Rotatably supported airbag

A restraint assembly 12 for a vehicle (figure 1) includes a base 14 having a pinion 22, where an airbag 16 (also figures 6 and 7) is supported by the base and a rack 18, 19 is configured to engage the pinion. A pyrotechnic device 20, 23 is configured to move the rack relative to the base and cause the rack to engage the pinion and rotate the base upon actuation of the pyrotechnic device. Two racks may be provided so as to cause rotation in opposite directions R1, R2, or a single rack (figure 3) may be provided where pyrotechnic devices may be provided at each end of the rack so as cause the rack to move in to two opposite directions D1, D2 and thus cause opposite rotations of the pinion. Rotation of the base directs deployment of the airbag towards a side of the vehicle in response to an oblique impact being sensed.