of connection. The second straight line (84) extends transverse to the first straight line (74).