Abstract: The vehicle seat of a vehicle has a seat carrier with a side part, a buckle of a safety belt positioned thereon and a vertically adjustable underframe. The underframe is provided with a sector gear. An engaging element is arranged on the seat carrier and is designed to cooperate with the sector gear. During normal, non-accidental circumstances, the sector gear is in a rest position in which the engaging element is free from the sector gear. The buckle is connected to an upper end of a rope that cooperates with the engaging element. In an accident situation the engaging element engages the sector gear. A tightening unit for the belt has a driving cylinder. The rope is deflected in its direction at a point of deflection. A lower portion of the rope runs substantially in longitudinal direction of the side part. The other end of the rope is arranged on the driving cylinder. A holder for the tightening unit is provided on the side part.

Abstract: A safety belt-reversing device on a vehicle seat, having a sheet metal body connected with a base construction of the seat. The sheet metal body comprises a surface on which the belt is running in the form of a saddle, and stiffening tabs connected on the face sides of the saddle, as well as foot elements projecting from the underside. A belt-guiding element, for example in the form of a bow, is arranged in the area of the ridge of the saddle above the surface on which the belt is running, for limiting a slot for the belt. The ridge area of the saddle is rounded in the direction in which the belt is running and, in the transverse direction thereto, has upwardly shaped ears. The foot elements in the form of sheet metal tabs are secured on a cross bar of the base construction of the seat so that the face-side tabs of the sheet metal body are spaced from the cross bar.

Abstract: An extensible tether is provided for tethering a juvenile vehicle seat to a tether anchor in a vehicle. The extensible tether includes a tether strap and a compliant member trapped in a space formed in the tether strap and configured to deform when a longitudinal tugging force is applied to the tether strap to lengthen the extensible tether during sudden vehicle stoppage or slowdown.

Abstract: The vehicle seat has a seat carrier and an underframe. The underframe comprises two bottom rails, two seat rails, two front supports, and two rear pivoting supports. A buckle of a safety belt is provided. Tensile loads acting on the buckle are transferred into the underframe. The bottom rail neighboring the buckle is provided with a side part that extends upward toward the seat carrier. A slot is configured in this side part and is oriented substantially transversely to a direction of a force acting on the buckle during of a frontal crash. A sliding member is provided and is guided in the slot. A pull-type strap is arranged between the buckle and the sliding member. A connecting rod is arranged between the neighboring rear pivoting support and the sliding member. Whenever the seat carrier is adjusted in height, the neighboring rear pivoting support is pivoted and the connecting rod displaces the sliding member in the slot, causing the buckle to follow the movement of the seat carrier.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a belt spool, at least one locking member which at least largely prevents a belt spool rotation in the case of restraint, and a force limiter. The force limiter opposes a defined force to a rotation of the belt spool on unwinding of the safety belt. Furthermore, a blocking mechanism and an adjusting element for the blocking mechanism are provided. The blocking mechanism is able to be moved by the adjusting element at least partially toward a blocking position. In the blocking position, the blocking mechanism deactivates the force limiter. After a primary impact, a non-used force limiter is force transmitting, or the force limiter or force limiters are deactivated.

Abstract: A seat belt anchor assembly is provided for use in an automotive vehicle wherein the vehicle includes an occupant compartment having a side pillar forming a structural part of a vehicle body. The seat belt anchor assembly includes an anchor bolt fixedly secured to the side pillar and having a shank portion defining a bolt axis and a head portion including an outer cylindrical surface extending axially from the shank portion to an annular face facing toward an interior of the occupant compartment. The seat belt anchor assembly further includes a seat belt sling member supported by the shank portion for receiving a seat belt webbing forming an anchor point along the side pillar. The seat belt anchor assembly also includes a trim panel adapted to be secured to the side pillar for covering the anchor bolt and having an energy absorbing member extending axially between the trim panel and the head portion of the anchor bolt.

Abstract: A vehicle seat interlock mechanism includes a U-shaped channel member extending along a lower track of a seat and an interlock bracket mounted to a deformable mounting member at an upper track of the seat. The interlock bracket includes a seat belt anchor and a U-shaped channel at a lower end of the bracket. The interlock bracket is movable upwardly and forwardly in response to a seat belt force sufficient to deform the mounting member of the interlock bracket, whereby the two interlock channels engage to limit movement of the seat relative to the floor of the vehicle. The interlock bracket may include a portion extending forwardly over a gear box of a power drive system for the seat, such that the bracket is movable to compress the gear box to further retain the gear mechanism to a rack along the track assembly of the seat.

Abstract: A seat restraint tensioner for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a housing for operative connection to vehicle structure and a movable piston disposed in the housing. The seat restraint tensioner also includes a gas generator operatively connected to the housing for expelling a gas to move the piston. The piston includes a passageway extending therethrough to control a rate of stroke of the piston when the gas is generated to apply a force for pulling-down belt webbing of the seat restraint system.

Abstract: An energy absorbing seat belt retractor (20) comprising: a frame (22); a torsion bar (70, 70′) having a first and a second side, rotationally supported relative to the frame. The torsion bar of the type which is pre-torqued to create a permanent deformation therein or having an annular cross section to reduce a transition zone between the torsion bar's elastic and plastic deformation regions. The retractor also includes a locking device (200) adapted to be activated during a vehicle accident and operative on the first side (76) of the torsion bar to stop the torsion bar from rotating.

Abstract: An energy management device (10) for seat belt webbing (18) for restraining a vehicle occupant includes a base (40) for attachment to the vehicle. The device (10) also includes a plastically deformable torsion bar (60) having a first portion (66) fixed relative to the base (40) and a second portion (72) rotatable relative to the first portion and the base. The torsion bar (60) twists upon rotation of the second portion (72) relative to the first portion (66). A spool (80) is supported on the base (40) and is fixed for rotation with the second portion (72) of the torsion bar (60) relative to the first portion (66) of the torsion bar. The spool (80) has an outer peripheral surface (90). A flexible member (100) is wound on the outer peripheral surface (90) of the spool (80). The flexible member (100) has a first end portion (104) connected with the spool (80) and a second end portion (110) extending from the spool (80) for connection with the seat belt webbing (14) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A load limiting device is used with a vehicle seat belt during a crash to allow a limited and controlled forward motion of a vehicle occupant after the retractor has locked. The load limiting device decreases the forces exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant's torso. The load limiting device has a container which defines a flow path for a fluid, with a restriction in the flow path. An actuator is located within the container and is movable within the container under the action of a load transmitted to the seat belt webbing from the vehicle occupant under extreme acceleration conditions, to move the fluid through the restriction in the flow path to dissipate a predetermined portion of the load on the webbing.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a frame, a belt spool rotatably mounted in the frame, a locking catch arranged on the belt spool, a locking mechanism adapted to pivot the locking catch between an initial position and a locking position, a locking disc and a locking toothing. The locking toothing is arranged on the locking disc. The locking catch when in the locking position engages into the locking toothing of the locking disc so that the belt spool is locked with respect to the locking disc. The locking disc is connected to the frame by means of a holding device which allows a rotation of the locking disc relative to the frame only after a predetermined torque has been exceeded.

Abstract: A load limiting device is used with a vehicle seat belt during a crash to allow a limited and controlled forward motion of a vehicle occupant after the retractor has locked. The load limiting device decreases the forces exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant's torso. The load limiting device has a container which defines a flow path for a fluid, with a restriction in the flow path. An actuator is located within the container and is movable within the container under the action of a load transmitted to the seat belt webbing from the vehicle occupant under extreme acceleration conditions, to move the fluid through the restriction in the flow path to dissipate a predetermined portion of the load on the webbing.

Abstract: A device for damping the belt tension which occurs in a seat belt (16) in the event of a momentary stress of great force. In order for momentary stresses of great force on the seat belt (16) to be able to be absorbed without injury being caused, the device has at least two reels (6, 14), rollers or the like which deflect the seat belt (16) from its straight-line extent and at least one (14) of which can yield elastically in the transverse direction of the extent when a preset maximum force is exceeded.

Abstract: A load limiting device is used with a vehicle seat belt during a crash to allow a limited and controlled forward motion of a vehicle occupant after the retractor has locked. The load limiting device decreases the forces exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant's torso. The load limiting device has a container which defines a flow path for a fluid, with a restriction in the flow path. An actuator is located within the container and is movable within the container under the action of a load transmitted to the seat belt webbing from the vehicle occupant under extreme acceleration conditions, to move the fluid through the restriction in the flow path to dissipate a predetermined portion of the load on the webbing.

Abstract: A load limiting device is used with a vehicle seat belt during a crash to allow a limited and controlled forward motion of a vehicle occupant after the retractor has locked. The load limiting device decreases the forces exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant's torso. The load limiting device has a container which defines a flow path for a fluid, with a restriction in the flow path. An actuator is located within the container and is movable within the container under the action of a load transmitted to the seat belt webbing from the vehicle occupant under extreme acceleration conditions, to move the fluid through the restriction in the flow path to dissipate a predetermined portion of the load on the webbing.

Abstract: An energy absorbing seat belt retractor (20) comprising: a frame (22); a torsion bar (70,70') having a first and a second side, rotationally supported relative to the frame. The torsion bar of the type which is pre-torqued to create a permanent deformation therein or having an annular cross section to reduce a transition zone between the torsion bar's elastic and plastic deformation regions. The retractor also includes a locking device (200) adapted to be activated during a vehicle accident and operative on the first side (76) of the torsion bar to stop the torsion bar from rotating.

Abstract: An inflatable belt includes an envelope-shaped or elongated belt body, which is folded in a long band-shaped configuration, and a cover enclosing the belt body. The belt body is made of a single piece of rectangular base fabric. The rectangular base fabric is folded about a longitudinal return line. The folded halves are then sewn about an outer periphery of an inflatable area so as to have an envelope-shaped or elongated configuration. Thus, the inflatable belt has a uniform thickness and feels better to the vehicle occupant when the inflatable belt is in contact with the vehicle occupant. Also, the inflatable belt has a shorter stitching length, thereby reducing cost, improving productivity, and reducing or preventing gas leakage.

Abstract: A load limiting apparatus for a vehicle safety restraint belt is inserted in the force path between a mounting for a seat belt and a vehicle occupant. The load limiting apparatus has a vessel which contains fluid. The fluid is moved from one part of the vessel to another through a valve having a tapering profile to decrease the open area of a constriction as a function of the deceleration of the vehicle in a crash. Ideally the load limiting is self regulating and the force absorbed increases with increasing crash severity.

Abstract: A holder (10) for a belt lock (12) of a safety belt comprises a plurality of leaves which are connected together, whereby a relative movement is possible between the belt lock and the seat structure.

Abstract: A notched ring rotates together with a spool and opposes a disk of a locking shaft portion. A substantially semicircular engaging projection is formed on an opposing surface of the notched ring in the peripheral direction thereof. An engaging concave portion is formed at the disk so as to correspond to the engaging projection. When the spool is rotated in the withdrawing direction of a webbing and the opposing surface of the notched ring abuts the disk, the engaging projection enters and engages the engaging concave portion without clearance therebetween. Accordingly, even if rotating force is further applied to the spool in the withdrawing direction of the webbing, movement of the notched ring in the outer peripheral direction is prevented, and a state in which the rotation of the spool is restricted is maintained.

Abstract: A vehicle seat with a seat cushion, adjustably fixed to the floor of the vehicle, and a backrest, which can be adjusted with respect to the seat cushion, is provided with a restraining device for the seat user. The restraint comprises a three-point safety belt and an additional belt. For optimum protection of the seat user in the resting position and also to prevent so-called submarining, a fixed adjustment of seat cushion and backrest is provided in the resting position in such a manner that the backrest is swiveled about an obtuse angle with respect to the seat cushion, and the seat cushion is shifted into a predetermined front position in the driving direction and inclined towards the rear. The additional belt extends as a transverse shoulder belt from the upper edge of the backrest to a belt buckle disposed near the floor.

Abstract: A restraining device comprises a seat belt and a belt force limiter. The belt force limiter is arranged at a location along the belt and comprises an absorption member which is deformed or destroyed when a predetermined belt tension force is exceeded, whereby a prolongation of the belt section is caused. Further, a holding means is provided that limits the prolongation of said belt section when said absorption means is deformed or destroyed.

Abstract: A passenger-restraining system, in particular for children and wheelchair occupants in motor vehicles. The restraining system includes at least one safety-belt arrangement with a lap belt and an associated cushion element. The cushion element has a body made of at least one cushion material which can be deformed, absorbing energy in the process, and has a guide slit for the lap belt. The element also has an insert which is embedded in the deformable cushion material and surrounds the guide slit. In order to convert a large amount of kinetic energy into deformation work in the cushion element, and thus to dissipate said kinetic energy, without there being any risk of injury to the individual secured by the restraining system, the insert includes, a plurality of layers of a thin, flexible foil, sheet material and/or fabric which are separated from one another by a layer of the cushion material.

Abstract: An energy absorbing mounting fastener assembly is provided for a seat belt component particularly a seat belt sling assembly 22 which includes an energy absorbing member 46, 47 carried with a mounting bolt 32 for pivotally mounting the seat belt component with the energy absorbing member being retained between the mounting bolt head and the seat belt component and providing an access aperture 63 for tool engagement with the bolt 32 at a pocket 64.

Abstract: A belt force limiter for a vehicle seat belt is mounted fixed to the vehicle by one end and, at its opposite free end, secures the shoulder strap approximately at shoulder level. The shoulder strap is displaced forward in relation to the vehicle seat with a limited amount of travel by the belt force limiter when tensile loading occurs due to a crash, tensile energy being absorbed in the belt force limiter. The belt force limiter has a pivot lever which is linked to an energy-absorbing component and in the position of rest is aligned approximately vertically and whose free end can be pivoted forward by the tension on the shoulder strap in the event of a crash, as a result of which the energy-absorbing component is deformed in an energy-absorbing manner.

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 vehicle occupant-restraining webbing is used in a seat belt apparatus of a vehicle in which an air bag apparatus is provided as an auxiliary occupant protecting apparatus, and comprises a webbing length increasing section in which a folded portion of the webbing, formed with a portion of the webbing being folded in a longitudinal direction of the webbing, includes first, second and third regions arranged in order from a fold base end to a fold tip end, wherein the first region is formed by stitching and when a first tensile force acts in the longitudinal direction of the webbing and is applied to the first region to undo the stitching of the first region, the length of the webbing is increased, the second region is provided so as to increase the length of the webbing without applying active tensile force in the longitudinal direction of the webbing when the stitching of the second region comes undone, and the third region is formed by stitching and when a second tensile force which is smaller than the first

Abstract: An occupant restraint system for a vehicle having an energy absorbing device. The energy absorbing device is attached to a vehicle pillar and is also attached to the vehicle's seat belt. When a predetermined load is placed on the seat belt, the energy absorbing device is activated to reduce the peak load. The energy absorbing device includes a spool rotatably mounted to the pillar, a wire member attached at one end to the spool, wound around the spool, and attached at another end to the seat belt. Tear resistant media at least partially encases the wire member and the spool such that as the wire member unwinds from the spool, it cuts through the tear resistant media thereby absorbing energy so as to reduce the peak seat belt load.

Abstract: A force limiter for vehicle safety belt systems which is inserted in the force flow path of the safety belt system by means of two fittings (26, 32), the distance between the fittings (26, 32) being able to be increased with a conversion of energy. In the context of such a force limiter the characteristic of the tensile force effective between the two fittings is to be rendered adjustable along the deformation displacement over a wide range. This is achieved since a first one (26) of such fittings is fixedly connected with the metal frame (20) having a deflection pin (22) arranged therein and a second one (32) of the fittings is fixedly connected with a first end of a metal strip (30), which is adapted to be drawn about the pin (22) along a positively set path. Owing to such configuration it is possible for the characteristic of the force limiter to be selected by the designer within a wide range independently of the threshold value as from which the force limiter takes effect.

Abstract: A webbing for restraining a vehicle occupant, having a webbing length increasing device which is folded over and sewn together along a transverse direction of the webbing, and when a load applied between a vehicle occupant and the webbing length increasing device exceeds a sewing strength of the webbing length increasing device, stitching of the webbing length increasing device comes undone, the webbing length increasing device having at least a first sewn-together portion and a second sewn-together portion, the second sewn-together portion being provided at a webbing fold tip end side of the first sewn-together portion and having a sewing strength which is smaller than a sewing strength of the first sewn-together portion. Load applied between the vehicle occupant and the webbing, when a length of the webbing is increased at a time of sudden deceleration of a vehicle, is reduced gradually.

Abstract: An anti-cinch automatic locking retractor. A web spool is rotatably mounted between a pair of upstanding walls. The spool includes a pair of flanges each having a plurality of locking teeth with the teeth spaced apart by an included angle. A pawl is pivotally mounted to the walls and is lockingly engagable with the teeth. A cam plate mounted adjacent the spool and rotatable therewith includes a cam surface extending through an angle greater than the teeth included angle to limit cinching of the web spool as the spool rotates to and from the locking position and through the included angle. An additional slack reducing mechanism is mounted to the seat frame opposite from the side of the retractor and includes a pivot member for automatically aligning the attached locking device when not in use.

Abstract: A seat belt system includes a first mounting bracket and a belt buckle, and a first connecting member connectable with the belt buckle and the first mounting bracket. The first connecting member is coupled with the first mounting bracket and is movable relative the first mounting bracket between retracted and extended positions. A first biasing device is provided for biasing the first connecting member in the retracted position. A corresponding retractor assembly coupled with a second mounting bracket and movably biased relative the second mounting bracket between like retracted and extended positions is also disclosed for use in conjunction with the seat buckle assembly to cause the seat belt to move upwardly rather than laterally relative the occupant, thereby preventing chafing of the occupant by the seat belt and reducing lateral accelerations applied to the upper torso of the occupant by the seat belt system.

Abstract: An occupant harness is described for an occupant seat in a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle including a pair of belts secured thereto at opposite ends of each belt and a buckle device secured to the motor vehicle. The harness comprises a pair of tongue members each interlaced with a respective one of the belts, the pair of tongue members being pivotably connected to each other so as to pivot from a first open position not in engagement with the buckle device to a second closed position so that each tongue member engages the buckle device.

Abstract: A seat belt system includes a first mounting bracket and a belt buckle, and a first connecting member connectable with the belt buckle and the first mounting bracket. The first connecting member is coupled with the first mounting bracket and is movable relative the first mounting bracket between retracted and extended positions. A first biasing device is provided for biasing the first connecting member in the retracted position. A corresponding retractor assembly coupled with a second mounting bracket and movably biased relative the second mounting bracket between like retracted and extended positions is for use in conjunction with the seat buckle assembly to cause the seat belt to move upwardly rather than laterally relative the occupant, thereby preventing chafing of the occupant by the seat belt and reducing lateral accelerations applied to the upper torso of the occupant by the seat belt system.

Abstract: A self-locking safety belt reeling device comprising a reeling arbor disposed in a belt housing is further provided with a spring housing attached to the belt housing. A return spring and a shock-absorbing spring are arranged inside the spring housing whereby the return spring has a greater spring force than he shock-absorbing spring. A coupling wheel with a wheel shaft is rotatable supported inside the spring housing for coupling the return spring to the shock-absorbing spring such that, in a first operational state, the return spring and the shock-absorbing spring together function as a reeling spring, and, in a second operational state, only the shock-absorbing spring functions as the reeling spring. The coupling wheel is actuatable as a function of a reeling state of the safety belt. A rotational oil damper with a spindle is connected to the spring housing and the spindle is fixedly connected to the wheel shaft of the coupling wheel to prevent sudden shock during the reeling process.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is mounted on the vehicle body by a seat adjuster which enables movement of the seat relative to the vehicle body to a position chosen by the occupant. A seat belt is anchored on the seat so that the seat belt moves with the seat to the adjusted position. An extensible cylinder extends from the vehicle floor to the seat belt anchor on the seat and extends and retract as necessary to accommodate the adjusting movement of the seat. The extensible cylinder includes a piston movable within a fluid filled chamber and having a flow rate responsive valve associated therewith which permits low flow rate fluid flow through the piston during adjusting movement of the seat so that the cylinder extends and retracts to follow the seat.

Abstract: A safety belt for racing cars and rally sports cars which includes two shoulder belts and a lap belt which can be coupled to the shoulder belt by means of a buckle. The belts are at least indirectly fastened to the car frame. In the two shoulder belts of the safety belt, the kinetic energy resulting from an impact is converted to a different extent and the conversion of the kinetic energy takes place in the shoulder belts within time periods which are shifted relative to each other. As a result, the two shoulder belts are elongated asymmetrically and permit a rotation of the torso of the driver and a subsequent forward displacement of one shoulder relative to the other shoulder.

Abstract: A toughly constructed channel member is interposed between a frame of a seat cushion and a movable rail of a seat slide device. A first member is secured to a stationary rail of the seat slide device and having a first lock member, and a second member is secured to the channel member. An anchor holding bracket is secured to the second member and having a second lock member, and a belt anchor device is pivotally connected to the anchor holding bracket. The first and second lock members interlock with each other in such a manner that the first lock member is slidable with respect to the second lock member.

Abstract: In a safety belt having a continuous webbing composed of a shoulder side outer webbing piece extended from an upper strengthening member at the side of an automotive body for restricting the breast of an occupant sitting on a seat and a lap side outer webbing piece extended from a lower strengthening member at the side of the body for restricting the waist of the occupant, the continuous webbing has at least one annularly folded portion formed at the continuous webbing and has a plurality of sewing patterns separately sewed adjacent to each other on the folded portion. Thus, the stretching characteristics of shoulder and lap side outer webbing pieces of the continuous webbing are formed to be different to provide buffer and energy absorbing functions of the continuous webbing, thereby further improving the performance of a conventional safety belt.

Abstract: A latch housing attachable to a side wall of a vehicle frame holds a vertically movable cradle having a spring mounted sensing roller over which a loop or bight of a shoulder harness belt passes. The cradle is also spring mounted in the latch housing. The bottom portions of the facing walls of the cradle cavity in the housing converge to define a downwardly diminishing chamber into which a latch wedge fixed to the bottom of the cradle is movable by belt motion against the cradle spring force. The harness belt extends from each each end of the bight or loop to the take-up reel fixed to the vehicle and to the conventional lap belt near the lap belt buckle. The harness belt passes between the wedge faces and the adjacent faces of the Latch housing lower slanting walls so that swift momentum forces drive the wedge surfaces into binding contact with the belt runs but slower changes in belt momentum are absorbed by the roller mount springs, which are preferably adjustable.

Abstract: A seat belt system for a vehicle including an impact energy absorbing device mounted between a seat belt for restraining an occupant and a seat belt anchor means. The impact energy absorbing device includes a cutter, a member disposed in juxtaposed relation to the cutter and adapted to be sheared by the cutter as the member and the cutter move relative to each other, and a cutter supporting member to which the cutter is securely fixed. When the vehicle collides, the impact energy is absorbed by the shearing of the member by the cutter. The shearing load exerted on the member may vary depending on the tension speed exerted on the seat belt at the time of collision, so that the movement of the occupant caused by the collision can be confined to a substantially constant range at varying collision velocities and a secondary collision of the occupant against an instrument panel or the like can be prevented.

Abstract: A device for tightening a safety belt about a person in a seat mounted on a vehicle body of a motor vehicle in which a belt anchor is attached to the vehicle. The belt anchor is supported movably relative to the vehicle body, and the belt anchor is coupled to a mass of a vehicle part which is arranged movably so as to execute a forced motion relative to the vehicle body if the vehicle hits an obstacle. The seat has a tiltably supported seat back frame which constitutes at least part of the mass, and wherein the belt anchor is linked-on to the lower part of the tiltably supported seat back frame. The mass is spring-loaded against motion relative to the vehicle body.