Airbag

Abstract

An airbag (1) comprising first and second opposing side panels (2, 3) joined together at a main seam (4) wherein: a first lateral seam (22, 23) meets and extends away from the main seam, terminating at a free end, and a second lateral seam (22, 23) terminating at a free end; wherein the first lateral seam is formed by opposing edges formed in the first side panel, the opposing edges being joined to each other.

Description

[0001] The present application relates to an airbag, and in particular to a vehicle airbag that can be inflated to elevate a user's arms during a collision.

[0002] Inflatable airbags have been used in vehicles for many years. Modern vehicles include several airbags located at various locations within the vehicle to protect the vehicle's occupants in the event of an accident, and also to protect other people who may collide with the vehicle, such as pedestrians and cyclists.

[0003] One such airbag may be positioned within the side of a vehicle seat and arranged to inflate in the event of a side impact. The airbag is adapted to inflate in the space between the torso of the occupant and the interior of the side of the vehicle to provide protection for the torso of the occupant during a collision.

[0004] During deployment of this type of airbag, an occupant's arm can sometimes become lodged between the airbag and the occupant's torso. This can be problematic because airbags are sized and configured to rest against the side of the occupant's torso. Furthermore, if an occupant's arm becomes trapped in this position, injury to the occupant's ribs, arm, and shoulder can occur.

[0005] To reduce the risk of these problems, this type of airbag can be constructed so that when it inflates, the occupant's arms are lifted upward to a position above the airbag. The airbag can then properly protect the occupant's torso during the collision itself.

[0006] An example of a known type of such an airbag can be seen, for example, in US 10,640, 074. This document discloses an airbag formed from two main side panels that are attached to each other around their periphery.

[0007] Another design of this type of airbag is shown in US Pat. No. 8,322,747. This document discloses an airbag formed from side panels, but also includes a separate top panel sewn between the upper edges of the side panels. The presence of the top panel gives the resulting airbag a wider, flatter top surface when inflated. However, this airbag is more expensive and time-consuming to manufacture.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved airbag of this type.

[0009] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention provides an airbag according to claim 1 .

[0010] Preferred features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0011] In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 An airbag of a known type is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 A first blank suitable for forming an air-bag embodying the present invention is shown;

[0014] Figure 3 is Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an airbag formed from a first blank is shown;

[0015] Figure 4 Shown according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Airbag formed;

[0016] Figure 5 A second blank suitable for forming an air-bag embodying the present invention is shown;

[0017] Figure 6 is Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an airbag formed from the second blank shown;

[0018] Figure 7 Shown according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The airbag formed; and

[0019] Figure 8 、 Figure 9a and Figure 9b It is shown how aspects of a blank suitable for forming an air-bag according to the invention may be varied.

[0020] First reference Figure 1 , which shows a known side airbag 1 configured to lift a seat occupant's arm. The airbag 1 includes a first side panel 2 and a second side panel 3, which are generally triangular in shape and joined at their edges by a main seam 4. When the airbag 1 inflates, its top surface 5 engages the underside of the seat occupant's arm, forcing the arm upward.

[0021] The airbag 1 is typically manufactured from a "blank", which is a unitary area of ​​fabric and comprises a first side panel 2 and a second side panel 3. Before the blank is formed into the airbag 1, the first side panel 2 and the second side panel 3 are integrally joined together at a connection area which is located at the rear side of the airbag 1 when the airbag 1 is assembled, i.e. at the rear of the airbag 1. Figure 1The furthest edge in the view shown. To form the airbag 1, the entire fabric area is folded over at the connection area so that the first side panel 2 and the second side panel 3 overlap each other. The edges of the first side panel 2 and the second side panel 3 are then joined together by sewing to form a main seam 4.

[0022] Before folding, the overall blank resembles a butterfly, and Figure 1 An airbag 1 of the type shown is sometimes referred to as a butterfly airbag.

[0023] Go to Figure 2 , shows a first blank 6 that may be used to form an air-bag embodying the present invention.

[0024] The first blank 6 is preferably formed by a whole piece of fabric area, which is formed in a continuous and uninterrupted manner. In a preferred embodiment, the first blank 6 is formed by a woven fabric, and in such an embodiment, all or substantially all of the first blank 6 can be formed in a single weaving operation.

[0025] The first blank 6 may be formed, for example, by cutting the first blank 6 from a sheet of woven material produced continuously by a weaving machine.

[0026] With regard to simplicity and reliability, it is preferred that the first blank 6 is formed by an entire fabric region, but this is not essential. In other embodiments, the first blank 6 can be formed by two or more fabric or material regions, which are formed and subsequently joined together, for example, by sewing.

[0027] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the first blank 6 comprises a first side region 7 and a second side region 8. When the first blank 6 is formed into an airbag, the first side region 7 and the second side region 8 will form a first side panel and a second side panel of the airbag, respectively.

[0028] The first blank 6 further comprises a connecting region 9 , which is situated between the first side region 7 and the second side region 8 .

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the first blank 6 is symmetrical or substantially symmetrical about a center line, the center line being Figure 2 The view shown is vertical and passes through the connection area 9. However, the first blank 6 does not have to be symmetrical.

[0030] Each of the first side region 7 and the second side region 8 extends away from the connection region 9. Each of the first side region 7 and the second side region 8 has a top edge 10. Figure 2 In the example shown, each top edge 10 is generally straight over most of its length. However, this is not essential, and the top edge 10 of each side region 7, 8 may take any suitable form.

[0031] The first side region 7 and the second side region 8 also each include a bottom edge 11. Figure 2 In the example shown, a first region 12 of each bottom edge 11 extends away from the connecting region 9 and has a curved or arcuate shape. A second region 13, away from the connecting region 9 and adjacent to the first region 12, is generally straight over most of its length.

[0032] Likewise, this shape of the bottom edge 11 is not required, and the bottom edge 11 may take any suitable form.

[0033] like Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the overall shape of the first blank 6 is roughly similar to that of a butterfly.

[0034] Each top edge 10 and bottom edge 11 terminates at a termination point 14 that is furthest from the connection region 9. The termination point 14 of each top edge 10 is spaced apart from the termination point 14 of the corresponding bottom edge 11.

[0035] A cutout 15 is formed between the end point 14 of each top edge 10 and the end point of the corresponding bottom edge 11. Figure 2 In the example shown, each cut 15 includes a first edge 16 and a second edge 17 (in the example shown, the first and second edges are the edges of the fabric area that forms the first blank 6). The first edge 16 meets the end point 14 of the top edge 10. The second edge 17 meets the end point 14 of the bottom edge 11. The first and second edges 16, 17 meet each other at a meeting point 26 at their points farthest from their respective end points 14. In this embodiment, the first and second edges are substantially straight. Figure 2 In the example shown, the first edge 16 and the second edge 17 form an angle at a meeting point 26 .

[0036] To form the first blank 6 into an airbag, the top edges 10 of the first side region 7 and the second side region 8 are joined to each other. The bottom edges 11 of the first side region 7 and the second side region 8 are also joined to each other.

[0037] At the cutout 15 of each side region 7, 8, the first edge 16 is joined to the second edge 17. Figure 2 It will be appreciated that when the first and second edges 16, 17 of each cutout 15 are joined together, the termination points 14 of the top and bottom edges 10, 11 on that side of the first blank 6 will be drawn together so that they meet.

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a first airbag 18 embodying the present invention, which is composed of Figure 2 The first blank 6 shown is formed. Figure 3As can be seen in FIG, when the top and bottom edges 10 , 11 of the two side regions 6 , 7 are joined together, this forms a main seam 19 which extends continuously around the region of the first airbag 18 which is not joined together at the connection region 9 .

[0039] The first airbag 18 has a first side panel 20 and a second side panel 21 , which are mainly formed by the first side region 7 and the second side region 8 , respectively.

[0040] When the first edge 16 and the second edge 17 of the cutout 15 of the first side region 7 are joined together, this forms a first lateral seam 22 which extends away from the main seam 19. Figure 3 In the arrangement shown, the first lateral seam 22 is generally perpendicular to the main seam 19 .

[0041] Similarly, where the first and second edges 16, 17 of the cutout 15 of the second side region 8 are joined together, this forms a second lateral seam 23 which also extends away from the main seam 19 and may be substantially at right angles thereto.

[0042] The first lateral seam 22 and the second lateral seam 23 meet each other to form a combined lateral seam 24 that extends across and on both sides of the main seam 19. In a preferred embodiment, the first lateral seam 22 and the second lateral seam 23 are generally aligned so that the combined lateral seam 24 is straight or substantially straight where it extends across the main seam 19.

[0043] The first airbag 18 has a top surface 25 which, in use, will face generally upwards when the first airbag 18 is inflated. The top surface 25 extends on either side of the portion of the main seam 19 created by the joining of the top edges 10 of the first and second side regions 7, 8.

[0044] like Figure 3 As can be seen in Figure 1 Compared to the top side of the known airbag 1 shown in FIG, the top surface 25 of the first airbag 18 is relatively flat. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that this configuration results from the combined side seams 24, which extend laterally in both directions from the main seam 19 and thus provide additional width to the top surface 25. Figure 1 Compared to the known airbag 1 shown, which has a more oval shape, there is a recognizable change in the angle of the airbag surface, preferably at the side edges 28 , which are located at the periphery of the top surface 25 .

[0045] In particular, the generally triangular region of the first airbag 18 will have a generally flat configuration, extending from the point where the main seam 19 meets the connecting region 9 and extending on either side of the main seam 19 to the free ends 27 of the first and second lateral seams 22 and 23 .

[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that because the airbag 18 is formed of fabric and will be inflated to a high pressure in use, the top surface 25 will not be completely flat and the side edges 28 of the top surface 25 will not form acute angles between the top surface 25 and the generally laterally facing main areas of the first and second side panels 20, 21. However, the top surface 25 will provide an identifiable area of ​​generally flat configuration.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the provision of the first lateral seam 22 and the second lateral seam 23 allows the top surface 25 of the first airbag 18 to have a shape that is smaller than that of the first airbag 18. Figure 1 The shape of an airbag of the type shown is much flatter. This means that the first airbag 18 can lift the occupant's arm in a more reliable manner. The relatively flat top surface 25 of the first airbag 18 will be able to engage the underside of the occupant's arm over a larger surface area and effectively push the arm upward.

[0048] The provision of the first lateral seam 22 and the second lateral seam 23 will also increase the width of the top portion of the first airbag 18. This can be achieved by aligning the first airbag 18 with the Figure 1 A comparison of the known airbag 1 shown shows that the middle region of the airbag 1 has the greatest width and the width of the top portion of the airbag 1 is smaller than the width of the middle region.

[0049] This will provide additional benefits in terms of cushioning the portion of the occupant's torso that engages the top area of ​​the first air bag 18 during a collision.

[0050] Figure 4 It is shown that according to the above Figure 2 and Figure 3 An image of an airbag 29 formed by the illustrated embodiment.

[0051] Figure 5 A second blank 30 is shown. Many of the features of the second blank 30 are the same as those of the first blank 6, including the presence of a first side region 7 and a second side region 8, a connecting region 9 joining the first and second side regions 7, 8 to each other, top edges 10 of the first and second side regions 7, 8, and a cutout 15 formed in each side region 7, 8.

[0052] However, in the second blank 30, each of the first side region 7 and the second side region 8 also has a second cutout 31. Figure 5 In the example shown, the second cutout 31 is formed midway along the bottom edge 11 of each side region 7 , 8 .

[0053] Similar to the first cutouts 15, each second cutout 31 has a first edge 32 and a second edge 33. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the first edge 32 and the second edge 33 are each substantially straight.

[0054] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the bottom edge 11 of each of the first side region 7 and the second side region 8 has a first portion 11a extending away from the connection region 9 and terminating at an end point 34 where it meets the first edge 32 of the corresponding second cutout 31 .

[0055] In each second cutout 31 , the first edge 32 meets the second edge 33 at a meeting point 35 , similar to the first cutout 15 .

[0056] The second edge 33 of each second cutout 31 terminates at a termination point 34 where it meets the second portion 11b of the bottom edge 11. In this embodiment, the second portion 11b extends as described above with respect to Figure 2 The end point 14 is where the second portion meets the second edge 17 of the first cutout 15 .

[0057] To convert the second blank 30 into an airbag, the first edge 16 and the second edge 17 of each first cutout 15 are joined to one another, and the first edge 32 and the second edge 33 of each second cutout 31 are also joined to one another. The top edges 10 of the first and second side regions 7, 8 and the first and second portions 11a, 11b of the bottom edge 11 are also joined to one another.

[0058] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the resulting second airbag 36 is shown in FIG.

[0059] The second air bag 36 shares many features with the first air bag 18 , including the integrated side seams 24 created by the first cuts 15 .

[0060] In addition, however, there is a further first lateral seam 37, which is formed by joining the first edge 32 and the second edge 33 of the second cutout 31 of the first side region 7. The second airbag 36 also comprises a further second lateral seam 38, which is produced by joining the first edge 32 and the second edge 33 of the second cutout 31 of the second side region 8.

[0061] Each of these additional lateral seams 37, 38 extends away from the main seam 19 and may extend at right angles or substantially right angles therefrom. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the first additional lateral seam 37 and the second additional lateral seam 38 combine to form another combined lateral seam 39 that passes through the main seam 19 and extends away from the main seam in both directions. The first additional lateral seam 37 and the second additional lateral seam 38 can be aligned or substantially aligned with each other so that at the location where they pass through the main seam 19, they combine to form a substantially straight seam. However, this is not required.

[0062] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, and also in Figure 3 In the second airbag 18 shown, the combined side seams 24 are located at or substantially at the junction between the top surface 25 of the airbag 18, 36 and the front surface 40 of the airbag 18, 36. When the airbag 18, 36 is assembled and inflated, the front surface 40 generally faces away from the connection area 9 and will generally face in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle when the airbag is installed in a vehicle and inflated.

[0063] exist Figure 6 In the arrangement shown, another integrated side seam 39 is located at or substantially at the junction between the front surface 40 and the bottom surface 41 of the air bag 36. When the second air bag 36 is assembled and inflated, the bottom surface 41 will face in a direction generally opposite to the direction faced by the top surface 25. The bottom surface 41 may extend between the front surface 40 and the connection area 9. When the second air bag 36 is installed in a vehicle and inflated, the bottom surface 41 faces generally downward toward the floor of the vehicle.

[0064] Figure 7 Shown in combination with the above Figure 5 and Figure 6 The airbag 42 is constructed in the embodiment described. Figure 7 As can be seen in Figure 3 The first airbag 18 and Figure 1 Compared with the known airbag 1 shown in FIG, the airbag 42 has an increased width in its lower region. This increased width in the lower region of the airbag 42 is produced by the other lateral seam 39.

[0065] Likewise, this will increase the overall thickness / depth of the airbag in the direction between the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 21 , which will provide additional protection and cushioning to the seat occupant during a side impact.

[0066] It will also be understood that the bottom surface 41 of the air bag 42 has a Figure 5 The first airbag 18 or Figure 1 The shown greater flatness of the bottom surface of the known air-bag 1. The flatness of the bottom surface 41 results from the provision of the further lateral seam 39 for similar reasons as described above with respect to the flatness of the top surface 25.

[0067] The presence of another lateral seam 39 allows for greater control over the shape and thickness of the bottom portion of the airbag 42. The size of the inflated airbag 42 can be controlled to more closely and / or effectively fit the body of a seat occupant or a portion of the vehicle, or to provide a desired level of protection and cushioning.

[0068] In addition to the examples described above, other embodiments of the present invention may include a lower lateral seam at a location corresponding to the location of the other lateral seam 39, without including any additional lateral seams.

[0069] Generally, it is preferred to provide lateral seams at the turn of the surface of the airbag. Embodiments of the present invention may include upper lateral seams at or approximately at the junction between the top surface of the airbag and the front surface of the airbag, the upper lateral seams corresponding to Figure 4 and Figure 6 The combined side seams 24 shown. Examples may also include lower side seams that correspond in position to the Figure 6 Another combined side seam 39 is shown which is located at or approximately at the junction between the front surface of the air bag and the bottom surface of the air bag.

[0070] In an example of the present invention, the airbag may be provided with only top side seams (e.g. Figure 4 ), with only a bottom lateral seam (i.e., no upper lateral seam), or with both an upper lateral seam and a lower lateral seam (as shown in FIG. Figure 6 shown).

[0071] The depth / thickness of the airbag can be controlled by selecting appropriate lengths for the first and second edges of the side seams. Figure 8 , wherein the first cut 15 is shown, arrows 43 indicate that the length of the first edge 16 and the second edge 17 can be increased or decreased to control the length of the resulting lateral seams. The longer the first edge 16 and the second edge 17 are, the longer the resulting lateral seams will be.

[0072] refer to Figure 2 The first distance can be defined as the horizontal distance from a center line passing vertically through the connection area 9 to the meeting point 26 of the first edge 16 and the second edge 17 of one of the cutouts 15 (the terms horizontal and vertical are used herein as Figure 2 orientation).

[0073] It is contemplated that the maximum length of the lateral seams may be within the region of 50% of the first distance. Figure 1 Providing side seams with a length of less than about 20 mm is unlikely to alter the shape of the airbag in a significant manner compared to the shape of the known butterfly airbag 1 shown.

[0074] Preferably, for any cutout formed as described herein, the first edge and the second edge have the same length.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, for the combined side seams extending away from the main seam in two directions, it is preferred that the first side seam and the second side seam have the same or substantially the same length. This maintains the generally symmetrical shape of the airbag and also has the benefit of simplicity, as the blank forming the airbag can also be generally symmetrical.

[0076] However, this is not necessarily the case. In other embodiments, the first and second side seams that meet to form the combined side seams may have different lengths. This may allow for greater control over the shape of the airbag, which may be useful in certain applications. For example, referring to Figure 3 As shown, the airbag can be configured to be positioned outboard of a seat that is positioned on the left side of the vehicle when viewed in the forward direction of travel. In regions where the vehicle travels on the right, the seat will function as a driver's seat; and in regions where the vehicle travels on the left, the seat will function as a passenger seat. When the airbag is inflated within the vehicle, the first side panel 20 will face the torso of the seat occupant, and the second side panel 21 will face the interior of the vehicle.

[0077] In such an example, it may be preferred that the first lateral seam 22 have a relatively long length, which will result in a relatively large thickness on the corresponding side of the airbag 18, which can more closely conform to the shape of the seat occupant's torso. Conversely, the second lateral seam 23 can be relatively short, thereby forming a relatively flat shape on the corresponding side of the airbag, which will more closely match the shape of the vehicle interior.

[0078] An airbag embodying the present invention can also be used as a "pre-push" airbag, which functions to push a seat occupant away from the side of the vehicle upon inflation. This provides additional distance between the seat occupant and the side of the vehicle, which reduces the likelihood of injury in the event of a side impact. For such an airbag, it is contemplated that the side seam on the side of the airbag closest to the seat occupant could be longer than the side seam on the side of the airbag closest to the vehicle's interior. This would give the airbag a shape that effectively pushes the occupant away from the vehicle's interior.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will understand how the lengths of the first and second side seams that meet to form the combined side seams can be varied to control the shape of the resulting airbag in any desired manner.

[0080] It is also contemplated that in some embodiments there may be a side seam on one side of the main seam, but no corresponding side seam on the other side of the main seam. Such an embodiment may be useful in situations where one side of the airbag is desired to have increased depth / thickness, but the other side does not require increased depth / thickness and may have the same Figure 1 The shape of one side of the known airbag 1 is shown to be similar in shape.

[0081] As described above, the top portion of the main seam 19, formed by joining the top edges 10 of the first side region 7 and the second side region 8, extends along the top surface 25 of the airbag and meets the side seams. The front portion of the main seam 19, formed by joining the bottom edges 11 of the first side region 7 and the second side region 8, extends along the front surface 40 of the airbag and meets the side seams.

[0082] In some embodiments, the airbag can be formed so that the point where the top portion of the main seam 19 meets the side seams is offset from the point where the front portion of the main seam 19 meets the side seams. The offset is preferably in the lateral direction, that is, in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of the main seam 19.

[0083] exist Figure 4 This offset can be seen in FIG, where the point where the top portion of the main seam 19 meets the first lateral seam 22 is further to the left (in the orientation of the figure) than the point where the front portion of the main seam 19 meets the second lateral seam 23.

[0084] This offset can be advantageous because if the top and front portions of the main seam 19 met the side seams at the same point, numerous seams would likely meet at a single junction, requiring extensive reinforcement (e.g., by sewing). This single junction could be a potential point of failure during inflation of the airbag. However, by having an offset as described above, the forces generated during inflation can be more distributed, and a single potential point of failure is avoided.

[0085] In the above embodiments, the first edge and the second edge of each cutout are straight or substantially straight. However, this is not necessarily the case. Figure 9a In the example shown, the cutout has a first edge 45 and a second edge 46 (each of which is curved) such that when the first edge 45 and the second edge 46 meet each other at a meeting point 47 , they subtend an internal angle 48 that is less than 90°.

[0086] On the contrary, refer to Figure 9b , the other cutout has a first edge 50 and a second edge 51 (the first edge and the second edge being curved) such that when they meet at a meeting point 52 they subtend an internal angle 53 that is greater than 90°.

[0087] In fact, the first and second edges of the cutout may be generally curved in a continuous manner such that there is no distinct point of convergence where the first and second edges form an acute angle.

[0088] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that varying the shape of the first and second edges in this manner will allow for greater control over the shape of the resulting airbag. Figure 3 If the airbag shown is used as Figure 9a The cuts shown form first and second lateral seams 22, 23, which then curve towards the rear region of the airbag 18 (i.e., towards the connection region 9) as they extend away from the main seam 19. This configuration of the seams also results in reduced stress on the seams during inflation of the airbag, as the forces resulting from the inflation are more evenly distributed along the length of the lateral seams.

[0089] If, on the other hand, these first lateral seams 22 and second lateral seams 23 are formed according to Figure 9b If the cuts are formed, these seams will bend forwards away from the rear region of the airbag (ie away from the connection region 9 ) as they extend away from the main seam 19 .

[0090] Thus, those skilled in the art will understand how, for any particular application, varying the shape of the first and second edges of each cutout and the angle at which the edges meet each other within the cutout can be used to provide greater control over the shape of the airbag.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the angle at which each first and second edge of each cutout meets the top or bottom edge (as the case may be) of the blank is exactly or substantially 90°. This is the angle at each end point 14. This creates a relatively smooth line where the first and second edges 16, 17 of the cutout join one another and also reduces the risk of leakage.

[0092] In this specification, where it is stated that the side seams meet the main seam, this is to be understood as meaning that the side seams meet the main seam at a position midway along the length of the main seam, such that the main seam extends in both directions from the point where the side seams meet the main seam.

[0093] Preferably, the side seams are not used to join together two or more different panels of the airbag, but rather are used to connect between two edges of the same panel.

[0094] In this document, reference to a seam having a free end means that the seam terminates in such a manner that the free end of the seam is substantially surrounded by the fabric of one or more panels of the airbag, without the seam continuing past the free end or being connected to or aligned with another seam at the free end.

[0095] When building an airbag, it is often advantageous to perform a sewing operation to join the airbag's panels together and then turn the airbag inside out before preparing it for use. This means that the protruding sewn edges are located on the inside surface of the airbag (rather than the outside) and are less likely to cause injury or discomfort to vehicle occupants during deployment.

[0096] Reference Figure 1 As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art with respect to the known airbag 1 shown, it is difficult to turn the airbag inside out in this manner because the construction primarily involves a single sewing operation, which is sewing the side panels 2, 3 together at the main seam 4. Once this is completed, there is no way to turn the airbag 1 inside out.

[0097] However, when using e.g. Figure 2 When constructing an airbag from the illustrated first blank 6, the top edges 10 and bottom edges 11 of the side panels 7 and 8 can be joined together, and the first edge 16 and second edge 17 of the first cutout 15 can be joined together. Thereafter, the airbag can be turned inside out by pushing the airbag through the gap between the first edge 16 and second edge 17 of the second cutout 15. Finally, the first edge 16 and second edge 17 of the second cutout 15 can be joined together. As a result, all seams, except for the seam between the first edge 16 and second edge 17 of the second cutout 15, are on the inside of the finished airbag.

[0098] Thus, the present invention provides a method of constructing an airbag as disclosed herein from a blank, the method comprising the steps of joining a first side panel and a second side panel together, then turning the airbag inside out by passing all or part of the blank through a gap between a first edge and a second edge of a cut, and then joining the edges of the cut together.

[0099] In the above discussion, airbags embodying the present invention are positioned to inflate between a vehicle occupant and the vehicle's interior sidewall. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, airbags embodying the present invention may be positioned to inflate between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of a vehicle (such airbags are referred to as "distal" airbags). Distal airbags help prevent seat occupants from being thrown out of the gap between the seats in a collision and are preferably strong and relatively thick airbags. Those skilled in the art will understand how the aforementioned technique of using lateral seams to control the shape and thickness of the airbag can be applied to construct an effective airbag of this type.

[0100] Airbags embodying the present invention may be used in other locations inside or outside any type of vehicle.

[0101] In use, the airbag will be rolled and / or folded, as is known in the art, and positioned within a housing. The housing may have one or more lines or regions adapted to rupture when the airbag inflates, allowing the airbag to emerge from the housing in a desired manner during deployment. The airbag may be mounted in a vehicle seat, and more specifically, in a side area of ​​the seat. However, this is not required.

[0102] When installed in a vehicle, the airbag will be connected to an inflator adapted to provide pressurized gas to the interior of the airbag to inflate the airbag during deployment. The inflator may be of any known type, such as a pyrotechnic inflator or an inflator with a compressed gas supply. Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the figure, an inflation hole 54 is shown, which will allow air to enter the airbag to inflate during use. In the example shown in the figures, the inflation hole 54 is arranged in the connecting region 9, but this is not essential, and one or more inflation holes can be provided in any suitable position.

[0103] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an airbag formed in accordance with the present invention may have significant advantages over known types of airbags and will provide additional protection to vehicle occupants.

[0104] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. These terms should not be interpreted as excluding the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0105] The present invention may also broadly include the parts, elements, steps, examples, and / or features mentioned or indicated in the specification individually, or in any and all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements, steps, examples, and / or features. In particular, one or more features of any embodiment described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment described herein.

[0106] Protection may be sought for any feature disclosed in any one or more of the publications cited herein in conjunction with the present disclosure.

[0107] Although certain exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited to only these embodiments. The claims should be interpreted literally, objectively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

1. An airbag comprising a first side panel and a second side panel facing each other, the first side panel and the second side panel being joined together at a main seam, wherein: A first lateral seam merges with and extends away from the main seam, terminating at a free end, wherein the first lateral seam is formed by opposing edges formed in the first side panel, the opposing edges being joined to each other.

2. The airbag of claim 1 , further comprising a second lateral seam that merges with the main seam, the second lateral seam extending away from the main seam on a side of the main seam opposite the first lateral seam and terminating at a free end, wherein the second lateral seam is formed by opposing edges formed in the second side panel, the opposing edges being joined to each other.

3. The airbag of claim 2, wherein the second lateral seam meets the main seam at or near a location where the first lateral seam meets the main seam.

4. An airbag according to any preceding claim, wherein the first lateral seam is located at or near the junction between the top surface of the airbag and the front surface of the airbag.

5. The airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first lateral seam is positioned at or near a junction between a bottom surface of the airbag and a front surface of the airbag.

6. An airbag according to any preceding claim, further comprising a third lateral seam that meets the main seam at a position spaced from the position where the first lateral seam and the main seam meet, the third lateral seam terminating in a free end and being formed by opposing edges formed in the first side panel or the second side panel, the opposing edges being joined to each other.

7. The air bag of claim 6 , further comprising a fourth lateral seam that meets the main seam at or near the location where the third lateral seam and the main seam meet, the fourth lateral seam terminating at a free end and being formed by opposing edges formed in the other of the first side panel or the second side panel, the opposing edges being joined to each other.

8. An airbag according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each side seam is formed by a cut formed in an edge of the first or second side panel, wherein the cut has opposing edges joined to each other.

9. The airbag of claim 8, wherein the opposing edges of the cutout are straight or substantially straight and meet each other at an angle at a meeting point.

10. An airbag module comprising an airbag according to any preceding claim arranged in a housing.

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