Abstract: A seatback includes a frame and a panel rotatably coupled to the frame. A support bracket is attached to the frame with a lever is rotatably coupled to the support bracket. The lever is configured to engage the panel with a frame supported actuator via a cable attached to the actuator and the lever.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a deployable pedestrian protection leg stiffener of a motor vehicle based upon the vehicle braking status and longitudinal acceleration.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mounting plate having at least one deformable opening arranged to receive a securing member. The opening is configured to deform when a load on the mounting plate exceeds a predetermined threshold. The apparatus includes a ring member connected to the mounting plate. The ring member includes an opening to receive a strap there-through.

Abstract: A passenger protection device includes an airbag having a roof panel arranged to deploy to cover at least a portion of and at least one tether having a first end attached to a first attachment point on a surface of the airbag that faces a vehicle roof when the airbag is deployed, and a second end attachable to a second attachment point.

Abstract: The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a vehicle roof structure which includes a cast node including a pillar portion for receiving a pillar and a roof-rail portion for receiving a roof rail, the roof-rail portion having first and second ends, which may have a closed first cross-section and a closed second cross-section, respectively. The closed first cross-section may be different from the closed second cross-section such that the first and second ends are to receive two individual roof rails of different dimensions. The closed first cross-section may be larger in opening dimension than the closed second cross-section, when the first end is positioned closer to a front of the vehicle than the second end.

Abstract: An interior trim assembly includes a door trim substrate, a compartment supported by the door trim substrate, and an armrest connected by a hinge along an edge to an inner side wall of the compartment. The compartment includes the inner side wall, and end walls, and supports at least one sub-compartment for storing items therein. At least one of the inner side wall, the end walls, and the at least one lidded sub-compartment for storing items therein is reinforced to absorb a force caused by a side impact to the vehicle. The at least one sub-compartment for storing items therein includes a lid and may support a cup holder. The hinge includes a coil spring and is non-energized in a closed position. A latch may be used to secure the armrest in the closed position.

Abstract: A passenger protection system includes a rotatable arm, a rotation mechanism rotatably attached to the rotatable arm, and a flexible sheet connected to the rotatable arm and connectable to a vehicle roof.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a wedge fixed by shear connections to a structural member. Upon application of a rearward force, the wedge shears free and moves between the structural member and a wheel assembly where it rotationally displaces a vehicle tire. The rearward force also laterally displaces the body of the vehicle. The wedge is tethered to the structural member.

Abstract: A vehicle airbag system comprising an airbag. The airbag may include at least one tether attached to first and second walls of the airbag, wherein each tether includes a tear seam configured to detach when the airbag is inflated with a pressure higher than a predetermined pressure. The airbag may include at least a first tether and a second tether, each tether attached to first and second walls of the airbag, wherein the first tether includes a tear seam configured to detach when the airbag is inflated with a pressure higher than a predetermined pressure. The system may further comprise a controller that may be used for determining whether to inflate an airbag with one of a high pressure and a low pressure depending on whether a detected impact is oblique.

Abstract: A storage box system for a motor vehicle includes a folding storage box and a sliding rail assembly for translating the folding storage box between a hidden storage position below a cargo bay of the motor vehicle and a deployed position extending from a rear portion of the motor vehicle. The storage box includes at least a back and opposed sides being connected to a floor for transitioning between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. Structures are provided for retaining the opposed sides and back in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to a plane defined by the floor when the folding storage box is in the unfolded configuration. The sliding rail assembly includes one or more sliding rails associated with the folding storage box floor and one or more cooperating sleeves disposed below the cargo bay for slidingly receiving the sliding rails therein.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base, a seatback and a vertical guide frame connecting a rear portion of the seat base to a bottom portion of the seatback. The bottom portion of the seatback slidably engages the vertical guide frame. At least one actuator is adapted to move the seatback between a plurality of vertical positions relative to the seat base.

Abstract: An energy absorbing member for a bumper assembly of a vehicle includes an open-celled foam. A magnetorheological fluid is disposed in the open-celled foam. A magnetic field source selectively controls a magnetic field in the open-celled foam. The open-celled foam includes cell walls and the magnetorheological fluid coats the cell walls and defines open cells unfilled by magnetorheological fluid.

Abstract: A passenger protection device includes an airbag having a roof panel arranged to deploy to cover at least a portion of and at least one tether having a first end attached to a first attachment point on a surface of the airbag that faces a vehicle roof when the airbag is deployed, and a second end attachable to a second attachment point.

Abstract: A vehicle airbag comprises a primary chamber and a secondary chamber affixed to the primary chamber by a seam. A passage is defined between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber. The seam defines a closed shape, and an inner side of the seam is located between sides of the primary chamber, and is between sides of the secondary chamber.

Abstract: A tire stowage assembly for a vehicle is provided. The tire stowage assembly may include a housing, an output shaft, an arm, and a slidable member. The housing may be secured to a location adjacent a spare tire and defines a receiving cavity. The output shaft may at least be partially disposed within the housing and configured for linear translation and rotation. The arm may extend laterally from the shaft. The slidable member may be operably connected to the arm for linear translation and configured to support the spare tire. The output shaft and slidable member may be further configured to cooperate to move the tire from a stowed to a deployed position. The stowed position may be defined as a position in which the spare tire is secured beneath an undercarriage of a vehicle. The deployed position may be defined as a position in which at least a portion of the spare tire is rearward of an undercarriage of a vehicle.

Abstract: A passenger protection system includes a rotatable attachment mountable in a vehicle seat back, a first frame member rotatably connected to the rotatable attachment, and a flexible sheet having an upper edge connected to the first frame member.

Abstract: A vehicle curtain system comprises a curtain having at least a front wall and two side walls, at least one pretensioner having a corresponding pretensioner cable, and a plurality of tethers, each having a first end attached to the curtain.

Abstract: An energy absorption system comprises a vehicle bumper, an energy absorption member attached to the vehicle bumper, and a plurality of ribs having respective first ends that are hingedly attached to the energy absorption member. The ribs extend between the energy absorption member and the bumper. The ribs may be actuated based on the speed information from the onboard vehicle communication network.

Abstract: Described herein is a rear seat airbag deployment system, a rear seat airbag of the rear seat airbag deployment system, and a method of deploying the rear seat airbag. The rear seat airbag is configured in a substantially ‘U’ shape to encompass both the front and rear sides of rear seat occupants when the rear seat airbag is deployed. It follows that the rear seat airbag provides a safety cage that surrounds rear seat passengers upon deployment. Exemplary embodiments may further include an airbag deployment tool for gathering vehicle state information, analyzing the vehicle state information, determining whether to deploy one or more airbags, and controlling the deployment of the rear seat airbag.

Abstract: A roof rail assembly for a vehicle that includes a body side outer and an interior trim piece connected to the body side outer. The body side outer and the interior trim piece define a cavity. A roof rail is positioned within the cavity, and a side curtain air bag is positioned below the roof rail. The interior trim piece is assembled about a lower surface of the roof rail in a spaced relationship relative to the curtain air bag to increase visibility around the roof rail assembly.