Vehicle airbag

Abstract

The present disclosure provides "Vehicle Airbag". An assembly includes an airbag inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag in the inflated position has a first portion, a second portion extending laterally from the first portion, and a corner between the two. The airbag includes a stay secured to the airbag and rigid relative to the airbag, the stay having a bendable portion at the corner and extending from the bendable portion along the first portion and the second portion when the airbag is in the inflated position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle airbag components. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle may include one or more airbags that deploy during a vehicle collision to absorb energy from the vehicle's occupants during the collision. The airbag may be a component of an airbag assembly, which includes a housing supporting the airbag and an inflator communicating with the airbag to inflate it from an uninflated position to an inflated position. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An assembly includes an airbag capable of being inflated to an inflatable position. The airbag in the inflatable position has a first portion, a second portion extending laterally from the first portion, and a corner between the two. The airbag includes a strut fixed to the airbag and rigid relative to the airbag, the strut having a flexible portion at the corner and extending from the flexible portion along the first and second portions when the airbag is in the inflatable position.

[0004] The airbag in the inflated position may include a front panel and a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel, with the support bar supported by the front panel.

[0005] When the airbag is inflated to the inflated position, the support bar can bend from the extended position to the bent position around the flexible portion.

[0006] The support bar may have a notch at the flexible portion.

[0007] The support bar may include a first portion and a second portion, and the flexible portion is located between the first portion and the second portion of the support bar, the flexible portion being flexible relative to the first portion and the second portion of the support bar.

[0008] The support strip can be made of plastic.

[0009] The airbag may include a third portion extending laterally from the first portion of the airbag and a second corner between the two, and the airbag may include a second support bar fixed to the airbag and rigid relative to the airbag, the second support bar having a flexible portion at the second corner and extending from the flexible portion along the first portion and the third portion of the airbag in the inflated position.

[0010] The component may include a second support bar spaced apart from the support bar and supported by the airbag at the corner.

[0011] The component may include a tether, the airbag in the inflated position may define a chamber, and the tether may be located within the chamber.

[0012] The component may include a tether, and the airbag in the inflated position may include a front panel and a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel, the tether being secured to the front panel at the corner and extending to the rear panel.

[0013] The airbag may be made of a first material, and the support bar may be made of a second material different from the first material.

[0014] The first portion of the airbag may have a first length, and the second portion of the airbag may have a second length that is less than the first length.

[0015] A vehicle includes a seat. The vehicle includes an airbag located in front of the seat and inflatable to an inflatable position. The airbag in the inflatable position has a first portion, a second portion extending laterally from the first portion, and a corner between the two. The vehicle includes a strut fixed to the airbag and rigid relative to the airbag, the strut having a flexible portion at the corner and extending from the flexible portion along the first and second portions when the airbag is in the inflatable position.

[0016] The vehicle may include a dashboard and a floor, and the airbag in the inflated position may be located between the dashboard and the floor.

[0017] The dashboard may include a steering column, and the airbag in the inflated position may be located between the steering column and the floor.

[0018] In the inflated position, the first portion of the airbag may extend along the lateral axis of the vehicle, and the second portion of the airbag may extend along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0019] The support bar can be designed to move from an extended position to a bent position when in contact with the occupants of the vehicle.

[0020] The airbag in the inflated position may be located below the waistline.

[0021] The vehicle may include a tether, the airbag in the inflated position may define a chamber, and the tether may be located within the chamber.

[0022] The vehicle may include a tether, and the airbag in the inflated position may include a front panel and a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel, the tether being secured to the front panel at the corner and extending to the rear panel. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the vehicle with the airbags in the inflated position.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the vehicle with the airbags in the inflated position.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the airbag in its inflated position.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an airbag in its inflated position.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a top view of the airbag support bar.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a top view of the strut in a bent position.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of vehicle components. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Referring to the accompanying drawings, where the same numerals denote the same parts in several views, an airbag assembly 20 for a vehicle 22 includes an airbag 24 inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The airbag 24 in the inflated position has a first portion 26, a second portion 28 extending laterally from the first portion 26, and a first corner 30 between the first portion 26 and the second portion 28. The airbag assembly 20 includes a strut 32 fixed to the airbag 24 and rigid relative to the airbag. The strut 32 has a flexible portion 34 at the first corner 30 and extends from the flexible portion 34 along the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 in the inflated position.

[0031] During a vehicle collision, the inflated airbag 24 absorbs energy from the legs (particularly the knees) of the occupant of vehicle 22. The first portion 26 absorbs energy along the vehicle's longitudinal axis A1, and the second portion 28 absorbs energy along the vehicle's lateral axis A2. In other words, a first angle 30 between the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 can restrain the occupant's knees moving along both the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral axes A1 and A2. A strut 32 helps provide the first angle 30; for example, the strut 32 can provide additional stiffness to the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 near the first angle 30.

[0032] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 The vehicle 22 shown can be any passenger car or commercial vehicle, such as a car, truck, SUV, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc.

[0033] Vehicle 22 defines a longitudinal axis A1, extending between the front and rear of vehicle 22. Vehicle 22 defines a lateral axis A2, extending between the left and right sides of vehicle 22. The longitudinal axis A1 and the lateral axis A2 may be perpendicular to each other. Front, rear, left, and right can be relative to the driver's position on vehicle 22. Front, rear, left, and right can be relative to the position of controls used to operate vehicle 22 (e.g., instrument panel 36). Front, rear, left, and right can be relative to the forward driving direction when all wheels of vehicle 22 are parallel to each other, and so on.

[0034] Vehicle 22 can limit the waistline to 38, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. The waistline 38 extends along the longitudinal axis A1 of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle 22 may include one or more windows 40, and the waistline 38 may extend along the bottom edge of one or more of the windows 40.

[0035] Vehicle 22 may include seat 42. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The seat 42 shown is a bucket seat, but alternatively, seat 42 could also be a bench seat or another type of seat 42. Seat 42 can be supported by the floor 44 of vehicle 22.

[0036] Seat 42 may include a seat back 50, a seat base 52, and a headrest. The headrest may be supported by the seat back 50 and may be stationary or movable relative to the seat back 50. The seat back 50 may be supported by the seat base 52 and may be fixed or movable relative to the seat base 52. The seat back 50, seat base 52, and / or headrest may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. Specifically, the seat back 50, seat base 52, and / or headrest may be adjustable themselves; in other words, adjustable components within the seat back 50, seat base 52, and / or headrest are adjustable and / or adjustable relative to each other.

[0037] Vehicle 22 may include dashboard 36, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in the diagram. The instrument panel 36 may be positioned at the forward end of the passenger compartment and facing the seat 42. The instrument panel 36 may include vehicle controls, including a steering wheel 46. The steering wheel 46 allows the driver to steer the vehicle 22 by transmitting rotation of the steering wheel 46 to the movement of the steering rack. The instrument panel 36 includes a steering column 48. The steering column 48 transmits rotation of the steering wheel 46 to the movement of the steering rack. The steering column 48 may be, for example, a shaft that connects the steering wheel 46 to the steering rack.

[0038] The airbag assembly 20 may include a housing 54, an inflator 56, and an airbag 24. In the deflated position, the inflator 56 and the airbag 24 may be housed within the housing 54, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. The housing 54 provides a reaction surface for the airbag 24 in the inflated position, as... Figures 2 to 4 As shown in the diagram. The housing 54 can be supported by the dashboard 36 or at any other suitable location on the vehicle 22. The housing 54 can be made of any material, such as rigid polymers, metals, composite materials, etc.

[0039] The airbag 24 can be made of a woven polymer or any other material. As an example, the airbag 24 can be made of woven nylon filaments (e.g., nylon 66). 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 polysilicone resin.

[0040] The airbag 24 in its inflated position can be positioned to protect the knees of the vehicle occupant 22. For example, the airbag 24 in its inflated position is located in front of the seat 42. In other words, in the inflated position, the seat bottom 52 can be located between the seat back 50 and the airbag 24. As another example, the airbag 24 in its inflated position can be located between the dashboard 36 and the floor 44. Specifically, the airbag 24 in its inflated position can be located between the steering column 48 and the floor 44. As another example, the airbag 24 in its inflated position can be located below the waistline 38. In other words, the airbag 24 in its inflated position can be located between the waistline 38 and the floor 44.

[0041] The airbag 24 in the inflated position includes a front panel 58 and a rear panel 60. The front panel 58 and rear panel 60 are relative to the housing 54. In other words, the rear panel 60 may be located between the housing 54 and the front panel 58. The front panel 58 may be spaced apart from the rear panel 60, for example, defining a chamber 62 between them. The front panel 58 and rear panel 60 may be fixed to each other, for example, by stitching, adhesive, friction welding, etc. The front panel 58 and rear panel 60 may be integral, i.e., made from the same piece of material. Alternatively, the front panel 58 and rear panel 60 may be made of multiple pieces of material.

[0042] The airbag 24 in the inflated position has a first portion 26, a second portion 28, and a third portion 64. The first portion 26 is located between the second portion 28 and the third portion 64. In the inflated position, the airbag 24 may be U-shaped.

[0043] The first portion 26 may restrict the movement of the occupants of vehicle 22 along the longitudinal axis A1 of the vehicle. The first portion 26 may extend along the transverse axis A2 of the vehicle, for example, between the first portion 26 and the second portion 28. The first portion 26 has a first length L1. The first length L1 may be located between the first corner 30 and the second corner 66, for example, along the transverse axis A2 of the vehicle.

[0044] The second portion 28 and the third portion 64 can restrict the movement of the occupants of vehicle 22 along the vehicle's lateral axis A2. The second portion 28 and the third portion 64 extend laterally from the first portion 26. For example, in the inflated position, the second portion 28 and the third portion 64 can extend along the vehicle's longitudinal axis A1. The second portion 28 and the third portion 64 can extend from the first portion 26 toward the seat 42. The second portion 28 and the third portion 64 can each extend to a distal end 72.

[0045] The second part 28 and the third part 64 may each have a second length L2. The second length L2 may be located between the first corner 30 and the distal end 72 of the second part 28, and between the second corner 66 and the distal end 72 of the third part 64, for example, along the longitudinal axis A1 of the vehicle. The second length L2 may be less than the first length L1.

[0046] The first corner 30 is located between the first portion 26 and the second portion 28. The second corner 66 is located between the first portion 26 and the third portion 64. The first corner 30 and the second corner 66 can extend along the height of the airbag 24 in the inflated position, for example, located between the top 68 and the bottom 70 of the airbag 24 in the inflated position. For example, due to the flexible nature of the material of the airbag 24, the corners 30 and 66 can transition arcuately from the first portion 26 to the second portion 28 and from the first portion 26 to the third portion 64. The corners 30 and 66 can be located at the front panel 58.

[0047] The support bar 32 may include a first portion 74 and a second portion 76. The flexible portion 34 may be located between the first portion 74 and the second portion 76. For example, when the airbag 24 is inflated to the inflated position, the support bar 32 may bend around the flexible portion 34 from an extended position to a bent position. In the extended position, the first portion 74 and the second portion 76 may be parallel, such as... Figure 5 As shown. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in the bent position, the first portion 74 can extend laterally from the bendable portion 34 relative to the second portion 76. The support strip 32 can be plastic or any other suitable material. The support strip 32 can be made of a different material than the airbag 24.

[0048] The support bar 32 is designed to move from an extended position to a bent position, for example, when in contact with an occupant of the vehicle 22 and / or under the action of a force associated with the inflation of the airbag 24. For example, the bendable portion 34 may be flexible relative to the first portion 74 and the second portion 76. In other words, when a force is applied to the support bar 32, for example, upon contact with an occupant of the vehicle 22, the bendable portion 34 bends prior to any bending (if any) of the first portion 74 and the second portion 76. When the bendable portion 34 moves from the extended position to the bent position, the bendable portion 34 bends but does not completely break. When the bendable portion 34 moves to the bent position, the first portion 74 and the second portion 76 may remain unchanged. As an example, the support bar 32 may have a notch at the bendable portion 34 such that the bendable portion 34 is flexible relative to the first portion 74 and the second portion 76. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the support bar 32 at the bendable portion 34 may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the support bar 32 at the first portion 74 and the second portion 76.

[0049] The support bar 32 is secured to the airbag 24. The support bar 32 may be supported by the front panel 58. For example, the support bar 32 may be secured by stitching, adhesive, sonic welding, etc. As another example, the front panel 58 of the airbag 24 may include a sleeve 78, and the support bar 32 may be within the sleeve 78. A flexible portion 34 is located at a first corner 30. In the inflated position, the support bar 32 extends from the flexible portion 34 along a first portion 26 and a second portion 28 of the airbag 24. For example, the first portion 74 of the support bar 32 may extend along the first portion 26 of the airbag 24 in the inflated position, and the second portion 76 of the support bar 32 may extend along the second portion 28 of the airbag 24 in the inflated position.

[0050] The support bar 32 is rigid relative to the airbag 24. For example, the airbag 24 may have a bending strength, such as that of the front panel 58 adjacent to the first corner 30, which is less than the bending strength of the first portion 74 and the second portion 76 of the support bar 32.

[0051] The airbag assembly 20 may include one or more additional support bars 32. For example, one support bar 32 may be attached to the airbag 24, with a flexible portion 34 located at a second corner 66. In the inflated position, this support bar 32 may extend from the flexible portion 34 along a first portion 26 and a third portion 64. In other words, the support bars 32 may be spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's longitudinal axis A1 and supported along different corners 30, 66. As another example, one support bar 32 may be spaced apart from another support bar 32, both of which are supported by the airbag 24 at a first corner 30. In other words, the support bars 32 may be spaced apart from each other and supported along the same corners 30, 66.

[0052] The airbag assembly 20 may include one or more tethers 80, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. Tethers 80 help define corners 30, 66. Each tether 80 may include a first end 82 and a second end 84 spaced apart from the first end 82. The tethers 80 may be in a chamber 62, for example, between the front panel 58 and the rear panel 60. The tethers 80 may be secured to the front panel 58 at corners 30, 66, for example, the first end 82 may be secured by stitching, adhesive, friction welding, etc. The tethers 80 may extend to the rear panel 60. For example, the second end 84 of the tether 80 may be secured to the rear panel 60, for example, by stitching, adhesive, friction welding, etc.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, the inflation device 56 provides an inflation medium to inflate the airbag 24 from its uninflated position to its inflated position. The inflation device 56 may be in fluid communication with the airbag 24, for example, directly, through various conduits, etc. The inflation device 56 may be, for example, a pyrotechnic inflation device that uses a chemical reaction to drive the inflation medium to the airbag 24. The inflation device 56 may be of any suitable type, for example, a cold-air inflation device. The inflation device 56 may be supported by the housing 54, the dashboard 36, or any other suitable location on the vehicle 22. One or more inflation devices 56 may be used to inflate the airbag 24.

[0054] Vehicle 22 may include at least one collision sensor 86 for sensing collisions of vehicle 22 and a computer 88 connected to the collision sensor 86 and the inflation device 56, such as Figure 7As shown in the diagram. The computer 88 can activate the inflation device 56, for example, to provide propulsion to the pyrotechnic filler of the inflation device 56 when the collision sensor 86 senses a collision with the vehicle 22. Alternatively, or in addition to sensing a collision, the collision sensor 86 can be configured to sense a collision before the collision occurs, i.e., pre-collision sensing.

[0055] The collision sensor 86 can communicate with the computer 88. The collision sensor 86 is configured to detect collisions with the vehicle 22. The collision sensor 86 can be of any suitable type, such as: post-collision sensors, such as accelerometers, pressure sensors, and contact switches; and pre-collision sensors, such as radar, lidar, and vision sensing systems. The vision system may include one or more cameras, CCD image sensors, CMOS image sensors, etc. The collision sensor 86 can be located at multiple points in or on the vehicle 22.

[0056] Computer 88 and collision sensor 86 can be connected to the communication bus 90 of vehicle 22, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. Computer 88 can use information from the communication bus 90 to control the activation of inflation device 56. Inflation device 56 can be directly connected to computer 88, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the inflation device 56 can be connected via the communication bus 90.

[0057] A computer 88 can be a microprocessor-based computer 88, implemented through circuits, chips, or other electronic components. For example, a computer 88 may include a processor, memory, etc. The memory of a computer 88 may include memory for storing programming instructions executable by the processor, as well as memory for electronically storing data and / or databases.

[0058] Computer 88 may store instructions that can be executed by a processor to activate airbag 24 in response to the detection of a vehicle collision. For example, when a vehicle collision is detected based on information from collision sensor 86, computer 88 may instruct inflator 56 to inflate airbag 24.

[0059] During operation, the airbag 24 is in the uninflated position under normal operating conditions of the vehicle 22. In the event of a collision, the collision sensor 86 can detect the collision and transmit a signal to the computer 88 via the communication bus 90. The computer 88 can then transmit the signal to the inflation device 56. Upon receiving the signal, the inflation device 56 can use an inflation medium to release the airbag 24 from the uninflated position and inflate it to the inflatable position. The inflation of the airbag 24 generates force within it.

[0060] During a collision, the momentum of an occupant seated in seat 42 can move the occupant (e.g., the occupant's legs and knees) along the vehicle's longitudinal axis A1 and lateral axis A2 toward the airbag 24 in the inflated position. This movement can bring the occupant into contact with the airbag 24, for example, with the airbag 24's strut 32, first section 26, second section 28, and / or third section 64.

[0061] The forces generated within the airbag 24 and / or the contact between the occupant and the airbag 24 can induce bending stress on the support rod 32. This bending stress causes the support rod 32 to bend at the bendable portion 34, while remaining substantially unbent along the first portion 74 and the second portion 76 of the support rod 32. Bending the support rod 32 shapes the airbag 24 in the inflated position into... Figures 2 to 4 The U-shape shown.

[0062] The adjectives “first” and “second” are used throughout this text as identifiers and are not intended to indicate importance or order.

[0063] This disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than restrictive. In light of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible, and this disclosure may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

[0064] According to the present invention, an assembly is provided having: an airbag capable of being inflated to an inflatable position, the airbag in the inflatable position having a first portion, a second portion extending laterally from the first portion, and a corner between the two; and a support bar fixed to the airbag and rigid relative to the airbag, the support bar having a bendable portion at the corner and extending from the bendable portion along the first portion and the second portion when the airbag is in the inflatable position.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the airbag in the inflated position includes a front panel and a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel, the support bar being supported by the front panel.

[0066] According to one embodiment, when the airbag is inflated to the inflated position, the support bar is able to bend from the extended position to the bent position around the bendable portion.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the support bar has a notch at the flexible portion.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the support bar includes a first portion and a second portion, and the flexible portion is located between the first portion and the second portion of the support bar, the flexible portion being flexible relative to the first portion and the second portion of the support bar.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the support strip is made of plastic.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the airbag includes a third portion extending laterally from the first portion of the airbag and a second corner between the two, and further includes a second support strip fixed to the airbag and rigid relative to the airbag, the second support strip having a flexible portion at the second corner and extending from the flexible portion along the first portion and the third portion of the airbag in the inflated position.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized in that the second support bar is spaced apart from the support bar and is supported by the airbag at the corner.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a tether, wherein the airbag in the inflated position defines a chamber, and the tether is located within the chamber.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a tether, wherein the airbag in the inflated position includes a front panel and a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel, the tether being secured to the front panel at the corner and extending to the rear panel.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the airbag is made of a first material, and the support bar is made of a second material different from the first material.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the first portion of the airbag has a first length, and the second portion of the airbag has a second length that is less than the first length.

[0076] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided having a seat; an airbag located in front of the seat and inflatable to an inflatable position, the airbag in the inflatable position having a first portion, a second portion extending laterally from the first portion, and a corner between the two; and a strut fixed to the airbag and rigid relative to the airbag, the strut having a bendable portion at the corner and extending from the bendable portion along the first portion and the second portion when the airbag is in the inflatable position.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a dashboard and a floor, wherein the airbag in the inflated position is located between the dashboard and the floor.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the dashboard includes a steering column, and the airbag in the inflated position is located between the steering column and the floor.

[0079] According to one embodiment, in the inflated position, the first portion of the airbag extends along the lateral axis of the vehicle, and the second portion of the airbag extends along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the support bar is designed to move from an extended position to a bent position when in contact with the occupants of the vehicle.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the airbag in the inflated position is located below the waistline.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a tether, wherein the airbag in the inflated position defines a chamber, and the tether is located within the chamber.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a tether, wherein the airbag in the inflated position includes a front panel and a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel, the tether being secured to the front panel at the corner and extending to the rear panel.

Claims

1. A vehicle airbag assembly, comprising: An airbag that can inflate to its inflation position; The airbag in the inflated position has a first portion, a second portion extending laterally from the first portion, and a corner between the two. and A support bar fixed to the airbag and rigid relative to the airbag, the support bar having a flexible portion at the corner and extending from the flexible portion along the first portion and the second portion when the airbag is in the inflated position.

2. The vehicle airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the airbag in the inflated position includes a front panel and a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel, and the strut is supported by the front panel.

3. The vehicle airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the support bar has a notch at the bendable portion.

4. The vehicle airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the support strip includes a first portion and a second portion, and the flexible portion is located between the first portion and the second portion of the support strip, the flexible portion being flexible relative to the first portion and the second portion of the support strip.

5. The vehicle airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the airbag includes a third portion extending laterally from the first portion of the airbag and a second corner between the two, and further includes a second support strip fixed to the airbag and rigid relative to the airbag, the second support strip having a flexible portion at the second corner and extending from the flexible portion along the first portion and the third portion of the airbag in the inflated position.

6. The vehicle airbag assembly of claim 1, further comprising a tether, wherein the airbag in the inflated position defines a chamber, and the tether is located within the chamber.

7. The vehicle airbag assembly of claim 1, further comprising a tether, wherein the airbag in the inflated position includes a front panel and a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel, the tether being secured to the front panel at the corner and extending to the rear panel.

8. The vehicle airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the airbag is a first material and the support bar is a second material different from the first material.

9. The vehicle airbag assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first portion of the airbag has a first length, and the second portion of the airbag has a second length less than the first length.

10. A vehicle comprising: Seats; An airbag is located in front of the seat and is capable of being inflated to the inflatable position; The airbag in the inflated position has a first portion, a second portion extending laterally from the first portion, and a corner between the two. and A support bar fixed to the airbag and rigid relative to the airbag, the support bar having a flexible portion at the corner and extending from the flexible portion along the first portion and the second portion when the airbag is in the inflated position.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein in the inflated position, the first portion of the airbag extends along the lateral axis of the vehicle, and the second portion of the airbag extends along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

12. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the support bar is designed to move from an extended position to a bent position when in contact with an occupant of the vehicle.

13. The vehicle of claim 10, further comprising a tether, wherein the airbag in the inflated position defines a chamber, and the tether is located within the chamber.

14. The vehicle of claim 10, further comprising a tether, wherein the airbag in the inflated position includes a front panel and a rear panel spaced apart from the front panel, the tether being secured to the front panel at the corner and extending to the rear panel.

15. The vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising a dashboard and a floor, wherein the airbag in the inflated position is located between the dashboard and the floor.

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