AIRBAG RESTRICTION SYSTEM FOR A SEAT FOR A ONE OCCUPANT OF A VEHICLE

Abstract

Airbag restraint system (40) for a seat (10) for an occupant (38) of a vehicle (12), wherein the seat (10) comprises a seat backrest (22) defining a cavity (36), and wherein the airbag restraint system (40) comprises: an airbag (42); a restraint strap (52); and a pulley system (58) with several pulleys (56); the airbag (42) comprises: an expandable body (44), wherein the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) is inflatable from a stowed position to a deployed position, and the expandable body (44) of the airbag restraint system (40) is deflated and stored in the cavity (36) defined by the seat backrest (22) of the seat (10) when the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) is in the stowed position, and wherein the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) surrounds a section (72) of the rib cage (50) of the occupant (38) when the expandable body (44) of the airbag restraint system (40) is in the deployed position; wherein the retaining strap (52) is connected to the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42), and wherein the retaining strap (52) comprises a belt (54) and the belt (54) of the retaining strap (52) defines a first end and a second end and the belt (54) is connected to a first point (A) and a second point (B) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42); wherein the belt (54) of the retaining strap (52) is wound around the several pulleys (56) of the pulley system (58); wherein the belt (54) of the retaining strap (52) is actuated by the pulley system (58) when the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) is inflated from the stowed position to the deployed position, and forces the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) to expand from the stowed position to the deployed position; wherein the extendable body (44) defines four corners (92A, 92B, 92C, 92D) which are each located at a rear section (90) of the extendable body (44); wherein the first end of the strap (54) of the retaining strap (52) is connected to the first point (A) of the airbag (42) and the first point (A) is located at a third corner (92C) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42); wherein the second end of the strap (54) of the retaining strap (52) is firmly connected to the second point (B) of the airbag (42) and the second point (B) is arranged along a top (84) on a front section (80) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42); and wherein when the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) inflates into the deployed position, the first end of the strap (54) of the retaining strap (52) pushes the first point (A) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) in a downward direction (100), while the second end of the strap (54) of the retaining strap (52) pushes the second point (B) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) in an outward direction (102) in the direction of the front section (80).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an airbag restraint system for a seat in a vehicle. The airbag restraint system comprises an airbag with an expandable body that surrounds a section of the rib cage of a seat occupant when the airbag is in a deployed position.

[0002] Some autonomous vehicles include seats with various features or characteristics not typically found in manually operated vehicles. For example, seats in an autonomous vehicle can recline at greater angles than those in manually operated vehicles. Furthermore, some types of autonomous vehicles may have seats that swivel or rotate relative to the vehicle floor.

[0003] It should be noted that conventional airbags may not always address some of the unique challenges faced by seats designed for autonomous vehicles. In particular, the reclined position of the occupant may compromise the effectiveness of the occupant airbag if the seat is in a reclined position during sudden deceleration in a vehicle collision. Furthermore, conventional seat belts may be unsuitable for an occupant who has rotated their seat so that they are no longer facing the front of the vehicle.

[0004] Although current vehicle seats fulfill their intended purpose, there is a need in the field for an improved approach to restraining an occupant in a vehicle seat.

[0005] US 2019 / 0016293 A1 discloses an airbag device that deploys from a seat backrest to protect the upper body of an occupant. The airbag shell consists of a torso support section and headrest sections that surround the occupant. A passive connecting element in the form of a webbing strap is provided to control the deployment; its function is limited to regulating the movement of the deployed airbag and limiting its maximum forward extension.

[0006] DE 10 2020 207 842 A1 describes a seat airbag in which a retaining cable is actively actuated by a drive device to control its deployment. The drive device, which can use a pulley to implement a simple pulling mechanism, pulls on the retaining cable to move the airbag cushion along a predetermined, curved path. The system thus serves to actively guide the airbag by means of a simple, targeted pull.

[0007] From DE 10 2019 100 816 A1, an airbag system is known with a retaining strap that is connected via a cable to a winding device. The function of this winding device is to wind up the cable after the airbag has deployed in order to eliminate unwanted slack in the system. The active actuation of the strap serves to tension the already deployed system. SUMMARY

[0008] The invention discloses an airbag restraint system for a seat for a vehicle occupant. The seat comprises a seat back that defines a cavity. The airbag restraint system comprises an airbag, a restraint strap, and a pulley system with multiple pulleys. The airbag comprises an expandable body. The expandable body of the airbag is inflatable from a stowed position to a deployed position, wherein the expandable body of the airbag restraint system is deflated and stored in the cavity defined by the seat back when the expandable body of the airbag is in the stowed position. The expandable body of the airbag surrounds a portion of the occupant's thorax when the expandable body of the airbag restraint system is in the deployed position. The restraint strap is connected to the expandable body of the airbag.The tether strap comprises a belt defining a first end and a second end, the belt being connected to a first point and a second point of the airbag's expandable body. The tether strap is wound around the multiple pulleys of the pulley system. The tether strap is actuated by the pulley system when the airbag's expandable body inflates from the stowed to the deployed position, forcing the airbag's expandable body to extend from the stowed to the deployed position. The expandable body defines four corners, each located at a rear section of the expandable body. The first end of the tether strap is connected to the first point of the airbag, and the first point is located at a third corner of the airbag's expandable body.The second end of the restraint strap is firmly connected to the second point of the airbag, and the second point is arranged along a top surface on a front section of the airbag's expandable body, whereby when the airbag's expandable body inflates into the deployed position, the first end of the restraint strap pushes the first point of the airbag's expandable body downwards, while the second end of the restraint strap pushes the second point of the airbag's expandable body outwards towards the front section.

[0009] In another aspect, the expandable body defines an anterior section.

[0010] In another aspect, the front section of the expandable body of the airbag faces the occupant who is in the seat when the expandable body is in the deployed position.

[0011] In one aspect, the expandable body of the airbag defines a top and a bottom.

[0012] In another aspect, the top of the airbag faces the roof lining of the vehicle's passenger compartment, and the bottom of the airbag faces the floor of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0013] In another aspect, the expandable body of the airbag defines an energy absorption section, with the energy absorption section being located on the front section along the top of the expandable body of the airbag.

[0014] In one aspect, the extendable body defines opposite sides, each corresponding to one of the sagittal sides of the occupant.

[0015] In another aspect, the opposite sides of the expandable body of the airbag are each oriented towards a corresponding sagittal side of the occupant when the expandable body of the airbag is in the deployed position.

[0016] In another aspect, the front section of the expandable body of the airbag limits the forward movement of the occupant, and the opposite sides of the expandable body of the airbag limit the occupant's lateral movement.

[0017] In one aspect, a seat for a vehicle occupant is disclosed. The seat comprises a seat back, which defines a cavity, and an airbag restraint system, which includes an airbag. The airbag comprises an expandable body that is inflatable from a stowed position to a deployed position, wherein the expandable body of the airbag restraint system is deflated and stored in the cavity defined by the seat back when the airbag's expandable body is in the stowed position. The airbag's expandable body surrounds a portion of the seat occupant's thorax when the airbag restraint system's expandable body is in the deployed position.

[0018] In another aspect, the seat is a special vehicle seat.

[0019] In another aspect, the expandable body defines an anterior section.

[0020] In one aspect, the front section of the expandable body of the airbag faces the occupant who is in the seat when the expandable body is in the deployed position.

[0021] In another aspect, the expandable body of the airbag defines a top and a bottom.

[0022] In another aspect, the top of the airbag faces the headliner of the vehicle's passenger compartment, and the bottom of the airbag faces the floor of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0023] In one aspect, the expandable body of the airbag defines an energy absorption section, with the energy absorption section being located at the front section along the top of the expandable body of the airbag.

[0024] In another aspect, an airbag restraint system for a seat for a vehicle occupant is disclosed. The seat comprises a seat back defining a cavity, the airbag restraint system comprising a restraint belt with a strap, a pulley system with multiple pulleys, wherein the strap of the restraint belt is wrapped around the multiple pulleys of the pulley system, and an airbag. The airbag comprises an expandable body that is inflatable from a stowed position to a deployed position, wherein the expandable body of the airbag restraint system is deflated and stored in the cavity defined by the seat back when the expandable body of the airbag is in the stowed position, and wherein the expandable body of the airbag surrounds a portion of the occupant's rib cage when the expandable body of the airbag restraint system is in the deployed position.The strap of the retaining belt is connected to the expandable body of the airbag and the strap of the retaining belt is actuated by the pulley system when the expandable body of the airbag is inflated from the stowed position to the deployed position, forcing the expandable body of the airbag to expand from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0025] Further areas of application will become apparent from the description provided here. It should be understood that the description and specific examples serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The drawings described here serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way; they show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a passenger compartment of a vehicle containing a seat, according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2A a schematic diagram of the in Fig. 1 seat shown, wherein an occupant sits on the seat and an expandable body of an airbag, which is part of the disclosed airbag restraint system, is in a stowed position, according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2B a schematic diagram of the seat in Fig. 2A, wherein the expandable body of the airbag expands from the stowed position into a deployed position, according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2C a schematic diagram of the seat in Fig. 2A, wherein the expandable body of the airbag is in the deployed position, according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of the airbag restraint system and a pulley system according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 4. A top view of the seat showing the airbag in an intermediate position, while the airbag restraint system moves from the stowed position into the deployed position. Fig. 5 shown unfolded position, according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 5. A top view of the seat when the airbag restraint system is in the deployed position, according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 6 a side view of the seat when the airbag is in the deployed position, according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application or uses.

[0028] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary seat 10 arranged in a passenger compartment 14 of a vehicle 12. In a non-restrictive embodiment, the vehicle 12 is an autonomous vehicle. However, it should be recognized that the disclosure is not limited to autonomous vehicles and that the seat 10 can also be used in manually operated vehicles. The vehicle 12 can be any type of vehicle, such as a sedan, truck, off-road vehicle, van, or motorhome, but is not limited to such types. In another embodiment, the vehicle 12 can be an aircraft or a watercraft. Furthermore, it should be recognized that while Fig. Figure 1 illustrates seat 10 as a permanently assigned vehicle seat, normally found in the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12. In one embodiment, seat 10 is another type of seat that is not a permanently assigned vehicle seat and is not normally found in the passenger compartment 14 of a vehicle 12. By way of example, in another embodiment, seat 10 is part of a wheelchair that is temporarily attached to the floor 30 of the vehicle 12.

[0029] The seat 10 comprises a seat shell 20, a seat backrest 22, a seat cushion 26, and a back cushion 28. The seat cushion 26 is supported by the seat shell 20, and the back cushion 28 is supported by the seat backrest 22 of the seat 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the seat backrest 22 includes an upper section 24 that serves as a headrest for an occupant 38 (as shown in Figure 1). Fig. 2A- Fig. (as shown in Figure C). The seat shell 20 is functionally connected to a floor 30 of the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12 by a supporting structure 32. In the example shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the support structure 32 allows the seat 10 to rotate in relation to the floor 30 of the vehicle 12; however, it should be acknowledged that Fig. 1 is merely exemplary and the seat 10 cannot be rotatable either. For example, in another embodiment, the support structure 32 can instead be a pair of seat rails. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, a seat belt 34 is provided for the seat 10. In one embodiment, the seat belt 34 is a three-point belt; however, it should be noted that other types of seat belts 34, such as a lap belt or a five-point belt, can also be used.

[0030] The Fig. Figures 2A-2C are schematic diagrams of seat 10 for an occupant 38 of the vehicle 12. Seat 10 includes an airbag restraint system 40, which is located in the Fig. 2A-2C is shown. With particular reference to the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2C, the airbag restraint system 40 comprises an airbag 42 with an expandable body 44 and a retaining strap 52 connected to the expandable body 44. The expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 has a stowed position (in Fig. 2A shown) and an unfolded position ( Fig. 2C). The expandable body 44 is placed in a cavity 36 (in Fig. (2A shown) stored, which is defined in the seat back 22 of the seat 10. In particular, the cavity 36 is located in the stowed position at the upper section 24 of the seat back 22.

[0031] Airbag 42 is deflated in its stowed position and is inflated with air to deploy from its stowed position into the Fig. 2B and Fig. To extend the unfolded position shown in 2C. In particular, it represents Fig. 2B the airbag restraint system 40, which extends from the stowed position into an intermediate position between the stowed position and the deployed position, and Fig. Figure 2C depicts the airbag restraint system 40 in the deployed position. The airbag 42 is fully inflated in the deployed position, as shown in Figure 2C. Fig. 2C shown. In the deployed position, the expandable body 44 of the airbag restraint system 40 surrounds a section of the thorax 50 (visible in the Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) of the inmate 38.

[0032] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the restraint strap 52 and the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42. The restraint strap 52 comprises a belt 54 that is connected to a first point A and a second point B of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42. In one embodiment, the belt 54 is made of a woven seatbelt material. Referring to the Fig. 2A, Fig. 2C and Fig. 3 The belt 54 of the restraint strap 52 is wound around several pulleys 56 of a pulley system 58. The extended belt 54 of the restraint strap 52 is actuated by the pulley system 58. As explained below, the actuation of the restraint strap 52 by the pulley system 58 forces the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 to move from its stowed position ( Fig. 2A) into the unfolded position ( Fig. 2C).

[0033] Fig. Figure 4 is a top view of seat 10 when the airbag restraint system 40 unfolds from the stowed position to the deployed position, and Fig. Figure 5 is a top view of seat 10 when the airbag restraint system 40 is in the deployed position. Referring to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 is inflated over the shoulders 46 and head 48 of the occupant 38 when the airbag 42 unfolds from the stowed position to the deployed position. With particular reference to Fig. When the airbag restraint system 40 is in the deployed position, the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 surrounds a section 72 of the occupant's 38 thorax 50. In particular, the rear section 74 of the occupant's 38 thorax 50 faces the seat back 22 of the seat 10. The section 72 of the occupant's 38 thorax 50 that surrounds the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 spares the rear section 74 of the occupant 38 that faces the seat back 22 of the seat 10.

[0034] With reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 has a front section 80 and opposing sides 82. The front section 80 and the two opposing sides 82 of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 are arranged such that they surround the section 72 of the chest 50. The front section 80 of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 faces the occupant 38 located on seat 10 when the expandable body 44 is in the deployed position. Each opposite side 82 of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 corresponds to one of the sagittal sides 64 (i.e., the left and right sides) of the occupant 38. The opposite sides 82 of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 face a corresponding sagittal side 64 of the occupant 38 when the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 is in the deployed position.Therefore, if the vehicle 12 stops abruptly and the airbag restraint system 40 deploys, the front section 80 of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 limits the forward movement of the occupant 38, while the opposite sides 82 of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 limit the lateral movement of the occupant 38 in the deployed position. The opposite sides 82 of the expandable body 44 can also provide additional side cushioning for a side-impact scenario. Once the airbag restraint system 40 deploys during an abrupt stop of the vehicle 12, the movement of the occupant 38's chest 50 is limited by the front section 80 and the opposite sides 82 of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42. In this way, the disclosed airbag restraint system 40 controls the movement of the occupant in the load scenarios of a frontal impact, an oblique frontal impact and a side impact.

[0035] Fig. Figure 6 is a side view of seat 10 when airbag 42 is in the deployed position. Referring to the Fig. 1, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 defines the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 as having a top 84 and a bottom 86, wherein the top 84 of the airbag 42 corresponds to the headliner 16 ( Fig. 1) facing the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12 and the underside 86 of the airbag 42 facing the floor 30 ( Fig. 1) facing the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12. In one embodiment, the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 defines an energy absorption section 88 (in the Fig. 5-6 (shown with dashed lines), which is located on the front section 80 along the top 84.

[0036] The energy absorption section 88 represents a section of the expandable body 44 that has an enlarged or increased volume compared to the rest of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42. With particular reference to Fig. 6 The enlarged volume of the energy absorption section 88 of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 absorbs energy generated when the upper body 78 of the occupant 38 pivots about a hip point H of the occupant 38 towards the front of the vehicle 12 when the vehicle 12 comes to an abrupt stop in a collision. The energy absorption section 88 of the expandable body 44 represents an area with an increased volume, resulting in improved or additional energy absorption by the airbag 42 when the occupant 38 pivots about the hip point H towards the front of the vehicle 12. Furthermore, it should be noted that in embodiments the energy absorption section 88 of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 may be omitted.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 3. The expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 defines a rear section 90 opposite the front section 80. The expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 defines four corners 92A, 92B, 92C, 92D, each located at a rear section 90 of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42. A first disc 56A of the pulley system 58 is located at the first corner 90A, which is located on the top 84 on one of the opposite sides 82 of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42. A second disc 56B of the pulley system 58 is located at the second corner 90B, which is located on the top 84 on the remaining opposite side 82 of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42. With reference to the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is a third disc 56C of the pulley system 58, like the second disc 56B, arranged on the same side 96 of the seat 10 (the sides 96 of the seat 10 are in the Fig. 4 and Fig. (5 shown). The third disk 56C, like the second disk 56B, is arranged on the same side 96 of the seat 10 along the seat backrest 22. With reference to the Fig. In embodiment 2A-2C, the third disk 56C can be arranged on a middle to lower section 98 of the seat backrest 22.

[0038] The strap 54 of the restraint strap 52 defines a first and a second end 94. The first end 94 of the strap 54 of the restraint strap 52 is connected to the first point A of the airbag 42. The first point A is located at the third corner 90C of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42. The second end 94 of the strap 54 of the restraint strap 52 is rigidly connected to the second point B of the airbag 42. The second point B is located along the top 86 of the front section 80 of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42. When the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 expands as shown in Fig. 5 shown in the unfolded position, inflates, the first end 94 of the strap 54 of the retaining strap 52 presses the first point A of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 in a downward direction 100 ( Fig. 3), while the second end of the strap 54 of the retaining strap 52 extends the second point B of the expandable body 44 of the airbag 42 in an outward direction 102 ( Fig.3) pushes in the direction of the front section 80.

[0039] With general reference to the figures, the disclosed airbag restraint system offers various technical effects and advantages. In particular, the airbag restraint system provides an approach to controlling occupant displacement in the load scenarios of a frontal, oblique frontal, and side impact by limiting occupant movement during the impact. It should be acknowledged that the airbag restraint system is advantageous to the occupant in situations where the seat is in a reclined position, such as when the seat is in a highly reclined position as part of an autonomous vehicle. Furthermore, some autonomous seats may be rotatable, and conventional seat belts may not be able to restrain an occupant if the seat has been rotated so that the occupant is no longer facing the front of the vehicle.The revealed airbag restraint system offers an approach to controlling occupant displacement in the load scenarios of a frontal impact, an oblique frontal impact and a side impact when the seat is rotated and no longer facing the front of the vehicle.

[0040] The description of the present revelation is merely exemplary, and it is intended that variations that do not deviate from the main content of the present revelation remain within its scope. Such variations should not be considered a deviation from the idea and scope of the present revelation.

Claims

[1] Airbag restraint system (40) for a seat (10) for an occupant (38) of a vehicle (12), wherein the seat (10) comprises a seat backrest (22) defining a cavity (36), and wherein the airbag restraint system (40) comprises: an airbag (42); a restraint strap (52); and a pulley system (58) with several pulleys (56); the airbag (42) comprises: an expandable body (44), wherein the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) is inflatable from a stowed position to a deployed position, and the expandable body (44) of the airbag restraint system (40) is deflated and stored in the cavity (36) defined by the seat backrest (22) of the seat (10) when the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) is in the stowed position, and wherein the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) surrounds a section (72) of the rib cage (50) of the occupant (38) when the expandable body (44) of the airbag restraint system (40) is in the deployed position; wherein the retaining strap (52) is connected to the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42), and wherein the retaining strap (52) comprises a belt (54) and the belt (54) of the retaining strap (52) defines a first end and a second end and the belt (54) is connected to a first point (A) and a second point (B) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42); wherein the belt (54) of the retaining strap (52) is wound around the several pulleys (56) of the pulley system (58); wherein the belt (54) of the retaining strap (52) is actuated by the pulley system (58) when the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) is inflated from the stowed position to the deployed position, and forces the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) to expand from the stowed position to the deployed position; wherein the extendable body (44) defines four corners (92A, 92B, 92C, 92D) which are each located at a rear section (90) of the extendable body (44); wherein the first end of the strap (54) of the retaining strap (52) is connected to the first point (A) of the airbag (42) and the first point (A) is located at a third corner (92C) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42); wherein the second end of the strap (54) of the retaining strap (52) is firmly connected to the second point (B) of the airbag (42) and the second point (B) is arranged along a top (84) on a front section (80) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42); and wherein when the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) inflates into the deployed position, the first end of the strap (54) of the retaining strap (52) pushes the first point (A) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) in a downward direction (100), while the second end of the strap (54) of the retaining strap (52) pushes the second point (B) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) in an outward direction (102) in the direction of the front section (80). [2] Airbag restraint system (40) according to claim 1, wherein the expandable body (44) defines a front section (80). [3] Airbag restraint system (40) according to claim 2, wherein the front section (80) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) faces the occupant (38) who is on the seat (10) when the expandable body (44) is in the deployed position. [4] Airbag restraint system (40) according to claim 2, wherein the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) defines a top (84) and a bottom (86). [5] Airbag restraint system (40) according to claim 4, wherein the upper side (84) of the airbag (42) faces the roof lining (16) of the passenger compartment (14) of the vehicle (12) and the lower side (86) of the airbag (42) faces the floor (30) of the passenger compartment (14) of the vehicle (12). [6] Airbag restraint system (40) according to claim 5, wherein the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) defines an energy absorption section (88), wherein the energy absorption section (88) is arranged on the front section (80) along the top (84) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42). [7] Airbag restraint system (40) according to claim 2, wherein the expandable body (44) defines opposite sides (82) which each correspond to one of the sagittal sides of the occupant (38). [8] Airbag restraint system (40) according to claim 7, wherein the opposite sides (82) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) are each facing a corresponding sagittal side of the occupant (38) when the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) is in the deployed position. [9] Airbag restraint system (40) according to claim 7, wherein the front section (80) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) limits the forward movement of the occupant (38) and the opposite sides (82) of the expandable body (44) of the airbag (42) limit the lateral movement of the occupant (38).

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