Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection system (10) includes seat belt webbing (18) and a device (64) coupled to the seat belt webbing (18) for sensing tension in the seat belt webbing (18). The device (64) is decoupled from the seat belt webbing (18) in response to the tension in the seat belt webbing (18) exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises seat belt webbing (24). An elongated member (30) is connected with the seat belt webbing (24). Tension in the seat belt webbing (24) is transmitted to the elongated member (30). An arm (106) is associated with the elongated member (30). The arm (106) receives a force from the elongated member (30) when tension in the seat belt webbing (24) increases. The force acts on the arm (106) through a moment arm creating a torsion force on the arm (106). At least a portion of the arm (106) moves in response to the torsion force. A device (102) is responsive to movement of the at least a portion of the arm (106) due to the torsion force to provide an output signal indicative of the tension in the seat belt webbing (24).

Abstract: An apparatus (510) includes seat belt webbing (24). An elongated member (520) is connected with the seat belt webbing (24). Tension in the seat belt webbing (24) is transmitted to the elongated member (520). A sensor of the apparatus 510 includes an arm (560) that is associated with the elongated member (520). The elongated member (520) moves at least a portion of the arm (560) in response to a change in tension in the seat belt webbing (24). The sensor also includes a device (558) that is responsive to movement of the arm (560) to provide an output signal indicative of the tension in the seat belt webbing (24). Structure (604) of the apparatus (510) reduces a variable moment acting on the arm as a result of off-axis loading of the seat belt webbing (24).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises seat belt webbing (24). An elongated member (30) is connected with the seat belt webbing (24). Tension in the seat belt webbing (24) is transmitted to the elongated member (30). An arm (106) is associated with the elongated member (30). The arm (106) receives a force from the elongated member (30) when tension in the seat belt webbing (24) increases. The force acts on the arm (106) through a moment arm creating a torsion force on the arm (106). At least a portion of the arm (106) moves in response to the torsion force. A device (102) is responsive to movement of the at least a portion of the arm (106) due to the torsion force to provide an output signal indicative of the tension in the seat belt webbing (24).

Abstract: A closure for a seat belt comprises a release button shiftably mounted on a frame and cooperating with a latch which can be swiveled between a locking position and an opening position around a swiveling axis, and a blocking element that can assume a blocking position in which it blocks the latch in the locking position. The blocking element is mounted on the frame so as to pivot around an axis that passes through a center of gravity of the blocking element, so that it can be swiveled by the release button out of the blocking position into a release position.

Abstract: A closure for a seat belt comprises a release button shiftably mounted on a frame and cooperating with a latch which can be swiveled between a locking position and an opening position around a swiveling axis, and a blocking element that can assume a blocking position in which it blocks the latch in the locking position. The blocking element is mounted on the frame so as to pivot around an axis that passes through a center of gravity of the blocking element, so that it can be swiveled by the release button out of the blocking position into a release position.

Abstract: A tongue assembly (10) includes a metal plate member (34) having a first portion (36) with a buckle latch receiving first opening (42) and a second portion (46) offset from the first portion. The metal plate member (34) has a second opening (60) between the first and second portions (36 and 46) through which seat belt webbing (16) extends. The first portion (36) of the metal plate member (34) is positionable on one side of the belt webbing (16). The second portion (46) of the metal plate member (34) is positionable on the other side of the belt webbing (16). A seat belt webbing cinch bar (130) is attached to the metal plate member (34) and located on the other side of the belt webbing (16). The cinch bar (130) has a first position in which the belt webbing (16) is located between the first portion (36) of the metal plate member (34) and the cinch bar (130).