Abstract: The present invention comprises a column support fixed to a deck cross member extending along a width of a vehicle; a steering column supported by the column support; a column bracket disposed about an axis of the steering column in such a manner as to widen toward a front part of the vehicle, both ends of the column bracket being fixed to a body of the vehicle; and knee absorbers disposed at both sides of the column bracket, each of the knee absorbers having a base end fixed to the deck cross member and a front end facing the knees of an occupant, the front end coming into contact with the knees of the occupant. When the vehicle crashes, the occupant and his or her knees move forward to collide with the column bracket. The column bracket, however, is not displaced since both ends of the column bracket are fixed to the body of the vehicle. The knees of the occupant are guided forward along the surface of the column bracket to the right and left knee absorbers.

Abstract: A steering column holding structure, includes: a column lower bracket locating at rear end of an automobile in relation to a pedal lever, the column lower bracket holding a steering column, wherein the column lower bracket comprises: a column holding section holding the steering column; and a first and a second protruding sections formed with a first and a second through holes so that the column lower bracket is attached to a column holding frame of the automobile with bolts. In the above construction, the first protruding section is formed with an opening channel so as to open the first through hole, thereby making the first protruding section between the opening channel and the steering column as a absorbingly deforming section which is to be deformed by the pedal lever when the automobile forwardingly bumps.

Abstract: A safety device for an airbag-system which has not been triggered by an accident, comprising a fabric which is suitable for surrounding a steering wheel of a motorcar which is provided with the airbag-system. The fabric is suitable for tightening at the side of the steering column on which the steering wheel is mounted, such that if the airbag-system is activated during a rescue operation, inflation of the airbag is hindered by the fabric.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly has a mounting plate which secures a molded steering wheel to a steering shaft in a vehicle. The mounting plate has a pair of slots having respective longitudinal axes which intersect the plane of the steering wheel at a six o'clock position with an included angle of approximately ninety (90) degrees. The longitudinal axis of one of the slots intersects a transverse axis of the steering wheel at a forty-five (45) degree angle at a three o'clock position and the longitudinal axes of the other slot similarly intersects the transverse axis at the nine o'clock position. The slots are effective to control energy absorption and deflection of the steering wheel when it is impacted at a position other then the twelve o'clock position.

Abstract: A vehicle passenger safety method in which a gas bag in an airbag module is inflated in between the passenger and parts of the vehicle when a crash occurs. The cover of the gas bag moves away from the passenger before the gas bag is inflated. Preferably, the gas bag and a diffuser, located in between an inflating device and the gas bag, also move away from the passenger. Compressed gas is released from the inflating device into the gas bag only when the above mentioned groups of components have been placed in a set position.

Abstract: A steering column in a motor vehicle having a steering shaft which, in the event of a crash, can be displaced axially in the direction of the vehicle front by a load on the steering wheel. The steering column has a shell element around the steering shaft adjoining the steering wheel which can be divided by the displacement of the steering wheel for reducing the displacement resistance. The shell element is divided into at least two parts approximately in the axial direction of the steering shaft. The steering wheel and the steering shaft press the shell parts of the shell element apart radially to the outside in the event of an axial displacement.

Abstract: An airbag system for motor vehicles with at least one gas bag and at least one associated gas generator, whereby the airbag system is at least partially shiftable by the occupant. The section of the airbag system shiftable by the occupant is supported by at least one deformable element or shiftable element. This deformable element or shiftable element is deformable or shiftable with a lower expenditure of force with ignition of the gas generator than with a slight deceleration of the vehicle and no ignition of the gas generator by action of the impacting occupant.

Abstract: A steering wheel having a collapsible hub, the steering wheel comprising a wheel 100 having a rim 140, a plurality of spokes 130 connected with the rim 140 and a lower plate 150 having edges and connected with the spokes 130 at the middle of the wheel 100, the edges of the lower plate forming a shape of an open box; a back plate 200 fixed to the said plurality of spokes 130 of the wheel 100 and having an escape hole 220 opened from the middle to one side of the plate 200; an upper plate 300 having first and second vertical surfaces 320 and 330 fixed to the back plate 200 and a horizontal surface 340 connecting the vertical surfaces 320 and 330 to form a space between the back plate 200 and the upper plate 300; and a hub cover 400 installed on the wheel 100 for covering the upper plate 300, so the upper plate 300 collapses to absorb impact of a driver in a car accident.

Abstract: An apparatus for counteracting uncontrolled activations of air bags inflated by a pyrotechnical charge following a strong deceleration such as a crash. The apparatus has a pair of center plates having at least three arms displaced in relation to each other and having bent over hooks which engage the steering wheel ring of a vehicle and can be locked against the steering wheel. The center plate and the arms make it impossible to inflate the air bag which is mounted on the steering wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A new air bag restrictor for restricting the inflation of a driver's side air bag that has not inflated after a crash to permit safe extraction of an injured person within the vehicle. The inventive device includes an elongate bar having a longitudinal axis, a first end portion, a central portion, and a second end portion. The central portion is designed for positioning over the central hub of a steering wheel housing an air bag device. The second end portion is designed for abutting against the backside of a portion of the peripheral rim of a steering wheel. The first end portion forms a hook having an arcuate region and an arm region. The arm region of the hook is spaced apart from the central region to define a hooking space for receiving another portion of the perimeter rim of a steering wheel therein. The arm region also has a first bore extending therethrough while the central portion has a second bore extending therethrough coaxial with the first bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag system for motor vehicles with an airbag and at least one associated gas generator for inflating the airbag in the event of an accident involving the vehicle. According to the invention, the airbag system is fixed on the vehicle where it can be moved at least in part away from the vehicle occupant. To this end, the airbag system is attached to the vehicle so that it can be translated, rotated, or tilted. Preferably it can be moved by the gases emerging from the gas generator after ignition thereof and is fixed on at least one plastically deformable element or spring element. The system according to the invention reduces the risk of injury to the occupant where at the time of inflation of the airbag the vehicle occupant is bending forward in the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A steering column support for a motor vehicle includes a steering column unit, a cross member supporting the steering column unit, at least one reinforcing strut connected with the cross member, and a receiving element for a knee restraint connected with the reinforcing strut(s) and the steering column unit. The steering column support controls and prevent undesirable vibration of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle comprises struts as a support of the steering column tube on vehicle parts. At least one of these struts extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle. On at least one transversely extending strut, at least one separating point is constructed by way of which, in the event of a crash load, the strut can be divided into mutually separated strut parts. During a crash, an unfavorable movement of the steering column tube is therefore prevented.

Abstract: A reinforced woven blanket can be used to protect a passenger lying on a seat of a motor vehicle, by surrounding the entire torso with a single restraint that can use the known webbing, latch plates, buckles, and anchorage, that comply with today's federal requirements.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel is provided with a shock-absorbing device collapsibly mounted in the center pad for absorbing shock energy generated upon a vehicle collision. The shock absorbing device comprises a honeycomb core structure preferably of steel or aluminum which has its core walls disposed in a direction in which shock energy is exerted. The honeycomb core structure has a cell size, a core wall thickness and a core height all selected to demonstrate a maximum shock-absorbing performance.

Abstract: A flexible support has one fixed end in a vehicle interior, and another end projecting freely into the passenger compartment on which an impact protector is fixed. In a flexing direction, the flexible support has spaced upper and lower belts, which are connected with each other by ribs to form hollow spaces. One belt extends along a straight line and the other belt is configured with protrusions and/or depressions between adjacent ribs in the direction toward the straight belt.

Abstract: An impact energy absorber includes: an interaction member and a plurality of energy absorbing members disposed radially around the interaction member, each of the energy absorbing members having a contact portion disposed on the interaction member side for being contactable with the interaction member, a ceiling portion disposed in the radially outside of the interaction member for receiving an impact force, and a shrinkable portion disposed between the contact portion and the ceiling portion so that the shrinkable portion is plastically deformable so as to shrink in the radial direction of the interaction member. The impact energy absorber can make the quantity of absorbed energy constant even if the acting angle of an impact force varies, so that it is possible to improve the degrees of freedom of the installation for the impact energy absorber.

Abstract: A steering wheel pad structure in which an energy absorbing member is mounted to a steering wheel separately and independently of a pad so that the energy absorbing member is prevented from moving in accordance with movement of the pad when the pad is pressed in order to operate a horn switch. When the pad is pressed, a small pressing force suffices, and operation of the horn switch can be effected smoothly.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bolster (32) is provided for attachment to downward facing surfaces of an energy absorbing steering column support bracket (24). The bolster (32) includes longitudinally spaced mounting flanges (40, 42) for securement to the support bracket (24) and a energy absorbing linkage (44) arranged between the mounting flanges, the linkage taking the form of front and rear carrier portions (64, 46), depending from the support bracket and a bridge portion (66), and a load transfer portion (68) arranged between them.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle door structure is provided which, in a preferred embodiment, includes a first generally rigid outer structure, a second generally rigid inner structure spaced from the outer structure and having an opening generally aligned with the pelvic region of a vehicle occupant seated inside the vehicle, a bracket spanning the opening of the inner structure, and a compliant target held by the bracket spaced generally adjacent the inner structure opening and located between the inner and outer structures. Thus, an impact on the door causes the target to protrude inwardly through the inner structure opening.

Abstract: An occupant restraining device which includes a dual reusable airbag system with one airbag adjacent to the other. One airbag is inflated prior to installation providing continuous impact protection for the occupant, the other airbag, being generally U-shaped, is inflated upon impact of the vehicle and when inflated provides front and side protection of the occupant.

Abstract: A cover arrangement is disclosed for an air bag which is arranged in a motor vehicle and is automatically inflated to form an impact cushion for an occupant in the event of an accident. The cover arrangement includes a covering protecting the air bag being torn open at intended tearing lines. Provision is made for the covering to be constructed as a support of a membrane switch arrangement which, for its safety during inflation of the air bag and during the tearing open of the covering thus caused, is connected to a cladding of the covering made of leather or similar material so as to be resistant to tearing.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint module mounting mechanism is disclosed for use in mounting an inflatable restraint module to a support structure such as the hub portion of a steering wheel or a dashboard, on a vehicle. The inflatable restraint module is provided with a plurality of pin members which are adapted to pass through and be retained within apertures in a support plate. The pin members are slidable through the apertures and include clip members for engaging the support plate to thereby retain the restraint module on the support plate. The clip members are formed of a resilient material whereby the clip members are adapted to bias locking members radially outwardly for engaging the support plate and to prevent the pin members from separating from the apertures.

Abstract: A steering wheel with an air bag unit having a center located behind the boss of the steering wheel. A weight member is buried within a front portion of the steering wheel core for reducing displacement of the center of gravity of the steering wheel caused by the air bag unit.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering wheel assembly for use with a steering shaft includes an annular rim, a hub connecting the annular rim drivingly with an end portion of the steering shaft, a center covering member positioned at a generally center portion of the annular rim, and an energy absorbing structure positioned between the hub and the center covering member. The energy absorbing structure comprising a first portion connected to the center covering member, a second portion connected to the hub, a third portion which is sandwiched between the first and second portions, and brace members for minimizing displacement of the first portion and the third portion relative to each other and to the second portion when an impact load, exceeding a predetermined magnitude, is applied to the center covering member at an angle to the steering shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inhibiting full deployment of a vehicle air bag during a rescue operation utilizing a cover which can be tightly fitted and fastened about a vehicle steering wheel so that an activated air bag is confined within the cover and substantially inhibited from deploying into the driver area of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering wheel having a body including a boss, a ringlike rim and a plurality of inclined spokes connecting the boss and the rim is characterized in that a pad which may serve as an air bag unit is disposed within the body so as to extend from the boss to the upper portion of the spokes. The pad is mounted with a plurality of brackets extending between the pad and the spokes. Each of the brackets is fastened to an inclined spoke on one hand and, on the other, has a through-hole for receiving a support projecting from the boss or a respective spoke for holding the pad in position and regulating the lateral movement of the pad.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a substantially T-shaped groove, which is positioned on the side opposite to the side facing the driver, in a core portion provided at the center of the steering wheel. When a load is applied to the lowest portion of a steering wheel rim, bending moments are exerted on the steering wheel about the boss portion and deform the steering wheel about a line parallel to a line connecting two points where two lower spoke members on the core portion are secured to the steering wheel rim. The steering wheel simultaneously creates the predetermined magnitude of deformation due to the deformation of a top portion of the T-shaped groove which is bent in response to the intensive stress. When further load is applied to the steering wheel, angular moments are generated with the distal ends of the spoke members serving as bending portions about the line perpendicular to a line connecting two points where two lower spoke members in the core portion are secured to the steering wheel rim.

Abstract: A safety cover for use with the steering wheel of an automobile comprising an impact reducing section having an elastic partition wall and a cavity formed by the elastic partition within which an impact reducing material such as air, liquid, or a solid elastic body is filled, and a mounting section for mounting the impact reducing section to the steering wheel. The safety cover is capable of reducing an impact from the steering wheel which may be applied to a human body in case of a collision of the automobiles, and for absorbing car vibrations and thereby produce a good handling sensation.

Abstract: A cushion or pillow adapted to the steering wheel of a vehicle which is removably attached and which allows the driver safe access to the steering wheel and does not impair his frontal vision or his use of the horn and still allows a view of the instrument panel. Herein shown is a preferred embodiment which is inflatable and deflatable and a second embodiment which does not require inflation with either embodiment being used in conjunction with/without a prior art "air bag".

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a horn switch in a horn pad. An insert is attached integrally to the backside of a pad cover to form the horn pad while defining a space therebetween. The insert is made of a hard electrical insulating material while the pad cover is made of a soft synthetic resin. A sheet member is disposed in the space between the insert and the pad cover. A resilient member such as a coil spring urges the sheet member toward the pad cover while supporting it movably in the space. A fixing frame made of a sheet metal secures the insert. A moving contact is arranged on the sheet member while a fixed contact is fitted on the fixing frame so as to face the moving contact. These contacts operate as switching elements.

Abstract: A safety system for protecting a driver of a vehicle has a single continuous safety cable designed to retract a steering column and at the same time pull a driver's seat belt when an engine is shoved rearward in a head-on collision of the vehicle. A cable portion for pulling the steering column is connected in series with a cable portion for pulling the seat belt so that the steering column is retracted only when the driver's seat belt is fastened. When the driver's seat belt is fastened, the safety cable system protects the driver by increasing the seat belt tension and retracting the steering column. When the driver's seat belt is not fastened, the safety cable system leaves the steering column at its normal position to absorb impact energy of a secondary collision of the driver against the steering wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double air bag protective system to protect the driver of a vehicle from impact with the steering wheel of the vehicle upon light or severe collision, with the second air bag being filled upon installation and positioned between the steering wheel and the driver while the first air bag inflates upon severe collision for added protection. Both air bags may be inflated manually to check for position and leaks and the inflation system is replacable after a collision.

Abstract: A steering wheel disposed in such a manner that an impact energy absorbing member made of sheet metal and having an upper wall portion and side walls extending downward from the two longitudinal end portions of the upper wall is fastened to the upper surface fo a boss portion and a pad is fitted to cover the impact energy absorbing member. The pad is provided with projecting portions made of a rigid synthetic resin, which are brought into contact with the portion adjacent to the two longitudinal ends of the upper wall of the energy absorbing member, formed on the reverse side of the upper wall of the pad. When impact force acts, from a substantially upper portion, on the central portion of the upper wall of the pad, the projecting portions assuredly crush the side walls of the energy absorbing member. As a result, impact energy can be assuredly absorbed.

Abstract: A steering wheel having a covering layer integrally formed by connecting covering layers of the spoke members above the boss member and having an energy absorbing member embedded in the covering layer. One end of the energy absorbing member is fixed to the spoke core of the spoke member which extends to the left from the boss plate of the boss member ring core of the ring member. The other end of the energy absorbing member is fixed to the spoke core of the spoke member which extends to the right from the boss plate of the boss member to the ring core of the ring member. The center portion of the energy absorbing member is disposed between the right and left spoke cores.

Abstract: The frame comprises a rim (1) formed by a plurality of curved tubes (2,4) inwardly and downwardly bent at their ends so as to form spokes of the steering wheel. The end portions of two adjacent spokes (6, 8 - 7, 9) which pertain to two different tubes are moulded in a common lateral boss (14) of a hub (16). The boss (14) extends longitudinally and projects upwardly from the hub and the end portions of the spokes are vertical and progressively crushed with a curved cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: An attachment for the steering wheel of a vehicle for preventing facial, head, eye and chest to a driver in the event of sudden impact of a vehicle. A buffer pad of energy absorbing material such as a foam rubber or a polyurethane foam is attached to the steering wheel on the operator side with clearance for gripping the wheel and an oval opening is provided to allow visual access to the speedometer and dashboard gauges. The oval opening also will receive the facial features of a driver upon vehicle impact and thus protect the face against injury.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided in which an impact energy absorber composed of a deformation portion having a substantially inverted U-shape formed by bending sheet metal and a base portion connected at the lower end of the deformation portion is disposed between a boss in a boss portion and a pad. The deformation portion is provided with an upper wall portion which inclines to the front side, front and rear leg portions extending downward from front and rear edges of the upper wall portion, and a bending portion disposed at lower ends of the front and rear edges and connected to the base portion. The front and rear leg portions buckle inwardly at the middle. Also, the intersection of the front leg portion with the bending portion thereof is arranged at a position substantially under the intersection with the upper wall portion. The bending portion on the front leg side is bent frontward with an obtuse angle to a part below buckling point in the front leg portion.

Abstract: The device consists of a moderately pretensioned wire cable which connects the opposing vehicle body sides together. The cable is fixed by means of a pair of opposing reinforcement plates of relatively large surface area that are welded and/or screwed to the vehicle body. The cable passes about the steering column in such a manner as to limit its rearward movement in case of a frontal impact between the vehicle and an obstacle and/or another vehicle and to simultaneously limit the movement of the body sides away from each other.

Abstract: To effectively absorb shocks applied to both a rim and a cover pad of a steering wheel simultaneously or separately in spite of a simple construction, the steering wheel comprises a shock absorbing member disposed under the cover pad and sandwiched between upper and lower plates, and a spoke fixing plate for connecting radially inner ends of spokes to a middle peripheral surface of the shock absorbing member. A shock applied to the rim is mainly absorbed by the lower portion of the absorbing member by shearing deformation thereof and a shock applied to the cover pad is mainly absorbed by the upper portion of the absorbing member by compressive deformation thereof. Further, to uniformly absorb shocks applied to the cover pad at various points and in different directions, a support base having a projection is disposed under the lower plate (on which the shock absorbing member is arranged) to reduce the rigidity of the shock absorbing member.

Abstract: Energy absorbing structure provided under steering column cover between the fixing hardware for the column and a potentially colliding driver's knee.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a steering wheel construction which comprises a circular rim; a hub adapted to connect to a steering shaft; at least one spoke connecting the circular rim and the hub; a center pad supported by the spoke and located at a generally center portion of the circular rim; and an energy absorbing structure positioned between the hub and the center pad, wherein the energy absorbing structure is so arranged as to be deformed when the spoke is subjected to deformation.

Abstract: A steering wheel having an operating portion, a hub portion, a spoke portion, an impact energy absorbing member located on the hub portion for absorbing impact energy, and a pad including a hard insert and a soft cover member integrally covering the insert for covering at least an impact energy absorbing member and a spoke portion. The insert has a plurality of divided parts or a thin wall sectioning portion or portions to improve an impact energy absorbing effect of the impact energy absorbing member independently of rigidity of the pad without the deterioration of the pad.

Abstract: An impact absorbing structure for use in steering wheels and the like is formed by slitting a blank and pressing the same in a manner to define a plurality of L-shaped members which are alternatively and mutually inverted with respect to one another. The vertically extending leg portions of the L-shaped members are bent in a manner which facilitates buckling during collisions and the like.

Abstract: A steering wheel for an automobile including a impact energy absorber, a retainer, a bottom plate, a mounting portion and a clip disposed on a boss plate of the steering wheel body. The clip is engaged with the front edge of a boss plate, and the mounting portion with a boss plate of the steering wheel body. The clip is made of spring steel and formed in L-like shape, and fixed to the retainer extended from the bottom plate along a front wall of the energy absorber by means of burring caulking. Consequently, labor is not required for the machining of the clips, and the fixing position of the clip to the bottom plate may be taken arbitrarily, and further the mounting stability of the clip is made high.

Abstract: The steering wheel is of the type comprising a rim (2), at least one connecting arm (3), an impact energy absorbing element (4) and a hub (5). The energy absorbing element is a tubular element (4) of a composite material interposed between the at least one arm (3) and the hub 5, one of the ends of the tubular element being fixed to the corresponding end of the at least one arm (3), while the other end of the tubular element (4) is fixed on the hub (5).

Abstract: A steering wheel having an operating portion, a hub portion, a spoke portion, an impact energy absorbing member located on the hub portion for absorbing impact energy, and a pad including a hard insert and a soft cover member integrally covering the insert for covering at least an impact energy absorbing member and a spoke portion. The insert has a plurality of divided parts or a portion or portions of thin wall section to improve an impact energy absorbing effect of the impact energy absorbing member independently of the rigidity of the pad, without the deterioration of the pad.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided with a core of a ring portion, a boss disposed at the center of the core of the ring portion, and cores of a spoke portion disposed between the core of the ring portion and the boss. A first deformable member is interposed between the boss and cores of the spoke portion so as to couple the boss with the cores of the spoke portion, and is provided with a plurality of arm portions which extend radially from the boss and can be plastically deformed. Further, a second deformable member is fixed to the boss at the upper side or lower side of the first deformable member, and abuts on the first deformable member in the deformed state of the first deformable member and then is plastically deformed.

Abstract: A knee protective panel of a vehicle, extending laterally of the vehicle in front of a driver's seat under an instrument panel and having a U-shaped cut receiving a steering column is provided with a reinforcing member fixed to the protective panel so that there is formed between the protective panel and reinforcing member an enclosed space extending laterally immediately under the U-shaped cut. In one embodiment of the invention, an opening is formed in an outboard half of the reinforcing member lying on the outboard side of the steering column so that the rigidity of the outboard half is made lower than that of the inboard half.

Abstract: An energy absorbing apparatus for a steering wheel includes an energy absorbing portion or member disposed between a steering shaft and a steering wheel rim. The energy absorbing member is constituted by an annular relatively thin plate which surrounds the axis of the steering shaft. A portion of the energy absorbing member is bent in the plane orthogonal to the axis of the steering shaft, whereby the bent portion is deformed when a collision occurs, and the kinetic energy is thereby absorbed. The deformable bent portion is provided with a plurality of slits extending radially of the steering shaft and has embossed portions each defined between a pair of adjacent slits, whereby it is possible to control the absorption of any impact load and adjust the amount of kinetic energy which it is intended should be absorbed.