Resiliently compressible deployment ramp for inflatable curtain

An apparatus ( 10 ) helps to protect an occupant of a vehicle ( 12 ) that has a roof ( 18 ), a side structure ( 16 ), and a trim piece ( 310 ) overlying the side structure. The apparatus ( 10 ) includes an inflatable curtain ( 14 ) inflatable away from the vehicle roof ( 18 ) to a position adjacent the side structure ( 16 ). The apparatus ( 10 ) also includes a deployment ramp ( 160 ) having a deployment position in which the deployment ramp directs the inflatable curtain ( 14 ) to deploy inboard of the trim piece ( 310 ). The deployment ramp ( 160 ) is configured and arranged to deflect away from the deployment posit-ion in order to absorb forces from occupant impacts with the deployment ramp. Preferably, the deployment ramp ( 160 ) is also configured and arranged to return to the deployment position after absorbing forces from occupant impacts with the deployment ramp when the inflatable curtain ( 14 ) is not inflated.