Abstract: Airbag assemblies, such as inflatable curtain airbag assemblies, comprising integrated fastener/stiffener pieces, such as stiffener plates combined with pushpins extending therefrom. In some embodiments, a mounting plate for mounting an inflatable curtain airbag assembly to a vehicle may comprise a plate having a stiffness greater than a stiffness of a tab of an inflatable curtain airbag assembly to which it is attached. An opening may be formed in the plate, the opening being configured to receive a first fastener therethrough. A second fastener, such as a non-threaded fastener, may be fixedly and/or integrally coupled with the plate and may extend from one side of the plate.

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: 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: 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: 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: Heat shields are used to shield an airbag from hot gasses issuing from an inflator. The heat shields can have a low thermal conductivity and may be capable of melting during a deployment event.

Abstract: An airbag assembly can include a stabilizer strap attached to an airbag, and the stabilizer strap can cooperate with a housing to prevent undesired rotation or skewing of the airbag during deployment. A portion of the stabilizer strap can be positioned at an interior of the housing and can interact with the housing to restrict an amount of the stabilizer strap that is permitted to extend to an exterior of the housing.

Abstract: An airbag assembly can include a stabilizer strap attached to an airbag, and the stabilizer strap can cooperate with a housing to prevent undesired rotation or skewing of the airbag during deployment. A portion of the stabilizer strap can be positioned at an interior of the housing and can interact with the housing to restrict an amount of the stabilizer strap that is permitted to extend to an exterior of the housing.

Abstract: Heat shields are used to shield an airbag from hot gasses issuing from an inflator. The heat shields can have a low thermal conductivity and may be capable of melting during a deployment event.

Abstract: An airbag assembly can include an inflator that may exert forces on an airbag housing during deployment of an airbag from the housing. The airbag assembly can include a load distributing plate to distribute or delocalize the forces. In some arrangements, the load distributing plate can be attached to the inflator.

Abstract: Some airbag assemblies can include a housing, an airbag, and a cover. The cover can include a tear seam that is configured to break to permit the airbag to exit the housing. The tear seam can include discrete break columns at which the tear seam ruptures.

Abstract: Airbag covers include a covering portion adapted to at least substantially cover a portion of an airbag housing, and a plurality of tabs positioned to extend at least substantially transverse from the covering portion. The plurality of tabs are adapted to be coupled with a portion of an airbag housing. Each tab comprises an opening therein, and at least one tab of the plurality of tabs comprises at least one tear seam. Airbag modules including such covers further comprise a housing including an inflatable cushion and an inflator disposed at least partially therein. The housing comprises a plurality of cover retention components, each including a portion thereof disposed within an opening of a respective tab of the airbag cover. In forming an airbag cover, a covering portion with a plurality of tabs transversely extending therefrom are formed, and at least one tear seam is formed in at least one tab.

Abstract: Airbag covers include a covering portion adapted to at least substantially cover a portion of an airbag housing, and a plurality of tabs positioned to extend at least substantially transverse from the covering portion. The plurality of tabs are adapted to be coupled with a portion of an airbag housing. Each tab comprises an opening therein, and at least one tab of the plurality of tabs comprises at least one tear seam. Airbag modules including such covers further comprise a housing including an inflatable cushion and an inflator disposed at least partially therein. The housing comprises a plurality of cover retention components, each including a portion thereof disposed within an opening of a respective tab of the airbag cover. In forming an airbag cover, a covering portion with a plurality of tabs transversely extending therefrom are formed, and at least one tear seam is formed in at least one tab.

Abstract: An airbag assembly can include a housing and an airbag cushion within the housing in a packaged state. The airbag cushion can include a rolled region and an accordion fold. The rolled region and the accordion fold can be positioned within the housing so as to provide a desired trajectory when the airbag cushion is inflated.

Abstract: An airbag assembly can include a stabilizer strap attached to an airbag, and the stabilizer strap can cooperate with a housing to prevent undesired rotation or skewing of the airbag during deployment. In some arrangements, a portion of the airbag is secured to the housing via an inflator.

Abstract: A method of forming a preform, for use in manufacturing a part having a predetermined part outline, includes positioning waste plastic material within an unconsolidated blank. The unconsolidated blank has an outline corresponding to a desired outline of the preform and the part outline. The method further includes selectively positioning reinforcing material within the unconsolidated blank for added strength. The unconsolidated blank is then heated and compressed to form the preform.