Abstract: An airbag has an inflatable airbag cushion having panels of material joined to create the inflatable airbag cushion including a neck portion for receiving inflation gas at an inflation inlet and a generally opposed front face portion. An externally attached guide panel of material is externally affixed to the airbag cushion at a first end at least halfway toward the opposed front face portion relative to the neck portion or affixed at the front face portion and a second end is connected at the neck portion of the airbag cushion or in close proximity to the airbag cushion near the inflation inlet. The externally attached guide panel is only attached at the first and second ends and upon inflation of the airbag cushion the externally attached guide panel tightens between the first and second ends directing the airbag deployment towards a seat-belted occupant.

Abstract: An airbag has an inflatable airbag cushion having panels of material joined to create the inflatable airbag cushion including a neck portion for receiving inflation gas at an inflation inlet and a generally opposed front face portion. An externally attached guide panel of material is externally affixed to the airbag cushion at a first end at least halfway toward the opposed front face portion relative to the neck portion or affixed at the front face portion and a second end is connected at the neck portion of the airbag cushion or in close proximity to the airbag cushion near the inflation inlet. The externally attached guide panel is only attached at the first and second ends and upon inflation of the airbag cushion the externally attached guide panel tightens between the first and second ends directing the airbag deployment towards a seat-belted occupant.

Abstract: Interior panels having integrated airbag doors for motor vehicles and methods for making such interior panels are provided herein. In one example, an interior panel comprises a substrate having outer and inner surfaces and an opening extending therethrough. An airbag chute-door assembly is mounted to the substrate and comprises a chute wall that at least partially surrounds an interior space. A door flap portion is pivotally connected to the chute wall and at least partially covers the opening. A perimeter flange extends from the chute wall and has a flange section that overlies the outer surface of the substrate. A molded-in lip feature extends from the flange section and contacts the outer surface to form a seal between the flange section and the substrate. A skin covering extends over the substrate and a foam is disposed between the skin covering and the substrate.