Abstract: A safety belt adjusting device adapted to be secured to a three point safety belt. The safety belt adjustment device includes a pair of parallel and spaced apart rods having a threaded portion at one end, and an enlarged head opposite the threaded portion. A nut engages the threaded portion of each of the rods. Each of the rods extends through an aperture formed through a first rod retaining plate such that the plate is adjacent the enlarged heads of the rods. Similarly, the rods extend through respective apertures formed through a second rod retaining plate such that the rod retaining plate is adjacent the nuts. A sleeve extends over each rod intermediate the first and second rod retaining plate to form a belt slot having a length substantially equal to the sleeves, and a width substantially equal to the distance between the respective rods.

Abstract: The apparatus (1) for redirecting a shoulder strap (2) of a vehicle's seat belt from a standard path, the standard path extending between a lower buckle clasp (12) to an upper vehicle sidewall mounting (11) across a torso of an average height adult passenger of the vehicle, to a lowered path extending across a torso of a reduced height passenger of the vehicle, may comprise: an upper shoulder strap feeder fastener (5) for holding and guiding the shoulder strap (2) from the upper sidewall mounting (11) at a point substantially along the standard path at a side of the reduced height passenger adjacent the mounting (11); a middle shoulder strap locating fastener (6) for holding and guiding the shoulder strap (2) from the upper shoulder strap feeder fastener (5) to the lower buckle clasp (12); a lower belt fastener (7) attachable to a lap strap (3) of the seat belt; and a body member (4) interconnecting the upper shoulder strap feeder fastener (5), the middle shoulder strap locating fastener (6) and the lower bel

Abstract: A safety belt set having backstop effect for use in a car. The safety belt set mainly includes two auto-lock sets separately connecting with two hanging members mounted on two center pillars of the car. A back-extending safety belt extends behind two front seats of the car with its two ends separately attaching to a damped fastening member of the auto-lock sets. The auto-lock set also allows a front-extending safety belt to pass therethrough so that when the car is impacted by a sudden violent back-coming force, the backward inclined front seats exert a back pull on the back-extending safety belt which causes the damped fastening member to tightly clamp the back-extending safety belt and the auto-lock sets to lock up the front-extending safety belt. Thus, the back and the front extending safety belts together secure the passenger and/or the driver to the front seats without becoming overly backward inclined and being hurt due to the broken front seat backs.

Abstract: In a device for height adjustment of a vehicular seat belt fitting a load-supporting guide rail (10) equipped for securing to the vehicle has a plurality of latching members (21) spaced in its longitudinal direction. In this guide rail (10) a carrier (12) is shiftably mounted, to which the seat belt fitting is secured. A latch bar (22) selectively latchable to the latching members (21) in this guide rail is mounted on the carrier. By the actuation of a release member (26) the latch bar (22) is releasable from the corresponding latching member (21). The latch bar (22) is mounted on the carrier (12) so that it can be swivelled about a swivel axis (A) which is at least more or less horizontal and its center of gravity (S) is displaced in the direction of the guide rail (10) relative to a plane (E) oriented parallel to the guide rail (10) and passing through the swivel axis (A).

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 shoulder belt height adjustment mechanism for a passenger restraint system, including a shoulder belt having upper and lower vertically spaced apart restraint slots in a back panel. The restraint slots are connected to one another by a transfer passage which couples an inboard end of one restraint slot with the outboard end of the other restraint slot so that the shoulder belt can be moved from on restraint slot to the other restraint slot without twisting of the shoulder belt in the process.

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: A vehicle safety apparatus (10) includes a seat (12) for an occupant of a vehicle. A length of belt webbing (42) is extensible about the occupant of the vehicle seat to restrain the occupant. The length of belt webbing has a portion (48) extending from an upper portion (24) of the seat back (20). A belt webbing engaging member (76) is mounted on the seat back (20) for guiding movement of the belt webbing (48) from the seat back. The safety apparatus includes means (120) for mounting the belt webbing engaging member (76) on the seat back (20) for movement relative to the seat back in a direction between the seat back inboard side (28) and the seat back outboard side (26). In a preferred embodiment, the belt webbing engaging member is a seat belt retractor spool (76). The retractor spool (76) is mounted in the frame (62) of a retractor (60) for rotation about an axis (82). Shoulder belt webbing (48) is wound on the spool (76).

Abstract: A safety restraint system having a body component including a head opening for insertion over the head of a child and a belt which buckles around the lower rib cage of the child to secure the safety restraint system on the child. The safety restraint system can thus be secured to the child prior to the child entering the vehicle. A first strap member is secured to a lower portion of the body component. This first strap is wrapped over a vehicle lap belt until an engaging member having fabric hook elements engages fabric loop elements on a receiving member affixed to the body component.A second strap is affixed to the body component just below the head opening. This strap is folded downward over the vehicle shoulder belt until fabric hook elements engage fabric loop elements on the reverse side of the engaging member on the first strap. The second strap positions the shoulder belt away from the head and neck of the child. This provides a safer restraint as well as a more comfortable situation for the child.

Abstract: A web guide (10) adapted to be secured to and removed from a post (12), the post of the type having a narrow part (14) and a larger head (16), the web guide comprising: a support frame (30) having a first end (32) and a second end (50,) the first end including an opening (34) comprising a wide portion (36) having a diameter larger than the head of the post and a small diameter portion (38) having a diameter smaller than the head. The thickness of the frame is not greater than the spacing between a post surface and a support surface (20). The second end (50) includes a slit (52) for receipt of a seat belt webbing (58).

Abstract: A seat belt adjuster is adapted to receive a conventional seat belt and pulls the seat belt to a position around the child's waist so that the shoulder strap does not extend across and interfere with the child's face. The seat belt adjuster comprises a body panel forming two half panels. The two half panels are stitched along a central portion of the half panels to form a channel between the two half panels. A first opening and a second opening are spaced apart on the first side of the half panels. A third opening and a fourth opening are spaced apart on the second side of the half panels. All four openings communicate with the channel. Detachable flaps are provided for spacing the first opening apart from the second opening, and for spacing the third opening apart from the fourth opening. The flaps also operate to prevent the latch plate of the seat belt from sliding back into the channel.

Abstract: A D-ring or seat belt apparatus (200) for safety belts comprising: a cradle (300) adapted to be mounted to a cooperating structure; a member (201, 204) supported by the cradle and having a roller (260) and flexible shaft (270) for supporting a shoulder belt portion of a seat belt. The member (201, 204) permitted to move or rotate side to side relative to the cradle, to move or rotate about a first axis of the cradle and to move or rotate about a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for safety belts having: a plate member (22) adapted to be mounted relative a cooperating structure, including a top (30) and sidewalls (24, 26) and a bottom (28, 50, 98) situated about an opening (47,47'). A roller is rotated by the shoulder belt (92) and is also supported by a flexible shaft (82) such that during a high level vehicle deceleration the shaft deflects and the roller is permitted to rest upon the bottom of the D-ring.

Abstract: Vehicle seat is movably mounted on a slide rail and having attachment points for a safety belt comprising a lap belt portion and a shoulder belt portion arranged in the seat so that the attachment points of the lap belt are on both sides of the seat and a retractor roll of the safety belt is attached to the frame of a horizontal seat part. The shoulder belt of the safety belt extends from the roll along a backrest upwards and continues via a guide at the upper end of the backrest to the front of the backrest. The retractor roll has a support piece projecting below a part of the slide rail so that it can move in the longitudinal direction of the slide rail as the seat moves back and forth, but it is prevented from being lifted upwards.

Abstract: A latch member for a vehicle occupant restraint apparatus has an anchor portion, a first tongue portion and a second tongue portion. The anchor portion connects the latch member to a lap belt. The first tongue portion of the latch member is movable into a passage in a seat belt buckle, and has a first opening for receiving a locking element in the seat belt buckle to lock the first tongue portion in the buckle. The second tongue portion of the latch member is movable into a passage in another seat belt buckle, and has a second opening for receiving a locking element in the other seat belt buckle to lock the second tongue portion in the other buckle.

Abstract: A seating system has a tethered web extending diagonally across the rear of a seat back frame from an elevated anchor secured to the vehicle roof rail. This web can be contained at one end by a retractor mechanism mounted to the seat base. The seat back covering can be formed over the portion of the web which extends rearward of the seat back frame. The retractor mechanism permits the length of the web to vary during normal vehicle use, but fixes the web length during a collision. The elevated anchor to which the web is secured can also serve as the upper anchor for the shoulder belt worn by the occupant.

Abstract: A height adjuster (10) useful to adjust the height of a safety belt webbing, comprising: a frame (12) having a plurality of spaced locking formations (18); a carrier (16) movably mounted upon the frame comprising; a handle assembly (40) for locking the carrier into a designated one of the locking formations (18) comprising: a locking pin (50) movable into and out from the designated locking formation and biased by a first spring (134) toward the locking formations: and activation assembly (60,70,90), comprising variable height spring (90) for initiating retraction of the pin from the designated locking formation in response to a squeezing or clamping action, the carrier being movable along the frame with the locking pin (50) disengaged from any locking formation.

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: An adjustable belt guide and headrest apparatus for a vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a pair of first track members and a pair of second track members slidable longitudinally relative to the first track members. An upper end of the second track members includes a cantilevered headrest frame member and a shoulder belt guide, both of which move towards and away from a seat back portion of the vehicle seat when the second frame rails are moved slidably. A threaded drive rod is fixedly secured to the second frame rails. The threaded drive rod is driven by an operator controllable, reversible DC motor. Operation of the DC motor causes the threaded drive rod to be driven so as to cause the second track members to move up and down slidably relative to the seat back, thereby allowing the headrest and seat belt guide to be concurrently adjusted to suit the height of the driver with a single adjustment.

Abstract: An improved occupant restraint system for an automotive vehicle of the type including multiple longitudinally spaced seating positions in which seats are arranged in back-to-back relationship includes a guide ring assembly having two D-rings mounted on a common bolt on a vertical body pillar that is in longitudinal registration with the backs of a pair of back-to-back seats.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable seat belt apparatus in which, under ordinary conditions, a bag-shaped belt (2b) of a shoulder belt (2) and a lap belt (3) are maintained in a belt-shaped form and a control member (5d) for controlling the opening area of a through-hole is maintained at an opening-area reducing position. Accordingly, the two belts (2b), (3) are prevented from turning over and twisting so that the seat belt apparatus (1) performs a function similar to that of the conventional seat belt apparatus. In the event of an emergency such as a vehicular collision, a gas generator (8) is actuated and generates a gas which causes the lap belt (3) to inflate. The gas which has filled the lap belt (3) causes the control member (5d) to move to the position at which it enlarges the opening area of the through-hole. Accordingly, the gas easily flows into the bag-shaped belt (2b) of the shoulder belt (2) ahead of a tongue (5).

Abstract: A woven fabric for a seat belt comprises warp and weft yarns which are combined to constitute a woven base which extends in a given way, and extra yarns which are held in the woven base and extend substantially straightly along the given way. The extra yarns are constructed of a material whose extensibility is lower than that of materials of the warp and weft yarns and whose tensile strength is higher than that of the materials of the warp and weft yarns.

Abstract: A seat belt webbing guide assembly includes a plate disposed adjacent one side of vehicle structure and having an aperture through which belt webbing extends. The seat belt webbing guide assembly also includes a fastener securing the plate to the vehicle structure. The plate includes a structure cooperating with the vehicle structure to orientate and secure the plate about the fastener relative to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: A height adjuster (10) for a shoulder belt (26) includes a base (20) which is mountable on a vehicle body and has a plurality of apertures (58). A carriage mechanism (80) is slidable along the base (20) and carries a belt guide (82). A latch mechanism (84) also is carried on the carriage mechanism (80). The latch mechanism (84) includes a latch member (190) which is pivotable about a first axis (210) relative to the carriage mechanism (80). The latch member (190) has an end portion (196) receivable in one of the apertures (58) for blocking movement of the carriage mechanism (80) relative to the base (20). At least one manually engageable release lever (240) is carried on the carriage mechanism (80) and is pivotable about a second axis (264) transverse to the first axis (210).

Abstract: A guide for a seat belt webbing is disclosed for use where the webbing is routed through an opening in a vehicle or body structure that is not a part of the seat belt system. The opening will typically be of a size large enough to permit passage of the seat belt anchors and other hardware during assembly of the vehicle or seat, The guide is installed in the opening after the larger hardware has been passed therethrough. The guide provides a small slot only large enough for the webbing itself to pass therethrough to prevent the webbing from being twisted or folded over into a double thickness and passed through the slot in the guide.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly with a structural seat back to accommodate the seat belt loads applied to the seat back by the belt system which is carried by the seat assembly. The seat back includes a reinforced beam along one side of the seat back frame to accommodate these loads with a recliner mechanism along the same side of the seat assembly and engaging the reinforced member to resist forward rotation of the seat back caused by seat belt loads applied thereto. The seat assembly while being reinforced to accommodate the seat belt loads is configured to be as similar to conventional seat assemblies as possible to minimize the need to redesign the non-structural components of the seat assembly. In addition, the seat assembly includes many features found in current production seat assemblies such as a fore and aft adjuster, an adjustable lumbar support, a seat cushion lift and a seat back recliner.

Abstract: A seat belt device in an automotive seat, which comprises a seat belt extending from a part of the automobile to a floor of the same for restraining a passenger to the seat, and a seat belt guide provided at one upper corner portion of the seat back of the seat.The seat belt guide includes a guide anchor through which the seat belt slidably passes, and a drive mechanism for causing such through guide anchor to be moved in a vertical direction along the longitudinal direction of the seat back. Thus, the initial point at which the seat belt begins to approach a passenger may be set at a desired level via the guide anchor, thereby adapting the seat belt to better fit, and hence better restrain the passenger's trunk to the seat, irrespective of his or her individual physical differences and/or inclination of the seat back.

Abstract: A device (1) for attachment to a restraining belt is disclosed comprising a casing (3) for enveloping widthwise the restraining belt; a cam (5) rotatably mounted in the casing (3) along an axis extending substantially parallel to the length of the belt, and an element (7) for rotating the cam (5) from a neutral position in which the cam (5) does not make contact with the belt, to a clamping position in which the cam (5) grips the belt. A restraining belt system incorporating the device (1) is also disclosed. The device (1) obviates the problem of tension exerted on wearers of restraining belts, is both safe and cheap to manufacture and can be fitted easily to existing vehicle seat belts.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism (30) clamps seat belt webbing (24). The clamp mechanism (30) has an actuated position in which the belt webbing (24) is clamped and an unactuated position in which the belt webbing may move relative to the clamp mechanism. A linkage mechanism includes a shaft member (58) pivotable about a first axis (50) and a link (62) carried by the shaft member (58) and pivotable about a second axis which is the axis of the shaft member (58). The shaft member (58) pivots about the first axis (50) when a predetermined tension force is applied to one portion of the belt webbing (24). The link (62) pivots about the second axis when the shaft member (58) pivots about the first axis to actuate the clamp mechanism (30) to clamp the belt webbing (24).

Abstract: A safety belt adjustment device and a safety belt system are disclosed in which an automobile shoulder belt is adjusted by a device mountable on the shoulder belt itself engages the belt so as to reduce the angle at which the belt crosses the passenger's chest, thereby lowering the point at which the belt crosses the center of the passenger's chest, thus allowing the shoulder belt to be safely and comfortably used by people who, for physical reasons such as shortness, would otherwise be unable to use the shoulder belt.

Abstract: An improved restraint device is provided which is characterized by its relative ease of use and comfort to occupants while providing effective and enhanced protection to occupants of motor vehicles or the like. The restraint device includes an open ended tubular guide member which is generally cylindrical or elliptical in cross-section and in which the interior surfaces of the tubular member define a longitudinal passageway for receiving and engaging portions of both the shoulder harness and lap portions of a three-point vehicular restraint system. The guide member exerts a laterally displacing force on the shoulder harness portion of a three-point restraint system to re-orient the shoulder belt for use by adults of relatively small stature or children. In this manner, the repositioning of the shoulder belt for use by children in particular may be accomplished without adversely displacing the relative position of the lap belt particularly during impact conditions.

Abstract: A safety belt restraint arrangement for a motor vehicle which automatically adjusts the height of the head rest to an optimal position during a collision. In a principle embodiment a seat belt guide or follower member is formed into the side of the head rest for directing the seat belt, from an upwardly and rearwardly disposed seat belt deflecting member associated with the motor vehicle interior, to pass obliquely downward across the front portion of vehicle seat for connection with the seat belt buckle assembly in a conventional way. The follower member includes a pressure or stopping face for the seat belt so that, upon collision, the tightening of the seat belt acts against the pressure face of the follower to automatically raise the head rest to a pre-selected desired optimal position. The pre-selected optimal height adjustment is accomplished by positioning the follower member with respect to the head rest.

Abstract: A seat belt restraining apparatus (10) for restraining movement of a child in a child seat (12) includes a shoulder belt webbing (28) extensible across the shoulders of a child to restrain movement of the child in the child seat. An adjust belt (44) connected with the shoulder belt webbing is movable to adjust the shoulder belt webbing. An adjuster (50) associated with the adjust belt has a locked condition blocking movement of the adjust belt and a release condition enabling movement of the adjust belt. The adjuster includes a slide bar (120) around which the adjust belt extends and which is slidable on a base (54) between a clamping position blocking movement of the adjust belt and a release position enabling movement of the adjust belt. A pull tab (160) connected with the slide bar is manually movable to move the slide bar from the clamping position to the release position to enable movement of the adjust belt. A guide roller (80) is rotatably mounted on the base.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly with a structural seat back to accommodate the seat belt loads applied to the seat back by a belt system which is carried by the seat assembly. The seat back includes a reinforced beam along one side to accommodate these loads with a recliner mechanism along the same side of the seat assembly coupled to the reinforced member to resist forward rotation of the seat back caused by seat belt loads applied thereto. The seat assembly is configured to be as similar to conventional seat assemblies as possible to minimize the need to redesign the non-structural components of the seat assembly. The seat assembly includes many features found in current production seat assemblies such as a fore and aft adjuster, an adjustable lumbar support, a seat cushion lift mechanism and a seat back recliner. The seat belt loads have been efficiently managed to avoiding adding unnecessary structure and weight.

Abstract: A rear seat shoulder belt guide for a vehicle having a rear seat shoulder belt allowing for adjustment of the routing of the shoulder belt for smaller than average passengers. The rear seat shoulder belt guide is detachably connected to the shoulder belt and may be removed when not in use. A tab is mounted to the vehicle side trim adjacent the rear seat back cushion and is designed to retain the shoulder belt guide when not in use while also being hidden from view from the vehicle's passenger compartment.

Abstract: A tongue assembly is for use in a safety apparatus in which belt webbing restrains movement of an occupant of a vehicle or of a child seat. The tongue assembly includes a base, a cover, and a cam. The cam is movable into a clamping position to clamp the belt webbing against the cover to block movement of the belt webbing through the tongue assembly. The cover and the cam are rotatable together on the base in response to forces applied to the belt webbing.

Abstract: An infant-restraining protective seat includes a shoulder-belt adjusting device (6) provided on a seat back. The shoulder-belt adjusting device (6) includes a belt guide (101) for guiding shoulder belts (5a) in such a manner that the position of the shoulder belts can be adjusted up or down, supporting means (102) for supporting the belt guide (101), a vertically extending screw shaft (103) for moving the supporting means (102) up and down, an operating knob (104) turnably attached to the left side wall (33) of the seat back (3), and a torque link (105) which connects the operating knob (104) and the screw shaft (103) while producing a right-angle change in direction, and which transmits the rotational torque of the operating knob (104) to the screw shaft (103). The lower end of the screw shaft (103) is supported so as to be capable of rotating in a state in which the shaft is supported in the thrust direction by means of a lower bracket ( 37).

Abstract: Comfort feature method and apparatus providing fictional resistance to retraction of the static loop of an automotive vehicle emergency inertia responsive shoulder belt retractor system. A light comfortable back tension imposed by shoulder belt engagement contact with the occupant is sufficient to initiate self-energized frictional resistance to arrest relatively heavy tension retraction without preventing belt retraction to an occupant contact or completely retracted condition upon any slack arising from occupant movement belt disengagement.

Abstract: A shoulder adjuster which comprises: a guide rail shaped into a long plate and formed with a longitudinally extending slot at its central portion; a slider arranged along the vehicular compartment side of the guide rail and made slidable in a longitudinal direction of the guide rail; a female thread formed in the slider for mounting a shoulder anchor; and devices for retaining the slider on the guide rail at a predetermined interval. The slider has a cylindrical portion to be fitted in the slot, and the female thread formed in the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: The child restraining seat belt aid for redirecting the shoulder strap of a safety belt properly across the chest of a child. The device comprises a plate with the plurality of fingers. A first set of fingers is provided for receiving the lap belt, and a second set of fingers extending at an acute angle from the first set of fingers is adapted to receive the shoulder strap. The acute angle defined is smaller than the angle normally defined by the shoulder strap in relation to the lap belt. The fingers allow the lap belt and shoulder strap to be easily and quickly inserted during installation. The design also facilitates quick removal in an emergency. The device is comprised of a single piece of plastic manufactured using standard plastic injection molding techniques. The device can be adapted for use in either the right seat or the left seat of the automobile. The plate can have a contour conforming to the shape of the child's chest to provide a more comfortable feel.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for adjusting the position of a D-ring (12) for seat belt webbing (14) comprises a track (40) and a slider (18). The slider (18) is supported for movement along the track (40) and has a thread passage (58) for connection with the D-ring (12) to move the D-ring (12) along the track (40) with the slider (18). The apparatus (10) also includes a rotatable member (140), an elongate driving member (84) and a rotating motor assembly (86) for rotating the rotatable member (140). The rotatable member (140) is spaced from the slider (18). The driving member (84) extends longitudinally from the rotatable member (140) to the slider (18), and is engaged with the rotatable member (140) to move longitudinally upon rotation of the rotatable member (140). The driving member (84) is also engaged with the slider (18) to move the slider (18) along the track (40) relative to the rotatable member (140) when the driving member (84) moves upon rotation of the rotatable member (140).

Abstract: An adjusting device for a vehicle seat belt assembly will adjust the inclination of the shoulder portion of the belt to accommodate children. The adjusting device is a plate which has an inboard slot, an outboard slot, and an upper slot. The shoulder and lap portions of the web overlie one another and pass through the inboard slot, across one of the sides of the plate, and through the outboard slot. The shoulder portion outboard of the plate passes upward past the other side of the plate and through the upper slot. The plate can manually slide to various positions prior to inserting the shoulder portion through the upper slot.

Abstract: A functional, adjustable belt guide for receiving the webbing of a shoulder strap of a vehicle seat belt system is disclosed which adjustably directs the path of a shoulder strap across the body of an occupant of a seat for comfort. The adjustable belt guide includes a guide body mountable to the back portion of a seat, and the webbing may be adjusted laterally in position, inward or outward, relative to a seat, to vary the path of the shoulder strap across the body, enabling the occupant of a seat to vary the path of the shoulder strap to minimize neck chafing and/or shoulder pressure. Also disclosed is a vehicle seat belt system incorporating the functional, adjustable belt guide.

Abstract: A slip anchor for a seat belt has a guide hole which slidably guides the webbing in a longitudinal direction. An escape portion is formed at least on one end of the guide hole, and a projection is provided on the connecting section between the escape portion and the guide hole. Accordingly, the webbing is guided by the projection, and this perfectly prevents the inversion of the webbing. Further, the escape portion can be formed relatively large, and the end of the escape portion to be contacted by a lateral portion of the webbing can be eliminated. As a result, this prevents tearing of the webbing and also prevents twisting of webbing due to inversion.

Abstract: A vehicle seat back comprises a blow molded body with a reinforcing beam extending upwardly along at least one side of the body. The lower extremity of this beam is secured to the base structure of the seat. The upper extremity of the beam can from a mounting point for a shoulder harness belt terminal. Crash forces on the seat back and seat belt shoulder harness are thus transmitted through the reinforcing structure to the vehicle frame without involving the relatively weak molded or fabricated conventional frame components of the seat frame to create a low mass, structural restraint seat system.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is disclosed with built-in safety belt (5). The framework of the seat-back comprises a vertical, laterally located beam (7) which is very resistant to flexional forces and carries the upper anchorage point P of the belt and a lower cross-piece (8) fixed to the base of the beam and sufficiently resistant to prevent transverse inclination of this beam. A strut (10) has its ends mounted for pivoting, respectively, about a transverse axis B linked to the front of the base (1) and about a transverse axis C forming part of the beam. Axis C is disposed at a distance, from the transverse pivoting axis A of the seat-back (4), which is less than 1/6 of the distance separating this axis A from the upper anchorage point P of the belt. The position of axis C about axis A is adjustable.

Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism for a safety belt comprising a track adapted to the secured in a general vertical orientation to a portion of the vehicle. The track includes a central channel and a carrier slidably received thereon. The carrier includes structure to support a D-ring. The height adjusting mechanism further includes a latch plate tiltably located within the track and movable with the carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle safety apparatus for restraining movement of a vehicle occupant or a child seat includes a tongue assembly and belt webbing which is selectively extensible through the tongue assembly along either a first path or a second path. The first path includes first and second webbing openings in the tongue assembly through which the belt webbing is extensible and slidable when the safety apparatus is used to restrain movement of a vehicle occupant. The second path includes the first and second webbing openings and further includes a third webbing opening in the tongue assembly. The belt webbing may selectively be extended through the third webbing opening to block movement of the belt webbing through the tongue assembly when the safety apparatus is used to restrain movement of a child seat.

Abstract: A seat belt adjustment band is provided which changes the location of the shoulder belt. The seat belt adjustment band removably attaches to an existing vehicle seat belt assembly. The seat belt adjustment band is connected the shoulder belt and to the lap belt effectively changing the location of the shoulder belt to keep the shoulder belt from rubbing against the face of or neck of the wearer. Band is adjustable and can slide along the lap belt to position the shoulder belt to any angle. This affords adjustment which is individualized for the comfort of any user.

Abstract: A seat belt adjuster is provided for holding the lap seat belt to the shoulder belt of an automobile seat belt and prevent the shoulder belt rubbing against the neck of a wearer. The adjuster is made of a single unitary piece and therefore cannot be separated. A frame member formed of resilient material has a front portion, rear portion, top edge, bottom edge and space between the front and back portions for containing the lap seat belt. There is a hinge at the top edge joining the rear and front portions together and a retaining snap at the bottom edge to hold the two portions together. A clip forms part of the front portion extending down from the top edge retains the shoulder belt.