Abstract: Airbag assemblies can reduce rotational velocity of an occupant's head during a collision event. Some airbag assemblies include a first airbag cushion that is disposed forward of an occupant and a second airbag cushion that is disposed generally lateral to the occupant. When the occupant moves in an oblique direction during a collision event, the second airbag cushion may contact the head of the occupant and reduce its rotational velocity.

Abstract: Inflatable frontal restraint air cushions, or frontal curtain airbags, are disclosed herein. An occupant impact zone is formed by an opening at an inner area of the frontal restraint air cushion extending from a rearward surface to a forward surface, the opening defining a free end of the occupant impact zone and a fixed end of the occupant impact zone such that the free end is pivotable relative to the fixed end. The occupant impact zone is to deflect forward with impact of the head of the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for repositioning a steering wheel and/or airbag cushion prior to and/or during deployment of the airbag cushion resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments may comprise a steering wheel configured to be positioned between a first, operational configuration and a second, deployed configuration at least in part by a translational movement of the steering wheel. An airbag cushion may be deployable from the steering wheel and may be configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration before or during deployment of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: Inflatable frontal restraint air cushions, or frontal curtain airbags, are disclosed herein. An occupant impact zone is formed by an opening at an inner area of the frontal restraint air cushion extending from a rearward surface to a forward surface, the opening defining a free end of the occupant impact zone and a fixed end of the occupant impact zone such that the free end is pivotable relative to the fixed end. The occupant impact zone is to deflect forward with impact of the head of the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for repositioning a steering wheel and/or airbag cushion prior to and/or during deployment of the airbag cushion resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments may comprise a steering wheel configured to be positioned between a first, operational configuration and a second, deployed configuration at least in part by a translational movement of the steering wheel. An airbag cushion may be deployable from the steering wheel and may be configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration before or during deployment of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for repositioning a steering wheel and/or airbag cushion prior to and/or during deployment of the airbag cushion resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments may comprise a steering wheel configured to be positioned between a first, operational configuration and a second, deployed configuration, wherein in the second configuration the steering wheel is positioned laterally relative to the first configuration, and wherein the steering wheel is configured to be repositioned between the first configuration and the second configuration. A steering wheel actuator may be configured to move the steering wheel laterally from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: Airbag assemblies can reduce rotational velocity of an occupant's head during a collision event. Some airbag assemblies include a first airbag cushion that is disposed forward of an occupant and a second airbag cushion that is disposed generally lateral to the occupant. When the occupant moves in an oblique direction during a collision event, the second airbag cushion may contact the head of the occupant and reduce its rotational velocity.

Abstract: Airbag cushion assemblies for anchoring an airbag cushion in a desired position during deployment. Some embodiments may be configured for use in connection with eccentric steering wheels, such as steering wheels lacking an upper rim portion. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag housing coupled with the steering wheel, an airbag cushion positioned in the airbag housing, and means for anchoring a portion of the airbag cushion to assist in preventing the airbag cushion from being pushed in a direction opposite to the missing steering wheel structural element relative to the steering wheel during deployment of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for repositioning a steering wheel and/or airbag cushion prior to and/or during deployment of the airbag cushion resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments may comprise a steering wheel configured to be positioned between a first, operational configuration and a second, deployed configuration, wherein in the second configuration the steering wheel is positioned laterally relative to the first configuration, and wherein the steering wheel is configured to be repositioned between the first configuration and the second configuration. A steering wheel actuator may be configured to move the steering wheel laterally from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for supplementing a primary airbag cushion, particularly during oblique angle vehicle impacts. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag module comprising an airbag cushion and a supplemental airbag support system configured to provide support to at least one of the airbag cushion and a vehicle occupant during oblique angle impact events. The supplemental airbag support system may comprise a deployable support structure configured to deploy adjacent to the airbag cushion during a vehicle impact event. The deployable support structure may be configured to supplement impact support provided by the airbag cushion during oblique angle vehicle impact events.

Abstract: Airbag assemblies are disclosed that comprise a frontal inflatable cushion that can deploy from a housing assembly to receive a head and/or a portion of a torso of a vehicle occupant moving from a vehicle occupant position in a forward direction relative to the vehicle during a vehicle impact event. The frontal inflatable cushion can be a curtain airbag. The frontal inflatable cushion can also be coupled to one or more support components within a passenger compartment of the vehicle, such that when the frontal inflatable cushion is in the deployed state the one or more support components support the frontal inflatable cushion in a rearward direction, relative to the vehicle, to enable the frontal inflatable cushion to restrain movement of the vehicle occupant in the forward direction during a vehicle impact event. The support components may include a side inflatable cushion, such as a curtain airbag.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for supplementing a primary airbag cushion, particularly during oblique angle vehicle impacts. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag module comprising an airbag cushion and a supplemental airbag support system configured to provide support to at least one of the airbag cushion and a vehicle occupant during oblique angle impact events. The supplemental airbag support system may comprise a deployable support structure configured to deploy adjacent to the airbag cushion during a vehicle impact event. The deployable support structure may be configured to supplement impact support provided by the airbag cushion during oblique angle vehicle impact events.

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 one-directional 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 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 one-directional 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: 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: Airbag assemblies are disclosed that comprise a frontal inflatable cushion that can deploy from a housing assembly to receive a head and/or a portion of a torso of a vehicle occupant moving from a vehicle occupant position in a forward direction relative to the vehicle during a vehicle impact event. The frontal inflatable cushion can be a curtain airbag. The frontal inflatable cushion can also be coupled to one or more support components within a passenger compartment of the vehicle, such that when the frontal inflatable cushion is in the deployed state the one or more support components support the frontal inflatable cushion in a rearward direction, relative to the vehicle, to enable the frontal inflatable cushion to restrain movement of the vehicle occupant in the forward direction during a vehicle impact event. The support components may include a side inflatable cushion, such as a curtain airbag.

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: A steering wheel is provided and may include an armature having a rim and a coating at least partially surrounding the rim. A pair of electrodes may be respectively disposed within a pair of grooves formed in the coating. A polymer paint may be disposed on the coating and may include a plurality of carbon filaments that receive voltage from at least one of the pair of electrodes to selectively generate heat.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided and may include an armature having a rim and a coating at least partially surrounding the rim. A pair of electrodes may be respectively disposed within a pair of grooves formed in the coating. A polymer paint may be disposed on the coating and may include a plurality of carbon filaments that receive voltage from at least one of the pair of electrodes to selectively generate heat.