Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for controlling actuation of a protection device for an occupant of a vehicle seat (12) includes the steps of: determining (44) when an output signal of a weight sensor rises from an initial value; waiting (46) a predetermined period of time (T2) after the output signal rises from the initial value; determining (48) the weight on the vehicle seat after the predetermined period of time (T2); comparing (50) the weight on the vehicle seat after the predetermined period of time with a first threshold weight (W1); enabling (52) actuation of the protection device if the weight on the vehicle seat after the predetermined period of time exceeds the first threshold weight; and disabling (54) actuation of the protection device if the weight on the vehicle seat after the predetermined period of time does not exceed the first threshold weight.

Abstract: In a vehicle occupant restraint system there is provided a gas bag having a wall (12) which has portions distributed across its surface area which, with increasing gas bag internal pressure, increase the volume of said gas bag (10) by a deployment or smoothing action. If the internal pressure in the gas bag rises due to increased power output of the gas generator or in case of high temperatures, a limitation of the increase in pressure is achieved by the increase in volume of the gas bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds.

Abstract: An inflatable seat belt system providing protection to its inflatable members is disclosed. The system may include inflatable shoulder belts and lap belts, which may or may not be inflatable. Each inflatable belt includes seat belt webbing having an interior cavity in which an inflatable member is placed. The seat belt webbing also includes a frangible seam that bursts upon inflation of the inflatable member. The inflatable seat belt system may also include one or more anti-submarining (crotch) belts that prevent an occupant from slipping underneath the protection of the lap and shoulder belts.

Abstract: A tongue of an inflatable belt device which allows a lap belt anchor to be easily assembled to a tongue body is provided. A tongue plate is provided on its one surface with hook-like projections for coupling a lap belt anchor to the tongue plate, and stoppers for preventing the lap belt anchor engaged with the projections from coming off the projections. Each stopper is supported by a plate spring. As receiving holes are engaged with the projections, the stoppers come in contact with the front end face of the lap belt anchor.

Abstract: A protective device (1) by a bed (5) in a vehicle (8), includes at least a catching part (3, 4) for a person (9) lying in the bed (5), which part can be arranged at least partly around the bed (5). The catching part (3, 4) can be inflated.

Abstract: A seat belt system (13) includes a seat belt (19) having an inflatable portion (32). The system (13) further comprises at least one microelectromechanical device (MEMS) device (120) connected in fluid communication with the inflatable portion (32) of the seat belt (19) and energizable to supply inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable portion (32) of the seat belt.

Abstract: An airbag is formed of an airbag body having a front surface facing a passenger and a rear surface with a gas inlet opening, a flow adjustment member disposed in the airbag body on a side of the rear surface and having an outlet port for discharging gas toward an outer periphery of the airbag body, and a tether connecting the front surface and the rear surface of the airbag body. The tether is arranged relative to the flow adjustment member so as to face the outlet port in a state where the airbag body is inflated to adjust a gas flow ejected from the outlet port. Thus, the airbag can be inflated evenly as a whole.

Abstract: A latching apparatus for an inflatable belt device which achieves reduction in the gas leakage without losing the smoothness of insertion of a tongue into a buckle, or which achieves reduction in the manufacturing cost and the weight of the latching apparatus. A tongue and a buckle of a latching apparatus for an inflatable belt device have pipes (a tongue pipe, a buckle pipe), through which gas for deploying an inflatable belt flows. The end of the buckle pipe is covered by a buckle cap which is broken when an inflator is actuated. The buckle cap is biased upwardly by a spring fitted around the buckle pipe. A space between the pipes is eliminated by the buckle cap, thereby achieving the reduction in gas leakage. Therefore, the need for excess gas is eliminated, thereby enabling miniaturization of the inflator.

Abstract: An inflatable belt system and method of operation for a vehicle occupant restraint in which a lap belt section or torso belt section or both have dual load bearing portions with an inner portion being inflatable. During inflation of the inner portion the other outer belt portion ruptures along a frangible line. The outer belt portion is a woven cylindrical member.

Abstract: An initiator (40) for actuating an inflation fluid source (34) for an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a plurality of electrically energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (120-126). In one embodiment, the MEMS devices (120-126) are associated in a one to one relationship with chambers (75-78) containing ignitable material (130). Each one of the MEMS devices (120-126), when energized, generates combustion products, including heat, for igniting the associated ignitable material (130). At least one terminal pin (44-46) is electrically connected with the plurality of MEMS devices (120-126) for receiving an electric signal for energizing at least one of the MEMS devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module comprising a gas bag which has, with respect to its inflated sate, a front wall including a middle portion. The middle portion features a depression in an inflated state of the gas bag, by a restraining means being provided which engages the middle portion and at least partly prevents the same from moving in a direction out of the gas bag module. The restraining means is formed such that it is able to release the middle portion after an initial restraint.

Abstract: An occupant restraint belt for use with a seat of a motor vehicle has an inflatable section having a deflated condition wherein the belt assumes a stowed position and an inflated condition wherein the belt assumes a deployed position in which the belt is in a position making it easy for a seat occupant to see and grasp the belt in order to fasten it. The inflatable section is formed by sewing a layer of flexible material to the webbing that constitutes the main restraint member of the belt to form at least one gas-tight inflation chamber. The belt is inflated after an occupant is seated in the seat and ready to don the restraint belt. Inflation of the inflatable section preferably occurs upon activation by an electronic control system that receives inputs from one or more vehicle systems, such as a seat weight sensor, a door open/closed sensor, and/or an ignition switch.

Abstract: An inflatable seat belt restraint system including a shoulder belt, an inflatable restraint, an inflation integrated inertia reel, and a shoulder belt anchor opposite to the inflation integrated inertial reel. The system can further include a lap belt and lap belt inertia reel. The inflation integrated inertia reel includes a webbing anchor, a drum having a pressure vessel, and a port for ducting inflation gas from the pressure vessel to the inflatable restraint. The inflation integrated inertia reel can further include an inflator in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. Upon deployment, gas flows from the inflator, into the pressure vessel, through the port, and into the inflatable restraint. The system can also include, a pressure-actuated locking mechanism locks the drum when the pressure vessel is pressurized. A corresponding method for deploying an inflatable restraint is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seat belt system (10) comprises a seat belt (15) and a tongue assembly (22). A buckle (26) engageable with the tongue assembly (22) secures the system (10) in a buckled condition in which the belt (15) is divided into a torso portion (28) and a lap portion (29). The system (10) also includes an inflatable device (100) comprising an inflatable portion (98) of the belt (15). An inflation fluid source (40) provides inflation fluid to the inflatable device (100) only when the tongue assembly (22) is engaged with the buckle (26). A cinch mechanism (130) has a cinched condition resisting movement of the belt (15) through the tongue assembly (22). The inflatable device (100), when inflated, causes the cinch mechanism (130) to move to the released condition and causes the torso portion (28) and the lap portion (29) of the belt (15) to be tensioned about the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A seat belt system (13) includes a seat belt (19) having an inflatable portion (32). The system (13) further comprises at least one microelectromechanical device (MEMS) device (120) connected in fluid communication with the inflatable portion (32) of the seat belt (19) and energizable to supply inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable portion (32) of the seat belt.

Abstract: A restraint belt for occupants of vehicles having an air bag module which is provided in the pelvic area. The restraint belt extends as a double belt in the lap of the occupant. The first section of the double belt rests directly on the body of the occupant. The second section rests at least partially on the side of the first section facing away from the body of the occupant. The belt reverses direction as it transitions from the first section into the second section. The airbag module is placed on the second section of the double belt. The configuration of the restraint belt provides for a restraint effect of any airbag at the same time that the tension of the belt is increased, and to attain an additional tensioning effect.

Abstract: An airbag system for seatbelts including a housing and an elongated one-piece tubular inflatable structure disposed within the housing, where the housing and inflatable structure include a seatbelt passageway so that a seatbelt may pass therethrough unhindered and unaffected during normal seatbelt use, while the inflatable structure remains in an uninflated state. In a collision event, an inflator causes the inflatable structure to unfold, or preferably unroll, and extend from the housing along the seatbelt, so that the inflatable structure surrounds the seatbelt over an extended length thereof to provide a cushion between the seatbelt and an occupant. Such an arrangement may be easily applied to existing seatbelt systems.

Abstract: A restraint assembly intended for use primarily, but not exclusively, within motor vehicles to protect occupants from injury resulting from a collision, crash or other impact type of accident in which the vehicle is involved. A plurality of inflatable members are mounted at a plurality of strategic locations relative to the various positions assumed by occupants within the vehicle, such that upon the vehicle being impacted, a central processing unit or like processor structured to sense the impact will automatically inflate the inflatable members so that they assume a protective position which will interact with the occupant to actively absorb and resist the force of the impact resulting from the occupant coming into contact, at an accelerated rate, with the inflatable member(s).

Abstract: A head protection system for occupants of a motor vehicle has a multi-chamber air bag, which is inflated laterally of the head in the event of a side impact and prevents the displacement of the head. In addition, it protects the head from vehicle body parts that penetrate the occupant department. Via the individual chambers, an L-shape of the air bag can be constructed which is optimal for the desired purpose. In addition, the division into several chambers permits longer and therefore less aggressive inflation times.

Abstract: A seat belt system (10) comprises a seat belt (15) and a tongue assembly (22). A buckle (26) engageable with the tongue assembly (22) secures the system (10) in a buckled condition in which the belt (15) is divided into a torso portion (28) and a lap portion (29). The system (10) also includes an inflatable device (100) comprising an inflatable portion (98) of the belt (15). An inflation fluid source (40) provides inflation fluid to the inflatable device (100) only when the tongue assembly (22) is engaged with the buckle (26). A cinch mechanism (130) has a cinched condition resisting movement of the belt (15) through the tongue assembly (22). The inflatable device (100), when inflated, causes the cinch mechanism (130) to move to the released condition and causes the torso portion (28) and the lap portion (29) of the belt (15) to be tensioned about the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying a belt-line inflatable structure with substantial axial tension, the system including an inflatable structure serial assembly held at its ends by two static anchors. The serial assembly can be independent inflatable structures connected together, or one continuous inflatable structure. One or more dynamic anchors, mounted opposite the static anchors, restrains the serial assembly at an intermediate portion of the serial assembly such that the serial assembly has a first axis between the one static anchor and the one or more dynamic anchors and a second axis between the other static anchor and the one or more dynamic anchors. The dynamic anchor(s) allow the serial assembly to move axially along the first axis and the second axis and to equalize the axial tension of the serial assembly along the first and second axes. The system can further include a shield covering the inflatable structures.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle safety system having a source of inflating gas and an inflatable bag in which a flat, woven hose connects the gas source to the inflatable bag using minimal connecting hardware.

Abstract: To provide a passenger protecting device protecting a passenger by controlling an inflating amount of an airbag and that of an air belt. A protocol is used that varies the amount of inflation of both the airbag and the air-belt. Each may remain non-inflated, inflated at least partially, or inflated fully depending on other factors. One factor may be the detected impact scale of the crash. Another factor may be the detected weight of a passenger. Inflation of the airbag and/or the air-belt may be done in a stepwise manner or in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a vehicle occupant during a deceleration event, which integrates a dynamically deployed device (“DDD”) with a seat belt restraint system. The invention uses a seat belt to guide the deployment of a DDD (e.g., an air bag). The DDD is anchored to a vehicle. The DDD is slideably attached to a seat belt of the vehicle such that the dynamically deployed device, when deployed, slides along the seat belt and is held in position by the seat belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for helping to protect a vehicle occupant comprises a vehicle seat belt system (14) including a buckle (20), a tongue assembly (90), and an inflatable seat belt portion (12) connected with the tongue assembly. An inflation mechanism (10) connected with the buckle (20) includes an actuatable inflator (60) and a first conduit (70) in fluid communication with the inflator. A second conduit (110) is in fluid communication with the inflatable seat belt portion (12). The first conduit (70) has a rupturable portion (82) blocking fluid flow out of the first conduit toward the second conduit (110). The first conduit (70), upon actuation of the inflator (60), moves from a first position in which the first conduit is not in fluid communication with the second conduit (110) to a second position in which the first conduit is in fluid communication with the second conduit.

Abstract: To enable effectively binding the front, the head and the neck of an occupant in a vehicular passive safety device that binds the occupant by inflating the webbing. As an upper portion of an inflated portion of webbing of an air belt system is located in a position in which each side of the head H and the neck N of an occupant can be protected, it is needless to say that the front B of the occupant can be softly bound with the inflated portion in a head-on collision. The head H and the neck N of the occupant are softly bound in a side impact and the air belt system can also function as a side air bag system and an air curtain system. In addition, as the thickness of the portion to be inflated becomes thinner downwardly from the upper portion, the required capacity of an inflator can be reduced by reducing the volume of a lower portion of the inflated portion in which required binding force can be easily acquired even if the lower portion is thinned.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image-forming method is utilized to generate three-dimensional position surface image data of an unoccupied seat and of a seat which is occupied with an object. By subtracting one of the image data items from the other one, the volume of a person located on the seat is determined. As a result, a vehicle-occupant protection device which is assigned to the seat can be controlled as a function of the position and the volume or weight of the person.

Abstract: An airbag system comprising a bag which can be inflated with gas and a gas generator. At least one flexible guideway is firmly connected to the motor vehicle on one end and detachably connected to the motor vehicle on another. When the airbag is inactive, it is arranged on the end of the guideway which is firmly connected to the motor vehicle. Once the gas generator is ignited, the airbag can be displaced along the guideway in the direction of the detachable end using the gases entering the gas bag.

Abstract: The invention is directed to multi-layered textile fabrics having a plurality of polymeric coating layers of polyurethane and/or polysiloxane coated thereon. The coating layers are applied to such multi-layered woven textile fabric substrates having preconfigured air-holding cavities therein to form an improved air-holding vehicle restraint system, such as an air bag or side air curtain with superior air-holding characteristics. In certain instances, the multi-layered textile fabrics are coated on one side only, and in others they may be coated on both sides, i.e., opposed first and second surfaces. The layers of the multi-layered fabric can then be joined by means of heat sealing, RF welding or combinations thereof, for purposes of forming an air bag or side air curtain without the need for sewing or stitching. The coated fabrics facilitate manufacture of air bags, side curtains or the like with both reduced cutting and sealing steps than fabrics of the prior art.

Abstract: To enable the easy adjustment of the height of the upper end of a shoulder belt of webbing utilizing a shoulder guard provided to a strut provided on both right and left sides of a seat. An air belt system is provided with webbing in which a lap belt that cannot be inflated and a shoulder belt that can be inflated are connected to each other. A retractor is provided to one side of a seat for winding the end of the lap belt. A tongue is supported in an intermediate part of the webbing so that the tongue can slide relative thereto. A buckle is provided on the other side of the seat for connecting the tongue so that the tongue can be detached. An inflator is connected to the end of the shoulder belt for supplying high pressure gas to the shoulder belt. Right and left shoulder guards are respectively provided to the struts provided on both right and left sides of the seat so that the upper and lower positions can be adjusted.

Abstract: An inflatable safety belt system having an inflatable torso section, an inflator, and a guide arrangement. An elongated housing holds the inflator and a portion of the inflatable safety belt while also allowing the inflator and belt to move along the elongated length of the housing. Skids, wheels, and other structures guide the inflator as it moves through the housing to prevent it from generating excessive frictional drag, unwanted noise, and vibration.

Abstract: An airbelt is provided that passes smoothly through an anchor and winds around a retractor. The airbelt includes a non-inflating section and a flat hollow-cylindrical inflating section. A bag is arranged only within the inflating section. An end of the bag as well as an end of the belt is connected to a tongue. The non-inflating section is inserted into a through-anchor and is connected to a retractor so as to enable to be wound up around and pulled out of the retractor. The belt is consecutively and integrally made by knitting or weaving all the parts extending from the non-inflating section toward the inflating section. A weft thread, which is lined up with a fusion thread such as a thread having a core-sheath structure, is inserted into the non-inflating section so as to be processed with heat.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant cover for an air bag and an apparatus and method for controlling the deployment of an air bag is disclosed. The tamper-resistant cover includes one or more regions in a surface of the tamper-resistant cover that is/are less tear-resistant than the material which is used throughout the remaining portions of the cover. This tearable portion or portions readily rips upon deployment of the air bag when pressurized gas rapidly fills the underlying air bag thereby allowing rapid deployment of the air bag as desired. Selective locations for the tearable region or regions on the cover desirably may be used to assist in altering the way in which the air bag deploys during a crash or other impact. The tearable regions on the bag cover may be formed in a variety of different ways. For example, the tearable regions maybe formed by providing mechanical wear to the desired region on the cover.

Abstract: A passenger protecting apparatus for improving the comfort of an air belt and for facilitating the attachment and release of the air belt's tongue and buckle connection. The apparatus includes a buckle having a buckle housing connected to a seat base via an anchor member and a bolt so as to allow the buckle housing to be rotated towards the front and back of the vehicle. The anchor member is provided with a spindle insertion portion formed in the state of a hole on the upper end portion thereof. The anchor member and the buckle housing are connected via a spindle pin inserted into the spindle inserting portion. Since the spindle pin is oriented to permit the buckle to rotate towards the sides of the vehicle body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckle assembly for use in a restraint system for protecting a vehicle passenger during a crash event. The buckle assembly includes a connector, an airbag buckle and a means for ensuring that the connector may only be inserted into an airbag buckle and that the connector may only be inserted into an airbag buckle in a single orientation. The connector includes a mechanical stop with an offset edge. This offset edge must engage within a clearing slot located within the airbag buckle in order for the connector to latch into the airbag buckle. Latching of the connecting element with other non-airbag buckles or with the air bag buckle when the connector is not in the proper orientation is thus prevented.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to self-centering airbags, restraint systems that use them and the methods for manufacturing and tuning them. Sculpturing, which includes forming at least one cutout in the airbag, is used to form an airbag that when deployed, has a centerline that is not necessarily centered about the point at which the airbag is fixed to a structure (the fixation point). The self-centering airbag can be used as part of a restraint system, wherein the self-centering airbag is embedded within a structure such as a safety belt. Because the centerline of the self-centering airbag can be adjusted, the self-centering airbag does not need to be embedded in the safety belt in a location that, when worn by a passenger, is central with respect to the relevant part of the passenger's body.

Abstract: To provide an air belt that maintains a flat belt like state, enables passage through an anchor and direct winding to a retractor, and has satisfactory comfort. An air belt includes a bag, a tubular mesh webbing made of a fabric or a textile, and a hollow cover accommodating the mesh webbing. The mesh webbing expands and contracts flexibly in the lateral direction but resists stretching in the longitudinal direction. The hardness of the cover in the lateral direction is greater than the hardness in the longitudinal direction, and the cover bends flexibly in the longitudinal direction but resists bending in the lateral direction. The cover, which is flat and tubular, is formed by longitudinally folding a flat, long sheet along a folding line and seaming the longitudinal sides with a thread, the thread is broken when the bag is inflated.

Abstract: An inflatable belt system and method of operation for a vehicle occupant restraint in which a lap belt section or torso belt section or both have dual load bearing portions with an inner portion being inflatable. During inflation of the inner portion the other outer belt portion ruptures along a frangible line. The outer belt portion is a woven cylindrical member.

Abstract: A seat belt anchorage system for securing an inflatable seat belt in a vehicle has an inflator generating inflation-fluid and supplying the fluid through a fluid distribution member to a fluid receiving tube connected to the inflatable seat belt. The system shown being fully self-contained, that is not relying on external power, is adaptable to be secured to the vehicle during the initial manufacture of a vehicle or can be field retrofitted on existing vehicles. The seat belt anchorage system may be secured to the seat, seat back, seat frame, vehicle floor or vehicle structural member. The inflator is either coupled by a conduit or directly connected to the fluid distribution member. Of course if external power is available, the only portion of the anchorage system that will be changed is the configuration of the control of the inflator. Therefore, this system is transparent to the type and style of inflator devices.

Abstract: A passenger restraint system (100) for an occupant of a vehicle (102) includes an inflatable belt portion comprising a seamless hollow inflatable textile member that becomes inflated upon the occurrence of a collision. The inflatable textile member may vary in size and construction along its length. The belt portion (104, 112) tightens against the occupant's body when the inflatable belt portion becomes inflated.

Abstract: An inflatable air-belt device including a shoulder belt and lap belt. When the air-belt is inflated, a tension is generated in the shoulder belt and is transferred to the lap belt so that both the shoulder belt and the lap belt adhere closely to an occupant. When an emergency condition is detected, an inflator is actuated to inflate a bag located in the shoulder belt creating a tension of more than a predetermined strength in the shoulder belt. The lap belt is drawn toward the shoulder belt to release a stopper located in a buckle positioned between the belts. The lap belt moves toward the shoulder belt through a hole located in the tongue of the buckle. A nozzle for receiving pressurized gas is inserted in a slit in the belts so that the lap belt may move smoothly toward the shoulder belt without obstruction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt system for restraining a vehicle occupant, comprising a safety belt, a belt buckle, two end fittings, at least one belt retractor, at least one inflatable belt gas bag and at least two belt tensioners. At least one of the belt tensioners is an end fitting tensioner.

Abstract: An air belt that includes a bag-shaped mesh webbing, a bag inserted into the mesh webbing, and a tube shaped mesh cover which covers the mesh webbing. The mesh cover includes warp yarn, weft yarn, and an connected part formed by connecting the weft yarn with an entanglement-thread at a hem. The entanglement-thread of the connected part breaks due the force of the bag expanding so that the bag and the mesh webbing expand further than the cover. The thickness of the cover is uniform across its width, resulting in a uniform bending strength of the mesh cover between the left and right hems and providing comfort to the wearer.

Abstract: An inflatable belt for use in a seat belt apparatus. The belt provides an increased inflation length without having to pass an inflatable bag through a belt guide. A seat belt apparatus may include the air belt which may include a webbing of which at least a part that comes into contact with an occupant is formed as a bag-like portion and the remaining part is formed as a single-band portion. The apparatus has a bag stored in the bag-like portion of the webbing in such a manner that the bag is folded along both the longitudinal direction thereof and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof The air belt includes cover that covers the webbing. When a gas is injected into the bag the bag inflates to expand the webbing and to provide EA effect and occupant protection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a stationary plenum to receive hot inflation gases from a vehicle safety system gas inflator and for such plenum to supply such gases to an inflatable member which protects a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: An inflatable seat belt for securing an occupant in a motor vehicle having a belt strap which is divided by way of a belt latch into a diagonal region resting against the occupant's upper body and into a horizontal region resting against the occupant's pelvis. A belt buckle is fastened to the vehicle and the belt latch is detachably connectable with the belt buckle. On the diagonal region of the belt strap, an air bag is mounted which extends from the occupant's upper body to behind the head. The air bag is made of a material which is shortened in an axial direction during inflation. The diagonal region of the belt strap is connected with an upper retractor fastened to the vehicle, and the horizontal region of the belt strap is connected with a lower retractor fastened to the vehicle.

Abstract: An air belt that is smoothly passed through an anchor and is retracted directly by a retractor is provided. A belt of an air belt includes a single layer portion having a relatively small width, which is formed by a belt, a flat tubular multiple layer portion, and an intermediate portion. The width of the belt is gradually reduced from the multiple layer portion to the single layer portion. A bag is provided only in the multiple layer portion. A distal end of the bag is connected to a tongue, together with a distal end of the belt. The single layer portion is passed through a through anchor and is connected to a retractor. The retractor retracts and extends the belt. The belt is an integral body extending continuously from the single layer portion to a hardly expanding portion of the intermediate portion and the multiple layer portion.

Abstract: A retaining device for a panel element of the interior paneling of a motor vehicle which covers the airbag arrangement so that paneling and holding element that may come loose when the airbag unfurls are restrained from being propelled into the passenger cabin.

Abstract: A passenger restraint system (100) for an occupant of a vehicle (102) includes an inflatable belt portion comprising a seamless hollow inflatable textile member that becomes inflated upon the occurrence of a collision. The inflatable textile member may vary in size and construction along its length. The belt portion (104, 112) tightens against the occupant's body when the inflatable belt portion becomes inflated.