Abstract: A visual display unit configured to mount on a steering wheel assembly has a screen display, preferably a touch screen display. The screen display is mounted over an airbag module of the steering wheel assembly. A hinged structure holds the screen display to the steering wheel assembly. The hinged structure is configured to be pivotally attached to a center portion of the steering wheel assembly and non-obstructively movable upon deployment of an airbag. The visual display unit can be a computer or video monitor for occupant viewing while traveling in an autonomous vehicle. The visual display unit includes driver alerts activated by the autonomous vehicle. The visual display unit preferably includes vehicle instrumentation gauges, satellite navigation system, speed, temperature and other data displays.

Abstract: A visual display unit configured to mount on a steering wheel assembly has a screen display, preferably a touch screen display. The screen display is mounted over an airbag module of the steering wheel assembly. A hinged structure holds the screen display to the steering wheel assembly. The hinged structure is configured to be pivotally attached to a center portion of the steering wheel assembly and non-obstructively movable upon deployment of an airbag. The visual display unit can be a computer or video monitor for occupant viewing while traveling in an autonomous vehicle. The visual display unit includes driver alerts activated by the autonomous vehicle. The visual display unit preferably includes vehicle instrumentation gauges, satellite navigation system, speed, temperature and other data displays.

Abstract: Various embodiments of web adjusters are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a web adjuster includes a spring-loaded cam member having a bore through which a mounting shaft or pin extends for rotatably or pivotally mounting the cam member to a frame. The cam member can extend along a central axis and include a first engagement feature positioned at a first radial distance from the central axis, and a second engagement feature positioned at a second radial distance from the central axis, larger than the first radial distance. The cam member can be rotated to engage the web to restrict movement of the web. The web adjuster can also include a handle or cover portion and a strap attached to the handle for gripping by a user to adjust the web adjuster.

Abstract: Latch systems having latch devices for releasably engaging anchors are disclosed herein. A latch system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch device having an anchor aperture configured to receive a head portion of an anchor. The latch device includes a first engagement member operably coupled to an actuator. The first engagement member can restrain the head portion between the anchor aperture and a second engagement member, and the second engagement member can urge the head portion against the first engagement member. In operation, a user can move the actuator from a first position to a second actuator position to move the first engagement member away from the head portion and release the latch device from the anchor.

Abstract: Personal restraint systems having releasable safety nets are disclosed herein. A personal restraint system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology includes a safety net configured to extend across a portion of an opening in a vehicle adjacent to an operator seating portion. The restraint system can further include a latch device configured to releasably couple the safety net to an anchor point adjacent to the opening. In some embodiments, a pull cord is operably coupled to the latch device and slidably coupled to the safety net. The pull cord is configured to be pulled by an operator to release the latch device from the anchor point and allow the safety net to fall free of the opening.

Abstract: Various embodiments of web adjusters are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a web adjuster includes a spring-loaded cam member having a bore through which a mounting shaft or pin extends for rotatably or pivotally mounting the cam member to a frame. The cam member can extend along a central axis and include a first engagement feature positioned at a first radial distance from the central axis, and a second engagement feature positioned at a second radial distance from the central axis, larger than the first radial distance. The cam member can be rotated to engage the web to restrict movement of the web. The web adjuster can also include a handle or cover portion and a strap attached to the handle for gripping by a user to adjust the web adjuster.

Abstract: Latch systems having latch devices for releasably engaging anchors are disclosed herein. A latch system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch device having an anchor aperture configured to receive a head portion of an anchor. The latch device includes a first engagement member operably coupled to an actuator. The first engagement member can restrain the head portion between the anchor aperture and a second engagement member, and the second engagement member can urge the head portion against the first engagement member. In operation, a user can move the actuator from a first position to a second actuator position to move the first engagement member away from the head portion and release the latch device from the anchor.

Abstract: Personal restraint systems having releasable safety nets are disclosed herein. A personal restraint system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology includes a safety net configured to extend across a portion of an opening in a vehicle adjacent to an operator seating portion. The restraint system can further include a latch device configured to releasably couple the safety net to an anchor point adjacent to the opening. In some embodiments, a pull cord is operably coupled to the latch device and slidably coupled to the safety net.

Abstract: Seat belt web retractors and associated systems and methods are described herein. Web retractors assemblies configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a frame having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and a spring-loaded shaft extending between the first and second sidewalls. The web retractor can further include a locking mechanism positioned proximate to the first sidewall of the frame and operably coupled to the shaft. The locking mechanism can include a vehicle inertia sensor and/or a web inertia sensor. A cover can enclose the locking mechanism such that the cover and the first sidewall form a liquid-sealed enclosure around the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A seatbelt system for a bench seat is provided. The seatbelt system includes a first seatbelt device that includes seatbelt webbing with a latch, a buckle to receive the latch, and at least one adjustable turning loop that is configured to adjust the vertical position of the adjustable turning loop and, thus, the webbing for the seatbelt. The adjustable turning loop includes a continuous, folding cover to conceal the structural components of the adjuster mechanism and rail assembly and to protect these components from debris and undesirable interaction with the occupant.

Abstract: A seatbelt system for a bench seat is provided. The seatbelt system includes a first seatbelt device that includes seatbelt webbing with a latch, a buckle to receive the latch, and at least one adjustable turning loop that is configured to adjust the vertical position of the adjustable turning loop and, thus, the webbing for the seatbelt. The adjustable turning loop includes a continuous, folding cover to conceal the structural components of the adjuster mechanism and rail assembly and to protect these components from debris and undesirable interaction with the occupant.

Abstract: First and second air bag cushion portions are joined to form a bi-lobular air bag cushion with an opening adapted to receive inflation gas from an air bag inflator. A first inner panel forms first and second chambers in the first cushion portion and provide for fluid communication therebetween proximate to a distal portion thereof. A second inner panel forms third and fourth chambers in the second cushion portion and provide for fluid communication therebetween proximate to a distal portion thereof. Relatively inboard first and third chambers are in fluid communication with one another. The second and fourth chambers are in fluid communication with the opening. In another embodiment, first and second distribution tubes provide for fluid communication between the opening and relatively distal portions of the first and second cushion portions. The inner panels and the distribution tubes provide for lateral inflation of the bi-lobular air bag.

Abstract: First and second lateral flaps depending from the central portion of a panel of air bag material are folded inwards towards the central portion so as to form a duct of a deflector which is closed along a top portion thereof. The duct is located inside an air bag between an inflator mounted from the outside of the air bag, and a retaining structure located within the duct, wherein the outlet end of the inflator extends through the openings in the air bag, the duct, and the retaining structure so as to provide for discharging inflation gas into the duct, which directs the gas downwardly into the airbag through an outlet proximate to a bottom edge of the panel. Holes in the lateral flaps are aligned so as to receive inflator mounting fasteners of the retaining structure, and so as to form the duct.

Abstract: First and second air bag cushion portions are joined to form a bi-lobular air bag cushion with an opening adapted to receive inflation gas from an air bag inflator. A first inner panel forms first and second chambers in the first cushion portion and provide for fluid communication therebetween proximate to a distal portion thereof. A second inner panel forms third and fourth chambers in the second cushion portion and provide for fluid communication therebetween proximate to a distal portion thereof. Relatively inboard first and third chambers are in fluid communication with one another. The second and fourth chambers are in fluid communication with the opening. In another embodiment, first and second distribution tubes provide for fluid communication between the opening and relatively distal portions of the first and second cushion portions. The inner panels and the distribution tubes provide for lateral inflation of the bi-lobular air bag.

Abstract: An inner panel of an air bag cooperates with a first panel portion of the air bag so as to define a duct having an entrance adapted to receive gas from a gas generator through an opening in the first panel portion. The terminus of the duct provides for discharging the gas to a distal location within the air bag, so as to provide for relatively early inflation thereof. The inner panel may be vented into the interior of the air bag so as to provide for tuning inflation kinematics.