Airbags

Abstract

An airbag (1) for a safety device is disclosed. The airbag (1) comprises a pair of overlapping fabric layers (6, 7) interconnected by a perimeter seam (8) to define an inflatable chamber (9) between the fabric layers (6, 7) for receiving inflation gas. The perimeter seam (8) defines at least a portion of the perimeter of the inflatable chamber (9). The airbag (1) further comprises an integral fabric socket (14) defined between respective overlapping edge regions (11, 12) of the fabric layers (6, 7) exterior to the inflatable chamber (9), the fabric socket (14) configured to releasably receive and engage an anchor (15) for securing the airbag (1) in a desired position for use.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to airbags, and more particularly to airbags for safety devices having an inflatable chamber for receiving inflation gas. [Background technology]

[0002] Inflatable airbag devices are well known in the automotive industry. For a long time, airbags have been provided inside vehicles to protect occupants in the event of an accident, such as a collision. Such airbags deploy by inflation when the vehicle is about to collide or is colliding, cushioning the impact of the vehicle occupant against vehicle elements, such as the steering wheel or dashboard. Over time, it has become common to provide additional airbags at various locations throughout the cabin of a vehicle to provide additional or improved protection in the event of various specific types of accidents, such as rollover accidents and oblique impact collisions. For example, it is now common to provide automobiles with inflatable curtain airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, and airbags of different configurations for rear seat passengers. Some vehicles also include airbags positioned to deploy over a portion of the exterior of the vehicle to protect pedestrians or so-called vulnerable road users (VRUs), such as bicyclists or motorcyclists, who may be struck by the vehicle in an accident.

[0003] It has also been proposed to provide wearable personal protective devices intended to provide specific protection to designated body parts by placing an inflatable protective device near the particular body part to be protected. By wearing the inflatable protective device in a predetermined position on the body, when an accident is about to occur or has occurred, the inflatable protective device can be inflated to provide a cushioning effect to the designated body part to be protected. Alternatively, of course, the inflatable protective device can be pre-inflated by the user before commencing the hazardous activity and worn in that inflated state.

[0004] For example, it has been proposed to provide an airbag inside motorcycle clothing, such as a motorcycle jacket, to improve protection for motorcyclists in the event of an accident. In an exemplary configuration, a garment, such as a protective motorcycle jacket, typically has an airbag (e.g., hidden inside the lining of the garment) disposed in fluid communication with an inflator, such as a gas generator. The inflator is operatively associated with a crash or impact sensor (which may be provided within the garment itself or alternatively on the motorcycle) configured to provide an activation signal to the inflator when an impending or actual crash or impact is detected, thereby activating the inflator to inflate the airbag inside the garment. As will be appreciated, inflation of the airbag inside the garment provides a cushioning effect to the portion of the wearer's body around or over which the airbag is provided. For example, a motorcycle jacket equipped with an airbag protects the upper body of the motorcyclist wearing the jacket.

[0005] The main parameters of importance for airbag performance in terms of the cushioning effect provided are pressure and thickness, i.e., the peak internal gas pressure and maximum inflated thickness of the airbag achieved upon deployment. It is generally known that, within certain limits, greater inflated thickness and greater inflation pressure improve the performance of an airbag in terms of providing effective protection. However, in the specific case of wearable inflatable protective devices, it has been found that the space available within a wearable garment (such as a motorcycle jacket) is often very limited, making it very difficult to accommodate an airbag that reaches a significant thickness upon inflation. The limited space between the outermost layer of the garment and the wearer's body represents part of the problem in this context, as it limits the size to which the airbag can inflate between the wearer's body and the outermost layer of the garment. However, airbags configured to reach a relatively large thickness upon inflation contain more structural material (typically woven fabric) than airbags configured to reach a relatively small thickness, and therefore necessarily require more space even when uninflated (i.e., before deployment). A large amount of airbag fabric attached to a wearable garment can make the garment uncomfortable, especially for extended periods of time, as may be required in the case of a motorcycle jacket, for example.

[0006] Other alternative forms of wearable personal protection devices have been proposed that are less susceptible to certain of the problems described above. For example, it has been proposed to provide an airbag in an initially folded and / or rolled package inside an accessory such as a backpack, harness pack, or belt pack. While these devices can accommodate larger airbags having more structural material (typically woven fabric) than a motorcycle jacket, they can be considered cumbersome and inconvenient to wear. Also, these types of devices can be complex and therefore more expensive than necessary to manufacture.

[0007] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above.

[0008] It should be noted that while the present invention is described herein with particular reference to wearable protective devices intended to be worn about the upper body of a wearer, the present invention is not limited to wearable devices so configured. Rather, it is envisioned that the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of wearable forms, and may be configured to be worn, for example, about the hips, legs, knees, arms, elbows, feet, hands, or head of a wearer (it being understood that the foregoing list is merely exemplary and not exhaustive).

[0009] Furthermore, in its broadest sense, the present invention is not limited to wearable protection devices at all, but may be embodied in other types of airbag systems, such as airbags provided inside a motor vehicle (e.g., driver airbags, front seat passenger airbags, inflatable curtains, side airbags, knee airbags, and airbags of different configurations for rear seat passengers), or airbags provided outside a motor vehicle to protect pedestrians or so-called vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as cyclists or motorcyclists. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided an airbag for a safety device. The airbag comprises a pair of overlapping fabric layers interconnected by a perimeter seam to define an inflatable chamber between the fabric layers for receiving inflation gas. The perimeter seam defines at least a portion of the perimeter of the inflatable chamber. The airbag further comprises an integral fabric socket defined between respective overlapping edge regions of the fabric layers exterior to the inflatable chamber, the fabric socket configured to releasably receive and engage an anchor to secure the airbag in a desired position for use.

[0011] This configuration provides a very simple and convenient means for securely yet releasably connecting an attachment means, such as a strap, directly to the airbag. For example, a strap, such as a shoulder strap, chest strap, or belt, can be provided with an anchor configured to simply and easily releasably engage within the fabric socket to directly connect the strap to the airbag. In the case of a wearable airbag device, the releasable nature of the connection can allow for easy removal and replacement of the strap if, for example, it becomes damaged or worn through use. In other embodiments where the airbag is configured for use on or within a motor vehicle, a similarly configured attachment strap can be used to secure the airbag in place relative to the vehicle structure, thereby greatly simplifying installation of the airbag on or within the vehicle, as well as facilitating easy removal for subsequent maintenance or replacement.

[0012] Advantageously, the fabric socket comprises a cavity around which said edge regions of the fabric layers are interconnected to define the socket, the cavity having an opening distal to the inflatable chamber across which said edge regions of the fabric layers are not connected.

[0013] Optionally, said edge regions of the fabric layers are interconnected by a stitch formed around said cavity.

[0014] Alternatively, each of the fabric layers is woven and includes a plurality of threads, the threads of one of the layers interwoven with the threads of the other of the layers to interconnect the edge regions of the fabric layers around the cavity, thereby defining a socket.

[0015] Optionally, the yarns of one of the fabric layers are interwoven with the yarns of the other of the fabric layers across substantially the entire extent of the edge region of the fabric layers, except across the cavity of the socket, to define an edge seam that is integral to the structure of the layers and defines the socket within the edge seam.

[0016] The yarns of one of the fabric layers may be interwoven with the yarns of the other of the fabric layers to define the perimeter seam, whereby the perimeter seam is woven into and integral with the structure of the layers. In such a configuration, the edge seam within which the socket is defined may form part of the perimeter seam.

[0017] Conveniently, the opening is defined between the edges of the respective edge regions of the fabric layers.

[0018] Preferably, the cavity extends inwardly from the opening towards the expandable chamber.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cavity may have a shape such that its width, measured substantially parallel to the overlapping fabric layers, is greater proximal to the inflatable chamber than across the opening. Thus, in such a configuration, the opening, which forms the narrowest portion of the cavity, may be larger than the associated anchor, thereby ensuring secure retention of the anchor within the fabric socket.

[0020] An airbag may be provided in combination with an anchor that is releasably engaged within the fabric socket.

[0021] The anchors may be provided at the ends of attachment straps or tethers that extend out from the fabric sockets and away from that edge region of the fabric layer.

[0022] In some embodiments, it is envisioned that the anchor is completely received within the fabric socket so that it is hidden from view between the overlapped edge regions of the fabric layers. This may be particularly advantageous in the case of wearable airbags, where the appearance of the airbag in normal use may be important. Also, hiding the anchor within the fabric socket in this manner may mean that the anchor is less likely to be damaged or snagged during use.

[0023] The airbag may comprise a plurality of such fabric sockets, and optionally at least one, or alternatively all, of the fabric sockets may receive a respective anchor.

[0024] The airbag may be provided in the form of a wearable protection device for protecting at least one body part of a wearer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] In order that the invention may be more readily understood and further features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an uninflated airbag in the form of a vest worn by a user. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing the uninflated airbag of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 corresponds to FIG. 1 but shows the airbag in an inflated state to provide impact protection to the user. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 corresponds to FIG. 2 but shows the airbag in the inflated state of FIG. 3 to provide impact protection to the user. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing in more detail the area of ​​the airbag prior to connecting a pair of securing straps. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 5, but showing the process of connecting one of the securing straps to the fabric of the airbag. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram similar to FIGS. 5 and 6, but showing the securing straps connected to the fabric of the airbag. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view showing the securing straps used to secure portions of the airbag around the sides of the user's torso. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an alternative securing strap used to secure airbags of different configurations across the chest of a user. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an alternative securing strap used to secure the airbag across the user's back. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative device for facilitating connection of an airbag to a fabric mounting strap. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 11 but shows the fastening straps connected to the fabric of the airbag. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0027] 1 and 2 show an uninflated airbag 1 in the form of a wearable impact protection device being worn by a user 2. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the same airbag in an inflated, and therefore deployed, state. The illustrated embodiment is provided in the form of a vest worn around a user's torso 3 to provide impact protection to the user's torso 3. It can thus be seen that the airbag 1 is configured to extend across the user's chest, shoulders, and back. The illustrated airbag 1 comprises a front zipper 4 and a pair of adjustable fastening straps 5 on each side (only one pair of straps 5 on one side is shown in FIG. 2). The adjustable fastening straps 5 draw the front and rear regions of the airbag 1 together around the sides of the user's torso 3, enabling the airbag 1 to ensure a snug fit when worn, and are themselves adjustable in length in a known manner to accommodate users of various sizes.

[0028] The airbag 1 is formed from superimposed first and second fabric layers 6, 7, interconnected by a perimeter seam 8 that defines an inflatable chamber 9 therebetween for receiving inflation gas from an inflator (not shown), which may be integral with or fluidly connected to the airbag 1. The perimeter seam 8 therefore defines the perimeter of the inflatable chamber 9. As will be appreciated, only one (front and outward-facing) fabric layer 6 is clearly visible in Figures 1-4 because the other (rear and inward-facing) layer 7 is hidden from the user's body (or clothing).

[0029] It is proposed that the inflator may be operatively connected to a sensor (also not shown), such as an impact sensor or accelerometer, configured to output an activation signal to the inflator in response to detecting that the user 2 has fallen or been thrown from a motorcycle or the like during an accident. As will be appreciated, upon receiving such an activation signal, the inflator is activated to direct a quantity of inflation gas into the inflatable chamber 9 of the airbag, thereby inflating the airbag 1 to an inflated state, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. However, in other embodiments, it is envisioned that the inflator may be manually operated and may be configured to perform multiple operations.

[0030] Additionally, the two fabric layers 6, 7 are also interconnected by one or more seams 10 extending inward from the peripheral seam 9 as a re-entrant extension thereof to define a narrow non-inflatable region of the airbag 1. The narrow non-inflatable region defined by the seams 10 allows the airbag 1 to bend or curve around the user's torso 3 when the airbag 1 is inflated, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and in this state the airbag 1 has a significantly increased thickness and stiffness. Other non-inflatable regions may be defined by additional seams (not shown) provided within and separated from the peripheral seam 8.

[0031] The airbag 1 shown in Figures 1-4 is formed by a so-called "one-piece weaving" technique, in which the yarns of one fabric layer 6 are interwoven with the yarns of the other fabric layer 7 to define a perimeter seam 8 and a re-entrant seam 10. Seams 8, 10 are thus woven into and integral with the structure of fabric layers 6, 7.

[0032] 2 and 4, it should be noted that both of the securing straps 5 on each side of the airbag 1 are connected to the airbag 1 outside the inflatable chamber (i.e., outside the perimeter of the inflatable chamber 9 defined by the peripheral seam 8) between two pairs of overlapping edge regions 11, 12 of the respective fabric layers 6, 7. The configuration of a pair of these overlapping edge regions 11, 12 is shown in more detail in FIG.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5 , the edge regions 11, 12 of each of the fabric layers 6, 7 forming the airbag 1 are also interconnected over substantially their entire extent (indicated by the shaded areas) by the “one-piece weaving” technique described above. Thus, the yarns of one fabric layer 6 interweave with the yarns of the other fabric layer 7 across the shaded areas shown in FIG. 5 to define an interwoven edge seam 13 that is integrated into the structure of the fabric layers 6, 7 in the same manner as the peripheral seam 8. Indeed, in the configuration shown, the resulting edge seam 13 forms an enlarged, outwardly projecting portion of the peripheral seam 8 itself. Importantly, however, note that the edge regions 11, 12 of the fabric layers 6, 7 are not connected in the two non-shaded areas shown in FIG. 5 . Each of these non-connected regions of the fabric edge regions 11, 12 defines a fabric socket 14 for releasably receiving and engaging a respective anchor 15 (which may be metal or plastic) provided at the end of a respective securing strap 5.

[0034] Each fabric socket 14 is thus formed between the overlapped and unconnected areas of the edge regions 11, 12 of the fabric layers 6, 7, and effectively takes the form of a flexible pocket defining a cavity 16 around which the edge regions 11, 12 of the fabric layers 6, 7 are interconnected.

[0035] Each cavity 16 has an opening 17 distal to the inflatable chamber 9, the opening being defined between the overlapping and aligned edges 18, 19 of the fabric edge regions 11, 12. Each cavity 16 extends inward from its opening 17 toward the inflatable chamber 9 and terminates in a closed end having a central re-entrant protrusion 20 (formed by the interconnection of the fabric edge regions 11, 12) that extends into the cavity toward the opening 17. Note further that each cavity 16 has a stepped cross-section, including a relatively narrow neck region adjacent its opening 17 and a wider interior region near the inflatable chamber 9. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6 , the width w of each cavity, measured substantially parallel to the plane of the fabric, is greater proximal to the inflatable chamber 9 than across the opening 17 (w2).

[0036] FIG. 6 shows that the anchor 15 (provided at the end of the strap 5) is provided in one of the fabric sockets 14 for engagement. As can be seen from the arrow in FIG. 6 , the anchor is first inserted diagonally through the opening 17 into the cavity 16 of the socket 14, with one end 20 of the anchor 15 leading and the other end 21 following, between the overlapped and unconnected regions of the fabric edge regions 11, 12 that define the fabric socket 14. The leading end 20 of the anchor 15 is first inserted through the narrow neck region of the cavity 16 into the wider interior region of the cavity 16, after which the trailing end 21 is inserted into the wider interior region in a similar manner. The anchor 15 can then straighten out relative to the cavity 16 to assume the engagement position shown in FIG. 7 , where it is held in the fabric socket 14 by the narrow neck region. Other anchors 15 can be engaged with their respective fabric sockets 14 in the same manner.

[0037] As will be appreciated, the woven fabric of the first layer 6 and second layer 7 of the airbag 1 is flexible and may have a woven structure that facilitates slight stretching of the fabric, thereby allowing each fabric socket 14 to stretch somewhat to facilitate anchor insertion. However, it should be understood that such stretching of the fabric pockets 14 is not believed to be necessary, and embodiments are envisioned in which the size and geometry of the cavity 16 within each pocket is configured to facilitate insertion of the respective anchor and resist subsequent inadvertent removal of the anchor without requiring any stretching of the fabric.

[0038] 7, when each anchor 15 is engaged within its respective fabric socket 14, the anchor 15 is fully received within the cavity 16 of the fabric socket 14 such that it is hidden from view between the overlapped and unconnected fabric edge regions 11, 12 that define the fabric socket 14. Thus, the respective strap 5 to which each anchor 15 is attached extends out of the fabric socket 14 and away from the edge regions 11, 12 of the fabric layers 6, 7 through the opening 17.

[0039] As can be seen from FIG. 8, the manner in which each anchor 15 is fully received within its respective fabric socket 14 so as to be hidden from view provides an aesthetically unobtrusive connection between the anchor straps 5 and the airbag 1 and also reduces the likelihood of any anchor 15 becoming caught during use of the airbag 1.

[0040] Each anchor 15 may then be disengaged and removed from its respective fabric socket 14 by reversing the insertion process described above with reference to Figure 7. In this manner, each anchor 15 may be easily removed from its fabric socket 14, thereby facilitating convenient removal of the anchor strap 5 from, for example, the airbag 1.

[0041] While the present invention has been described above with particular reference to an embodiment in which the airbag 1 includes anchor straps 5 releasably connected around the sides of a user 2 wearing the airbag 1, it should be appreciated that other embodiments are contemplated in which the anchor straps 5 may be releasably connected to other regions of the airbag 1 to secure the airbag 1 around other parts of the user's body. By way of example only, FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an alternative configuration of the airbag 1, also provided for wear around the user's torso 3, but differing in shape from the airbag 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 described above. In this embodiment, for example, FIG. 9 illustrates a chest strap 5 and FIG. 10 illustrates a back strap 5, which are configured to adjustably interconnect regions of the airbag 1 across the user's chest and back, respectively. It will be appreciated that both of these straps are releasably connected to the airbag 1 in substantially the same manner as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8, via substantially identical anchors 15 (hidden from view) engaged in fabric sockets 14.

[0042] It should further be understood that some embodiments may take the form of an airbag that is not intended to be worn by a user, but instead is intended to be mounted inside or outside a vehicle. In such embodiments, substantially identical fabric pockets 14 and anchors 15 may be provided to provide a convenient, releasable connection between the airbag 1 and the vehicle structure.

[0043] Although the present invention has been described above with respect to a particular embodiment in which the edge regions 11, 12 of each of the fabric layers 6, 7 are interconnected around a fabric socket 14 by a "one-piece weaving" technique, such that the yarns of one fabric layer 6 interweave with the yarns of the other fabric layer 7 to define a woven edge seam 13 that is integral to the structure of the fabric layers 6, 7, other embodiments are envisioned. Figures 11 and 12, considered below, show one such example.

[0044] FIGS. 11 and 12 show the overlapped regions 11, 12, or respective fabric layers 6, 7. While the remainder of the airbag is not shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, it should be understood that the overlapped regions 11, 12 may form part of the airbag in a manner similar to the previously described embodiments and, therefore, are provided external to the inflatable chamber of the airbag. However, in this proposal, the overlapped fabric regions 11, 12 are not interconnected by a "one-piece weave" technique, but instead by a simple line of stitching 22 that defines the periphery of the fabric socket 14 between the overlapped edge regions 11, 12. It will be understood that in all other respects, the resulting fabric socket 14 is substantially identical in construction to the socket 14 described in detail above with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10. In particular, the socket 14 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 has a similarly shaped cavity, with a similar opening 17 formed between the overlapped and aligned edges 18, 19 of the fabric regions 11, 12. Cavity 14 is thus capable of releasably receiving and engaging anchor 15 in substantially the same manner as described above with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10.

[0045] The features disclosed in the above description or the following claims or the accompanying drawings, whether presented in a particular form or in terms of means for performing a disclosed function or methods or steps for conveniently obtaining a disclosed result, may be used separately or in any combination of such features to realize the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0046] While the present invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments set forth above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various modifications to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0047] For the avoidance of doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the reader, and the inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0048] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0049] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "have," "comprise," and "include," as well as variations such as "having," "comprises," "comprising," and "including," are understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0050] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context requires otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in reference to numerical values ​​is optional and can mean, for example, + / - 10%.

[0051] The terms "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein to refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits, under some circumstances. It is understood, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or different circumstances. Thus, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure or from the claims.

Claims

1. 1. An airbag (1) for a safety device, the airbag (1) comprising a pair of overlapping fabric layers (6, 7), the pair of overlapping fabric layers (6, 7) interconnected by a perimeter seam (8) to define an inflatable chamber (9) between the fabric layers (6, 7) for receiving inflation gas, the perimeter seam (8) defining at least a portion of the perimeter of the inflatable chamber (9), the airbag (1) further comprising an integral fabric socket (14) defined between respective overlapping edge regions (11, 12) of the fabric layers (6, 7) outside the inflatable chamber (9), the fabric socket (14) configured to releasably receive and engage an anchor (15) for securing the airbag (1) in a desired position for use.

2. 2. The airbag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fabric socket (14) comprises a cavity (16) around which the edge regions (11, 12) of the fabric layers (6, 7) are interconnected to define the socket (14), the cavity (16) having an opening (17) distal to the inflatable chamber (9) across which the edge regions (11, 12) of the fabric layers (6, 7) are not connected.

3. 3. The airbag (1) according to claim 2, wherein the edge regions (11, 12) of the fabric layers (6, 7) are interconnected by a seam formed around the cavity (16).

4. 3. The airbag (1) according to claim 2, wherein each of the fabric layers (6, 7) is woven and comprises a plurality of threads, the threads of one of the layers (6) interwoven with the threads of the other of the layers (7) so as to interconnect the edge regions (11, 12) of the fabric layers (6, 7) around the cavity (16), thereby defining the socket (14).

5. 5. The airbag (1) of claim 4, wherein the yarns of one of the fabric layers (6) are interwoven with the yarns of the other of the fabric layers (7) across substantially the entire extent of the edge region (11, 12) of the fabric layers (6, 7) except across the cavity (16) of the socket (14) to define an edge seam (13) that is integral with the structure of the layers (6, 7) and within which the socket (14) is defined.

6. 6. An airbag (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the yarns of one of the fabric layers (6) are interwoven with the yarns of the other of the fabric layers (7) to define the peripheral seam (8), whereby the peripheral seam (8) is woven into and integral with the structure of the layers (6, 7).

7. 6. An airbag (1) according to claim 5, wherein the yarns of one of the fabric layers (6) are interwoven with the yarns of the other of the fabric layers (7) to define the peripheral seam (8), whereby the peripheral seam (8) is woven into and integral with the structure of the layers (6, 7), and the edge seam (13) in which the socket (14) is defined forms part of the peripheral seam (8).

8. The airbag (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the opening (17) is defined between edges (18, 19) of the respective edge regions (11, 12) of the fabric layers (6, 7).

9. An airbag (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the cavity (16) extends inwardly from the opening (17) towards the inflatable chamber (9).

10. 10. The airbag (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the cavity (16) has a shape such that its width, measured substantially parallel to the superimposed fabric layers (6, 7), is greater proximal to the inflatable chamber (9) than across the opening (17).

11. An airbag (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, provided in combination with an anchor (15) releasably engaged in said fabric socket (14).

12. 12. The airbag (1) according to claim 11, wherein the anchors (15) are provided at the ends of attachment straps (5) or tethers that extend out of the fabric sockets (4) and away from the edge regions (11, 12) of the fabric layers (6, 7).

13. 13. The airbag (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the anchor (15) is completely received within the fabric socket (14) so ​​as to be hidden from view between the overlapped edge regions (11, 12) of the fabric layers (6, 7).

14. An airbag (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a plurality of said fabric sockets (14).

15. An airbag (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, provided in the form of a wearable protection device for protecting at least one body part (3) of a wearer (2).

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