Abstract: A seat belt assembly is provided for an occupant seated in a seat that includes a seat back portion and a seat base portion having an outboard side. The seat belt assembly includes a continuous seat belt having a lap belt and shoulder belt. The lap belt has an inboard portion, an outboard portion, and an anchor portion. The anchor portion is fixed to an anchor member positioned below, rearward, and inboard relative to the outboard side of the seat base portion. An actuator assembly is selectively engageable with the outboard portion of the lap belt and is operable to selectively release the lap belt. A pre-tensioner is operatively connected to the shoulder belt. The pre-tensioner is configured to tension the shoulder belt and the lap belt thereby applying force in an inboard direction when the lap belt is released from the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle, such as a school bus, accommodates two or three passengers, depending on the size and stature of the passengers. The seat assembly is equipped with three seatbelts and five buckles spaced along a seatback. When three passengers are utilizing the seat assembly, each of the three seatbelts and three of the buckles are utilized. When two passengers are utilizing the seat assembly, two of the seatbelts and the remaining two buckles are utilized. The seatbelts and buckles are visually coded and/or keyed to prevent improper use. When the buckles are not being utilized, they are housed in cavities formed in the seatback to avoid interference with the passengers.

Abstract: Disclosed are interlocking safety restraint mechanisms and safety restraint systems incorporating such mechanisms. Embodiments of the safety restraint mechanisms include a first locking mechanism adapted to receive and lock into place a buckle tongue and a second locking mechanism adapted to receive and lock into place an anchor tongue. The interlocking safety restraint mechanism is configured to automatically release the buckle tongue upon insertion of the anchor tongue and is further configured to automatically release the anchor tongue upon insertion of the buckle tongue.

Abstract: A restraint system for a removable vehicle seat is attached to the vehicle seat. A restraint tower associated with the restraint system transfers energy generated during vehicle impact.

Abstract: A seat belt assembly for use in a vehicle seat includes a shoulder anchor for guiding a seat belt having a turn flange with a flat portion and a curved portion.

Abstract: A buckle support assembly is provided including an anchor member and a buckle with a support member extending therebetween. A sleeve member is supported in position to extend between the anchor member and buckle and about the support member via interfering portions of the anchor member and sleeve member. Preferably, the interfering portions include small tabs of the anchor member and internal ribs of the sleeve member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for assisting gripping of the safety belt comprising: a base fixed to the passenger compartment; a flexible tube extending between a first end supported by the base and a second closed end connected to the safety belt. The tube extends under the effect of a compressed gas, between its first end and its second end retained by said belt while it is being inflated until it reaches its gripping position wherein a passenger can catch the tube to pull towards him/her the safety belt.

Abstract: A deflection fitting for the safety belt of a motor vehicle comprising a belt guide (17, 18) which encircles the safety belt (7) and a pivot bearing (13) about which the belt guide is pivoted about a pivot pin (14) and parallel to the direction in which the belt passes through. The pivot bearing is adapted to be fixed to the vehicle. The belt guide includes at least two chain links (17, 18) which can pivot independently of each other in the pivot bearing (13), respectively, and which are located some distance apart from each other in the direction in which the belt (7) passes through. This configuration enables easy adjustment of the belt guide, even when the angles of the strands (8, 9) of the belt (7) deviate considerably from the standard.

Abstract: A retractor of a three-point rear seatbelt system is affixed to a rear roof rail without excessively protruding out at the bottom of the rear roof rail. Such an arrangement provides sufficient rear vision of the vehicle and strengthens the rigidity of the rear roof rail where the retractor is fixed in order to withstand heavy loads associated with seat belt systems.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system provides the seat occupant with options for three-point, four-point and five-point seat belt configurations. In one embodiment, the restraint system includes two three-point seat belt systems arranged as mirror images and a two position buckle located along the center line of the seat cushion.

Abstract: A shoulder restraint attachment device for a motor vehicle (comprising a bolt, a mandrel, a cup and a nut) can be employed to deform a portion of the motor vehicle's roof in such a manner that a shoulder strap, such as those employed in three point restraint systems, can be securely and esthetically mounted to the motor vehicle roof.

Abstract: A shopping cart having a juvenile restraining apparatus is provided. The juvenile restraining apparatus has shoulder straps, belt segments, and a chest panel. The shoulder straps each have first and second ends and are positionable over the juvenile's shoulders. The first ends of the shoulder straps are selectively attachable to the shopping cart. The second ends of the shoulder straps are attached to the chest panel. The belt segments also have first and second ends with the first ends of each of the belt segments attached to the chest panel. The belt segments extend from the chest panel and are positionable about the torso of the juvenile and are selectively attachable to each other.

Abstract: A seat belt is secured to an anchor at one side of a seated person and extends across the seated person's body to a second anchor at an opposite side of the seated person to which the belt is also secured. A belt retention device is operable, when actuated in response to a sudden, rapid deceleration of the vehicle, to grip the belt between the anchors at a point of engagement adjacent to the one side of the seated person to cooperate with the second anchor in taking up any slack in a section of the belt between the point of engagement and the second anchor and also maintaining such section of the belt tightly engaged across the person's body.

Abstract: A one-piece stamped metal guide (128) for seatbelt webbing (112) in a vehicle (108) includes a mounting portion (242) for mounting the guide in the vehicle. The mounting portion (242) defines a mounting plane (352). A guiding portion (244) includes a guiding surface (256) having at least one guide element (258) stamped in the metal forming the guiding portion. A portion of the guiding surface (256) including the at least one guide element (258) is positioned outside the mounting plane (352). Laterally spaced side portions (246) connect the guiding portion (244) with the mounting portion (242). The mounting portion (242), guiding portion (244), and side portions (246) define a webbing slot (248) for receiving the seatbelt webbing (112) for sliding movement over the guiding surface (256).

Abstract: A seat belt shoulder anchor for a vehicle seat. An anchor member having a web guide is attached to a frame of the vehicle seat. A housing having an opening generally encloses the anchor member and is coupled to the seat such that the web guide extends through the housing opening. A garnish having an opening is coupled to the housing such that the garnish substantially closes off the housing opening and the web guide extends through the garnish opening. The garnish opening is isolated by the web guide from a seat belt web extending through an aperture in the web guide.

Abstract: A height-adjustable, belt-deflecting device for a seat belt including a deflecting element which deflects the seat belt. The device improves the safety of a vehicle occupant to be secured and protected by the seat belt. This is achieved by the having a deflecting element connected to a tightening device with which the seat belt can be tightened.

Abstract: A personal restraint system for a seat in a motor vehicle including a three-point belt system and a two-point belt system. The three-point belt system including a first belt retractor, and a first belt web having a first belt latch plate, and a first belt buckle. The two-point belt system including a second belt retractor, and a second belt web having a second belt latch plate, and a second belt buckle. The second belt retractor including a blocking device which engages a spool of the second belt retractor when both belt webs are wound up on their respective retractors to prevent engagement of the two-point belt system if the three-point belt system is not engaged.

Abstract: A seat belt assembly for use in a vehicle seat includes a shoulder anchor for guiding a seat belt having a turn flange with a flat portion and a curved portion.

Abstract: A method for producing a deflection element for safety belt systems in vehicles, includes making grooves in a flat metal blank, using an embossing tool, and producing a metal body from the flat metal blank, by means of punching and cold deformation. The metal body has an attachment opening and a belt eye having a belt surface that is rounded in cross-section, to guide a safety belt, whereby the belt running surface contains the grooves previously formed in the flat metal blank.

Abstract: A seat belt-deflecting device which has a simple and cost-effective construction. The deflecting device includes at least one holding body on which a deflecting element is held. The seat belt is deflected about the deflecting axis of the deflecting element. The deflecting device also includes a belt-deflecting edge which is formed by the shaping of the holding body and about which the seat belt of the motor vehicle is additionally deflected in the direction of the vehicle occupant. The deflecting axis of the deflecting element and the deflecting edge forming an acute angle with respect to each other.

Abstract: The disclosed presenter arm assembly can be used for presenting a seat belt to a vehicle occupant. The assembly can include a presenting arm with a pivoting base having an interior cavity and a shaft portion extending from the pivoting base and a seat belt guide attached to an end of the shaft portion for guiding a seat belt. The assembly can include a resilient member for biasing the presenting arm to extend at a predetermined angle and/or a viscous damper to ease the rotation of the presenting arm.

Abstract: Systems and devices which allow smaller passengers, such as children, in vehicles to direct a seatbelt along a more comfortable path are disclosed. A rear seat shoulder belt guide system for routing of a shoulder belt for a passenger in a vehicle seat includes a guide adapted to engage a seatbelt therein, a base plate secured to a seat back of the vehicle seat, and a tether connecting the guide to the base plate. The base plate may be secured to a headrest sleeve on the seat back of the vehicle seat, and the guide may be adapted to slidingly or frictionally engage the seatbelt. The guide may be stowed in contact with the base plate when the guide is not in use.

Abstract: With this seatbelt device, a lap belt portion is provided at a seatbelt between a first shoulder belt portion and a second shoulder belt portion. The seatbelt between the first shoulder belt portion and the lap belt portion is supported by a lap outer anchor via a tongue. The seatbelt between the second shoulder belt portion and the lap belt portion is supported by a lap inner anchor. For this reason, the lap belt portion is worn at the lumbar region of the passenger with certainty. Due to this, the capability of restraining the lumbar region of the passenger can be increased using a simple configuration.

Abstract: A webbing guide for redirecting a seat-belt webbing in a vehicle, having a seat-belt system, and a vehicle seat assembly. This webbing guide allows the seat-belt webbing to be readily secured to and released from the upper portion of the seatback member of the vehicle seat assembly. The preferred webbing guide comprises a guide body mountable to the upper portion of the seatback member of the vehicle seat assembly. An arm member pivotally engages the guide body, and is thereby movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration for selectively securing the seat-belt webbing to the guide body in readily releasable relation. Further embodiments provide means, such as magnetically biasing means, for releasably retaining the arm member in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A safety belt construction (10) for use in a vehicle occupant protection system. The safety belt construction (10) includes a first panel (12), a second panel (14) affixed to the first panel (12) to form a pocket (16) therebetween, and an amount of an energy-absorbing material (18) secured in the pocket (16) to provide an energy-absorption capability to the safety-belt structure. A safety-belt system including a safety-belt incorporating an energy-absorbing material and a method for manufacturing the safety-belt are also disclosed.

Abstract: The safety arrangement for a motor vehicle incorporates primary restraint arrangement having a three-point seat-belt (3) and optionally one or more air-bags (19,22). A secondary restraint system is provided in the form of a two-point seat-belt (13). A sensor senses when the two-point seat-belt (13) is in use and provides a signal to a control unit (17) which adjusts the restraining effect provided by the primary restraint arrangement so that the overall restraining effect is the same regardless of whether the two-point seat-belt is, or is not, used. The use of the two-point seat-belt (13) provides enhanced occupant protection especially in a side-impact or rollover situation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable seat belt guide (15) which is constructed of a clamping belt (5) around the back support (6) of a car seat (4) in a vertical way and supplied with a tightening retaining clip (7) for a taut fastening, in which through a cover (8) around the clamping belt (5) a rectangular carabiner or other inventable locking mechanism (10) provided with a lockable opening, preferably a turnable bush (11) is attached, in which the car seat belt (1) is applied through the locking mechanism (10) so that a very comfortable complete car seat belt assembly is created for a pleasant ride.

Abstract: A seat belt system for motor vehicle applications incorporating a dual retractor restraint system with a portion of the seat belt webbing having a locally thick segment such as an inflatable seat belt portion. The dual retractors include electrically controlled actuating clutching mechanisms which operate to maintain the inflatable belt portion in a desired position relative to the upper torso of the seat occupant without requiring the inflatable belt portion to pass through the system D-ring or latch tongue or a high mounted retractor. When the occupant is donning the belt, the shoulder retractor is locked and the webbing is extracted from the lap retractor. Once the tongue is latched into the latch plate, the lap retractor is locked and movement of the occupant is permitted by allowing extraction of webbing from the shoulder retractor.

Abstract: An actuator for an adjustable seat belt D-ring anchor is provided that is easily reached by a vehicle operator while in a seated position and that blends in with the interior of the vehicle. The actuator includes a slider garnish that in turn supports a button garnish. Upon pressing the button garnish, a lever on the button garnish actuates a button assembly on a vehicle that in turn releases a locking pin on the anchor, allowing the anchor to be moved.

Abstract: A deflection fitting for a safety belt includes a carrier plate (10) having an installation opening (18) and an eye (20) for the safety belt to pass through. The deflection fitting further includes a covering (12) of plastic, adapted to the installation situation of the deflection fitting, to form an edge for the carrier plate (10). The deflection fitting further includes an adapter (14) of plastic having a collar portion (28) inserted into the installation opening (18) and a delimiting portion (30) inserted into the eye (20). The covering (12) is constructed as a component made of a single piece, which surrounds the lower and the lateral outer edge regions of the carrier plate (10).

Abstract: A webbing insertion member in which a webbing hardly shifts within an opening during the operation of a pretensioner mechanism. The insertion member includes a bearing portion and an opening through which the webbing passes. In order to prevent the shifting of the webbing in the longitudinal direction of the opening, a pair of webbing guides are formed to project from a surface of the bearing portion on a rear side of the insertion member. The webbing is suspended on the bearing portion and passes between the guides. Therefore, the guides confront with the left and right sides of the webbing thereby preventing the webbing from shifting in the lateral direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for reversibly locking a lap belt portion of a safety belt webbing in a three-point, continuous loop seat belt system which includes a tongue assembly having the belt webbing routed therethrough, includes a cinch body adapted to mount to the tongue assembly, and a cam coupled to the cinch body and adapted to urge the belt webbing against the cinch body.

Abstract: A load-limiting device has a mechanical structure designed to dissipate forces applied by a vehicle occupant to a safety belt during a crash. The load limiting device comprises a housing and a deformable member, at least one of which is configured for connection to a vehicle safety belt and the other of which is configured for connection to a structural part of a vehicle. The housing and the deformable member are moveable relative to each other when force is applied to the one of those members. The housing supports a hardened member formed of a material which is harder than the deformable member and which is positioned to engage and deform the deformable member as the deformable member is being moved relative to the housing.

Abstract: The method and device of this invention immobilizes a person in a secure, upright restraint system in a police vehicle. It can be easily and safely applied by public safety officers including police or other law enforcement personnel and medical personnel to secure a person against undesired movement while maintaining them in an upright, sitting position which leaves the diaphragm free for natural, unrestrained breathing movement. The asphyxia-preventing restraining device comprises an ALR/ELR retractor. The ALR/ELR retractor comprises a shoulder harness having a pair of seat belt buckles, which significantly reduces the possibilities of injuries to police officers.

Abstract: Seat belts of a transport system are provided with anti-submarining seat-belt assemblies. A lap-belt portion of each assembly, restraining the lower part of the body of a belted passenger, is subdivided into two anti-submarining belt portions, which properly restrain the thighs when plug-in connecting at least one anti-submarining latch-plate to one of the anti-submarining buckle assemblies, all of which, equipped with energy absorbers, are arranged in a seat cushion. As a result, the energy-absorbing, anti-submarining seat-belt assembly substantially lowers great belt force in an accident, reduces the elongation of the seat belt and prevents submarining. A separately operated release button, when depressed, frees the passenger from the anti-submarining protection. Ease of use is ensured by one-click operation of a master release-button, which, when depressed, releases all latch-plates. Detachable anti-submarining latch plates, when not in use, are stored in a storage box.

Abstract: In a vehicle, a seatbelt extracted from a retractor is extended to and suspended by a webbing guide portion of a first rod, folded back in a predetermined direction by the webbing guide portion, and extended from a belt drawing-out portion. A load applied to the webbing guide portion when the seatbelt contacts it is dispersed by the first rod and one or more additional rods to prevent the load from concentrating at a portion of a body of the vehicle where the first rod is attached. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a large bracket for attaching the first rod to the vehicle body. With this arrangement, the weight and the cost of parts can be reduced while securing the strength thereof and realizing a belt folding-back function, and further a degree of design freedom of the layout can be improved.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning an occupant of a vehicle in an area of a closeable roof hatch includes a carrier frame suspended within a vehicle below the roof hatch and including a vertical support portion and a horizontal standing area connected to the vertical support portion. A seat assembly for the occupant has a backrest which is guided by the vertical support portion for movement in a vertical direction between upper and lower end positions and is spring-biased to seek the upper end position. The seat assembly has a seating area, which is swingably mounted to a lower end of the backrest, and a coupling brace, which has one end swingably mounted to the seating area and another end swingably mounted to the standing area. Connected to the seat assembly is a seat belt for fastening the occupant.

Abstract: A seat assembly is disclosed for use in a motor vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion. The seat cushion is operatively connected to the motor vehicle. The seat cushion supports an occupant on the seat assembly. A seat back is pivotally coupled to the seat cushion. The seat back is movable between a generally upright seating position and a forwardly folded dumped position. The forwardly folded dump position has the seat back positioned against the seat cushion. A shoulder belt tower is fixedly secured to the seat back and supports a shoulder belt. The tower includes a tower base and a tower extension. The tower extension slidingly engages the tower base. A positioning device is coupled between the tower base and the tower extension.

Abstract: A web guide assembly has a D-ring to receive a seatbelt. The D-ring is attached to a support by a joint. The joint allows universal movement relative to the support. The web guide assembly may be part of a vehicle restraint system.

Abstract: A seat belt device includes a shoulder belt portion for restraining the front portion of the upper half of the body of a passenger seated in an associated seat, a lap belt portion for restraining the thighs of the passenger, and a thigh belt portion which extends across a seat cushion of the associated seat so as to be disposed under the thighs of the passenger in use, and which is provided for restraining the thighs of the passenger together with the lap belt portion.

Abstract: An adjustable seat belt device for positioning a shoulder belt relative to a lap belt of a passenger restraint system includes an elongated strap. A first fastening element is attached to the first end of the elongated strap where the first fastening element is removably engageable with the lap belt of a passenger restraint system. A second fastening element is adjustably attached to the second end of the elongated strap where the second fastening element is removably engageable with the shoulder belt of a passenger restraint system. A length of loop material is provided in the gap between the leading edge of the flap and the plate to prevent the exposed fasteners from catching on clothing, and the like.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system (30) comprises first and second lap belts (32 and 34), first and second shoulder belts (36 and 38), and a buckle assembly (90) for interconnecting the lap belts (32 and 34) and the shoulder belts (36 and 38). The vehicle restraint system (30) also comprises first and second lap belt retractors (46 and 104) for the first and second lap belts (32 and 34), respectively. A linking mechanism (218) connects the first and second lap belt retractors (46 and 104) and is adapted to transfer motion between the first and second lap belt retractors (46 and 104). As a result, the first and second lap belts (32 and 34) are retracted in unison and by equal amounts during retraction and are withdrawn in unison and by equal amounts during withdrawal from the first and second lap belt retractors (46 and 104).

Abstract: A safety belt arrangement for a motor vehicle. The arrangement includes a belt deflection device. The belt deflection device is arranged above the shoulder of the passenger to be held by the safety belt. The belt deflection device is mounted to a carrier attached to the vehicle body. The belt deflection device includes an upper reversal member, which deflects the belt downwards, and a deflection member arranged below the reversal member. The deflection member being vertically adjustably secured to a rail mounted to the carrier. The deflection member deflects the belt from an at least substantially vertical direction to a direction toward the shoulder of the passenger which deviates significantly from the vertical.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a rupture or length change in a belt. The sensor has a movable transmission element operatively connected to the belt, that acts on an electrical switch having a contact system in the event of a length change or rupture of the belt. The contact system comprises a switching contact with a contact surface arranged on a first end, and an associated fixed contact. The transmission element acts on the second end of the leaf spring. A limb extends approximately from the first end of the leaf spring in the direction of the second end, and a further limb extends from the second end of the leaf spring in the direction of the first end. The free ends of the two limbs are clamped offset from one another on a carrier part of the switch, such that the switching contact switches over in a bistable manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for reversibly locking a lap belt portion of a belt webbing in a three-point, continuous loop seat belt system which includes a tongue assembly having the belt webbing routed therethrough, includes a cinch body adapted to mount to the tongue assembly, and a cam coupled to the cinch body and adapted to urge the belt webbing against the cinch body.

Abstract: An adjustable turning loop for a vehicle comprises a rail and a slide for a web guide. The slide is slideably received on the rail. A lock maintains a slide at a position on the rail. The lock has a locked condition limiting movement of the slide on the rail and an unlocked condition allowing movement of the slide on the rail. The lock comprises a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member pivot relative to the rail. The first member and the second member engage the rail in the locked condition and disengage from the rail in the unlocked condition.

Abstract: A turning loop cover is disclosed that is configured to slidably engage a turning loop and a fastener of a seatbelt system. The turning loop cover is primarily formed of a housing that has an internal volume and a first surface wherein a plurality of ribs extend from the first surface into the internal volume. The ribs are configured to attenuate a force acting upon the first surface of the housing.

Abstract: A load-limiting device has a mechanical structure designed to dissipate forces applied by a vehicle occupant to a safety belt during a crash. The load limiting device comprises a housing and a deformable member, at least one of which is configured for connection to a vehicle safety belt and the other of which is configured for connection to a structural part of a vehicle. The housing and the deformable member are moveable relative to each other when force is applied to the one of those members. The housing supports a hardened member formed of a material which is harder than the deformable member and which is positioned to engage and deform the deformable member as the deformable member is being moved relative to the housing.

Abstract: A detachable three point seat belt assembly is provided. The seat belt assembly may have a belt extending downward along a seat from a retractor. In an anchored configuration, the distal end of the belt is attached to a static attachment feature by an interlocking buckle. A movable attachment feature coupled to the belt is engaged within a static buckle to buckle a vehicle occupant into the seat. In a free configuration, the interlocking buckle is disengaged from the static attachment feature so that the belt can be retracted along the seat. The interlocking buckle contains a latching lever and a pair of ejectors that operate in such a manner that insertion of the movable attachment feature enables withdrawal of the static attachment feature, and vice versa.

Abstract: A supplemental restraint system that is easy to use in a vehicle is provided. The user of the system is prevented from the damaging effects of being restrained by a shoulder seat belt combination that provides inadequate support to most of the body and can produce injury at the point of contact with the body during an accident. Further, the supplemental restraint system of the present invention provides the user with a harness to better hold the user to the seat and restraint system of the vehicle. The present invention provides a means of dressing an adult or a child in a restraint harness that may be easily attached within a vehicle and provides the user with restraints that fit the user's height and weight requirements.