Vehicle airbag

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "vehicle airbag". A vehicle includes a roof. The vehicle includes a front seat and a rear seat facing each other. The vehicle includes an airbag that can be inflated from the roof to an inflated position between the front seat and the rear seat. The airbag in the inflated position includes: a first inflatable leg; a second inflatable leg spaced apart from the first inflatable leg; and an inflatable arcuate member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg, the inflatable arcuate member including a top plate and a bottom plate, the top plate and the bottom plate being spaced apart from each other and each arcuate downward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle airbag assemblies. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle may include one or more airbags deployable during a vehicle collision to absorb energy from a vehicle occupant during the collision. The airbag may be a component of an airbag assembly that includes a housing supporting the airbag and an inflator device in communication with the airbag for inflating the airbag from an uninflated position to an inflated position. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A vehicle includes a roof. The vehicle includes front and rear seats facing each other. The vehicle includes an airbag inflatable from the roof to an inflated position between the front and rear seats. The airbag in the inflated position includes: a first inflatable leg; a second inflatable leg spaced apart from the first inflatable leg; and an inflatable arcuate member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg, the inflatable arcuate member including a top plate and a bottom plate spaced apart from each other and each arcuate downwardly.

[0004] The front and rear seats may be spaced apart from each other along a vehicle longitudinal axis, and the first and second inflatable legs may be spaced apart from each other along a transverse vehicle axis transverse to the vehicle longitudinal axis.

[0005] The top plate and the bottom plate may each extend from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg.

[0006] The airbag may include a common inflation chamber extending through the first inflatable leg, the second inflatable leg, and the inflatable arcuate member.

[0007] The first inflatable leg may have a first proximal end, and the second inflatable leg may have a second proximal end, the first proximal end and the second proximal end being adjacent to the roof and spaced apart from each other.

[0008] The first and second inflatable legs may have distal ends spaced apart from the first and second proximal ends, the distal ends being fixed to the inflatable arcuate member.

[0009] The vehicle may include a floor, and the top plate may face the roof while the bottom plate may face the floor.

[0010] A gap may be defined by the roof, the first inflatable leg, the second inflatable leg, and the inflatable arcuate member.

[0011] The airbag in the inflated position may be spaced apart from both the front and rear seats.

[0012] The first inflatable leg may include a first chamber, the second inflatable leg may include a second chamber, the inflatable arcuate member may include an arcuate chamber, and the airbag may include a strap disposed in at least one of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the arcuate chamber.

[0013] The vehicle may include a strap extending from the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg to the roof.

[0014] The first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg may each include a proximal end adjacent to the roof and a distal end spaced from the roof, and the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg may extend from the proximal end to the distal end in the rearward direction of the vehicle.

[0015] The first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg may each include a front plate having a first length and a rear plate having a second length less than the first length.

[0016] The first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg may each include a top plate having a central portion fixed relative to the roof and an end portion not fixed relative to the roof.

[0017] The airbag assembly includes an airbag inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag in the inflated position includes: a first inflatable leg; a second inflatable leg spaced from the first inflatable leg; and an inflatable arcuate member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg, the inflatable arcuate member including a top plate and a bottom plate spaced from each other and each arcuate downward.

[0018] The first inflatable leg may have a first proximal end, and the second inflatable leg may have a second proximal end, the first proximal end and the second proximal end being spaced from each other.

[0019] A gap may be defined by the first inflatable leg, the second inflatable leg, and the inflatable arcuate member.

[0020] The first inflatable leg may include a first chamber, the second inflatable leg may include a second chamber, and the inflatable arcuate member may include an arcuate chamber, the first chamber, the second chamber, and the arcuate chamber all being in fluid communication with each other.

[0021] The airbag may include a strap disposed in at least one of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the arcuate chamber.

[0022] The top plate and the bottom plate may extend from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg. Description of the Drawings

[0023] Figure 1Perspective view of a vehicle having an airbag assembly, wherein the airbag is in the uninflated position.

[0024] Figure 2 is Figure 1 Side view of the vehicle.

[0025] Figure 3 is Figure 1 Perspective view of the interior of the vehicle, wherein the airbag is in the inflated position and the occupant is located in the front seat.

[0026] Figure 4 is Figure 3 Side view of the vehicle.

[0027] Figure 5 is Figure 3 Perspective view of the interior of the vehicle during a rear impact of the vehicle.

[0028] Figure 6 is Figure 3 Perspective view of the airbag, wherein some panels are shown in dashed lines.

[0029] Figure 7 is Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the airbag taken along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0030] Figure 8 is Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the airbag taken along the transverse vehicle axis.

[0031] Figure 9 is Figure 1 Perspective view of the interior of the vehicle, wherein another embodiment of the airbag is in the inflated position and the occupant is located in the rear seat.

[0032] Figure 10 is Figure 9 Side view of the vehicle.

[0033] Figure 11 is Figure 9 Perspective view of the interior of the vehicle during a front impact of the vehicle.

[0034] Figure 12 is Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the airbag taken along the transverse vehicle axis.

[0035] Figure 13 is Figure 1 Block diagram of a vehicle component. Detailed Description

[0036] Referring to the drawings, wherein like numbers indicate like parts throughout the several views, a vehicle 20 includes a roof 22. The vehicle 20 includes a front seat 24f and a rear seat 24r facing each other. The vehicle 20 includes an airbag 26 that can be inflated from the roof 22 to an inflated position between the front seat 24f and the rear seat 24r. The airbag 26 in the inflated position includes: a first inflatable leg 28; a second inflatable leg 30, the second inflatable leg 30 is spaced apart from the first inflatable leg 28; and an inflatable arc member 32, the inflatable arc member 32 extending from the first inflatable leg 28 to the second inflatable leg 30, the inflatable arc member 32 including a top plate 34 and a bottom plate 36, the top plate 34 and the bottom plate 36 are spaced apart from each other and each is arced downward.

[0037] The airbag 26 can provide protection for the occupants of the seats 24f, 24r, can be deployed with less inflation gas than other airbag designs, and can protect the occupants without necessarily requiring a reaction surface, such as a seat, pillar, dashboard, etc., behind the airbag 26.

[0038] Figures 1 - 5 , Figures 8 - 11 and Figure 13 The vehicle 20 shown in FIG. 1 may be any passenger or commercial motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle, crossover utility vehicle, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. The vehicle 20 may include one or more seats 24f, 24r, a roof 22, a floor 38, one or more airbag assemblies 40, etc. The vehicle 20 defines a vehicle longitudinal axis A1, extending between the front F and the rear R of the vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 defines a transverse vehicle axis A2 that is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal axis A1, for example, extending between the left side LS and the right side RS of the vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 defines a vehicle vertical axis A3, extending between the roof 22 and the floor 38 of the vehicle 20. The vehicle longitudinal axis A1, the transverse vehicle axis A2, and the vehicle vertical axis A3 may all be perpendicular to each other. When the wheels of the vehicle 20 are all parallel to each other, etc., the directions of the front F, the rear R, the left side LS, and the right side RS are all relative to the orientation of the driver of the vehicle 20, the orientation of the controls (e.g., the dashboard) used to operate the vehicle 20, etc.

[0039] The roof 22 provides a cover for the occupants of the vehicle 20. The roof 22 may include an inner panel, an outer panel, and a roof liner. The inner panel provides support for the outer panel, the roof liner, etc. The inner panel may be made of steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, or any other suitable material. The roof liner and the outer panel provide the roof 22 with a Class A surface, i.e., a specially manufactured surface having a flawless, high-quality, complete aesthetic appearance, etc.

[0040] The floor 38 supports components of the vehicle 20, such as the seats 24f, 24r. The floor 38 may include beams, panels, etc. The floor 38 may be made of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material, including combinations thereof.

[0041] Each of the seats 24f, 24r may include a seat back 42, a seat bottom 44, and a headrest. The headrest may be supported by the seat back 42 and may be fixed or movable relative to the seat back 42. The seat back 42 may be supported by the seat bottom 44 and may be fixed or movable relative to the seat bottom 44. The seat back 42, the seat bottom 44, and / or the headrest may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. Specifically, the seat back 42, the seat bottom 44, and / or the headrest themselves may be adjustable, or in other words, the adjustable components within the seat back 42, the seat bottom 44, and / or the headrest may be adjustable relative to each other.

[0042] The seats 24f, 24r may be positioned facing each other. For example, one of the seats 24f, 24r may be a front seat 24f facing the rear R of the vehicle 20, while the other of the seats 24f, 24r may be a rear seat 24r facing the front F of the vehicle 20. In other words, the seat bottoms 44 may be between the seat backs 42 of the seats 24f, 24r. The seats 24f, 24r may be spaced apart from each other along the vehicle longitudinal axis A1. For example, the front seat 24f may be closer to the front F of the vehicle 20 than the rear seat 24r.

[0043] The airbag assembly 40 may include: an airbag 26; a housing 46 that supports the airbag 26; and an inflator 48 that is in communication with the airbag 26 for inflating the airbag 26 from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The airbag assembly 40 may be supported by the roof 22 of the vehicle 20.

[0044] As Figures 1 - 12 shown, the airbag 26 may be formed of a woven polymer or any other material. As another example, the airbag 26 may be formed of woven nylon yarn (such as nylon 6-6). Other examples include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyester, etc. The woven polymer may include a coating, such as silicone, neoprene, polyurethane, etc. For example, the coating may be a polysiloxane.

[0045] The airbag 26 can be inflated from Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown uninflated position to Figures 3 - 12The inflated position shown in the figure. The airbag 26 can be inflated from the roof 22 to between the front seat 24f and the rear seat 24r. For example, the airbag 26 in the inflated position can be located between the seats 24f, 24r in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis A1, that is, on the vehicle longitudinal axis A1 or offset from the vehicle longitudinal axis A1. The airbag 26 in the inflated position is spaced apart from both the front seat 24f and the rear seat 24r, for example, along the vehicle longitudinal axis A1. The airbag 26 in the inflated position can restrain the occupants of the front seat 24f or the rear seat 24r, for example, depending on the direction of the collision with the vehicle 20, for example, the collision is at the front F of the vehicle 20 or at the rear R of the vehicle 20.

[0046] The airbag 26 in the inflated position includes a first inflation leg 28 and a second inflation leg 30. The second inflation leg 30 is spaced apart from the first inflation leg 28. The inflation legs 28, 30 can be spaced apart from each other along the transverse vehicle axis A2. For example, the first inflation leg 28 can be closer to the left side LS of the vehicle 20 than the second inflation leg 30.

[0047] The first inflation leg 28 and the second inflation leg 30 can each have a proximal end 50. The proximal end 50 can be adjacent to the roof 22. For example, the proximal end 50 can abut the housing 46. In other words, the airbag 26 can be supported by the housing 46 at the proximal end 50. The proximal end 50 of the first inflation leg 28 and the proximal end 50 of the second inflation leg 30 can be spaced apart from each other, for example, along the transverse vehicle axis A2.

[0048] The first inflation leg 28 and the second inflation leg 30 can each have a distal end 52. The distal end 52 can be spaced apart from the proximal end 50. For example, the distal end 52 of the first inflation leg 28 can be spaced apart from the proximal end 50 of the first inflation leg 28, and the distal end 52 of the second inflation leg 30 can be spaced apart from the distal end 52 of the second inflation leg 30, for example, along the vehicle vertical axis A3. The distal end 52 can be spaced apart from the housing 46. The distal end 52 can be spaced apart from the roof 22, for example, along the vehicle vertical axis A3. In other words, the proximal end 50 can be between the distal end 52 and the roof 22 and / or the housing 46.

[0049] The first inflation leg 28 and the second inflation leg 30 can extend from the proximal end 50 to the distal end 52 in the vehicle rearward direction VD, as Figure 10 shown in the figure. In other words, the distal end 52 can be closer to the floor 38 and the rear R of the vehicle 20 than the proximal end 50.

[0050] The first inflatable foot 28 and the second inflatable foot may each include a top plate 54. The top plate 54 may be at the proximal end 50. Each top plate 54 has a pair of opposite end portions 56 and a central portion 58 between the end portions 56. The central portion 58 may be fixed relative to the vehicle roof 22. For example, the central portion 58 may be fixed to the housing 46 with fasteners, adhesives, etc. The end portions 56 may extend from the central portion 58, for example, along the vehicle longitudinal axis A1. The end portions 56 of each top plate 54 may be transverse to each other, as Figure 12 shown. One or more of the end portions 56 may not be fixed relative to the vehicle roof 22. For example, one or more of the end portions 56 may not be directly fixed to the housing 46 or the vehicle roof 22, as Figure 4 and Figure 11 shown. In other words, one or more of the end portions 56 may be free to move away from the vehicle roof 22 and the housing 46, and the central portion 58 may be directly fixed to the housing 46 and / or the vehicle roof 22 rather than being free to move away from the vehicle roof 22.

[0051] The first inflatable foot 28 and the second inflatable foot 30 may each include a bottom plate 60. The bottom plate 60 may be at the distal end 52. The bottom plate 60 may be spaced apart from the top plate 54, for example, along the vehicle vertical axis A3. Each bottom plate 60 may include a pair of opposite end portions 62 and a central portion 64 between the end portions 62. The end portions 62 may extend from the central portion 64, for example, towards the front F or the rear R of the vehicle 20 and laterally towards the vehicle roof 22.

[0052] The first inflatable foot 28 and the second inflatable foot 30 may each include a front plate 66 and a rear plate 68, for example, relative to the front F and the rear R of the vehicle 20. The front plate 66 may be spaced apart from the rear plate 68 along the vehicle longitudinal axis A1. The front plate 66 and the rear plate 68 may extend from the top plate 54 to the bottom plate 60. The front plate 66 may have a first length L1, as Figure 12 shown. The rear plate 68 may have a second length L2, as Figure 12 shown. The first length L1 and the second length L2 may be between the top plate 54 and the bottom plate 60 at the respective front plate 66 or rear plate 68. The first length L1 and the second length L2 may be between the proximal end 50 and the distal end 52 at the respective front plate 66 or rear plate 68. The second length L2 may be less than the first length L1. Making the second length L2 less than the first length L1 helps the first inflatable foot 28 and the second inflatable foot 30 to extend from the proximal end 50 to the distal end 52 in the vehicle rearward direction VD.

[0053] The first inflatable leg 28 and the second inflatable leg 30 may each include an inner plate 70 and an outer plate 72, for example, relative to the center of the airbag 26. In other words, the inner plate 70 of the first inflatable leg 28 may be closer to the second inflatable leg 30 than the outer plate 72 of the first inflatable leg 28, and the inner plate 70 of the second inflatable leg 30 may be closer to the first inflatable leg 28 than the outer plate 72 of the second inflatable leg 30. The inner plate 70 may extend downward from the top plate 54 to the inflatable arc member 32. The outer plate 72 may extend from the top plate 54 to the bottom plate 60. The inner plate 70 and the outer plate 72 may extend from the front plate 66 to the rear plate 68.

[0054] The top plate 54, the bottom plate 60, the front plate 66, the rear plate 68, the inner plate 70, and / or the outer plate 72 may be integral, i.e., a single continuous fabric sheet. The top plate 54, the bottom plate 60, the front plate 66, the rear plate 68, the inner plate 70, and / or the outer plate 72 may be fixed to each other directly or indirectly, such as via stitching, adhesives, friction welding, etc. The top plate 54, the bottom plate 60, the front plate 66, the rear plate 68, the inner plate 70, and / or the outer plate 72 may be a combination thereof. For example, some of the plates 54, 60, 66, 68, 70, 72 may be integral with each other, and the other plates of the plates 54, 60, 66, 68, 70, 72 may be formed separately and then fixed to each other.

[0055] The first inflatable leg 28 may include a first chamber 74. The first chamber 74 may be defined by the top plate 54, the bottom plate 60, the front plate 66, the rear plate 68, the inner plate 70, and / or the outer plate 72 of the first inflatable leg 28. For example, the first chamber 74 may be between the top plate 54 and the bottom plate 60, the front plate 66 and the rear plate 68, and / or the inner plate 70 and the outer plate 72 of the first inflatable leg 28.

[0056] The second inflatable leg 30 may include a second chamber 76. The second chamber 76 may be defined by the top plate 54, the bottom plate 60, the front plate 66, the rear plate 68, the inner plate 70, and / or the outer plate 72 of the second inflatable leg 30. For example, the second chamber 76 may be between the top plate 54 and the bottom plate 60, the front plate 66 and the rear plate 68, and / or the inner plate 70 and the outer plate 72 of the second inflatable leg 30.

[0057] The inflatable arc member 32 extends from the first inflatable leg 28 to the second inflatable leg 30, for example, along the vehicle longitudinal axis A1. The inflatable arc member 32 may be supported by the first inflatable leg 28 and the second inflatable leg 30. For example, the distal ends 52 of the first inflatable leg 28 and the second inflatable leg 30 may be fixed to the inflatable arc member 32, such as via stitching, adhesives, friction welding, etc. For example, the inflatable arc member 32, the first inflatable leg 28, and / or the second inflatable leg 30 may be integral.

[0058] The inflatable arcuate member 32 may include a top plate 34 and a bottom plate 36. The top plate 34 and the bottom plate 36 may be spaced apart from each other, such as along the vehicle vertical axis A3. The top plate 34 and the bottom plate 36 may each be arcuate downwardly. For example, the top plate 34 and the bottom plate 36 may define a vertex 78 and extend arcuately from the vertex 78 toward the front F and the rear R of the vehicle 20 and toward the floor 38. The top plate 34 and the bottom plate 36 of the inflatable arcuate member 32 may be integral. The top plate 34 and the bottom plate 36 may be fixed to each other, such as via stitching, adhesives, friction welding, etc.

[0059] The top plate 34 and the bottom plate 36 of the inflatable arcuate member 32 each extend from the first inflatable leg 28 to the second inflatable leg 30, such as along the lateral vehicle axis A2. The top plate 34 and / or the bottom plate 36 may be integral with one or more of the plates 60, 66, 68, 70 of the first inflatable leg 28 and / or the second inflatable leg 30. The top plate 34 and / or the bottom plate 36 may be fixed to one or more of the plates 60, 66, 68, 70 of the first inflatable leg 28 and / or the second inflatable leg 30, such as via stitching, adhesives, friction welding, etc.

[0060] The top plate 34 of the inflatable arcuate member 32 may face the roof 22. For example, the top plate 34 may be between the roof 22 and the bottom plate 36. As another example, the top plate 34 may have an outer surface, and a vector generally extending from the outer surface may be toward the roof 22.

[0061] The bottom plate 36 of the inflatable arcuate member 32 may face the floor 38. For example, the bottom plate 36 may be between the floor 38 and the top plate 34. As another example, the bottom plate 36 may have an outer surface, and a vector generally extending from the outer surface may be toward the floor 38.

[0062] The inflatable arcuate member 32 may include an arcuate chamber 80. The arcuate chamber 80 may be defined by the top plate 34 and the bottom plate 36 of the inflatable arcuate member 32, such as the arcuate chamber 80 may be between the top plate 34 and the bottom plate 36. The top plate 34 may be between the roof 22 and the arcuate chamber 80. The bottom plate 36 may be between the floor 38 and the arcuate chamber 80. The top plate 34 and the bottom plate 36 may extend generally parallel to each other.

[0063] The airbag 26 may include a common inflation chamber 82. The common inflation chamber 82 may extend through the first inflation leg 28, the second inflation leg 30, and / or the inflation arcuate member 32. For example, the common inflation chamber 82 may include a first chamber 74, a second chamber 76, and an arcuate chamber 80. For example, the first chamber 74, the second chamber 76, and the arcuate chamber 80 may be in fluid communication with each other, such that an inflation medium may flow from the first inflation leg 28 to the inflation arcuate member 32, from the second inflation leg 30 to the inflation arcuate member 32, and / or from the inflation arcuate member 32 to the first inflation leg 28 and / or the second inflation leg. For example, the airbag 26 may include vents between the first inflation leg 28 and the inflation arcuate member 32 and / or between the second inflation leg 30 and the inflation arcuate member 32. The vents may allow fluid to flow in one or both directions. For example, the first inflation leg 28 and / or the second inflation leg 30 may open to the arcuate inflation member 32, for example, at the inner plate 70 between the top plate 34 and the bottom plate 36, as Figure 8 shown therein.

[0064] The airbag 26 may define a gap 84, as Figure 8 shown therein. The gap 84 may be between the vehicle roof 22, the first inflation leg 28, the second inflation leg 30, and the inflation arcuate member 32. For example, the gap 84 may be between the vehicle roof 22 and the top plate 34 of the inflation arcuate member 32 and the inner plate 70 of the first inflation leg 28 and the second inflation leg 30. The gap 84 may be defined by the first inflation leg 28, the second inflation leg 30, and the inflation arcuate member 32. For example, the gap 84 may be between the inner plates 70 of the first inflation leg 28 and the second inflation leg 30 and adjacent to the top plate 34 of the inflation arcuate member 32.

[0065] The airbag 26 may include one or more internal straps 86, as Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 12 shown therein. The internal straps 86 may be disposed in at least one of the first chamber 74, the second chamber 76, and the arcuate chamber 80. For example, one or more internal straps 86 may extend from the inner plate 70 to the outer plates 72 of the first inflation leg 28 and the second inflation leg 30. For example, one or more internal straps 86 may extend from the top plate 34 to the bottom plate 36 of the inflation arcuate member 32. The internal straps 86 may be fixed to the plates 34, 36, 70, 72, for example, via stitching, adhesives, friction welding, etc.

[0066] The airbag 26 may include one or more external straps 88, as Figure 5 and Figure 11As shown. The outer pull straps 88 can be outside the first chamber 74, the second chamber 76, and the arcuate chamber 80. The outer pull straps 88 can extend from the first inflatable leg 28 and the second inflatable leg 30 to the roof 22. For example, each outer pull strap 88 can include a first end 89 and a second end 90 spaced apart from the first end 89. The first end 89 can be fixed to the top plate 54 at the end portion 56, and / or fixed to the front plate 66 or the rear plate 68, for example, via stitching, adhesive, friction welding, etc. The second end 90 can be fixed to the roof 22, for example, fixed to the housing 46 supported by the roof 22, for example, via one or more fasteners, adhesive, etc.

[0067] The outer pull straps 88 can be energy-absorbing. For example, the outer pull straps 88 can be an elastic material that stretches to absorb energy applied to the airbag 26 by an occupant, for example, during a collision of the vehicle 20. As another example, each outer pull strap 88 can be folded and secured to itself using a split stitch, for example, the tension in the outer pull strap 88 applied by an occupant contacting the airbag 26 during a collision of the vehicle 20 can cause the split stitch to tear to allow the outer pull strap 88 to deploy and absorb the energy applied to the strap.

[0068] The housing 46 can enclose and support components of the airbag assembly 40, such as the inflator 48, the airbag 26 in the uninflated position, etc. The housing 46 provides a reaction surface for the airbag 26 in the inflated position. The housing 46 can be supported by the roof 22 or other suitable components of the vehicle 20. The housing 46 can be formed of any material, such as a rigid polymer, metal, composite material. The housing 46 can be positioned to inflate between the seats 24f, 24r. For example, the housing 46 can be supported by the roof 22 between the front seat 24f and the rear seat 24r, for example, relative to the vehicle longitudinal axis A1.

[0069] The inflator 48 provides an inflation medium to inflate the airbag 26 from the uninflated position to the inflated position. The inflator 48 can be in fluid communication with the first inflatable leg 28 and / or the second inflatable leg 30, for example, through various conduits, etc., in direct fluid communication. The inflator 48 can be, for example, a pyrotechnic inflator that uses a chemical reaction to drive the inflation medium into the airbag 26. The inflator 48 can be of any suitable type, such as a cold gas inflator. The inflator 48 can be supported by the housing 46, the roof 22, or any other suitable location of the vehicle 20. One or more inflators 48 can be used to inflate the airbag 26.

[0070] The vehicle 20 can include at least one collision sensor 92 for sensing a collision of the vehicle 20, and a computer 94 in communication with the collision sensor 92 and the inflator 48, as Figure 13As shown. The computer 94 can activate one or more inflating devices 48, for example, by providing a pulse to the pyrotechnic charge of the inflating device 48 when the collision sensor 92 senses a collision of the vehicle 20. Instead of or in addition to sensing a collision, the collision sensor 92 can be configured to sense a collision before a collision, i.e., pre-collision sensing.

[0071] The collision sensor 92 can communicate with the computer 94. The collision sensor 92 is configured to detect a collision of the vehicle 20. The collision sensor 92 can be of any suitable type, such as a post-contact sensor, such as an accelerometer, a pressure sensor, and a contact switch; and a pre-collision sensor, such as radar, LIDAR, and a vision sensing system. The vision system can include one or more cameras, a CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, etc. The collision sensor 92 can be located at multiple points in or on the vehicle 20.

[0072] The computer 94 and the collision sensor 92 can be connected to a communication bus 96 of the vehicle 20, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. The computer 94 can use information from the communication bus 96 to control the activation of the inflating device 48. The inflating device 48 can be directly connected to the computer 94, as Figure 13 shown, or the inflating device 48 can be connected via the communication bus 96.

[0073] The computer 94 can be a microprocessor-based computer implemented via circuitry, chips, or other electronic components. For example, the computer 94 can include a processor, a memory, etc. The memory of the computer 94 can include memory for storing programming instructions executable by the processor and for electronically storing data and / or databases.

[0074] In operation, the airbag 26 is in the uninflated position under normal operating conditions of the vehicle 20. In the event of a collision, the collision sensor 92 can detect the collision and transmit a signal to the computer 94 via the communication bus 96. The computer 94 can transmit a signal to the inflating device 48 via the communication bus 96. Upon receiving the signal, the inflating device 48 can discharge and utilize an inflation medium to inflate the airbag 26 from the uninflated position to the inflated position.

[0075] During a collision, the momentum of an occupant sitting in one of the seats 24f, 24r can cause the occupant to move forward towards the airbag 26 in the inflated position. This movement can be transmitted to the airbag 26, causing one of the end portions 56 to be spaced apart from the roof 22 and generating tension in the outer strap 88. The outer strap 88 can maintain the airbag 26 in place to restrain further movement of the occupant.

[0076] The adjectives "first" and "second" are used throughout this document as identifiers and are not intended to denote importance or order.

[0077] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terms used are of a descriptive nature rather than of a limiting nature. Given the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible, and the present disclosure may be practiced in other ways than specifically described.

[0078] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle having: a roof; a front seat and a rear seat, the front seat and the rear seat facing each other; an airbag that can be inflated from the roof to an inflated position between the front seat and the rear seat; and the airbag in the inflated position includes: a first inflatable leg; a second inflatable leg spaced apart from the first inflatable leg; and an inflatable arcuate member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg, the inflatable arcuate member including a top plate and a bottom plate, the top plate and the bottom plate being spaced apart from each other and each being arcuate downward.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the front seat and the rear seat are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg are spaced apart from each other along a transverse vehicle axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the top plate and the bottom plate each extend from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the airbag includes a common inflation chamber that extends through the first inflatable leg, the second inflatable leg, and the inflatable arcuate member.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the first inflatable leg has a first proximal end, and the second inflatable leg has a second proximal end, the first proximal end and the second proximal end being adjacent to the roof and spaced apart from each other.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg have distal ends spaced apart from the first proximal end and the second proximal end, the distal ends being fixed to the inflatable arcuate member.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the features of the above invention further lie in a floor, and wherein the top plate faces the roof, and the bottom plate faces the floor.

[0085] According to one embodiment, a gap is defined by the roof, the first inflatable leg, the second inflatable leg, and the inflatable arcuate member.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the airbag in the inflated position is spaced apart from both the front seat and the rear seat.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the first inflatable leg includes a first chamber, the second inflatable leg includes a second chamber, and the inflatable arcuate member includes an arcuate chamber, and wherein the airbag includes a strap disposed in at least one of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the arcuate chamber.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a strap extending from the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg to the roof of the vehicle.

[0089] According to one embodiment, each of the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg includes a proximal end adjacent to the roof of the vehicle and a distal end spaced apart from the roof of the vehicle, and wherein the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg extend from the proximal end to the distal end in the rearward direction of the vehicle.

[0090] According to one embodiment, each of the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg includes a front plate having a first length and a rear plate having a second length that is less than the first length.

[0091] According to one embodiment, each of the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg includes a top plate having a central portion fixed relative to the roof of the vehicle and an end portion not fixed relative to the roof of the vehicle.

[0092] According to the present invention, there is provided an airbag assembly having: an airbag that can be inflated to an inflated position; and the airbag in the inflated position includes: a first inflatable leg; a second inflatable leg spaced apart from the first inflatable leg; and an inflatable arcuate member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg, the inflatable arcuate member including a top plate and a bottom plate spaced apart from each other and each arcuate downward.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the first inflatable leg has a first proximal end, and the second inflatable leg has a second proximal end, and the first proximal end and the second proximal end are spaced apart from each other.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the gap is defined by the first inflatable leg, the second inflatable leg, and the inflatable arcuate member.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the first inflatable leg includes a first chamber, the second inflatable leg includes a second chamber, and the inflatable arcuate member includes an arcuate chamber, and the first chamber, the second chamber, and the arcuate chamber are all in fluid communication with each other.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the airbag includes a strap disposed in at least one of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the arcuate chamber.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the top plate and the bottom plate extend from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg.

Claims

1. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising: Roof; Front seat and rear seat, the front seat and the rear seat facing each other; Airbag, the airbag being inflatable from the roof to an inflated position between the front seat and the rear seat; And The airbag in the inflated position includes: a first inflatable leg; a second inflatable leg, the second inflatable leg being spaced apart from the first inflatable leg; and an inflatable arcuate member spaced apart from the roof, the inflatable arcuate member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg, the inflatable arcuate member including a top plate and a bottom plate, the top plate and the bottom plate being spaced apart from each other and each being arcuate downward.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the front seat and the rear seat are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg are spaced apart from each other along a transverse vehicle axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the top plate and the bottom plate each extend from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg have distal ends spaced apart from a first proximal end and a second proximal end, and the distal ends are fixed to the inflatable arcuate member.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first inflatable leg includes a first chamber, the second inflatable leg includes a second chamber, and the inflatable arcuate member includes an arcuate chamber, and wherein the airbag includes a pull strap disposed in at least one of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the arcuate chamber.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, the vehicle further comprising a pull strap extending from the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg to the roof of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg each include a proximal end adjacent to the roof of the vehicle and a distal end spaced apart from the roof of the vehicle, and wherein the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg extend from the proximal end to the distal end in a rearward direction of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg each include a front plate having a first length and a rear plate having a second length less than the first length.

9. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first inflatable leg and the second inflatable leg each include a top plate having a central portion fixed relative to the roof of the vehicle and an end portion not fixed relative to the roof of the vehicle.

10. An airbag assembly, the airbag assembly comprising: Airbag, the airbag being inflatable from the roof of the vehicle to an inflated position; And The airbag in the inflated position includes: a first inflatable leg; a second inflatable leg, the second inflatable leg being spaced apart from the first inflatable leg; and an inflatable arcuate member spaced apart from the roof, the inflatable arcuate member extending from the first inflatable leg to the second inflatable leg, the inflatable arcuate member including a top plate and a bottom plate, the top plate and the bottom plate being spaced apart from each other and each being arcuate downward.

11. The airbag assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first inflation leg has a first proximal end, and the second inflation leg has a second proximal end, and the first proximal end and the second proximal end are spaced apart from each other.

12. The airbag assembly according to claim 10, wherein the gap is defined by the first inflation leg, the second inflation leg, and the inflation arcuate member.

13. The airbag assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first inflation leg includes a first chamber, the second inflation leg includes a second chamber, and the inflation arcuate member includes an arcuate chamber, and the first chamber, the second chamber, and the arcuate chamber are all in fluid communication with each other.

14. The airbag assembly according to claim 13, wherein the airbag includes a pull strap disposed in at least one of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the arcuate chamber.

15. The airbag assembly according to any one of claims 10-14, wherein the top plate and the bottom plate extend from the first inflation leg to the second inflation leg.

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