Abstract:
Inflatable airbag cushions can be rolled and/or folded into a housing assembly. The housing assembly aids in coupling an inflator to the airbag and a vehicle structure. The housing also couples the airbag to a vehicle structure. The housing can be mounted behind an knee bolster or steering wheel of a vehicle and has a cover that can be flush with the cabin side of the mounted position. The housing cover can be a cosmetically finished piece or a cosmetically unfinished piece. The housing cover can be an integral part of the housing, and may be used in combination with a one-piece inflator mounting bracket and heat shield.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to the field of automotive protective systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to housing and mounting assemblies for inflatable airbag cushions. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0002]    The present embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that the accompanying drawings depict only typical embodiments, and are, therefore, not to be considered to be limiting of the disclosure&#39;s scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with specificity and detail in reference to the accompanying drawings. 
           [0003]      FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view of an inflatable airbag assembly comprising an inflatable airbag housing assembly with an integral cover, wherein the airbag assembly is in a packaged configuration. 
           [0004]      FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view of the inflatable airbag assembly of  FIG. 1A , wherein the airbag and housing assembly are in a deployed configuration. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a front exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an inflatable airbag housing assembly having an integrated cover. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is a rear exploded perspective of the housing assembly as depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the housing and cover of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a portion of the airbag housing assembly of  FIG. 1 , which depicts an inflator coupled to a one-piece inflator mounting bracket and heat shield. 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the inflator and inflator mounting bracket of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  is a rear cutaway perspective view of a portion of the airbag assembly of  FIG. 1  in which the inflator and one-piece mounting bracket and heat shield has been coupled to the airbag. 
           [0011]      FIG. 8A  is a rear cutaway perspective view of the airbag housing assembly of  FIG. 1A  before the housing has been coupled to the knee bolster. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8B  is a rear cutaway perspective view of the airbag housing assembly of  FIG. 8A  after the housing has been coupled to the knee bolster. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a side cutaway perspective view of the airbag housing assembly of  FIG. 8B . 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of the inflatable airbag housing of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  is a close up cutaway perspective view of a portion of the inflatable airbag housing of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0016]      FIG. 12A  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an inflatable airbag assembly comprising an inflatable airbag housing assembly with an integral cover, wherein the airbag assembly is in a packaged configuration. 
           [0017]      FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional view of the inflatable airbag assembly of  FIG. 12A , wherein the airbag and housing assembly are in a deployed configuration. 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is a front exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an inflatable airbag housing assembly having an integrated cover. 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  is a rear exploded perspective of the housing assembly as depicted in  FIG. 13 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an inflator and deployment strap, which are components of the assembly of  FIG. 12A . 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  is another perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 12A  after the assembly has been placed in a packaged configuration. 
           [0023]      FIG. 18  is another perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 17  after the assembly has been placed in a packaged configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated. 
         [0025]    The phrases “connected to,” “coupled to” and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may be coupled to each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. The term “abutting” refers to items that are in direct physical contact with each other, although the items may not necessarily be attached together. 
         [0026]    Inflatable airbag systems are widely used to minimize occupant injury in a collision scenario. Airbag modules have been installed at various locations within a vehicle, including, but not limited to, the steering wheel, the instrument panel, within the side doors or side seats, adjacent to the roof rail of the vehicle, in an overhead position, or at the knee or leg position. In the following disclosure, “airbag” may refer to an inflatable curtain airbag, overhead airbag, front airbag, or any other airbag type. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1A  depicts airbag assembly  100  from a cross sectional view, wherein assembly  100  has been mounted within a vehicle  10 . Inflatable airbag assembly  100  may comprise a housing mounting bracket  101 , an inflatable airbag cushion  110 , an inflator mounting bracket  120 , an inflator  130 , and a housing  140 . Housing  140  comprises an integrated cover  150 , such that housing  140  may be said to comprise a one-piece housing with a cover that is attached via a hinge  149 . Inflatable airbag assembly  100  may be said to comprise an inflatable airbag housing assembly. 
         [0028]    Inflator mounting bracket  120  may comprise high strength steel (HHS), such as HSS grade  50 . However, in other embodiments, inflator mounting bracket  120  may comprise other suitable steel alloys, engineering plastics and/or composite materials. Inflator mounting bracket  120  serves as a heat shield and also functions to increase a distance between attachment points of cushion  110  to housing  140 . Inflator mounting apertures  117  and/or inflator insert aperture  118 , as well as housing apertures  147  are examples of attachment points between cushion  110  and housing  140  (depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 7 ). 
         [0029]    Inflator  130  may comprise a mounting structure  139 , which may comprise a mounting stem, such as a threaded bolt. Mounting structure  139  is configured to protrude through apertures in the inflatable airbag, the inflator mounting bracket, the housing, the housing mounting bracket, and a complementary mounting hardware, such as nut  108 . Inflatable airbag housing  140  may comprise a contiguous piece of a molded plastic material that comprises four sidewalls, which define an interior space  143 , a back wall  144 , a plurality of cover closure structures  145 , a plurality of mounting apertures (not visible), and hinge  149 . 
         [0030]    Housing  140  and cover  150  may comprise one or more of several materials that are well known in the art, including: Nylon; SEBS (Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene block copolymers); polyolefin monomers or co-block polymers; polypropylene monomers or co-block polymers; thermoplastic elastomer olefin (TEO), and thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE). These materials may be sold under the following trade names: Hytrel; Tefabloc;Tosl; Sumitomo; Tekron; Basell; Hostacom; Multiflex; and TES. 
         [0031]    Housing  140  sidewalls comprise longitudinal sidewalls  142  and lateral sidewalls (not visible). Back wall  144  may comprise a single, linear surface, or a plurality of surfaces, as depicted in  FIG. 1A . Cover closure structures  145  may each comprise a protrusion  146  that is configured to interact with a structure on cover closure structures  155 . Cover  150  has a first face  151  and a second face  152 , and may comprise a plurality of cover closure structures  155 . Inflatable airbag assembly  100  may be mounted within vehicle  10  at or below a knee bolster portion  12  of an instrument panel or below a steering wheel. The knee bolster portion of an instrument panel may be said to comprise approximately a lower half of the instrument panel. 
         [0032]    In the depicted embodiment, airbag assembly  100  is coupled within vehicle via a plurality of coupling structures  156 , located on cover  150 , and complementary coupling structures  16  located on a rear face  14  of knee bolster  12 . Airbag assembly  100  may be said to be in a packaged configuration, in the view of  FIG. 1A , wherein the inflatable airbag  110  is rolled and/or folded. In the depiction of  FIG. 1A , cover  150  comprises a curved surface; however, in other embodiments, the cover of the airbag housing may not be curved. Further, airbag assembly  100  is depicted as being mounted at a middle portion of knee bolster  12 ; however in other embodiments, the airbag assembly may be mounted high on the knee bolster, low on the knee bolster, or below the knee bolster. Also, in the depicted embodiment, cover  150  is depicted as being flush with a front face  13  of knee bolster  12 ; however, in other embodiments, the cover may be located in front of, or behind the knee bolster. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view of airbag assembly  100  of  FIG. 1A , wherein airbag  110  is depicted in a deployed configuration. Airbag  110  is configured to become inflated upon activation of inflator  130  such that the inflatable airbag transitions from the packaged configuration to the deployed configuration. Airbag  110  may be described as having an upper portion (not visible), a lower portion  112 , a first face  113 , a second face  114 , and an inflator attachment portion  115 , which may comprise a throat portion. The inflator attachment portion may also be called a “throat” or “neck” portion of the airbag. The various faces of inflatable airbag  110  define an interior inflatable void  119 , which is in fluid communication with inflator  130 . The various faces of inflatable airbag  110  may comprise separate panels of material, or may be formed from a single panel of material that is folded. Airbag  110  may comprise a woven nylon fabric. 
         [0034]    The upper portion of inflatable airbag  110  is the portion of the airbag that is closest to the headliner of a vehicle when the airbag is in a deployed state. Lower portion  112  is below upper portion  111  when inflatable airbag  110  is in a deployed state, and is closest to a floor of the vehicle. The term “lower portion” is not necessarily limited to the portion of inflatable airbag  110  that is below a horizontal medial plane of the inflatable airbag, but may include less than half, more than half or exactly half of the bottom portion of the inflatable airbag. Likewise, the term “upper portion” is not necessarily limited to the portion of inflatable airbag  110  that is above a horizontal medial plane of the inflatable airbag, but may include less than half, more than half or exactly half of the top portion of the inflatable airbag. 
         [0035]    In the depiction of  FIG. 1B , cover  150  has rotated about hinge  149  such that airbag  110  can exit interior space  143 . The force of inflation gas inflating airbag  110  may apply pressure to cover  150 , thereby forcing the cover to open. Cover  150  closure structure  155  has been released from closure structure  145  on the housing by the “L” shaped structure  155  being pulled off protrusion  146 . Coupling structure  156  is depicted comprising a hook structure that has broken away from cover  150 , such that it is retained by closing structure  16  on knee bolster  12 ; however in other embodiments, the coupling structure may comprise a different structure and may not break away when the cover is opened during airbag deployment. Coupling structure  156  may generically be referred to as a “push pin” type of coupling structure. In the depicted embodiment, the push pin coupling structure may be described as a clip; the clip may comprise a prong arm, wherein when the attachment member is pressed into a mounting aperture, the prong arm compresses and then snaps back as it passes through the aperture. Other types of push pins include “christmas tree” clips, which may also be called ribbed shank push pins. 
         [0036]    As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of inflatable airbag membranes can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the size, shape, and proportions of the airbag membrane may vary according to its use in different vehicles or different locations within a vehicle such that the airbag may comprise an inflatable cushion; a rear passenger side airbag; a driver&#39;s airbag; and/or a front passenger airbag. Also, the airbag may comprise one or more of any material well known in the art, such as a woven nylon fabric, which may be coated with a substance, such as silicone. Additionally, the airbag cushion may be manufactured using a variety of techniques such as one piece weaving, cut and sew, or a combination of the two techniques. Further, the cushion membrane may be manufactured using sealed or unsealed seams, wherein the seams are formed by stitching, adhesive, taping, radio frequency welding, heat sealing, or any other suitable technique or combination of techniques. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 2-3  are exploded perspective views of inflatable airbag assembly  100 . As described earlier, inflator  130  comprises a terminus  136  and mounting stem  139 . Mounting stem  139  is configured to protrude through aperture  127  of inflator mounting bracket  120 , aperture  117  of mounting tab  116 , which is located on bottom portion  112  of airbag  110 , aperture  147  in housing  140 , and aperture  107  of housing mounting bracket  101 . Inflator mounting bracket  120  comprises a mounting stem  129 , which may be configured similarly as mounting stem  139  of inflator  130 . As such, stem  139  may protrude through aperture  117  in inflator mounting tab  116  of airbag  110 , aperture  147  in housing  140 , and aperture  107  in housing mounting bracket  101 . Both mounting stems  129  and  139  may each be configured to receive a nut  108 . Inflator  130  and inflator mounting bracket  120  are configured to fit within bottom portion  112  or throat  115  of airbag  110 , which itself is configured to fit within interior space  143  and against back wall  144 . 
         [0038]    As described above, interior space  143  of housing  140  is partially defined by lateral sidewalls  141  and longitudinal sidewalls  142 . Cover closures  145  are positioned on the sidewalls and are configured to receive cover closures  155  on cover  150 . One of the lateral sidewalls may comprise an inflator insert aperture  148 , which is configured to be aligned with inflator insert aperture  118  of cushion  110  such that terminus  136  of inflator  130  can be accessed even after assembly  100  is in a packaged configuration. Cover  150  is depicted in an open configuration, wherein first face  151  is oriented toward back wall  144  and second face  152  is oriented toward airbag  110 . Cover  150  comprises cover closures  155  and housing mounting coupling structures  156 . Cover  150  is configured to rotate about hinge  149  so that the cover can be reversibly closed. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of housing  140  and cover  150 , as depicted in  FIG. 3 . As described herein, housing  140  may comprise lateral sidewalls  141 , longitudinal sidewalls  142 , and one or more back walls  144 . The various walls form an interior void and define the dimensions of the housing. The various dimensions of housing  140  may be varied for use with different size airbags and different vehicles. D 1  may be within a range between about 30 mm to about 60 mm. D 2  may be within a range between about 50 mm and about 90 mm. D 3  may be within a range of about 200 mm to about 500 mm. Generally, D 1  and D 3  need to be at least about 3 mm larger than a diameter of the inflator, so the folded inflatable airbag can be installed into the housing. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 5-6  are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of inflator mounting bracket  120  and inflator  130 . Mounting bracket  120  may be said to comprise a one-piece mounting bracket and heat shield. Mounting bracket  120  may comprise a body  121  with a first end  122  and a second end  125 . First end  122  has a first terminus  123 , and may comprise a mounting stem  129 . Second end  125  has a second terminus  126 , and may comprise a mounting aperture  127 . Bracket  120  has a heat shield  128  that comprises a curved portion that partially surrounds a portion of inflator  130  from which inflation gas may exit. In the depicted embodiment, first end  122  may be flattened and planar, and second end  125  may be curved. 
         [0041]    Inflator  130  has a tubular body  131  that has a first end  132  and a second end  125 . First end  132  has a first terminus  133  and may comprise vents  134 , from which inflation gas may exit the inflator, after the inflator is activated. Second end  135  has a second terminus  136 , and mounting stem  139  may be located at the second end; alternatively, the mounting stem may be located at a middle portion of the inflator. Second terminus  136  may comprise an electric or electronic connection that is configured to allow inflator  130  to be placed in electronic communication with vehicle sensors. Mounting stem  139  is configured to protrude through aperture  127  of inflator mounting bracket  127 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of bottom portion  112  of inflatable airbag  110  after inflator  130  and inflator mounting bracket  120  have been placed in a mounted configuration. Inflator  130  and inflator mounting bracket  120  have been coupled together as in  FIG. 6  and inserted into inflator insert aperture  118  of airbag  110 , such that mounting stem  129  of the inflator mounting bracket protrudes through aperture  117 . Likewise, mounting stem  139  of inflator  130  is protruding through apertures  117  and  127  of airbag  110  and inflator mounting bracket  120 . Airbag  110  may comprise an inflator mounting tab  116 . In the mounted configuration, terminus of  136  of inflator  130  is accessible. In one embodiment, mounting stem  129  is located about 10 mm from first terminus  123 . 
         [0043]    A distance D 4  between inflator mounting stem  139  and inflator mounting bracket stem  129  may be between about 80 mm and 400 mm. Distance D 4  may be described as an airbag clamping length. Generally, a clamping length that is short compared to an airbag&#39;s width and/or an airbag housing&#39;s width can cause excessive rotation (skewing) during deployment. In this case, a stabilizer strap can be employed to oppose skewing during deployment. A short clamping length may be about 25% of an airbag housing&#39;s width. If two inflator mounting stems are coupled to an inflator, the resulting clamping length is typically about 80 mm, which can be considered a short clamping length. A clamping width that is longer helps to stabilize the airbag during deployment. A suitable clamping length may be within a range of about 50% to about 95% of a width of an airbag housing. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 8A-8B  are rear perspective views of airbag assembly  100 , wherein  FIG. 8A  depicts assembly  100  before the assembly has been coupled to knee bolster  12  and  FIG. 8B  depicts the assembly after it has been coupled to the knee bolster. Inflatable airbag assembly  100  is depicted as being in a packaged configuration, wherein the airbag, inflator  130 , inflator mounting bracket, and housing  140  are coupled by mounting stems of the inflator mounting bracket and inflator  139 . Inflator mounting stem  139  also protrudes through mounting bracket  101  and nut  108  may apply pressure on the components of the assembly to retain them in a predetermined position. Back panel  144  of housing  140  is oriented toward a front face of the knee bolster and is in position to be coupled to knee bolster  12  via coupling structures  156  being attached to coupling structures  16  on rear face  14  of the knee bolster. 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  is a cutaway side perspective view of inflatable airbag assembly  100  after the assembly has been coupled to knee bolster  12  and a vehicle structure  19 . Cover  150  is depicted as being located in front of front face  13  of knee bolster  12 . Cover  150  may be reversibly opened by rotating around hinge  149 . Inflator  130  is coupled adjacent to inflator mounting bracket  120 , and heat shield  128  is located such that during deployment, inflation gas and heat may be directed away from predetermined portions of the airbag assembly. In the view of  FIG. 9 , the inflatable airbag cushion is not visible. The housing may be coupled to a vehicle structure by airbag housing mounting bracket  101 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 10  is a rear cross-sectional view of inflatable airbag assembly  100 , wherein the assembly is not depicted as being coupled to a vehicle knee bolster. Back panel  144  of housing  140  has an aperture  147  for receiving a mounting stem from the inflator mounting bracket or the inflator. Hinge  149  comprises a contiguous extension of airbag housing  140  and cover  150 . Cover closing structure  155  is configured to allow the cover to be reversibly closed, and coupling structures  156  are configured to allow the housing to be coupled to a vehicle and allow cover  150  to open during airbag deployment. 
         [0047]      FIG. 11  is a close up perspective view of a portion of cover  150  of inflatable airbag housing  140 . Cover closure structure  155  comprises a “hook” or “L” shaped structure that is configured to reversibly interact with a complementary structure on housing  140 . Likewise, coupling structure  156  is configured to interact with a coupling structure located on a knee bolster, such that inflatable airbag housing  140  can be coupled to the knee bolster, yet cover  150  can be opened during airbag deployment. As described herein, structure  156  may be configured to fail during airbag deployment, such that at least a portion of structure  156  is separated from cover  150 . Likewise, structure  155  may be configured to fail during airbag deployment, such that cover  150  can open. One skilled in the art will recognize that both structures  155  and  156  may be independently configured to fail or reversibly interact with a complementary structure to allow the airbag housing cover to open during airbag deployment. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 12A-12B  depict another embodiment of an inflatable airbag assembly  200  coupled to a knee bolster  12  at a “low mount” position. A low mount position may also be said to be “underneath” the instrument panel and may not be visible to an occupant seated opposite the airbag assembly. 
         [0049]    Airbag assembly  200 , housing  240 , and cover  250  can resemble airbag assembly  100 , housing  140 , and cover  150  described above, in certain respects; accordingly, like features may be designated with like reference numerals, with the leading hundreds numeral incremented from “1” to “2”. Any suitable combination of the features described with respect to airbag assembly  100 , housing  140 , and cover  150  can be employed with assembly  200  and vice versa. 
         [0050]      FIG. 12A  depicts airbag assembly  200  from a cross sectional view, wherein assembly  200  has been mounted within a vehicle  10 . Inflatable airbag assembly  200  may comprise a housing mounting bracket  201 , an inflatable airbag cushion  210 , an inflator  230 , and a housing  240 , and a deployment strap  260 . Housing  240  comprises an integrated cover  250 , such that housing  240  may be said to comprise a one-piece housing with a cover that is attached via a hinge  249 . Inflatable airbag assembly  200  may be said to comprise an inflatable airbag housing assembly. 
         [0051]    Inflator  230  may comprise one or more mounting structures  239 , which may comprise mounting stems, such as a threaded bolt. Mounting structure  239  is configured to protrude through apertures in the inflatable airbag, the inflator mounting bracket, the housing, the housing mounting bracket, and a complementary mounting hardware, such as nut  108 . Inflatable airbag housing  240  may comprise a contiguous piece of a molded plastic material that comprises four sidewalls, which define an interior space  243 , a back wall  244 , a plurality of cover closure structures  245 , a plurality of mounting apertures (not visible), and hinge  249 . 
         [0052]    Housing  240  sidewalls comprise longitudinal sidewalls  242  and lateral sidewalls (not visible). Back wall  244  may comprise a single, linear surface, or a plurality of surfaces, as depicted in  FIG. 12A . Cover closure structures  245  may each comprise a protrusion  246  that is configured to interact with a structure on cover closure structures  255 . Cover  250  has a first face  251  and a second face  252 , and may comprise a plurality of cover closure structures  255 . Inflatable airbag assembly  100  may be mounted within vehicle  10  at or below a knee bolster portion  12  of an instrument panel or below a steering wheel. The knee bolster portion of an instrument panel may be said to comprise approximately a lower half of the instrument panel. 
         [0053]      FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional view of airbag assembly  200  of  FIG. 12A , wherein airbag  210  is depicted in a deployed configuration. Airbag  210  is configured to become inflated upon activation of inflator  230  such that the inflatable airbag transitions from the packaged configuration to the deployed configuration. Airbag  210  may be described as having an upper portion (not visible), a lower portion  212 . Lower portion  221  may also be called a “throat” or “neck” portion of the airbag. The various faces of inflatable airbag  210  define an interior inflatable void  219 , which is in fluid communication with inflator  230 . 
         [0054]    In the depiction of  FIG. 12B , cover  250  has rotated about hinge  249  such that airbag  210  can exit interior space  243 . The force of inflation gas inflating airbag  210  may apply pressure to cover  250 , thereby forcing the cover to open. Cover  250  closure structure  255  has been released from closure structure  245  on the housing by the “L” shaped structure  255  being pulled off closure structure  245 . 
         [0055]      FIGS. 13-14  are exploded perspective views of inflatable airbag assembly  200 . Inflator  230  comprises a terminus  236  and two mounting stems  239 . Mounting stems  239  is configured to protrude through aperture  217  of mounting tab  216 , which is located on bottom portion  212  of airbag  210 . Mounting stems  239  are also configured to protrude through, apertures  267  in deployment strap  260 , apertures  247  in housing  240 , and apertures  207  in mounting plate  205 . Mounting stems  239  may each be configured to receive a nut  208 . Inflator  230  is configured to fit within bottom portion  212  of airbag  210 , which itself is configured to fit within interior space  243  and against back wall  244  of housing  240 . 
         [0056]    As described above, interior space  243  of housing  240  is partially defined by lateral sidewalls  241  and longitudinal sidewalls  242 . Cover closures  245  are positioned on the sidewalls and are configured to receive cover closures  255  on cover  250 . One of the lateral sidewalls may comprise an inflator insert aperture  248 , which is configured to be aligned with inflator insert aperture  218  of cushion  210  such that terminus  236  of inflator  230  can be accessed even after assembly  200  is in a packaged configuration. Cover  250  is depicted in an open configuration, wherein first face  251  is oriented toward back wall  244  and second face  252  is oriented toward airbag  210 . Cover  250  comprises cover closures  255  and housing mounting coupling structures  256 . Cover  250  is configured to rotate about hinge  249  so that the cover can be reversibly closed. 
         [0057]    Deployment strap  260  is configured to help direct the movement of the cushion in a predetermined direction or deployment trajectory. Deployment strap  260  may provide resistance to the airbag cushion during deployment, wherein the strap resists the movement of the cushion in a car forward and downward direction. Thus, the airbag is directed in a car rearward and upward direction. Deployment strap  260  comprises a strap portion  261 , which may comprise opposing ends  262  that may each terminate with fasteners  263 . Fasteners  263  are configured to reversibly couple to complementary structures  202  on mounting bracket  201 . In the depicted embodiment, complementary structures  202  comprise hooks, and fasteners  236  comprise metal or plastic loops that fit over the hooks. During inflatable airbag deployment, fasteners  263  may become uncoupled from the housing complementary structures  202 , such that deployment strap  260  ceases to be coupled to the housing. In other embodiments, the deployment strap may rupture during airbag deployment. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 15-16  are different perspective views of inflator  230  and deployment strap  260  after the inflator and deployment strap have been coupled together. Inflator  230  may comprise a tubular body  231  and two mounting stems  239 . Deployment strap  260  may comprise a fabric material, such as a woven nylon material. In other embodiments, the deployment strap may comprise one or more different materials. Also, the deployment strap may comprise a plurality of pieces of a single material. Deployment strap  260  comprises a strap portion  261  that has two opposing ends  262  that may each terminate with fasteners  263 . Deployment strap  260  also comprises an inflator coupling portion  265  that has two apertures  237  that are each configured to receive one mounting stem  239  of inflator  230 . Strap portion  261  may comprise a separate elongated member that is sewn to inflator coupling portion  265 . In another embodiment, strap portion  261  and inflator coupling portion  265  comprise a single piece of material. Opposing end portions  262  may comprise loops of strap portion  261  and may terminate with fasteners  263 , which may comprise metal or plastic members. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 17-18  illustrate two perspective views of assembly  200  after the assembly has been arranged into a packaged configuration. In the packaged configuration, cover closing structures  255  of cover  250  are reversibly interacting with complementary cover closing structures  244  on housing  240 . In the closed configuration, first face  251  of the housing cover is face outward. Fasteners  263  of the deployment strap run approximately parallel with lateral sidewalls  241  and are coupled to strap mounting members  202 , which are themselves coupled to housing mounting member  201 . Mounting member  201  is coupled to housing  240  on back wall  244  via mounting plate  205 . Mounting plate  205  receives inflator mounting stems  239 , such that the inflator can be said to couple together the inflatable airbag, the deployment strap, housing  240 , mounting plate  205 , and mounting bracket  201 . Mounting hardware, depicted as a threaded nut, retains the components of assembly  200  in the coupled configuration. 
         [0060]    Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified. 
         [0061]    Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0062]    Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following this Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims. 
         [0063]    Recitation in the claims of the term “first” with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements recited in means-plus-function format are intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112 ¶6. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. Embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.