Abstract: A vehicle includes an energy absorber that is positionable rearward of a passenger seat to absorb energy from a force having a forward component and being directed toward the rear surface of the passenger seat. In one exemplary embodiment, the energy absorber is a cellular material. In another exemplary embodiment, the energy absorber is a selectively inflatable cushion. A corresponding seat assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A roof liner assembly for cushioning vehicle occupants is disclosed. A folded fabric liner is anchored at one edge to the inside of the vehicle roof above the occupants' heads and stored above the passenger compartment head liner. Extendible means, such as a piston/cylinder, is stored in a body pillar and connected through a cable to the liner. The extendible means is activated to draw the stored liner over the head and shoulders of an occupant(s) in the event of a vehicle rollover or side impact collision.

Abstract: A roof liner assembly for cushioning vehicle occupants is disclosed. A folded fabric liner is anchored at one edge to the inside of the vehicle roof above the occupants' heads and stored above the passenger compartment head liner. Extendible means, such as a piston/cylinder, is stored in a body pillar and connected through a cable to the liner. The extendible means is activated to draw the stored liner over the head and shoulders of an occupant(s) in the event of a vehicle rollover or side impact collision.

Abstract: A four point restraint apparatus for a vehicle includes in a preferred embodiment a first pair of flexible lap belts connected at laterally opposite sides of a seat cushion with inner ends transversely connectable to one another across pelvic regions of an occupant and a second pair of flexible shoulder belts connected to a support in the vehicle body and extending forward of the seat back adjacent the neck and across the clavicle of the occupant. The shoulder belts extend from the clavicle essentially parallel downward across front edge portions of the occupant's rib cage to laterally spaced attachment with the lap belts adjacent pelvic regions of an occupant.

Abstract: A supplemental restraint assembly includes an air bag disposed between a vehicle's roof and the headliner adjacent the side of the vehicle. During deployment of the supplemental restraint assembly, the air bag inflates causing the headliner to extend downward towards an occupant's head and upper torso. The headliner forms a reactionary surface between the occupant and the inflated air bag. An extendable frame assembly disposed between the roof and headliner is preferably employed to positively position the headliner reactionary surface during a side impact or rollover event. The frame assembly maintains the headliner in the extended position after the air bag deflates.

Abstract: A side air bag system for an automotive vehicle includes an inflator mounted to vehicle structure of the automotive vehicle and an air bag operatively connected to the inflator. The side air bag system includes an internal flap disposed within the air bag for inflation by the inflator and for retaining the inflation adjacent an occupant seated in the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A four point seat-mounted restraint apparatus for a vehicle includes in a preferred embodiment a first pair of flexible lap belts connected at laterally opposite sides of a seat cushion with inner ends transversely connectable to one another across pelvic regions of an occupant and a second pair of flexible shoulder belts connected to a seat back and extending forward of the seat back adjacent the neck and across the clavicle of the occupant. The shoulder belts extend from the clavicle essentially parallel downward across front edge portions of the occupant's rib cage to laterally spaced attachment with the lap belts adjacent pelvic regions of an occupant.

Abstract: An improved pyrotechnic-operated seat belt tensioner provides variable energy management to enable tailoring operation of the seat belt tensioner to different applications. A seat belt tensioner has a reel mounting one end of a seat belt, a pressure chamber, and a piston having screw threads connecting to the reel. The reel is rotatable to retract and extend the seat belt. The piston is mounted for movement in the chamber in response to activation of pyrotechnic devices, which exert a force on the piston, to rotate the reel to retract the seat belt. A pair of pyrotechnic devices are provided which are separately actuatable to selectively activated to vary the magnitude and duration of the force. A third pyrotechnic device is provided to selectively open a chamber vent. The piston and pressure chamber are configured to prevent piston rotation.

Abstract: A housing has a chamber and a piston is slidablyally mounted in the chamber. The piston has a piston shaft which extends outwardly of the housing and has a seat belt reel attached thereto. A pyrotechnic device is energizable to introduce pressurized gas into the chamber and thereby translate the piston within the chamber. Screw threads are provided between the housing and the piston shaft so that translation of the piston shaft upon energization of the pyrotechnic device will cause the screws to impart rotation to the piston shaft and the seat reel. Accordingly, the seat belt reel is simultaneously rotated to wind the belt and also projected outwardly with respect to the housing so that the belt is tensioned by both a rotary and a projecting action of the seat belt reel.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt installation has a structural belt guide mounted on the seat back headrest which guides movement of the seat belt during operation between a clamping member and a clamping surface. A normally deflated inflatable bag includes a body that is mounted on a base having an inextensible fixed length with one end fixed to the structural belt guide. The other end of the bag base mounts an end belt guide loop which embraces the belt. A middle belt guide loop is secured to the bag outer surface embracing the belt to assure that occupant movement causes the belt to move along a travel route over the outer surface of the bag a distance that is substantially equal to said fixed length when the bag is deflated. When sudden vehicle deceleration is sensed, an inflator mounted in the headrest simultaneously moves the clamping member to clamp the belt to the clamping surface against movement and inflates the bag.