Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a belt guide apparatus (14) for an enhanced seatbelt restraint system (10) for a vehicle. The belt guide apparatus (14) includes a pivotal fastener (56) for attaching the belt guide apparatus (14) to a vehicle structure (20). The pivotal fastener (56) includes an interface portion (42) extending therefrom for supporting a belt (12) extending through the belt guide apparatus (14). Also, the pivotal fastener (56) is utilized for moving the belt guide apparatus (14) in three or more directions for maintaining the belt (12) substantially flat against the interface portion (42). Moreover, the interface portion (42) has a biasing mechanism (64) disposed adjacent thereto for pressing the belt (12) substantially flat against the interface portion (42).

Abstract: A multi-chambered bumper airbag for deployment from the bumper of a vehicle in the event of a collision with another vehicle is provided. The airbag comprises a main inflatable portion that, when inflated, absorbs the energy from contact with a structural member of the struck vehicle. The airbag also has one or more secondary inflatable portions concentric with the main inflatable portion. Because the secondary inflatable portions have a lower gas pressure than the main inflatable portion, they are used to cushion the occupant of the struck vehicle should the occupants' head and neck be forced out of the window of the struck vehicle.

Abstract: A seatbelt airbag is formed of a flexible fabric seat belt tube the first end of which is attached to the floor of the vehicle and the second end of which is wound over a conventional seatbelt retractor. In the uninflated condition, the fabric tube forms a flat belt that passes in a conventional manner through a slotted eyelet in a tongue member that is engaged in a conventional floor-mounted seatbelt buckle to form a conventional 3-point restraint having a lap portion and a torso portion. An inflatable airbag member is disposed within the flexible fabric tube extending from the fixed end of the fabric tube to a location past the tongue fitting into the torso portion of the seatbelt. The airbag member is encased for part of its length within a reinforcing sleeve that extends part way into the torso section.

Abstract: An airbag (10) for mounting in the bumper (18) of a motor vehicle (12) is provided. The airbag can have an up-side-down “L” shape or a cylindrical shape. Further, multiple bags can be combined within one system. The airbag is configured to cover substantially the width of the vehicle upon deployment and also provide protection to the occupant of a struck vehicle (36) in the event the occupant is partially expelled from the struck vehicle in the direction of the bag. The airbag is combined with an inflation (23), collision sensor (34) and an electronic control unit (38) to form the airbag system.

Abstract: An airbag (10) for mounting in the bumper (18) of a motor vehicle (12) is provided. The airbag can have an up-side-down “L” shape or a cylindrical shape. Further, multiple bags can be combined within one system. The airbag is configured to cover substantially the width of the vehicle upon deployment and also provide protection to the occupant of a struck vehicle (36) in the event the occupant is partially expelled from the struck vehicle in the direction of the bag. The airbag is combined with an inflation (23), collision sensor (34) and an electronic control unit (38) to form the airbag system.

Abstract: A multi-chambered bumper airbag for deployment from the bumper of a vehicle in the event of a collision with another vehicle is provided. The airbag comprises a main inflatable portion that, when inflated, absorbs the energy from contact with a structural member of the struck vehicle. The airbag also has one or more secondary inflatable portion concentric with the main inflatable portion. Because the secondary inflatable portions have a lower gas pressure than the main inflatable portion, they are used to cushion the occupant of the struck vehicle should the occupants' head and neck be forced out of the window of the struck vehicle.

Abstract: A seatbelt airbag is formed of a flexible fabric seat belt tube the first end of which is attached to the floor of the vehicle and the second end of which is wound over a conventional seatbelt retractor. In the uninflated condition, the fabric tube forms a flat belt that passes in a conventional manner through a slotted eyelet in a tongue member that is engaged in a conventional floor-mounted seatbelt buckle to form a conventional 3-point restraint having a lap portion and a torso portion. An inflatable airbag member is disposed within the flexible fabric tube extending from the fixed end of the fabric tube to a location past the tongue fitting into the torso portion of the seatbelt. The airbag member is encased for part of its length within a reinforcing sleeve that extends part way into the torso section.