Abstract: A securing device for a seatbelt, in particular a motor vehicle seatbelt, includes a receiving device for receiving a plug-in element and a locking device for retaining the plug-in element in the receiving device for the purpose of securing the seatbelt. The securing device, which can be manufactured in a particularly simple manner, enjoys reduced production costs. The locking device reduces manufacturing costs by being formed exclusively of a single-part closure spring that is secured in or on the receiving device.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system is configured to avoid contact between wheels and wheel housings when the wheels are steered and to enlarge the maximum steering angle. The vehicle steering system has a steering knuckle that supports a wheel for rotation about a wheel axis and a pivotal movement about a steering axis. The steering knuckle is coupled to a first end part of an extension link. A second end part of the extension link is connected to an arm through a control rod. The extension link is pivotally sustained around a steering axis. The arm is connected to a front end of a knuckle arm through a tie rod. When the arm turns, the second end part of the extension link is pulled inside through the control rod, and the steering knuckle situated on rear end of the control rod is pushed outwardly. At the same time, the arm steers the steering knuckle through the tie rod.

Abstract: A first steering column member and a second steering column member are engaged for pivoting movement, and include confronting surfaces that limit the relative movement of the members. A bumper is disposed between the confronting surfaces to absorb impact during the adjusting movement. The bumper is fixedly connected to one of the first and second steering column members in a snap-fit connection.

Abstract: A drawbar for power-operated industrial trucks with a drawbar handle which can be pivoted about a horizontal axis in a large angular range between an approximately upright position and a position inclined obliquely to vertical. The drawbar includes a drawbar head arranged at a free end of the drawbar handle, the head including a horn arranged in the extension of the drawbar handle, rod-like grips extending on both sides of the horn and approximately transversely thereto that are connected to carrier sections connected to the horn on both sides via arm sections attached to the end of a grip. The arm and carrier sections form a protective yoke with grip openings and at least one control element for a function of the industrial truck on one grip opening is arranged in the vicinity of the associated carrier section, such that it can be actuated from above by pressure from one finger, even when the hand grasps the rod-like grip facing it.

Abstract: An airbag inflator diffusion system having a thin profile. The diffusion system includes an airbag inflator that is inserted into a sleeve. The sleeve has overlapping longitudinal edges positioned so that the sleeve tightly circumscribes the inflator. Engagement tabs are formed in one longitudinal edge of the sleeve and fold through perforations formed adjacent the other longitudinal edge. Upon activation of the inflator, the sleeve expands radially forming an exhaust passage through which exhaust gas may travel. The folded engagement tabs and their corresponding perforations limit the radial expansion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A shock absorbing member includes a first member composed of a first tube and a second tube which is located at a center of the first tube. Shock absorbing material is filled between the first tube and the second tube. Two second members are located below the first member and connected to the first member by at least one board. Each second member has a third tube and a fourth tube which extends through the third tube. Shock absorbing material is filled between the third tube and the fourth tube. Four shock absorbing member are connected between a first frame and a second frame. The first members are connected with the first frame which carries power system such as engine, and the second members are connected to a second frame which is connected to wheels.

Abstract: A cam bolt assembly for use in a vehicle's suspension system. The cam bolt assembly is used to adjust the vehicle's wheel alignment. The assembly has a threaded fastener defining a pair of longitudinal channels, a first cam plate is coupled to the threaded bolt, a second cam plate defining an aperture is mated to the pair of longitudinal channels. At least one of the cam plates has an arcuate slot configured to mate with a component of the suspension system.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly includes a steering column having a forward section and a rearward section movable relative to the forward section, a mounting plate adapted to be carried by the vehicle and a bracket releasably coupled to the mounting plate, and operably coupled to the rearward section of the steering column for movement therewith. The assembly also includes a stationary reaction surface disposed adjacent to the rearward section of the steering column and adapted to be engaged by the steering column during at least some events wherein the rearward section is displaced relative to the forward section. This maintains the position of a reaction force on the steering column during movement of the rearward section of the steering column, which provides a decreasing reaction force on the steering column.

Abstract: An inflator is located inside an airbag of airbag device for supplying inflation gas. The inflator includes a substantially cylindrical body for generating inflation gas, and a substantially tubular retainer made of sheet metal to be mounted around the body for holding the body by fastening a fastening portion. The retainer includes mounting bolts for mounting the airbag to a predetermined mounting position. The retainer includes a fastening portion, a first support portion and a second support portion which are arranged in order along axial direction of the body to abut against a circumference of the body. The fastening portion and the second support portion are located in a substantially opposite area from the first support portion in the circumference of the body based on a center of a cross section of the body taken perpendicularly to the axial direction of the body as the retainer holds the body.

Abstract: An inflator is a hybrid inflator constructed by coupling a tank charged with a pressurized gas and a gas generator containing a gas-generating chemical. A coupling mechanism is provided in each of the tank and the gas generator, and the tank and the gas generator are coupled to each other with the coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: A safety device for use in an automobile that comprises a bolster and a telescoping mechanism. The telescoping mechanism extends when pressurized by the rapid introduction of a fluid. Following extension, the telescoping mechanism vents the fluid to allow the device to be retracted.

Abstract: A planing boat, particularly of a small size, is provided with an airbag system. The airbag system includes at least one bag-shaped airbag body, a housing which accommodates the airbag body, a detector for detecting a collision of the boat, an expanding unit which inflates the airbag body at the time of collision of the boat, and a controller for controlling the detector and the inflation of the airbag body. In a preferred embodiment, the airbag system includes a first airbag body in the handle cover which is blown up from the handle bar to a rear side of the boat and a second airbag body in the handle cover which is blown up toward a front side of knees of a rider.

Abstract: A steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle includes first and second members (12, 14) engaged for movement relative to one another along one of a tilting path (16) and a telescoping path. The steering column assembly (10) also includes an electric lock (18) operable to lock the first and second members (12, 14) into a locked configuration that restricts movement and an unlocked configuration that permits movement between the members. The steering column assembly (10) also includes a sensor (20) operable to sense a vehicle crash condition and then emit a crash signal to a controller (22) that controls the electric lock (18) to change from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration in response to the signal.

Abstract: A curtain airbag device is provided that allows for smooth downward deployment of a curtain airbag. In one form, a C-pillar has a guide rod attached thereto for guiding a rear portion of a curtain airbag when the curtain airbag is being inflated downward. The rear portion of the curtain airbag has a link strap attached thereto. A front end of the link strap is provided with a loop which is loosely wound around the guide rod. For guiding downward movement of the link strap, a linear member extends between a lower portion of the curtain airbag and the link strap. The linear member extends through guide components. During a downward deployment process of the curtain airbag, the linear member pulls the loop of the link strap downward. Thus, the link strap moves downward smoothly along the guide rod for smooth deployment of the curtain airbag.

Abstract: A snowmobile is provided with airbag systems including airbag bodies expanding from a portion near a steering handle bar respectively, one of the airbag bodies expanding rearward of a handle bar and outward of both the ends of the handle bar, and the other airbag body expanding toward a front side of rider's knees. Another airbag system includes an airbag body expanding from an upper surface of an engine hood on the front portion of a vehicle body frame and blowing up toward a windshield of the engine hood. The respective airbag systems are detachable from the vehicle body, and hence, can be stored indoors.

Abstract: A pedestrian airbag system is mounted to a rear portion of a vehicle's sheet metal hood panel. An airbag is inflated to cover an area from the rear portion of the hood panel to a front side of a front pillar by being supplied with inflation gas; a case accommodates the airbag, and an airbag cover formed of synthetic resin covers the upper side of the folded airbag to allow projection of the airbag when inflated. The air bag cover is disposed at the hood panel's rear portion so the airbag cover's upper surface is continuous with the upper surface of the hood panel, elongated in the width direction of the hood panel, and mounted to the hood panel to be capable of moving in the width direction of the hood panel. Deterioration of the airbag cover's appearance due to thermal expansion can be prevented.

Abstract: A gear support comprises an elongate carrier portion which is oriented along a longitudinal axis, and a flange portion at one end of the carrier portion. The flange portion serves for fastening the gear support to a case of the gear, and a bearing portion in the region of an opposite end of the carrier portion serves for mounting the gear support on the motor vehicle. The carrier portion has two mutually opposite longitudinal spars, between which ribs extend, the longitudinal spars and the ribs being produced in one piece with one another.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation dissipates energy associated with the telescopic collapse of preferably two steering column members. The first and second steering column members are moveable relative to one another along a collapse path. At least one anvil is fixed with one of the first and second steering column members. A strap extends along a bent path around the at least one anvil to first and second free ends. The apparatus also includes a lock device operative in a first condition to restrain the first free end with respect to the first steering column member and in a second condition to release the first free end of the strap.

Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second steering column members disposed for movement relative to one another. The apparatus also includes an anvil associated with one of the first and second steering column members. The anvil is spaced from the other of the first and second steering column members. The apparatus also includes a strap having a mounting end fixedly associated with the other of the first and second steering column members. The strap also includes a free end spaced from the mounting end. The strap is drawable over the anvil in response to movement between the first and second steering column members. The strap also includes a slot extending away from the mounting end to the free end. The slot has a length and a variable width along at least a portion of its length.

Abstract: Set of equipment (1) for a motor vehicle includes an inflatable structure (2), a support (4) for the inflatable structure, elements for (6) inflating the structure in a direction of inflation (D) in order to deploy it, a plate (8) for spreading the load when an occupant of the vehicle impacts on the deployed inflatable structure, and elements for guiding the structure as it deploys so that, in the deployed configuration, the structure extends along a median directrix line (L) distinct from its direction of inflation (D). The guide elements include the side wall (12) of the structure which, in the deployed configuration, is substantially taut.