Abstract: The pretensioner-proof buckle for safety belts has a latch (12) which is movably mounted in a load-bearing frame (10) between a release position and a fastening position and which in its fastening position acts on an insert tongue. A release button (14) is slidably mounted on the frame (10). Pressing of the button urges the latch (12) to its release position. A compensating mass forms one arm of a lever (16) pivotally mounted on the frame. The release button (14) has a pair of limit stops (14a, 14b) which are longitudinally spaced from each other. The lever (16) has a first lever arm (16c) the free end of which is located opposite the first limit stop (14a) of the release button, and a second lever arm (16d) the free end of which is located opposite the second limit stop (14b) of the release button.

Abstract: A safety belt tensioner for motor vehicles which is securable to the vehicle chassis (12) has an elongate drive device (11) which acts on a flexible draw element (13) displaceable in its longitudinal direction. The flexible draw element is guided from the guide device (11) via a deflection member (14) secured to the chassis to a belt lock part (15) and is attached there for the transmission of a tensile force. The deflection member (14) is simultaneously designed as the mounting element which secures the drive device (11) to the chassis (12).

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt retractor system (10) includes two seats (16, 18) each having its own integrated seat belt webbing retractor (60, 112). Each retractor (60, 112) includes locking assembly (76, 80) for blocking belt withdrawal in response to an electrical signal. At a central location in the vehicle spaced from the seats (16, 18), a sensor (24) is disposed for sensing vehicle deceleration exceeding a predetermined deceleration and for providing a control signal indicative thereof. An RF transmitter (42) is electrically connected with the sensor (24) and is actuatable in response to the control signal to transmit an RF signal. An RF receiver (100, 114) on each vehicle seat (16, 18) receives the RF signal and provides an output signal to actuate the locking assembly (76, 80) of the two seat belt retractors (60, 112).

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt retractor system (10) includes two seats (16, 18) each having its own integrated seat belt webbing retractor (60, 112). Each retractor (60, 112) includes a locking assembly (76, 80) for blocking belt withdrawal in response to an electrical signal. At a central location in the vehicle spaced from the seats (16, 18), a sensor (24) is disposed for sensing vehicle deceleration exceeding a predetermined deceleration and for providing a control signal indicative thereof. An RF transmitter (42) is electrically connected with the sensor (24) and is actuatable in response to the control signal to transmit an RF signal. An RF receiver (100, 114) on each vehicle seat (16, 18) receives the RF signal and provides an output signal to actuate the locking assembly (76, 80) of the two seat belt retractors (60, 112).

Abstract: A belt tightener (10) for a vehicle safety belt system is connected to a seat belt buckle (16). A piston (34) located in a cylinder (32) of a driving mechanism (18) is connected to the buckle (16) by a cable (22). A gas generator (38) produces gas in response to a vehicle collision to move the piston (34) and the buckle (16) in a first direction (20) along a longitudinal axis (42) of the cylinder (32). The cylinder (32) is fixedly mounted on a support member (70) with the longitudinal axis (42) of the cylinder (32) extending along the first direction (20). The support member (70) includes a mounting portion (72) connectable to a vehicle (12). A cover (100) defines a chamber (102) in which the support member (70) and the driving mechanism (18) are located. A flexible boot (130) into which the cable (22) extends is connected to the cover (100) and extends between the buckle (16) and the cover (100).

Abstract: In a seat belt system (10), a plurality of sensors (76, 80, 84) sense characteristics of a vehicle occupant and of a vehicle collision. The vehicle occupant sensors (80, 84) cooperate with a controller (90) to control a motor (60) which sets the position of a movable D-ring stop (70). The position of the stop (70) determines the position to which a movable D-ring (28) is repositioned in the event of a vehicle collision. The system (10) also includes a retractor (30) supported for movement on the vehicle. A crushable energy absorbing material, preferably a honeycomb (230), is disposed in the path of movement of a crush plate (160) movable with the retractor (30). The crushable material (230) controls movement of the crush plate (160) and thus of the retractor (30). Together with the repositioning of the D-ring (28), this reduces the abruptness of the load on the vehicle occupant during a vehicle collision.

Abstract: A preloader for a webbing retractor, having a safety device which can be selectively switched to one of an operative state in which a sensor, which detects the state of rapid deceleration of a vehicle, is brought to a non-detecting state, and an operation-released state in which the sensor is brought to a detecting state. The safety device, when in the operative state, interferes with a vehicle component to be mounted after installation of the webbing retractor to a vehicle body and prevents the vehicle component from being mounted to the vehicle body and allows, when in the operation-released state, the mounting of the vehicle component to the vehicle body. Accordingly, an operator can easily determine whether the safety device is in the operative state or in the operation-released state.

Abstract: A preloader apparatus includes a base member, an acceleration detector fixed on the base member, a rod movably mounted on the base member, a first link pivotably mounted on the base member and operatably connected with the acceleration detector, a second link pivotably mounted on the base member, wherein the second link is normally connected to the first link but able to be disconnected from the first link so as to be rotated to let the rod become movable, and a force member for forcing the first link to be kept normally connected with the second link.

Abstract: A passenger restraint belt system for use with a seat installed in a conveyance. The system comprises a seat belt for restraining a passenger on the seat in a first restraint position. The seat belt is driven by first and second preloader mechanisms. The first preloader mechanism operates to retract the seat belt from the first restraint position to a second restraint position where a first degree of tension is exerted on the seat belt so as to restrain the seat passenger while allowing passenger's operations to avoid a vehicle collision when the vehicle collision is anticipated. The second preloader mechanism operates to retract the seat belt from the second restraint position to a third restraint position where a second, greater degree of tension is exerted on the seat belt so as to restrain the seat passenger against impacts caused by a vehicle collision when the vehicle collision is detected.

Abstract: When a vehicle accelerates to a predetermined value, a pretensioner mounted to an occupant seat applies a pulling force to a seat belt under a force produced by detonating an explosive material. When the seat is moved in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle in order to adjust the position and the seat comes to a halt at a frontal end position, an acceleration more than or equal to the predetermined value is developed in an acceleration sensor. However, the acceleration sensor is provided with a lock means mounted to the seat. Even if the seat suddenly stops at the frontal end position, the acceleration sensor is restrained from moving and the pretensioner is not actuated. The lock means is actuated even when a walk-in mechanism for directly moving the seat to the frontal end is operated.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises seat belt webbing (26), which is extensible about a vehicle occupant, and an actuatable pretensioner (50). The pretensioner (50) includes a web clamp mechanism (100, 130, 132). When the pretensioner (50) is actuated, the web clamp mechanism (100, 130, 132) clamps against the seat belt webbing (26) and moves to an actuated position to tension the seat belt webbing against the vehicle occupant. An energy absorbing mechanism (90) dissipates energy transferred to the seat belt webbing (26) by the vehicle occupant after the web clamp mechanism (100, 130, 132) moves to the actuated position. The energy absorbing mechanism (90) comprises a member (92) and a cutter (75) for cutting the member. A wedge block assembly (108) connects the web clamp mechanism (100, 130, 132) to the member (92) after the web clamp mechanism has moved to the actuated position.

Abstract: A drive mechanism has a guide pipe, a piston which is guided in the guide pipe and is driven by a propellant that is generated by a gas generator, and a traction mechanism which connects the piston to the component to be driven.

Abstract: A device for releasing a mechanical energy storage device from an initial locked position in a release situation is comprised of a housing having a bearing connected thereto, a locking device for securing the energy storage device in the initial locked position and a supporting device deflectable in the release situation and connected to the bearing. The locking means is connected to the housing and rests on the supporting device in a prestressed manner in the initial locked position, whereby the supporting device is deflected in the release situation by forces created by its own inertia. The supporting device may be in the form of a spring, two springs with an inertia member therebetween, two bodies with an inertia member therebetween, or a ball in a ball socket. Another embodiment uses rollers and roller bearings.

Abstract: A pretensioner for vehicle seat belt systems comprises a belt-pulling member connected to a belt system component, a driving device for moving the belt-pulling member along a predetermined path in a direction to apply pretension to the belt, and a return-prevention device for preventing the belt-pulling member from moving in a direction such as to release the belt pretension. The return-prevention device includes a pawl coupled to the belt-pulling member, a support member having a set of ratchet teeth engageable by the pawl and a spring coupled to the pawl for biasing the pawl in a direction to engage it with a tooth of the set of ratchet teeth. The spring is a leaf spring having a base portion attached to the pawl and a tongue portion extending from the base portion and engageable with one of a series of ratchet teeth on the support member upon movement of the belt-pulling member and the pawl in the release direction.

Abstract: A gas generator for providing gases in which the gas generating propellant is ignited by a multiple charge primer. In one embodiment the primer includes a primer housing which contains a sensitizer and output charge pill which are maintained in spaced relationship. When a firing pin is driven into engagement with the primer, the sensitizer frictionally engages with the output charge pill to cause ignition of at least the output charge pill. This ignition of the output charge pill, directly or indirectly, ignites the propellant to provide gases for a desired function. In this regard, the gas generator is suitable for use in a pretensioner for a seat belt restraint system and in an inflator for expanding an air/safety bag.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder unit for use in a vehicle safety belt pretensioner is provided with a tubular cylinder and a piston slidably accomodated in the cylinder tube. The piston has a circumferential groove between a pair of axially spaced radial shoulders. A cable is connected to the piston. A pair of semi-annular disks are located in said the circumferential groove of the piston with circumferential ends bearing on each other. The semi-annular disks are held in positions with opposite oblique slope in relation to the central axis of the cylinder tube. An outer edge portion of each semi-annular disk is held in engagement with the inner wall surface of the cylinder tube. When the piston tends to move through the cylinder tube in a direction opposite to an operating stroke, the semi-annular disks are erected and jammed in the cylinder tube to block further movement of the piston.

Abstract: For securing a generally cylindrical gas generator cartridge (14) in the housing block (10) of a belt tensioner drive unit the housing block is provided with a bore (12) in which the gas generator cartridge (14) is inserted. On the outer head portion (14a) of the gas generator cartridge incorporating an electric igniter a sleeve (18) is fitted which has at its axial end a radially inwards oriented flange (20) adjacent the end surface of the gas generator cartridge (14). At its opposite axial end the sleeve (20) is provided with rims (22) oriented radially outwards which permit insertion in the bore (12) by axial guide channels (12a, 12b) so that when the sleeve (18) is rotated in a prescribed sense of rotation the rims (22) engage in a groove (28) provided circumferentially in the bore, the guide channels (12a, 12b) merging in the groove (28).

Abstract: In an energy converter in a restraining system for vehicle occupants a particularly smooth profile of the force as a function of the travel is achieved in that only a few deformation members are provided which effect a plastic deformation of a tubular converter body (10). A plate (30) is pivotal between a rest position inclined to the axis of the converter body (10) and an erected operating position in which it brings the deformation members (30a) formed at its radially outer ends into engagement with the inner side of the converter body (10).

Abstract: The piston of a piston/cylinder unit of a belt pretensioner with a pyrotechnic gas generator is characterized in that the piston is made from a first metallic piston part (12) which is firmly connected with the cable (16) and at least one second piston part (14) made of a thermoplastic material, at least one section of which is arranged on the side of the first piston part (12) facing the gas generator and forms a sealing contact with the walls of the cylinder. This arrangement creates the constructional prerequisites for further advantageous developments of the piston as regards the safety of the belt pretensioner. In particular, the piston can be equipped with a sealing lip which releases itself from the inner walls of the cylinder of the piston/cylinder unit when the unit is heated, e.g. in a vehicle fire, and so offers an escape path for the gases in order to avoid the danger of explosion.

Abstract: A flat seat belt retractor in which the seat belt webbing is retracted into an elongated housing and stored in a flat condition as opposed to winding the webbing around a spool. By incorporating a flat webbing retractor into a vehicle seat back, the seat belt retractor can be packaged in a seat back without requiring enough space to store a bulky spool type retractor. In a preferred embodiment, the retractor is incorporated into a structural member of the seat back frame to reduce the overall number of components required in the seat back for both the frame and the retractor.

Abstract: A belt pretensioner for vehicle safety belt systems is provided with a drive unit which comprises a pyrotechnic gas generator (12) and a piston and cylinder unit (16, 20). The piston (20) is arranged at a first end (161) of the cylinder (16) and is connected with a cable (22). By means of the gas pressure produced by the gas generator (12) the piston is accelerated towards the second, tapered end (162) of the cylinder (16). A sleeve-like insert (18) is arranged in the tapered cylinder end. The insert (18) has ribs and grooves alternating in the peripheral direction to offer sufficient room for plastic deformation.

Abstract: A restraint system for moving a vehicle seat and occupant toward the vehicle floor. A fluid cylinder pivotally mounted to the floor has an extendable piston rod connected to a linkage mounted to the vehicle seat. A three point belt assembly mounted to the seat is connected to the cylinder rod. Retraction of the cylinder rod pretensions or tightens the three point buckle assembly and subsequently moves the seat towards the vehicle floor.

Abstract: An improved safety apparatus (10) is used in association with a belt (16) which restrains movement of an occupant of a vehicle. The belt (16) is taken up by and paid out from a retractor assembly (22). Upon the occurrence of vehicle deceleration greater than a predetermined deceleration, a solenoid assembly (132) operates a clamp assembly (28) to grip the belt (16) and prevent paying out of the belt. In one embodiment of the invention, the retractor assembly (22) includes a sensor assembly (54) which operates a retainer assembly (56) to prevent withdrawal of the belt from the retractor assembly when the deceleration of the vehicle is in excess of a predetermined deceleration. The sensor assembly (54) is mounted on a movable carriage (32) in the retractor assembly (22). Although the clamp assembly (28) and the retractor assembly (22) may be used in many different locations in a vehicle, they are advantageously located on the back (24) of a vehicle seat (12).

Abstract: A seat belt system having a collision sensor that detects an impact which a vehicular body undergoes, and a pretensioner mechanism which starts retraction of a webbing responsive to the impact detected by the collision sensor and completes retraction of the webbing when tension of the webbing coincides with a fuse load thereof.

Abstract: The linear drive for a belt pretensioner in a vehicle safety belt system excels by its elongated slim configuration and is thus suitable for incorporating in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The gas generator (20) is provided with an impact fuse which interacts with a spring-loaded striker (32). The striker (32) is maintained in its rest position by locking means (48). By means of a slidable sensor inertial body (26) in a housing (12) the lock can be cancelled to release the striker (32). The housing which also accommodates the gas generator (20) is located in the elongation of the cylinder (10) to which it is rigidly connected. Sensor inertial body (26) and striker (32) are movable in parallel to the axis of the cylinder, thus achieving the slim configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle seat and occupant restraint arrangement for a vehicle is provided which, in a preferred embodiment, includes a seat pan member having forward and rearward ends, a seat back joined with the seat pan rearward end, the seat back having an upper end, a D-ring joined to the seat back generally adjacent the upper end of the seat back, an anchor being generally fixed with respect to the vehicle, an occupant restraint belt with a first end operatively associated with the anchor, the restraint belt being threaded through the D-ring, and a lock plate mounted on legs of the D-ring to catch the occupant restraint belt upon sudden excessive acceleration of the vehicle in the forward direction to tension the restraint belt between the D-ring and the anchor to minimize angular movement of the seat back rearwardly.

Abstract: A buckle pretensioner for a vehicle seat belt system of the type that is mounted on a vehicle seat includes a blocking device for preventing the movement of a movable member of an inertial starting mechanism that controls the operation of the pretensioner from releasing the pretensioner driving device. The blocking device includes a solenoid and an electric power circuit for energizing the solenoid having a seat slide switch that is responsive to movement of the seat release lever for controlling the energy state of the solenoid so that the blocking device prevents movement of the movable member in response to operation of the seat release lever to release the seat for adjustment and a delay circuit for maintaining the energy state of the solenoid established by operation of the seat slide switch for a predetermined period of time after the seat slide switch has been operated.

Abstract: A device for releasing a mechanical energy storage device from an initial locked position in a release situation is comprised of a housing having a bearing connected thereto, a locking device for securing the energy storage device in the initial locked position and a supporting device deflectable in the release situation and connected to the bearing. The locking means is connected to the housing and rests on the supporting device in a prestressed manner in the initial locked position, whereby the supporting device is deflected in the release situation by forces created by its own inertia. The supporting device may be in the form of a spring, two springs with an inertia member therebetween, two bodies with inertia member therebetween, or a ball in a ball socket. Another embodiment uses rollers and roller bearings.

Abstract: A pretensioner for a vehicle seat belt system comprises a fixed support member and an axially acting driving device having an output member that is movable along an axis upon operation of the driving device. The driving device is supported by the support member for movement relative to it along the axis. A trigger mechanism mounted on the driving device normally restrains the driving device by releasably coupling the output member thereof to the support member. The trigger mechanism is released in response to acceleration of an inertia mass greater than a predetermined value. The inertia mass for releasing the trigger is the driving device and the trigger mechanism, which move relative to the support member. A traction member is engaged by the output member of the driving device and transmits movement of the output member to the belt system component upon operation of the driving device.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt retractor (10) includes a spindle (22), a ratchet wheel (30) and a locking pawl (44). The locking pawl (44) is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position in which it blocks rotation of the ratchet wheel (30) and the spindle (22) in an unwinding direction. The locking pawl (44) is moved into its engaged position in response to a predetermined amount of rotation of the spindle (22) in the unwinding direction. The locking pawl (44) moves back to its disengaged position in response to rotation of the spindle (22) in an unwinding direction. The retractor (10) further includes a torsion spring (210) and a leaf spring (250) acting in series between the spindle (22) and the locking pawl (44).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for tensioning safety belt webbing (16) during sudden vehicle deceleration includes a buckle (22), a telescoping frame (26) and an actuator drive (28). The telescoping frame (26) includes first and second frame segments (40) and (42). The buckle (22) is attached to the first frame segment (40). The second frame segment (42) is anchored to the vehicle. The frame segments (40, 42) have a common axis (20) and are slidable relative to each other along the axis (20) to reduce the overall length of the telescoping frame (26). The actuator drive (28) is axially aligned with the telescoping frame (26) and includes a cylinder (138) and a piston (140). The cylinder (138) and piston (140) are movable relative to each other to lengthen the actuator drive (28). The actuator drive (28) is interconnected with the telescoping frame (26) such that lengthening of the actuator drive (28) causes shortening of the telescoping frame (26) to move the buckle 22 and tension the safety belt webbing 16.

Abstract: In an energy converter in a restraining system for vehicle occupants a particularly smooth profile of the force as a function of the travel is achieved in that only a few deformation members are provided which effect a plastic deformation of a tubular converter body (10). As deformation member at least one ball (18) is provided which rests on a ramp face of a piston element (14).

Abstract: In a linear drive for belt pretensioner in vehicle restraining systems a piston/cylinder unit (10) is used, the piston of which is subjected to pressure by the gases generated by a pyrotechnical gas generator (26). A pulling cable (12) is connected to the piston (24), said connection not being direct but with interposition of a damping means (32) which in the phase of the pressure rise of the gases limits the force exerted on the pulling cable (12) and allows said force to increase smoothly and is effective during a substantial fraction of the initial phase of the piston movement in which the gas pressure (D) generated by the generator (26) rises.

Abstract: A pretensioner for a vehicle seat belt system comprises a pair of driving members arranged in tandem and spaced apart laterally from each other on either side of a space between them and a connector driven by the driving members and arranged such that at least a portion moves through the space between the driving members when the pretensioner is operated.

Abstract: In a vehicle safety belt system a gripping mechanism (16) is arranged at a webbing section (10) extending between a deflection fitting (12) and the belt retractor (14). In the rest condition the webbing is led freely between the oppositely disposed clamping elements of the gripping mechanism (16). The gripping mechanism (16) is connected via a pulling cable (38) to a pyrotechnic or mechanical belt tightener drive. The clamping elements are biased by springs against the webbing whereby a uniform contact on the latter is ensured.

Abstract: A vehicle-sensitive mechanical contactor for activating a restraining system in vehicles is provided with an inertial mass ball (12) movably accommodated in a housing (10). A first contact spring (14) bears on the surface of the ball (12) under predetermined bias. In the rest position of the ball (12) the first contact spring (14) is at a predetermined distance (s) from a second contact spring (16). The second contact spring (16) is deflectable for dampening the impact exerted by the ball (12). Furthermore, a spring blade (18) is in frictional engagement with the upper side of the ball (12) to additionally dampen the movements thereof. With extremely small dimensions and very simple construction the contactor ensures a reliable bounce-free contacting and is suitable for restraining systems in vehicles, such as belt pretensioners or airbag impact protection systems.

Abstract: In a seat belt retractor according to the present invention, a first protruding shaft of a reel shaft is loosely fitted into a recess, which is formed in an end of an output shaft, in such a manner that there is a prescribed gap between the shaft and the inner wall of the recess. The output shaft and the reel shaft are loosely fitted together so as to be capable of moving relative to each other in the axial direction but incapable of rotating relative to each other in the rotational direction. Accordingly, the reel shaft is capable of pivoting about the end of the first protruding shaft, which is the loosely fitted end. When the reel shaft pivots in this manner, the teeth of a ratchet on one side engage with teeth formed on a wall on the same side.

Abstract: An actuator for a buckle in a vehicle safety belt system is disclosed. A belt tightener engages on the buckle. In operation, the belt tightener moves the buckle towards the vehicle floor to tighten the webbing. An actuating member is arranged at a stationary location so that relative movement occurs between the buckle and the actuating member when the former is moved towards the vehicle bottom. A force transmitting connection permitting such relative movement is provided between the buckle and the actuating member. This connection can be embodied by a flexible cable or by a rack bar and a tooth member cooperating therewith.

Abstract: An automobile safety belt device includes a retract unit for stopping a safety belt from lengthening by using a motor which pulls a rope to move an adjusting wheel nearer two fixing wheels in the retract unit for pinching immovable the safety belt in case of a shock caused by an accident or an urgent stepping on a brake.

Abstract: A deceleration sensing member (7) includes a casing (7a), a lever (7b) having a pawl, and an inertia member (7c) that tilts to a two-dot chain position when deceleration exceeding a predetermined value acts on the vehicle. The bottom of the inertia member (7c) is formed in the shape of a small-mass portion (7j), while the top of the inertia member (7c) is formed in the shape of a large-mass portion (7k), so that the center of gravity of the inertia member (7c) lies at a relatively high position. Further, an actuating projection (7m) is formed on the large-mass portion (7k). Thus, it is possible to obtain a relatively large pivoting stroke of the actuator with a relatively small angle of inclination of the inertia member (7c). The deceleration sensing member (7) can be attached without play by longitudinally press-fitting engagement ridges (7g and 7h) into respective recesses (13j and 13k ).

Abstract: A belt gripping mechanism distanced from a belt payout reel including a support housing, a clamping assembly and a locking assembly, which functions in response to a predetermined load to grip a restraint belt in an effectively permanent manner so as to not be immediately releasable upon the cessation of forces which initially triggered the gripping. During emergency crash situations, the locking of the belt payout reel causes the clamping assembly to move from a locked "non-gripping" position to a locked "gripping" position significantly reducing the forward movement of the vehicle passenger.

Abstract: For loss-free deflection of the gases generated by a gass generator (22) in a drive unit for a restraining system for vehicle occupants, the connecting passage comprising a deflection is formed between the outlet (24) of the gas generator (22) and a space (26) beneath the piston (16) of a Piston/cylinder drive free from discontinuities at which reflections of the pressure wave generated could occur. The connecting passage consists of two straight passage portion (30, 32) extending inclined to the axis of the gas generator (22) and a curved portion which connects said portions and which is formed by a concave recess (34) in the bottom of the bore (20) into which the gas generator (22) is inserted.

Abstract: A belt pretensioner comprising a pyrotechnical piston/cylinder drive has a vehicle-sensitive mass which is formed by a pivotally mounted base (14), a gas generator (18) inserted therein and a piston/cylinder unit (20). To ensure free pivotability of the base (14), the piston (24) is accommodated in the cylinder (22) with axial and radial clearance. The piston (24) is provided with an annular groove (50) in which an annular seal (52) is arranged. When not subjected to the gas pressure from the gas generator, the annular seal (52) is not in contact with the inner wall of the cylinder (22). Under the gas action the annular seal (52) is moved axially along the conically rising bottom (56) of the annular groove (50) and at the same time radially expanded until it comes into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the cylinder (22).

Abstract: The safety belt pre-tension assembly comprises a support 14, a safety belt buckle 10 mounted on the support for axial displacement relative to the support, a housing 40, a winding reel 44 mounted within the housing and a helical power spring 52 associated with the reel to cause rotation of the winding reel. A flexible cable 34 has one end connected to the winding reel, so that the flexible cable will be wound thereon upon operation of the power spring. The other end of the flexible cable 34 is connected to the buckle 10 to move the buckle axially in a first direction effective to tension a safety belt held by the buckle. Actuation means 54-70 are provided to trigger actuation of the spring 52 upon the actuation means being subjected to a deceleration greater than the predetermined value. Locking means 26-32 are provided to allow the buckle to move in the first direction only, but not in the opposite direction.

Abstract: In a vehicle safety belt system a gripping means (16) is arranged at a webbing section (10) extending between a deflection fitting (12) and the belt retractor (14). In the rest condition the webbing is led freely between the oppositely disposed clamping elements of the gripping means (16). The gripping means (16) is connected via a pulling cable (38) to a pyrotechnic or mechanical belt tightener drive. Return blocking means are formed by a cylinder (44) attached to the vehicle bodywork and a piston (42) displaceable therein, whereby the cylinder wall is deformed plastically for absorbing load peaks.

Abstract: A length of shoulder belt webbing is extensible around the torso of a vehicle occupant to restrain forward movement of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle. A webbing guide guides the belt webbing around the body of the vehicle occupant. In response to vehicle deceleration at a rate above a predetermined rate, a pyrotechnic charge directs gas under pressure into an expansible chamber to move the webbing guide upward on the vehicle to tension belt webbing extending through the webbing guide. A gas outlet enables controlled flow of gas out of the expansible chamber to allow controlled downward movement of the webbing guide under tension in the belt webbing resulting from forward movement of the vehicle occupant subsequent to upward movement of the webbing guide. The webbing guide may be height adjustable by the vehicle occupant. The pyrotechnic charge may be connected with the webbing guide for movement with the webbing guide.

Abstract: In a pretensioner for safety belt systems in vehicles a mechanical drive having a pretensioned spring is provided. The spring is held by a trigger mechanism in its pretensioned state. For initiating a tightening operation the spring is released by the trigger mechanism. The vehicle-sensitive sensor mass of said trigger mechanism is formed substantially by the mass of the spring itself, that of a piston and a detent lever and the smaller mass of a guide tube which receives the spring and is guided translationally displaceably relatively to a common support structure of the pretensioner drive and of a fitting of the safety belt system.

Abstract: A vehicle safety belt pre-tensioning system includes a slider to which a cable is attached. The slider is affixed to a safety belt buckle and to a cable for pulling the buckle forcibly downward to secure a seat occupant upon occurrence of an emergency condition. The cable is arranged parallel to a guide groove of a guide plate and is guide into a sensor mechanism via a roller. The other end of the cable is affixed to a piston. A portion of the cable is fixed in a tube which is arranged in the sensor mechanism. The sensor mechanism activates a trigger upon detecting an emergency condition. Between the sensor mechanism and the piston, a coil spring is held in a compressed state. Within the sensor mechanism, the tube is retained by a pawl which also contacts a link which is positioned proximate a pin, or trigger, associated with a sensor mass. When vehicle motion indicatives an emergency condition, the sensor mass moves so as to cause the pin to break the link. Thus, the pawl moves so as to release the tube.

Abstract: A web adjuster and lock assembly for a child restraint seat has a buckle lock assembly which is operably coupled to a web adjuster. The child restraint seat includes a harness which includes a buckle tongue on one end which engages with a buckle lock of the buckle lock assembly, and includes adjacent its other end a tightening web which is received through the web adjuster. The buckle lock of the buckle lock assembly is movable between a rest position, a locked position, and a release position. The web adjuster includes a friction surface which engages the tightening web when the web adjuster is in its web engageable position but is movable to a free position wherein the friction surface is disengaged from the tightening web allowing the web to move in both directions with respect to the web adjuster assembly.

Abstract: An actuator for a buckle in a vehicle safety belt system is disclosed. A belt tightener engages on the buckle. In operation, the belt tightener moves the buckle towards the vehicle floor to tighten the webbing. An actuating member is arranged at a stationary location so that relative movement occurs between the buckle and the actuating member when the former is moved towards the vehicle bottom. A force transmitting connection permitting such relative movement is provided between the buckle and the actuating member. This connection can be embodied by a flexible cable or by a rack bar and a tooth member cooperating therewith.