Abstract: Airbag cushion covers and related methods. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag cover comprising a weakened pattern configured to facilitate separation of the cover during deployment of an airbag cushion. The weakened region may comprise a first tear seam comprising a first shape defined by a first line comprising at least one of regions of curvature and angled regions, and a second tear seam comprising a second shape defined by a second line comprising at least one of regions of curvature and angled regions. In some embodiments, the first shape may overlap and/or intersect with the second shape in a desired pattern to facilitate desired airbag deployment.

Abstract: A knee airbag (KAB) can be constructed with an adaptive vent for reducing internal cushion pressure when the deployment path is obstructed. Obstruction may occur, for instance, by an out-of-position occupant, or when the occupant's legs are in close proximity to the deploying KAB. By reducing the cushion pressure through adaptive venting, a potential for injury due to the deploying KAB can be reduced. External straps can be used to close the vents when no obstruction is encountered. With an adaptive KAB vent design, a direct contact between the occupant and the KAB adaptive vent straps can determine an amount of venting. In addition, the straps may be designed so that they are adaptive (tapered, positioned on an angle, or using different spacing) to account for different occupant sizes/knee spacing/knee contact locations.

Abstract: Airbag cushion covers and related methods. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag cover comprising a weakened pattern configured to facilitate separation of the cover during deployment of an airbag cushion. The weakened region may comprise a first tear seam comprising a first shape defined by a first line comprising at least one of regions of curvature and angled regions, and a second tear seam comprising a second shape defined by a second line comprising at least one of regions of curvature and angled regions. In some embodiments, the first shape may comprise, or at least substantially comprise, a reflected image of the second shape.

Abstract: Airbag cushion covers and related methods. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag cover comprising a weakened pattern configured to facilitate separation of the cover during deployment of an airbag cushion. The weakened region may comprise a first tear seam comprising a first shape defined by a first line comprising at least one of regions of curvature and angled regions, and a second tear seam comprising a second shape defined by a second line comprising at least one of regions of curvature and angled regions. In some embodiments, the first shape may comprise, or at least substantially comprise, a reflected image of the second shape.

Abstract: Methods for making an airbag mounting bracket for use with an attachment component of an associated airbag cushion are provided. An opening in a mounting bracket precursor formed of a bracket precursor material is extruded. A rounded surface of the bracket precursor material adjacent the extruded opening is formed. The mounting bracket precursor with the rounded surface is subsequently finalized to form the airbag cushion mounting bracket, wherein the extruded opening provides an airbag attachment engagement opening for passage of the attachment component and the rounded surface provides a load bearing surface of increased area for the attachment component. Also provided are corresponding or associated airbag mounting brackets.

Abstract: A knee airbag (KAB) can be constructed with an adaptive vent for reducing internal cushion pressure when the deployment path is obstructed. Obstruction may occur, for instance, by an out-of-position occupant, or when the occupant's legs are in close proximity to the deploying KAB. By reducing the cushion pressure through adaptive venting, a potential for injury due to the deploying KAB can be reduced. External straps can be used to close the vents when no obstruction is encountered. With an adaptive KAB vent design, a direct contact between the occupant and the KAB adaptive vent straps can determine an amount of venting. In addition, the straps may be designed so that they are adaptive (tapered, positioned on an angle, or using different spacing) to account for different occupant sizes/knee spacing/knee contact locations.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint device for a vehicle seat having a lower seat cushion includes a central portion and at least one side portion. The central portion extends in a lateral direction substantially across a central seat cushion portion of the lower seat cushion and has a first width perpendicular to the lateral direction. The at least one side portion laterally protects an occupant of the vehicle seat and has a second width perpendicular to the lateral direction. The second width is greater than the first width. The at least one side portion is in fluid communication with the central portion.

Abstract: An airbag can include a first cushion portion that defines a first inflatable chamber and a second cushion portion that is connected to the first cushion portion and defines a second inflatable chamber. The first inflatable chamber can receive inflation gas from an inflator to expand the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion can receive inflation gas from the first inflatable chamber to expand the second cushion portion. A unidirectional valve permits inflation gas to flow from the first inflatable chamber to the second inflatable chamber and restricts backflow of inflation gas from the second inflatable chamber to the first inflatable chamber.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint device for a vehicle seat having a lower seat cushion includes a central portion and at least one side portion. The central portion extends in a lateral direction substantially across a central seat cushion portion of the lower seat cushion and has a first width perpendicular to the lateral direction. The at least one side portion laterally protects an occupant of the vehicle seat and has a second width perpendicular to the lateral direction. The second width is greater than the first width.

Abstract: A safety restraint system for a vehicle seat having a seat back, a seat cushion and a frame includes an inflatable pelvis restraint device having a flexible member extending laterally across the seat cushion and having a first end and a second end. The flexible member includes at least a portion that is inflatable for increasing a height of the seat proximate a forward edge of the seat. In one embodiment, both the first and second ends are attached to the frame. In another embodiment, the safety restraint system includes a continuous webbing that defines a pelvis restraint portion, a lap belt portion and a shoulder belt portion. The lap belt portion, the shoulder belt portion, or both may be additionally inflatable.

Abstract: Protection systems for vehicle occupants, such as airbag assemblies, can be deployed from within a vehicle. Such airbag assemblies can include a frontal airbag cushion and a knee restraint to absorb an occupant's impact energy during a collision event. Such protection systems can be particularly useful in vehicles that provide generous leg room to an occupant.

Abstract: Protection systems for vehicle occupants, such as airbag assemblies, can be deployed from within a vehicle. Such airbag assemblies can include a frontal airbag cushion and a knee restraint to absorb an occupant's impact energy during a collision event. Such protection systems can be particularly useful in vehicles that provide generous leg room to an occupant.

Abstract: An airbag can include a first cushion portion that defines a first inflatable chamber and a second cushion portion that is connected to the first cushion portion and defines a second inflatable chamber. The first inflatable chamber can receive inflation gas from an inflator to expand the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion can receive inflation gas from the first inflatable chamber to expand the second cushion portion. In some arrangements, a temporary fastener may maintain the second cushion portion in a compact state during expansion of the first cushion portion.

Abstract: A restraint system for a mobile platform incorporating a seat assembly having a seatback coupled to a seat bottom at a first end of the seatback is provided. The restraint system may include a belt portion having a first end connected to one of the mobile platform and the seatback proximate to a second end of the seatback opposite the first end and a second end connected to one of the mobile platform and the seat bottom proximate to the seat bottom. The second end may be connected to one of the mobile platform and the seat bottom via a retractor.

Abstract: A low-volume airbag can deploy from a seat back to cushion an occupant disposed rearward of the seat during a collision event. The low-volume airbag can deploy from the seat at a position that is level with or lower than the position of the occupant's knees. When deployed, the low-volume airbag may adopt a curved or bent configuration. The low-volume airbag can be shaped and positioned to receive the head and/or torso of the occupant during a collision event. Cushioning of the knees of an occupant during a collision event may also be provided.

Abstract: A restraint system for a mobile platform incorporating a seat assembly having a seatback coupled to a seat bottom at a first end of the seatback is provided. The restraint system may include a belt portion having a first end connected to one of the mobile platform and the seatback proximate to a second end of the seatback opposite the first end and a second end connected to one of the mobile platform and the seat bottom proximate to the seat bottom. The second end may be connected to one of the mobile platform and the seat bottom via a retractor.

Abstract: A safety restraint system for a vehicle seat having a seat back, a seat cushion and a frame includes an inflatable pelvis restraint device having a flexible member extending laterally across the seat cushion and having a first end and a second end. The flexible member includes at least a portion that is inflatable for increasing a height of the seat proximate a forward edge of the seat. In one embodiment, both the first and second ends are attached to the frame. In another embodiment, the safety restraint system includes a continuous webbing that defines a pelvis restraint portion, a lap belt portion and a shoulder belt portion. The lap belt portion, the shoulder belt portion, or both may be additionally inflatable.

Abstract: An airbag assembly can comprise an inflation assembly to inflate a first airbag and a second airbag to deploy from a housing. The first airbag and the second airbag can receive inflation gas from the inflation assembly and deploy from a common housing. The inflation assembly can comprise a first inflator coupled to the first airbag and a second inflator coupled to the second airbag. Alternatively, the inflation assembly may comprise a dual-stage inflator coupled to each of the first airbag and the second airbag and configured to inflate each of the first airbag and the second airbag independently. A panel can couple together the first airbag and the second airbag.

Abstract: An airbag assembly can comprise an inflation assembly to inflate a first airbag and a second airbag to deploy from a housing. The first airbag and the second airbag can receive inflation gas from the inflation assembly and deploy from a common housing. The inflation assembly can comprise a first inflator coupled to the first airbag and a second inflator coupled to the second airbag. Alternatively, the inflation assembly may comprise a dual-stage inflator coupled to each of the first airbag and the second airbag and configured to inflate each of the first airbag and the second airbag independently. A panel can couple together the first airbag and the second airbag.

Abstract: An airbag can include a first cushion portion that defines a first inflatable chamber and a second cushion portion that is connected to the first cushion portion and defines a second inflatable chamber. The first inflatable chamber can receive inflation gas from an inflator to expand the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion can receive inflation gas from the first inflatable chamber to expand the second cushion portion. A unidirectional valve permits inflation gas to flow from the first inflatable chamber to the second inflatable chamber and restricts backflow of inflation gas from the second inflatable chamber to the first inflatable chamber.