Abstract: A connection between a collapsible mast jacket of an energy-absorbing steering column and a body of a motor vehicle including an outboard mounting bracket on the mast jacket having a pair of lateral flanges, a pair of open slots in the lateral flanges each having a pair of side edges interrupted by a plurality of evenly-spaced notches, a pair of capsules in the open slots rigidly clamped to the vehicle body, and a plurality of equally-spaced plastic shear pins on the capsules seated in the notches to couple the capsules to the outboard mounting bracket. Each capsule includes a capsule base having the plastic pins thereon and a separate capsule cover. The linear pitch between the plastic shear pins is the same as the linear pitch between the notches.

Abstract: A collision energy absorbing structure of an automobile is provided with an energy absorbing space between an inner panel of a vehicle structure member and an interior trim material covering the inner panel in the inward thereof and has a grid-like non-metal energy absorber (10) disposed within the energy absorbing space, the energy absorber (10) including one or a plurality of longitudinal ribs (32)and a plurality of lateral ribs (34). Each longitudinal rib (32) of the energy absorber has notches (36) on the inward side confronting the interior trim material directed toward a junction (33) where each longitudinal rib intersects each lateral rib and joined together.

Abstract: A shock absorbing plate for a vehicle steering column is provided with a first portion for connection to a vehicle structure and the second portion for connection to a steering column which supports a steering wheel. A pair of parallel grooves are formed in the plate to define the second portion of the shock absorbing plate which is torn from the first portion of the shock absorbing plate when an excess force is applied axially to the steering column in order to absorb such excess force by axially moving the steering column relative to the vehicle structure. The shock absorbing characteristics of the shock absorbing plate can be varied by the shape of the grooves.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant-restraining webbing is used in a seat belt apparatus of a vehicle in which an air bag apparatus is provided as an auxiliary occupant protecting apparatus, and comprises a webbing length increasing section in which a folded portion of the webbing, formed with a portion of the webbing being folded in a longitudinal direction of the webbing, includes first, second and third regions arranged in order from a fold base end to a fold tip end, wherein the first region is formed by stitching and when a first tensile force acts in the longitudinal direction of the webbing and is applied to the first region to undo the stitching of the first region, the length of the webbing is increased, the second region is provided so as to increase the length of the webbing without applying active tensile force in the longitudinal direction of the webbing when the stitching of the second region comes undone, and the third region is formed by stitching and when a second tensile force which is smaller than the first

Abstract: A steering shaft for a steering system of a motor vehicle including an outer tubular member, and an inner tubular member extending into the outer member and secured therein against axial and/or radial displacement relative to the outer member, with the two tubular members being axially displaceable relative to each other in case of a collision, and with one of the tubular members having tear-off strips with bent-over front ends having bent-over sections engaging the other tubular member, each of the tear-off strips being formed by two spaced flutes of the one tubular member, the flutes also defining weakness locations.

Abstract: A shock absorbing structure for a motor vehicle, including a base plate having a thickness greater than 1.5 mm, and a plurality of ribs formed so as to constitute a latticework on one of opposite major surfaces of the base plate. The latticework has a plurality of rectangular cells each having two pairs of adjacent sides. The ribs have a thickness in a range of 0.6-1.2 mm. One of the two adjacent sides of each cell of the latticework of the ribs has a first length of 30-50 mm, and the other side has a second length greater than 30 mm and not greater than 50 mm. The base plate and ribs are formed of a synthetic resin material comprising polyolefin, which material has an Izod impact strength of not smaller than 5 kgcm/cm, and a tangent modulus of elasticity in a range of 5000-20000 kg/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: According to the invention, a vehicle chassis includes first and second longitudinal extending side rails which are laterally spaced apart. A cross member extends transversely between the first and second side rails and has bolt holes therein. A longitudinally extending slotted aperture is provided in each side rail and registers with the bolt holes of the cross member. Each of the side rails has a cage member attached thereto and overlying aligned the slotted aperture. Each cage member has a longitudinally extending slotted aperture registering with the slotted aperture of the side rail and each has a nut captured therein for longitudinal movement of the nut within the cage member along the slotted aperture. A bolt is installed through the cross member bolt hole, through the slotted aperture of the side rail, and into the nut to attach the cross member and the side rail.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly is provided, and includes a receiver which slidably receives a telescope housing. The telescope housing includes an internally collapsible shaft. A lower universal joint is removably secured to the receiver for supporting a collapsible intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft is collapsible in the direction of the engine compartment upon presentation of sufficient load upon the telescope housing to disconnect the lower universal joint from the receiver once the telescope housing itself has been internally collapsed. A lower bearing retainer supports the lower universal joint within the receiver. Shearable rivets secure the lower bearing retainer to the receiver. The rivets shear when sufficient load is present.

Abstract: A shock strut assembly for an aircraft landing gear includes a trunnion fitting, a compressible oleo strut subassembly, a wheel subassembly, an energy dissipating subassembly, and a mechanical load control subassembly. The oleo strut subassembly includes a cylinder member having an upper end mounted in combination with the trunnion fitting by means of the mechanical load control subassembly and a piston member having a lower end affixed in combination with the wheel subassembly and an upper end slidably inserted in the cylinder member. The energy dissipating subassembly includes a cylindrical cutter member secured in combination with the cylinder member and the trunnion fitting and a frangible tube member mounted in concentric combination with the cylinder member so that the lip of the upper end thereof is disposed in abutting engagement with the cutter member.

Abstract: A steering system for an automotive vehicle, arranged to effectively absorb an impact energy at a secondary collision in a head-on collision. The steering system comprises a steering column including an upper shaft and a lower shaft. The lower shaft is axially movably connected to the upper shaft and includes a first section connected to the upper shaft, and a second section. An upper bracket is connected to the steering column. An energy absorbing member is provided in a manner that the upper bracket is connected through the energy absorbing member to a vehicle body to be generally horizontally movable relative to the vehicle body. A first universal joint is disposed between the first and second sections of the lower shaft. A bearing bracket is rotatably supported to the vehicle body and rotatably supports the second section of the lower shaft. A second universal joint is disposed between a lower end section of the second section of the lower shaft and an upper end section of an intermediate shaft.

Abstract: An inflatable airbag comprises a front part (20) and a rear part (22), or front, rear and side parts joined together by at least one tear seam (24) comprising stitching of tortuous pattern.

Abstract: In an impact protection cushion which can be accommodated in the steering wheel region for protection of the vehicle driver, a tearing seam is provided which joins the cushion upper part, which moves forward upon inflation, to the cushion lower part fastened to a fixed vehicle part. This arrangement prevents any radiating forward movement of parts of the cushion upper part, in particular, of a central region laying opposite the gas inflow opening in the cushion lower part without restraining straps.

Abstract: A safety apparatus is installed in a vehicle provided with an air bag system having an air bag which is housed, when empty, in a container in front of a driver's seat. The air bag is inflated to protect the driver during a collision. The safety apparatus is provided with an impact diminishing mechanism for preventing a shoulder belt from being increasingly tensioned by the body of the driver any time before the inflated air bag acts on the driver with a maximum impact.

Abstract: A steering shaft for motor vehicles includes at least two shaft portions which are movable relative to each other in order to reduce the length of the steering shaft in case of an axial load due to an accident. The end portions of the shaft portions face each other and are located next to each other and are preferably angled or bent. Overlapping flanges are mounted on the end portions. In the overlapping areas, one of the flanges has bores which are equipped with sleeves of macromolecular materials. Guide bolts fastened to another flange extend into the bores. The free ends of the guide bolts project beyond the flange with the bores. Tearable stops are provided at the free ends of the guide bolts. The stops may be in the form of disks.

Abstract: An energy absorber for a fall protection system employing a horizontal lifeline comprises an elongate, flexible strength component to opposite ends of which is transmitted the tension shock load produced in the lifeline by arresting a fall and a plurality of sequential energy components operatively connected to the strength component, so that tension applied at opposite ends of the strength component is borne by each of the energy absorbing components and only after its predecessor has broken. The breaking strength of each energy absorbing component, which may be a linear segment of stainless steel aircraft cable, is selected not exceed a desired maximum arrest load. The number of energy absorber components is selected so that not all of them will break when the fall protection system arrests the fall of an object of a predetermined mass falling freely a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting assembly for use in the propeller shaft in the driveline of a motor vehicle between the end of a tubular shaft, especially made of a composite material, and a connecting piece positioned coaxially relative to the shaft end. The shaft and connecting piece have connecting structures which inter-fit in the circumferential direction. The tubular shaft is designed to sustain without damage greater impacting force in the longitudinal axial direction than is required to displace the connecting piece relative to the shaft in this direction.

Abstract: An impact absorber between a bumper and the base of a vehicle has ribs which progressively shear away against the flange during impact, this flange being originally connected and in one piece with the cylindrical body formed with the ribs and being separated therefrom by a weakened zone defined by an annular groove or notch formed in the weakened zone opposite the end of the body connected to the bumper.

Abstract: An anti-collision cushion is disclosed for the occupants of a motor vehicle. Known anti-collision cushions are constructed with a central part which is connected to two side parts of equal size. A tearing fold which reduces the volume capacity, and which is formed by a rip seam, is provided on the surface of the central part. In the deployment phase an expansion occurs with high velocities in the region of the side parts, which may result in injuries to the occupant in some circumstances. In the novel anti-collision cushion the rip seams connect the connecting seams which are contiguous in the region of the tearing fold between the central part and the side parts. A reduction of the expansion and of the expansion velocity, particularly in the region of the side parts, is thereby achieved.

Abstract: A steering column guide structure is provided for a collapsible vehicle steering column. The guide structure includes triangular guide members adjacent to and above the upper portion of the steering column which prevent upward movement of the upper portion of the steering column upon collapse thereof. A guide collar is provided around the lower portion of the steering column to axially guide the lower portion of the steering column upon collapse thereof.

Abstract: A deflectable vehicle bumper has a central frame member attachable to a front of a vehicle, and a pair of laterally extending wing members for protruding beyond the side of the vehicle, each wing member being substantially coplanar with the central frame member and attached thereto. Each wing member comprises a rigid plate having an inner end portion overlapping and detachably secured to the central frame member, and each plate has a vertical line of weakness constituting a fracture line outside the inner end portion, the fracture line ensuring that the plate fractures when a predetermined rearward force is applied thereto. A strip of resilient material is sandwiched between the overlapping plate and central frame member, the strip of resilient material being attached to the plate on each side of the fracture line.

Abstract: A steering column fastening for a motor vehicle includes a deformation element between a steering bracket retained at the body and a protective tubular steering member; the deformation element consists of an energy-absorbing plate connected with a bow-shaped bracket member of the protective tubular steering member which plate includes deformation sections which are arranged corresponding with longitudinal slots of the bow-shaped bracket member and in which are guided the displacement bolts extending through the deformation sections. The energy-absorbing plates are arranged between a lower support element of the bow-shaped bracket member and upper guide elements arranged parallel thereto. The upper guide elements are supported at the steering bracket of the body and include longitudinal slots which are arranged corresponding to further longitudinal slots of the lower support element.

Abstract: An impact absorber is disclosed herein having a single or a pair of box-beam inflatable members arranged in guided sliding relationship. Elongated slots and shear bolts cooperate to releasably couple the inflatable members together so as to absorb shock prior to shearing. A resilient inflatable block is carried on the forward terminating end of one beam member while a resilient pad is carried on the terminating end of the other beam member in alignment to interfere with the sliding movement of the first member. The various impact-absorbing elements are arranged in a series for sequential actuation upon application of an impact. The inflatable block absorbs shock first, followed by the shear bolts and finally the resilient pad.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for releasably securing a steering column of a motor vehicle to the chassis of the vehicle includes a bracket attached to the steering column, with the bracket having a plurality of rearwardly opening primary apertures therein, and a plurality of modules molded in place upon the bracket, with each of the modules registered with one of the rearwardly opening apertures, and with each of the modules including a solid body having an annular groove which (i) is formed during the molding of the module; (ii) which circumscribes a portion of the module and (iii) which is in contact with the bracket. Each module has an aperture through which a fastener may be inserted so as to secure the bracket to the chassis of the vehicle.

Abstract: An energy and absorption and barrier device for automotive vehicles and a method manufacture thereof. The device includes a plurality of metal strips in stacked relation having sinusoidal shapes and devices for securing the ends of the strips together. The method involves forming the strips in dies having adjustable stroke lengths so as to successively form corrugations in the strip in sequence from the center to the outer ends of the strip.

Abstract: Several embodiments (10, 30, 80) of an energy absorption system are designed for permitting progressive collapse of the system by absorbing energy within the system. In one embodiment, a system (10) comprises conical bodies (12) separated by cables (20), which system progressively collapses through plastic deformation of compression members (16) cooperating with each cable (20). In another embodiment, a system (30) incorporates plastically collapsible compression members (44, 46, 48) which collapse progressively to permit the bodies (32) to move together. In another embodiment, a system (80) is provided where the progressive collapse is permitted by frictional sliding of a securing device (92) along a track (90) which permits bodies (82) to move together.

Abstract: A shock absorbing assembly having sections for controlling the modal deformation of collapse and capable of absorbing the dynamic energy of impact caused by the rapid deceleration of heavy masses is provided. The shock absorbing assembly has a plurality of arcuate steel sections sandwiched between steel plates with an elastomeric rubber compound secured to and covering at least one surface of one plate. Each of the arcuate steel sections are provided with a groove in its soffit.

Abstract: A simple yet reliable apparatus is disclosed for dissipating sudden impacts or applications of force. Sudden impacts are dissipated through the sequential shearing of rods or pins anchored perpendicularly to the incoming force and through the compression and evacuation of gel through holes or valves in a cylinder. By varying the diameter and length of the cylinder, pistons, the number size and composition of shear pins, the number and size of restriction holes and or the amount of gel, the system can reliably dissipate impacts within predetermined limits.

Abstract: Energy absorbing unit for vehicle bumper support having inner and outer telescoping cylinders with a radially fixed flow control orifice in the piston cap for recessing a cooperating metering pin concentric with the orifice for controlling the flow of fluid between a pair of contractible and expansible fluid chambers to dissipate impact energy in a first stage operation. The radially fixed flow control orifice is designed to break away from the piston cap in response to predetermined high pressure buildup in one of the chambers to increase the opening between the chambers in a second stage operation to thereby reduce pressure and absorb the energy of increased impact load. A gas spring in the unit moves the two cylinders to their extended position on removal of bumper impact load.

Abstract: A steering column fastening arrangement for motor vehicles with an energy-absorbing deformation element which is arranged between a steering bracket retained fixed at the body and a tubular protective steering member. The deformation element consists of a metallic plate rigidly connected with a U-shaped member of the tubular protective steering member while the plate includes slot-like deformation sections that are arranged corresponding with elongated apertures of the U-shaped member. The tubular protective steering member is retained displaceable in case of a crash with respect to the steering bracket by way of the displacement bolts extending through the deformation sections and guided in the elongated apertures and, on the other hand, the tubular protective steering member is fixedly connected with the steering bracket.

Abstract: A tension loaded energy dissipating support member includes multiple successively longer metal straps all connected at each end to an end connector with the longer straps, and preferably the shortest strap, bowing outward laterally such that as the tensile load increases, the straps, beginning with the shortest, successively plastically deform to dissipate shock energy. The initial bowing, type of material, and relative dimensions of the straps can be varied to obtain the desired load supporting and energy dissipating characteristics.

Abstract: An impact energy absorbing structure for attachment to the boss of a steering wheel in an automobile is disclosed. It comprises an energy absorbing member made of brittle plastic material and a cover member. It has empty spaces formed between the central part and the outer peripheral part of the energy absorbing member to give rise to an external wall part breakable under an impactive load in the outer peripheral part of the energy absorption member. Owing to this arrangement, the impactive energy absorbing structure of this invention is enabled to maximize the amount of energy absorption and enhance the energy absorption efficiency to a great extent.

Abstract: An impact damper which is equipped with an economical, cost-effective work piston, on which not only can a weight reduction be made, but also a substantial simplification in manufacture can be achieved. This impact damper is also designed to be deformable instantaneously upon collision with an obstacle when the force of the collision exceeds a predetermined range. The work piston is designed as a tubular body closed on a side facing a fluid containing chamber, and is provided with a breaking or buckling point, whereby energies can readily be absorbed, even at relatively high impact velocities.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring counterbalance extensible link including a closed end cylinder with an end connector a piston and rod assembly within the cylinder and maintained therein by the crimped over end portion of the cylinder retaining a rod bushing and rod to cylinder seal. The cylinder is pressurized prior to assembly of the complete piston and rod into the cylinder. The piston assembly includes orifice by-pass arrangements either in the piston periphery or in a piston ring, and the piston may include a fail-safe provision in the event the orifice is clogged. A crimping die assembly is used in assembling and completing final assembly of the counterbalance components while simultaneously maintaining the link in a pressurized environment, utilizing sealed arrangement between the crimping dies to maintain pressurization of the interior of the dies and the counterbalance components prior to assembly of the components.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering column for a motor vehicle includes a vehicle body, an upper steering column tube, a lower steering column tube telescopically engaged with the upper steering column tube, a steering shaft rotatably suspended within the steering column and having a steering wheel secured to the rearward end of the shaft. A first means is provided for mounting the upper steering column tube to the body and for absorbing impact loads through plastic deformation as the column tubes move together axially. A second means is provided for securing the upper column tube to the lower column tube and for allowing the tubes to move axially relative to each other.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering column assembly for a motor vehicle steering wheel. The column has a tubular jacket supported from the vehicle body by upper and lower sheet metal brackets. The upper bracket is connected to the body by releasable capsules. The jacket has a plastic end cap bushing fitted on its forward end. The bushing is releasably press fitted in a concentric collar portion of the lower bracket. Under predetermined impact loading on the steering wheel and column assembly, the capsules release the upper bracket allowing the column to be guided forward axially causing radial tabs on the bushing to be sheared-off in a first level energy absorption. Continued travel of the column assembly in a controlled lateral path provides second higher level energy absorption wherein the lower bracket is deformed in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A crash protection structural component is constructed as a hollow sleeve pe body which is open at its ends. The hollow body is made of at least one strand of fiber compound material formed into a netting. The netting is constructed for an irreversible stepwise take-up of energy in response to a shock load or impact, whereby the strand layers delaminate at the strand intersections or junctions of the netting as the strand layers are taking up shearing loads in response to a compression load which is applied to the component in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In a safety belt having a continuous webbing composed of a shoulder side outer webbing piece extended from an upper strengthening member at the side of an automotive body for restricting the breast of an occupant sitting on a seat and a lap side outer webbing piece extended from a lower strengthening member at the side of the body for restricting the waist of the occupant, the continuous webbing has at least one annularly folded portion formed at the continuous webbing and has a plurality of sewing patterns separately sewed adjacent to each other on the folded portion. Thus, the stretching characteristics of shoulder and lap side outer webbing pieces of the continuous webbing are formed to be different to provide buffer and energy absorbing functions of the continuous webbing, thereby further improving the performance of a conventional safety belt.

Abstract: An improved shear-type pressure relief device is provided which is useful in conjunction with pressure chambers requiring relief when system pressures exceed a predetermined level, such as in the shock absorbing piston and cylinder assemblies of present day vehicle bumpers. The relief device is preferably in the form of an integral, metallic body including a flange in engagement with a pressure chamber wall adjacent a relief opening, with a projection extending into the opening. The juncture between the flange and projection is advantageously very sharp (having a radius of less than about 0.020 inches) and the device is designed to shear upon experiencing high system pressures for relief purposes. In the case of vehicle bumpers the shear device is located on the shiftable, bumper-mounted piston thereof, and circumscribes the usual stationary, tapered, frame-mounted, flow-restricting rod.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device comprising a pair of fluid containers (1A, 1B) interconnected by a restriction passage (5), each of the fluid containers being provided with a piston (3A, 3B) which is slidably mounted to the respective fluid container, in a fluid-tight fashion, so that one end of each of the pistons is projected outwards from the respective fluid container, and a closure valve (7) which is provided in the restriction passage (5) and which can be broken when a fluid pressure of a predetermined value acts on the closure valve.

Abstract: High velocity impact landing forces are attenuated in apparatus (10) utilizing an energy absorbing tube (12) of composite fibrous material, that is, a fiber reinforced plastic. The energy absorbing tube (12) is disposed in force transmitting relation between an anvil (14) disposed at one end and structure (16) for applying a force to the opposite end of the tube (12) to provide force attenuating apparatus. The tube (12) is progressively crushed onto the anvil (14) by the force applying structure (16) to dissipate energy. The force attenuating apparatus (10) is used in an energy absorbing seat (20) to provide occupant protection against high impact forces. Other uses of the force attenuating apparatus (10) is in a landing gear mechanism (76) and a vehicle bumper system (89).