An airbag

Abstract

An airbag (1) for a safety arrangement is disclosed. The airbag (1) comprises a pair of superimposed flexible layers (5, 6) interconnected by a peripheral seam (7) to define an inflatable chamber (8) having an outer periphery (9) and configured for the receipt of inflating gas between the flexible layers (5, 6). The airbag (1) has an inlet channel (38) defined by superimposed inlet regions of respective said flexible layers (5, 6), the inlet channel (38) being in fluid communication with said inflatable chamber (8) for connection to a source of inflating gas. The inlet channel (38) is located within the outer periphery (9) of said inflatable chamber (7); and said inlet regions of said flexible layers are each defined by a flap (30, 31) cut from a respective said flexible layer (5, 6).

Description

[0001] AN AIRBAG

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an airbag. More particularly, the present invention relates to an airbag for a safety arrangement, the airbag having an inflatable chamber for the receipt of inflating gas and an inlet channel for connection to a source of inflating gas.

[0004] Background

[0005] Inflatable airbag arrangements are known in the automotive industry. For a long time, airbags have been provided in the interior of vehicles to protect occupants in the case of accidents such as crashes. Such airbags are deployed by inflation in the event of an imminent or ongoing vehicle crash, to cushion the impact of a vehicle occupant against elements of the vehicle such as the steering wheel or the dashboard. Over time, it has become common to provide additional airbags at various positions throughout the cabin of a motor vehicle to provide additional or improved protection in the case of various types of accidents such as, for example, rollover accidents and oblique impact crashes. For example, it is now common practice to provide motor vehicles with airbags in the form of inflatable curtains, side airbags, knee airbags, and airbags of different configurations for rear seat passengers. Some vehicles even comprise airbags arranged to deploy across parts of the exterior of the vehicle to protect pedestrians of so-called Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), such as cyclists or motorcyclists, in the event that they might be struck by the vehicle in an accident.

[0006] It has also been proposed to provide wearable personal protection devices which are intended to provide specific protection to designated body parts by arranging inflatable protection devices in the vicinity of a certain body part to be protected. By wearing an inflatable protection device at a defined position on the body, the inflatable protection device may be inflated in the event of an imminent or ongoing accident to provide a cushioning effect for that designated body part. Alternatively, of course, an inflatable protection device may be pre-inflated by a user before commencing a hazardous activity, and may be worn in its inflated condition. Such wearable devices are considered to be of particular benefit to riders of so-called ‘powered two-wheeler’ vehicles (hereinafter referred to PTWs) such as motorcycles or scooters, or even pedal cycles.For example, it has been proposed to provide airbags inside motorcycle garments such as motorcycle jackets or vests to provide improved protection for motorcyclists in the event of accidents. In exemplary arrangements, a garment such as a protective vest typically has an airbag (for example hidden inside a flexible outer shell of the vest) which is arranged in fluid communication with an inflator such as a gas generator. The inflator is operably associated with a crash or impact sensor (which may be provided either within the garment itself, or alternatively on a motorcycle) configured to provide an actuating signal to the inflator in the event that a likely or actual crash or impact is detected, thereby actuating the inflator to inflate the airbag inside the garment. As will be appreciated, inflation of the airbag inside the garment will provide a cushioning effect for the part of the wearer’s body around which or over which the airbag is provided. For example, a vest with an airbag will provide protection to the upper body of a motorcyclist wearing the vest.

[0007] As will be appreciated, it is important that wearable impact protection airbags of the types noted above are inflated rapidly in response to an actuating signal from a crash or impact sensor. Inflators such as gas generators are therefore typically configured to emit inflating gas with a large mass flow rate, to ensure sufficiently rapid inflation of the airbag upon deployment. In the case of wearable personal protection devices having inflators mounted to a garment such a vest, and thus worn about the wearer’s body in use, it can be challenging for designers of such garments to balance the desire to mount the inflator in an unobtrusive position (e.g. so as not to encumber the wearer or make the garment uncomfortable) with the desire to provide a reliable and fluidly efficient connection between the inflator and the airbag. The design of airbag inlet arrangements can therefore be important, but somewhat difficult to achieve without involving bending (or folding) of the inlet part of the airbag (for example when packing the airbag inside a garments such as a vest), which can result in poor flow characteristics (e.g. turbulence), and / or a risk of structural damage to the airbag during inflation (e.g. rupture or bursting), both of which can negatively affect the safe inflation speed of the airbag. Another problem that has been experienced with some previously proposed inlet arrangements is that they can involve multiple thicknesses of airbag material (e.g. fabric), and thus bulk, in the region of the inlet, particularly where folding or reinforcement is required, which in turn can create problems in incorporating the airbag into a garment such as a vest.

[0008] The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.Whilst the invention is described herein with specific reference to a wearable protection device intended to be worn around a wearer’s upper body, it is to be noted that the invention is not limited to such a configuration of wearable device. On the contrary, it is envisaged that the invention could be embodied in a wide range of wearable forms and could, for example, be configured to be worn around a wearer’s hips, legs, knees, arms, elbows, feet, hands, or head (the aforementioned list being understood to be merely exemplary and not exhaustive).

[0009] Furthermore, in its broadest sense the invention is not limited to wearable protection devices at all, and could be embodied in other types of airbag arrangements such as those provided within motor vehicles (e.g. driver’s airbags, front seat passenger airbags, inflatable curtains, side airbags, knee airbags, and airbags of different configurations for rear seat passengers) or on the exterior of motor vehicles to protect pedestrians or so-called Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), such as cyclists or motorcyclists.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided an airbag for a safety arrangement, the airbag comprising a pair of superimposed flexible layers interconnected by a peripheral seam to define an inflatable chamber having an outer periphery and configured for the receipt of inflating gas between the flexible layers. The airbag has an inlet channel defined by superimposed inlet regions of respective said flexible layers, the inlet channel being in fluid communication with said inflatable chamber for connection to a source of inflating gas. The inlet channel is located within the outer periphery of said inflatable chamber; and said inlet regions of said flexible layers are each defined by a flap cut from a respective said flexible layer.

[0012] An airbag having an inlet channel of the type defined above has been found to offer several advantages, and in particular (but not exclusively) when embodied in the form of a wearable impact protection airbag and optionally provided in the form of, or as part of, a harness, a vest or a jacket. For example, an inlet channel configured in the manner noted above may be connected to an inflator (such as a gas generator or compressor) with reduced bending of the inlet channel, which may promote better inflating gas flow properties and reduce the likelihood of damage (e.g. resulting in potential bursting) to the airbag during inflation. This, in turn, may allow the airbag to be inflated more quickly via a higher mass flow rate of inflating gas, thereby making it possible to combine the airbag with a larger and / or more aggressive inflator to reduce inflation time upon actuation of the inflator.Additionally, and as will be described hereinafter, when the airbag is configured to be worn about the torso of a wearer (i.e. forming part of, or in the form of, a harness, a vest or a jacket), the improved form of inlet channel may allow convenient mounting or positioning of an inflator in the centre of the user’s back, and optionally in combination with a back protector (such as a non-inflatable rigid or resiliently deformable impact protection panel arranged to overlie at least a region of the airbag). In particular, this arrangement has been found to avoid the need to significantly bend or fold the inlet channel in order to facilitate fluid connection with the inflator.

[0013] Another advantage, arising from the possibility of allowing installations requiring no (or reduced) folding and / or bending of the inlet channel is that multiple thicknesses of the flexible material (such as woven fabric) forming the airbag and the inlet channel can be avoided. This is particularly advantageous in the case of an airbag installed within a wearable garment such as a vest or jacket, because multiple layers of material creates a large mass of airbag fabric when installed in a wearable garment, which can make the garment uncomfortable to wear, particularly over long periods of time as might be necessary, for example, in the case of a motorcycle jacket.

[0014] Optionally, each said flap extends between a root region, where it connects to a remainder of the respective flexible layer, and a terminal end which is cut from the respective flexible layer. The flaps may be interconnected by a pair of inlet seams extending between their root regions and terminal ends.

[0015] The flaps may be unconnected to one another at their terminal ends, said terminal ends thereby cooperating to define an inlet port of said inlet channel for receipt of, or connection to, a source of inflating gas (e.g. an inflator such as a gas generator or compressor).

[0016] In some embodiments, the inlet channel is spaced inwardly from the periphery of the inflatable chamber. This type of arrangement may be particularly advantageous in the case of an airbag configured to be worn about the torso of a wearer in use, because it allows convenient location of an inflator in a central region of the user’s back without necessitating excessive bending and / or folding of the air inlet channel.

[0017] Each said flexible layer may be a fabric layer (optionally woven fabric). However, this is not considered essential and indeed embodiments are envisaged comprising flexible layersformed from thin film material, in which case the peripheral seam may be a glued seam or a heat-fused seam, for example.

[0018] In embodiments comprising flexible layers in the form or fabric, the or each said seam may be a stitched seam.

[0019] Alternatively, the airbag may be a so-called ‘one-piece woven’ airbag in which the two fabric layers are woven simultaneously with yarns of one layer being interwoven with yarns of the other layer to form the peripheral seam (and inlet seams, if provided) integrally. For example, each said fabric layer may be woven and comprising a plurality of yarns; the yarns of one said fabric layer being interwoven with yarns of the other said fabric layer to define the or each said seam, the or each said seam thereby being woven and integral to the structure of said fabric layers.

[0020] Embodiments are proposed in which the inflatable chamber has an inner periphery extending around a space substantially devoid of each flexible layer and defined by respective cut-out regions of the superimposed flexible layers; the inlet channel extending into said space from said inner periphery. This type of arrangement allows particularly convenient location and / or mounting of an inflator. For example, if the aforementioned space is sufficiently large, the inflator can be positioned entirely within the space so as to lie in the same plane as the adjacent regions of the inflatable chamber, thereby allowing a particularly low-profile arrangement.

[0021] The airbag may be provided in combination with an inflator fluidly connected to the inlet channel and actuable to direct a flow of inflating gas into the inflatable chamber via the inlet channel.

[0022] Optionally, the airbag may be provided in combination with a non-inflatable rigid or resiliently deformable impact protection panel arranged to overlie at least a region of the airbag, wherein the inflator is mounted to or otherwise supported by the impact protection panel on an opposite side of the impact protection panel to the inflatable chamber of the airbag.

[0023] In such arrangements, the impact protection panel may have an aperture through which said inlet channel passes to thereby fluidly interconnect said inflator and said inflatable chamber.As noted above, the airbag may be provided in the form of a wearable impact protection airbag, wherein the airbag is optionally provided in the form of, or as part of, a harness, a vest, or a jacket.

[0024] The wearable impact protection airbag may be configured such that the inlet channel is positioned at the back of a wearer’s torso when the airbag is worn.

[0025] In embodiments comprising a said impact protection panel, the impact protection panel may be a back protection panel arranged to overlie a region of the inflatable chamber adjacent a wearer’s torso when the airbag is worn.

[0026] The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

[0027] The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect and / or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.

[0028] Summary of the Figures

[0029] So that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a front schematic illustration showing an uninflated airbag in the form of vest worn by a user;

[0031] Figure 2 is a plan view showing two superimposed and interconnected flexible layers forming part of an airbag of generally similar form to the one shown in Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing the region designated A in Figure 2;

[0033] Figure 4 is a rear schematic illustration showing an impact protection vest incorporating the airbag of Figures 2 and 3 being worn by a user;Figure 5 is a rear schematic illustration similar to that of Figure 4, showing another impact protection vest incorporating the airbag being worn by the rider of a motor scooter;

[0034] Figure 6 is a plan view similar to that of Figure 2, showing two superimposed and interconnected flexible layers forming part of an alternative airbag;

[0035] Figure 7 is a rear schematic illustration showing an impact protection vest incorporating the airbag of Figure 6 being worn by a user; and

[0036] Figure 8 is a rear schematic illustration showing an impact protection vest incorporating another alternative airbag being worn by a user.

[0037] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0038] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0039] Figure 1 shows an uninflated airbag 1 in the form of a wearable impact protection device being worn by a user 2. The airbag illustrated is provided in form of a vest configured to be worn about the user’s torso 3 to provide impact protection to the user’s torso 3. However, as will be described below, other variants are proposed in which the airbag forms part of a vest which also comprises a flexible outer shell (not shown in Figure 1 ) covering the airbag 1. As will be noted, the airbag 1 is configured to extend across the user’s chest region, shoulders and back region. The airbag 1 illustrated comprises a zipper 4 at the front to permit convenient donning and removal by the user (i.e. the wearer).

[0040] The airbag 1 is formed from first and second superimposed layers of flexible fabric 5, 6 which are interconnected by a peripheral seam 7 to define an inflatable chamber 8 therebetween for the receipt of inflating gas from an inflator (not shown in Figure 1). The peripheral seam 7 thus defines an outer periphery 9 of the inflatable chamber 10. As will be appreciated, only one (front and outwardly facing) fabric layer 5 is clearly visible in Figure 1 , because the other (rear and inwardly facing) layer 6 is hidden against the user’s body (or clothing).

[0041] It is proposed that the inflator may be operatively connected to a sensor (also not shown) such as impact sensor or accelerometer configured to output an actuation signal to the inflator in response to detection of the user 2 falling or being thrown from a motorcycle or thelike in an accident. As will be appreciated, upon receipt of such an actuation signal, the inflator will be actuated to direct a volume of inflating gas into the inflatable chamber 8 of the airbag, thereby inflating the airbag 1 to an inflated condition. However, in other embodiments, it is envisaged that the inflator may be manually operated and could be configured for multiple operations.

[0042] Additionally, the two fabric layers 5, 6 are also be interconnected by one or more seams 10 which extend inwardly from the peripheral seam 8 as re-entrant extensions thereof, to define narrow uninflatable regions of the airbag 1. The narrow uninflatable regions defined by the seams 10 permit the airbag 1 to bend or curve around the user’s torso 3 when the airbag 1 is inflated, in which condition the airbag 1 will have significantly increased thickness and stiffness. As will become apparent, other uninflatable regions may be defined by further seams provided within and separate from the peripheral seam 8.

[0043] Turning now to consider Figure 2, another airbag 1 is shown in a laid flat condition prior to incorporation into a vest. The airbag 1 shown in Figure 2 is similar but not identical to the airbag 1 shown in Figure 1. Nevertheless, similar or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numbers. As will be appreciated, the airbag 1 comprises a left front panel 11 (configured to cover the left side of the user’s chest worn), a right front panel 12 (configured to cover the right side of the user’s chest when worn), and a back panel 13 (configured to cover the back of the user’s torso when worn). The left front panel 11 is connected to the back panel 13 by a left shoulder strap 14, and the right front panel 12 is similarly connected to the back panel 13 by a right shoulder strap 15. Respective parts 4a, 4b of the zipper 4 are secured along (or relative to) an edge of each front panel 11, 12 and may be brought together and interconnected to secure the airbag 1 around the user’s torso in use.

[0044] As will be noted, in the airbag 1 of Figure 2, the seams extending inwardly from the peripheral seam 8 on the front panels 11, 12 do so from the bottom edge of each respective front panel 11, 12 rather than from respective shoulder straps as in the airbag of Figure 1 , and indeed are formed as re-entrant regions 10 of the peripheral seam 8 itself.

[0045] Nevertheless, these re-entrant seam regions 10 perform the same function as the seams 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0046] Apart from where the re-entrant regions 10 are formed, the peripheral seam 7 generally follows the shape of the outer edges of the fabric layers 5, 6, albeit spaced slightly inwardly therefrom. Indeed, it is proposed that the fabric layers 5, 6 may each be cut from arespective larger web of fabric material (either before or after creation of the peripheral seam 7 interconnecting them), such that the outer edges of the fabric layers effectively represent fabric cut lines.

[0047] An additional seam 16 is provided which interconnects the two fabric layers 5, 6 in the back panel 13 of the airbag 1. The additional seam 16 follows a circuitous path which is mirror-symmetrical about a central axis 17 of the airbag (and about which the entire airbag is mirror-symmetrical). The additional seam 16 begins at a first point 18 which is spaced to the right hand side of the central axis 17, from where the seam 16 extends vertically up the back panel 13 of the airbag and substantially parallel to the central axis 17, before turning outwardly from the central axis 17, following a somewhat ‘tear-drop’ shaped curve 19, and then extending vertically down the back panel 13 of the airbag, substantially parallel to the central axis 17. The additional seam 16 then follows another ‘tear-drop’ shaped curve 20 towards the bottom of the back panel 13 of the airbag, via which it turns inwardly towards the central axis 17 before then extending vertically upwardly in close proximity to the previously-described vertical section and then follows a more gentle curve towards and across the central axis 17 and then continues a similar but mirror-symmetrical path on the left hand side of the axis 17 to ultimately terminate at a second point 21 which is spaced from the first point 18 on the opposite side of the central axis 17.

[0048] The airbag 1 may be formed via a so-called ‘one-piece weaving’ technique in which yarns of one fabric layer 5 are interwoven with yarns of the other fabric layer 6 to define the peripheral seam 7, the re-entrant seams 10, and the additional seam 16. In such a configuration, the seams 7, 10, 16 are thus woven and integral to the structure of the fabric layers 5, 6.

[0049] Alternatively, however, the seams 7, 10, 16 may be stitched seams.

[0050] Figure 3 shows the region of the airbag 1 denoted A in Figure 2 in enlarged form, and thus shows the uppermost region of the above-described circuitous additional seam 16 in more detail.

[0051] A cut is made through the two superimposed layers of fabric 5, 6. The cut is made along a circuitous cut-line 22 which is mirror-symmetrical about the central axis 17 of the airbag and which completely severs the two superimposed layers of fabric 5, 6. The cut-line 22 begins at a first point 23 towards the bottom of the above-noted right-hand ‘tear-drop’ shaped curved region 19 of the additional seam 16, from where it follows the curve of the additional seam 16 and thereby turns downwardly to extend along a first straight section 24 passing backthrough the start point 23, substantially parallel to the central axis 17 of the airbag 1 , and between the straight lengths of the additional seam 16 on the right-hand side of the axis 17. The cut-line 22 then turns towards the central axis 17, around a first corner 25, and extends across the axis 17 in a straight line which is substantially perpendicular to the axis 17 and which passes through the first point 18 and the second point 21 of the additional seam 16 (but may alternatively pass through respective regions of the additional seam 16 proximate said first and second points 18, 21). The cut-line 22 then turns upwardly around a second corner 26, from where it extends along a second straight section 27 substantially parallel to the first straight section 24 and between the straight lengths of the additional seam 16 on the left-hand side of the axis 17. The cut-line 22 then follows the ‘tear-drop’ shape of the lefthand curved region 19 of the additional seam 16, in a similar manner to the right-hand side, before terminating at a second point 28 on the second straight section 27 and opposite the first point 23 across the axis 17. As will be appreciated, the above-noted regions of the cutline inside the ‘tear-drop’ shaped curved regions 19 of the additional seam 16 serve to completely remove respective ‘tear-drop’ shaped regions of fabric from the fabric layers 5, 7, thereby creating respective void spaces 29.

[0052] The above-noted cut-line 22 serves to cut a respective flap 30, 31 from each fabric layer 5, 6. Each flap 30, 31 extends between a root region 32, 33, where it connects to the remainder of the respective fabric layer 5, 6, and a terminal end 34, 35 which is cut from the respective fabric layer 5, 6. The flaps 30, 31 are superimposed and are interconnected by regions 36, 37 of the additional seam 16 extending between the root regions 32, 33 of the flaps and the terminal ends 34, 35 of the flaps. The flaps 30, 31 are unconnected to one another at their terminal ends 34, 35.

[0053] The flaps 30, 31 each define an inlet region of the respective fabric layers 5, 6 and cooperate to define an inlet channel 38 of the airbag 1 which is in fluid communication with the inflatable chamber 8 defined between the fabric layers 5, 6. As will be noted from Figures 2 and 3 in particular, the inlet channel 38 defined by the flaps is located within (and is spaced inwardly from) the outer periphery 9 of the inflatable chamber 8.

[0054] The regions 36, 37 of the additional seam 16 which extend between the root regions 32, 33 of the flaps and the terminal ends 34, 35 of the flaps define respective inlet seams along the sides of the inlet channel 38. As noted above, the terminal ends 34, 35 of the flaps 30, 31 defining the inlet channel 38 are unconnected to one another. The terminal ends 34, 35 ofthe flaps thereby cooperate to define an inlet port 39 of the inlet channel 38 for receipt of, or connection to, a source of inflating gas such as an inflator (not shown in Figures 2 and 3).

[0055] Turning now to consider Figure 4, there is shown a garment in the form of a vest 40, which is configured to be worn around the torso 3 of a user 2 such a motorcyclist. The vest is equipped with the airbag 1 of Figures 2 and 3 to provide impact protection to the user in the general manner described previously. As will be understood, the airbag 1 thus takes the form of a wearable impact protection airbag.

[0056] The vest 40 comprises an outer shell 41 of suitably flexible material, such as for example, hard-wearing rip-stop fabric. The airbag 1 is provided within the outer shell 41 of the vest, such that the outer shell substantially covers the airbag 1 and thus protects it in use. As such, the majority of the airbag is not visible in Figure 4.

[0057] As will be understood from the foregoing description with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the airbag 1 is configured such that the inlet channel 38 is positioned at the back of the user’s torso 3 when the airbag is worn. In the arrangement of Figure 4, the outer shell 41 of the vest 40 is provided with a slit-shaped aperture 42 through which the inlet channel 38 may pass, such that the inlet channel 38 extends from the inflatable volume of the airbag 1 within the outer shell 41 to a position outside the outer shell 41 , for convenient connection to an inflator 43 (shown schematically in Figure 4) such as a gas generator or compressor. The inflator 43 is shown external to the outer shell 41 of the vest 40.

[0058] Figure 5 shows a vest 40 similar to the vest shown in Figure 4, but which has an external pocket 44 provided on the back of the outer shell 41 to accommodate and hold the inflator 43, and a pair of inlet-covering flaps 45 which may be releasably connected to one another via a zipper 46 to cover the inlet channel 38 of the airbag 1. The zipper 46 may be unzipped to gain access to the inlet channel 38 behind the flaps, and in particular to disconnect and / or reconnect an inflator 43 thereto.

[0059] Turning now to consider Figure 6, there is shown another airbag 1 in accordance with the present invention, the airbag 1 being shown in a laid flat condition. The airbag 1 shown in Figure 6 is similar but not identical to the airbag described above and shown in Figures 2 and 3. Nevertheless, similar or equivalent parts are again denoted by the same reference numbers.One notable difference between the airbag 1 shown in Figure 6 and the airbag shown in Figure 2 is that the airbag 1 of Figure 6 has a single front panel 47 configured to cover both the left and right sides of the user’s chest when worn. The front panel 47 is connected to the back panel 13 via a left shoulder strap 14 and is releasably connectable (for example via a clip or clasp) to the right shoulder strap 15. The configuration of the front panel 47 is not considered significant to the present invention.

[0060] The configuration of the back panel 13 of this embodiment, and in particular the inlet channel 38 thereof, is very similar to that of the previously described embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3. However, in the embodiment of Figure 6, the circuitous paths of both the additional seam 16 and the cut-line 22, are inverted compared to those of the previous embodiment. In other respects, the additional seam 16, the cut-line 22, and thus also the resulting flaps 30, 31 and the inlet channel 38 they define, are identical to those described above with reference to Figures 2 and 3. It will therefore be understood that in this embodiment the inlet channel 38: extends upwardly from root regions 32, 33 of the flaps 30, 31 located towards the bottom of the back panel 13 of the airbag 1.

[0061] Figure 7 shows the airbag 1 of Figure 6 being worn around the torso 3 of a user 2 such that the front panel 47 of the airbag is positioned across the user’s chest, and the back panel 13 is positioned across the user’s back. In this arrangement the airbag 1 is not provided as part of a vest having an outer shell, but is instead configured to be worn directly.

[0062] The airbag 1 further comprises an impact protection panel 48 configured to provide additional impact protection to the wearer’s back, which is considered to be a body part particularly susceptible to injury in a motorcycle accident. The impact protection panel 48 is secured to the outer-side (i.e. defined by the outwardly facing fabric layer 5 of the back panel 13 of the airbag 1. The impact protection panel 48 is non-inflatable, may be substantially rigid or resiliently deformable, and is intended to serve as a passive protector to provide improved impact protection to the vulnerable lower spinal region of a user 2. The non-inflatable impact protection panel 48 may be formed from suitable high-impact plastic material, elastomeric material, or a vulcanised rubber material, for example. In some embodiments, it is envisaged that the non-inflatable impact protection panel 48 may comprise a core plate formed from suitable structural material such as those mentioned, the core plate being surrounded by a softer sheath formed from fabric such as, for example neoprene or the like. The impactprotection panel 48 may serve as an anchor point for a waist strap 49 which interconnects the front and back panels of the airbag 1.

[0063] The impact protection panel 48 is arranged to overlie the region of the back panel 13 in which the additional seam 16 and the cut-line 22 forming the inlet channel 38 are provided. The impact protection panel 48 is illustrated with some transparency in Figure 7 so that the underlying features of the airbag 1 , and in particular the additional seam 16 and the cut-line 22 of the back panel 13 may be seen therethrough. However, the impact protection panel 48 does not overlie or cover the inlet channel 38 itself, because the impact protection panel is provided with an aperture 50, through which the inlet channel 38 can be passed so that the inlet channel 38 extends through the impact protection panel 48 from the inflatable chamber of the airbag behind it.

[0064] Also shown (schematically) in Figure 7 is an inflator 43 which is fluidly connected to the inlet port 38 of the inlet channel 38 and mounted to the outwardly facing surface of the impact protection panel 48, on the opposite side of the impact protection panel to the airbag 1.

[0065] Figure 8 shows yet another embodiment of airbag 1 , where similar or equivalent parts are again denoted by the same reference numbers used previously. In this arrangement, the cut-line 22 through the superimposed layers of fabric 5, 6 follows a longer path than in the previously-described embodiments, whilst nevertheless still forming similar flaps 30, 31 which cooperate to define a similar inlet channel 38. Also, in this embodiment, the additional seam 16 interconnecting the fabric layers 5, 6 within the back panel 13 of the airbag 1 follows a somewhat less tortuous path than in the previous embodiments described above.

[0066] As will be noted from Figure 8, a considerably larger region of fabric is cut out from each layer 5, 6 of the airbag than in the previous embodiments, to create a space 51 which is devoid of each fabric layer 5, 6. The inflatable chamber 8 of the airbag effectively has an inner periphery defined by the cut-line 22 which extends around the void space 51. As will be appreciated, in the configuration shown in Figure 8 the space 51 is considerably larger than the flaps 30, 31 defining the inlet channel 38, such that the inlet channel 38 extends into the space 51 from the inner periphery of the inflatable chamber 38. Furthermore, the cut-out space 51 can be sufficiently large to accommodate the inflator 43 fluidly connected to the inlet channel 38 without needing to bend or deform the inlet channel 38 out of the plane of the back panel 13 of the airbag. The inflator 43 can thus also be accommodated within the plane of the back panel 13, particularly when the airbag 1 is inflated as shown in Figure 8,thereby facilitating a particularly low profile and discreet inflator installation and a straightforward flow path from the inflator 43, through the inlet channel 38, and into the inflatable chamber 8 of the airbag.

[0067] The above-described configurations of the inlet channel 38 and in particular the manner in which it is formed from flaps 30, 31 which are cut from the flexible layers 5, 6 of the airbag 1 , allows convenient positioning of the inflator 43 and its fluid connection to the inflatable chamber of the airbag 1 without necessitating significant bending or other deformation of the inlet channel 38. This provides for good inflation characteristics because turbulent flow of inflating gas can be avoided. Additionally, it has been found that this configuration of inlet channel 38, formed of fabric cut from the layers 5, 6 of the airbag, avoids the creation of regions having multiple overlying thicknesses of airbag fabric, thereby reducing the bulk of the airbag 1 when it is being worn, particularly around the inlet area of the airbag.

[0068] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0069] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0070] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0071] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0072] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim.

[0073] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “have”, “comprise”, and “include”, and variations such as “having”, “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be 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.

[0074] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value, and / or to “about” or “approximately” 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 the use of the antecedents “about” or “approximately” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The terms “about” or “approximately” in relation to a numerical value are optional and mean, for example, + / - 10%.

[0075] Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements or such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0076] As may be used herein, any reference to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one example,” “for example,” or “an example” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase “in some embodiments” or “one example” in various places in the specification is not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, for example. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims.As used in this specification, any formulation used of the style “at least one of A, B or C”, and the formulation “at least one of A, B and C” means that those formulations comprise any and all joint and several permutations of A, B, C, that is, A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order and A, B, C in any order. There may be more or less than three features used in such formulations.

[0077] The term “or combinations thereof” As may be used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

[0078] As may be used herein, the term "substantially" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance completely occurs or that the subsequently described event or circumstance occurs to a great extent or degree. For example, when associated with a particular event or circumstance, the term "substantially" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance occurs at least 80% of the time, or at least 85% of the time, or at least 90% of the time, or at least 95% of the time. For example, the term "substantially adjacent" may mean that two items are 100% adjacent to one another, or that the two items are within close proximity to one another but not 100% adjacent to one another, or that a portion of one of the two items is not 100% adjacent to the other item but is within close proximity to the other item.

[0079] The words "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An airbag (1 ) for a safety arrangement, the airbag (1 ) comprising a pair of superimposed flexible layers (5,6) interconnected by a peripheral seam (7) to define an inflatable chamber (8) having an outer periphery (9) and configured for the receipt of inflating gas between the flexible layers (5,6); the airbag (1) having an inlet channel (38) defined by superimposed inlet regions of respective said flexible layers (5,6), the inlet channel (38) being in fluid communication with said inflatable chamber (8) for connection to a source of inflating gas; characterised in that the inlet channel (38) is located within the outer periphery (9) of said inflatable chamber (7); and said inlet regions of said flexible layers are each defined by a flap (30,31) cut from a respective said flexible layer (5,6).

2. An airbag (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein each said flap (30,31 ) extends between a root region (32,33), where it connects to a remainder of the respective flexible layer (5,6), and a terminal end (34,35) which is cut from the respective flexible layer (5,6).

3. An airbag (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein said flaps (30,31 ) are interconnected by a pair of inlet seams (36,37) extending between their root regions (32,33) and terminal ends (34,35).

4. An airbag (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said flaps (30,31) are unconnected to one another at said terminal ends (34,35), said terminal ends (34,35) thereby cooperating to define an inlet port (39) of said inlet channel (38) for receipt of, or connection to, a source of inflating gas.

5. An airbag (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein the inlet channel (38) is spaced inwardly from the outer periphery (9) of the inflatable chamber (8).

6. An airbag (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein each said flexible layer (5,6) is a fabric layer.

7. An airbag (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the or each said seam (7,36,37) is a stitched seam.

8. An airbag (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein: each said fabric layer (5,6) is woven and comprises a plurality of yarns; the yarns of one said fabric layer (5) being interwoven with yarns of the other said fabric layer (6) to define the or each said seam (7,36,37) , the or each said seam (7,36,37) thereby being woven and integral to the structure of said fabric layers (5,6).

9. An airbag (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein the inflatable chamber (8) has an inner periphery extending around a space (51) substantially devoid of each flexible layer (5,6) and defined by respective cut-out regions of the superimposed flexible layers (5,6); the inlet channel (38) extending into said space (51) from said inner periphery.

10. An airbag (1) according to any preceding claim, provided in combination with an inflator (43) fluidly connected to the inlet channel (38) and actuable to direct a flow of inflating gas into the inflatable chamber (8) via the inlet channel (38).

11. An airbag (1 ) according to claim 10, the airbag (1 ) being provided in combination with a non-inflatable rigid or resiliently deformable impact protection panel (48) arranged to overlie at least a region of the airbag (1), wherein the inflator (43) is mounted to or otherwise supported by the impact protection panel (48) on an opposite side of the impact protection panel (48) to the inflatable chamber (8) of the airbag (1).

12. An airbag (1) according to claim 10, wherein the impact protection panel (48) has an aperture (50) through which said inlet channel (38) passes to thereby fluidly interconnect said inflator (43) and said inflatable chamber (8).

13. An airbag (1) according to any preceding claim, provided in the form of awearable impact protection airbag, wherein the airbag (1) is optionally provided in the form of, or as part of, a harness, a vest (40), or a jacket.

14. An airbag (1 ) according to claim 13, configured such that the inlet channel (38) is positioned at the back of a wearer’s torso (3) when the airbag (1 ) is worn.

15. An airbag (1 ) according to claim 14 and including the features of claim 11 , wherein said impact protection panel (48) is a back protection panel arranged to overlie a19region of the inflatable chamber (8) adjacent a wearer’s torso (3) when the airbag (1) is worn.

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