Abstract: An energy absorbing device is formed of natural or synthetic resin material or composite material, wherein energy absorption is provided by a plurality of cup-shaped cells having a thin-walled construction with a circular cross section. The absorber is useful for automotive bumper impact and also for other applications, including automotive padding and general cushion applications.

Abstract: The bumper system includes an elongated body member with a cavity extending along at least a portion of a length of the body member, a beam member positioned in the cavity in close fitting engagement, and an attachment device for attaching the bumper system to a preselected structure. The body member cavity has a predetermined cavity cross-sectional shape and the beam member has a corresponding cross-sectional shape. The body member is constructed in one piece of a resilient, moldable material. The corresponding cross-sectional shapes of the body member cavity and the beam member are adapted to maximize torsional force transfer between the body member and the beam member. The beam member is configured to meet strength requirement with minimal mass. In one embodiment, at least one absorber member is interposed between the body member and the preselected supporting structure.

Abstract: A restraint seat back recliner construction with a high strength double-wall recliner body that packages a lead screw mechanism inside the body to create a shoulder belt load carrying, single-sided, recliner system. A unique slot in the lower body is employed that guides the movement of a traveling nut pinion at the end of a lead screw and connects the upper and lower body, thereby providing reclining action and acting as a secondary safety stop mechanism. A unique end detail of a guide slot and a lead screw end pinion design permits controlled occupant deceleration during a frontal vehicle crash. Application of two-door, four-door, power, manual, single and double sided recliners are shown.

Abstract: Pneumatic protective pads are provided for attachment to the interior vehicle structure. One form of the invention retains the pads in compressed deflated condition until the admission of gas under pressure in response to activation by a collision sensor. Another form of the invention involves restrictive passages within a pneumatic chamber for highly damped absorption of the energy of cushioning the forces from crash conditions. Another form of the invention involves integrally molded pockets, posts, ribs, and convolute side walls which progressively deform to provide efficient energy absorption.

Abstract: A vehicle seat back comprises a blow molded body with a reinforcing beam extending upwardly along at least one side of the body. The lower extremity of this beam is secured to the base structure of the seat. The upper extremity of the beam can from a mounting point for a shoulder harness belt terminal. Crash forces on the seat back and seat belt shoulder harness are thus transmitted through the reinforcing structure to the vehicle frame without involving the relatively weak molded or fabricated conventional frame components of the seat frame to create a low mass, structural restraint seat system.

Abstract: An automobile bumper is adapted to be molded in one piece from thermoplastic material. The frontal portion is "C"-shaped in cross-section, and has spaced vertical web strips interconnecting the upper and lower rear edges. Certain of these strips have off-sets permitting vertical elongation under impact to control the pattern of deflection of the frontal portion to preserve impact resistance. A die structure having movable core components is provided for producing the bumper.