Abstract: A selectable load limiting seat restraint retractor for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a take-up spool connected to webbing of a seat restraint system for winding and unwinding the webbing. The selectable load limiting seat restraint retractor further includes a rotatable first torsion bar to provide a first level of load limiting on the webbing during an impact. The selectable load limiting seat restraint retractor includes a rotatable second torsion bar orientated parallel to the first torsion bar to provide a second level of load limiting on the webbing during an impact. The second level of load limiting is less than the first level of load limiting. The selectable load limiting seat restraint retractor further includes a selectable load limiting mechanism cooperating with the first torsion bar and the second torsion bar to select between the first level of load limiting and the second level of load limiting to provide digressive load limiting on the webbing during an impact.

Abstract: A selectable load limiting seat restraint retractor for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a take-up spool connected to webbing of a seat restraint system for winding and unwinding the webbing. The selectable load limiting seat restraint retractor further includes a rotatable first torsion bar to provide a first level of load limiting on the webbing during an impact. The selectable load limiting seat restraint retractor includes a rotatable second torsion bar orientated parallel to the first torsion bar to provide a second level of load limiting on the webbing during an impact. The second level of load limiting is less than the first level of load limiting. The selectable load limiting seat restraint retractor further includes a selectable load limiting mechanism cooperating with the first torsion bar and the second torsion bar to select between the first level of load limiting and the second level of load limiting to provide digressive load limiting on the webbing during an impact.

Abstract: An air bag cushion deployable from a location along the roof rail portion of a vehicle frame in substantially curtain-like fashion across the side of the vehicle interior over an expansive area adjacent to an occupant to be protected. The air bag cushion is of a partially segmented construction including a main body portion deployable downwardly away from the roof rail and an expansible upper portion expansible between the header portion of the roof rail and the head of an adjacently seated vehicle occupant. The main body portion and the inflatable upper portion of the air bag cushion are attachable to the roof rail structure along a common line of attachment. The inflatable upper portion and the main body portion of the air bag cushion may be inflated by a common source of inflation gas so as to utilize a single common inflator.

Abstract: An air bag cushion deployable from a location along the roof rail the vehicle interior over an expansive area adjacent to an occupant to be protected. The air bag cushion is of a partially segmented construction including a main body portion deployable downwardly away from the roof rail and an expansible upper portion expansible between the header portion of the roof rail and the head of an adjacently seated vehicle occupant. The main body portion and the inflatable upper portion of the air bag cushion are attachable to the roof rail structure along a common line of attachment. The inflatable upper portion and the main body portion of the air bag cushion may be inflated by a common source of inflation gas so as to utilize a single common inflator.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain structure for deployment within the interior of a transportation vehicle so as to cover an area adjacent to an occupant within the vehicle during a collision event. The curtain structure includes an impact surface facing towards the occupant upon inflation of the curtain structure and a rear surface facing away from the occupant upon inflation of the curtain structure. The impact surface and the rear surface are secured relative to one another such that inflation gas entering the curtain structure is substantially confined in the space between the impact surface and the rear surface.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain structure for deployment within the interior of a transportation vehicle so as to cover an area adjacent to an occupant within the vehicle during a collision event. The curtain structure includes an impact surface facing towards the occupant upon inflation of the curtain structure and a rear surface facing away from the occupant upon inflation of the curtain structure. The impact surface and the rear surface are secured relative to one another such that inflation gas entering the curtain structure is substantially confined in the space between the impact surface and the rear surface.

Abstract: A supplemental restraint assembly for a vehicle having a side impact air bag with an interwoven self-tensioning tether/lace. A side air bag is secured to the vehicle roof rail between the front and rear pillars. A tether/lace extends between and is secured to the front and rear pillars. The tether/lace is secured to the air bag and traverses a plurality of spaced-apart guides formed at discrete points along the air bag. When the side impact air bag is inflated the distance between the guides increases thereby taking up slack in the tether/lace thereby inducing tension therein. The air bag is thus held firmly in place when inflated and allows the tether/lace to be stored up through the pillars and along the roof rail in a non-deployed stored state.