Abstract: A safety device in a motor vehicle including a lifting mechanism for raising a front or leading edge section of a seat cushion of a motor vehicle seat assembly. The vehicle seat assembly is supported on a set of longitudinally disposed seat rails attached to the interior floorboard of the vehicle. The seat assembly is adjustable forwardly or rearwardly in a lengthwise direction along the seat rails. The seat assembly is locked at selected positions along the seat rails by a catch mechanism. A bracket is attached to the seat rails and is connected to the lifting mechanism via a motion transmitting element or control cable device. The lifting mechanism is mounted onto the front edge section which is pivotally attached to the seat cushion. The catch mechanism includes a load-dependent breaking element which fails during a significant frontal impact to the vehicle thereby releasing the seat assembly to move in the lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A safety device in a motor vehicle having side windows fabricated from toughened laminated safety glass with an intermediate plastic film layer. The safety device includes a sensor device for detecting a side collision, and a window striker device for breaking a side window, which striker is activated by an appropriate signal generated by the side collision detecting means. In its broken condition, the window provides a yielding, flexible surface for cushioning the impact of a passenger's head. In various embodiments of the invention, the striker device may be actuated mechanically, or electrically by use of a pyro-technic charge. The side collision detection means is an elongated, fluid filled sensor chamber disposed in a side region of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the fluid filled chamber is contained hidden within an external door guide or bumper. In a second embodiment, the fluid filled chamber is disposed internal of the door body to prevent incidental triggering.

Abstract: A seat adjustment latch, selectable at two different force levels, is attached to a slide adjustable seat in a motor vehicle equipped with a seat belt assembly, an inflatable air bag, and a knee restraint. The seat adjustment latch is interlocked with the seat belt assembly of the seat such that when the seat belt is unfastened, the seat adjustment latch is set to release the vehicle seat in the event of a rapid deceleration or impact to the vehicle above a predetermined level of severity. When the seat belt is fastened, the seat latch is set in its firmest possible retention setting and operates such that the inertia and kinetic energy forces of the seat and the occupant seated thereon will not move the seat forward in response to a severe frontal collision. In a preferred embodiment, the seat adjustment latch includes a shearing element configured as a tubular bolt for retaining the slide adjustable vehicle seat to the seat rails.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle having a body and a drive unit consisting of an engine and transmission provided with forwardly disposed support mounts secured forwardly thereof to the vehicle body, a drive unit rear end support assembly comprising a member mounted on the vehicle body providing a bearing surface and a support member rigidly secured to the drive unit, extending rearwardly therefrom and resting on the bearing surface.

Abstract: A safety system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a means for pulling the steering wheel/column away from the driver in the event of a head-on collision, and an inflatable cushion which is mounted on the steering wheel. The pulling away of the steering wheel triggers the inflation of the cushion. Also disclosed is a similar safety system for the passenger side of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus responsive to the energy generated by a collision of predetermined force and relative movement between its chassis and drive unit resulting therefrom for actuating a safety mechanism, e.g. for tightening a seat belt.

Abstract: An impact activated automotive safety system relying upon relative movement between a drive unit and a chassis of an automobile and comprising a plurality of cables attached, at one of their ends, to the chassis on opposite sides, and slung around a rear portion, of the drive unit and respectively attached by their other ends to a plurality of safety features such as, for instance, a collapsible steering column, seatbelt coiling devices, and seat-lifting mechanisms, all of which would be activated substantially simultaneously in case of a frontal collision by forces transmitted to them by the cables.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for removing the steering wheel of an automotive vehicle from a zone of potential impact with the head of a driver, in case of collision, including a substantially unstretchable connecting member between the steering wheel and a part of the vehicle likely to move forwardly relative to the chassis in case of collision and transferring such movement to the steering wheel to withdraw it towards the dashboard. The steering wheel may be mounted on an axially collapsible column.