Airbag arrangement

Abstract

An airbag arrangement (13) comprising an airbag (1, 10) configured for inflation by an inflation gas source, and formed of a first flexible fabric layer (2) and a second flexible fabric layer (3), the first flexible fabric layer and the second flexible fabric layer being arranged on top of each other to define an inflatable volume (6), the inflatable volume comprises a plurality of inflatable units (7, 8) located between the layers (2, 3) for receiving inflation gas. Each inflatable unit (7, 8) is configured for inflation to a respective inflated condition in which the inflatable unit has an inflated thickness (9a, 9b) measured between the first layer (2) and the second layer (3). The plurality of inflatable units comprises at least one pair of adjacent inflatable units (7, 8) comprising a first inflatable unit (7) and a second inflatable unit (8) separated from each other by a non-inflatable seam (5) along which the first layer (2) and the second layer (3) are closely interconnected. An impingement element (14) is provided outside the inflatable volume (6) of the balloon (1, 10) and extends from the first inflatable unit (7) to the second inflatable unit (8) to span the seam (5). The impact element (14) is configured to distribute an impact force (F) applied to the airbag (1, 10) in the region of the seam (5) to both the first inflatable unit (7) and the second inflatable unit (8) when the airbag (1, 10) is inflated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an airbag arrangement. More specifically, this invention relates to an airbag arrangement comprising an airbag configured for inflation by an inflatable gas source and which can be used as a protective device. Background Technology

[0002] Inflatable airbags are well-known in the automotive industry. Airbags have long been placed inside vehicles to protect occupants in the event of an accident, such as a collision. These airbags deploy by inflating in the event of an impending or ongoing vehicle collision to cushion the impact of the occupants on vehicle components such as the steering wheel or dashboard. Over time, it has become common to provide additional airbags in various locations throughout the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle to provide additional or improved protection in various specific types of accidents, such as rollovers and tilt-and-roll impacts. For example, it is now common practice to provide airbags in motor vehicles in the form of inflatable curtains, side airbags, knee airbags, and airbags with different configurations for rear-seat passengers. Some vehicles even include airbags that are partially deployed across the exterior of the vehicle to protect pedestrians or so-called vulnerable road users (VRUs) (such as cyclists or motorcyclists) who may be struck by the vehicle in an accident.

[0003] It has also been proposed to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to provide specific protection for designated body parts by placing an inflatable protective device near the specific body part to be protected. By wearing the inflatable protective device at a defined location on the body, the inflatable protective device can inflate in the event of an impending or ongoing accident, thereby providing a cushioning effect for the designated body part.

[0004] For example, it has been proposed to incorporate airbags within protective motorcycle clothing (such as motorcycle jackets) to provide improved protection for motorcyclists in the event of an accident. In an exemplary arrangement, the clothing (such as a protective motorcycle jacket) typically incorporates airbags (e.g., concealed within the lining of the clothing) arranged in fluid communication with an inflation pump (such as a gas generator). The inflation pump is operatively associated with a collision or impact sensor (which may be located within the clothing itself or alternatively on the motorcycle), configured to provide an actuation signal to the inflation pump upon detection of a possible or actual collision or impact, thereby actuating the pump to inflate the airbags within the clothing. It will be understood that inflating the airbags within the clothing will provide a cushioning effect to the areas of the wearer's body around or above where the airbags are located. For example, a motorcycle jacket with airbags would provide protection to the upper body of a motorcyclist wearing the jacket.

[0005] One of the key parameters concerning airbag performance in terms of the cushioning effect provided is the airbag's inflated thickness – the maximum inflated thickness the airbag reaches when deployed. Generally, and within certain limitations, it is known that a greater inflated thickness can improve airbag performance in providing effective protection. However, it has been found that in the case of inflatable wearable protective devices, it can be very difficult to incorporate an airbag that reaches a significant thickness upon inflation, due to the often very limited space available within wearable clothing (such as, for example, a motorcycle jacket).

[0006] Furthermore, it is generally not possible to provide an airbag that is constructed to achieve a significant inflated thickness around the entire relevant body part intended to be protected. For example, in the case of a jacket incorporating an airbag, it has been found necessary to divide the total inflatable volume of the airbag into multiple discrete inflatable units that are separated from each other by non-inflatable seams. This type of non-inflatable seam is needed to ensure that the airbag remains tightly fitted around the wearer when inflated and to effectively provide localized areas where the inflated airbag can bend to fit around the wearer's body. However, this type of non-inflatable seam can leave the area of ​​the wearer's body immediately behind the seam vulnerable to impact injuries because the inflated airbag will not have an effective inflated thickness in that specific area of ​​the seam, meaning the wearer is vulnerable to impacts (e.g., with small or sharp objects) in that area.

[0007] This invention was designed based on the above considerations.

[0008] While this invention is specifically described with reference to airbag arrangements provided in the form of wearable protective devices intended to be worn around the upper body of a wearer (such as in the form of a motorcycle jacket), it should be noted that the invention is not limited to such constructions of wearable devices. Rather, it is conceivable that the invention can be embodied in a wide range of wearable forms and can be provided or combined with, for example, a wide range of clothing or other wearable articles such as: vests, trousers, outer trousers, belts, suspenders, socks, gloves, boots, helmets, one-piece bodysuits, knee pads, shoulder pads, elbow pads, sleeves (the above list should be understood as merely exemplary and not exhaustive). Furthermore, the invention is not limited at all to wearable protective devices but can be embodied in other types of airbag arrangements, such as airbags located within a motor vehicle (e.g., driver's airbag, front passenger airbag, inflatable curtain, side airbag, knee airbag, and airbags of various constructions for rear passenger) or airbags located outside a motor vehicle to protect pedestrians or so-called vulnerable road users (VRUs) (such as cyclists or motorcyclists). Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, an airbag arrangement is provided, the airbag arrangement comprising an airbag configured for inflation by an inflatable gas source, and the airbag being formed of a first flexible fabric layer and a second flexible fabric layer, the first flexible fabric layer and the second flexible fabric layer being stacked to define an inflatable volume, the inflatable volume comprising a plurality of inflatable units located between the layers for receiving inflatable gas, each of the inflatable units being configured to inflate to a corresponding inflated condition, the inflatable unit having an inflated thickness measured between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the plurality of inflatable units comprises at least a pair of adjacent An inflatable unit, the at least one pair of adjacent inflatable units comprising a first inflatable unit and a second inflatable unit separated from each other by a non-inflatable seam, the first layer and the second layer being tightly interconnected along the non-inflatable seam, the airbag arrangement being characterized by providing at least one impact element located outside the inflatable volume and extending from the first inflatable unit to the second inflatable unit to cross the seam, the at least one impact element being configured to distribute the impact force of the airbag applied to the region of the seam to both the first inflatable unit and the second inflatable unit when the airbag is inflated.

[0010] It is conceivable that each non-inflatable joint will have a thickness of zero or near zero, and of course, a zero inflated thickness. The arrangement described above provides improved impact protection in specific areas of each non-inflatable joint. In summary, each impact element serves to prevent direct impact from an external object onto the joint. Because each impact element spans the uninflated joint, extending from one inflatable unit on one side of the joint to another inflatable unit on the other side, the impact element acts as a barrier across the joint, distributing the resulting impact load to the two adjacent inflatable units upon impact from an external object, thus ensuring that the inflatable units provide impact resistance even if an impact occurs between them. The impact element is configured to distribute the impact force of the airbag applied to the area of ​​the non-inflatable joint to the inflatable units on each side of the joint.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the impact elements has a first end region near the first inflatable unit, a second end region near the second inflatable unit, and a central region located between the end regions. The airbag arrangement is configured such that when the airbag is inflated to allow the first and second units to achieve their respective inflated conditions, the central region of each impact element presents a position spaced apart from the region of the seam spanned by the respective impact element. This can help further improve protection against impacts toward the seam between adjacent inflatable units, as the inflatable units can cushion the impact before the impact element directly strikes the uninflated seam.

[0012] Optionally, each of the impact elements has a hinged configuration.

[0013] Each of the impact elements may be configured to bend around an axis that is substantially parallel to a local area of ​​the joint spanned by the respective impact element.

[0014] It is proposed that each of the impact elements may be configured to be more flexible around the axis in a first direction than in the opposite second direction.

[0015] Conveniently, each of the impact elements can be configured to allow bending in the first direction and to restrict or prevent bending in the second direction. This may be particularly advantageous in arrangements where the airbag must bend or bend during normal use, such as, for example, where the airbag arrangement is located within or as part of a wearable garment. By configuring each impact element to allow bending in the first direction, the impact element can bend along with the airbag, which can improve comfort in the case of wearable garments. However, by configuring each impact element to restrict or prevent bending in the second direction, the performance of the impact element in distributing impact force to adjacent inflatable units can be maintained.

[0016] Optionally, each of the impact elements includes a row of discrete abutment members arranged adjacent to each other. The impact element may be configured such that each abutment member is arranged to abut and abut against adjacent abutment members to limit or prevent bending of the impact element in the second direction. The abutment members may be arranged to move apart from each other when the impact element bends in the first direction.

[0017] Each of the impact elements may be configured such that the adjacent member is located on the side of the impact element away from the airbag and the seam spanned by the impact element.

[0018] In some embodiments, it is proposed that the bending of each of the impact elements in the first direction can effectively cause or increase the concavity of the impact element toward the seam traversed by the impact element.

[0019] In some implementations, when inflated, the airbag is configured to bend around the seam in a direction corresponding to the first direction.

[0020] Each of the impact elements may have a monolithic construction. In some embodiments, it is proposed that each impact element may be molded or extruded.

[0021] Each of the impact elements may be attached to or abutted against: i) a region of the first inflatable unit, where the first inflatable unit achieves maximum inflated thickness when inflated; and ii) a region of the second inflatable unit, where the second inflatable unit achieves maximum inflated thickness when inflated.

[0022] Each impact element may be attached to or disposed separately from the airbag. For example, an embodiment is envisioned in which each of the impact elements is attached to one of the fabric layers forming the airbag. Other embodiments are envisioned in which each of the impact elements is separate from the airbag and disposed adjacent to one of the fabric layers forming the airbag for interaction with it. For example, in the case where the airbag arrangement is configured as part of a wearable garment such as a jacket, each impact element may be sewn into an outer textile covering (such as the lining of a jacket) containing the airbag so that it is held in position adjacent to the airbag for interaction in the event of an impact.

[0023] At least some of the plurality of inflatable units may be fluidly interconnected to form corresponding portions of an inflatable chamber. Alternatively or otherwise, at least some of the plurality of inflatable units may be fluidly isolated from each other, such that each inflatable unit defines at least a portion of a corresponding different inflatable chamber.

[0024] The airbag arrangement of the present invention can be configured as part of wearable clothing.

[0025] Optionally, the at least one impact element is made of a material less flexible than the fabric forming the layer.

[0026] Conveniently, the at least one impact element is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of: polymeric materials; elastomeric materials; plastic materials; and materials capable of elastic deformation. However, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, other materials are also suitable.

[0027] The present invention includes combinations of the described aspects and preferred features, unless such combinations are obviously not permitted or explicitly avoided.

[0028] Those skilled in the art will understand that, except in cases of mutual exclusion, the features or parameters described with respect to any of the foregoing aspects can be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except in cases of mutual exclusion, any feature or parameter described herein can be applied to any aspect and / or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To facilitate a clearer understanding of the invention and to recognize its further features, embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of an airbag having an inflatable volume, which includes a pair of inflatable units separated by a non-inflatable seam;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic front view showing the airbag arrangement in the form of a wearable vest;

[0032] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of an airbag having an inflatable volume comprising a pair of inflatable units separated by a non-inflatable seam, the airbag being configured in conjunction with an external impact element under a first condition;

[0033] Figure 4 is with Figure 3 The view roughly corresponds to the view shown, but it shows the impact element under an alternative second condition;

[0034] Figure 5 is with Figure 3 The view roughly corresponds to another view, but it shows an airbag bending around a non-inflatable seam and an impact element under an alternative third condition.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing more details of an optional configuration of an impact element combined with an airbag, depicted in a first condition;

[0036] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 An enlarged view of the impact element;

[0037] Figure 8 is with Figure 6 The view roughly corresponds to the view shown, but it shows the impact element under an alternative second condition;

[0038] Figure 9 This indicates that the third condition is an alternative. Figures 6 to 8 Side view of the impact element;

[0039] Figure 10 It indicates that it is under another condition. Figures 6 to 9 Side view of the impact element;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing an alternative configuration of the impact element;

[0041] Figure 12This is a schematic front view showing an airbag arrangement in the form of a wearable vest, combined with multiple impact elements;

[0042] Figure 13 is with Figure 12 The view is similar to the previous one, but it shows an airbag arrangement with multiple impact elements of different configurations; and

[0043] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the airbag arrangement combined with a wearable garment in the form of a jacket. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Various aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0045] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view penetrating a portion of an exemplary airbag 1 is shown, depicting the airbag 1 in an inflated configuration. In a conventional manner, the airbag 1 is formed of a first flexible fabric (such as a woven fabric) layer 2 and a second flexible fabric layer 3. The fabric layers 2 and 3 are stacked and interconnected by seams 4 and 5 to define an inflatable volume 6 between the layers 2 and 3 for receiving inflation gas from an inflation pump (such as a gas generator or compressor (not shown)). In the illustrated arrangement, seam 4 is shown as a peripheral seam surrounding the periphery of the airbag 1, while seam 5 is positioned inside the peripheral seam 4 to interconnect the fabric layers 2 and 3 by subdividing the inflatable volume 6 into a pair of inflatable units 7 and 8. Thus, each inflatable unit 7 and 8 defines a corresponding inflatable volume 6a and 6b. The inflatable units 7 and 8 may be fluidly interconnected to form corresponding portions of the same inflatable chamber defining the inflatable volume 6. Alternatively, the inflatable units 7 and 8 may be fluidly isolated from each other, such that each inflatable unit defines at least a portion of a corresponding different inflatable chamber.

[0046] The proposed seams 4 and 5 can be formed by sewing fabric layers 2 and 3 together, making seams 4 and 5 sewn seams. However, it should be noted that seams 4 and 5 can be formed by alternative techniques, and can be formed, for example, by fusing or bonding fabric layers 2 and 3 together (e.g., by applying heat or adhesive). In some embodiments, the proposed seams 4 and 5 can be woven and integral with the structure of the fabric layers 2 and 3 themselves. For example, the proposed airbag 1 can be formed by a so-called "integral weaving" technique, in which the yarns of one fabric layer 2 are interwoven with the yarns of the other fabric layer 3 to define seams 4 and 5.

[0047] Regardless of how seams 4 and 5 are formed, it should be understood that seam 5, extending between inflatable units 7 and 8, tightly interconnects the two fabric layers 2 and 3, and is therefore non-inflatable. This type of seam is often referred to as a so-called "zero-depth" seam, in which sense, the "zero-depth" seam will achieve zero depth (i.e., zero inflated thickness) when the airbag 1 is inflated. On the other hand, the inflatable units 7 and 8 on each side of seam 5 are configured to inflate to the corresponding inflated condition (e.g., Figure 1 (As illustrated), each inflatable unit 7, 8 has a corresponding inflated thickness 9a, 9b measured between the first fabric layer 2 and the second fabric layer 3. The inflated thicknesses 9a, 9b of adjacent inflatable units 7, 8 do not necessarily need to be equal, but in the illustrated arrangement they are equal.

[0048] Zero-depth seams (such as) Figure 1 The seams 5 shown may be useful to airbag designers because they allow the inflated airbag to bend, or at least accommodate a certain degree of curvature during inflation. For example, during inflation, Figure 1 The airbag 1 shown can be bent about the axis defined by the zero-depth seam 5, such that any one or each of the inflatable units 7, 8 can rotate about the zero-depth seam 5, as... Figure 1 The arrows in the diagram represent this. However, in the area of ​​the zero-depth seam 5, the airbag 1 provides a reduced level of impact protection. For example, if a concentrated impact force is applied to the airbag between the two inflatable units 7, 8 in the area of ​​the zero-depth seam 5, the airbag 1 will provide little or no effective impact protection because there is no inflated thickness in that area.

[0049] Figure 2 An airbag 1 of the general configuration described above is shown, which is in the form of a wearable protective device. Thus, the airbag 1 is shown in the form of an inflatable vest 10, which is configured to be worn around the torso of a human wearer (not shown). Therefore, as will be understood, the airbag 1 is provided with a fastening arrangement 11, such as a zipper, extending upward at the front of the vest 10 to allow the wearer to put on and take off the vest 10 in a conventional manner.

[0050] To ensure that vest 10 is correctly positioned to provide effective impact protection to the wearer's torso when inflated, it may be important that vest 10 is constructed to fit snugly around the wearer's torso to create a "close" fit. This has been found to be advantageous in ensuring that vest 10 remains in its intended position around the wearer's torso during normal wear (i.e., when deflated) so that the vest will be properly positioned when unfolded. However, it is also considered important that vest 10 maintains a close fit when inflated. Therefore, vest 10 is provided with multiple zero-depth seams 5 of the type described above to subdivide its inflatable volume 6 into multiple discrete inflatable units 7, 8 in the manner described above, and to accommodate sufficient curvature in vest 10 during inflation to maintain a close fit around the wearer's torso. Figure 2 As illustrated, the zero-depth seams 5 each extend generally vertically along the vest 10 to adapt to the curvature of the vest 10 around the wearer's longitudinal axis 12 when inflated. From Figure 2 It will also be apparent that the inflatable units 7 and 8, defined by the zero-depth seam 5, are fluidly interconnected around the ends of the zero-depth seam 5.

[0051] Figure 3 It corresponds to Figure 1 The view is a view of the present invention, but it shows an airbag arrangement 13 according to the present invention, which includes an airbag 1 combined with an impact element 14, the airbag having the same characteristics as described above and as shown below. Figure 1 The airbags shown are essentially the same in form. As illustrated, the impact element 14 is disposed outside the inflatable volume 6 of the airbag (which is contributed to by the inflatable volumes 6a and 6b of each inflatable unit 7, 8), and extends from the first inflatable unit 7 to the second inflatable unit 8 in a bridge manner, which spans the zero-depth seam 5 between the two inflatable units 7, 8.

[0052] The proposed impact element 14 can be formed from a material capable of elastic deformation and much less flexible than the fabric forming the airbag 1. Suitable materials for the impact element 14 include polymeric materials, elastomers, and plastics. In some proposals, it is envisioned that the impact element 14 can be formed via extrusion (e.g., along the axis of entry into the page, such as...). Figure 3 (As shown) Figure 3 Impact element 14 is shown in relaxed and undeformed conditions. As illustrated, impact element 14 may have a certain degree of curvature in its natural undeformed condition (e.g., recessed toward the zero-depth seam 5 below), although this is not necessary.

[0053] The first end region 15 of the impact element 14 is arranged close to the first inflatable unit 7, and the opposite second end region 16 is arranged close to the second inflatable unit 8. As will be noted, when the airbag 1 is inflated such that the inflatable units 7 and 8 achieve their respective inflated conditions, the central region 17 of the impact element 14 is positioned apart from the area of ​​the zero-depth seam 5 traversed by the impact element.

[0054] In some embodiments, the impact element 14 may be attached to the adjacent fabric layer 2 of the airbag 1 at its two end regions 15, 16. This can be achieved in any convenient manner, including, for example, by adhesive bonding or by sewing. However, embodiments in which the impact element 14 may be separate from the airbag 1 itself and simply disposed adjacent to the fabric layer 2 for interaction with it are also contemplated. For example, in arrangements in which the airbag 1 is disposed within or worn within protective clothing such as a jacket, the impact element 14 may be attached to the inner fabric lining of the jacket (not shown) to take the illustrated position adjacent to the fabric layer 2 in use. In this type of arrangement, the inner fabric lining of the jacket may extend between the impact element 14 and the adjacent fabric layer 2 of the airbag 1, such that the impact element 14 will interact with the airbag 1 through the fabric lining of the jacket. This can be useful because it allows the impact element 14 to be concealed within the structure of the jacket, between the jacket lining and the outer shell.

[0055] Therefore, if from Figure 3 Understood, the first end region 15 of the impact element 14 is attached to or abuts the region of the first inflatable unit 7 that substantially achieves its maximum inflated thickness 9a when inflated. Similarly, the second end region 16 of the impact element 14 is attached to or abuts the region of the second inflatable unit 8 that substantially achieves its maximum inflated thickness 9b when inflated. In this way, the central region 17 of the impact element 14 can be spaced as reasonably as possible from the zero-depth seam 5.

[0056] The impact element 14 effectively serves as a protective barrier across the area of ​​the zero-depth joint 5, thereby improving impact protection in the vulnerable area between adjacent inflatable units 7 and 8. Figure 4 An example is illustrated of an airbag arrangement 13 applied between two inflated units 7, 8, and thus an impact force F applied to the region of the zero-depth seam 5. The impact element 14 is configured to deform under the impact force F, thereby absorbing some of the impact energy. The impact element 14 also distributes the impact force F to the two inflated units 7, 8 adjacent to the zero-depth seam 5, such as... Figure 4The arrows Fa and Fb in the diagram represent the following. As will be observed, because the end regions 15 and 16 of the impact element 14 are attached to or abut against the regions of the corresponding inflatable units 7 and 8 that achieve substantially maximum inflated thickness 9a and 9b when inflated, the forces Fa and Fb are applied to the corresponding units at the points of maximum inflated thickness of the corresponding units 7 and 8, thereby maximizing energy absorption.

[0057] Now let's consider Figure 5 The diagram shows an airbag arrangement 13 in a position where the airbag 1 is bent around the zero-depth seam 5 in the manner previously described. It will be understood that in this position, the two illustrated inflatable units 7, 8 are positioned accordingly, in which they are already relative to each other... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The illustrated initial position is rotated around the zero-depth seam 5. Effectively, the airbag 1 is thus shown in a position where it has already bent around the zero-depth seam 5 in the direction represented by arrow 18. For example, this type of bending or curvature in the airbag 1 can be provided or adapted to allow… Figure 2 The vest-style airbag shown remains tightly fitted around the wearer's torso when inflated.

[0058] The impact element 14 can be configured to have sufficient flexibility in the first direction to allow the impact element to bend in unison with the airbag 1 when the airbag 1 bends around the zero-depth seam 5 in the illustrated direction 18, such that the end regions 15, 16 of the impact element 14 remain attached to or abutting the respective inflatable units 7, 8, where substantially maximum inflated thickness 9a, 9b is achieved during inflation. For example, by means of... Figure 3 Comparison will lead to understanding. Figure 5 Therefore, an impact element 14 is shown under the condition that it bends in a first direction represented by arrow 20 about an axis 19 (onto page) that is substantially parallel to a local area of ​​the zero-depth seam 5 traversed by the impact element 14. In some proposals, the impact element 14 may be configured to bend about an axis 19 that substantially coincides with the zero-depth seam 5. The bending direction 20 of the impact element 14 will be understood to correspond to the bending direction 18 of the airbag 1, and thus effectively increases the concavity of the impact element 14 toward the zero-depth seam 5. By allowing bending in the first direction 20, the impact element 14 is thus configured to adapt to the curvature or bending in the airbag 1, so that the airbag 1 can be properly shaped to provide effective impact protection when inflated.

[0059] Although the impact element 14 is configured to allow bending in the first direction 20 (thus increasing the concavity toward the zero-depth joint 5), it is preferable that it is configured to resist, limit, or prevent bending in the opposite second direction (e.g., Figure 5(represented by the dashed arrow 21 in the diagram), which enables the impact element 14 to maintain its ability to absorb and distribute the impact force F applied to the airbag arrangement 13 in the region of the zero-depth seam 5, such as... Figure 4 As represented in the diagram. Therefore, the impact element 14 can be configured to be more flexible about the axis 19 in the first direction 20 than in the opposite second direction 21.

[0060] In some implementations, it is proposed that the impact element 14 may have a hinged configuration. Figures 6 to 10 An example of this is shown, illustrating a particular configuration of an impact element 14 with an integral structure, which can be formed, for example, from a plastic material capable of elastic deformation via extrusion.

[0061] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It shows its natural and undeformed conditions (similar to) Figure 3 The impact element 14 (illustrated schematically) exhibits a degree of curvature recessed towards the zero-depth seam 5 below. The impact element 14 includes a continuous support base wall 22 having an outer surface arranged facing the fabric of the airbag 1 and the zero-depth seam 5. In the illustrated arrangement, the base wall 22 has a sinusoidal profile. A plurality of ribs 23 project from the base wall 22 in a spaced-apart relationship, each rib 23 extending away from the airbag 1. Each rib 23 terminates at a generally rectangular abutment member 24 distal to the support base wall 22. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As will be understood, the adjacent members 24 are thus disposed on the side of the impact element 14 away from the airbag 1 and the zero-depth seam 5, and are arranged adjacent to each other in a row extending from the first end 15 to the second end 16 of the impact element 14. In the illustrated arrangement, under the natural and undeformed conditions of the impact element 14, the adjacent members 24 are very slightly spaced from each other, such that a small gap 25 is provided between each adjacent pair of adjacent members 24.

[0062] Figure 8 It shows that it is in the same position as Figure 4 The schematic diagram illustrates an impact element 14 under similar conditions, wherein an impact force F is applied to the central region of the impact element 14 spanning the underlying zero-depth joint 5. As will be understood, when the initial force F is applied, the base wall 22 of the impact element 14 deforms, causing the initially spaced adjacent members 24 to move toward each other. During this initial phase of force application, the impact element 14 absorbs energy primarily through the deformation of the base wall 22. Figure 9 The arrow marked F+ indicates that the additional applied force can effectively move the adjacent members 24 further toward each other until the gap 25 between them is completely closed and each adjacent member 24 abuts and rests against its adjacent adjacent member 24, as shown in the image. Figure 9As shown, this limits or prevents further bending of the impact element in the second direction 21. In these cases, any additional energy absorption provided by the impact element 14 will be caused by deformation of the adjacent member 24.

[0063] Figure 10 The above reference shows the condition of bending about axis 19 in the first direction 20. Figures 6 to 9 The impact element 14 of the described type, with Figure 8 In contrast, this figure illustrates the ability of the impact element 14 to bend further in the first direction 20 than in the second direction 21. As will be observed, during the bending of the impact element 14 in the first direction 20, the adjacent members 24 move apart from each other, thereby increasing the size of the gap 25 between them. Because the bending of the impact element 14 in the first direction 20 is facilitated only by the deformation of the supporting base wall 22, which is arranged to face the airbag 1 ( Figure 10 (not shown in the figure), so it should be understood that the impact element 14 can be bent relatively easily in the first direction 20 to a degree significantly greater than that possible in the second direction 21, even to the point that the first end 15 and the second end 16 of the impact element 14 are allowed to come together as illustrated.

[0064] Figure 11 An alternative configuration of the impact element 14 is illustrated, which is similar in several respects to the one referenced above. Figures 6 to 10 The arrangements described and shown in these figures are very similar. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent parts of the alternative impact elements. Figure 11 The impact element shown is Figures 6 to 9 The most significant difference between the impact elements shown is that, Figure 11 In the illustrated variant, the support base wall 22 does not have a sinusoidal profile, but is a smooth and simple bow shape under the natural and undeformed conditions of the impact element 14.

[0065] Now let's consider Figure 12 It shows something similar to Figure 2 The inflatable vest 10 shown is in the form of an airbag, but it is equipped with multiple external impact elements 14 of the type described above. As will be observed, the multiple impact elements 14 span each zero-depth seam 5 and are thus used to improve the impact protection provided by the airbag 10 between adjacent inflatable units 7, 8 in the region of the zero-depth seam 5 in the manner described above. Because each of the impact elements 14 is configured to be relatively easy to bend in a first direction, effectively increasing its concavity toward the downward-facing zero-depth seam 5, they are able to adapt to the required degree of bending in the airbag 11 to ensure that it remains tightly fitted around the wearer's torso when inflated.

[0066] It should be understood that, although Figure 12The vest airbag 10 shown has a plurality of discrete impact elements 14 that span each zero-depth seam 5 at spaced intervals along the length of the seam 5, but other variations are possible. For example, it is proposed that the plurality of impact elements 14 arranged across each zero-depth seam 5 could be arranged more than Figure 12 The examples are more closely spaced and can be arranged adjacent to each other, for example, along the seams 5, with little or no effective gap between them. In other variations, each seam 5 may be associated with only a single impact element 14. Figure 13 An example of such an arrangement is illustrated, wherein a single, relatively long impact element 14 spans substantially the entire length of each zero-depth joint 5. In this type of arrangement, it is proposed that each impact element 14 will have the same characteristics as described above. Figures 6 to 11 The cross-sectional configuration described and shown in these figures differs only in the increased length of the impact element 14 in the direction of extension of the zero-depth joint 5 below. This type of arrangement can provide additional impact protection in the following areas.

[0067] As already noted, the airbag arrangement 13 according to the invention can be combined with wearable clothing or configured as part of wearable clothing. For example, as Figure 14 As illustrated in the text, such as Figure 12 or Figure 13 The illustrated vest-style airbag 10 can be provided in conjunction with protective clothing such as a motorcycle jacket 26. In one such example, the inflatable vest airbag 10 can be configured as a separate component from the jacket 26, worn under the jacket 6 while riding a motorcycle. In such an arrangement, impact protection elements 14 can be configured separately from the airbag 10 itself, as part of the jacket 26. For example, impact protection elements 14 can be disposed between the inner fabric lining (not shown) of the jacket 26, located between the lining and the outer shell of the jacket 26, and can be attached to the inner lining at a position where they are properly aligned with the zero-depth seam 5 of the airbag 10 when the jacket is worn over the airbag 10. Alternatively, the impact elements 14 can be directly attached to the outermost layer of the fabric forming the airbag 10. In other proposals, an airbag arrangement 13 including the airbag 10 (where the impact elements 14 are directly attached to the airbag) can be configured as part of the jacket 26 itself, and can be positioned, for example, between the fabric lining of the jacket and the outer shell of the jacket.

[0068] Features disclosed in the foregoing specific embodiments, in the appended claims, or in the drawings, expressed in their particular form or according to means for performing the disclosed functions or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, may, where appropriate, be used alone or in any combination of such features to implement the invention in various forms.

[0069] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the foregoing exemplary embodiments, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon presentation of this disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0070] To avoid any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are intended to enhance the reader's understanding. The inventor does not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0071] Any chapter headings used in this document are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter.

[0072] Throughout this specification, including the following claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the words “have,” “comprise,” and “include,” and their variations (such as “having,” “comprises,” “comprising,” and “including”) shall be understood to imply inclusion of the stated integer or step or group of integers or steps, but not to exclude any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0073] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” a particular value and / or to “about” another particular value. When such ranges are expressed, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation using the antecedent “about,” it should be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to numerical values ​​is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

[0074] As used herein, the terms "preferred" and "ideally" refer to embodiments of the invention that provide certain benefits in some circumstances. However, it should be understood that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. Therefore, the description of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply or suggest that other embodiments are useless, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of this disclosure or from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An airbag arrangement (13) comprising an airbag (1, 10) configured to be inflated by an inflatable gas source, the airbag being formed of a first flexible fabric layer (2) and a second flexible fabric layer (3) stacked together to define an inflatable volume (6), the inflatable volume comprising a plurality of inflatable units (7, 8) located between the layers (2, 3) for receiving inflatable gas, each of the inflatable units (7, 8) configured to be inflated to a corresponding inflated condition, the inflatable unit having an inflated thickness (9a, 9b) measured between the first layer (2) and the second layer (3), wherein the plurality of inflatable units (7, 8) comprises at least one pair of adjacent inflatable units (7, 10). 8), the at least one pair of adjacent inflatable units includes a first inflatable unit (7) and a second inflatable unit (8) separated from each other by a non-inflatable seam (5), the first layer (2) and the second layer (3) being closely interconnected along the non-inflatable seam, the airbag arrangement (13) being characterized by providing at least one impact element (14) located outside the inflatable volume (6) and extending from the first inflatable unit (7) to the second inflatable unit (8) to cross the seam (5), the at least one impact element (14) being configured to distribute an impact force (F) to both the first inflatable unit (7) and the second inflatable unit (8) when the airbag (1, 10) is inflated.

2. The airbag arrangement (13) according to claim 1, wherein each of the impact elements (14) has a first end region (15) near the first inflatable unit (7), a second end region (16) near the second inflatable unit (8), and a central region (17) located between the end regions (15, 16), the airbag arrangement (13) being configured such that when the airbags (1, 10) are inflated such that the first unit (7) and the second unit (8) achieve their respective inflated conditions, the central region (17) of each impact element (14) presents a position spaced apart from the region of the seam (5) spanned by the respective impact element (14).

3. The airbag arrangement (13) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the impact elements (14) has a hinged configuration.

4. The airbag arrangement (13) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the impact elements (14) is configured to bend about an axis (19) substantially parallel to a local area of ​​the seam (5) spanned by the respective impact element (14).

5. The airbag arrangement (13) according to claim 4, wherein each of the impact elements (14) is configured to be more flexible about the axis (19) in a first direction (20) than in the opposite second direction (21).

6. The airbag arrangement (13) according to claim 5, wherein each of the impact elements (14) is configured to allow bending in the first direction (20) and to restrict or prevent bending in the second direction (21).

7. The airbag arrangement (13) according to claim 6, wherein each of the impact elements (14) comprises a row of discrete abutment members (24) arranged adjacent to each other; the impact elements (14) are configured such that each abutment member (24) is arranged to abut and abut against the adjacent abutment members (24) to limit or prevent the bending of the impact element (14) in the second direction (21), and wherein the abutment members (24) are arranged to move apart from each other when the impact element (14) bends in the first direction (20).

8. The airbag arrangement (13) according to claim 7, wherein each of the impact elements (14) is configured such that the adjacent member (24) is disposed on the side of the impact element (14) away from the airbag (1, 10) and the seam (5) spanned by the impact element (14).

9. The airbag arrangement (13) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: each The bending of the impact element (14) in the first direction (20) can effectively cause or increase the concavity of the impact element (14) toward the seam (5) crossed by the impact element (14).

10. The airbag arrangement (13) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein when inflated, the airbag (1, 10) is configured to bend around the seam (5) in a direction (18) corresponding to the first direction (20).

11. The airbag arrangement (13) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the impact elements (14) has an integral construction.

12. The airbag arrangement (13) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the impact elements (14) is attached to or abuts: i) a region of the first inflatable unit (7), where the first inflatable unit (7) achieves maximum inflated thickness (9a) when inflated; and ii) a region of the second inflatable unit (8), where the second inflatable unit (8) achieves maximum inflated thickness (9b) when inflated.

13. The airbag arrangement (13) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the airbag arrangement is configured as part of a wearable garment.

14. The airbag arrangement (13) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one impact element (14) is made of a material less flexible than the fabric forming the layers (2, 3).

15. The airbag arrangement (13) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one impact element (14) is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of: polymeric materials; elastomeric materials; plastic materials; and elastically deformable materials.

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