Abstract: Airbag covers and related airbag modules designed with weakened portions configured to specifically accommodate emblems. In some embodiments, an airbag cover may comprise an emblem and a tear seam or another weakened portion extending through and/or adjacent to the emblem to create an asymmetrical split such that, following deployment and rupturing of the tear seam, the airbag cover is configured to form first and second airbag cover pieces, wherein a greater number and/or weight of the emblem is on the first airbag cover piece than the second airbag cover piece.

Abstract: Airbag covers and related airbag modules designed with weakened portions configured to specifically accommodate emblems. In some embodiments, an airbag cover may comprise an emblem and a tear seam or another weakened portion extending through and/or adjacent to the emblem to create an asymmetrical split such that, following deployment and rupturing of the tear seam, the airbag cover is configured to form first and second airbag cover pieces, wherein a greater number and/or weight of the emblem is on the first airbag cover piece than the second airbag cover piece.

Abstract: An inflatable airbag assembly, such as a knee airbag assembly, including a support strap, wherein the support strap may be secured to an inflatable airbag cushion. The support strap may be configured to direct the deployment trajectory of the airbag cushion such that the airbag cushion is deployed rearwardly and upwardly within a vehicle. The inflatable airbag assembly may be configured to prevent injury to an occupant's hip, femur, knee, and/or lower leg.

Abstract: An inflatable airbag assembly, such as a knee airbag assembly, including a support strap, wherein the support strap may be secured to an inflatable airbag cushion. The support strap may be configured to direct the deployment trajectory of the airbag cushion such that the airbag cushion is deployed rearwardly and upwardly within a vehicle. The inflatable airbag assembly may be configured to prevent injury to an occupant's hip, femur, knee, and/or lower leg.

Abstract: Flangeless inflators include a body comprising a base member and a diffuser member coupled together, where the body is devoid of a lateral inflator-coupling flange. At least one fastener is coupled to the base member of the body. In an inflatable airbag system, the flangeless inflator is coupled to an airbag cushion, as well as to a steering wheel armature. In forming flangeless inflators, a body is formed that is devoid of the lateral inflator-coupling flange, and at least one fastener is attached to the body.

Abstract: Flangeless inflators include a body comprising a base member and a diffuser member coupled together, where the body is devoid of a lateral inflator-coupling flange. At least one fastener is coupled to the base member of the body. In an inflatable airbag system, the flangeless inflator is coupled to an airbag cushion, as well as to a steering wheel armature. In forming flangeless inflators, a body is formed that is devoid of the lateral inflator-coupling flange, and at least one fastener is attached to the body.

Abstract: Inflatable airbags often have inflation gas deflectors to protect the airbag or airbag seams from sustaining damage from the force of the inflation gas and to direct the inflation gas to predetermined areas of the airbag. The deflectors can be coupled to the airbag so that the deflector projects radially away from the surface of the airbag to which the deflector is coupled. The deflectors can also have a plurality of vent apertures.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly that receives an airbag may include a steering wheel framework. This framework may include a back cover and a first attachment feature. The steering wheel assembly may include an airbag cover having a second attachment feature for engaging the first attachment feature to directly attach the airbag cover to the steering wheel framework. This attachment may be accomplished without the use of an airbag housing. In some situations, the framework further includes an armature. The first attachment feature is positioned either on the armature or on the back cover.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly that receives an airbag may include a steering wheel framework. This framework may include a back cover and a first attachment feature. The steering wheel assembly may include an airbag cover having a second attachment feature for engaging the first attachment feature to directly attach the airbag cover to the steering wheel framework. This attachment may be accomplished without the use of an airbag housing. In some situations, the framework further includes an armature. The first attachment feature is positioned either on the armature or on the back cover.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an airbag cushion and related airbag modules including a plurality of flaps that may be used to secure the airbag within a module housing. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second flaps are connected with the airbag cushion. The airbag cushion is adapted to be condensed into a compact configuration wherein the first flap extends adjacent to the second flap and in at least approximately the opposite direction as the second flap.

Abstract: A new type of airbag cover and method for making the same is described herein. The airbag cover will generally have an insert that includes one or more logos, indicia, symbols, trademarks, etc. that denote the vehicle manufacturer. A base will then be molded around this insert. The base and the insert are made of the same (or substantially the same) materials. However, the color used for the insert will differ from the color used for the base. The fact that different colors are used means that the indicia on the insert will be visually appealing and “eye-catching” to the consumer. Once the base is molded to the insert, these two features will chemically bond together. The indicia and the base material may be chemically and/or mechanically bonded together. Generally, this bonding is accomplished such that there is a continuous fit between the insert and the base.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an airbag cushion and related airbag modules including a plurality of flaps that may be used to secure the airbag within a module housing. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second flaps are connected with the airbag cushion. The airbag cushion is adapted to be condensed into a compact configuration wherein the first flap extends adjacent to the second flap and in at least approximately the opposite direction as the second flap.

Abstract: A fabric deflector system is disclosed for use with airbags and airbag systems. The system comprises a deflector panel attached to an airbag cushion body. The deflector panel is attached to the airbag cushion body in a position such that the deflector panel at least partially deflects the inflation gas received from the inflator during inflation of the airbag cushion. The deflector panel comprises a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the inflator opening and at least partially deflects the inflation gas through the arms.

Abstract: A fabric deflector system is disclosed for use with airbags and airbag systems. The system comprises a deflector panel attached to an airbag cushion body. The deflector panel is attached to the airbag cushion body in a position such that the deflector panel at least partially deflects the inflation gas received from the inflator during inflation of the airbag cushion. The deflector panel comprises a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the inflator opening and at least partially deflects the inflation gas through the arms.

Abstract: The applique film airbag cover includes a substrate and an applique film. The substrate includes a tear seam to permit the emergence of a contained inflatable cushion. The applique film is disposed on an exposed surface of the substrate and is disposed across at least one tear seam in the substrate. The substrate may include contours that can be aligned with an emblem design on the applique film to produce a three-dimensional emblem. In response to expansion of the contained cushion, the tear seam and applique film rupture to permit the cushion to emerge through the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to reinforce an airbag while it is deploying through an airbag cover. An undeployed airbag is wrapped in a cover deployment flap that may be a thin piece of material. The cover deployment flap is located between the airbag and the airbag cover. As the airbag deploys, the cover deployment flap remains between the airbag and the airbag cover until the airbag cover is sufficiently open. The cover deployment flap may have multiple folded configurations to wrap the undeployed airbag. The cover deployment flap may further include an overlap that allows the airbag to release from the cover deployment flap once the airbag cover is open.

Abstract: Enhanced airbag modules and methods of manufacture are provided. An airbag module according to the invention may have a cushion with an inflator insertion portion through which an inflator can be inserted into the cushion after the cushion has been substantially assembled. The inflator insertion portion may have an elongated opening, which may be oriented generally along a radius of the cushion. The elongated opening may have a comparatively narrow central portion, with first and second ends that may also be narrow, or may be widened for tear restriction and/or venting. All or part of the elongated opening may be covered by a flap that restricts gas flow through the elongated opening during deployment of the cushion.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to reinforce an airbag while it is deploying through an airbag cover. An undeployed airbag is wrapped in a cover deployment flap that may be a thin piece of material. The cover deployment flap is located between the airbag and the airbag cover. As the airbag deploys, the cover deployment flap remains between the airbag and the airbag cover until the airbag cover is sufficiently open. The cover deployment flap may have multiple folded configurations to wrap the undeployed airbag. The cover deployment flap may further include an overlap that allows the airbag to release from the cover deployment flap once the airbag cover is open.

Abstract: An air bag device that includes an air bag cushion, a diffuser canister, and a gas generation inflator. The diffuser canister is attached to the air bag cushion and has walls configured to define an interior space therein. The walls of the diffuser canister have an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a wall thickness t. At least one of the walls has an aperture formed therethrough in communication with the interior of the air bag cushion. The gas generation inflator is configured to rapidly create a gas that exits the diffuser canister through the aperture so as to fill the air bag cushion. The aperture is defined by an edge extending between the interior and said exterior surfaces of the wall that is configured to diffuse the gas exiting the diffuser canister through the aperture.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for attaching a cover to a housing member of an airbag module assembly, wherein an inflatable airbag cushion is stored. The housing member includes a plurality of mounting projections, each of the mounting projections having an inward directed free end. The cover includes a plurality of mounting openings each receiving an associated one of the mounting projections with the free end of each of the mounting projections extending in a direction away from the stored inflatable airbag cushion.