Abstract: A sensor adapted to sense a side impact in a vehicle comprises an elongate element extending between two substantially fixed points spaced apart along the side of a vehicle, a sensor being provided adapted to sense tension in or longitudinal movement of the elongate element caused by an impact which deforms the vehicle.

Abstract: A buckle adapted to receive and retain a tongue mounted on a safety belt includes an actuating member mounted for rotation about a first predetermined axis to and from a latch position, the actuating member having an engaging portion, and a latching member mounted for rotation about a second predetermined axis. The latching member is movable between a first, latching position in which the latching member or a latching component driven thereby engages a tongue to retain the tongue latched in the buckle and a second, release position in which the tongue may be released from or introduced into the buckle.

Abstract: A buckle is intended to receive a tongue which is mounted on a safety-belt along a predetermined path. A latching member in the buckle engages the tongue. A push-button, associated with a separate actuating element, is provided to move the latching member between a latching position and a release position. The push-button is spring-biassed to a predetermined forward-most position. Part of the actuating element contacts the push-button when the tongue is inserted in the buckle, but is separated from the push-button when the tongue is not present in the buckle.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle has a latching member (7), which engages the tongue of the buckle. The latching member is pivotally mounted on a channel member, engaging lugs (18) formed in apertures in the side walls of the channel in a substantially friction-free manner. The lugs are deformable so that, in an accident situation, the lugs deform and the periphery (17) of the latching member (7) engages the periphery of each aperture in each side wall of the channel. Thus the latching member has a substantially friction-free movement, buth the latching member is able to withstand severe forces.

Abstract: A safety belt buckle has a slider having first and also second parts each adapted to engage and retain a locking member in a locking condition in which it engages a tongue inserted in the buckle. The slider is spring biassed to a position in which one part engages and retains the locking member and is movable against the spring bias to a second position to permit the locking member to move to release the tongue. The arrangement is such that if the buckle is subjected to a severe force, which moves the slider against the spring bias, the slider moves to a third position in which the second part engages and retains the locking member in the locking position.