Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises a steering column (18) of a vehicle (12) and a vehicle steering wheel (14). The steering wheel (14) comprises a hub (16), a rim (22), and at least one spoke (24) extending from the hub to the rim. The steering wheel hub (16) supports the steering wheel (14) on the steering column (18) for rotation about an axis (20). The spoke (24) moves through a path of movement (30) as the steering wheel (14) rotates about the axis (20). The apparatus (10) further comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (44) having a deflated condition and an inflated condition. The protection device (44) is supported below the spoke (24) and for rotation with the steering wheel (14) about the axis (20). The protection device (44) is inflatable through the path of movement (30) of the spoke (24) to an inflated condition to help protect a driver of the vehicle (12).

Abstract: An assembly consists of a backrest and an airbag module, the backrest having a frame, a padding and a covering part. The airbag module has an ejection channel that is attached to the frame. The covering part is designed so as to be rigid whereas the padding in an area of transition to the covering part is configured so as to be so pliant that by deformation of the padding a gap is produced between the covering part and the padding, for the airbag to come out of the backrest.

Abstract: A housing for a gas bag restraint system for the protection of a vehicle occupant in the event of a side impact has at least one end face for the emergence of components of the restraint system from the housing. The end face has at least one flap. This flap serves for fixing the components emerging from the housing.

Abstract: A machine for folding a side gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a guide channel in which a gas bag to be folded can be disposed, and first and second folding tongues. The folding tongues have teeth and the guide channel has a first side part and a second side part in each of which several recesses are provided. The teeth of the folding tongues are able to engage into the recesses.

Abstract: An inflatable protective cushion (10) for the protection of vehicle occupants against side impact, in particular in the head and shoulder region, comprises a gas inlet pipe (18). The gas inlet pipe extends over a substantial portion of the extent of the protective cushion (10). A branch line (24) is directed from the gas inlet pipe (18) inside the protective cushion (10) to a region of the protective cushion (10) a distance away from the gas inlet pipe (18), whereby selected portions of the cushion can be inflated more rapidly.

Abstract: A side gas bag restraint system for a vehicle having a roof frame and vehicle columns extending upwardly to the roof frame and having side windows, the roof frame and the vehicle columns being covered by at least one lining, is described. The system comprises a curtain-like gas bag covering at least one side window of the vehicle to at least a major extend in an unfolded state of the gas bag and being attached to the vehicle at fastening points, and comprises an elongated guide device to which the gas bag is displaceable fastened and along which the gas bag moves itself on unfolding of the gas bag. The guide device is arranged behind a lining and extends downwardly along a vehicle column in the unfolded and in the folded state of the gas bag. The guide device has two stationary fastening ends at which the guide device is fixed to the vehicle and is constructed so as to be so flexible that the gas bag draws the guide device out from the lining on unfolding of the gas bag.

Abstract: A gas bag restraint system for an occupant of a vehicle comprises a tube-shaped gas bag which in a free state extends in a straight line when inflated. The system further comprises at least one tensioning fabric or tensioning net having a large surface area and being adapted to be fastened to a vehicle. The gas bag is held on the tensioning fabric or tensioning net in a curved shape so that it, in an inflated state, endeavors to extend in a straight line whereby the tensioning fabric or tensioning net connected to the gas bag is tensioned and forms an additional restraining surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing a gas bag in its folded position, the device comprising a hollow receiving body having an outlet opening and provided for accommodating the gas bag. The receiving body has an opening flap connected with it, which in a closed state of the receiving body closes the outlet opening of the receiving body via a detent connection. The detent connection has a ring connected with and formed on one of the receiving body and the opening flap, and has at least one pair of projecting hooks connected with one of the opening flap and the receiving body. The hooks engage on opposite sections of the ring and are orientated facing away from each other. The invention further relates to a side gas bag protective means which is equipped with such a device.

Abstract: A gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises an inflation opening and a fabric piece arranged in the interior of the gas bag opposite the inflation opening and defining a volume for compressed gas introduced into the gas bag through the inflation opening. The fabric piece forms at least one outflow opening for the compressed gas. The outflow opening defines a gas exit area affected by the compressed gas flowing through the outflow opening, and comprising at least one limiting strap arranged in the interior of the gas bag but outside of the gas exit area.

Abstract: A textile air bag material for a protective cushion in an occupant restraint system is disclosed. The textile air bag material is composed of a fabric layer having two superimposed wall portions interwoven with each other at their peripheries. The wall portions have a first side with a surface area. On this side a continuous foil of an air-tight material is applied over the entire surface area. Further, a protective cushion made of the textile material and a method for producing the textile material are disclosed.

Abstract: A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system, including a housing (10) for a gas generator and a gas bag which can be unfolded by the latter, and having a cover (16, 18) which can be converted from a closed position into an open position, the cover (16, 18) being connected to the housing (10) by means of at least one hinge (30), is characterized in that the cover (16, 18) is connected to a swivel section (20) which in turn is connected to the housing (10) by means of the hinge (30).

Abstract: An assembly comprises a belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt and a force limiter. The belt retractor comprises a belt spool, and the force limiter comprises a housing and a driving part able to be coupled with the belt spool. The assembly comprises a locking catch connected with the driving part, a release mechanism for the locking catch, and a stationary locking toothing into which the locking catch can be caused to engage by the release mechanism. The release mechanism is able to be activated by a relative rotation between the driving part and the housing of the force limiter and, towards an end of this relative rotation, can cause to engage the locking catch into the locking toothing whereby the belt spool is locked against a rotation in a belt webbing withdrawal direction relative to the locking toothing.

Abstract: A gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises two superimposed plies of fabric and a tether means attached to the plies of fabric. The tether means is formed by a seam realized with a thread slack and interconnecting the plies of fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a side gas bag module comprising a gas generator, a gas bag having an elongated shape in its folded condition for covering at least one side window of a motor vehicle and a protective sleeve having longitudinal ends which sleeve surrounds the gas bag in its folded condition. The gas bag has at least one restraint chamber and at least two fittings. The gas generator has at least two gas conduits which are connected with the fittings. The fittings project out from the protective sleeve between the longitudinal ends of the protective sleeve.

Abstract: A gas bag for a vehicular occupant restraint system comprises two plies of fabric partially interwoven along their outer edges. To offer protection over a lengthy period in time amounting to several seconds but nevertheless dissipate the energy of impact to the required degree on impact and cushioning of the occupant, the plies of fabric are substantially air-tight, and the volume of the gas bag is divided by partial interweaving of the plies of fabric within the outer edges into several chambers. Further, the chambers are interconnected by at least one choked port remaining between the portions of the interwoven plies of fabric. Only part of the chambers is directly inflated by an inflator, the remaining part of the chambers being indirectly inflated via the choked port.

Abstract: A vehicle seat with a back rest (72) in which a sliding guide (74) is provided, and with a headrest which is fixed to the back rest (72) by means of at least one guide rod (76) inserted into the sliding guide (74), and is provided with a functional unit (20, 23) which is connectable electrically with a base unit arranged outside the headrest, is characterized in that the guide rod (76) is used for the electrical connection of the functional unit.

Abstract: A load-bearing frame is provided with a fastener extension which is configured integrally with the frame and comprises a fastener opening for mounting the frame in a vehicle-fixed manner.

Abstract: A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system having a housing adapted to be mounted beneath a vehicle instrument panel, a gas bag arranged in the housing, a gas generator in flow connection with the gas bag, a covering connected with the housing, and a device for displacing the housing in a direction opposite the vehicle interior during inflation of the gas bag. The covering extends over the housing and the cover and the instrument panel form a continuous surface. The covering opens after activation of the gas generator to permit the gas bag to emerge from the housing. The displacement of the housing opens the covering.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (16) having a deflated condition and an inflated condition for helping to protect the vehicle occupant. An inflation fluid source (18) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device (16). A housing (14) directs inflation fluid under pressure from the inflation fluid source (18) toward the inflatable device (16) upon actuation of the inflation fluid source (18). The housing (14) has an opening (38) for enabling flow of inflation fluid out of the housing (14) and away from the inflatable device (16). A door (82) is movable between a closed condition closing the opening (38) and an open condition enabling flow of inflation fluid out of the housing (14) through the opening (38).

Abstract: The invention relates to gas bag restraint system for use in motor vehicles, the system comprising a gas bag, a cover for the gas bag, a guiding sheet metal and a deployment opening for the gas bag. Upon deployment of the gas bag the cover is swiveled outwards to uncover the deployment opening. A guiding sheet metal is provided which forms at least part of the cover and is bent during swiveling. The guiding sheet metal exerts, in a position completely swiveled, a resistance to the gas bag when deploying so as to predetermine a deployment direction of the gas bag.