Abstract: A seat belt webbing guide height adjuster (10) includes a base (50) having first and second columns of openings (84, 86, 104, 106) disposed in a staggered relationship on opposite sides of an axis (61). A carriage (140) is supported on the base (50) for axial movement relative to the base. A seat belt webbing guide (24) is disposed on the carriage (140). A first latch part (200) on the carriage (140) is movable between a first condition in which the first latch part is movable axially past the first openings (84, 86) and a second condition in which the first latch part is located in one of the first openings to block axial movement of the first latch part and the carriage relative to the base (50).

Abstract: A seat belt height adjuster (30) includes a track (34), a slider (36) movable vertically along the track (34), and a latch (102) mounted on the slider (36). The track (34) has a plurality of latch openings (62) which are spaced apart along the track (34). The latch (102)is receivable in each latch opening (62) to block movement of the slider (36) downward along the track (34). The track (34) further has a plurality of spaced-apart directing portions (80) corresponding to the plurality of latch openings (62). Each directing portion (80) of the track (34) is configured to constrain the latch (102) to move into the next lower latch opening (62) upon movement of the latch (102) downward along the track (34) from a latch opening (62) to the next lower latch opening (62).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a rotatable structure (40) having an axis of rotation (41). The rotatable structure (40) includes a spool (16), a ratchet wheel (44), and a deflectable part (42) which deflects upon rotation of the spool (16) about the axis (41) relative to the ratchet wheel (44). An alarm apparatus (60) responds to deflection of the deflectable part (42) by providing an audible alarm upon subsequent rotation of the rotatable structure (40).

Abstract: A spool sleeve (78) is rotatable in webbing withdrawal and webbing retraction directions (A, B). A lock pawl (122) engageable with a ratchet wheel (114), stops rotation of the spool sleeve (78) in the webbing withdrawal direction (A). The spool sleeve (78) is rotatable relative to the ratchet wheel (114) upon the occurrence of tension in webbing (16) above a predetermined amount. A cutter (94) is located radially within the spool sleeve (78) for cutting the spool sleeve (78) when the spool sleeve (78) rotates relative to the stopped ratchet wheel (114). In one preferred embodiment, the cutter (220) includes a portion (226) which is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to a rotational axis (164) of the spool sleeve (192) to cause the cutter (220) to move axially relative to the spool sleeve. In another preferred embodiment, the spool sleeve (284, 286) is comprised of a plurality of pieces fitted together to extend around the axis (164).

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt system (10) includes a length of seat belt webbing (14). An energy absorber (32) connected with the belt webbing (14) is actuatable in response to the tensile load on the belt webbing exceeding a predetermined load. The system (10) includes a D-ring (24) having a webbing opening (46) through which the belt webbing (14) extends. The D-ring (24) is supported for movement from a first position to a second position upon actuation of the energy absorber (32). A signalling mechanism (40, 72) is actuatable in response to movement of the D-ring (24) from the first position to the second position for providing a signal perceptible to the vehicle occupant and indicative of actuation of the energy absorber (32). In a preferred embodiment, the signalling mechanism (40, 72) includes an electric switch (40) which is actuated in response to movement of the D-ring (24) from the first position to the second position, and a lamp (72) which is energized in response to the actuation of the electric switch.

Abstract: A seat belt webbing retractor (10) includes a spool assembly (60) around which seat belt webbing (16) is wound. The spool assembly (60) is rotatable in webbing withdrawal and webbing retraction directions (A,B). A member, such as a ratchet wheel, (70) is rotatable in the withdrawal and retraction directions (A,B) with the spool assembly (60). A lock pawl, (190) is engageable with the rotatable member (70) for blocking rotation of the rotatable member (70) and the spool assembly (60) in the withdrawal direction (A). The spool assembly (60) is rotatable relative to the rotatable member (70) upon the occurrence of a tension above a predetermined amount in the webbing (16). A deformable member (78) is plastically deformed to absorb energy during rotation of the spool assembly (60) relative to the rotatable member (70). A hub (112) and a ring (140), are also rotatable upon rotation of the spool assembly (60) relative to the rotatable member (70).

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (10) has a spool assembly (14) with a spool sleeve (34) on which a seat belt webbing (16) is wound. The spool sleeve (34) is supported for rotation in webbing retraction and webbing withdrawal directions (A, B). A ratchet wheel (48) is provided for stopping rotation of the spool sleeve (34) in the webbing withdrawal direction (B). The ratchet wheel (48) is rotatable with the spool sleeve (34) in the webbing retraction and webbing withdrawal directions (A, B). A blocking mechanism (72) prevents rotation of the ratchet wheel (48) in the webbing withdrawal direction (B) to stop rotation of the spool sleeve (34). A portion (62, 64) of said spool sleeve (34) can deform a portion (54, 58) of the ratchet wheel (48).

Abstract: A seat belt webbing retractor (10) includes a spool assembly (60) around which seat belt webbing (16) is wound. The spool assembly (60) is rotatable in webbing withdrawal and webbing retraction directions (A,B). A ratchet wheel (70) is rotatable in the withdrawal and retraction directions (A,B) with the spool assembly (60). A lock pawl (146) is engageable with the ratchet wheel (70) for blocking rotation of the ratchet wheel (70) and the spool assembly (60) in the withdrawal direction (A). The spool assembly (60) is rotatable relative to the ratchet wheel (70) upon an occurrence of a tension above a predetermined amount in the webbing (16). A take-up member (102) is rotatable with the spool assembly (60) relative to the ratchet wheel (70). A deformable member (120) is plastically deformed during a plurality of rotations of the take-up member (102) and spool assembly (60) relative to the ratchet wheel (70).