Abstract: Clamping means for a strap, adapted to be located between a strap storage location and a strap utilization location, comprises reaction member pivotally mounted on a base member for angular movement about a first axis, a guide member pivotally mounted on a support member fast with the reaction member for angular movement about a second axis positioned between the reaction member and the first pivot axis. Resilient means retains the guide member and the reaction member in respective rest positions in which the strap is freely movable between the guide member and reaction member until the tension applied to the strap exceeds a predetermined level. When the tension in the strap exceeds said predetermined level, angular movement of the guide member causes corresponding angular movement of the reaction member, thereby wrapping the strap round both the reaction member and the guide member so that one layer of the strap is clamped against the reaction member by another layer of the strap.

Abstract: A safety belt retractor of a type including a pair of springs and a spring lock out mechanism enabling only one of the springs to operate when the belt is worn, in order to reduce belt tension, and to enable both of the springs to operate when the belt is released, to ensure reliable belt retraction. The retractor includes a sun and planet gear assembly including a gear ring, a planet gear and a sun gear. A shaft which rotates when the safety belt is retracted is coupled to a main spring by the sun and planet gear assembly. A stop limits orbital motion of the planet gear when the shaft is rotated, whereby the shaft is drivably coupled to the main spring through the gear assembly. A spring lock out mechanism secures the gearing against rotation, after the belt has been extracted, whereby the main springs stores its wound energy and its drive is disconnected from the shaft. An auxiliary spring, which is also coupled to the shaft, then applies a light bias to the belt.

Abstract: A safety belt retractor including a spring driven belt storage shaft which is locked by either an inertia sensitive, or belt withdrawal sensitive mechanism, or both working together. The width of the retractor is reduced by using a plate-like mass or disc as an inertia sensing mass. The disc is supported, on edge, in a well of a carrier. The carrier can be located in different rotary positions, to adjust the rest position of the mass, by means of meshing gear wheels, one arrangement providing a vernier adjustment. Movement of the mass is sensed by a lever arrangement including a light strip mounted to pivot on, or to rotate with a locking pawl.