Abstract: A vehicle seat (10) with a back rest (12) and with an adjustable head rest (15) having a supporting surface (16) which the head of the vehicle occupant can touch in the case of restraint is characterized in that the head rest (16) has an expansion device which increases the size of the supporting surface (16) of the head rest (15) in the case of restraint. Furthermore, the head rest (15) is vertically adjusted in relation to the back rest (12) at least when the head rest (15) is arranged so close to the back rest (12) that the back rest (12) would prevent a complete increase in size of the supporting surface (16).

Abstract: A method of controlling multistage activation of a vehicle occupant restraint system having a gas generator and adapted to be activated in a plurality of activation stages includes measuring differences in velocity occurring during a vehicle collision. A point in time as of which differences in velocity are measured is determined. A point in time as of which a predetermined first threshold value of the differences in velocity is attained is determined. The intensity of the vehicle collision is determined from the time difference of the points in time. Different output signals are furnished depending on the values established by determining the points in time for initiating different ones of the plurality of activation stages in activating the restraint system, in accordance with the determined intensity of the vehicle collision.

Abstract: A knee restraint means for occupants of a vehicle with a footwell for the feet of the occupant includes a gas bag in the footwell, a gas generator, a knee cushion on which the occupant impacts in case of an accident, and an inflatable gas bag cover with an outer surface and of energy-absorbent material. The gas bag cover is deformed in a crash situation by inflation of the gas bag in the direction of the footwell. The gas bag cover forms the knee cushion together with the inflated gas bag.

Abstract: A subassembly comprises a steering wheel, a steering shaft joined to same in such a manner as to prevent relative rotation therebetween and a gas generator to deploy a gas bag arranged inside the steering wheel. The steering shaft has a cavity which extends along its longitudinal axis and opens at the end of the steering shaft which is adjacent to the steering wheel. The steering wheel has a hub and an opening in same through which the cavity is in fluid communication with the interior of the cavity. The gas generator is arranged in the cavity and has an elongated housing. The gas generator is axially held in the cavity of the steering shaft. Since the gas generator is not accommodated within the steering wheel, the size and weight of the steering wheel are reduced.