Abstract: A composite steering wheel for an automotive vehicle having a steering column is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the composite steering wheel includes a rim, a center hub, and a plurality of spokes connecting the rim to the center hub. The rim, the center hub, and the plurality of spokes are formed from a deformable thermoplastic material. The composite steering wheel also includes an attachment member embedded in the center hub. The attachment member is sized to couple to the steering column.

Abstract: A method of making an automotive vehicle interior structural component having a decorative close-out panel includes, in an exemplary embodiment, positioning a thermoplastic material sheet in a forming tool, the thermoplastic material sheet includes a thermoplastic resin, positioning a decorative material sheet in the forming tool adjacent to the thermoplastic sheet, attaching the decorative material to the thermoplastic material with an integral hinge, and forming the structural component by applying at least one of heat and pressure to the forming tool.

Abstract: A heated steering wheel for an automotive vehicle includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a center hub, a rim, and a plurality of spokes connecting the rim to the center hub. The rim includes a center core and a polymeric PTC material over-molded around at least a portion of the center core of the rim.

Abstract: A composite steering wheel for an automotive vehicle having a steering column is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the composite steering wheel includes a rim, a center hub, and a plurality of spokes connecting the rim to the center hub. The rim, the center hub, and the plurality of spokes are formed from a deformable thermoplastic material. The composite steering wheel also includes an attachment member embedded in the center hub. The attachment member is sized to couple to the steering column.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a housing (70) defining a chamber (80). The housing (70) also defines a vent passage (86) communicating the chamber (80) with the atmosphere outside the housing. A gas generator (120) associated with the housing (70), when actuated, generates gas in the chamber (80). A pressure relief plug (140) blocks gas flow through the vent passage (86) when the pressure relief plug is at a first temperature. The pressure relief plug (140) is made of a material which melts at a second temperature above the first temperature causing the vent passage (86) to become unblocked. The pressure relief plug (140) is insertable into the vent passage (86) and has a snap action connection with the housing (70).

Abstract: A seat belt retractor spool (14) has a seat belt (16) wound on the spool. Ratchet wheels (22) are fixed for rotation with the spool (14). A pawl (30) is movable into a position for blocking rotation of the ratchet wheels (22) and the spool (14) in a belt withdrawal direction (A). A lever (50) is pivotable to move the pawl (30) to the blocking position. A control ring gear assembly (94) is driven upon rotation of the spool (14) to cause the lever (50) to pivot after a predetermined length of the seat belt (16) is withdrawn from the spool (14). The control ring gear assembly (94) includes two members (96 and 118) which are mounted together, and which have projections (114, 122L), respectively, for engaging and pivoting the lever (50). The members (96 and 118) have interlocking portions (104 and 122) which are locked during mounting of the members (96 and 118) for preventing relative movement between the members.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (10) includes a frame (12), a spool (50) supported for rotation on the frame (12), and a lock bar (100) which blocks rotation of the spool (50) when the lock bar (100) is actuated. The retractor (10) further includes a lock bar actuator (112) supported for movement relative to the frame (12), and a collision sensitive mechanism for moving the actuator (112) from an unactuated position to an actuated position. The actuator (112) actuates the lock bar (100) upon movement of the actuator (112) from the unactuated position to the actuated position. The actuator (112) includes a spring (118) for resisting movement of the actuator (112) relative to the frame (12).

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt retractor (10) includes a spindle (22), a ratchet wheel (30) and a locking pawl (44). The locking pawl (44) is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position in which it blocks rotation of the ratchet wheel (30) and the spindle (22) in an unwinding direction. The locking pawl (44) is moved into its engaged position in response to a predetermined amount of rotation of the spindle (22) in the unwinding direction. The locking pawl (44) moves back to its disengaged position in response to rotation of the spindle (22) in an unwinding direction. The retractor (10) further includes a torsion spring (210) and a leaf spring (250) acting in series between the spindle (22) and the locking pawl (44).

Abstract: A container of generally rectangular shape is formed with a self-locking bottom wall from a single blank of cut and scored fiberboard material. A pair of bottom panels fold inwardly and upwardly from the bottom edges of one pair of side walls to form the bottom of the container; and a pair of reinforcing panels simultaneously fold inwardly to upright, strengthening positions against the inside faces of the other pair of side walls. The interconnected bottom and reinforcing panels are locked in place by hold down flaps folded downwardly from the reinforced side walls over the reinforcing panels.