Airbag assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an "airbag assembly." The airbag assembly includes: a first airbag and a second airbag, each inflatable to an expanded position; and a panel. In the expanded position, each of the first and second airbags has a curved portion and a first leg and a second leg extending from the curved portion. The panel extends from the first airbag to the second airbag in the expanded position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an airbag assembly for absorbing energy from an occupant of a vehicle during a vehicle collision. Background Art

[0002] The interior of a vehicle, such as an automobile, may include various devices for absorbing energy from the vehicle's occupants during a vehicle collision. For example, a vehicle may include one or more airbags supported by the seats, steering wheel, and / or instrument panel. During a collision, the airbags may deploy to absorb energy from the occupants. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An airbag assembly includes a first airbag and a second airbag, each inflatable to an expanded position. Each of the first and second airbags has a curved portion and first and second legs extending from the curved portion. In the expanded position, the curved portion and the first and second legs of the first airbag are spaced apart from the curved portion and the first and second legs of the second airbag. A panel extends from the first airbag to the second airbag in the expanded position.

[0004] The first airbag and the second airbag may be generally U-shaped.

[0005] The first and second legs of the first and second airbags may be generally tubular.

[0006] The first and second legs of the first and second airbags may be generally parallel.

[0007] The first airbag and the second airbag may each have a first end on the first leg and a second end on the second leg, and may be elongated between the first end and the second end.

[0008] The tether may extend from the first end of the first airbag to at least one of the first end and the second end of the second airbag.

[0009] A tether may extend from a first end of the first airbag to a second end of the first airbag, and another tether may extend from a first end of the second airbag to a second end of the second airbag.

[0010] The panel may extend from a curved portion of the first airbag to a curved portion of the second airbag.

[0011] The panel may extend from the first leg of the first airbag to the first leg of the second airbag.The panel may extend from the second leg of the first airbag to the second leg of the second airbag.

[0012] The second leg of the first airbag may be longer than the first leg of the first airbag.The second leg of the second airbag may be longer than the first leg of the second airbag.

[0013] The inflator may be in communication with the first airbag and the second airbag.

[0014] The inflatable tube may extend from the first airbag to the second airbag.The first airbag and the second airbag may each define an inflation chamber in communication with the inflatable tube.

[0015] A vehicle seat includes a seat back. An airbag assembly is mounted to the seat back and includes an airbag inflatable to an expanded position. The airbag in the expanded position has a curved portion. A first leg and a second leg extend from the curved portion. The first leg, the second leg, and the curved portion are arranged in a substantially horizontal plane.

[0016] When the airbag is in the expanded position, the second airbag can be inflated to an expanded position located below and spaced apart from the first airbag. The second airbag in the expanded position can have a curved portion. The first leg and the second leg can extend from the curved portion of the second airbag.

[0017] The panel may extend generally perpendicularly from the airbag to the second airbag when the airbag and the second airbag are in the inflated position.

[0018] The airbag may be generally U-shaped.

[0019] The first and second legs of the airbag may be generally tubular.

[0020] The first leg and the second leg may be substantially parallel. The first leg may be adjacent to the vehicle seat, and the second leg may be farther from the vehicle seat. The second leg may be longer than the first leg.

[0021] The airbag may have a first end on the first leg and a second end on the second leg, and may be elongated between the first end and the second end.

[0022] The tether may extend from a first end of the airbag to a second end of the airbag. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including left and right seats.

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle with the left seat including the airbag assembly in an inflated position.

[0025] Figure 3is a perspective view of the vehicle with the right seat including the airbag assembly in an inflated position.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the airbag assembly.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Top view of the seat.

[0028] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the air bag assembly in the inflated position.

[0029] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a left seat including another embodiment of an air bag assembly including a vertical inflatable tube.

[0030] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a left seat including another embodiment of an airbag assembly including four airbags. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, an airbag assembly 10 for a vehicle 12 includes a plurality of airbags 14, such as a first airbag 16 and a second airbag 18, each inflatable to an expanded position. Each of the first airbag 16 and the second airbag 18 has a curved portion 20 and a first leg 22 and a second leg 24 extending from the curved portion 20. In the expanded position, the curved portion 20, the first leg 22, and the second leg 24 of the first airbag 16 are spaced apart from the curved portion 20, the first leg 22, and the second leg 24 of the second airbag 18. A panel 26 extends from the first airbag 16 to the second airbag 18 in the expanded position.

[0032] The first airbag 16 and the second airbag 18 may be deployed in response to a collision of the vehicle 12, such as Figure 1 The unexpanded position shown is expanded to Figures 2 to 8The panel 26 is shown in the inflated position, as further described below. When the first and second airbags 16, 18 are in the inflated position, the first and second airbags 16, 18 support the panel 26. Thus, in addition to the first and second airbags 16, 18, the panel 26 can also absorb energy from an occupant of the airbag assembly 10 during a vehicle collision. The panel 26, which extends from the first and second airbags 16, 18, increases the size of the airbag assembly 10 while minimizing the amount of inflation medium required to inflate the airbag assembly 10. In other words, the panel 26 is configured to absorb energy from the occupant during a vehicle collision without requiring the inflation medium to be directed to the panel 26 itself. This reduces the overall size of the inflator 28 in the airbag assembly 10 (discussed further below), which provides inflation medium to the first and second airbags 16, 18.

[0033] As further explained below, the airbag assembly 10 may be a component of a seat assembly 30 of a vehicle 12 and may be mounted to a seat back 32 of the seat assembly 30, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As described above, in the inflated position, the airbag assembly 10 can absorb energy from the occupant during a vehicle collision. Specifically, during an oblique or side impact of the vehicle 12, the occupant can be pushed in a lateral direction of the vehicle. In such an instance, the occupant's torso and / or arms can contact the airbag assembly 10, and the airbag assembly 10 can engage the occupant to reduce or stop the occupant's movement in the lateral direction of the vehicle and absorb energy from the occupant.

[0034] The vehicle 12 may be any suitable type of vehicle, such as an automobile, including a sedan, a light truck, a sport utility vehicle, etc. The vehicle 12 may be an autonomous vehicle. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 12 includes a passenger compartment 34 to accommodate occupants of the vehicle 12 , if any.

[0035] The passenger compartment 34 of the vehicle 12 includes one or more seat assemblies 30, i.e., vehicle seat assemblies 30. The seat assemblies 30 can be mounted in a fixed position. As another example, the seat assemblies 30 can be independently rotated to a position facing each other. The seat assemblies 30 can be arranged as one or more front seat assemblies 36 (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 ) and / or one or more rear seat assemblies (not shown) disposed behind the front seat assemblies 36. The passenger compartment 34 may also include a third row of seats (not shown) at the rear of the passenger compartment 34. Figure 1 , the front seat assembly 36 is shown as a bucket seat, but the seat assembly 30 can be of other types. The position and orientation of the seat assembly 30 and its components can be adjustable by the occupant. Figure 1In FIG. 1 , the seat assembly 30 is shown as a front seat assembly 36 as an example, and the airbag assembly 10 may be mounted to any type of seat in any location in the vehicle 12 .

[0036] refer to Figures 1 to 3 Each seat assembly 30 includes a seat bottom 38, and a seat back 32 is supported by the seat bottom 38. The seat back 32 extends upward from the seat bottom 38. The seat back 32 includes a frame 40. The frame 40 may include panels and / or tubes, beams, etc. The frame 40 may be formed from any suitable plastic material, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite materials (organic sheets), etc. As another example, some or all components of the frame 40 may be formed from a suitable metal, such as steel, aluminum, etc.

[0037] The seat back 32 has a cover 42. The cover 42 may include padding (not shown) and / or upholstery (not shown). The padding is supported by the frame 40 and may be foam or any other suitable material. The upholstery may be cloth, leather, artificial leather, or any other suitable material. The upholstery may be sewn into a panel around the frame 40, padding, and bolster 48.

[0038] Continue to refer Figures 1 to 3 , the seat back 32 has two cushions 48 and a support surface 50 extending from one cushion 48 to the other cushion 48. The seat back 32 may terminate at the cushions 48. Specifically, the cushions 48 define left and right boundaries of the seat back 32, and the support surface 50 extends therebetween to support the back of an occupant seated on the seat assembly 30. The cushions 48 may extend upward from the seat bottom 38 along the seat back 32 and may extend away from the support surface 50 in the vehicle forward direction to help hold the occupant on the support surface 50. The cushions 48 may be foam or any other suitable material. The cushions 48 may support the occupant laterally relative to the seat assembly 30.

[0039] The vehicle 12 may include any suitable number of air bag assemblies 10. For example, Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, each seat assembly 30 can include one airbag assembly 10. As another example, each seat assembly 30 can include two airbag assemblies 10, for example, one airbag assembly 10 at each cushion 48. As described above, the vehicle 12 can include any suitable number of seat assemblies 30 in any suitable location, and each seat assembly 30 can include one or more airbag assemblies 10. As an example, the seat assembly 30 can be fixed in a forward-facing orientation, i.e., not rotatable, and the seat assembly 30 can include one airbag assembly 10 on the inside of one cushion 48. As another example, the seat assembly 30 can be rotatable, and the seat assembly 30 can include two airbag assemblies 10, one airbag assembly 10 at each cushion 48.

[0040] The airbag assembly 10 may include a housing 52, an inflator 28, at least one airbag (e.g., a first airbag 16, a second airbag 18, etc.), and a panel 26. The inflator 28 and the airbags 16, 18 may be disposed within the housing 52 in an uninflated position. In the inflated position, the housing 52 provides a reaction surface for the airbags 16, 18. The housing 52 may be supported by the frame 40 of the seat back 32 and may be connected to the frame 40 of the seat back 32 in any suitable manner, such as with fasteners. The housing 52 may be formed from any material, such as a rigid polymer, a metal, a composite material, etc.

[0041] In the uninflated position, the airbag assembly 10 can be positioned on a cushion 48. As an example, the airbag assembly 10 can be positioned between the frame 40 and the cover 42. The seat back 32 (e.g., the cover 42) can include a tear seam 54. As the airbag assembly 10 inflates to the inflated position, the airbag assembly 10 breaches the tear seam 54. The tear seam 54 can be an area of ​​weakened material, a perforated area, etc., that allows the cover 42 to tear along the tear seam 54.

[0042] The airbag assembly 10 may include any suitable number of airbags 14, i.e., one or more. As an example, Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the airbag assembly 10 includes two airbags 14. As another example, Figure 8 As shown, the airbag assembly 10 includes three or more airbags 14. In examples where the airbag assembly 10 includes three or more airbags 14, the airbag assembly 10 includes more than one panel 26, wherein each panel 26 connects adjacent airbags 14. In examples where the airbag assembly 10 includes more than one airbag 14 and / or panel 26, the airbags 14 and panels 26 can each be identical to one another, and common reference numerals are used in the drawings to identify common features.

[0043] As described above, in examples where the airbag assembly 10 includes more than one airbag 14, the airbags 14 are spaced apart from one another in the inflated position. For example, in examples where the airbag assembly 10 includes a first airbag 16 and a second airbag 18, in the inflated position, the curved portion 20, first leg 22, and second leg 24 of the first airbag 16 are spaced apart from the curved portion 20, first leg 22, and second leg 24 of the second airbag 18. In other words, the curved portion 20 of the first airbag 16 is spaced apart from the curved portion 20 of the second airbag 18, the first leg 22 of the first airbag 16 is spaced apart from the first leg 22 of the second airbag 18, and the second leg 24 of the first airbag 16 is spaced apart from the second leg 24 of the second airbag 18.

[0044] In the inflated position, each airbag 16, 18 has a tubular shape. As an example, each airbag 16, 18 can have a generally cylindrical cross-section. Each airbag 16, 18 has a first end 56 and a second end 58 and is elongated between the first end 56 and the second end 58. In other words, the width (e.g., diameter) of the airbag 16, 18 is less than the length of the airbag 16, 18 from the first end 56 to the second end 58.

[0045] The first leg 22 of each air bag 16, 18 extends from the bend 20 to a first end 56. The second leg 24 of the air bag 16, 18 extends from the bend 20 to a second end 58. The first leg 22 and the second leg 24 of each air bag 16, 18 in the expanded position are generally parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. When in the expanded position, the first end 56 and the second end 58 can be spaced apart from each other. This can position the second end 58 between two adjacent seat assemblies 30 to provide a reaction surface for the air bag assembly 10 in the expanded position. For example, Figure 5 As shown, the air bag assembly 10 is supported on the right seat assembly 30 and the second end 58 is located between the right seat assembly 30 and the seat back 32 of the left seat assembly 30 so that if the occupant of the right seat assembly 30 moves toward the left seat assembly 30 in the lateral direction of the vehicle 12, the second end 58 can be pressed against the left seat assembly 30 to support the bent portion 20.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8In the expanded position, the curved portion 20, the first leg 22, and the second leg 24 are arranged in a generally horizontal plane. In other words, in the expanded position, the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 are positioned relative to each other in the vehicle transverse direction such that the first leg 22 impacts the second leg 24 when impacted by an occupant of the seat assembly 30. Therefore, there may be some vertical variation between the first leg 22 and the second leg 24, for example, due to the rapid expansion of the airbag 14 and the flexible nature of the airbag 14, and the first leg 22 and the second leg 24 are positioned such that the first leg 22 impacts the second leg 24 when impacted by an occupant of the seat assembly 30. Because the curved portion 20, the first leg 22, and the second leg 24 are in a generally horizontal plane in the expanded position, the curved portion 20 extends about a generally vertical axis (not labeled) in the expanded position.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, the second end 58 can be in a vehicle rearward position relative to the first end 56. For example, the second leg 24 can be longer than the first leg 22.

[0048] The curved portion 20 may be arc-shaped, such as Figures 2 to 8 As another example, the bend 20 can be angular. Each airbag 16 can be generally U-shaped in the inflated position. As another example, each airbag 16, 18 can be generally V-shaped in the inflated position.

[0049] Each airbag 16, 18 includes an inflation chamber 66. The inflation chamber 66 may continue from the first leg 22 through the bend 20 to the second leg 24. The panel 26 is external to the inflation chamber 66 and does not communicate with the inflation chamber 66, that is, the panel 26 is not inflated. As described below, the inflator 28 may generate an inflation medium that flows into the inflation chamber 66 and inflates the airbags 16, 18.

[0050] Each airbag 16, 18 can be formed from any suitable type of material, such as a braided polymer. For example, each airbag 16, 18 can be formed from braided nylon yarn, such as nylon 6-6. Other suitable examples include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyester, or any other suitable polymer. The braided polymer can include a coating, such as silicone, neoprene, urethane, or the like. For example, the coating can be a polyorganosiloxane.

[0051] Each airbag 16 , 18 may include a plurality of segmented fabrics (not shown), i.e., two or more pieces of material that are formed separately and subsequently attached together, such as by sewing, welding, bonding, etc. As another example, each airbag 16 , 18 may be unitary, e.g., initially woven as a single piece of fabric.

[0052] As mentioned above, the airbag assembly 10 includes at least one panel 26. For example, Figures 2 to 7 In the example shown, the panel 26 extends from the first airbag 16 to the second airbag 18. In other words, the panel 26 extends from the first leg 22 of the first airbag 16 to the first leg 22 of the second airbag 18, from the bend 20 of the first airbag 16 to the bend 20 of the second airbag 18, and from the second leg 24 of the first airbag 16 to the second leg 24 of the second airbag 18. When the airbag assembly 10 is inflated, the panel 26 can extend vertically from the first airbag 16 to the second airbag 18. As another example, the airbag assembly 10 can include multiple panels 26 extending between adjacent airbags 14, such as Figure 8 shown.

[0053] As an example, the panel 26 may extend continuously from the first end 56 of the adjacent airbag 14 along the bend 20 of the adjacent airbag 14 to the second end 58 of the adjacent airbag 14. As another example, the airbag assembly 10 may include a plurality of panels 26, i.e., straps, cords, etc., spaced apart from one another and each extending between adjacent airbags 14, connecting the first leg 22, the second leg 24, and / or the bend 20 of adjacent airbags 14 together.

[0054] When the first airbag 16 and the second airbag 18 are inflated, the panel 26 is pulled taut. The panel 26 is non-inflatable. When pulled taut, the panel 26 can absorb energy from the occupant without having to inflate another airbag.

[0055] The panel 26 may be formed from any suitable type of material. For example, the panel 26 may be formed from the same type of material as the airbag 14 .

[0056] The airbag assembly 10 may include a tether 68 extending from the first end 56 to the second end 58 of each airbag 16, 18. The airbag assembly 10 may include any suitable number of tethers 68, i.e., one or more tethers 68. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the airbag assembly 10 includes a tether 68 extending from the first end 56 of the first airbag 16 to the second end 58 of the first airbag 16, and another tether 68 extending from the first end 56 of the second airbag 18 to the second end 58 of the second airbag 18. The tethers 68 may extend between any suitable portions of the airbags 16, 18. In the example discussed above, the tether 68 extends from the first end 56 to the second end 58. As another example, the tether 68 may extend from the first leg 22 to the second leg 24, spaced apart from the first end 56 and the second end 58. As another example, the tether 68 may extend from the first end 56 of one airbag 16, 18 to the second end 58 of the other airbag 16, 18.

[0057] refer to Figure 7 , the airbag assembly 10 may include one or more inflatable tubes 60 that extend from one airbag to another, for example, from the first airbag 16 to the second airbag 18. The inflatable tube 60 has an upper portion 62 and a lower portion 64 and extends between the upper portion 62 and the lower portion 64. The upper portion 62 is attached to the first airbag 16, and the lower portion 64 is attached to the second airbag 18. The inflatable tube 60 has an inflation chamber 66 that communicates with the inflation chambers 66 of the first airbag 16 and the second airbag 18. In the inflated position, the inflatable tube 60 strengthens the separation between the first airbag 16 and the second airbag 18. The one or more inflatable tubes 60 may extend between adjacent airbags 14 at any point on the airbags 16, 18. As Figure 7 As shown, for example, the inflatable tube 60 can extend from the bend 20 of one airbag 14 to the bend 20 of another airbag 14, for example, from the first airbag 16 to the second airbag 18. As another example, Figure 3 、 Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the inflatable tube 60 may extend from the second end 58 of one airbag 14 to the second end 58 of another airbag 14 , for example, from the second end 58 of the first airbag 16 to the second end 58 of the second airbag 18 .

[0058] As described above, the airbag assembly 10 can include an inflator 28. The inflator 28 is in fluid communication with each of the first airbag 16 and the second airbag 18. One advantage of the airbag assembly 10 is that the airbag assembly 10 provides a large surface area for absorbing energy from the occupant without requiring relatively large inflatable airbags. In contrast, the inflator 28 is required to inflate the relatively small inflation chambers 66 of the first airbag 16 and the second airbag 18. This means that the airbag assembly 10 requires a relatively small inflator 28. The inflator 28 inflates each airbag 16, 18 from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The inflator 28 inflates each airbag 16, 18 with an inflation medium, such as a gas, to move the airbags 16, 18 from the uninflated position to the inflated position. Specifically, the inflator 28 can be in communication with the inflation chamber 66 to supply the inflation medium to the inflation chamber 66.

[0059] The inflator 28 may be supported by a housing 52, such as Figure 6 1 , or may be located in any other suitable location. The inflator 28 may be, for example, a pyrotechnic inflator that uses a chemical reaction to drive the inflation medium into the airbags 16, 18. Alternatively, the inflator 28 may be, for example, a cold air inflator that, when activated, ignites a pyrotechnic charge that creates an opening for releasing pressurized inflation medium into the airbag via a fill tube (not shown). Alternatively, the inflator 28 may be of any suitable type, such as a hybrid inflator.

[0060] The vehicle 12 may include a collision sensing system (not shown). The collision sensing system may include a collision sensor and a controller. The controller communicates with the inflator 28 and may include a processor (not shown) and a memory (not shown). The inflator 28 is programmed to inflate the airbags 16 and 18. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to control the inflator 28. The controller may be programmed to trigger the inflator 28 upon identifying a collision, causing the inflator 28 to generate an inflatable medium and deploy the airbags 16 and 18.

[0061] The collision sensor can communicate with the controller to transmit data to the controller. The collision sensor can use, for example, an accelerometer, radar, lidar, and / or a vision system. The vision system can include one or more cameras, CCD image sensors, and / or CMOS image sensors. Based on the data transmitted by the collision sensor, the controller can cause the inflator 28 to be triggered.

[0062] To facilitate communication, the controller, crash sensors, inflator 28, and other components in vehicle 12 may be connected to a communication bus, such as a controller area network (CAN) bus, of vehicle 12. The controller may use information from the communication bus to control the activation of inflator 28. Inflator 28 may be connected to the controller or may be connected to the communication bus.

[0063] In operation, under normal operating conditions of the vehicle 12, the airbag assembly 10 is in an uninflated position, such as Figure 1 As shown. When the collision sensor senses a collision of the vehicle 12, the collision sensing system triggers communication with the controller, thereby identifying the collision. In response to the type of collision sensed by the collision sensing system, the controller selectively instructs the inflator 28 to inflate the airbag assembly 10 from an uninflated position to an inflated position with an inflation medium. In the inflated position, the airbag assembly 10 may be impacted by an occupant, such as in the event that the occupant moves in a vehicle-inboard direction, and the inflation chamber 66 may absorb energy from the occupant to stop or reduce the occupant's movement in the vehicle-inboard direction. Specifically, in an oblique collision or side collision of the vehicle 12, in which the occupant may be pushed in a vehicle-lateral direction (e.g., vehicle-inboard direction), the airbag assembly 10 may clamp the occupant to reduce or stop the occupant's vehicle-lateral movement and absorb energy from the occupant.

[0064] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it will be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be words of description rather than 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.

[0065] According to the present invention, an airbag assembly is provided, comprising: a first airbag and a second airbag, each of the airbags being inflatable to an expanded position, each of the first airbag and the second airbag having a bend and a first leg and a second leg extending from the bend, wherein in the expanded position the bend and the first leg and the second leg of the first airbag are spaced apart from the bend and the first leg and the second leg of the second airbag; and a panel extending from the first airbag to the second airbag in the expanded position.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first airbag and the second airbag are substantially U-shaped.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the first and second legs of the first and second airbags are substantially tubular.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the first leg and the second leg of the first airbag and the second airbag are substantially parallel.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the first airbag and the second airbag each have a first end on the first leg and a second end on the second leg and are elongated between the first end and the second end.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features a tether extending from the first end of the first airbag to at least one of the first end and the second end of the second airbag.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features a tether extending from a first end of the first airbag to a second end of the first airbag, and another tether extending from a first end of the second airbag to a second end of the second airbag.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the panel extends from a curved portion of the first airbag to a curved portion of the second airbag.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the panel extends from the first leg of the first airbag to the first leg of the second airbag, and wherein the panel extends from the second leg of the first airbag to the second leg of the second airbag.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the second leg of the first airbag is longer than the first leg of the first airbag, and wherein the second leg of the second airbag is longer than the first leg of the second airbag.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features an inflator in communication with the first airbag and the second airbag.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features an inflatable tube extending from the first airbag to the second airbag, the first airbag and the second airbag each defining an inflation chamber in communication with the inflatable tube.

[0077] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat is provided, which has: a seat back; an airbag assembly, which is mounted to the seat back and includes an airbag that can be inflated to an expanded position; and the airbag in the expanded position has a curved portion, and a first leg and a second leg extending from the curved portion, the first leg and the second leg and the curved portion are arranged in a substantially horizontal plane.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a second airbag, which can be inflated to an expanded position located below and spaced apart from the airbag when the airbag is in the expanded position, and the second airbag in the expanded position has a bend and a first leg and a second leg extending from the bend of the second airbag.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a panel that extends generally perpendicularly from the airbag to the second airbag when the airbag and the second airbag are in the inflated position.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the airbag is generally U-shaped.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the first leg and the second leg of the airbag are substantially tubular.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the first leg and the second leg are generally parallel, wherein the first leg is adjacent to the vehicle seat and the second leg is farther from the vehicle seat, and the second leg is longer than the first leg.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the airbag has a first end on a first leg and a second end on a second leg and is elongated between the first end and the second end.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features a tether extending from a first end of the airbag to a second end of the airbag.

Claims

1. An airbag assembly, comprising: a first airbag and a second airbag, each inflatable to an expanded position, each of the first airbag and the second airbag having a curved portion and first and second legs extending from the curved portion, wherein in the expanded position the curved portion and the first and second legs of the first airbag are spaced apart from the curved portion and the first and second legs of the second airbag, the first legs being spaced apart from each other in a height direction, and the second legs being spaced apart from each other in the height direction; and A panel extends from the first airbag to the second airbag in the expanded position. 2 . The airbag assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second airbags each have a first end on the first leg and a second end on the second leg, and extend between the first and second ends. 3 . The airbag assembly of claim 2 , further comprising a tether extending from the first end of the first airbag to at least one of the first end and the second end of the second airbag.

4. The airbag assembly of claim 2, further comprising a tether extending from the first end of the first airbag to the second end of the first airbag, and another tether extending from the first end of the second airbag to the second end of the second airbag.

5. The airbag assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the panel extends from the first leg of the first airbag to the first leg of the second airbag, wherein the panel extends from the curved portion of the first airbag to the curved portion of the second airbag, and wherein the panel extends from the second leg of the first airbag to the second leg of the second airbag.

6. The airbag assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an inflatable tube extending from the first airbag to the second airbag, the first airbag and the second airbag each defining an inflation chamber in communication with the inflatable tube.

7. The airbag assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second legs of the first and second airbags are generally tubular.

8. The airbag assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first leg and the second leg of the first airbag and the second airbag are substantially parallel, wherein the second leg of the first airbag is longer than the first leg of the first airbag, and wherein the second leg of the second airbag is longer than the first leg of the second airbag.

9. A vehicle seat comprising: seat backs; an airbag assembly mounted to the seat back and including an airbag inflatable to an expanded position; and the airbag in the inflated position having a curved portion and first and second legs extending from the curved portion, the first and second legs and the curved portion being disposed in a generally horizontal plane; further comprising a second airbag inflatable to an expanded position below and spaced apart from the first airbag when the airbag is in the expanded position, the second airbag in the expanded position having a curved portion and first and second legs extending from the curved portion of the second airbag; The first legs are spaced apart from each other in a height direction, and the second legs are spaced apart from each other in the height direction.

10. The vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein the first and second legs of the air bag are generally tubular.

11. The vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein the first leg and the second leg are generally parallel, wherein the first leg is adjacent to the vehicle seat and the second leg is farther from the vehicle seat, and the second leg is longer than the first leg.

12. The vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein the air bag has a first end on the first leg and a second end on the second leg and is elongated between the first and second ends.

13. The vehicle seat of claim 12, further comprising a tether extending from the first end of the air bag to the second end of the air bag.

14. The vehicle seat of claim 9, further comprising a panel extending generally perpendicularly from the airbag to the second airbag when the airbag and the second airbag are in the inflated position.

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