Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle wherein a load absorption for an impact of the knees relative to the steering column is provided arranged in case of an accident to be adjusted toward the driver's knees.

Abstract: An occupant leg protection system is arranged below a steering column as a protection system for an automobile. The protection system includes an inflatable airbag; a casing for housing the airbag; and a gas generator for inflating the airbag. A recessed section facing the steering column is provided at a backside of the casing.

Abstract: A passenger protection apparatus for a vehicle according to the invention has an excellent effect in that lower limbs of the vehicle occupant can be successfully held even during a frontal offset impact or an oblique impact. The passenger protection apparatus includes a pair of active knee bolsters provided in an instrument panel or at a vicinity thereof, each bolster being capable of restraining a corresponding lower limb of a passenger; a detector which, at a time of a collision, can detect a direction thereof; and a controller which, in accordance with the detection, can control the active knee bolsters independently from each other.

Abstract: A main chamber is formed of a front panel and a rear panel connected together, and the interior thereof is partitioned into small chambers by partition panels. A surface panel is sewn to the front side of the front panel to form an auxiliary chamber in between. When a gas generator is actuated to generate a gas, the gas flows to the auxiliary chamber through the small chambers, and the auxiliary chamber is inflated while the surface panel bulges out toward an occupant.

Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly includes a covering; and a shape memory material in operative communication with the covering, wherein the shape memory material has a first shape attached to an underside of the covering and is operative to change to a second shape in response to an activation signal. The second shape of the shape memory material can cause the covering to expand or expand and detach from a surrounding surface medium. The energy absorbing assembly is used to absorb kinetic energy of an object impacting the assembly. Methods of operating the assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A restraint apparatus for protecting a vehicle occupant in a side impact or rollover event. The restraint apparatus includes a deployment guide that includes a housing having a channel with a substantially smoothed interior and longitudinal slot. A guide member is slidably retained in the channel and has an extension protruding from the slotted side of the channel. The extension is attachable to a restraint device deployable laterally of a vehicle occupant. An actuator is provided and is operable to drive the guide member from a first end of the channel toward a second end. A driving of the guide member facilitates deployment of the restraint device and supplies at least a longitudinal tensioning force to the restraint device to provide lateral support thereto.

Abstract: An occupant restraining device (S1) is provided with a shielding member (51F/51R) to be deployed from the peripheral edge of a window (WF/WR) of a vehicle so as to shield the window (WF/WR). The occupant restraining device (S1) is further provided with an inflator (82), a cylinder (87) and a piston rod (88) for deploying the shielding member (51F/51R) housed to shield the window (WF/WR). The shielding member (51F/51R) is arranged to substantially rise from the lower edge side (DW) in the peripheral edge of the window (WF/WR). The shielding member (51F/51R) can be smoothly expanded to shield the window (WF/WR) even if the occupant leans against the peripheral edge of the window (WF/WR).

Abstract: A folded rigid knee airbag for preventing the lower body portion of a vehicle occupant from being propelled forward during a collision is provided. The folded rigid knee airbag includes a back panel and a front panel attached to the back panel. Both the front panel and the back panel may be made from a rigid material, such as sheet metal. The back panel may include first and second accordion folds, and first and second vertical folds. The airbag may be in communication with an inflator. During discharge of the inflator, the accordion folds and the vertical folds unfold to form four substantially planar walls. The accordion folds and the vertical folds enable the front panel to remain substantially flat and maintain a substantially uniform cross-sectional area during inflation.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (28) of a vehicle (12) includes a knee bolster (20). An energy absorbing device (80) is interposed between the knee bolster (20) and the vehicle (12). The device (80) includes a field responsive fluid (84) having a viscosity that varies in response to an energy field acting on the fluid. The device (80) also includes at least one passage (134) through which the fluid (84) flows upon movement of the knee bolster (20) relative to the vehicle (12). The device (80) further includes means (150) for varying the viscosity of the fluid (84) to vary the flow rate through the at least one passage (134) and thereby vary the resistance to movement of the knee bolster (20) relative to the vehicle (12).

Abstract: In the occupant protection device according to the present invention, a restraint body joined with a driving mechanism is located near a target area of a seated occupant while being surrounded by an interior decoration member. Upon predicting a collision of the vehicle, the driving mechanism is actuated to protrude the restraint body from an opening in the interior decoration member for restraining the movement of the target area upon collision by its side facing the occupant, and when the collision is avoided, the driving mechanism returns the protruded restraint body in the opening of the interior decoration member. The restraint body is provided in the vicinity of its outer periphery with a retaining hole, a clip to be inserted in and retained by the retaining hole, and a guide surface for guiding the clip into the retaining hole for helping the restraint body to return in the opening of the interior decoration member.

Abstract: An energy absorbing knee bolster for use in an interior of a vehicle is disclosed. An energy absorbing support structure is configured to support an instrument panel within a vehicle. The energy absorbing structure has a deployable tubular mechanism for absorbing occupant impact energy and an impact plate coupled to said tubular mechanism for absorbing occupant energy. An energy absorbing locking mechanism is disposed between the impact plate and the support structure. The locking mechanism is configured to encourage the collapse of the tubular means for absorbing energy in a telescopic fashion.

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: This type of rollover protection system typically comprises a roll bar body that is either firmly anchored to the vehicle, or is displaceably guided in a guide element that is fixed to the vehicle, in conjunction with a locking device that serves as a retraction blocking mechanism to lock the deployed roll bar body against any unintended retraction. To structurally control high peak loads that occur in a rollover without a total failure of the protective system, particularly of the locking device in deployable systems, the invention provides that the roll bar body, possibly the associated guide element and its fixation on the vehicle as well as the retraction blocking mechanism be configured as a rigid system relative to the maximum load that occurs in a rollover. A cross-member-type support element terminating the roll bar body on the end face is configured as a predetermined deformation point for a limited defined deformation path in load direction for energy degradation.

Abstract: An air-bag unit (1) is adapted to be positioned on the floor pan of a vehicle in the foot-well, to be located beneath the feet of an occupant of the vehicle. The air-bag unit has an upper cover (8) located above an air-bag. On inflation of the air-bag the cover (8) is lifted from its initial position to an elevated position. The cover (8) comprises two sections (9, 10) inter-connected by a hinge-line (11). On inflation of the air-bag part of the cover (8) adjacent the hinge-line (11) is elevated so a greater extent than the portions of the cover which are remote from the hinge-line.

Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly includes a covering; and a shape memory material in operative communication with the covering, wherein the shape memory material has a first shape attached to an underside of the covering and is operative to change to a second shape in response to an activation signal. The second shape of the shape memory material can cause the covering to expand or expand and detach from a surrounding surface medium. The energy absorbing assembly is used to absorb kinetic energy of an object impacting the assembly. Methods of operating the assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable bolster system is provided for supporting a body portion of a vehicle occupant such as the knees and lower body or pelvis during a collision. The inflatable bolster includes a decorative substantially rigid front panel and an expandable metal rear panel attached to the non-metal decorative front panel. The inflatable bolster has an inflation orifice, and may have at least one vertical expansion fold and at least one horizontal expansion fold on the rear panel.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) helps protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (20). The apparatus (10) includes a vehicle occupant protection device (14) that has a lower edge (70) connected to the side structure (20). The protection device (14) is deployable from a stored position located in the side structure (20) to a deployed position in which at least a portion of the protection device is positioned above a sill (26) of the side structure and adjacent the vehicle occupant. A deployment device (16) is fixedly connected to the side structure (20) and includes an elongated rigid deployment member (52) connected to the protection device (14). The deployment device (16) is actuatable from a stored position to a deployed position in which the deployment member projects above the sill (26). The deployment member (52) moves the protection device (14) from the stored position to the deployed position when the deployment device (16) is actuated.

Abstract: An automotive glove box assembly. The glove box assembly includes a storage bin and a door disposed in hinging relation to the storage bin. The door includes an expansible body having a face portion facing towards a vehicle occupant and a back portion in opposing relation to the face portion. The expansible body is operatively connected to at least one gas emitting unit such that upon discharge of gas from the gas emitting unit, the expansible body is pressurized and the face portion is projected outwardly to an extended position so as to intercept lower extremities of the occupant.

Abstract: A knee protecting airbag device includes a folded airbag housed below a member attached to the vehicle body and in front of the knees of a seated passenger. The airbag extends and expands when fed with an inflating gas toward the rear of the vehicle to protect the knees of the passenger. The airbag includes a lower expansion portion, which is upstream in the flow of the gas, and an upper expansion portion, which is downstream. The lower expansion portion protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle to protect the knees. The upper expansion portion protrudes upward from the lower expansion portion. The airbag properly protects the knees of the passenger by extending and expanding efficiently, taking into account the time elapsed, until completion of the extension and expansion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protective assembly (1, 101) for the lower limbs (31) of a motor vehicle passenger comprising an actuating device (2, 103) secured to the vehicle and capable of displacing a rod (3, 108) which is linked to a protective system. The invention is characterized in that: i) the actuating device contains a pyrotechnic system (9); ii) the protective system comprises a protective cushion (6) mounted on a shaft (5, 105) integral with the vehicle; iii) said protective cushion is mobile in rotation under the effect of the displacement of the rod so as to accompany, in the contact zone provided between the passenger's lower limbs and said protective cushion, the movement of said lower limbs.

Abstract: This set of equipment (1) for a motor vehicle comprises an inflatable structure (2), an element (4) acting as a support for the inflatable structure, an element (8) forming a load-spreading plate and at least one frangible member (10) for fixing the load-spreading plate to the support.

Abstract: A passenger protection apparatus for a vehicle according to the invention has an excellent effect in that lower limbs of the vehicle occupant can be successfully held even during a frontal offset impact or an oblique impact. The passenger protection apparatus includes a pair of active knee bolsters provided in an instrument panel or at a vicinity thereof, each bolster being capable of restraining a corresponding lower limb of a passenger; a detector which, at a time of a collision, can detect a direction thereof; and a controller which, in accordance with the detection, can control the active knee bolsters independently from each other.

Abstract: A knee protecting airbag device, which is located in front of a passenger, comprises an airbag, an inflator, and a case housing the airbag and the inflator. When the airbag extends and expands, it protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle from the opening of the case, to protect the knees of the passenger. The knee protecting airbag device further comprises a holding member having a mounting portion for mounting the knee protecting airbag device on the vehicle. The holding member holds the case. In the holding member, there are a communication hole and a support face, which is arranged on the periphery of the communication hole. The communicating hole communicates with the opening of the case and allows the airbag to expand. The support face can support the front face of the extending and expanding airbag.

Abstract: A folded rigid knee airbag for preventing the lower body portion of a vehicle occupant from being propelled forward during a collision is provided. The folded rigid knee airbag includes a back panel and a front panel attached to the back panel. Both the front panel and the back panel may be made from a rigid material, such as sheet metal. The back panel may include first and second accordion folds, and first and second vertical folds. The airbag may be in communication with an inflator. During discharge of the inflator, the accordion folds and the vertical folds unfold to form four substantially planar walls. The accordion folds and the vertical folds enable the front panel to remain substantially flat and maintain a substantially uniform cross-sectional area during inflation.

Abstract: A load distribution panel retention apparatus which effectively secures a knee bolster airbag to a load distribution panel. The apparatus includes a flat, rectangular piece of textile material attached to a knee bolster airbag to form a panel retainer which is open on both ends. A load distribution panel, also called a knee bolster panel, is secured to the airbag by positioning the load distribution panel between the panel retainer and the airbag. The apparatus includes a housing secured to the instrument panel or to a firewall of a vehicle. The conventional inflatable knee airbag is stored within the housing and in communication with an inflator. The inflator is stored within the housing and inflates the knee airbag in an accident situation. A trim cover panel is attached to the load distribution panel to provide a decorative covering of the airbag module.

Abstract: An inflatable rigid knee airbag system for assisting in positioning and decelerating a vehicle occupant is disclosed. The system may include a front and a rear rigid panel, which may be made from sheet metal. The front and rear rigid panels define at least a portion of an inflatable chamber. The inflatable chamber is in fluid communication with an inflator that injects inflatable gas into the inflatable chamber when accident conditions exist. A support core positioned between the front and rear panels dampens vibrations of the front and rear panels and minimizes unsightly denting of the front panel when the inflatable rigid knee airbag system is in a pre-deployment state. The support core may be made from foam.

Abstract: A safety device for use in a motor vehicle includes a restraining element in the form of a net (4) initially stored within a housing (3) extending across the entire upper edge of a windscreen (2). Pull cords (5, 6) attached to the edges of the net extend downwardly past guides (7, 8) located adjacent the lower edges of the windscreen to a centrally located drive mechanism (9). Further pull cords (10, 11) extend from positions more towards the central part of the lower edge of the net, and initially extend around the outer periphery of the windscreen being retained by a yieldable mechanism. The pull cords (10, 11) pass guides (14, 15) located adjacent the lower edge of the windscreen (2) and thus to the drive mechanism (9). The drive mechanism applies such a tension to the pull cords (5, 6, 10, 11) that the net is drawn to a position in which it extends tautly across the windscreen (2) in response to an accident situation.

Abstract: A knee bolster system is capable of automatic extension and retraction during specified scenarios that are determined based on sensor input. A microprocessor electrically controls an actuator capable of extending at least one telescoping mechanism which is rigidly engaged to a knee bolster pad located in the lower portion of an instrument panel at knee height to an occupant. Each telescoping mechanism houses a plowing mechanism. This plowing mechanism generates reaction forces during actuation.

Abstract: An inflatable knee bolster for a vehicle occupant is mounted in opposing relation to the knees of a vehicle occupant. The bolster is an expansible chamber of multipiece construction having a face portion and a separate three dimensional expansible body portion. The face portion and body portion are joined about their peripheries to define and substantially enclose the chamber. The expansible body portion is formed from injection molded polymeric material and has one or more integrally molded at least partially collapsible pleated profile elements disposed along the sides and across the top of the body portion in raised and lowered profile with respect to the face portion. Deformable mounting brackets extend outwardly from the body portion for attachment to the vehicle. The materials forming the face and body portions are of either similar or dissimilar chemical and physical character.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) including a side door (18) includes an inflatable tubular structure (14) and an inflation fluid source (34) for providing inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable tubular structure. The inflatable tubular structure (14) has a stored position in which the inflatable tubular structure is deflated and stored in the side door (18). The inflatable tubular structure (14) is inflatable from the stored position to a deployed position in which the inflatable tubular structure is inflated and positioned between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant.

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: The invention concerns a rollbar integral with the vehicle body and mobile between a retracted position and a position wherein, when the roof is open, the rollbar projects sufficiently above the vehicle back shelf to protect the passengers in case the vehicle overturns. The rollbar consists of two rollbar elements mutually articulated at the top of the rollbar, the lower ends of each rollbar element capable of sliding along a straight line parallel to the vehicle back shelf and located beneath the shelf.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protective assembly (1, 101) for the lower limbs (31) of a motor vehicle passenger comprising an actuating device (2, 103) secured to the vehicle and capable of displacing a rod (3, 108) which is linked to a protective system. The invention is characterised in that: i) the actuating device contains a pyrotechnic system (9); ii) the protective system comprises a protective cushion (6) mounted on a shaft (5, 105) integral with the vehicle; iii) said protective cushion is mobile in rotation under the effect of the displacement of the rod so as to accompany, in the contact zone provided between the passenger's lower limbs and said protective cushion, the movement of said lower limbs.

Abstract: A locationally adjustable actuator is provided having a force input to a rod operatively associated with an automotive vehicle control. The actuator includes two parallelogram linkages which link an actuator pedal to a rod link which is pivotally connected with a rod which provides an automotive vehicle control input. The parallelogram arrangement is furthermore connected with a slider which is linearly adjustable with respect to the vehicle. Movement of the slider causes the actuator pedal to be linearly adjusted.

Abstract: Inflatable knee bolster module assemblies and associated methods are provided wherein first and second longitudinally spaced apart attachment extensions of a first outer lateral side of the inflatable knee cushion are passed through respectively corresponding first and second attachment openings in an associated assembly panel member.

Abstract: A rollover protection system for motor vehicles, especially for convertibles, is described, with a head restraint assigned to a vehicle seat and a rollover member displaceable by an at least approximately translational movement from a lowered inoperative position upwards into a support position, the head restraint being intended to have a recess open at the bottom. The rollover member, at least in a position of non-use and in the event of overturning, is accommodated with its upper section in the recess of the head restraint.

Abstract: An inflatable knee bolster for a vehicle occupant is mounted in opposing relation to the knees of a vehicle occupant. The bolster is an expansible chamber of multipiece construction having a face portion and a separate three dimensional expansible body portion. The face portion and body portion are joined about their peripheries to define and substantially enclose the chamber. The expansible body portion is formed from injection molded polymeric material and has one or more integrally molded at least partially collapsible pleated profile elements disposed along the sides and across the top of the body portion in raised and lowered profile with respect to the face portion. Deformable mounting brackets extend outwardly from the body portion for attachment to the vehicle. The materials forming the face and body portions are of either similar or dissimilar chemical and physical character.

Abstract: A knee bolster system is capable of automatic extension and retraction during specified scenarios that are determined based on sensor input. A microprocessor electrically controls an actuator capable of extending at least one telescoping mechanism which is rigidly engaged to a knee bolster pad located in the lower portion of an instrument panel at knee height to an occupant. Each telescoping mechanism houses a plowing mechanism. This plowing mechanism generates reaction forces during actuation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety means for a vehicle with a steering with reference to which a load absorbing means for an impact of the driver's knees in the case of an accident is arranged, wherein the load absorbing means for an impact of the knees include a load absorbing sheet which in the case of an accident can be adjusted towards the driver's knees into an or in the direction towards an effective position. Furthermore, the invention refers to a safety method for a vehicle with a steering with reference to which a load absorbing means for an impact of the driver's knees in the case of an accident is adjusted towards the driver's knees, wherein a load absorbing sheet is adjusted towards the driver's knees in the case of an accident.

Abstract: An actuating device for a safety arrangement in a vehicle has a pneumatic muscle as drive and a pyrotechnical gas generator for feeding the pneumatic muscle.

Abstract: The present invention involves a knee bolster airbag system to dissipate impact energy during an impact of a vehicle in which the system is disposed. The system includes a base which has a first surface disposed toward a vehicle compartment of the vehicle, and a cover having an inner surface attached adjacent the first surface of the base to define a cavity. The cover further has opposite first and second edges, wherein the first edge pivotally attaches the cover to the base about an axis to hinge the first edge of the cover to the base. The system further includes an airbag housing member adjacent which an airbag and a gas source are disposed. The system further includes a tether connected to the base and the cover. The tether allows a predetermined displacement of the second edge away from the base when the airbag is in a deployed state.

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (10) comprises an inflatable device (40) having a stored deflated position in which the inflatable device is located adjacent an instrument panel (14) in the vehicle. An inflator (70) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable device (40). The inflatable device (40), when inflated, engages a lower extremity (18) of the occupant. An actuator (80) moves the inflatable device (40) rearwardly in the vehicle (10) to move a foot (20) associated with the lower extremity (18) of the occupant rearwardly in the vehicle.

Abstract: A load distribution panel retention apparatus which effectively secures a knee bolster airbag to a load distribution panel. The apparatus includes a flat, rectangular piece of textile material attached to a knee bolster airbag to form a panel retainer which is open on both ends. A load distribution panel, also called a knee bolster panel, is secured to the airbag by positioning the load distribution panel between the panel retainer and the airbag. The apparatus includes a housing secured to the instrument panel or to a firewall of a vehicle. The conventional inflatable knee airbag is stored within the housing and in communication with an inflator. The inflator is stored within the housing and inflates the knee airbag in an accident situation. A trim cover panel is attached to the load distribution panel to provide a decorative covering of the airbag module.

Abstract: System and method for controlling operation of a vehicle or a component thereof based on recognition of a individual including a processor embodying a pattern recognition algorithm trained to identify whether a person is the individual by analyzing data derived from optical images and an optical receiving unit for receiving images including the person and deriving data from the images. The optical receiving unit provides the data to the algorithm to obtain an indication from the algorithm whether the person is the individual. A security system enables operation of the vehicle when the algorithm provides an indication that the person is an individual authorized to operate the vehicle and prevents operation of the vehicle when the algorithm does not provide an indication that the person is an individual authorized to operate the vehicle. A component adjustment system adjusts the component based on the recognition of the individual.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) helps protect an occupant of a vehicle. The apparatus (10) includes a knee bolster (22), an inflatable device (30), an actuatable inflator (40), and a flexible tether (50). The knee bolster (22) is movable in the vehicle from a stored position adjacent to an instrument panel (14) of the vehicle to an actuated position to engage a knee of the occupant of the vehicle. The inflatable device (30) moves the knee bolster (22) from the stored position to the actuated position. The inflatable device (30) inflates in a first direction toward the knees of the vehicle occupant. The inflator (40) inflates the inflatable device (30). The tether (50) limits movement of the knee bolster (22) in the first direction and positions the knee bolster in the actuated position. The tether (50) engages an exterior central surface portion (32) of the inflatable device (30) and restricts inflation of the central surface portion (32) of the inflatable device.

Abstract: A knee restraint device for vehicles has a base, a knee protector component which is movable toward the knees of a vehicle occupant, and a drive structure for driving the knee protector component toward the knees of a vehicle occupant. The drive structure is arranged between the base and the knee protector component. Further, a limiting- and positioning structure is provided for limiting the travel of the knee protector component towards the knees of a vehicle occupant and for positioning the knee protector component relative to the knees of a vehicle occupant. The limiting-and positioning structure is fastened to the base and is constructed in one piece with the knee protector component. The limiting-and positioning structure is deformable on activation of the drive structure and has a predetermined rigidity, this rigidity-being sufficient so as to prevent any change in shape of the limiting-positioning structure under its weight.

Abstract: A knee area protection apparatus for the protection of a vehicle occupant is provided which includes a deployment guiding plate and a support plate each having a top transverse edge, a bottom transverse edge, and side edges. The support plate is securable to the vehicle in a lower area of a seat compartment thereof. The knee area protection apparatus also includes retaining bands to retain and guide an air bag sack as it is deployed as well as to retain and guide the deployment guiding plate, which is moved by the deployment of the air bag sack.

Abstract: A roll bar protection system for motor vehicles comprising an outer box profile forming a case for the components of the roll bar protection system, being mounted firmly on the vehicle, an inner box profile, able to move in the outer box profile via guide elements which is designed as a roll bar and accommodates a fast drive for its extension into the upper end protection position in event of danger, and a drive arrangement for a continuous movement of the inner box profile, consisting of an electric motor/gearing arrangement with a threaded spindle of predetermined length, as well as a tie-bar which can be moved in the outer box profile, having a nut for engagement with the threaded spindle, and which is detachably connected to the inner box profile.

Abstract: A knee airbag system has a bolster panel that is disposed between an inflatable airbag and a cover. The bolster panel is secured to the cover through the use of one or more fasteners. The bolster panel is configured with one or more trenches or wells that provide recess spaces. The fasteners extend from the cover and pass through the bolster panel and into a recess space provided by the trench or well. The recess space has a depth that is greater than the protruding portion of the fastener to prevent the fastener from contacting the airbag. In order to prevent a portion of the airbag from entering a recess space, the airbag is secured to the bolster panel so as to limit slack.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle having an instrument panel (12) includes a knee bolster (30) movable in the vehicle from a stored position adjacent the instrument panel to a blocking position spaced apart from the instrument panel. The knee bolster (30) has at least one fastener opening (62) and a tear seam (70) extending around the fastener opening. The tear seam (70) defines and encloses a securing portion (72) of the knee bolster (30). A fastener (76) releasably maintains the knee bolster (30) in the stored position adjacent to the instrument panel (12). The fastener (76) extends through the fastener opening (62) in the knee bolster (30) and overlies the securing portion (72) of the knee bolster. The knee bolster (30) ruptures at the tear seam (70) in response to movement of the knee bolster from the stored position to the blocking position.