Patent Publication Number: US-2017355341-A1

Title: Airbag cushions for eccentric steering wheels and related systems and methods

Description:
SUMMARY 
     Certain eccentric steering wheel designs, such as, for example, steering wheels lacking an upper rim section, are becoming more common. However, driver-side airbag cushions may experience certain unique problems when being deployed from and/or adjacent to such steering wheels. For example, without the support provided by an upper rim section, airbag cushions may tend to shift upwards relative to the driver when contacted by the driver. This may be dangerous or otherwise undesirable. 
     The present inventors have therefore determined that it would be desirable to provide systems and methods that overcome one or more of the foregoing limitations and/or other limitations of the prior art. In some embodiments, the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be used to prevent an airbag cushion from shifting undesirably during deployment. For example, in some driver-side airbag embodiments, one or more features and/or elements may be provided for anchoring a lower portion of the airbag cushion or otherwise preventing the airbag cushion from being pushed upward relative to the steering wheel during deployment of the airbag cushion. This may be done by way of, for example, deployable and/or inflatable members, such as inflatable tubes, which may be configured to engage a portion of an eccentric steering wheel. Alternatively, one or more tethers may be provided to anchor the airbag cushion and thereby prevent, or at least inhibit, its movement upwards where it may not have the support of an upper steering wheel rim section. 
     Another example of an eccentric steering wheel design with which one or more of the embodiments and/or inventive concepts disclosed herein may be applicable is a steering wheel configured such that the airbag module and/or housing associated with the steering wheel is positioned flush with, or at least substantially flush with, the steering wheel such that there is essentially no supportive structure above the module/housing with which to contact the cushion during deployment. Thus, for purposes of this disclosure, a steering wheel “lacking an upper rim portion” or “lacking an upper rim section” should be construed to encompass a steering wheel lacking, or at least substantially lacking, a supportive structure positioned above the airbag module and/or housing from which the airbag cushion is deployed. However, those of ordinary skill in the art, after having received the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that these principles may be applied to other types of eccentric steering wheels lacking a supportive structure in other areas, such as along the bottom of the steering wheel and/or below the airbag housing. 
     In a more particular example of an airbag cushion assembly according to some embodiments, the assembly may comprise an airbag cushion configured to be deployed adjacent to a steering wheel; and a deployable steering wheel coupling member coupled with the airbag cushion, wherein the deployable steering wheel coupling member is configured to, upon deployment of the deployable steering wheel coupling member, engage an opening in the steering wheel to provide a force to assist in preventing the airbag cushion from shifting relative to the steering wheel during deployment of the airbag cushion. 
     In some embodiments, the deployable steering wheel coupling member may be configured to engage the opening so as to provide a downward force to the airbag cushion relative to the steering wheel to assist in preventing the airbag cushion from shifting upwards during deployment of the airbag cushion. 
     Some embodiments may further comprise a second deployable steering wheel coupling member configured to deploy with the deployable steering wheel coupling member. In some such embodiments, the second deployable steering wheel coupling member may be configured to engage a second opening in the steering wheel. 
     In some embodiments, the deployable steering wheel coupling member comprises an inflatable tube that may be configured to extend through the opening in the steering wheel upon deployment. In some such embodiments, the inflatable tube may comprise a knob at a terminal end of the inflatable tube. The knob may be configured to expand to a size and/or diameter greater than a size/diameter of the opening to assist in preventing the inflatable tube from being withdrawn from the opening after extending through the opening. 
     In some embodiments, the airbag cushion is configured to be deployed from within the steering wheel. Alternatively, the airbag cushion may be configured to be deployed adjacent to the steering wheel. 
     In some embodiments, the deployable steering wheel coupling member may be inflatable. In some such embodiments, the deployable steering wheel coupling member may be configured to be inflated using a single inflator also used for inflating the airbag cushion. Alternatively, the deployable steering wheel coupling member may have its own inflator. 
     Some embodiments may further comprise means for delaying deployment of the deployable steering wheel coupling member relative to the airbag cushion, such as a frictional strap coupled to the deployable steering wheel coupling member, a breakaway stitch, and/or a patch defining an opening through which a strap coupled to the deployable steering wheel coupling member may be received. 
     In another example of an airbag cushion assembly according to other embodiments, the assembly may comprise an airbag housing, which housing may comprise a primary section and a housing projection extending from the primary section. The assembly may further comprise an airbag cushion, which may be wholly or at least primarily positioned within the primary section. A strap may be positioned to at least partially extend within the housing projection. The strap may be coupled to the airbag cushion and may be configured to, upon deployment of the airbag cushion, assist in preventing the airbag cushion from shifting in a direction at least substantially opposite from the housing projection. The housing projection may comprise, for example, a projection that is narrower than the primary section and may project from the primary section in a direction to allow for receipt of the strap therethrough. 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of the strap may be fixed within the housing projection. Thus, in some embodiments, the projection may only have dimensions sufficient to receive the strap and/or structural elements for fixing the strap therein. 
     Some embodiments may further comprise a pin positioned within the housing projection. In some such embodiments, a first end of the strap may extend around the pin and may be coupled to a rear portion of the airbag cushion adjacent to the pin. In some such embodiments, a second end of the strap opposite the first end may be coupled to a front portion of the airbag cushion. 
     In some embodiments, the strap may be coupled to the airbag cushion at a first end of the strap, and the strap may be coupled to a lower portion of the airbag cushion at a second end of the strap opposite the first end. In some such embodiments, the strap may be coupled to a central area of the airbag cushion at the first end. 
     In some embodiments, the housing projection may be configured to be positioned so as to define a spoke on a vehicle steering wheel. Such spoke may be structural or, alternatively, may only be considered a spoke for aesthetic purposes. 
     In an example of a vehicle according to some embodiments, the vehicle may comprise a steering wheel. The vehicle may comprise an airbag cushion assembly, comprising an airbag housing coupled with the steering wheel. In some embodiments, the steering wheel may comprise a side lacking, or substantially lacking, a structural element extending beyond the airbag housing. For example, in some embodiments the steering wheel may lack an upper rim portion. An airbag cushion may be positioned in the airbag housing. The assembly may further comprise means for anchoring a portion of the airbag cushion to assist in preventing the airbag cushion from being pushed in a direction opposite from a missing structural element of the steering wheel relative to the steering wheel during deployment of the airbag cushion. 
     In some embodiments, the means for anchoring may comprise means for anchoring a lower portion of the airbag cushion to assist in preventing the airbag cushion from being pushed upward relative to the steering wheel during deployment of the airbag cushion. 
     In some embodiments, the steering wheel may comprise at least one opening. In some such embodiments, the means for anchoring may comprise a deployable steering wheel coupling member coupled with the airbag cushion and configured to, upon deployment of the deployable steering wheel coupling member, engage the at least one opening in the steering wheel to provide a force to assist in preventing the airbag cushion from shifting in a direction opposite from the missing structural element of the steering wheel relative to the steering wheel during deployment of the airbag cushion. 
     In some embodiments, the means for anchoring may comprise a strap coupled to the airbag cushion. In some such embodiments, the strap may extend out of the airbag cushion and/or may be fixed at a lower region relative to the steering wheel. 
     In some embodiments, the airbag housing may comprise a primary section and a housing projection extending from the primary section. In some such embodiments, wherein the lower region may be within the housing projection such that at least a portion of the strap is fixed within the housing projection. 
     In some embodiments, the airbag housing may comprise an opening through which the strap extends. In some such embodiments, the strap may be fixed to the steering wheel. 
     The features, structures, steps, or characteristics disclosed herein in connection with one embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more alternative embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosure are described, including various embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the figures, in which: 
         FIGS. 1A-1C  depict an airbag cushion assembly in various stages of deployment according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear elevation view of the airbag cushion assembly depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the airbag cushion assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  depict an airbag cushion assembly in various stages of deployment according to an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a patch for coupling a strap used in connection with a deployable steering wheel coupling member to an airbag cushion according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  depicts an alternative embodiment of an airbag cushion assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of the airbag cushion assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  depict an airbag cushion assembly in various stages of deployment according to another alternative embodiment; and 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of certain components of a still another embodiment of an airbag cushion assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A detailed description of apparatus, systems, and methods consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided below. While several embodiments are described, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to any of the specific embodiments disclosed, but instead encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. In addition, while numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, some embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these details. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, certain technical material that is known in the related art has not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. 
     Apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed herein relating to airbag cushion assemblies configured to anchor the airbag in a desired position during deployment. For example, certain preferred embodiments may be configured for use in connection with steering wheels lacking a support section in a particular area, such as an upper rim portion. Because such steering wheels may lack the support needed to prevent the adjacent airbag cushion from being shifted upwards by impact with a driver, various means for anchoring a lower portion of the airbag cushion to assist in preventing the airbag cushion from being pushed upward relative to the steering wheel during deployment of the airbag cushion may be provided, as disclosed herein, such as a deployable steering wheel coupling member coupled with the airbag cushion configured to, upon deployment of the deployable steering wheel coupling member, engage the at least one opening in the steering wheel to provide a force to assist in preventing the airbag cushion from shifting upward relative to the steering wheel during deployment of the airbag cushion. Another example of a means for anchoring comprises a strap coupled to the airbag cushion. This strap may be fixed at a lower region relative to the steering wheel and/or may be configured to extend out of the airbag cushion during deployment. 
     The embodiments of the disclosure may be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts may be designated by like numerals. It will be readily understood that the components of the disclosed 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 detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In addition, the steps of a method do not necessarily need to be executed in any specific order, or even sequentially, nor need the steps be executed only once, unless otherwise specified. Additional details regarding certain preferred embodiments and implementations will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIGS. 1A-1C  depict the deployment of an airbag cushion assembly  100  according to some embodiments. Airbag cushion assembly  100  comprises an airbag cushion  110  being deployed from an airbag housing  105  comprising an inflator  120 . Airbag housing  105  may be positioned within or adjacent to steering wheel  130  such that airbag cushion  110  is deployed adjacent to steering wheel  130 . Steering wheel  130  comprises an eccentric steering wheel lacking an upper rim portion. Thus, there is essentially no supportive structure above airbag housing  105  for airbag cushion  110  to contact during deployment. 
     In order to prevent airbag cushion  110  from being shifted upwards during deployment, a deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  may be provided. Steering wheel coupling member  150  may comprise, for example, an inflatable tube positioned within airbag cushion  110 . Deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  may be configured to, upon deployment, engage an opening  140  in steering wheel  130  to provide a force to assist in preventing the airbag cushion  110  from shifting relative to the steering wheel  130  during deployment of the airbag cushion  110 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  may be initially positioned within airbag cushion  110 . In other words, in some preferred embodiments in which deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  comprises an inflatable tube, this tube may be inverted within airbag cushion  110  such that it may extend out from airbag cushion  110  during inflation of airbag cushion  110 . However, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  need not be inverted in this manner and still other embodiments are contemplated in which deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  need not be inflatable but may be deployed in another manner. Preferably, deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  is configured to remain within airbag cushion  110  during initial inflation of airbag cushion  110  and then, once airbag cushion  110  has been inflated to a desired position relative to steering wheel  130 , may be configured to deploy so as to engage steering wheel  130 . 
     Thus, as shown in  FIG. 1B , once airbag cushion  110  has been inflated such that deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  is positioned adjacent to opening  140 , deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  may be inflated such that it extends through opening  140  and, preferably, engages the structure of steering wheel  130  defining opening  140  so as to prevent, at least substantially prevent, or at least inhibit, airbag cushion  110  from being shifted upwards during deployment. For example, upon contacting a driver, the engagement between deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  and opening  140  may prevent the driver from forcing airbag cushion  110  above steering wheel  130 . Thus, deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  may compensate for the lack of support that would have otherwise been provided by an upper rim portion on steering wheel  130 . 
       FIG. 1C  depicts airbag cushion assembly  100  following deployment of deployable steering wheel coupling member  150 . As best seen in this figure, deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  may comprise a knob  152  at a terminal end of deployable steering wheel coupling member  150 . Preferably, knob  152  is configured to expand to a size/diameter greater than a size/diameter of opening  140  to assist in preventing deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  from being withdrawn from opening  140 . In some embodiments, knob  152  may be configured to expand to a size/diameter greater than the rest of steering wheel coupling member  150  but not necessarily than a size/diameter of opening  140 . 
     Although knob  152  may be preferred for certain embodiments/uses, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  may comprise alternative means for preventing steering wheel coupling member  150  from being withdrawn from opening  140  in steering wheel  130 . For example, in some embodiments, steering wheel coupling member  150  may be made up of a different material than airbag cushion  110 , such as a more rigid material that may provide sufficient rigidity to maintain airbag cushion  110  in a desired position with respect to steering wheel  130  during deployment. As another alternative, a hook-shaped feature may be formed at a terminal end of deployable steering wheel coupling member  150 , which may be configured to engage a portion of steering wheel  130 . 
     In some embodiments, deployable steering wheel coupling member  150  may be configured to be deployed from its own inflator, which may allow for delaying deployment relative to the airbag cushion, as mentioned above. Alternatively, the same inflator used to inflate airbag cushion  110  may be used to inflate deployable steering wheel coupling member  150 . In some such embodiments, means for delaying deployment of the deployable steering wheel coupling member relative to the airbag cushion may be provided, as described in greater detail below. As also described below, in some embodiments, multiple deployable steering wheel coupling members may be provided. In some such embodiments, each of the various deployable steering wheel coupling members may be configured to couple with a different opening and/or structure of a steering wheel. 
       FIG. 2  is a rear elevation view of airbag cushion assembly  100  following deployment that illustrates how a plurality of steering wheel coupling members may be used. More particularly, airbag cushion assembly  100  may comprise a first deployable steering wheel coupling member  150   a  configured to extend through and engage a first opening  142   a  of steering wheel  130  and a second deployable steering wheel coupling member  150   b  configured to extend through and engage a second opening  142   b  of steering wheel  130 . As also shown in  FIG. 2 , each of the deployable steering wheel coupling members  150   a / 150   b  may comprise a respective knob  152   a / 152   b  at its respective terminal end to assist in preventing them from being withdrawn from its respective steering wheel opening  142   a / 142   b  during deployment. 
       FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of airbag cushion assembly  100  following deployment. As can be seen from comparing  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in some embodiments, the deployable steering wheel coupling member(s) may be configured to have a smaller diameter/dimension, which may extend along most of the length of the deployable steering wheel coupling member(s), and then have a knob at the terminal end that is larger than the smaller diameter/dimension. An example of this smaller diameter is best seen in  FIG. 3 . The knob(s) may simply be a symmetrical shape, such as a frusto-spherical shape, that may be larger than the smaller diameter/dimension. Alternatively, as depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , knob(s) may have an asymmetrical shape, which shape may match, or at least substantially match, the shape of their corresponding steering wheel opening. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of airbag cushion assembly  100  following deployment. This figure illustrates how knobs  152   a / 152   b  may be deployed so as to engage a portion of steering wheel  130  defining openings  142   a / 142   b  and also a portion of another adjacent structure, such as an instrument panel  50  and/or steering column  60 . However, other embodiments are contemplated in which one or more knobs and/or deployable steering wheel coupling members may be configured to only engage a portion of a steering wheel defining a steering wheel opening, or may be configured to otherwise engage a steering wheel or other structure, as described below. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  depict the deployment of an airbag cushion assembly  500  according to other embodiments. Airbag cushion assembly  500 , like airbag cushion assembly  100 , comprises an airbag cushion  510  being deployed from an airbag housing  505  comprising an inflator  520 . Airbag housing  505  may be positioned within or adjacent to steering wheel  530  such that airbag cushion  510  is deployed adjacent to steering wheel  530 . Steering wheel  530  again comprises an eccentric steering wheel lacking an upper rim portion. 
     Airbag cushion assembly  500  also comprises a deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  having a knob  552  at its terminal end that is configured to extend through and engage an opening  540  formed within steering wheel  530  to provide a force to assist in preventing the airbag cushion  510  from shifting relative to the steering wheel  530  during deployment. However, airbag cushion assembly  500  differs from airbag cushion assembly  100  in that airbag cushion assembly  500  further comprises a strap  555  that is coupled to the deployable steering wheel coupling member  550 . Strap  555  is one example of a means for delaying deployment of deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  relative to airbag cushion  510 . 
     In some embodiments, strap  555  may comprise a frictional strap. In other words, strap  555  may comprise or be coated with a material configured to frictionally engage an internal surface of airbag cushion  510  to allow for desirably delaying deployment of deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  until airbag cushion  510  is in a proper position with respect to steering wheel  530  to allow deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  to enter opening  540 . In some embodiments, strap  555  may comprise a woven material that may enhance the friction of the strap  555  to delay deployment. In some embodiments, a portion of the internal surface of airbag cushion  510  may also, or alternatively, be coated or otherwise provided with such a frictional coupling. 
     In other embodiments, a breakaway stitch  556  may be applied to deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  and/or strap  555  such that, upon inflation of airbag cushion  510  to a particular pressure, the breakaway stitch may be configured to sever to allow the deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  to deploy. Breakaway stitch  556  may, in some embodiments, extend through deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  and through a portion of airbag cushion  510 , as shown in  FIG. 5A , may extend through strap  555  and through a portion of airbag cushion  510 , or may extend through deployable steering wheel coupling member  550 , airbag cushion  510 , and strap  555 . Of course, multiple breakaway stitches in different locations and/or through different elements may be used to tune the deployment characteristics as desired. 
     In other embodiments, a patch may be provided that defines an opening through which strap  555  may extend. For example,  FIG. 6  depicts a patch  560  that may be applied to an internal surface of airbag cushion  510 . In some embodiments, one or more tack stitches may be combined with a patch. For example, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , one or both sides of patch  560  defining the opening through which strap  555  extends may be coupled with airbag cushion  510  by way of a breakaway stitch  556  such that, upon receipt of a predetermined force, which may correspond with a predetermined pressure within airbag cushion  510 , patch  560  may be released to allow for deployment of deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  at a desired time during deployment of airbag cushion  510  and/or position of airbag cushion  510  with respect to steering wheel  530 . 
     Alternatively, patch  560  may be permanently coupled at opposing ends and may comprise a material configured to provide sufficient friction to delay deployment of deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  relative to airbag cushion  510 . In addition to, or as an alternative to, the material used for patch  560 , patch  560  may be configured to delay deployment of deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  relative to airbag cushion  510  by being coupled to airbag cushion  510  in such a way that the opening created by patch  560  is sufficiently small/tight to create such friction with strap  555  extending therethrough. 
     Although the breakaway stitch  556  and deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  are depicted coupled to an internal surface of airbag cushion  550 , in some embodiments, the breakaway stitch  556  and/or deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  may instead be coupled to an exterior surface of airbag cushion  550 . Similarly, patch  560  may be coupled to an exterior surface of airbag cushion  550  in certain embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, one or more layers of airbag cushion  510  may be positioned to extend through patch  560  along with strap  555 . Such layers, possibly in combination with adjustment of the width of patch  560 , the material of patch  560 , and or the size of the opening defined by patch  560 , may allow for tuning the friction and/or the delay of deployment of deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  relative to airbag cushion  510 . 
     In some embodiments in which the deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  comprises a knob  552 , the breakaway stitch  556  may extend through the knob  552 . Because inflation of knob  552  prior to deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  extending through opening  540  may prevent or at least inhibit deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  from fully extending through opening  540 , specifically coupling breakaway stitch  556  or another means for delaying deployment of deployable steering wheel coupling member  550  relative to airbag cushion  510  with knob  552  may prevent or at least inhibit premature inflation of at least knob  552  of deployable steering wheel coupling member  550 . 
     Strap  555 , breakaway stitch  556 , and patch  560  are each examples of means for delaying deployment of a deployable steering wheel coupling member relative to an airbag cushion. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates yet another embodiment of an airbag cushion assembly  700  shown prior to deployment. As illustrated in this figure, airbag cushion assembly  700  comprises a housing  705  comprising a primary section  707  and a housing projection  708  extending from primary section  707 . 
     In some embodiments, housing projection  708  may be configured to be positioned so as to define a spoke on a vehicle steering wheel. For example, as depicted in  FIG. 8 , airbag housing  705  may be positioned on an eccentric steering wheel  730  such that housing projection  708  defines a spoke on steering wheel  730 . However, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which housing projection  708  may be positioned behind one of the spokes of the steering wheel  730  or otherwise need not form such a spoke. As also shown in  FIG. 8 , steering wheel  730  lacks an upper rim portion above the airbag housing  705  and, as previously mentioned, therefore lacks a structure that would otherwise typically be used to prevent the airbag cushion inside airbag housing  705  from being pushed upward relative to steering wheel  730  during deployment. 
       FIGS. 9A-9C  depict various stages of deployment of airbag cushion assembly  700 . As best seen in  FIG. 9A , an airbag cushion  710  may be positioned within primary section  707  of airbag housing  705 . In addition, a strap  715  is positioned to extend within housing projection  708 . Strap  715  is coupled to airbag cushion  710 , such as preferably at one end of strap  715  and is further coupled to a pin  716  fixedly positioned within housing projection  708 . In other embodiments, strap  715  may be coupled to another fixed structure, either within airbag housing  705  or, as discussed in greater detail below, an external structure. Strap  715  is configured to, upon deployment of airbag cushion  710 , assist in preventing airbag cushion  710  from shifting in a direction opposite from, or at least substantially opposite from, housing projection  708  so as to prevent airbag cushion  710  from being shifted above steering wheel  730 . 
     The end of strap  715  opposite from the end coupled to an internal surface of the front of airbag cushion  710  may, after extending around pin  716 , also be coupled to airbag cushion  710 , such as to a rear portion of airbag cushion  710  (either internal or external). Preferably, strap  715  is coupled to a lower portion of airbag cushion  710  at the end opposite from the end coupled to the proximal or front portion of airbag cushion  710  to facilitate maintaining airbag cushion  710  in a desired position during inflation/deployment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9B , once inflator  720  has been initiated, inflation gas causes airbag cushion  710  to inflate. As shown in  FIG. 9C , once airbag cushion  710  has sufficiently inflated, strap  715  is pulled taut. Because strap  715  is fixed within housing projection  708 , airbag cushion  710  is kept from shifting upwards relative to steering wheel  730  (and, when steering wheel  730  is in a forward configuration, also relative to the adjacent driver). Strap  715  may extend through an opening in airbag cushion  710  to allow it to be fixedly coupled within airbag housing  705 . Thus, in some embodiments, the end of strap  715  opposite from the end coupled to the proximal or front portion of airbag cushion  710  may be sewn or otherwise coupled to an exterior surface of airbag cushion  710 . In some embodiments, strap  715  may also be used as a tether typically used to restrain the forward motion of airbag cushion  710 . Alternatively, a separate strap/tether may be used for that purpose and strap  715  may only be used to restrain airbag cushion  710  from undesirably shifting in an upward direction, as previously described. 
       FIG. 10  depicts certain components of still another alternative embodiment of an airbag cushion assembly  1000 . Other components of assembly  1000  not depicted in  FIG. 10  may be similar to those previously described in connection with other embodiments and are not shown in  FIG. 10  to avoid obscuring the disclosure. Assembly  1000  differs from the other embodiments previously described in that it comprises a strap  1015  that is coupled to steering wheel  1030  by way of a coupling member  1012 . Coupling member  1012  may comprise an opening  1013  through which strap  1015  may extend and a fastener  1014 , such as a bolt, screw, etc., that may be used to fasten coupling member  1012  to steering wheel  1030 , preferably at a lower end/portion of steering wheel  1030 . 
     Although not shown in  FIG. 10 , it should be understood that strap  1015  may extend through an opening formed within an airbag housing and/or through the airbag cushion positioned within the airbag housing. In addition, it should be understood that strap  1015  may be coupled at an opposite end to that shown in  FIG. 10  to an internal surface of the airbag cushion. As shown in  FIG. 10 , strap  1015  may be coupled to coupling member  1012  by extending through opening  1013  and then being sewn or otherwise coupled with itself to form a secure connection. Because coupling member  1012  allows for coupling of strap  1015  to the steering wheel  1030  itself, airbag cushion assembly  1000  need not be formed with a housing projection, such as housing projection  708  of airbag cushion assembly  700 . 
     Each of steering wheel coupling member  150 , steering wheel coupling member  550 , strap  715 , pin  716 , housing projection  708 , strap  1015 , and coupling member  1012  are examples of means for anchoring a portion of an airbag cushion to assist in preventing the airbag cushion from being pushed in a direction opposite from a missing structural element of a steering wheel relative to the steering wheel during deployment of the airbag cushion. When used in connection with a steering wheel lacking an upper rim portion, each of these structural elements also comprises means for anchoring a lower portion of an airbag cushion to assist in preventing the airbag cushion from being pushed upward relative to the steering wheel during deployment of the airbag cushion. 
     The foregoing specification has been described with reference to various embodiments and implementations. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, various operational steps, as well as components for carrying out operational steps, may be implemented in various ways depending upon the particular application or in consideration of any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system. Accordingly, any one or more of the steps may be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps. Further, this disclosure is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope thereof. Likewise, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to various embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, are not to be construed as a critical, a required, or an essential feature or element. 
     Those having skill in the art will appreciate that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.