Inflatable lap belt safety bag

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to an inflatable lap belt safety bag. Particularly, the present invention is directed to an inflatable lap belt safety bag which provides improved safety characteristics.

#2. Description of Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a front view of an air bag according to an embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 2A is a view of a pre-inflated air bag according to an embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 2B is a view of a partially folded air bag according to an embodiment of the invention.

#Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated generally by reference character 10.

#FIG. 1 depicts an inflated air bag 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The air bag 10 generally includes a lower section 12, a middle section 14 and an upper section 16. The air bag 10 is connected to a lap belt 18, typically via stitching. The air bag 10 is also coupled to an inflation source 22 via tubing 20 from which air enters the air bag, proximate the lower section 12, for inflation of the air bag 10. The tubing 20 is coupled to an air source (not shown) and a circuitry, as known in the art, to detect an impact event in which inflation of the air bag 10 would be desirable. As shown, the air bag 10 has approximately a C shape. Further, upon inflation, the lower section 12 inflates first to one side away from the inflation source 22, the middle section 14 inflates next at approximately a right angle to the lower section 12, and the upper section 16 inflates last towards the inflation source 22. This sequencing action, as described above, aids the air bag deployment action to avoid the seat occupant's arms, thus avoiding potential occupant injury and aiding in the correct deployment of the air bag.

#To accomplish the specified inflation sequence, the air bag 10 is stored in a particular manner. The folding of the air bag 10 for storage on the lap belt is depicted in FIGS. 2A to 2D. In FIG. 2A, the air bag 10 is laid flat. In FIG. 2B, the upper section 16 (shown by the dotted line) is tucked downward into the middle section 14 and further into the lower section 12 until the perimeter of the upper section 16 is at the bottom of the bag. Point A illustrates how the bag is tucked. In FIG. 2C, the remainder of the bag is tucked into the lower section 12 under the earlier tucked section. Finally, in FIG. 2D, the bag is folded inwards and encased in a bag housing 24. The bag housing 24 is provided with stitching that will burst apart upon inflation, as is known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, no internal tethers or webbing are utilized, although either internal webbing or tethers could be added to aid in folding and deployment.