Bracket for airbag

Abstract

A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat, an arm connected to the seat, a bracket supported by the arm, and an airbag supported by the bracket. The arm is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When the arm is in the deployed position, the bracket is spaced apart from the seat. The airbag is inflatable toward the seat to an expanded position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle airbags, and more particularly, to a vehicle airbag assembly. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles can include various passive restraint systems, including airbags that can deploy during a vehicle collision. Airbags can help absorb energy from vehicle occupants during a collision. An airbag can be a component of an airbag assembly, which includes a housing that supports the airbag and an inflator that communicates with the airbag to inflate the airbag from an uninflated position to an inflated position.

[0003] A vehicle may include a crash sensing system that communicates with an airbag assembly to sense a vehicle crash and instruct an inflator to inflate the airbag when a vehicle crash is sensed. The crash sensing system may sense the direction of the crash and may selectively inflate or de-inflate certain airbags or airbag extensions of the vehicle based on the type and magnitude of the sensed crash, such as the direction, magnitude, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat, an arm connected to the seat, a bracket supported by the arm, and an airbag supported by the bracket. The arm is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When the arm is in the deployed position, the bracket is spaced apart from the seat. The airbag is inflatable toward the seat to an expanded position.

[0005] The vehicle seating assembly may include a seat bottom having a front end, a rear end, and a raised portion between the front end and the rear end. The raised portion may be proximal to the front end relative to the rear end.

[0006] The vehicle seat assembly may further include an elongated track supported by the seat, the track slidably connecting the arm to the seat. The track may extend along a lower surface of the seat bottom in a direction from a first side of the seat to a second side of the seat. A portion of the track may be positioned below the raised portion of the seat bottom.

[0007] The vehicle seat assembly may further include a slide rail that supports the arm. The slide rail may slidably engage the track.

[0008] The bracket of the vehicle seat assembly may be fixedly secured near one end of the arm. The bracket may include a frame supporting a first cover and a second cover, wherein the bracket frame is positioned between the first cover and the second cover. An airbag may be positioned between the first cover and the second cover.

[0009] The first cover and the second cover may have a proximal end and a distal end. When the bracket is spaced apart from the seat and the first cover and the second cover are in the closed position, the proximal ends of the first cover and the second cover may be proximal to the seat relative to the distal ends.

[0010] The proximal ends of the first cover and the second cover can be moved to an open position in a direction away from the bracket frame. When the first cover and the second cover are in the open position, the proximal ends can be moved to a predetermined position away from the bracket frame.

[0011] Each of the first cover and the second cover may have a top side and a bottom side. When the first cover and the second cover are in the open position and the airbag is in the inflated position, the bottom side may abut the airbag.

[0012] When the airbag is in the expanded position, the first portion of the airbag may abut the bottom side of the first cover and extend in a direction away from the bottom side of the first cover.The second portion of the airbag may abut the bottom side of the second cover and extend in a direction away from the bottom side of the second cover.

[0013] The bracket of the vehicle seat assembly may further include a first surface. When the bracket is spaced apart from the seat, the first surface may be supported by the bracket frame adjacent to the first cover and proximal to the seat relative to the first cover. When the airbag is in the inflated position, the airbag may abut the first surface and extend in a direction away from the first surface.

[0014] The bracket of the vehicle seat assembly may further include a second surface. When the bracket is spaced apart from the seat, the second surface may be supported by the bracket frame adjacent to the second cover and proximal to the seat relative to the second cover. When the airbag is in the inflated position, the airbag may abut the second surface and extend in a direction away from the second surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a passenger compartment of an exemplary vehicle showing vehicle seats in cross-section.

[0016] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an example of a vehicle seat assembly with an arm in a stowed position.

[0017] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A perspective view of an example of a vehicle seat assembly with an arm in a deployed position.

[0018] Figure 3A is a side view of a vehicle seat assembly with the seat shown in hidden lines, the arm in the deployed position, and the bracket spaced apart from the seat.

[0019] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A front view of a vehicle seat assembly.

[0020] Figure 4A is a side view of a vehicle seat assembly with the seat shown in hidden lines, the arm in a deployed position, the bracket spaced apart from the seat, and the first and second covers in an open position.

[0021] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A front view of a vehicle seat assembly.

[0022] Figure 5A is a side view of a vehicle seat assembly with the seat shown in hidden lines, the arm in a deployed position, the bracket spaced apart from the seat, the first cover and the second cover in an open position, and the air bag in an inflated position.

[0023] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A front view of a vehicle seat assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components throughout the several views, a vehicle 10 may include a passenger compartment 14 having one or more vehicle seating assemblies 18 .

[0025] The vehicle seating assembly 18 includes a seat 20, an arm 40 connected to the seat 20, a bracket 46 supported by the arm 40, and an air bag 74 supported by the bracket 46. The arm 40 is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When the arm is in the deployed position, the bracket 46 is spaced apart from the seat 20. The air bag 74 is inflatable toward the seat 20 to an expanded position.

[0026] Although shown as a sedan, vehicle 10 may include any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. Furthermore, vehicle 10 may be powered in various known ways, such as an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, and / or combinations thereof.

[0027] Vehicle 10 may be an autonomous vehicle. An autonomous vehicle uses various sensors and computing devices to operate vehicle 10 using various levels of input from a human driver. The computing device of vehicle 10 may operate vehicle 10 in autonomous mode, semi-autonomous mode, or non-autonomous mode. Autonomous mode is defined as a mode in which each of the propulsion system, braking system, and steering system of vehicle 10 is controlled by a computer; in semi-autonomous mode, the computing device controls one or both of the propulsion system, braking system, and steering system of vehicle 10; and in non-autonomous mode, a human operator controls the propulsion system, braking system, and steering system of vehicle 10.

[0028] The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has defined several levels of autonomous vehicle operation. At Levels 0-2, a human driver typically monitors or controls nearly all driving tasks without assistance from the vehicle 10. For example, at Level 0 ("No Automation"), the human driver is responsible for all vehicle operations. At Level 1 ("Driver Assist"), the vehicle 10 sometimes assists with steering, acceleration, or braking, but the human driver is still responsible for the majority of vehicle control. At Level 2 ("Partial Automation"), the vehicle 10 can control steering, acceleration, and braking in certain situations without human interaction. At Levels 3 to 5, the vehicle 10 assumes more driving-related tasks. At Level 3 ("Conditional Automation"), the vehicle 10 can handle steering, acceleration, and braking in certain situations, as well as driving environment monitoring. Level 3 still requires occasional intervention from a human driver. At Level 4 ("High Automation"), the vehicle 10 can handle the same tasks as Level 3, but does not rely on human driver intervention in certain driving modes. At Level 5 ("Full Automation"), the vehicle 10 can handle nearly all tasks without any human driver intervention.

[0029] The vehicle 10 may have a body 12. The body 12 may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the body may be formed of steel, aluminum, etc. Alternatively, the body 12 may be any other suitable material or a combination of materials of any suitable thickness.

[0030] The vehicle body 12 may be supported by a vehicle frame (not shown). The vehicle body 12 and the vehicle frame may be of unibody construction. In a unibody construction, the vehicle body 12 (e.g., rocker panels, etc.) serves as the vehicle frame, and the vehicle body 12 (including the rocker panels, pillars, roof rails, etc.) is a unitary, continuous, single-piece unit.

[0031] In another method, the vehicle body 12 can have a body-on-frame structure (also called a cab-on-frame structure). In other words, the vehicle body 12 and the frame are separate components, i.e., modular, and the vehicle body 12 is supported on and fixed to the frame.

[0032] The vehicle body 12 includes exterior surfaces, such as hoods, windows, lids, and / or hatches. The exterior surfaces of the vehicle body 12 can exhibit a Class A, substantially defect-free, finely finished surface appearance. The exterior surfaces can be formed from any suitable material, such as painted steel, aluminum, and plastic.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 The vehicle body 12 of the vehicle 10 may include a passenger compartment 14. The passenger compartment 14 may include a plurality of vehicle seating assemblies 18. The vehicle seating assemblies 18 may be mounted in fixed positions on a floor 16 of the passenger compartment 14, for example.

[0034] In another example, the vehicle seating assemblies 18 can move relative to the floor 16 of the passenger compartment 14. The vehicle seating assemblies 18 can move independently. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle seating assemblies 18 can move together as a unit. In one example, each vehicle seating assembly 18 can move independently relative to the floor 16 of the vehicle 10 in a vehicle fore-aft direction and / or in a vehicle lateral direction.

[0035] Additionally, the vehicle seat assembly 18 may be rotated relative to the floor 16 , as shown. Figure 1 When rotated, the vehicle seat assembly 18 can be fixed at any position throughout the rotation relative to the initial position, such as 45 degrees relative to the initial position.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 5B As shown and described above, each vehicle seating assembly 18 includes a seat 20. The seat 20 may include a seat back 22 and a seat bottom 24. The seat 20 may also include a headrest (not shown). The headrest may be supported by the seat back and may be stationary or movable relative to the seat back 22.

[0037] The seat back 22 can be supported by and extend upward from the seat bottom 24. The seat back 22 can be stationary or movable relative to the seat bottom 24. For example, the seat back 22 can be tilted relative to the seat bottom 24. Additionally, the seat back 22 can be folded from an upright position on the seat bottom 24 to a flat position such that the seat back 22 abuts the seat bottom 24 along its length. The seat back 22 can support an armrest 23, as shown in the figures.

[0038] The seat bottom 24 may include a front end 30, a rear end 34, and a raised portion 32 located between the front end 30 and the rear end 34. The raised portion 32 is raised relative to the front end 30 and the rear end 34 (i.e., in a generally vertical direction when oriented in the vehicle 10). The raised portion 32 may be angled relative to the front end 30 and the rear end 34. The rear end 34 may be adjacent to the seat back 22 when the seat back 22 extends upward from the seat bottom 24. The raised portion 32 may be located proximal to the front end 30 relative to the rear end 34. The raised portion 32 may be referred to as an "anti-submarine ramp."

[0039] like Figure 3A 、 Figure 4A and Figure 5A As shown, when occupant 80 is seated in seat 20, the pelvis of occupant 80 can be located between rear end 34 of seat bottom 24 and raised portion 32. In this way, raised portion 32 can help prevent the pelvis of occupant 80 from sliding forward and, therefore, preventing occupant 80 from sliding off seat bottom 24.

[0040] For example, reference Figures 5A to 5BAnd as discussed further below, the airbag 74 can inflate to an expanded position in a direction toward the seat 20 during, for example, a collision event. The airbag 74 can help absorb energy from the occupant 80 caused by the collision. In this way, the airbag 74 and the raised portion 32 of the seat bottom 24 can help retain the occupant 80 in the seat 20 during a collision event.

[0041] The raised portion 32 of the seat bottom 24 can be elongated. For example, the raised portion 32 can be elongated in a direction generally parallel to the front end 30 and the rear end 34 of the seat bottom 24.

[0042] like Figure 1 、 Figures 2A to 2B 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4B and Figure 5B As shown, the seat 20 can include a first side 26 and a second side 28. The seat bottom 24 can extend between the first side 26 and the second side 28. The raised portion 32 of the seat bottom 24 can extend from the first side 26 of the seat 20 to the second side 28 of the seat 20. Alternatively, the raised portion 32 can extend a distance between the first side 26 and the second side 28.

[0043] The seat 20 (including the seat bottom 24 and / or the seat back 22) may include a seat frame (not shown). The seat frame may include tubes, beams, or the like. The seat frame may be formed from any suitable plastic material, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composites (organosheets), or the like. Furthermore, some or all components of the seat frame may be formed from a suitable metal, such as steel, aluminum, or the like. The seat frame may be configured to form a raised portion 32 of the seat bottom 24.

[0044] The seat 20 may also include a cover 25. The cover 25 may be supported on the seat frame. The cover 25 may include a sleeve and padding. The sleeve may be formed from cloth, leather, artificial leather, and / or other suitable materials. The sleeve may be sewn into a panel surrounding the seat frame. The padding may be located between the cover 25 and the seat frame and may be foam and / or other suitable materials. The foam and / or other suitable materials may be configured to form a raised portion 32 of the seat bottom 24. Alternatively, the foam and / or other suitable materials may be combined with the seat frame and other structures to form the raised portion 32.

[0045] As shown, the seat 20 of the vehicle seating assembly 18 is depicted as a single seat 20. The vehicle seating assembly 18 may also be configured for multiple occupants. For example, the seat 20 may be a bench seat (not shown) or the like.

[0046] like Figures 2A to 2BAs shown, the arm 40 of the vehicle seating assembly 18 is movably connected to the seat 20. The arm 40 is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The arm 40 can be moved between the stowed position and the deployed position in any of a variety of ways.

[0047] In one approach, the arm 40 may be pivotally connected to the first side 26 or the second side 28 of the seat 20 , wherein the arm 40 may rotate between a stowed position and a deployed position.

[0048] For example, the arm 40 can be movably connected to the seat 20 via a pivot point (e.g., a ball and socket, a hinge joint, etc.) located on the first side 26 or the second side 28 of the seat 20. In this approach, the arm 40 can be rotated from the stowed position to a position forward of the front end 30 of the seat bottom 24 to the deployed position. The arm 40 can also be rotated from the deployed position to a position forward of the front end 30 of the seat bottom 24 to the stowed position. In this example, when the arm 40 is in the stowed position (not shown), the bracket 46 can be positioned below the lower surface 36 of the seat bottom 24.

[0049] In another approach, the arm 40 can be moved in the stowed position ( Figure 2A ) and expanded position ( Figure 2B ) The elongated track 38 may be positioned on, for example, the rear surface of the seat back 22, the lower surface 36 of the seat bottom 24, or the like.

[0050] refer to Figures 2A to 2B In the example shown, the lower surface 36 of the seat bottom 24 includes an elongated track 38. The elongated track 38 can extend along the lower surface 36 of the seat bottom 24 in a direction from the first side 26 to the second side 28 of the seat 20. A portion of the elongated track 38 can be positioned below the raised portion 32 of the seat bottom 24, for example, directly below the raised portion 32 of the seat bottom 24.

[0051] The arm 40 and the elongated track 38 may include corresponding interfaces such that the arm 40 is movable between the stowed position and the deployed position along the elongated track 38. For example, the elongated track 38 may have a C-shaped cross-section (not shown) to form a first interface.

[0052] like Figures 2A to 5B As shown, the slide rail 44 can support the arm 40 and can include a second interface (not shown) corresponding to the first interface. For example, the second interface can include a roller bearing, a slidable inner track, etc. In this way, the slide rail 44 can slidably engage the track 38, thereby allowing the arm 40 to move along the track 38 between the stowed position and the deployed position.

[0053] The arm 40 can be manually and / or automatically moved between the stowed position and the deployed position. For example, the elongated track 38 can include a plurality of teeth (not shown) spaced apart from each other along the length of the elongated track 38. The arm 40, the slide 44, or both can include a rotatable gear (not shown) operably connected to a motor (not shown). The rotatable gear can engage one or more of the plurality of teeth of the elongated track 38. When the motor is activated, the rotatable gear can rotate, and the arm can automatically move along the track 38 between the stowed position and the deployed position.

[0054] A sensor (not shown) may also be associated with the vehicle seating assembly 18. The sensor may detect, for example, when the seat 20 is occupied by an occupant 80. In one approach, when the sensor detects that the occupant 80 is seated in the seat 20, the arm 40 may automatically move from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0055] The arm 40 can be directly or indirectly movably connected to the seat 20. In the example shown in the figures, the arm 40 is movably connected to the seat 20 via a slide 44. As described above, for example, the slide 44 can support the arm 40 and slidably engage the track 38.

[0056] The slide rail 44 may be formed as a sleeve surrounding the arm 40, such as Figures 2A to 5B As shown. The rail 44 can be secured to the arm 40 in any suitable manner, such as by fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc. The rail 44 can be formed from metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.) as well as other suitable materials (such as plastic and / or composite materials). The rail 44 can also be formed from a combination of materials. Although the rail 44 and arm 40 shown in the figures and described herein may be separate structures, the arm 40 and rail 44 may also be formed as a single structure.

[0057] exist Figure 3B 、 Figure 4B and Figure 5B In the example of the arm 40 shown in FIG, the arm 40 is generally C-shaped. The arm 40 can have different shapes. For example, the arm 40 can be configured in any shape that allows the arm 40 to be movable between the stowed position and the deployed position, accommodates the position of the movable connection between the arm 40 and the seat 20, and spaces the bracket 46 apart from the seat 20 when the arm 40 is in the deployed position.

[0058] Return Reference Figure 3B 、 Figure 4B and Figure 5BOne end of the arm 40 may be adjacent to the slide rail 44. The other end 42 of the arm 40 may be adjacent to the bracket 46. The arm 40 is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position and is configured to space the bracket 46 away from the seat 20 when the arm 40 is in the deployed position. The arm 40 may be formed of a rigid material such as metal, plastic, a composite material, etc. The arm 40 may also be formed of a combination of suitable materials.

[0059] As mentioned above, and as Figures 1 to 5B As shown, the bracket 46 is supported by the arm 40 and can be spaced apart from the seat 20 when the arm 40 is in the deployed position. For example, the bracket 46 can be fixedly secured near the end 42 of the arm 40 so that the bracket 46 is spaced apart from the seat 20 when the arm 40 is in the deployed position.

[0060] The cradle 46 may include a first cover 50, a second cover 60, and a cradle frame 48 between the first and second covers 50, 60. The airbag 74 may be disposed between the first and second covers 50, 60, for example, within a perimeter of the cradle frame 48.

[0061] The first cover 50 and the second cover 60 can be moved to an open position. Figures 1 to 3B , the first cover 50 and the second cover 60 are shown in the closed position. Figures 4A to 5B , the first cover 50 and the second cover 60 are shown in an open position.

[0062] Although Figures 4A to 5B Each of the first cover 50 and the second cover 60 is shown in an open position, but the first cover 50 and the second cover 60 can be configured to move to the open position independently. For example, the first cover 50 can be moved to the open position while the second cover 60 remains in the closed position. Similarly, the second cover 60 can be moved to the open position while the first cover 50 remains in the closed position.

[0063] Alternatively, the first cover 50 and the second cover 60 may be configured such that when one of the first cover 50 and the second cover 60 moves to the open position, the other of the first cover 50 and the second cover 60 moves to the open position.

[0064] The first cover 50 can have a proximal end 52 and a distal end 54. When the bracket 46 is spaced apart from the seat 20 and the first cover 50 is in the closed position, the proximal end 52 of the first cover 50 can be proximal to the seat 20 relative to the distal end 54.

[0065] like Figure 4A and Figure 5AAs shown, when the first cover 50 is moved to the open position, the first cover 50, such as the proximal end 52 of the first cover 50, can move away from the carriage frame 48. When the first cover 50 is in the open position, the proximal end 52 of the first cover 50 can move to a predetermined position away from the carriage frame 48, such as 8 inches, depending on the width of the first cover 50 from the distal end 54 to the proximal end 52.

[0066] The distal end 54 of the first cover 50 is pivotally connected to the carriage frame 48. For example, a hinge joint (not shown) can secure the distal end 54 of the first cover 50 to the carriage frame 48. Thus, when the proximal end 52 of the first cover 50 is moved to the open position, the hinge joint can secure the distal end 54 of the first cover 50 to the carriage frame 48.

[0067] The hinge joint connecting the first cover 50 to the carriage frame 48 can have a predetermined limited rotation axis. For example, the first cover 50 can be stopped in a predetermined position by a stopper, a hinge design, or any other suitable mechanism. At the predetermined position, the airbag 74 can exert a force on the bottom side 58 of the first cover 50, and the first cover 50 can exert an opposing force on the airbag 74 by a stopper or other suitable mechanism. The predetermined rotation axis can be, for example, 85 degrees. In this way, when the first cover 50 is moved to the open position, the proximal end 52 of the first cover 50 can be moved from the carriage frame 48 to the predetermined position. In this way, when the airbag is in the expanded position, the bottom side 58 of the first cover 50 can abut the airbag 74 and serve as a reaction surface for the airbag 74.

[0068] The second cover 60 can have a proximal end 62 and a distal end 64. When the bracket 46 is spaced apart from the seat 20 and the second cover 60 is in the closed position, the proximal end 62 of the second cover 60 can be proximal to the seat 20 relative to the distal end 64.

[0069] Continue to refer Figure 4A and Figure 5A When the second cover 60 is moved to the open position, the second cover 60, such as the proximal end 62 of the second cover 60, can move away from the carriage frame 48. When the second cover 60 is in the open position, the proximal end 62 of the second cover 60 can move to a predetermined position away from the carriage frame 48, such as 5 inches, depending on the width of the second cover 60 from the distal end 64 to the proximal end 62.

[0070] The distal end 64 of the second cover 60 can be, for example, pivotally connected to the carriage frame 48. For example, a hinge joint (not shown) can secure the distal end 64 of the second cover 60 to the carriage frame 48. In this manner, when the proximal end 62 of the second cover 60 is moved to the open position, the hinge joint can secure the distal end 64 of the second cover 60 to the carriage frame 48.

[0071] The hinge joint connecting the second cover 60 to the carriage frame 48 can have a predetermined limited rotation axis. For example, the second cover 60 can be stopped in a predetermined position by a stopper, a hinge design, or any other suitable mechanism. At the predetermined position, the airbag 74 can exert a force on the bottom side 68 of the second cover 60, and the second cover 60 can exert an opposing force on the airbag 74 by a stopper or other suitable mechanism. The predetermined rotation axis can be, for example, 110 degrees. In this way, when the second cover 60 is moved to the open position, the proximal end 62 of the second cover 60 can be moved from the carriage frame 48 to the predetermined position. In this way, when the airbag is in the expanded position, the bottom side 68 of the second cover 60 can abut the airbag 74 and serve as a reaction surface for the airbag 74.

[0072] like Figure 4A and Figure 5A As further shown, the first cover 50 and the second cover 60 can each have a top side 56, 66, respectively, opposite to the bottom side 58, 68. When the first cover 50 and the second cover 60 are in the closed position, the top sides 56, 66 can be used, for example, as a writing surface or for supporting a computer, other device and / or consumer product.

[0073] As described above, the bracket 46 can include a bracket frame 48. The arm 40 can support the bracket 46 via the bracket frame 48. For example, the bracket frame 48 can be fixedly secured near the end 42 of the arm 40. The bracket frame 48 can be fixedly secured near the end 42 of the arm 40 in any suitable manner, such as fasteners, adhesives, welding, combinations thereof, etc.

[0074] The perimeter of the carrier frame 48 may be generally rectangular in shape. The carrier frame 48 may be formed from any suitable material, such as metal, such as steel, aluminum; carbon fiber reinforced plastic; glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite; or the like.

[0075] In addition to the first cover 50 and the second cover 60 , the carrier frame 48 may also include a first surface 70 and a second surface 72 .

[0076] A first surface 70 of the bracket 46 can be supported by the bracket frame 48 adjacent to the first cover 50 and proximal to the seat 20 relative to the first cover 50 when the bracket 46 is spaced apart from the seat 20. The first surface 70 can be secured to the bracket in any suitable manner, such as, for example, fasteners, adhesives, welding, and combinations thereof.

[0077] When the airbag 74 is in the inflated position, the first surface 70 can abut the airbag 74, and the airbag 74 can extend in a direction away from the first surface 70. In this manner, the first surface 70 can serve as a reaction surface for the airbag 74. The first surface 70 can be formed from any suitable material, for example, a metal such as steel or aluminum; a carbon fiber reinforced plastic; a glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite; combinations of the foregoing, and the like.

[0078] A second surface 72 of the bracket 46 can be supported by the bracket frame 48 adjacent to the second cover 60 and proximal to the seat 20 relative to the second cover 60 when the bracket 46 is spaced apart from the seat 20. The second surface 72 can be secured to the bracket in any suitable manner, such as, for example, fasteners, adhesives, welding, and combinations thereof.

[0079] When the airbag 74 is in the inflated position, the second surface 72 can abut the airbag 74, and the airbag 74 can extend in a direction away from the second surface 72. In this manner, the second surface 72 can serve as a reaction surface for the airbag 74. The first surface 70 can be formed of any suitable material, for example, a metal such as steel or aluminum; a carbon fiber reinforced plastic; a glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite; combinations of the foregoing, and the like.

[0080] As described above, the airbag 74 can be supported by the bracket 46. For example, the airbag 74 can be disposed between the first cover 50 and the second cover 60 within the perimeter of the bracket frame 48. Figures 5A to 5B As shown, when the air bag 74 is inflated to the expanded position, the first portion 76 of the air bag 74 can extend through the opening in the bracket 46 toward the seat 20 when the first cover 50 is moved to the open position. In this way, energy from the torso and head of the occupant 80 can be absorbed while helping to retain the occupant 80 in the seat 20.

[0081] Also like Figures 5A to 5B As shown, when the air bag 74 is inflated to the expanded position, the second portion 78 of the air bag 74 can extend through another opening in the bracket 46 toward the seat 20 when the second cover 60 is moved to the open position. In this way, energy from the legs of the occupant 80 can be absorbed while helping to retain the occupant 80 in the seat 20.

[0082] Although the airbag 74 shown in the figure is a single airbag 74, multiple airbags can also be used. For example, the bracket 46 can support two or more airbags. Each of the two or more airbags can be disposed within the perimeter of the bracket frame 48 between the first cover 50 and the second cover 60.

[0083] One of the two or more air bags can be inflated to the expanded position and extended through the opening in the bracket 46 toward the seat 20 when the first cover 50 is moved to the open position. Another of the two or more air bags can be extended through the opening in the bracket 46 toward the seat 20 when the second cover 60 is moved to the open position.

[0084] The airbag 74 can be formed from a woven polymer or any other material. As an example, the airbag 74 can be formed from woven nylon yarn, such as nylon 6-6. Other examples include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyester, etc. The woven polymer can include a coating such as silicone, neoprene, polyurethane, etc. For example, the coating can be a polyorganosiloxane.

[0085] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the present disclosure may be practiced in other ways than specifically described.

[0086] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly is provided, comprising: a seat; an arm connected to the seat, the arm being movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; a bracket supported by the arm, the bracket being spaced apart from the seat when the arm is in the deployed position; an airbag supported by the bracket; and the airbag being inflated in a direction toward the seat to an expanded position.

[0087] According to one embodiment, a seat bottom of a seat includes a front end, a rear end, and a raised portion between the front end and the rear end, the raised portion being proximal to the front end relative to the rear end.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features an elongated track supported by the seat, the track slidably connecting the arm to the seat.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the elongated track is elongated along a lower surface of the seat bottom in a direction from a first side of the seat to a second side of the seat.

[0090] According to one embodiment, a portion of the elongated track is positioned below the raised portion of the seat bottom.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features a slide rail for the support arm that slidably engages the elongated rail.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the bracket is fixedly secured near one end of the arm.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the bracket includes a bracket frame supporting the first cover and the second cover, the bracket frame is located between the first cover and the second cover, and the airbag is disposed between the first cover and the second cover.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the first cover and the second cover have a proximal end and a distal end, and when the tray is spaced apart from the seat and the first cover and the second cover are in the closed position, the proximal end is proximal to the seat relative to the distal end, and the proximal ends of the first cover and the second cover can be moved in a direction away from the tray frame to the open position.

[0095] According to one embodiment, when the first cover and the second cover are in the open position, the proximal ends of the first cover and the second cover are movable to a predetermined position away from the carriage frame.

[0096] According to one embodiment, each of the first cover and the second cover has a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side abutting the airbag when the first cover and the second cover are in the open position and the airbag is in the inflated position.

[0097] According to one embodiment, when the airbag is in the inflated position, the first portion of the airbag abuts the bottom side of the first cover and extends in a direction away from the bottom side of the first cover, and the second portion of the airbag abuts the bottom side of the second cover and extends in a direction away from the bottom side of the second cover.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a first surface, wherein the first surface is supported by the carrier frame adjacent to the first cover and is proximal to the seat relative to the first cover when the carrier is spaced apart from the seat.

[0099] According to one embodiment, when the airbag is in the inflated position, the airbag abuts the first surface and extends in a direction away from the first surface.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a second surface supported by the carrier frame adjacent to the second cover and proximal to the seat relative to the second cover when the carrier is spaced apart from the seat.

[0101] According to one embodiment, when the airbag is in the inflated position, the airbag abuts the second surface and extends in a direction away from the second surface.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising: seats; an arm connected to the seat, the arm being movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; a bracket supported by the arm, the bracket being spaced apart from the seat when the arm is in the deployed position; an airbag supported by the bracket; as well as The airbag is inflatable in a direction toward the seat to an expanded position; The bracket includes a bracket frame supporting a first cover and a second cover, the bracket frame is located between the first cover and the second cover, and the airbag is disposed between the first cover and the second cover. 2 . The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1 , wherein the seat bottom of the seat includes a front end, a rear end, and a raised portion between the front end and the rear end, the raised portion being proximal to the front end relative to the rear end.

3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 2, further comprising an elongated track supported by the seat, the track slidably connecting the arm to the seat. 4 . The vehicle seating assembly of claim 3 , wherein the elongated track extends along a lower surface of the seat bottom in a direction from a first side of the seat to a second side of the seat. 5 . The vehicle seating assembly of claim 4 , wherein a portion of the elongated track is positioned below the raised portion of the seat bottom. 6 . The vehicle seating assembly of claim 3 , further comprising a slide supporting the arm, the slide slidably engaging the elongated track.

7. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second covers have proximal ends and distal ends, the proximal ends being proximal to the seat relative to the distal ends when the tray is spaced apart from the seat and the first and second covers are in the closed position, the proximal ends of the first and second covers being movable in a direction away from the tray frame to an open position. 8 . The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7 , wherein the proximal ends of the first and second covers are movable to a predetermined position away from the carrier frame when the first and second covers are in the open position.

9. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the first and second covers has a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side abutting the air bag when the first and second covers are in the open position and the air bag is in the inflated position.

10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 9, wherein when the airbag is in the inflated position, a first portion of the airbag abuts the bottom side of the first cover and extends in a direction away from the bottom side of the first cover, and a second portion of the airbag abuts the bottom side of the second cover and extends in a direction away from the bottom side of the second cover.

11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, further comprising a first surface, wherein the first surface is supported by the carrier frame adjacent to the first cover and is proximal to the seat relative to the first cover when the carrier is spaced apart from the seat. 12 . The vehicle seating assembly of claim 11 , wherein when the airbag is in the inflated position, the airbag abuts the first surface and extends in a direction away from the first surface.

13. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7 further comprising a second surface supported by the bracket frame adjacent to the second cover and proximal to the seat relative to the second cover when the bracket is spaced apart from the seat, wherein the airbag abuts the second surface and extends in a direction away from the second surface when the airbag is in the inflated position.

14. The vehicle seating assembly of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the bracket is fixedly secured adjacent one end of the arm.

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