Roof-mounted seat support airbag

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for a "roof mounted seat support airbag". An airbag includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is configured to extend from a roof and engage a seat headrest when in an inflated position. The lower portion forms a cushion panel extending downward from the upper portion when in the inflated position, configured to engage and be disposed between a seat back and a restraining bar positioned rearward of the seat back.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag configuration adapted to provide supplemental protection for passengers in a specific seating position when a passenger suffers a specific type of rear-end impact. Background Technology

[0002] When airbags are located in common installation locations such as the steering column, dashboard, seat back, and doors, passengers experiencing rearward acceleration during a rear-end collision may not be protected by the airbags. It is desirable to provide an airbag configuration that provides supplemental protection to passengers and their seats in the event of a rear-end collision. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An airbag includes an upper portion for extending from the roof and engaging with a seat headrest when inflated. The airbag also includes a lower portion forming a downwardly extending buffer plate for engaging with and positioned between seat backrests. The airbag includes a limiting bar located behind the seat backrest when inflated.

[0004] The upper part may have a greater thickness in the front-to-back direction than the lower part in the front-to-back direction.

[0005] The lower part may include a plurality of substantially evenly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which, when in the inflated position, define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper part to the bottom of the lower part, and define a thickness of the lower part that is less than the thickness of the upper part.

[0006] The upper part may include a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-to-back direction, the thickness of which, when in the inflated position, is greater than the thickness of the lower part.

[0007] An airbag in its inflated position can be approximately equal to the width of the passenger seat.

[0008] The upper portion may include a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-to-back direction, which define the thickness of the upper portion when in the inflated position, and the lower portion includes a plurality of substantially evenly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper portion to the bottom of the lower portion when in the inflated position, and define a thickness of the lower portion that is less than the thickness of the upper portion.

[0009] The air pump can be connected to the top.

[0010] An airbag system includes a limiting bar for securing to a vehicle body behind a seat back in an installation position. The airbag system includes: an airbag comprising: an upper portion extending from the roof in an inflatable position and engaging with a headrest of the seat; and a lower portion forming a downwardly extending buffer plate in an inflatable position for placement between and engaging with the seat back and the limiting bar; and an inflator connected to the upper portion.

[0011] The upper part may have a greater thickness in the front-to-back direction than the lower part in the front-to-back direction.

[0012] The lower part may include a plurality of substantially evenly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which, when in the inflated position, define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper part to the bottom of the lower part, and define a thickness of the lower part that is less than the thickness of the upper part.

[0013] The upper part may include a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-to-back direction, the thickness of which, when in the inflated position, is greater than the thickness of the lower part.

[0014] An airbag in its inflated position can be approximately equal to the width of the passenger seat.

[0015] The upper portion may include a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-to-back direction, which define the thickness of the upper portion when in the inflated position, and the lower portion includes a plurality of substantially evenly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper portion to the bottom of the lower portion when in the inflated position, and define a thickness of the lower portion that is less than the thickness of the upper portion.

[0016] A vehicle includes: a body comprising a roof and a floor; a seat fixed to the floor, the seat including a seat back; and an airbag system connected to the roof. The airbag includes a generally horizontal limiting bar fixed to the vehicle body at a predetermined distance behind the seat back, an inflator disposed in the roof, and an airbag connected to the inflator, the airbag extending downward from the roof in an inflatable position for positioning between the seat back and the limiting bar.

[0017] The vehicle may also include headrests on the seat backs and airbags. The airbag may include: an upper portion that extends from the roof when inflated and engages with the headrest of the seat; and a lower portion that, when inflated, forms a downwardly extending buffer plate between the seat back and the limit bar and engages with both the seat back and the limit bar.

[0018] An airbag in its inflated position can be approximately equal to the width of the passenger seat.

[0019] The upper part may have a greater thickness in the front-to-back direction than the lower part in the front-to-back direction.

[0020] The lower part may include a plurality of substantially evenly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which, when in the inflated position, define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper part to the bottom of the lower part, and define a thickness of the lower part that is less than the thickness of the upper part.

[0021] The upper part may include a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-to-back direction, the thickness of which, when in the inflated position, is greater than the thickness of the lower part.

[0022] The upper portion may include a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-to-back direction, which define the thickness of the upper portion when in the inflated position, and the lower portion includes a plurality of substantially evenly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper portion to the bottom of the lower portion when in the inflated position, and define a thickness of the lower portion that is less than the thickness of the upper portion. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a side view of the rear seat of an exemplary vehicle with passengers, where the exemplary airbag is in the non-deployed position.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the seat, with an exemplary airbag in the inflated position.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The rear view of the seat, with the exemplary airbag in the inflated position.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 A rear view of an airbag, wherein an exemplary airbag is in the inflated position.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figures 1 to 4 A cross-sectional side view of the airbag along the direction of arrow 5. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The relative orientations and directions described in this specification (e.g., up, down, bottom, forward, backward, front, back, rear, outer, inner, inward, outward, horizontal, left, right) are not intended to limit, but are provided to facilitate the reader in conceiving at least one embodiment of the described structure. This exemplary orientation is from the perspective of an occupant seated in the seat. In the accompanying drawings, the same numbers denote the same parts in all the views.

[0029] An airbag includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion extends from the roof and engages with a seat headrest when inflated. The lower portion, when inflated, forms a buffer plate extending downward from the upper portion, which engages with and is disposed between a seat back and a limiting bar located behind the seat back.

[0030] The airbag system includes a limit bar, an airbag, and an inflator. The limit bar, when in the installed position, is fixed to the vehicle body behind the seat back. The airbag includes an upper section and a lower section. The upper section extends from the roof when inflated and engages with the seat headrest. The lower section, when inflated, forms a buffer plate extending downwards from the upper section, positioned between and engaging with the seat back and the limit bar. The inflator is connected to the upper section.

[0031] The vehicle includes a body, seats, and an airbag system. The body includes a roof and a floor. The seats are fixed to the floor and include seatbacks. The airbag system includes a limit bar, an inflator, and airbags. The limit bar is substantially horizontal and fixed to the body at a predetermined distance behind the seatbacks. The inflator is located in the roof. The airbag is connected to the inflator and, in the inflated position, extends downward from the roof to be positioned between the seatbacks and the limit bar.

[0032] The vehicle may also include headrests and airbags. The headrests are located on the seat back. The airbag may include an upper section and a lower section. The upper section extends from the roof when inflated and is used to engage with the seat headrest. The lower section may form a buffer plate extending from and below the upper section for placement between and engagement with the seat back and the limiting bar.

[0033] The upper part of the airbag may have a greater thickness in the front-to-back direction than the lower part in the front-to-back direction.

[0034] The lower part of the airbag may include a plurality of substantially evenly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which, when in the inflated position, define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper part to the bottom of the lower part and define a thickness of the lower part that is less than the thickness of the upper part.

[0035] The upper part may include a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-to-back direction, which define the thickness of the upper part when in the inflated position, wherein the thickness of the upper part is greater than the thickness of the lower part.

[0036] In the inflated position, the airbag can be approximately the width of the passenger seat.

[0037] The upper portion may include a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-to-back direction, which define the thickness of the upper portion when in the inflated position. The lower portion may include a plurality of substantially evenly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper portion to the bottom of the lower portion when in the inflated position, and define a thickness of the lower portion less than that of the upper portion.

[0038] The inflator can be connected to the top.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 5 The exemplary roof-mounted airbag system 10 shown can be integrated into the roof 12 of the vehicle 14. The airbag system 10 may include an exemplary airbag 16, which in turn may include an exemplary airbag 16.

[0040] Vehicle 14 can operate in a non-autonomous mode, a semi-autonomous mode (i.e., a partially autonomous operation mode requiring some (i.e., occasional) human driver intervention), or a fully autonomous mode (i.e., a fully autonomous mode requiring no human driver intervention). For the purposes of this disclosure, autonomous mode is defined as a mode in which each of the vehicle 14's propulsion (e.g., via a powertrain including an electric motor and / or an internal combustion engine), braking, and steering is controlled by an autonomous vehicle controller (i.e., one or more computing devices); in semi-autonomous mode, the controller controls one or both of the vehicle 14's propulsion, braking, and steering.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, vehicle 14 includes a body 20 defining a vehicle interior 22. The body 20 may include a roof 12, a floor 24, and a plurality of pillars 26 connecting the roof 12 and the floor 24. The body 20 may have a one-piece construction, a body-frame separation construction, or any other suitable construction.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The roof 12 may include a longitudinally oriented left roof longitudinal beam (not shown) and a longitudinally oriented right roof longitudinal beam (not shown), both substantially parallel to the longitudinal vehicle axis. The roof 12 may also include transverse members (e.g., rear transverse member 28) transverse to and connecting the roof longitudinal beams, and a roof panel 30 supported on the transverse member 28 and the roof longitudinal beams. The roof 12 may support an airbag 16. For example, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the airbag 16 can be attached to the rear transverse member 28 of the roof 12. The airbag 16 can inflate, for example, in a downward vertical direction away from the roof 12, such as... Figure 1 As indicated by the direction of the middle arrow A, inflate to the desired level. Figure 1 The inflation position (i.e., the unfolded position) is shown.

[0043] Floor 24 may include a plurality of beams (not shown) and a base plate 32 supported on the beams. Floor 24 may include padding (e.g., carpet, trim, etc.) supported on the base plate 32.

[0044] The vehicle 14 may include one or more seats 34 disposed within the vehicle interior 22. Figures 1 to 3 The seat 34 shown is a bucket seat, but alternatively, seat 34 can be a bench seat or another type of seat. Each seat 34 may include a seat back 36, a seat base 38, and a headrest 40. The headrest 40 may be supported by the seat back 36 and may be height-adjustable relative to the seat back 36 or integral with the seat back and not adjustable. The seat back 36 may be supported by the seat base 38 and may be fixed or movable relative to the seat base 38. The seat back 36, seat base 38, and / or headrest 40 may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. More specifically, the seat back 36, seat base 38, and headrest 40 themselves may be adjustable in at least one degree of freedom. For example, the seat back 36 may pivot relative to the seat base, the seat base 38 may slide forward and backward relative to the floor in a longitudinal direction, or rotate from a forward-facing direction to a backward-facing direction, and the headrest 40 may be vertically adjustable relative to the seat back 36 to better support the head 41 of the occupant 42. The seat base 38 is supported by and connected to the floor 24.

[0045] This adjustment can be achieved by employing an adjustment mechanism (not shown) that allows for selective position adjustment and secures the seat 34 and its components 36, 38, 40 in a fixed position relative to the floor during vehicle operation. When the seat is not actively positioned, the adjustment mechanism allows the seat 34 to be fixed to the floor 24.

[0046] The seat base 38 and seat back 36 may include a frame (not shown) and a cover 44 supported on the frame. The frame may include tubing, beams, etc. The frame may be formed of any suitable plastic material (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite (organic sheet), etc.). As another example, some or all of the frame components may be formed of a suitable metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.).

[0047] Cover 44 may include padding and filler. Padding may be formed of cloth, leather, artificial leather, or any other suitable material. Padding may be sewn into a panel around the frame. Filler may be between the cover and the frame and may be foam or any other suitable material. Cover 44, located on the back side of the seat back 36 opposite to the occupant 42, may be rigid, such as a plastic shell.

[0048] During autonomous operation of vehicle 14, the occupants 42 of vehicle 14 can rotate their seats 34 to face each other. Alternatively, when vehicle 14 is capable of autonomous operation, its seats 34 can be permanently oriented to face each other. When the vehicle is impacted from the rear of the occupants 42, the movement of the headrests and seat backs in the rearward direction can be restricted and reduced when the exemplary airbag 16 is in the inflated position (i.e., inflated). Therefore, the airbag 16 can also restrict the movement of the occupants 42 in the rearward direction.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the basic horizontal limiting bar 46, in its installation position, is fixed to the vehicle body 20 at an exemplary predetermined distance D1 (defining gap 47) above the seat backrest and at an exemplary distance D2 above the base plate 32. The airbag system 10 can be connected to the roof 12. The airbag 16 and inflator 48 of the system 10, as components of the system 10, can also be located at the roof 12. In the inflated position, the airbag 16 extends downward from the roof 12 for placement between the seat backrest 36 and the limiting bar 46.

[0050] The airbag 16 includes an upper portion 50 and a lower portion 52. An inflator 48 is connected to the upper portion 50 of the airbag. The upper portion 50 is connected to the roof 12 and extends downward from the roof 12 in the direction of arrow A. When inflated, the upper portion 50 engages with the headrest 40 of the seat 34. The lower portion 52, when inflated, defines a buffer plate that extends downward from and is located below the upper portion 50. The lower portion 52 is disposed between and engages with the seat back 36 and the limiting bar 46. The lower portion 52 may have a lower end (i.e., a bottom 54) that, when inflated, is located above the floor 24 at a distance D3. The distance D2 is greater than the distance D3.

[0051] An airbag 16 comprising an upper portion 50 and a lower portion 52 may be defined by a front panel 56 and an opposing rear panel 58. The front panel 56 may be positioned toward the seat back 36 in the inflated position. The opposing rear panel 58 may be positioned toward the limit bar 46 in the inflated position. Panels 56 and 58 together define a single chamber 60 within the airbag 16 that engages the upper portion 50 and the lower portion 52.

[0052] When the airbag 16 is in its inflated position, the upper part 50 may be thicker than the lower part 52 in the front-rear direction.

[0053] The lower portion 52 may include a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced and parallel rib joints 62 and their lateral spacing, which, when in the inflated position, define a plurality of ribs 64 extending from the upper portion 50 to the bottom 54 of the lower portion 52, and define a thickness T1 of the lower portion 52 that may be less than the thickness T2 of the upper portion 50. An exemplary number of rib joints 62 may be three, defining four ribs 64. The rib joints 62 define the thickness T1 of the lower portion 52 and thus define a buffer plate by their lateral proximity to each other and to the outer edge of the lower portion 52. The rib joints 62 do not require an airtight seal between the ribs 64. The rib joints 62 may be defined by stitching, which also connects the front panel 56 and the rear panel 58. The rib joints 62 may alternatively be formed by providing a panel (not shown) between the front panel 56 and the rear panel 58. Each rib joint 62 may also alternatively be formed by a plurality of tethers disposed between the front panel 56 and the rear panel 58. The ribs 64 may define the thickness T1 of the lower portion 52.

[0054] The upper portion 50 includes a plurality of tethers 66 extending therein in a substantially longitudinal direction, defining a thickness T2 of the upper portion 50 when inflated. The tethers 66 may connect the front panel 56 and the rear panel 58. An exemplary number of tethers 66 is six, with two tethers 66 positioned one above the other at a central location between the lateral sides of the upper portion 50, and two tethers 66 positioned to the left of the central tether 66 and two tethers 66 positioned to the right of the central tether 66 at a central location between the central tether 66 and the respective lateral side. If the tethers 66 are laterally aligned with the seam 62, the airbag 16 can have the appearance of ribs 64 extending into the upper portion 50.

[0055] When in the inflated position, the airbag 16 can be substantially equal to the width W of the passenger seat 34.

[0056] The airbag 16 may be formed from a woven polymer or any other material. As an example, the airbag 16 may be formed from woven nylon yarn (e.g., nylon 6-6). Other examples include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyester, etc. The woven polymer may include a coating such as siloxane, neoprene, polyurethane, etc. For example, the coating may be a polyorganosiloxane.

[0057] The tether 66 can be made of the same material as the airbag 16 and can be sewn into the airbag 16.

[0058] As described above, the inflator 48 can be connected to the airbag 16. The inflator 48 inflates the chamber 60 with an inflation medium (such as gas). The inflator 48 can be, for example, a pyrotechnic inflator that uses a chemical reaction to drive the inflation medium into the chamber 60. Alternatively, the inflator 48 can be, for example, a cold gas inflator that, when activated, ignites a pyrotechnic filler that creates an opening for releasing the pressurized inflation medium (e.g., helium, argon) directly into the chamber 60, or alternatively, via a filling tube (not shown) between the inflator 48 and the chamber 60. Alternatively, the inflator 48 can be any suitable type, such as a hybrid inflator.

[0059] The inflator 48 can be supported or acted upon by any roof longitudinal beam or transverse member 28, for example, Figure 4 As shown. Alternatively, the inflator 48 may be supported by the pillar 26 or the roof longitudinal beam. Alternatively, the inflator 48 may be located inside the airbag 16. For illustrative purposes, the inflator 48 is mounted externally to the airbag 16 at the upper 50 position of the airbag 16, as shown. Figure 4 As shown. The airbag 16 may be configured to have an inflator 48 mounted on the upper part 50 of the airbag 16, and the airbag 16 may alternatively be configured to space the inflator 48 from the airbag 16.

[0060] When the inflator 48 is not located inside the airbag 16, one or more filling tubes (not shown) can be incorporated into the system 10, extending from a port (not shown) provided by the inflator 48 to a connection point (not shown) that connects to the chamber 60 of the airbag 16. The port communicates with the chamber 60 via the filling tube connected to the connection point. These one or more filling tubes can be formed of any suitable high-strength flexible material (e.g., nitrile rubber, nylon, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), etc.).

[0061] refer to Figure 1 In the uninflated position, the airbag 16 can be folded into a compact space between the roof panel 30 and the headliner 68. For example, in the uninflated position, the airbag 16 can extend laterally parallel to the transverse member 28 at each seating position.

[0062] The headliner 68 may define a tear seam (not shown) substantially aligned with (i.e., substantially aligned with) the airbag 16. The tear seam may extend across the entire width of the airbag 16. When the airbag 16 inflates, the airbag 16 may rupture the headliner 68 at the tear seam and protrude outwards from the headliner 68 into the inflated position. Additionally, the airbag 16 may be covered by a cover (not shown) disposed between the headliner 30 and the headliner 68. The cover protects the airbag 16 in the uninflated position from abrasion and tearing.

[0063] As further explained below, airbag 16 can be deployed from, for example... Figure 1 Inflate the uninflated position as shown. Figures 2 to 5 The airbag 16 is shown in the inflation position. This inflation may occur in response to a vehicle impact. In the inflated position, the airbag 16 can absorb energy from the occupant 42 during a vehicle impact, and therefore the airbag 16 in the inflated position can reduce the rearward deflection of the seat back 36 and headrest 40, and consequently reduce the risk of injury to the occupant and the severity of any injury to the occupant 42. When the occupant 42 and seat 34 are impacted at the rear of the vehicle 14, the airbag 16 can restrict the rearward movement of the seat back 36 and headrest, as well as the occupant 42.

[0064] An exemplary airbag system 10 can operate as follows: In response to a rear-end collision, whether direct or offset, a sensor (not shown) can provide a collision data signal to the vehicle controller. In response to the collision data signal, the vehicle controller can provide an actuation signal to the inflator 48. In response to the actuation signal, the inflator 48 releases gas into chamber 60. As the amount of gas released into chamber 60 increases, the pressure within airbag 16 increases, causing airbag 16 to inflate. As airbag 16 inflates, the airbag reacts against roof 12 and headliner 68. When a predetermined airbag force is reached in the space between roof 12 and headliner 68, a tear in headliner 68 can rupture (i.e., open), allowing airbag 16 to inflate beyond headliner and into vehicle interior 22. The orientation of airbag 16 allows it to enter the gap 47 between restraint bar 46 and seat back 36.

[0065] Because the upper part 50 is restricted by its connection to the roof 12 and the lower panel's engagement with the limiting bar, the rearward movement of the seat back 36 and headrest 40 is significantly limited by the airbag 16. Once the head 41 moves away from the headrest 40, the upper part 50 can also restrict the rearward movement of the occupant's head 44, which may occur at an angle (such as in a tilting impact). Computer modeling of the airbag system shows that in a direct rear-end collision, the calculated occupant whole-body injury index can be improved from 3.49 without the airbag system 10 to 1.10 with the airbag system 10, and in a tilting rear-end collision, from 2.70 without the airbag system 10 to 1.07 with the airbag system 10.

[0066] As used in this article, the adverb "basically" refers to shapes, structures, measurements, quantities, times, etc., which may deviate from precise descriptions of geometry, distances, measurements, quantities, times, etc., due to defects in materials, machining, manufacturing, data transmission, calculation speed, etc.

[0067] This disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to describe the nature of words rather than to limit them. In view of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible, and this disclosure can be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

[0068] According to the present invention, an airbag is provided having: an upper portion for extending from the roof of a vehicle in an inflated position and for engaging with a headrest of a seat; and a lower portion for forming a buffer plate extending downward from the upper portion in an inflated position for engaging with and being disposed therebetween a seat back and a limiting bar located behind the seat back.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the upper part has a greater thickness in the front-to-back direction than the lower part in the front-to-back direction.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the lower portion includes a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which, when in the inflated position, define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper portion to the bottom of the lower portion, and define a thickness of the lower portion that is less than the thickness of the upper portion.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the upper portion includes a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-rear direction, the thickness of which, when in the inflated position, is greater than the thickness of the lower portion.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the airbag in the inflated position is substantially equal to the width of the passenger seat.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the upper portion includes a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-rear direction, which define the thickness of the upper portion when in an inflated position, and the lower portion includes a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper portion to the bottom of the lower portion when in an inflated position, and define a thickness of the lower portion that is less than the thickness of the upper portion.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by an inflator connected to the upper part.

[0075] According to the present invention, an airbag system is provided, comprising: a limiting bar for fixing to a vehicle body above a seat back in an installation position; an airbag comprising: an upper portion for extending from the roof of the vehicle in an inflatable position and for engaging with a headrest of the seat; and a lower portion for forming a buffer plate extending downward from the upper portion in an inflatable position for being disposed between and engaging with the seat back and the limiting bar; and an inflator connected to the upper portion.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the upper part has a greater thickness in the front-to-back direction than the lower part in the front-to-back direction.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the lower portion includes a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which, when in the inflated position, define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper portion to the bottom of the lower portion, and define a thickness of the lower portion that is less than the thickness of the upper portion.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the upper portion includes a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-rear direction, the thickness of which, when in the inflated position, is greater than the thickness of the lower portion.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the airbag in the inflated position is substantially equal to the width of the passenger seat.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the upper portion includes a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-rear direction, which define the thickness of the upper portion when in an inflated position, and the lower portion includes a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper portion to the bottom of the lower portion when in an inflated position, and define a thickness of the lower portion that is less than the thickness of the upper portion.

[0081] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided having: a body including a roof and a floor; a seat fixed to the floor and the seat including a seat back; and an airbag system connected to the roof, and comprising: a substantially horizontal limiting bar fixed to the body at a predetermined distance behind the seat back, an inflator disposed at the roof, and an airbag connected to the inflator, which, when in an inflated position, extends downward from the roof for being disposed between the seat back and the limiting bar.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a headrest on the seat back; and an airbag comprising: an upper portion for extending from the roof of the vehicle in an inflated position and for engaging with the headrest of the seat, and a lower portion for forming a buffer plate extending downward from the upper portion in an inflated position for being disposed between and engaging with the seat back and the limiting bar.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the airbag in the inflated position is substantially equal to the width of the passenger seat.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the upper part has a greater thickness in the front-to-back direction than the lower part in the front-to-back direction.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the lower portion includes a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which, when in the inflated position, define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper portion to the bottom of the lower portion, and define a thickness of the lower portion that is less than the thickness of the upper portion.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the upper portion includes a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-rear direction, the thickness of which, when in the inflated position, is greater than the thickness of the lower portion.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the upper portion includes a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-rear direction, which define the thickness of the upper portion when in an inflated position, and the lower portion includes a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper portion to the bottom of the lower portion when in an inflated position, and define a thickness of the lower portion that is less than the thickness of the upper portion.

Claims

1. An airbag comprising: The upper part extends from the roof when in the inflated position and engages with the headrest of the seat. as well as The lower part, when in the inflated position, forms a cushioning plate extending downward from the upper part for engaging with the seat back and a limiting bar located behind the seat back, and for being positioned between the seat back and the limiting bar. The upper portion includes a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-rear direction, which define the thickness of the upper portion when in the inflated position, and the lower portion includes a plurality of substantially evenly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper portion to the bottom of the lower portion when in the inflated position, and define the thickness of the lower portion being less than the thickness of the upper portion.

2. The airbag of claim 1, wherein the airbag in the inflated position is substantially equal to the width of the passenger seat.

3. The airbag of claim 1, comprising an inflator connected to the upper portion.

4. An airbag system comprising: A limiting bar is fixed to the vehicle body behind the seat back at the installation location; Airbags, which include: The upper part, which extends from the roof when inflated and engages with the headrest of the seat, and The lower portion, when in the inflated position, forms a buffer plate extending downward from the upper portion for placement between the seat back and a limiting bar located behind the seat back and for engagement with the seat back and the limiting bar; and The air pump connected to the upper part The upper portion includes a plurality of tethers extending therein in a substantially front-rear direction, which define the thickness of the upper portion when in the inflated position, and the lower portion includes a plurality of substantially evenly spaced and parallel seams and their lateral spacing, which define a plurality of ribs extending from the upper portion to the bottom of the lower portion when in the inflated position, and define the thickness of the lower portion being less than the thickness of the upper portion.

5. The airbag system of claim 4, wherein the airbag in the inflated position is substantially equal to the width of the passenger seat.

6. A vehicle comprising: The airbag system as described in any one of claims 4 to 5; The limiting bar is attached to the vehicle body, and the vehicle body includes a roof and a floor; as well as A seat fixed to the floor, and the seat includes a seat back.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, further comprising: The headrest is located on the back of the seat.

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