Abstract: An automotive glove box assembly. The glove box assembly includes a storage bin and a door disposed in hinging relation to the storage bin. The door includes an expansible body having a face portion facing towards a vehicle occupant and a back portion in opposing relation to the face portion. The expansible body is operatively connected to at least one gas emitting unit such that upon discharge of gas from the gas emitting unit, the expansible body is pressurized and the face portion is projected outwardly to an extended position so as to intercept lower extremities of the occupant.

Abstract: An expansible enclosure adapted for storage across the flooring surface of a transportation vehicle beneath the foot of an occupant. The enclosure is expansible away from the underlying flooring surface and generally towards the foot of the occupant so as to engage the foot during a deceleration event thereby providing prolonged supporting contact to the foot during the deceleration event.

Abstract: An expansible enclosure adapted for storage across the flooring surface of a transportation vehicle beneath the foot of an occupant. The enclosure is expansible away from the underlying flooring surface and generally towards the foot of the occupant so as to engage the foot during a deceleration event thereby providing prolonged supporting contact to the foot during the deceleration event.

Abstract: An automotive glove box assembly. The glove box assembly includes a storage bin and a door disposed in hinging relation to the storage bin. The door includes an expansible body having a face portion facing towards a vehicle occupant and a back portion in opposing relation to the face portion. The expansible body is operatively connected to at least one gas emitting unit such that upon discharge of gas from the gas emitting unit, the expansible body is pressurized and the face portion is projected outwardly to an extended position so as to intercept lower extremities of the occupant.

Abstract: An inflatable air bag cushion for impact protection across a forward portion of a vehicle framework. The air bag cushion includes a first inflatable chamber of substantially wedge-shaped geometry deployable from a storage position along the “A” pillar of a vehicle in a plane substantially parallel to the side of the vehicle and a second inflatable chamber in fluid communication with the first inflatable chamber deployable in covering relation over the forward roof rail extending toward the occupant to be protected in a plane intersecting the plane of coverage established by the first inflatable chamber.

Abstract: A side restraint assembly includes a side air bag having a main portion secured to the vehicle roof rail, a tubular portion extending from the main portion and a neck portion connected to an inflator for inflating the side air bag. A braided tube encircles the tubular portion and is secured to the rear pillar. The front of the main portion of the side air bag is secured to the front pillar. When the side air bag is inflated, the braided tube increases in diameter and significantly decreases in length. The decreased length induces tension along the bottom edge of the side air bag thereby positively positioning and retaining the air bag relative to the vehicle. The braided tube has an enlarged bulged portion to enhance the constriction of the braided tube during inflation. A fabric shield may be secured to the braided tube to provide an additional barrier for a rear-seated occupant.

Abstract: A supplemental restraint assembly includes an air bag disposed between a vehicle's roof and the headliner adjacent the side of the vehicle. During deployment of the supplemental restraint assembly, the air bag inflates causing the headliner to extend downward towards an occupant's head and upper torso. The headliner forms a reactionary surface between the occupant and the inflated air bag. An extendable frame assembly disposed between the roof and headliner is preferably employed to positively position the headliner reactionary surface during a side impact or rollover event. The frame assembly maintains the headliner in the extended position after the air bag deflates.

Abstract: A side air bag system for an automotive vehicle includes an inflator mounted to vehicle structure of the automotive vehicle and an air bag operatively connected to the inflator. The side air bag system includes an internal flap disposed within the air bag for inflation by the inflator and for retaining the inflation adjacent an occupant seated in the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A head air bag system for an automotive vehicle includes a bracket mounted to a C-pillar of an automotive vehicle, an inflator mounted to the bracket, and an air bag operatively connected to the inflator. The air bag system also includes a trim molding housing the inflator, bracket and the air bag. The air bag is inflated by the inflator adjacent a head of a rear occupant seated in the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A restraint assembly includes an inflator for generating inflation gas. The restraint assembly includes an upper cushion portion and an inflatable stiffening device extending generally longitudinally across a lower edge of the cushion portion for providing longitudinal tension and lateral stability to the restraint assembly. Preferably, the stiffening device is tubular. Also preferably, the restraint assembly includes a tensioning device which at least partially surrounds the stiffening device and places longitudinal tension on the stiffening device when inflated. The tensioning device may take the form of a strap or cord that is spiral-wrapped around the stiffening device. The stiffening device preferably includes an inboard stiffening wall and an outboard stiffening wall. The tensioning device may preferably be zig-zag wrapped back and forth across the outboard wall of the stiffening device for preventing occupant interaction with the tensioning device on the inboard side of the stiffening device.