Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes first and second chassis members, and a locking device. Each of the first and second chassis members includes a connector formed with a hole unit therethrough. The locking device includes a locking pin that extends through the hole units in the connectors, and a resilient retainer that latches releasably to one end of the locking pin.

Abstract: An inflator has an inflator housing accommodating a pressurized medium, a diffuser portion attached to an end portion of the inflator housing and provided with a gas discharging port for discharging the pressurized medium flowing out of the opening at the time of actuation of the inflator, the gas discharging port being constantly open, such that pressure inside the diffuser portion is under an atmospheric pressure, a rupturable plate that seals a flow-path through which the pressurized medium flows when the inflator is actuated, a rupturing unit for rupturing the rupturable plate to allow the pressurized medium to flow through the flow-path, and a filter provided directly over and covering the discharging port by making contact with a surface of the diffuser portion at a portion defining the gas discharging port, such that the pressurized medium is discharged from the gas discharging port through the filter.

Abstract: A steering post for use with a recreational vehicle, particularly a snowmobile or ATV, is described. The steering post includes a steering shaft having upper and lower ends; at least two steering arms, the two steering arms being positioned at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the steering shaft; a ball joint assembly positioned at the lower end of the steering shaft; and a stop. An upper bearing for supporting a steering post on a recreational vehicle may have a radiused inner surface that can accept some misalignment of the shaft. A steering system also can include a double ball joint linkage that permits an easier and simpler adjustment of the steering system. A recreational vehicle such as snowmobile or ATV making use of these features also is described.

Abstract: A steering wheel mounted on a forklift 1 is provided with a steering wheel knob 17 which can be operated with one hand holding it. The steering wheel knob 17 has an approximately egg-like shape with switches 46, 47 provided on its end face. Incorporated in the steering wheel knob 17 are a transmission circuit 49, which radio-transmits a signal when the switches 46, 47 are operated, and a battery 51. The signal transmitted from the steering wheel knob 17 is received by a reception section 68 on a vehicle body 2 and a controller 48 executes predetermined control based on that signal.

Abstract: A connection of the stabilizer parts of a two-part stabilizer to an actuator is usually performed in a positive-locking manner, as a result of which an additional axial securing and hydraulic sealing toward the outside become necessary. To simplify the design and the manufacturing process, it is provided that the teeth between the outer rotary part (4) and the second stabilizer part (2) be made clearance-free and welded together by a circumferential weld seam (18), wherein the seam area is preheated to a temperature of 350° C. and subsequently cooled to a martensite content of 30% in the microstructure.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus has an airbag, an inflator, a cover and an opening mechanism. When an impact the magnitude of which is greater than a predetermined value is applied to the vehicle, the inflator supplies gas to the airbag. The cover covers the airbag. The opening mechanism opens the cover prior to inflation of the airbag.

Abstract: A suspension for coupling a steer axle assembly to a vehicle frame is provided that provides lateral stability to the steer axle assembly without the use of a track rod or stabilizer bar. The suspension includes a body that is coupled to the axle beam of the steer axle assembly. An arm extends from the body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is coupled to the frame at one end. The arm is pivotable about an axis extending generally transversely to the frame rails of the vehicle frame. A male guide member is connected to the body and is received within a female guide member that is in turn disposed in an aperture defined by a bracket of the frame. The guide members are free to move within the bracket vertically or in the fore-aft direction, but are restricted from lateral movement.

Abstract: In an inflator including a plurality of gas feed portions (gas chambers for storing high-pressure gases, gas sealing plates for sealing the gas chambers, and initiators for fracturing the gas sealing plates) in a single casing, an airtight partition integrated with the casing airtightly separates the gas chambers of the gas feed portions from each other, and the casing is provided with a plurality of gas feed passages that individually communicate with the gas chambers.

Abstract: An air bag device, comprising: an inflatable cushion being configured for deployment from the air bag device; an inflator for inflating the inflatable cushion, the inflator being in fluid communication with the inflatable cushion, the inflator comprising a first initiator for initiating a first stage of inflation and a second initiator for use with the first initiator for initiating a second stage of inflation, the first stage of inflation providing a first inflation output to the inflatable cushion; and a deployable member disposed within the inflatable cushion, the deployable member being in fluid communication with the inflator, wherein the first stage of inflation causes the deployable member to deploy in a first direction; wherein unobstructed deployment of the deployable member in the first direction will cause a signal to be sent to the second initiator to initiate the second stage of inflation.

Abstract: The invention is a suspension spring apparatus for a vehicle wherein the suspension spring maintains a linear alignment irrespective of the position of the articulating strut, where the articulating strut is selected from the group consisting of: control arms, axle arms, solid axles, adjustable spring tensioning devices, and longitudinal struts. The apparatus is comprised of a compression spring mounted between a pivoting lower seat and a pivoting upper seat, where the pivoting lower seat is coupled to the articulating strut and the pivoting upper seat is coupled to a support element. The support element is static, and serves to support the suspension system, and to distribute the forces generated by the suspension system.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a rail pair defining a mounting rail and a triggering rail. One of the rails is supported on a floor pan of the vehicle and the other is adapted to support a seat cushion. The rails are moveably supported relative to each other. Also, included is a field effect sensor operatively supported by the mounting rail such that the field effect sensor can be positioned in a first range of positions as well as second range of positions relative to the triggering rail. The sensor is adapted to emit an electric field and to detect disruption of the field when the field effect sensor is positioned in the first range of positions.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain is provided that may be mounted on or proximate to a vehicle's side roof rail. The inflatable curtain includes a first panel and a second panel that is attached to the first panel. The first panel and the second panel are generally made of fabric materials such as nylon and the like. At least one first pleat is added to the first panel. The first pleat is constructed such that when the inflatable curtain is inflated with inflation gas, the first pleat opens into at least one first bulge that changes the deployment trajectory of the inflatable curtain. At least one second pleat may additionally be added to the curtain. The second pleat is added to the second panel and is designed such that during inflation, the second pleat will open into a second bulge that further changes the deployment trajectory of the inflatable curtain.

Abstract: In a belt locking device for a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, having a moveably attached belt lock (19), a tightening unit (13) supported on a structure-fixed support element (29), and a transmission element (21) acting between the tightening unit (13) and the belt lock (19), wherein, in the event of a crash, the tightening until (13) pulls the belt lock (19) from an initial position into a crash position by way of the transmission element (21), the position of the tightening unit (13) can be changed in a longitudinal direction of the transmission element (21) relative to the support element (29).

Abstract: A gas bag protection device comprises a gas bag which has an outer wall made of a first material. The outer wall has at least one outflow opening. A membrane made of an extensible, second material is provided which is fastened to the outer wall and covers the outflow opening in the not fully inflated state of the gas bag. The gas bag protection device further comprises a device provided outside the gas bag and serving for destroying the membrane. The gas bag and the device are arranged spaced so far apart from each other that the membrane meets the device only when a predetermined internal pressure of the gas bag has been reached.

Abstract: An airbag of the head-protecting airbag device according to the present invention pushes and opens a door portion in a lower edge of an airbag cover, when fed with inflation gas, and protrudes for covering side windows. An assist grip is located in an arrangement area of the airbag cover. The assist grip is secured to vehicle body together with the airbag cover at its fixing portions located in both ends of its grip portion. The airbag cover is provided around each of portions fixed to the vehicle body together with the fixing portions with a breakable portion. When pushed by the inflating airbag, the breakable portion is broken to shift a portion of the airbag cover located toward the door portion inward of the vehicle.

Abstract: An energy absorption device for use in a steering column assembly in a motor vehicle includes a steering column bracket having a groove formed therein. A sheet strap is mounted on the groove in a hooked configuration and has a first end and a second end. An insert is mounted on the first end of the sheet strap. A pop rivet is mounted to the steering column bracket and extends across the groove to prevent the insert from moving. A pin is mounted on the second end of the sheet strap opposite the first end. The pin is adapted to be coupled to a fixed portion of the motor vehicle. The sheet strap unwinds during an impact event thereby absorbing energy.

Abstract: An inflator for a side collision allows adjustment of an inflation condition for an air bag according to a variety of builds of passengers and reduction of size. Gas discharging ports are provided at both sides with regard to an axial direction of an inflator having two igniters, and a total opening area of gas ejecting ports formed at one side is made different from a total opening area of gas ejecting ports formed at the other side.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assembly structure of an airbag case that is capable of adjustably assembling an airbag case to an instrument panel considering assembly tolerance. The structure comprises an airbag case for accommodating an airbag and an inflator supplying a high-pressure gas to the airbag when a collision occurs, brackets formed at the airbag case and attached to a cowl cross member by means of bolts, and pins formed at the airbag case. The pins are inserted into pinholes formed at an instrument panel, respectively, for fixing the airbag case to the instrument panel. Around the pinholes are formed cut lines so that the pins are movable when assembly tolerance between the pins and the corresponding pinholes is created.

Abstract: The presence of a rear-facing infant seat on a motor vehicle seat is reliably and cost-effectively detected based on the buckle state and tension of the seat belt, and the position of the seat belt relative to the seat bight region where the seat bottom and back cushions meet. These seat belt parameters are measured and applied to a predefined decision matrix to detect the presence of a rear-facing infant seat.

Abstract: A demountable drive mechanism for coupling to a drive shaft of an operating device, the drive mechanism being directly secured to the drive shaft to cause the drive shaft to rotate, the drive mechanism comprising a geared electric motor having an output for coupling to the drive shaft, the drive mechanism having a torque arm adapted to engage a reaction surface so that the electric motor can impart torque to the drive shaft, and a controller to control operation of the electric motor.