Abstract: Inflatable airbag assemblies can be mounted on a driver's side of a vehicle within a steering wheel. A gap is formed between the airbag assembly cover and the steering wheel. Maintaining a consistent width of the gap can be accomplished with an airbag assembly that is bolted to the steering wheel by minimizing the number of components used to attach the airbag assembly to the steering wheel. A flexible airbag housing mounting bracket can be used to allow the housing and cover to be positioned and oriented within the steering wheel so that the gap between the airbag cover and the steering wheel is maintained.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided and may include a central member, a rim spaced apart from the central member, and a spoke extending between the central member and the rim. The spoke may include a first portion attached to the central member, a second portion attached to the rim, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The intermediate portion may be attached to the central member and may disengage the central member in response to a force of a predetermined magnitude being applied to the steering wheel.

Abstract: Inflatable airbag assemblies can be mounted on a driver's side of a vehicle within a steering wheel. A gap is formed between the airbag assembly cover and the steering wheel. Maintaining a consistent width of the gap can be accomplished with an airbag assembly that is bolted to the steering wheel by minimizing the number of components used to attach the airbag assembly to the steering wheel. A flexible airbag housing mounting bracket can be used to allow the housing and cover to be positioned and oriented within the steering wheel so that the gap between the airbag cover and the steering wheel is maintained.