Abstract: There is provided a shock absorbing structure for a vehicle that exhibits more stable shock absorbing performance regardless of the shape of an installation space. The shock absorbing structure comprises: a plurality of shock absorbing members for absorbing an externally applied shock by being deformed by the application of the shock; and at least one connecting body each connecting adjacent ones of the shock absorbing members, wherein each of the at least one connecting body is provided with a spacer member which has a configuration corresponding to at least a part of that of a gap which is formed between each of the shock absorbing members and at least one of the vehicle interior component and the body structural component, when the plurality of shock absorbing members are installed in the installation space.

Abstract: A vehicle knee bolster assembly including a cross member extending laterally across a vehicle and a knee bolster including a frame having a closed cross sectional configuration with a hollow interior. The knee bolster further has a plurality of partition walls dividing the interior of the frame so as to form, together with the frame, a plurality of inner frames each having a closed cross sectional configuration and a hollow interior. The plurality of inner frames define at least two crush zones that collapse sequentially as the knee bolster is forcibly deflected.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a steering wheel suspension system to reduce the risk of injury to the driver in connection with a vehicle collision, wherein the system includes a steering wheel axle (1), a steering wheel shaft (3) in which the steering wheel axle (1) is rotatably carried, a steering wheel (7) arranged at one end of the steering wheel axle (1) and a knee bar (20).

Abstract: In one advantageous embodiment of the claimed invention, an integral cushioned trim panel (14a-14c) for a vehicle passenger cabin (10) is provided. The integral cushioned trim panel (14a-14c) includes a substrate (22) for attachment to a predetermined portion (12a-12c) of the vehicle. The substrate (22) has a cover member (24) coupled thereto for substantially covering the substrate (22). In addition, the substrate (22) and the cover member (24) have a cushioning member (16) disposed therebetween. The cushioning member (16) is injection molded between the substrate (22) and the cover member (24) for forming an integral construction, minimizing the manufacturing cycle time, and decreasing the costs associated therewith.

Abstract: An absorption structure for absorbing energy applied from knees of an occupant includes: an energy absorbing knee protector provided substantially along a back surface of a lid outer member of a lid portion; a clearance concave portion formed on a region of the energy absorbing knee protector corresponding to a location of a side-locking mechanism, which is provided in the lid outer member and has a rod portion and a locking mechanism, substantially in a vehicle width direction and detouring the side-locking mechanism; an auxiliary knee protector provided substantially along the back surface of the lid outer member in a region within the clearance concave portion corresponding to the rod portion; and a small concave portion formed on the auxiliary knee protector substantially in the vehicle width direction and detouring the rod portion.

Abstract: A modular energy absorber 10 that is tunable. It comprises one or more energy absorbing modules 12. The energy absorbing modules have means for coordinating energy absorbing units 16 of the one or more modules. The means 14 for coordinating position and support the units in relation to each other before, during and after relative motion between an incident object and the energy absorber. A crushable member 16 is provided that has an upper perimeter 22, a lower perimeter 24 and an intermediate wall 26 extending therebetween. It also includes a number (m) of breaches defined therein before impact. A method for configuring the modular energy absorber is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for operating an output device in a vehicle. The system includes a trim component and operative and initial sensors positioned at the back side of the trim component. An operative sensor provides a signal to at least one output device when an object is detected within a second sensing region adjacent the front side of the trim component. An initial sensor provides a signal to a display device for selectively displaying the location of the second sensing region, when an object is sensed within a first sensing region adjacent the front side of the trim component. Additional aspects of the invention include various systems and methods for operating the output device in a vehicle.

Abstract: A bolster for assembly to an instrument panel assembly of an automotive vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a steering column with a steering column axis and at least two energy absorbing brackets located laterally to either side of the steering column axis. The bolster comprises a unitary structure having a generally forward wall and a generally aft wall. The forward wall has a forward wall, forward surface. The forward wall, forward surface includes first and second bolster transfer surfaces for transferring forces from the bolster to the energy absorbing brackets. The bolster further comprises a plurality of generally laterally extending rib structures. The rib structures extend from adjacent the first bolster transfer surface to adjacent the second bolster transfer surface.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for reducing acceleration transmitted to a seated occupant in a vehicle as a result of a high energy impact. The device comprises a first energy absorbing mechanism having a first dimension in the impact direction and capable of undergoing predetermined elastic deformation in that direction; and a second energy absorbing mechanism having a second dimension in the impact direction, which is smaller than the first dimension by a distance corresponding to that elastic deformation. The second mechanism is loaded with the impact force after the first mechanism has undergone elastic deformation; the second mechanism comprises a material capable of progressive deformation. The device may comprise a restriction mechanism connecting the two plates, adapted to restrict displacement of the first plate relative to the second plate in any direction different from the impact direction.

Abstract: A system for managing an occupant in an occupant compartment of an automotive vehicle, a structure for use in an automobile, and methods of use thereof are provided for protecting an occupant during a near side impact collision.

Abstract: A knee-bag to be inflated in front of legs of an occupant includes a first member facing the occupant, a second member facing a side opposite to the occupant, and a tether provided in the knee-bag for connecting the first member and the second member. The tether extends in a lateral direction and has a middle portion and end portions in a thickness direction of the knee-bag. The middle portion has a width in the lateral direction smaller than that of the end portions, so that air-flow spaces are formed between a left end of the tether and a left side of the airbag and between a right end of the tether and a right side of the airbag.

Abstract: An instrument panel construction for a vehicle capable of receiving and stopping the driver's/passenger's knee regions when a great impact acts on a vehicle to control the impact exerted on the driver's/passenger's knee regions while restraining the driver's/passenger's waist from moving forward along a seating portion of a seat. The construction includes an instrument panel (2) made of synthetic resin, a receiving portion (7) provided in a lower portion of the instrument panel (2) to be separable from the instrument panel, and a moving device (13, 14) for separating the receiving portion (7) from the instrument panel (2) to move the receiving portion rapidly toward a seat (1) positioned rearward when a great impact acts on the vehicle. An absorbing member (8) made of plastically deformable metal or reinforced synthetic resin is attached to the back surface of the receiving portion (7).

Abstract: The present invention provides a rider restricting device of a two-wheeled vehicle which is easily applicable to a small-sized vehicle and, at the same time, can absorb a frontward load and alleviate a load applied to a rider. The rider restricting device has left and right knee portion pads such that a pad support member for each mounts to a connecting member such that a load absorbing member is mounted in either the pad support member or the connecting member.

Abstract: A modular energy absorber 10 that is tunable. It comprises one or more energy absorbing modules 12. The energy absorbing modules have means for coordinating energy absorbing units 16 of the one or more modules. The means 14 for coordinating position and support the units in relation to each other before, during and after relative motion between an incident object and the energy absorber. A crushable member is provided that has an upper perimeter, a lower perimeter and an intermediate section extending therebetween. It also includes a number (m) of breaches defined therein before impact. A method for configuring the modular energy absorber is also disclosed.

Abstract: An energy absorbing countermeasure for motor vehicle doors comprises a body having at least a first zone and a second zone. Each zone has at least one surface with recesses in the surface and portions between recesses. The portions are broken upon impact and enter into the recess to exhibit energy absorbing efficiency. The recesses in the first zone are arranged or configured to absorb a first desired peak load during impact and the recesses in the second zone are arranged or configured to absorb a second desired peak load during impact. The first desired peak load is different from the second desired peak load.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing member includes tabular ribs extending in a direction orthogonal to an impact load input direction, and disposed spaced apart in the impact load input direction and parallel to one another; and a load transmitting member connected with width-wise opposite ends of the respective tabular ribs to extend between the tabular ribs on a diagonal with respect to the impact load input direction, for transmitting to each of the tabular ribs an impact load in a form of tensile load directed in a lateral direction, wherein differing levels are established for at least one of: tensile stiffness in the plurality of tabular ribs per se; and transmission efficiency of the tensile load by the load transmitting member, so that load-deformation characteristics of some of the plurality of tabular ribs differ in the impact load input direction.

Abstract: A knee bolster whose load receiving parts absorb load from the knees of seated occupants of various physical sizes is provided. An upper knee bolster and a lower knee bolster are each provided with a load receiving part that receives load from the knees of a seated occupant who moves forward in the direction of vehicle length in the event of a vehicle head-on collision, and a deforming part that moves the load receiving part, which has been deformed by the load, forward in the direction of vehicle length.

Abstract: An inflatable interior panel for a passenger vehicle includes a non-inflatable section, and an inflatable section having a peripheral portion adjacent the non-inflatable section. The inflatable section is isolated from the non-inflatable section wherein the inflatable section is not in fluid communication with the non-inflatable section. The inflatable section includes a base wall including a slack material section enabling inflation of the inflatable section, and an inboard wall connected to the base wall to define an interior of the inflatable section. When the interior is pressurized the inboard wall is moved away from the base wall to an extended position with respect to the relatively stationary non-inflatable section.

Abstract: The present invention affords a headrest airbag for reducing or preventing whiplash and/or head injuries related to vehicle collisions. The headrest airbag is comprised of a trim material that encloses a headrest member, a receiving means for receiving an exchangeable gas bag module and an exchangeable gas bag module at least partially inserted into the receiving means. The exchangeable gas bag module is comprised of an inflatable gas bag and a gas generator for inflating the gas bag. The gas bag maintains its location within the receiving means of the headrest airbag whether it is inflated or not. The inflated gas bag reduces the distance that a head of a driver or passenger is thrown in a rearward direction before coming into contact with a headrest, and reduces the force of such an impact.

Abstract: An occupant safety system for a vehicle door is disclosed. The vehicle door includes a series of pads that help to absorb the force of a side impact collision. The pads cooperate to help push an occupant away from the door during the collision. This can help reduce injuries sustained by the occupant by increasing the available energy absorbing stroke.

Abstract: An impact absorbing knee bolster is provided with an impact absorbing structure and a knee bolster main body plate. The impact absorbing structure includes a pair of upper brackets having a first impact deformation load threshold and a pair of lower brackets having a second impact deformation load threshold that is lower than the first impact deformation load threshold. The knee bolster main body plate includes bracket attachment parts contacting the upper and lower brackets with a prescribed gap formed between rear end parts of the upper and lower brackets. The knee bolster main body plate includes a deformation load reducing structure at a location adjacent at least one of the bracket attachment portion to reduce an impact deformation load threshold of the knee bolster main body plate so that a resulting receiving reaction force of the impact absorbing knee bolster is reduced when the lower brackets are deformed.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for absorbing energy in response to a vehicle crash. The apparatus includes a knee bolster disposable in a vehicle for absorbing an impact from at least one knee of a driver. The apparatus also includes a connecting device associated with the knee bolster. The connecting device includes a breakable portion for releasably connecting the knee bolster to the vehicle such that the knee bolster breaks away from the vehicle under predetermined conditions. The method according to the invention includes the step of disposing a knee bolster in a vehicle for absorbing an impact from at least one knee of a driver. The method also includes the step of releasably connecting the knee bolster to the vehicle such that the knee bolster breaks away from the vehicle under predetermined conditions with a connecting device associated with the knee bolster and having a breakable portion.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) helps to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a roof (18), a side structure (16), and a trim piece (310) overlying the side structure. The apparatus (10) includes an inflatable curtain (14) inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) to a position adjacent the side structure (16). The apparatus (10) also includes a deployment ramp (160) having a deployment position in which the deployment ramp directs the inflatable curtain (14) to deploy inboard of the trim piece (310). The deployment ramp (160) is configured and arranged to deflect away from the deployment position in order to absorb forces from occupant impacts with the deployment ramp. Preferably, the deployment ramp (160) is also configured and arranged to return to the deployment position after absorbing forces from occupant impacts with the deployment ramp when the inflatable curtain (14) is not inflated.

Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus has a panel which constitutes part of a passenger compartment side surface of an instrument panel and which is separatable from the instrument panel to move when at least a knee load of an occupant is inputted. There are a plurality of support members which face transverse end portions of the panel, respectively, and which have a rigidity higher than that of the instrument panel.

Abstract: A knee protector for a vehicle, which includes: a lower bracket including a base part in which an upper end thereof is fixed to a steering member of the vehicle, and a lower deformation part flexed upwardly from a lower end of the base part; an upper bracket including a front end part fixed to the base part of the lower bracket or fixed to the steering member, and an upper deformation part flexed downwardly from the front end part and located in a position higher than a position of the lower deformation part; a first foamed body provided between the lower deformation part and the base part; and a second foamed body provided between the upper deformation part and the base part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trim panel assembly for a vehicle having integrated energy management characteristics and method of manufacture. The trim panel assembly comprises a panel made of a first material having a first panel surface and a second panel surface, a skin covering at least a portion of the first panel surface of the panel, with the skin being made of a second material less rigid then the first material, and a rib depending from the second panel surface away from the skin. The rib has at least a first portion being made of the second material.

Abstract: An occupant knee protection apparatus for a vehicle includes a knee airbag 11 disposed in front of a knee portion B1, B2 of an occupant and configured to expand and deploy toward the knee portion B1, B2 of the occupant upon collision of the vehicle to thereby protect the knee portion B1, B2 of the occupant. The knee airbag 11 is attached to a panel 21 capable of absorbing energy. The panel 21 is connected to a support member of the vehicle; that is, an instrument-panel reinforcement 23, via brackets 22 capable of absorbing energy. The panel 21 is disposed in front of the knee portion B1 of the occupant at a vertical position where the knee portion B1 of the occupant can come into contact with the panel 21 when the occupant has a small build as compared with a standard build.

Abstract: A reversibly deployable energy absorbing assembly includes a rigid support structure having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a flexible covering sealingly engaged with the rigid support structure to define an inflatable interior region; a gas source in fluid communication with the at least one inlet; an inlet control valve positioned intermediate the gas source and the at least one inlet; and an actively controlled pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the at least one outlet. The inlet control valve and the pressure relief valve are adapted to provide a response suitable for use in vehicle impact management.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicular shock absorbing body which absorbs a shock by a grid-like rib formed on a support plate portion and can inhibit a load point at an initial stage and a terminal stage, in a load—displacement (F-S) curve of the vehicular shock absorbing body. A shock absorbing body (40) used for absorbing a shock in a vehicle and made of a synthetic resin, is provided with a support plate portion (42), and a shock absorbing portion (45) formed in a grid shape on the support plate portion (42) by a plurality of thin ribs (44, 44), and plastically deforming at a time of applying a shock load so as to be absorbable a shock energy.

Abstract: The kinetic energy of the driver's knees is properly absorbed by a plurality of simply configured shock absorbing mechanisms, contributing to a minimization of injury to the driver's knees. A knee bolster of a vehicle comprises an upper member whose front end is secured to a cowl cross member. A lower member is in a bent plate shape configuration that is consecutively formed with a front portion, a center portion, a rear portion and a knee supporting portion. Shear pins fix a portion between the upper member and the rear portion of the lower member. A damping hole is formed on the upper member and tapers off toward the front of the vehicle. A damping protrusion is inserted into the damping hole at the rear side of the vehicle and protrudes out from the rear portion of the lower member.

Abstract: A roll bar assembly capable of punching through a rear window (12) on deployment comprises a deployable u-shaped roll bar (1) fitted with a pin (4) made of hard material. An item of trim (5) is located over the top of the roll bar (1) by means of a pair of spring clips (7,8). The clips are held under tension so that when the bar is deployed, they snap snugly around the bar, releasing stored energy which assists in the bar's deployment. The trim (5) is further provided with an orifice (6) through which the pin can protrude on the deployment of the bar thereby enabling the pin (4) to contact the rear window (12) and to shatter the glass.

Abstract: An automotive side impact assembly 10 is provided. The automotive side impact assembly 10 includes a door assembly 18 having a door body portion 20 and a window opening portion 22. The door body portion 20 and said window opening portion 22 meet to form a beltline 24. A window assembly 26 is positioned within the window opening portion 22 and extends into the door body portion 20 when in a window closed condition 28. An automotive seat assembly 12 is positioned adjacent said door assembly 18. A side-impact air bag assembly 32 is positioned within the automobile 14 such that the side air-bag 32 is deployed between the door assembly 18 and the automotive seat 12. The side-impact air bag assembly 32 has a deployed condition in which a side air-bag 32 is deployed during a collision.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system for protecting occupants in a compartment, such as a cab of a highway tractor or other vehicle. The system includes an interior trim panel having dual uses. The trim panel may be an elongated energy-absorbing element that forms, in a first position, at least a visually integral part of an interior wall of the compartment and, in a second position, a restraint at the front of a bunk for an occupant of the bunk. The restraint system includes a cushioned restraint attached to at least two straps, each strap being also attached to the compartment. In a first position, the cushioned restraint forms a visually integral portion of an interior surface of the compartment, and in a second position, the cushioned restraint is releasably attached to an end of the bunk such that the straps extend over the bunk and an occupant of the bunk is restrained by the cushioned restraint and the straps.

Abstract: A system for reducing the forward motion of a vehicle occupant is provided. The system includes a contact surface, a fixed energy absorption device, a deployable energy device, and an energy absorption modifier. The contact surface interacts with a vehicle occupant. The fixed energy absorption device is attached to a structural member of the vehicle. The deployable energy device is in contact with the contact surface and the fixed energy absorption device. The energy absorption modifier is in communication with the fixed energy absorption device for varying the energy absorption characteristics of the fixed energy absorption device.

Abstract: A structure of an armrest protruding and extending toward a passenger from an inside wall of a vehicle compartment, comprises a trim body portion covering the inside wall, an armrest face portion extending in a substantially horizontal direction from the trim body portion toward an inside, and a support face portion extending continuously from the armrest face portion downward. There is provided a weak portion (deformation promoting portion) between the trim body portion and the armrest face portion to promote deformation with respect to a lateral load. Further, there is provided a garnish covering the weak portion from the vehicle compartment. Accordingly, both sufficient resistance of the armrest in use for the load applied in the vertical direction and proper impact-absorption function of the armrest during the vehicle side collision can be obtained.

Abstract: Reversibly deployable energy absorbing assemblies for impact management generally include a translatable first element, a rigid support structure and a second element having one end fixedly attached to the rigid support structure and an other end fixedly attached to the translatable first element. The second elements are adapted to plastically deform along a predefined buckling path. The predefined buckling path may be uni-modal or multi-modal depending on the desired application and/or impact conditions. Also disclosed herein are methods for operating the energy absorbing assemblies.

Abstract: The headrest of an automotive vehicle seat has at least one bar (20) and one supporting member (26). Normally, the supporting member (26) is in a utilization position. When the automotive vehicle is involved in an accident, the supporting member (26) leaves the utilization position and adopts an accident position in which it is located in front of the utilization position. The at least one bar (20) comprises an oblique portion (30) that is located above an upper edge (32) of a backrest of the automotive vehicle seat. Said oblique portion has one component in the x direction and one component in the z direction. The supporting member (26) comprises a guide region (34) that conforms to the oblique portion (30) of bar (20) and that is movable relative to the oblique portion (30). An elastic means (spring 48) biases the supporting member (26) in the accident position. A releasable locking device (52) is associated with the elastic means, which it normally blocks.

Abstract: A deployable cellular structure providing impact energy absorption capability is disclosed. The structure may be packed when not in use and deployed automatically or manually to provide impact protection. The structure is useful in a variety of situations including vehicular protection of occupants, deployable highway safety barriers, and aviation emergency safety devices.

Abstract: The present invention the related to a shock absorption pad for a vehicle for protecting occupant's lower legs. The shock absorption pad according to the present invention on which an occupant's foot is placed is attached on a surface of a toe board. The shock absorption pad includes a first shock absorption layer provided on the occupant's foot-placing side for absorbing an impact generated in a boundary region at which an energy absorption load of a vehicle body becomes different in a deformation process of the vehicle body at a vehicle crash, and a second shock absorption part provided on the toe board's side for absorbing an impact generated in a region in which the energy absorption load is high.

Abstract: A load distributing airbag module having an airbag, a load plate, and a fastener is disclosed. The airbag has an airbag mount and the load plate has a load plate attachment member. The fastener may define a generally enclosed shape to capture the airbag mount and the load plate attachment member. To capture the airbag mount and the load plate attachment member, the fastener has an unfastened and fastened state. In the unfasten state, the fastener may be a “U” shaped channel. In the fastened state, the fastener is generally box shaped.

Abstract: The invention involves shifting the location of the seat belt retractor in order to reduce the thickness of the seat especially in the lower regions for a mobile vehicle seat. The seat may be used for a mobile vehicle as a school bus as well as for automotive applications. The seat belt retractors are attached to a portion of the seat structure that allows the webbing to exit the retractor on the front surface of the seat back. The webbing is then allowed to cross over to the rear surface of the seat back as it rises to the turning-loop. The retractor may be located forward of the seat back pivot point on the seat frame in order to allow for the webbing to exit on the front surface of the seat back.

Abstract: An inflatable bolster system is provided for supporting a body portion of a vehicle occupant such as the knees and lower body or pelvis during a collision. The inflatable bolster includes a decorative substantially rigid front panel and an expandable metal rear panel attached to the non-metal decorative front panel. The inflatable bolster has an inflation orifice, and may have at least one vertical expansion fold and at least one horizontal expansion fold on the rear panel.

Abstract: A vehicle occupants protection system wherein a front pillar garnish is mounted on a passenger compartment side of a front pillar which supports a roof with a predetermined amount of space being maintained therebetween for accommodating a side airbag, as well as a small impact absorbing member for absorbing an impact of such a small magnitude that the side airbag remains unopened, whereby the side airbag is inflated by gas generated when an impact of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied to a side of a vehicle so as to expand into a passenger compartment while forcibly opening one end portion of the front pillar garnish. A bottom surface of the small impact absorbing member is divided into two portions, a rear half portion located closer to the side airbag and a front half portion located farther away from the side airbag. Only the front half portion is attached to the front pillar garnish.

Abstract: An air-bag is adapted to be positioned on the floor pan of a vehicle in the foot-well, to be located beneath the feet of an occupant of the vehicle. The air-bag unit is an upper cover located above an air-bag. On inflation of the air-bag, the cover is lifted from its initial position to an elevated position. The cover includes two sections inter-connected by a hinge-line. On inflation of the air-bag, part of the cover adjacent the hinge-line is elevated to a greater extent than the portions of the cover which are remote from the hinge-line.

Abstract: A deployable interior door trim for an automotive vehicle that separates in the middle section to separate the lower door trim portion from the armrest. The separating door trim permits a pelvis pusher block to engage the occupant of the vehicle during side impact situations without pushing the armrest into the abdomen region of the occupant. An alternative embodiment has the separation area formed as a line extending around a deployable portion of the door trim corresponding to the pelvis pusher block so that the pusher block can pass through the door trim to engage the occupant pelvis area. Preventing excessive abdomen rib deflections on crash dummies will improve performance ratings in IIHS side impact tests without requiring a structural change in the energy absorbing door structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention involves creating a thinner structured seat capable of complying with the federal requirements. The steel back pan is rigidly mounted on three edges to the back frame seat structure. The bottom of the back pan is unformed and allowed to flex in the fore-aft direction. The back pan is then covered with foam that may be one third as thick at the bottom as to thickness at the top of the back pan. The three to one ration of the lower to upper portion for the foam is important in achieving seat thinness. When seat spacing is measured at the h-point or cushion level, the knee protection zone is thinner than conventional seats and allows for a greater number of seats to be placed into a school bus. Utilizing a flexible steel back pan combined with foam in the proper ratios to absorb energy in the knee protection zone through the upper portion achieves the invention.

Abstract: A foot rest mountable on a motor vehicle floor has a foundation with a mounting surface, a footboard, and a fastening apparatus acting between the foundation and the footboard that holds the footboard on the mounting surface. The fastening apparatus has a lower, first fastening element constructed in the form of a rigid back-reaching element and an upper, second fastening element. For short installation times of the footboard on the foundation, the fastening apparatus is additionally provided with a third fastening element constructed as a rigid back-reaching element, and the upper fastening element is constructed as a slide blocking element that blocks a relative displacement between the footboard and the mounting surface.

Abstract: A passenger protection apparatus for a vehicle according to the invention has an excellent effect in that lower limbs of the vehicle occupant can be successfully held even during a frontal offset impact or an oblique impact. The passenger protection apparatus includes a pair of active knee bolsters provided in an instrument panel or at a vicinity thereof, each bolster being capable of restraining a corresponding lower limb of a passenger; a detector which, at a time of a collision, can detect a direction thereof; and a controller which, in accordance with the detection, can control the active knee bolsters independently from each other.

Abstract: A knee protector is arranged in front of a seat in a vehicle, and includes a load receiving part that is comprised of an upper portion positioned or shaped suitably for a person who is relatively large in stature and a lower portion positioned or shaped suitably for a person who is relatively small in stature. Therefore, the load receiving part of the knee protector is positioned substantially in front of the knees of drivers of various statures. The knee protector can absorb the impact applied by the knees of drivers of varying statures without requiring an increase in weight or cost.

Abstract: An impact-G-force, vector-modifying seat structure in a vehicle, which seat structure introduces, in a forward crash situation, and in a generally vertical plane, a special forward, then upward, and then rearward rotation of the base of the spine of a seated occupant. This motion tends to minimize crash injuries.