Wearable safety system including an airbag that is part of the system and a harness that supports the airbag - Patent Application 20070122999

Abstract

An airbag configured to be part of a wearable safety system that allows for the provision of face protection is provided. The airbag (100) comprises a C-shaped neck portion (4) having a mouth portion (9) mating with a central opening (10) configured to receive a user's neck. The neck portion (4) is adapted to partially encircle the user's neck. The airbag further comprises first and second elongated face portions (5) extending from the C-shaped neck portion (4) in regions opposite the mouth portion (9), each face portion (5) having two opposing long sides. A first attachment portion (20) of one of the two opposing long sides of the first face portion (5) is attached to an inner peripheral edge portion (23) of the central opening (10) in a region adjacent to the first edge portion (12) of the mouth portion (9), and a first attachment portion (22) of one of the two opposing long sides of the second face portion (5) is attached to the inner peripheral edge portion (23) of the central opening (10) in a region adjacent to the second edge portion (12) of the mouth portion (9). Further provided is a wearable safety system comprising a harness (200).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable safety system comprising an airbag configured to be part of a wearable safety system capable of providing face protection, and a harness worn around the torso of a wearer that supports such an airbag. [Background technology]

[0002] The placement of an airbag as part of a backpack harness, where the airbag inflates and deploys in the event of an accident to provide head and / or face protection, is well known in the art. To provide an efficient system, it is important that the airbag be designed so that it can inflate and reach its fully deployed state very quickly. It is also important that inflation is not unduly hindered by the wearer's clothing or the harness design, and in particular that at least the deployed airbag covers the relevant parts of the body. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide an airbag that is part of a wearable safety system that provides effective face protection, and to provide a safety system that includes a harness that supports such an airbag.

[0004] The airbag should be designed to easily conform to the wearer's body during inflation and in its deployed state.

[0005] The airbag should provide protection to at least a portion of the wearer's facial area.

[0006] The wearable system must be applicable for commuting, construction work, outdoor activities, or even extreme sports.

[0007] It is also preferable that the airbag, when viewed in its inflated state, does not interfere excessively with the helmet.

[0008] These and other objects which will become apparent from the following summary and description are achieved by a wearable safety system according to the appended claims.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an airbag configured to be part of a wearable safety system capable of providing face protection, the airbag having, when viewed in a flat, uninflated state: a C-shaped neck portion defining a mouth that merges with a central opening configured to receive a user's neck, the neck portion being enabled to partially encircle the user's neck; first and second elongated face portions extending from the C-shaped neck portion at opposite regions of the mouth, each face portion having two opposing long sides; A first attachment portion of one of the two opposing long sides of the first face portion is attached to the inner peripheral edge portion of the central opening in a region adjacent to the first edge portion of the mouth portion, and a first attachment portion of one of the two opposing long sides of the second face portion is attached to the inner peripheral edge portion of the central opening in a region adjacent to the second edge portion of the mouth portion.

[0010] Thus, an airbag configured to be part of a wearable safety system that provides face protection is provided. To ensure adequate coverage of both the face and chest area, the airbag must fit snugly around the user's face and body when inflated and deployed. The C-shaped neck portion, which defines a mouth that merges with the central opening, creates a robust closure around the user's neck, with the mouth configured to be positioned adjacent to the user's cheeks. When inflated, the substantially round neck portion thus formed helps guide other portions of the airbag, such as the first and second face portions, into position over the user's face. This guidance is facilitated not only by the C-shaped body itself, but also by the first and second first-type attachment portions of the first and second elongated face portions. These attachment portions are attached to the inner peripheral edges of the central opening of the neck portion, on either side of the neck portion's mouth, in areas adjacent to the neck portion's mouth. The first and second elongated face portions therefore merge and extend from the rear end of the C-shaped neck portion in the region opposite the mouth to the front end of the C-shaped neck portion adjacent the mouth. This causes the airbag, in an inflated and deployed state, to form one portion that extends primarily around the user's neck and one portion that extends primarily above the neck portion from the rear of the user's neck toward the user's facial region. Thus, such an inflated and deployed airbag not only protects the user's facial region, but also surrounds and protects the neck.

[0011] Each first attachment portion preferably has an elongated shape that allows for an elongated connection to the inner peripheral connection portion of the central opening. It is advantageous if each attachment portion has a length that allows for connection along at least 5-25% of the total length of the inner peripheral connection portion of the central opening.

[0012] The first and second elongated face portions may extend from the C-shaped neck portion in an area along the outer periphery of the C-shaped body or from the inner periphery of the central opening of the C-shaped body, preferably in either location symmetrically extending from the C-shaped neck portion at a location opposite the mouth.

[0013] When the first and second elongated face portions extend from the C-shaped neck portion in a region along the outer peripheral edge of the C-shaped body, the two elongated face portions are folded substantially through 180° because their attachment portions are attached to the respective inner peripheral edge of the central opening in a region adjacent the respective edge of the mouth.

[0014] The airbag may further include first and second elongated chest portions extending from the C-shaped neck portion on either side of the mouth in an area adjacent the mouth, the chest portions configured to provide protection to the chest region of the user when the airbag inflates and deploys.

[0015] The second attachment portion on one of the two opposing long sides of the first elongated face portion may be attached to the first chest portion, and the second attachment portion on one of the two opposing long sides of the second elongated face portion may be attached to the second chest portion. Attachment may be achieved, for example, by sewing, welding, or adhesive bonding. Other connection means may be used, such as mechanical connection means in the form of buttons or rivets. This type of connection between the two face portions and the two chest portions has been shown to contribute to improved fit to the user's body and therefore better protection during inflation and deployment. The first attachment portion of each face portion may be positioned closer to the neck portion than the second attachment portion.

[0016] The first and / or second attachment portions of the first and second elongated face portions may be provided as tabs that project away from the outer peripheral edge of the airbag. By positioning the tabs so that they project away from the peripheral edge rather than toward the interior of the airbag, there is no excessive flow restriction during inflation. Also, impact forces on the intended fastening areas between the attachment portions and the mating attachment areas on the inner peripheral connection portion of the central opening of the neck portion and the connection portion on the chest portion are lower.

[0017] The first and second elongated face portions may extend from the C-shaped neck portion at a common location or at different locations along the perimeter of the airbag.

[0018] The airbag may further comprise first and second shoulder portions, each of which may comprise at least one, and preferably at least two, elongated connecting portions at which the first and second walls of the airbag are connected. Providing elongated connecting portions has been shown to be highly effective in facilitating conformance of the shoulder portions to the wearer's body. The elongated portions have an extension from the rear to the front of the wearer's body. In particular, an elongated shape has been shown to provide surprisingly better conformability than a circular shape.

[0019] The airbag may further include a gas inlet portion configured to be connected to an inflator, the gas inlet portion being located at a position between the first and second elongated face portions, a position between the elongated face portion and the shoulder portion, or at an inner peripheral edge portion of the central opening of the C-shaped neck portion.

[0020] The airbag may be woven together to define a single inflatable cavity.

[0021] Alternatively, the airbag may be formed by two panels joined by sewing, welding, or adhesive bonding to define a single inflatable cavity.

[0022] The first and second elongated face portions may be formed separately from the C-shaped neck portion and joined to the C-shaped neck portion to define a single inflatable cavity.

[0023] The airbag may be integrally woven to define a single inflatable cavity, and the first and second elongated face portions may be detached from the integrally woven airbag at a first location and then reattached to the airbag at a different location. This allows for better loom layout and greater design freedom when integrally weaving the airbag. For example, the elongated face portions may be woven by extending from the outer periphery of the C-shaped neck portion. After weaving, the elongated face portions may be detached and then reattached to the inner periphery of the central opening of the C-shaped neck portion.

[0024] The first and second elongated face portions may be detached from the outer peripheral edge portion of the C-shaped neck portion and reattached to the inner peripheral edge portion of the central opening.

[0025] The airbag may include one or more tethers. The tethers may be integrated into the airbag during weaving, known in the art as woven-in tethers (WIT). Tethers may also be provided as straps, springs, or seams that are placed during the manufacture of the airbag. Tethers, whatever their type, may be used to control and / or facilitate deployment of the airbag when it is inflated.

[0026] One of the two opposing wall portions at the interface between the C-shaped neck portion and the first and second elongated face portions may be provided with a biasing member configured to facilitate separation of the two opposing wall portions during inflation of the airbag. The biasing means may be a tether or a seam. The biasing means may even be a combination of a tether and a seam. The seam may form a fold. Separating the two wall portions may provide faster and more uniform inflation.

[0027] According to another aspect, the present invention refers to a wearable safety system comprising a harness worn on the torso of a wearer, the harness supporting an airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the C-shaped neck portion, first and second elongated face portions, and first and second shoulder portions of the airbag being received in an upper portion of a back panel of the harness, and the first and second chest portions being received in respective shoulder straps of the harness. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings which show an example of one currently preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 discloses one embodiment of an airbag forming part of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 very schematically discloses one approach to manufacturing an airbag. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 discloses a second embodiment of an airbag forming part of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 discloses a third embodiment of an airbag forming part of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a schematic front view of the airbag in an inflated and deployed state when worn on a user's body. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a side view of the airbag in an inflated and deployed state when worn on a user's body. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a rear view of the airbag in an inflated and deployed state when worn on a user's body. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 discloses one embodiment of a harness forming part of a wearable system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and to convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout.

[0030] 1, a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an airbag 100 is disclosed in its flattened state. The airbag 100 is configured to be folded and / or rolled into a compact body before being placed in a harness.

[0031] The airbag 100 is formed as one single inflatable cavity 1. The cavity 1 is defined by a first wall 2 and a second wall 3 which are arranged flat one above the other, so only one of the two walls 2, 3 is shown.

[0032] The airbag 100 may be woven together to define a single inflatable cavity 1. This is known in the art as one-piece weaving (OPW). Alternatively, the airbag 100 may be formed from two panels that are joined by sewing, welding, or adhesive bonding to define the single inflatable cavity 1. The first wall 2 and second wall 3 are substantially identical.

[0033] The airbag 100 is divided into different imaginary "sections" for ease of explanation and understanding of the invention: a C-shaped neck section 4, first and second elongated face sections 5, two shoulder sections 6, and two chest sections 7. These sections 4, 5, 6, 7 are all imaginary sections and are part of a single inflatable cavity 1. The two elongated face sections 5, the two shoulder sections 6, and the two chest sections 7 radiate out from the central C-shaped neck section 4.

[0034] The airbag 100 has a peripheral edge portion 8. The edge portion 8 is continuous. Depending on how the airbag 100 is formed, the edge portion 8 may have different properties. In the case of a woven airbag, the edge portion 8 may be a woven portion having locally increased thickness or locally high strength. The edge portion may also be viewed as a fold. In the case of a sewn or welded airbag, the edge portion 8 may be a fold, a seam, or a weld. The edge portion may have a uniform width. Alternatively, it may have a non-uniform width. The edge portion may be provided with a locally formed tab that may be used when connecting the airbag to a harness.

[0035] The C-shaped neck portion 4 is configured to partially surround the user's neck when the airbag 100 is inflated. The C-shaped neck portion 4 forms a mouth 9 that merges with a central opening 10. The central opening 10 is configured to receive the user's neck. The peripheral portion 8 is continuous and thereby extends along two opposing edges 12 along the mouth 9 and also along an inner peripheral edge 11 of the central opening 10. The central opening 10 is preferably substantially circular or oval.

[0036] The airbag 100 is preferably substantially mirror-symmetrical about a longitudinal centerline L extending along two opposing edges 12 of the mouth 9. Therefore, unless otherwise noted, only one side of the airbag 100 will be described in detail below. First and second elongated face portions 5 extend from the C-shaped neck portion 4 in regions opposite the mouth 9. The elongated face portions 5 are disclosed as extending from the C-shaped neck portion 4 at a common location. Those skilled in the art will understand that the two functional elongated face portions 5 may extend from different locations along the peripheral edge portion 8.

[0037] Each elongated face portion 5 is disclosed as having a first section 13 disposed proximate to the C-shaped neck portion 4 and a second section 14 disposed at a free end thereof. A width W2 of the second section 14 is disclosed as exceeding the width W1 of the first section 13. The second section 14 is configured to extend across the user's face when the airbag 100 is to be inflated.

[0038] The second sections 14 are each provided with an elongated connecting portion 15 at which the two walls 2, 3 of the airbag 100 are connected. The connecting portions 15 contribute to the shaping of the face portion 5 as seen in the inflated state, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0039] The two shoulder portions 6 are disposed between the two face portions 5 and the two chest portions 7. Each shoulder portion 6 is disclosed as having two elongated connecting portions 16 at which the two walls 2, 3 of the airbag 100 are connected. The provision of the elongated connecting portions 16 has been shown to be highly effective in facilitating the conformity of the shoulder portions 6 to the user's body. The elongated connecting portions 16 have extensions extending from the rear to the front of the user's body. In particular, the elongated shape has been shown to provide surprisingly better conformability than a circular shape.

[0040] The two elongated chest portions 7 extend from the C-shaped neck portion 4 on either side of the mouth 9 in an area adjacent to the mouth 9. Thus, the two chest portions 7 extend from the C-shaped neck portion 4 in areas opposite the two elongated face portions 5. The chest portions 7 are configured to provide protection to the chest region of the user when the airbag 100 is to inflate and deploy.

[0041] Each chest section 7 is disclosed as having an elongated connecting portion 17 where the two walls 2, 3 of the airbag 100 are connected. The connecting portion 17 is configured to facilitate conformance of the chest section to the user's body.

[0042] Each connection portion 17 is disclosed as being provided with a through opening 18. The openings 18 are configured to allow the airbag 100 to be removably connected to a harness. This may be done by a button or T-shaped member configured to be received in the opening. Those skilled in the art will understand that other types of connectors may also be used. The openings may even be omitted.

[0043] The airbag 100 further comprises a gas inlet portion 19. The gas inlet portion 19 is configured to be connected to an inflator, not disclosed, in a manner that is per se well known in the art and will not be described further.

[0044] The gas inlet portion 19 is shown as being located at a position between one of the elongated face portions 5 and the shoulder portion 6. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other positions are equally possible. By way of example, the gas inlet portion 19 may be located at a position between two elongated face portions 5 or at a position along the inner periphery 11 of the central opening 10 of the C-shaped neck portion 4. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the airbag 100 may include two or more gas inlet portions. Whatever the position, it is preferable to select the position so that the airbag 100 inflates and deploys substantially symmetrically in the event of an accident.

[0045] Each elongated face portion 5 has two opposing long sides. One of the two opposing long sides of each face portion 5 includes a first attachment portion 20. The first attachment portion 20 is provided as an elongated tab 21. The tab 21 projects away from the peripheral edge 8 of the airbag 100. By positioning the tab 21 so that it projects away from the peripheral edge 8 rather than toward the interior of the airbag 100, there is no excessive flow restriction during inflation.

[0046] The first attachment portions 20 are configured to be attached to respective inner peripheral connecting portions 23 of the central opening 10 in areas adjacent to the opposing edges 12 of the mouth 9. The first and second connecting portions 20, 22 are disposed on opposite sides of the mouth 9. The attachment may be performed by sewing, welding, or adhesive bonding. Alternatively, the attachment may be performed by any mechanical connecting means, such as buttons or rivets.

[0047] Each first attachment portion 20 preferably has an elongated shape that allows for an elongated connection to a respective inner circumferential connecting portion 23 of the central opening 10. It is advantageous if each first attachment portion 20 has a length that allows for connection along at least 5-25% of the total length of the inner circumferential connecting portion 23 of the central opening 10.

[0048] Furthermore, one of the two opposing long sides of each face portion 5 is provided with an optional second attachment portion 22. The first attachment portion 20 and the second attachment portion 22 are preferably arranged along the same long side. The first attachment portion 20 is arranged closer to the neck portion 4 than the second attachment portion 22. The second attachment portion is provided as a tab 24. The tab 24 protrudes away from the outer peripheral edge 8 of the airbag 100. This prevents excessive flow restriction during inflation.

[0049] The second attachment portions 22 are configured to be attached to the first and second chest portions 7, respectively. The second attachment portions 22 are configured to be attached to the respective chest portions 7 at connection portions 25 where the two walls 2, 3 making up the airbag 100 are connected. The attachment may be done by sewing, welding or adhesive bonding. Alternatively, the attachment may be done by any mechanical connection means such as buttons or rivets.

[0050] To enable the first and second attachment portions 20, 22 to be attached to their respective connecting portions 23, 25, the two elongated face portions 5 must be folded in a direction toward the respective chest portions. This is indicated diagrammatically by the arrows in Figure 1. When the first and second elongated face portions 5 extend from the C-shaped neck portion 4 in the region along the outer peripheral edge 8 of the airbag 100 as indicated in Figure 1, the two elongated face portions 5 are folded over substantially 180°. This folding occurs in the region indicated by A in Figure 1.

[0051] It should be emphasized that the first attachment portion 20 and the second attachment portion 22 are attached to the respective connection portions 23, 25 along the inner peripheral connection portion 23 of the central opening 10 and to the chest portion 7 before the airbag 100 is folded and / or rolled in a suitable manner that allows the airbag 100 to be received in a harness of a wearable article.

[0052] The airbag 100 may include one or more tethers 26. The tethers 26 may be integrated with the airbag 100 during weaving of the airbag 100. This is known in the art as weaving-in tethers (WIT). The tethers 26 may also be provided as straps, springs, or seams that are placed during the manufacture of the airbag 100. The tethers 26, whatever their type, may be used to control and / or facilitate the deployment of the airbag 100 as it inflates. One such tether 26 is very generally shown in each shoulder portion 6. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of tethers and their location may vary within the scope of the present invention.

[0053] One of the two opposing wall portions 2, 3 at the interface between the C-shaped neck portion 4 and the first and second elongated face portions 5 may be provided with a biasing member 27 configured to facilitate local separation of the two opposing walls 2, 3 during inflation of the airbag 100. The biasing means 27 may be a tether or a seam. The biasing means may even be a combination of a tether and a seam. The seam may be arranged to form a fold in one of the two walls. The biasing means 27 is preferably arranged in region A where a fold is formed when the two elongated face portions 5 are folded in a direction toward the respective chest portion 7 to allow the first and second attachment portions 20, 22 to be attached to the respective connecting portions 23, 25.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 2 , an alternative approach to manufacturing the airbag 100 is disclosed. As mentioned above, the airbag 100 may be woven integrally to define a single inflatable cavity. However, the so-called one-piece weaving (OPW) technique has some limitations regarding the positioning of the two elongated face portions. From an inflation and deployment standpoint, it is sometimes more preferable to have the elongated face portion 5 extend from the periphery of the central opening 10 of the C-shaped neck portion 4. However, this positioning is difficult to achieve from a weaving standpoint. The advantage of arranging the elongated face portion 5 to extend from the inner periphery of the central opening 10 is that it allows for faster inflation and therefore faster deployment of the airbag 100 in the event of an accident. A 180° fold is not required. To overcome this, the technique described below may be used.

[0055] The airbag 100 is woven integrally to define a single inflatable cavity 1. An elongated facial portion 5 is woven to extend from a perimeter edge 8 of the airbag 100.

[0056] After weaving, the elongated face portion 5 is separated by cutting. The thus-separated face portion 50 is reattached in a different position, such as along the periphery 11 of the central opening 10 of the C-shaped neck portion 4. The periphery 11 of the central opening 10 is provided with an elongated tube 28 to facilitate reattachment. Any remaining portion 29 after the elongated face portion 5 is cut off may be used as a gas inlet portion. Those skilled in the art will understand that the joint between the two parts to be attached may be formed in several ways that will not be described further.

[0057] This method of one-piece weaving of a single inflatable cavity 1 and then cutting and reattaching the sections 5, 50 allows for better loom layout and greater design freedom when weaving the airbag 100 together.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in yet another embodiment, the first and second elongated face portions 5 may be formed separately from the C-shaped neck portion 4 and joined to the C-shaped neck portion 4 to define a single inflatable cavity 1.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of an airbag 100' is disclosed. The embodiment of FIG. 3 has the same overall design as that described above with reference to FIG. 1. The two elongated face portions 5 are mirrored relative to the embodiment of FIG. 1, differing slightly in the design of the second section 14. First elongated attachment portions 20 are disposed along two opposing long sides of the first and second elongated face portions 5. Similar to the first embodiment of FIG. 1, the two elongated attachment portions 20 are configured to be connected to respective inner peripheral connection portions 23 of the central opening 10 in regions adjacent to opposing edge portions 12 of the mouth 9. Attachment may be achieved by sewing, welding, or adhesive bonding, or by using mechanical connection means such as buttons or rivets. It is advantageous if each attachment portion 20 has a length that allows connection along at least 5-25% of the entire length of the inner peripheral connection portion 23 of the central opening 10.

[0060] The embodiment of Figure 3 does not have any attachment parts configured to connect to the two chest sections 7. Furthermore, as a further difference from the embodiment of Figure 1, the edge of the central opening 10 of the C-shaped neck section 4 is provided with a gas inlet 19 configured to be connected to a gas injector, not disclosed.

[0061] 4, a third embodiment of an airbag 100'' is very schematically disclosed. A gas inlet 19 is arranged at a position between the two elongated face portions 5.

[0062] 5A-5C, three different views of an airbag 100 according to the present invention are shown in its inflated and fully deployed state and worn on the body of a wearer. The airbag 100 is of the same type as that shown in FIG.

[0063] 5A discloses a front view from which it is possible to see how the chest portion 6 and shoulder portions 7 extend over the chest region and shoulders of the wearer, and how the second sections 14 of the first and second elongated face portions 5 extend over the facial region. Tabs 24 of the two second attachment portions 22 are shown connecting to respective connection portions 25 of the two chest portions 7. It should be emphasized that the two first attachment portions that connect to respective connection portions of the central opening of the C-shaped neck portion are hidden when the airbag 100 is inflated, and therefore are not shown in FIGS. 5A-5C.

[0064] 5B discloses a side view from which it is possible to see how the chest portion 6 and shoulder portion 7 of the airbag 100 extend over the chest region and shoulders, and how the first and second sections 14 of the first and second elongated face portions 5 extend over the facial region. In particular, it can be seen how the different widths W1 and W2 of the first and second sections 13 and 14 of the elongated face portion 5 allow the user to wear a helmet if desired. It can also be seen how the airbag 100 communicates, via the gas inlet 19, with a gas generator 201 supported by a back panel 202 forming part of the harness 200.

[0065] 5C discloses a rear view from which it can be seen how two elongated face portions 5 extend from the C-shaped neck portion 4 and fold substantially 180° (see arrows) to allow protection of the user's facial region. A gas injector 201, supported by a rear panel 202 of the harness 200, is connected to the gas inlet 19, which in this embodiment is located at a position between one of the two shoulder portions 6 and the elongated face portions 5.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 6, one embodiment of a harness 200 is disclosed that is worn around the torso of a wearer. The harness is thus part of a wearable safety system. The harness 200 is disclosed as being part of a backpack. The airbag (not shown) itself has a design as described above and is folded and / or rolled before being placed within the harness. The C-shaped neck portion, first and second elongated face portions, and first and second shoulder portions of the airbag are received in an upper portion of the back panel of the harness. The first and second chest portions are received in respective shoulder straps of the harness.

[0067] The back panel and two shoulder straps each have split lines that allow for controlled rupture when the airbag is inflated.

[0068] Thus, the present invention relates to an airbag configured to be part of a wearable safety system that provides face protection. To ensure good coverage of both the face and chest area, the airbag must fit snugly around the user's face and body when inflated and deployed. A C-shaped neck portion having a mouth that merges with a central opening creates a robust closure around the user's neck. When the substantially round neck portion thus formed is inflated, it helps guide other parts of the airbag, such as the first and second face portions, into position over the user's face. This guidance is facilitated not only by the C-shaped body itself, but also by the first and second first-type attachment portions of the first and second elongated face portions. These attachment portions are attached to the inner peripheral edge portions of the central opening of the neck portion, respectively, on either side of the neck portion's mouth, in regions adjacent to the neck portion's mouth. Thus, the first and second elongated face portions merge and extend from the rear end of the C-shaped neck portion in regions opposite the mouth to the front end of the C-shaped neck portion adjacent to the mouth. In this way, in an inflated and deployed state, the airbag forms a portion that extends primarily around the neck of the user and a portion that extends primarily above the neck portion from the rear of the user's neck toward the user's facial region, so that the inflated and deployed airbag not only protects the user's facial region but also surrounds the neck.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications of the embodiments described herein are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An airbag configured to be part of a wearable safety system capable of providing face protection, the airbag, when viewed in a flat, uninflated state, having: a C-shaped neck portion defining a mouth that merges with a central opening configured to receive a user's neck, the neck portion being enabled to partially encircle the user's neck; a first elongated face portion and a second elongated face portion extending from the C-shaped neck portion in opposite regions of the mouth, each face portion having two opposing long sides; a first attachment portion of one of the two opposing long sides of the first face portion attached to an inner peripheral edge portion of the central opening in a region adjacent to a first edge portion of the mouth, and a first attachment portion of one of the two opposing long sides of the second face portion attached to an inner peripheral edge portion of the central opening in a region adjacent to a second edge portion of the mouth.

2. 2. The airbag of claim 1, wherein the first elongated facial portion and the second elongated facial portion extend from the C-shaped neck portion in an area along an outer periphery of the airbag or from the inner periphery of the central opening of the C-shaped neck portion.

3. 2. The airbag of claim 1, further comprising first and second elongated chest portions extending from the C-shaped neck portion on either side of the mouth in a region adjacent the mouth.

4. 4. The airbag of claim 3, wherein a second attachment portion of one of the two opposing long sides of the first elongated face portion is attached to the first chest portion, and a second attachment portion of one of the two opposing long sides of the second elongated face portion is attached to the second chest portion.

5. 5. The airbag of claim 4, wherein the first attachment portion and / or the second attachment portion of the first elongated facial portion and the second elongated facial portion are provided as tabs that project away from an outer peripheral edge of the airbag.

6. 2. The airbag of claim 1, wherein the first elongated facial portion and the second elongated facial portion extend from the C-shaped neck portion at a common location or at different locations along the perimeter edge of the airbag.

7. 2. The airbag of claim 1, further comprising a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion, each shoulder portion comprising at least one, and preferably at least two, elongated portions to which the first and second walls of the airbag are connected.

8. 10. The airbag of claim 1, further comprising a gas inlet portion configured to be connected to an inflator, the gas inlet portion being disposed at a position between the first elongated face portion and the second elongated face portion, a position between an elongated face portion and a shoulder portion, or an inner peripheral edge portion of the central opening of the C-shaped neck portion.

9. 10. The airbag of claim 1, wherein the airbag is woven together to define a single inflatable cavity, or the airbag is formed by two panels joined by sewing, welding, or adhesive bonding to define a single inflatable cavity.

10. 2. The airbag of claim 1, wherein the first elongated face portion and the second elongated face portion are formed separately from the C-shaped neck portion and are joined to the C-shaped neck portion to define a single inflatable cavity.

11. 10. The airbag of claim 1, wherein the airbag is integrally woven to define a single inflatable cavity, and the first elongated facial portion and the second elongated facial portion are detached from the integrally woven airbag at a first location and then reattached to the airbag at a different location.

12. 12. The airbag of claim 11, wherein the first elongated facial portion and the second elongated facial portion are detached from an outer peripheral edge portion of the C-shaped neck portion and reattached to an inner peripheral edge portion of the central opening.

13. The airbag of claim 1 , wherein the airbag comprises one or more tethers.

14. 2. The airbag of claim 1, wherein one of two opposing wall portions at an interface between the C-shaped neck portion and the first and second elongated facial portions is provided with a biasing member configured to facilitate separation of the two opposing wall portions during inflation of the airbag.

15. 10. A wearable safety system comprising a harness worn around a wearer's torso, the harness supporting the airbag of claim 1, the C-shaped neck portion, the first elongated face portion, the second elongated face portion, and the first shoulder portion, the second shoulder portion of the airbag being received in an upper portion of a back panel of the harness, and the first chest portion, the second chest portion being received in respective shoulder straps of the harness.

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