Abstract: A web-locking retractor comprising a spool (16) about which seat belt webbing is wound, the spool (16) being rotatably mounted on a spindle which is slidably mounted in a frame (12), at least one sensing mechanism (200) responsive to conditions indicative of a crash to cause the spool (16) to lock to prevent further protraction of the seat belt webbing, a web-clamping mechanism (46) operable in response to vertical movement of the spool (16), sensing mechanism (200) and retraction spring (180) relative to the frame (12), to clamp the seat belt webbing against further protraction of the belt, wherein vertical movement of the spool (16), sensing mechanism (200) and retraction spring (180) take place subsequent to locking of the spool (16). Preferably the spool (16) is supported for rotational movement on a spindle, the ends of which are received in a slot in the frame (12).

Abstract: A web locking retractor (20) for a vehicle safety restraint system is described comprising a spool assembly (60) mounted for linear movement with respect to a wedge housing frame (22) such that linear movement of the spool assembly (60), e.g. vertically, pushes against one or more clamping wedges (46a,b) to clamp a seat belt therebetween, characterized in that the spool assembly (60) is operatively coupled to the at least one clamping wedge (46a,b) via a resilient member, such as a coil spring (36a,b). The spool assembly (60) is operatively coupled to the at least one clamping wedge (46a,b) and this coupling is advantageously via a resilient member such as a coil spring (36a,b). Such a direct link between the clamping wedge (46a,b) and the spool assembly (60) provides for faster, more effective release of the clamping wedge (46a,b) from the belt when the loading on the belt diminishes below the spring bias force.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a seat belt mechanism comprising a spool from which a seat belt (1) is to be unwound, resilient means arranged to act on said spool to rewind said belt thereon, said resilient means comprising a first resilient member (8) and a second resilient member (13) arranged to exert a return force on said spool which is less than the return force exerted on said spool by said first resilient member (8) means (12, 15, 17, 19, 21) inhibiting the return force of said first resilient member (8) during initial rewinding of said spool so that said second resilient member (13) provides the primary return force for the spool, and wherein said first (8) and second (13) resilient members are operatively connected to said spool by gear train means (3, 4, 6, 7). The invention proves particularly advantageous in providing for resilient means which can exert a reduced return force during the rewinding of the belt for, preferably, a substantial portion of the rewinding thereof.

Abstract: A web clamping retractor comprising: a stationary frame (12) and a reel assembly (14), the reel assembly includes a mounting member (22) that is slidingly mounted to the frame via a U-shaped needle member (150). An upper leg (154) of the U-shaped needle member functions as an activation bar to move a clamping wedge (49a) into clamping engagement about a seat belt (19) after a spool or reel member has been pre-blocked. The lower leg (18) of the U-shaped needle member serves as a shaft about which the reel rotates.