Abstract: A gas bag for an occupant protection device in motor vehicles that includes a gas bag configured to be inflated by a gas generator. The gas bag has an envelope surface that is assigned to a vehicle occupant to be protected and an envelope that forms, in the inflated state, a gap leading into the envelope surface. The gap is defined along longitudinal sides by first and second sections of the gas bag that are opposite one another. The gas bag is configured so that a body part facing the gas bag of a vehicle occupant who is sitting outside a normal seating position can penetrate the gap as the gas bag inflates thereby expanding the gap. Additionally, the first and second sections of the gas bag are restrained relative to one another so that the first section and the second section close the gap after inflation of the airbag in order to prevent the penetration of a body part of a vehicle occupant into the gap after the complete inflation of the gas bag.

Abstract: A gas bag for an occupant protection device in motor vehicles that includes a gas bag configured to be inflated by a gas generator. The gas bag has an envelope surface that is assigned to a vehicle occupant to be protected and an envelope that forms, in the inflated state, a gap leading into the envelope surface. The gap is defined along longitudinal sides by first and second sections of the gas bag that are opposite one another. The gas bag is configured so that a body part facing the gas bag of a vehicle occupant who is sitting outside a normal seating position can penetrate the gap as the gas bag inflates thereby expanding the gap. Additionally, the first and second sections of the gas bag are restrained relative to one another so that the first section and the second section close the gap after inflation of the airbag in order to prevent the penetration of a body part of a vehicle occupant into the gap after the complete inflation of the gas bag.

Abstract: A restraint belt for occupants of vehicles having an air bag module which is provided in the pelvic area. The restraint belt extends as a double belt in the lap of the occupant. The first section of the double belt rests directly on the body of the occupant. The second section rests at least partially on the side of the first section facing away from the body of the occupant. The belt reverses direction as it transitions from the first section into the second section. The airbag module is placed on the second section of the double belt. The configuration of the restraint belt provides for a restraint effect of any airbag at the same time that the tension of the belt is increased, and to attain an additional tensioning effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag, especially a lateral airbag, preferably in the shape of a tube, which is connected to at least two points on the motor vehicle and accommodated in its non-inflated state in a curved storage area. The invention provides for at least one tensioning cord (3) between the gas bag and a point of attachment to the motor vehicle, whereby said tensioning cord (3) can be tautened by the inflating gas bag. A preferred version provides for the tensioning cord (3) to be attached with one end to the gas bag (8) and with the other end to the motor vehicle (F1), whereby, when the gas bag inflates, the cord's point of attachment on the gas bag, together with the gas bag, is able to move away from the point (F1) where the tensioning cord (3) is attache to the motor vehicle. In this way the gas bag can be tautened without the need for additional mechanical or electrical components.

Abstract: An airbag module and method of mounting an airbag to the module. The module has an airbag, a gas generator, and a housing containing the airbag and the gas generator. The housing has a single-piece construction, including a container-shaped cover and a generator support foldably mounted to the cover. The airbag has a slot for inserting the gas generator, and a plurality of passages for passage of fasteners, which can be premounted to the gas generator. The slot forms two mount zones that can overlap. The airbag is folded into the cover or folded airbag can be placed into the cover. Thereafter, the gas generator is inserted into the airbag through the slot. The fasteners are inserted through the passages one at a time so that the mount zones overlap. The generator support is then folded over the cover, with the fasteners extending through the support via appropriate openings formed therethrough. The airbag module now can be seated and secured to a steering wheel using the fasteners and nuts.

Abstract: An airbag system comprising a bag which can be inflated with gas and a gas generator. At least one flexible guideway is firmly connected to the motor vehicle on one end and detachably connected to the motor vehicle on another. When the airbag is inactive, it is arranged on the end of the guideway which is firmly connected to the motor vehicle. Once the gas generator is ignited, the airbag can be displaced along the guideway in the direction of the detachable end using the gases entering the gas bag.

Abstract: An airbag module for steering wheels. The airbag module includes a folded gas bag and a cover facing the driver of the vehicle, The cover is adapted to be fully opened only in its region which is located at the bottom in the straight-ahead position of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for an automobile has a shell with a transverse slot and at least one energy absorbing support located in the slot, in the front part of the seat. The support is horizontally deformable by the pelvis of the occupant when the latter is displaced forward as a result of a sharp deceleration of the vehicle. The portion of the shell behind the support is deformable downwardly at least partially by the pelvis of the occupant when he or she is displaced forward as a result of a sharp deceleration of the vehicle. The height of the support remains substantially unchanged as a result.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a motor vehicle that includes a steering control device which rotates on an axis and is designed for operation by an occupant of the vehicle. the apparatus includes a transmission mechanism for translating the rotational movement of the steering control device into a movement of an elongate steering element arranged outside the axis of rotation of the steering control device. The apparatus also includes an elongate mount which defines the axis of rotation of the steering control and which is fastened to a fixed structure of the motor vehicle. The mount is configured to be shortened or tilt downward in the event of an impact by a vehicle occupant against the steering control device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag, especially a lateral airbag, preferably in the shape of a tube, which is connected to at least two points on the motor vehicle and accommodated in its non-inflated state in a curved storage area. The invention provides for at least one tensioning cord (3) between the gas bag and a point of attachment to the motor vehicle, whereby said tensioning cord (3) can be tautened by the inflating gas bag.

Abstract: A restraint belt for occupants of vehicles having an air bag module which is provided in the pelvic area. The restraint belt extends as a double belt in the lap of the occupant. The first section of the double belt rests directly on the body of the occupant. The second section rests at least partially on the side of the first section facing away from the body of the occupant. The belt reverses direction as it transitions from the first section into the second section. The airbag module is placed on the second section of the double belt. The configuration of the restraint belt provides for a restraint effect of any airbag at the same time that the tension of the belt is increased, and to attain an additional tensioning effect.

Abstract: An airbag module and method of mounting an airbag to the module. The module has an airbag, a gas generator, and a housing containing the airbag and the gas generator. The housing has a single-piece construction, including a container-shaped cover and a generator support foldably mounted to the cover. The airbag has a slot for inserting the gas generator, and a plurality of passages for passage of fasteners, which can be premounted to the gas generator. The slot forms two mount zones that can overlap. The airbag is folded into the cover or folded airbag can be placed into the cover. Thereafter, the gas generator is inserted into the airbag through the slot. The fasteners are inserted through the passages one at a time so that the mount zones overlap. The generator support is then folded over the cover, with the fasteners extending through the support via appropriate openings formed therethrough. The airbag module now can be seated and secured to a steering wheel using the fasteners and nuts.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag retention system that is arranged in the area of the lower part of the body of the passenger. According to the invention, a gas bag is loosely placed on the body of the passenger in an inactivated state. Said gas bag has two ends enabling it to be secured to components of the vehicle. At least one end is secured to and can be detached from said vehicle. Preferably, the inactivated gas bag is placed loosely on the upper part of the legs of the passenger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel having a nave, spokes, a rim and an air bag module. According to the invention, a rotationally arranged component (11) is secured to the steering wheel nave (2, 3) or to the steering column allocated thereto, which is designed to accommodate at least one further subassembly. The center of gravity of said component (11) and/or the other subassembly is positioned so eccentrically that the rotationally arranged component (11) remains in the same position when the steering wheel is rotated as when it is straightened. The advantage of the inventive steering wheel is that the subassembly connected to the rotationally arranged component, e.g. an air bag, does not change its position either when the steering wheel is rotated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag for an airbag module wherein the gas bag is folded in the rest position. According to the invention a telescopic folding is provided, as well as a method and a device for folding a gas bag, wherein chaotically folded sections extend around telescopic folds. The folding is conducted so that the gas bag is placed telescopically in folds into the inside of the gas bag step-wise, at least from one side, and is then compressed to form the chaotic folds.

Abstract: An airbag module for use in a motor vehicle includes a gas generator, and an airbag operatively connected to the gas generator which has, in an inflated state, a restricted cross-section with substantially parallel sides and two opposite ends, and two enlarged sections, each adjoining a different one of the two opposite ends of the restricted cross-section such that the airbag is bone-shaped. One of the enlarged sections of the airbag is adapted to face an occupant of the motor vehicle in which it is installed. Preferably, the airbag is mounted either underneath, above, or in the middle of the dashboard of the motor vehicle. The airbag may be installed in the steering wheel or a side airbag position in the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting occupants of a motor vehicle in the event of side impact, using an inflatable airbag. The inflatable airbag is fitted behind a rigid, movable door or coachwork trim component. The movable trim component is moved by the inflating airbag towards the vehicle occupant to be protected, and remains between the airbag and the occupant during and after inflation.

Abstract: A vehicle passenger safety method in which a gas bag in an airbag module is inflated in between the passenger and parts of the vehicle when a crash occurs. The cover of the gas bag moves away from the passenger before the gas bag is inflated. Preferably, the gas bag and a diffuser, located in between an inflating device and the gas bag, also move away from the passenger. Compressed gas is released from the inflating device into the gas bag only when the above mentioned groups of components have been placed in a set position.

Abstract: An airbag module is provided which includes a folded gas bag, a gas generator operatively connected to the gas bag, and a gas diffusor operatively connected to the gas generator and positioned in one of the folds of the gas bag. When the gas bag deploys, it unfolds in a main unfolding direction. The gas diffusor includes large holes and a small holes for exhausting compressed gas from the gas generator into the gas bag for deployment. The large holes are located on the gas diffusor in the direction of the main unfolding direction of the gas bag.

Abstract: An airbag module with a gas generator, a blow diffuser, and a gas bag has at least one blow diffuser extending into a fold of the folded gas bag. The blow diffuser extends as far as the region of the gas bag cover and the folded gas bag is fitted essentially beside the blow diffuser and is arranged around it. With this airbag module, the gas bag is drawn from the housing and not pushed in the usual manner.