Abstract: A steering wheel assembly has an electrical switching device that can be used, for example, for activating a horn or any other electrically run devices. The electrical switching device includes first and second electrical contact elements. At least one of the first and second contact elements can be formed of an electrically conductive synthetic material and a metal conductor at least partially embedded therein. The synthetic material forms a contact surface. The steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel base, an airbag module having a housing displaceable relative to the steering wheel base. The first contact element can be arranged on the base, and the second contact element can be arranged on either the base or the displaceable member. The housing can comprise a carrier for housing a gas generator and an airbag, and a cover connected to the carrier for covering the carrier. The second contact element can be arranged either on the base or on the carrier and/or the cover.

Abstract: Deformation element for the interior of motor vehicles which is constructed as a ledge and is deformable over its length. The deformable element may be mounted in hollow spaces between body parts of the vehicle, such as vehicle columns, and an inner lining. The ledge is adapted to the outer outline configuration of the body parts and has several deformable regions over its length. The deformable regions are formed by strips oriented in a longitudinal direction of the ledge. The strips are curved in a wave-shaped form in the longitudinal direction and each includes at least one wave crest and one wave trough. Adjacent strips are offset in a longitudinal direction relative to one another such that a wave crest on one strip is adjacent a wave trough on an adjacent strip and vice versa.

Abstract: An airbag module has a housing, a multiple stage gas generator, a gas bag and a gas bag cover. In an inoperative state the gas bag lies in a folded condition next to the gas generator. Only one gas bag layer extends over the generator so that after ignition of the gas generator, the gas bag is drawn successively out from a housing by the gases discharged from the generator. The gas bag cover is formed so that after opening the gas bag cover increasingly greater forces are required to unfold the gas bag from a predetermined time point onwards and so that an outer part of the gas bag only unfolds in the event of the greater forces.

Abstract: An improved instrument display for a saddle type vehicle wherein the display is mounted in a recess in the handlebar cover in an adjustable manner to be effectively viewed by riders of widely varying stature. Two embodiments of adjustment mechanisms are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for inflating an airbag has a gas generator. A gas generator housing can be anchored to a vehicle body. An end of an inflation tube is connected to a gas discharge socket fastened to the gas generator housing in an axially aligned and gas-tight manner. The tube end and the gas discharge socket are connected via a covering sleeve that bridges a gas-tight connection between the inflation tube and the gas generator.

Abstract: A tractor trailer having an adjustable wheel assembly, the trailer comprising at least two laterally spaced frame members. A plurality of openings are located in the frame members, with each opening having a flange section structured to receive a wheel assembly locking-pin. The flange section increases the load-bearing area of each frame member opening.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (16) and a inflator (12) for providing inflation fluid to inflate the vehicle occupant protection device (16). A non-azide gas generating material is in the inflator (12). The non-azide gas generating material when combusted produces inflation fluid, which comprises carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). A catalyst system, which contacts the inflation fluid, is also in the inflator. The catalyst system is reactive with the carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the inflation fluid. The catalyst system comprises a zeolite and a catalytic material. The catalytic material is supported by the zeolite.

Abstract: For restraint guidance of the transmission housing in a crash situation, a crash skid is provided on the underside of the transmission housing and has an inclined surface which faces a cross arm. In the event of a shifting of the transmission housing counter to the direction of travel, the inclined surface introduces a restraint guidance of the transmission housing obliquely upward above the cross arm.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle comprises a compact layout for a brake system. The all terrain vehicle includes a front fender assembly, which is positioned above at least one front wheel, and a rear fender assembly, which is positioned above at least one rear wheel. An engine is supported by a frame assembly and is positioned between the front wheel and the rear wheel. A longitudinal plane extends along an outer lateral surface of the engine and a transverse plane extends along either a rearmost portion of the front fender assembly, a forwardmost portion of a foot step or an intersection between the front fender assembly and the foot step. A master cylinder of the braking system is disposed forward of the transverse plane and inward of the longitudinal plane. The master cylinder is independently operated by a hand actuator and a foot actuator. Movement of either of the actuators does not move the other of the actuators.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a leaf spring on an axle of a vehicle. Two spaced apart flanges are rigidly affixed to the axle and are oriented generally perpendicular to the axle. The leaf spring is oriented generally perpendicular to the axle and is positioned between the two flanges. Holes in the side of the leaf spring are oriented parallel to the axle. Bolts extend through the two flanges and through the holes in the leaf spring to attach the leaf spring to the two flanges.

Abstract: A side air bag apparatus of a vehicle in accordance with the invention is provided with: an air bag main body arranged along an inner side of an occupant room extending from a pillar to a side roof rail in its folded state and capable of being deployed downward; an inflator injecting gas and capable of inflating the air bag main body due to the gas so as to deploy the air bag main body downward, an upper end portion of the inflator being positioned lower than a head portion of an occupant; and a gas communication member capable of introducing the gas injected from the inflator to the air bag main body and capable of being deformed due to an excessive input from its external portion.

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: In an active roll control system for a vehicle, anti-roll bars (26, 30) are provided with actuators (28, 32) which can provide a torque in the anti-roll bars to control vehicle body roll. Under certain cornering conditions when the vehicle is liable to over-steer, the pressure supply to the actuators is pulsed so that the front wheels of the vehicle tend to break away more easily, thereby reducing over-steer.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (14). The protection device (14), when inflated, has a perimeter (44) and front and rear portions (58 and 60) spaced apart horizontally along the protection device. The protection device (14) includes overlying panels (40 and 42) that define an inflatable volume and at least one connection (80) within the perimeter (44) at which the overlying panels are interconnected. The at least one connection (80) defines inflatable chambers (100) of the protection device (14) that extend between the front and rear portions (58 and 60) in a generally horizontal direction when the protection device is inflated.

Abstract: A steering wheel air bag protective device including a circular ring positionable within an air bag compartment that is disposed interiorly of a steering wheel. The circular ring has a hollow central section for receiving the air bag therethrough. A flexible web extends within the hollow central section of the circular ring and is disposed over the air bag of the steering wheel.

Abstract: An adjustable fit in-line skate is disclosed having a rigid frame carrying a plurality of skate wheels. A boot is secured to the frame with the boot having a toe portion and a heel portion. The heel portion has a sole plate which is carried over the length of the frame. The toe portion receives the sole plate and is slidably attached to the heel portion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle fitted with a system for controlling the camber (&thgr;) of the wheels of the vehicle on a bend, including, for each wheel of at least one front axle and/or rear axle of the vehicle, a suspension having a pair of suspension upper and lower arms, articulated at their outboard ends to a hub carrier and attached at their inboard ends to the body of the vehicle. The lower and upper arms of each pair are articulated at their respective inboard ends to a pivot transfer lever which is, in turn, mounted on the body by an articulation, the axis of rotation of which is contained in a longitudinal and vertical plane of the vehicle, the pivot transfer lever being capable of pivoting in such a way as to incline the wheels on the appropriate side.

Abstract: An airbag inflator for generating gas for deploying an airbag includes a cylindrical body, at least one partition disposed in the cylindrical body to divide the cylindrical body into a plurality of combustion chambers, a crimping portion formed at the cylindrical body near an outer periphery of the partition for holding the same, and a coining portion formed in at least one of side surfaces of the partition near the outer periphery thereof. The diameter of the partition is enlarged by the coining portion, so that the outer periphery of the partition securely contacts an inside of the cylindrical body to seal therebetween.

Abstract: In order to cause a deformation or a yielding, in the event of a head impact onto a safety belt system of a passenger vehicle, a deformation element is interposed which deforms plastically and absorbs energy. So that an exchange of numerous parts is avoided, an arrangement for a belt level adjuster is configured so that after a head impact, only the deformation element needs to be exchanged.

Abstract: An airbag including an expansion part accommodating inflow of expansion gas to expand a peripheral wall, and linear joining portions arranged in a region of the expansion part and constituted by joining facing portions of the peripheral wall in a linear manner. The linear joining portions include a linear base, curved portions and swelling portions. Each of the curved portions is connected to the base and curvilinearly extends and bends toward the respective base thereof. The swelling portions are arranged at tip ends of the curved portions to smoothly connect outer peripheral edges thereof to outer peripheral edges of the curved portions. With this airbag, stress concentration is reduced around the swelling portions and the curved portions at the time of development and expansion. Thus, the linear joining portions can be arranged without causing breakage of the peripheral wall during development and expansion, and reduction in volume and expansion area held down as much as possible.