Airbag module

An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle seat comprising:

• an inflatable cushion including a first inflatable chamber fluidly connected to a forward inflatable chamber, and a second inflatable chamber, the inflatable cushion being configured to inflate into a position inboard of the vehicle seat and
• an inflator for providing inflation gas for the inflatable cushion, wherein
• the inflatable cushion is configured to inflate into a position to absorb energy relating to movement of the occupant in an oblique direction;
• the occupant's movement includes components in directions both lateral and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle;
• the first inflatable chamber is in a position to absorb energy resulting from relative movement of the occupant in a direction lateral to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle;
• the forward inflatable chamber is configured to inflate into a position to absorb energy resulting from relative movement of the occupant in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle;
• the second inflatable chamber is configured to inflate into a position to absorb energy resulting from relative movement of the head of the occupant;
• and
• the inflatable cushion is configured so that inflation gas only enters the second inflatable chamber after passing through both the first inflatable chamber and the forward inflatable chamber.

An airbag apparatus for protecting an occupant of a seat of a vehicle in the case of an oblique impact involving the vehicle, the apparatus being configured to be mounted in a position so that an airbag will deploy in a position between seats of a vehicle, the airbag apparatus comprising:

• an inflator for supplying gas to the airbag, the airbag including a first chamber and a forward chamber;
• and
• a tether connected to an exterior of the airbag, the tether being configured to control deployment of the airbag and ensure that the airbag bends toward the occupant, wherein
• the airbag deploys into a position to retrain oblique movement of the occupant including lateral and forward movement components;
• the first chamber restrains the lateral movement of the occupant relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the forward chamber restrains the forward movement of the occupant;
• and
• the tether passes through the airbag so that a first portion of the tether is located on an occupant side of the airbag and a second portion of the tether is located on an opposite side of the airbag.