Abstract: In response to an applied force, a speaker system is configured to deploy from a confined area so as to function as a pelvis pusher. Additionally, portions of the speaker system are configured to collapse upon the application of the force so as to absorb the force.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism is used with the deployment apparatus mounting a running board on an automotive vehicle for laterally outward movement to increase rollover resistance for the vehicle. The actuation mechanism includes a cup with a hollow tube attached thereto to provide a path for the movement of a ball from the cup into engagement with the latching mechanism on the deployment apparatus. The ball is retained within the cup member until the actuation mechanism and the automotive vehicle to which it is mounted tilts to a minimum roll angle, whereupon the ball is released to roll down the hollow tube into engagement with the latching mechanism of the deployment apparatus. In one embodiment, a single cup with a pair of laterally extending tubes directs the ball to the deployment apparatus that requires actuation. In other embodiments, a separate actuation mechanism is provided for each respective deployment apparatus.

Abstract: A deployable running board mounted on an automotive vehicle to be laterally extendable so as to engage the ground during a rollover event to increase the rollover resistance of the vehicle. The running boards are connected to a pair of deployment members spaced longitudinally on the vehicle to provide a rapid extension of the running board. Each deployment member includes a telescopic piston that is slidably mounted within a cylinder and that compresses a spring between the piston and the cylinder. A latching mechanism secures the piston in a retracted stated until a rollover event is detected. Releasing the latching mechanism allows the piston to telescope laterally to move the attached running board outwardly of the vehicle to provide a pivot point that increases the static stability factor of the vehicle. The engagement of the extended running board also provides a resistance to the continued motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a seat back having an outer surface that selectively contacts a seat occupant and a head restraint extending from the seat back that has a head restraint portion that selectively contacts the seat occupant. The head restraint portion is moveable between a forward position and a rearward position. The apparatus also includes a head restraint control assembly having an actuator, a lock mechanism, and a lock mechanism resetting device. The actuator transfers an actuation force to the head restraint portion for initiating movement of the head restraint portion from the rearward position to the forward position. The lock mechanism selectively restrains the headrest portion from moving from the forward position to the rearward position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a seat back having an outer surface that selectively contacts a seat occupant and a head restraint extending from the seat back that has a head restraint portion that selectively contacts the seat occupant. The head restraint portion is moveable between a forward position and a rearward position. The apparatus also includes a head restraint control assembly having an actuator, a lock mechanism, and a lock mechanism resetting device. The actuator transfers an actuation force to the head restraint portion for initiating movement of the head restraint portion from the rearward position to the forward position. The lock mechanism selectively restrains the headrest portion from moving from the forward position to the rearward position.

Abstract: In response to an applied force, a speaker system is configured to deploy from a confined area so as to function as a pelvis pusher. Additionally, portions of the speaker system are configured to collapse upon the application of the force so as to absorb the force.

Abstract: A deployable running board mounted on an automotive vehicle to be laterally extendable so as to engage the ground during a rollover event to increase the rollover resistance of the vehicle. The running boards are connected to a pair of deployment members spaced longitudinally on the vehicle to provide a rapid extension of the running board. Each deployment member includes a telescopic piston that is slidably mounted within a cylinder and that compresses a spring between the piston and the cylinder. A latching mechanism secures the piston in a retracted stated until a rollover event is detected. Releasing the latching mechanism allows the piston to telescope laterally to move the attached running board outwardly of the vehicle to provide a pivot point that increases the static stability factor of the vehicle. The engagement of the extended running board also provides a resistance to the continued motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism is used with the deployment apparatus mounting a running board on an automotive vehicle for laterally outward movement to increase rollover resistance for the vehicle. The actuation mechanism includes a cup with a hollow tube attached thereto to provide a path for the movement of a ball from the cup into engagement with the latching mechanism on the deployment apparatus. The ball is retained within the cup member until the actuation mechanism and the automotive vehicle to which it is mounted tilts to a minimum roll angle, whereupon the ball is released to roll down the hollow tube into engagement with the latching mechanism of the deployment apparatus. In one embodiment, a single cup with a pair of laterally extending tubes directs the ball to the deployment apparatus that requires actuation. In other embodiments, a separate actuation mechanism is provided for each respective deployment apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a seat back having an outer surface that selectively contacts a seat occupant and a head restraint extending from the seat back that has a head restraint portion that selectively contacts the seat occupant. The head restraint portion is moveable between a forward position and a rearward position. The apparatus also includes a head restraint control assembly having an actuator, a lock mechanism, and a lock mechanism resetting device. The actuator transfers an actuation force to the head restraint portion for initiating movement of the head restraint portion from the rearward position to the forward position. The lock mechanism selectively restrains the headrest portion from moving from the forward position to the rearward position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle occupant protection system features an upper panel of an armrest is maintained in an arm supporting position during normal vehicle operation, and is moved to a safety position by an actuation device upon sensing of an actual or impending impact on the side of the vehicle. In the arm supporting position, the arm support panel contributes to the structural strength of the armrest so that it is able to withstand rugged use. In the safety position, the arm support panel is positioned so that it does not present a rigid edge oriented directly toward the occupant, but rather is in a partially or completely folded position. Both mechanical and electronic actuation systems are disclosed.