Abstract: An instrument panel concealing plate is integrally formed with an instrument panel about a steering column for concealing the inside of the instrument panel so as not to be visible through the instrument panel and a steering column cover. According to the invention the concealing plate is formed with a breaking portion consisting of a series of slots or grooves formed in the concealing plate, so that the plate is adapted to be easily broken off when it is subjected to an impact by a steering column cover in collision of a vehicle, thereby absorbing the impact caused by a collision of a bosom of a driver against a steering wheel and preventing sharp edges of broken parts of the steering column cover caused by the breaking off of the cover itself, which would otherwise injure the driver.

Abstract: A protector for preventing legs and feet of a person in a vehicle when it collided consists of a panel in the form of a curved body extending toward a seat for the person and is provided with a pad adhered to a surface facing said seat. The protector disclosed herein includes the panel comprising at least one closed channel including a space therein filled with an energy absorption member, thereby greatly increasing plastic deformation load and yield load of the panel to prevent the legs and feet from being hurt.

Abstract: A securing flange extends from a portion of a structural panel to define a cavity between it and an adjacent portion of the panel. Apertures formed in the panel open into the cavity so that when an elastomeric pad is formed on the panel the flange extends into the pad and parts of the pad which extend through the apertures are formed with grommet-like locking blocks which engage the opposite side of the panel to secure the pad on the panel without the use of adhesives.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light-weight deformable housing structure suitable for use as a collapsing component in a vehicle comprising a load-bearing lattice structure having a predetermined axis of collapse and a non-load-bearing skin enclosing the lattice structure. Also disclosed is a heater unit for a vehicle including a heater and a housing according to the invention surrounding the heater.

Abstract: A kneepad is disposed along and spaced from the lower edge of the instrument panel of an automobile. The kneepad has an appropriate rigidity and is light in weight, and supported exclusively by an inner side member of the automobile body and a console box installed on a floor member of the automobile, respectively.

Abstract: A movable control console is provided for a tractor including a passive restraint assembly for automatically securing the operator in his seat during the operation of the machine. The console is selectively movable to a vertical inoperative position where it is out of the way when the operator is getting onto or out of the operator's seat. Further, the console is movable to a generally horizontal operative position where conventional control handles are easily accessible from the operator's seat. The passive restraint assembly is mounted to the movable control console, and it includes a padded restraint arm that is contoured to fit against the operator's waist when he is in the operator's seat and the console is moved to its operation position. A vertically adjustable latch link is pivotally secured to the console for holding the console and padded restraint arm at a selected position for restraining the operator in his seat.

Abstract: A knee protector for use in a passenger car equipped with an instrument panel and a steering column installed near the instrument panel, comprises a first and second panels which are separate to each other. The steering column is positioned between the first and second panels. The first and second panels are attached under the instrument panel. A pad covering the first and second panels. The pad has a convex portion to be inserted into a space between the first and second panels.

Abstract: A dashboard is constructed of a formed plastic sheet and polyurethane foam laminate having a reinforcement fixture and mat embedded in the foam.

Abstract: A covering for a folded gas cushion which is adapted to fold open by pivoting down, and which is provided with a reinforcement embedded in a padding layer; the reinforcement consists of a very strong synthetic plastic fabric that, prior to the foaming of the padding layer, is connected, for example, by gluing with a deformable lower fastening part; an anchoring for the covering is produced by a groove- and spring-like cooperation of at least one section of a boundary edge of the covering with an adjoining fixed vehicle part.

Abstract: A section of a shock absorbing member, which is located in the vicinity of a hard projection, has higher stiffness than another section of the same which is located in the distance from the hard projection, so that when the occupant's knee portion is forced to move toward the hard projection and collides with the shock absorbing member upon vehicle collision, the knee portion under movement is forced to turn in a lateral direction, that is toward the low stiffness or safety section of the member, losing its kinetic energy.

Abstract: A support member is set in a panelling arrangement of a vehicle in a manner that the longitudinal axis thereof is inclined with respect to that of the vehicle. Thus, the panelling arrangement with the support member can be sufficiently deformed upon impact in case of collision to contribute substantially to the safety of the front seat passenger.

Abstract: An instrument panel comprises an elongated sheet member formed through the longitudinal length thereof with a plurality of depressions. The depressions provide for a weakening of resistance to deformation of the sheet member so that if the sheet member is struck by the passenger's head in a collision, it is permanently and plastically deformed and thus saves the passenger from injury.

Abstract: A cover for an air-cushion is cut open by a cutter with the assistance of the expanding air-cushion to allow the air-cushion to quickly expand to its designed size in case of vehicle collision.

Abstract: A passenger compartment and seating for vehicles, adapted to distribute and retard impact forces due to collision, and to embrace the passengers for both primary and subsequent impacts. A dash configuration is cooperatively related to a front seat configuration with the back of the front seat cooperatively related to the front of a rear seat. The dash and seats are cushioned, and the seats are moveable upon deceleration to embrace a passenger between the dash and the front seat and to embrace a passenger between the front seat and the rear seat. The forward movement of the seats relative to each other and of the front seat into spaced relation to the dash, is restricted. There is a retarded forward motion of the following rear seat into spaced relation to the front seat. The passengers are passively embraced between the forwardly shifted spaced seats or the front seat and dash.

Abstract: A means is disclosed for holding an instrument having a knob, in a projected operative position from an instrument panel of a vehicle. The instrument holding means comprises at least one projection, a plurality of bolts screwed into each projection. The bolts have shank portions, respectively, which extend in parallel with each other. A flange is secured to the instrument. Springs mounted around the shank portions are compressed to bias the flange into abutting engagement with the projections.

Abstract: An occupant restraint cushion housing is mounted within an instrument panel structure and provided with flanges on the side and upper edges of an elongated opening thereof. An inflatable occupant restraint cushion is housed within the housing. A cover assembly for the housing is secured to the instrument panel structure and includes an integrally hinged closure normally closing an opening in the cover assembly generally co-extensive with that of the housing. Flanges of the cover assembly define the side and upper edges of the opening. The closure is provided with flanges which respectively underlie the flanges of the cover assembly to releasably hold the closure against movement outwardly of the cover assembly until the cushion is inflated. Ribs on the side edge flanges of the closure engage flanges of the housing to block inward movement of the side edges of the closure.

Abstract: An energy absorber adapted to be interposed between relatively movable rigid support and impact receiving elements and including a sheet metal plate of rectangular shape. The plate is provided with two asymmetric spaced U-shaped slots and a pair of spaced parallel slots to divide the plate into a continuous integral outer portion; an asymmetric pair of generally U-shape inner portions, the legs of which are integrally connected to the continuous outer portion by bridging portions; and a center portion of rectangular shape integrally connecting the bights of the inner portions. The outer portion is secured to one of the elements and the center portion is secured to the other by a rigid post.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing front wall for motor vehicles, especially passenger motor vehicles which includes several sections, arranged one above the other, of padded parts projecting into the vehicle interior and permanently deformable by the impact of a vehicle passenger caused by an accident; these sections which are arranged one above the other thereby possess different rigidities and/or thicknesses of the padding layer matched to the impinging body portions; an inflatable gas cushion may also form part of a respective section.