Abstract: A buckle (10) for a vehicle seat belt system (12) comprises a latch mechanism (26) for connection with a tongue assembly (14) of the seat belt system. The latch mechanism (26) has a latched condition and a released condition. The buckle (10) also comprises a manually engageable pushbutton (40) connected with the latch mechanism (26). The pushbutton (40) is movable between a first position in which the latch mechanism is in the latched condition and a second position in which the latch mechanism is in the released condition. The buckle (10) contains an illumination mechanism (46) comprising an electroluminescent panel (50) which may or may not be movable with the pushbutton when the pushbutton moves between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (12) comprises a frame (40), a seat belt webbing spool (42) rotatably mounted in the frame (40), and an actuator (70) for locking the seat belt webbing spool (42) against rotation in at least one direction (B) in the frame (40). The actuator (70) is mounted to the frame (40). An accelerometer (82) provides an electrical output signal indicative of vehicle deceleration. The accelerometer (82) is mounted on the frame (40). A controller (84) monitors the electrical output signal and causes the actuator (70) to lock the seat belt webbing spool (42) against rotation in the at least one direction (B) upon the occurrence of a predetermined amount of vehicle deceleration. The controller (84) is mounted on the frame (40).

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and an inflation fluid source (18). The apparatus (10) includes a structure (14) having a vent opening (50) for directing inflation fluid away from the inflatable device (12). The apparatus (10) also includes a member (60) movable between a closed condition closing the vent opening (50) and an open condition enabling flow of inflation fluid (14) through the vent opening. The apparatus (10) includes an electrically energizable mechanism (70) to move the member (60) from the closed condition to the open condition to vent inflation fluid through the vent opening (50). The mechanism (70) can also move the member (60) from the open condition to the closed condition to inhibit venting of inflation fluid through the vent opening (50).

Abstract: A closure for a seat belt comprises a release button shiftably mounted on a frame and cooperating with a latch which can be swiveled between a locking position and an opening position around a swiveling axis, and a blocking element that can assume a blocking position in which it blocks the latch in the locking position. The blocking element is mounted on the frame so as to pivot around an axis that passes through a center of gravity of the blocking element, so that it can be swiveled by the release button out of the blocking position into a release position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12), an inflator (14), a cover (16), and a reaction plate (18). The inflator (14) provides inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device (12). The cover (16) at least partially encloses the inflatable device (12) and the inflator (14). The cover (16) has a front panel (20), which faces a vehicle occupant, and side panels (22), which laterally surround the inflatable device (12). The reaction plate (18) has a base plate portion (56) to which the inflatable device (12), the inflator (14), and the cover (16) are attached. The reaction plate (18) has at least one projection (77, 88) extending from the base plate portion (56). The at least one projection (77, 88) overlies at least a portion of at least one of the side panels (22) of the cover (16) to resist deformation of the at least one side panel laterally away from the inflator (14) as the inflatable device (12) inflates.

Abstract: An apparatus (12) comprises an instrument panel (30) for a vehicle (10), an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (60), and a deployment door (68). A portion (44) of the instrument panel (30) includes a rearwardmost point (54) of the instrument panel (30). The deployment door (68) includes a panel (72) that moves between a closed position and an open position on inflation of the protection device (60). An end (86) of the panel (72) is connected with the portion (44) of the instrument panel (30). The end (86) of the panel (72) is spaced from a farthest point on an end (84) of the panel (72) by a first distance (E). The rearwardmost point (54) is located in an imaginary vertical plane that is spaced horizontally from the end (86) of the panel (72) of the deployment door (68) by a second distance (D) that is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant (15) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20), an inflator (30), and a cover (40) for the protection device (20). The inflator (30) provides inflation fluid to inflate the protection device (20). The cover (40) has side walls (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) and a front wall (44) for positioning between the vehicle occupant (15) and the protection device (20). The cover (40) has at least one strong tear seam (50) and at least one weak tear seam (60). The weak tear seam (60) tears when subjected to a first force by the protection device (20). The strong tear seam (50) tears when subjected to a second force by the protection device (20). The second force is larger than the first force. The strong and weak tear seams (50, 60) are located so that a first portion (22) of the protection device (20) initially ruptures the weak tear seams (60). The protection device (20) initially deploys primarily laterally relative to the vehicle occupant (15).

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly (22) comprises a structural carrier member (30) which is formed as one piece and has a first section (40) defining a first chamber (54) for receiving and supporting a first component (110). The structural carrier member (30) has a second section (80) defining a second chamber (92) for receiving and supporting a second component (130). The first component (110) comprises a first inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (114) received in the first chamber (54). The structural carrier member (30) further defines a deployment opening (55) through which the first protection device (114) is inflatable from the first chamber (54). The second component (130) comprises an occupant knee protection device (132) received in the second chamber (92) for helping to protect the vehicle occupant's legs in the event of a vehicle collision.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) inflatable in a first direction away from a vehicle roof (18) into a position between a side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant. An elongated member (70) is connected to the side structure (16) and has a first end (72), an opposite second end (76) and a length measured between the first and second ends. An element (100) is connected to the protection device (14) and at least partially encircles the elongated member (70). The element (100) is slidable along the elongated member (70) in the first direction when the protection device (14) is inflated. The element (100) includes at least one portion (150, 212) that engages the elongated member (70) and blocks the element from sliding along the elongated member in a direction opposite the first direction.

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: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable into a position between a part of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The inflatable device (14) includes overlying panels (40 and 42) that are secured together. An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable device. The panels (40 and 42) include first overlying portions (100) subject to relatively low stress that extend across the inflatable device (14) when inflated. The panels (40 and 42) further include second overlying portions (102) subject to relatively high stress that extend across the inflatable device (14) when inflated. The first portions (100) have a woven construction of a first weave density. The second portions (102) have a woven construction of a second weave density, greater than the first weave density.

Abstract: An inflatable protection device (14) includes a triangular front portion (64) and a main portion (62). The front portion (64) includes a forward edge (72), a rear edge (76), and a bottom edge (74). The front portion (64) is connected to the main portion (62) via a first inflation fluid passage (106) positioned adjacent the bottom edge (74). The front portion (64) includes a plurality of inflatable chambers (120) that have a tapered configuration with a narrow end (134) and an opposite wide end (136) positioned near the bottom edge (74). Inflation fluid is directed into the main portion (62), and the fluid enters the front portion (62) through the first inflation fluid passage (106). The chambers (120) of the front portion (64) when inflated contract in a direction transverse to the length of the chambers and help to tension the device (14) along the length of the device.

Abstract: A steering wheel (10) comprises a rim portion (14), a spoke portion (18), and a foamed padding material (20) that is adhered to at least one of the rim portion (14) and the spoke portion (18). The foamed padding material (20) includes a first portion (89) and a second portion (90). The first portion (89) has a cellular structure (92) and a substantially uniform cell density. The second portion (90) has a continuous external surface free of interruption by a cell. The foamed padding material (20) comprises a gasified chemical foaming agent and thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) includes first and second members (20, 22) that are connected to each other and pivotable relative to each other about an axis (46). A spring (120) biases the first member (20) to pivot in a first rotational direction relative to the second member (22). A seat belt (14) engages the first member (20) and urges the first member to pivot against the bias of the spring (120) in a second rotational direction as tension in the seat belt increases. The relative angular position of the first and second members (20, 22) changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. The apparatus (10) also includes a sensor (24) for measuring the angular position of the first member (20) relative to the second member (22) and providing a signal corresponding to the angular position. The signal is proportional to the amount of tension in the seat belt (14).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a guide assembly (52), a guide member (120) supported by a base member (80) for rotation about an axis (200), and an opening (140) through which a seat belt (20) extends in a first direction parallel to the axis. A retainer member (180) has end walls (184 and 186) extending through respective channels (160 and 162) in the guide member (120) to block the guide member from movement in opposite directions along the axis (200) and maintain the guide member supported on the base member (80). The channels (160 and 162) include walls (166 and 170) that engage the end walls (184 and 186) to block movement of the guide member (120) in opposite directions along the axis (200).

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for controlling actuation of a protection device for an occupant of a vehicle seat (12) having a weight sensor (14) comprises the steps of: determining (44) when the value of an output signal of the weight sensor rises from an initial value; waiting (46) a predetermined period of time (T2) after the value of 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: An air bag (10) includes first and second panels (31, 32) that are substantially identical to each other and that are secured to each other to define a first bag section (30). The first panel (31) has an inflation fluid inlet (38) and the second panel (32) has an inflation fluid outlet (70). The air bag (10) includes third and fourth panels (93, 94) that are substantially identical to each other and that are secured to each other to define a second bag section (90). The third panel (93) is secured to the second panel (32) and is spaced apart from the first panel (31). The third panel (93) has an inflation fluid opening (106) that is aligned with the inflation fluid outlet (70) of the second panel (32) for enabling flow of inflation fluid from the first bag section (30) into the second bag section (90).

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 vehicle seat (16) has a seat back portion (24) for engaging an occupant (12) of a vehicle (14). A length of seat belt webbing (18) extends around a portion of the occupant (12). A seat belt retractor (44) biases the length of seat belt webbing (18) in a belt retraction direction. The seat belt retractor (44) allows the length of seat belt webbing (18) to move in a belt withdrawal direction, opposite the belt retraction direction, when a predetermined force is applied to the length of seat belt webbing (18). A blocking mechanism (70) blocks movement of the length of seat belt webbing (18) in the withdrawal direction. The blocking mechanism (70) is actuated upon the occurrence of a vehicle collision. A portion of the length of seat belt webbing (18) restrains movement of the seat back portion (24) relative to the vehicle during a vehicle collision.

Abstract: An air bag (10) has a deflated condition stored in a container (40) in a vehicle and has an inflated condition. The air bag (10) when in the inflated condition has lower and upper sections (64, 74). The air bag (10) has a first portion (60) forming the lower section (64) of the air bag, and a second portion (70) forming the upper section (74). The air bag (10) includes a back panel (82) disposed farthest from a vehicle occupant (22) and a front panel (80) disposed closest to the occupant. The first portion (60) of the air bag (10) is folded into a compact shape and stored in a lower portion (62) of the container (40). The second portion (70) of the air bag (10) is rolled into a compact shape and stored in an upper portion (72) of the container (40). The second portion (70) inflates upward and unrolls in a direction away from the occupant (22) so that the front panel (80) is presented toward the occupant. The first portion (60) of the air bag (10) inflates before the second portion (70).