Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for absorbing energy in response to a vehicle crash. The apparatus includes a knee bolster disposable in a vehicle for absorbing an impact from at least one knee of a driver. The apparatus also includes a connecting device associated with the knee bolster. The connecting device includes a breakable portion for releasably connecting the knee bolster to the vehicle such that the knee bolster breaks away from the vehicle under predetermined conditions. The method according to the invention includes the step of disposing a knee bolster in a vehicle for absorbing an impact from at least one knee of a driver. The method also includes the step of releasably connecting the knee bolster to the vehicle such that the knee bolster breaks away from the vehicle under predetermined conditions with a connecting device associated with the knee bolster and having a breakable portion.

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 adjustable toe pan assembly including an adjustable pedal assembly and a toe pan assembly. The adjustable pedal assembly includes a support structure that connects to a vehicle and a pedal assembly including a pedal disposed adjacent to the support structure and connected to the support structure. An actuator is connected with the pedal assembly to move the pedal to a desired position. The toe pan assembly is connected to an actuator which moves the toe pan assembly in relation to the pedal assembly such that a specified distance is maintained between the pedal and toe pan assembly.

Abstract: A safety system for a vehicle, having an adjustable headrest with a belt guide. The belt guide realigns the path of travel of a torso belt of a vehicle. The adjustable headrest provides head support to smaller sized passengers while also positioning the torso belt for the smaller sized passenger.

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: A safety system for a vehicle, having an adjustable headrest with a belt guide. The belt guide realigns the path of travel of a torso belt of a vehicle. The adjustable headrest provides head support to smaller sized passengers while also positioning the torso belt for the smaller sized passenger.

Abstract: An air bag assembly including an inflator for discharging inflation gas and a gas receiving expansible air bag cushion of winged geometry disposed in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon release of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is deployed substantially over the windshield of an automobile as well as the pillars adjacent the windshield. View ports are present within the interior of the air bag cushion so as to maintain a degree of visibility for the vehicle operator after deployment has taken place. Mesh netting or a like material which does not unduly restrict visibility may extend across the internally formed view ports.

Abstract: A safety system including a substantially membrane-like panel which is deployable at least partially across a window opening of a transportation vehicle in a rapid manner from a position generally below the window opening. The panel provides a restraining barrier against undesired egress through the window opening during an extended rollover collision event. The panel may be used either alone or in combination with an inflatable air bag cushion.