Abstract: A seat belt buckle assembly (20) having: a locking assembly (22) and an integrally formed cover (26) to receive the locking assembly, the locking assembly and cover having a plurality of guiding and stabilizing members (160, 100, 110, 190, 109, 194, 150, 70a,c) configured to prevent specific relative motion between the cover and the locking assembly.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (100) operable with a pretensioner (330) comprising: a frame (102) having a first latch opening (126a) therein, and opposing frame sides (108a,b), each side including a latch plate slot (110) arranged generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of a tongue into the buckle and pivoted weight mechanism (112, 200, 220). The buckle additionally includes a latch plate (180), having portions (186) movable within the latch plate slots between a locked position in engagement with an opening within the tongue and with the first latch opening (126a), the latch plate moveable between a latched position within the latch opening (126a) in the frame and within the latch opening (173) of the tongue to an unlatched position out of the latch openings.

Abstract: An energy absorbing retractor having a frame, locking mechanisms to initially stop a spool from rotating in a belt protraction direction, the spool rotationally supported relative to the frame, a seat belt wound about the spool, and biasing device to retract the seat belt, a two-sided torsion bar for generating at least a first level of reaction torque on the spool permitting the spool to rotate in a controlled manner in a belt protracting direction including a torsion bar having a middle portion fixedly coupled to the spool to prevent relative rotation therebetween, a first torsion rod extending therefrom, the first torsion rod including a first end coupled to a first locking mechanism to prevent the first end from rotating upon such coupling, whereby upon locking of the first end, and the loading of the spool, the first torsion rod is twisted to generate a first level of control force.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (100) operable with a pretensioner (330) comprising: a frame (102) having a first latch opening (126a) therein, and opposing frame sides (108a,b), each side including a latch plate slot (110) arranged generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of a tongue into the buckle and pivoted weight mechanism (112, 200, 220). The buckle additionally includes a latch plate (180), having portions (186) movable within the latch plate slots between a locked position in engagement with an opening within the tongue and with the first latch opening (126a), the latch plate moveable between a latched position within the latch opening (126a) in the frame and within the latch opening (173) of the tongue to an unlatched position out of the latch openings.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (16) includes a latch mechanism (22), a pushbutton (24), an inertia member (100) and a spring (102). The pushbutton (24) has a release position in which it releases a seat belt tongue (14) from the latch mechanism (22). The inertia member (100) has a blocking position in which it prevents the pushbutton (24) from moving to the release position. The buckle (16) further includes structure (126, 128) which supports the inertia member (100) for inertial movement from a non-blocking position to the blocking position against a bias of the spring (102). The supporting structure (126, 128) is free of a pivotal bearing.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (10) includes a seat belt storage spool (14) on which a seat belt (16) is wound. The spool 14 is rotatable in belt retraction and belt withdrawal directions (A, B). First and second springs (50, 52) act in series and bias the spool (14) to rotate in the belt retraction direction. A ratchet wheel (54) is connected between the first and second springs (50, 52) and blocks the spring force of the first spring (50) from biasing the spool (14) in the belt retraction direction. The ratchet wheel (54) has a plurality of teeth (78). The ratchet wheel (54) is rotatable when blocking of the spring force of the first spring (50) does not occur and is stationary when blocking does occur. A pawl (56) is movable by an actuator (60) for selectively engaging a tooth (78) of said ratchet wheel (54) to prevent rotation of said ratchet wheel (54).

Abstract: A pretensioner (40) is connected with a seat belt buckle (32) and is operable to move the buckle through a pretensioning stroke to remove slack from a seat belt. Movement of an actuator member (36) from an unactuated position to an actuated position under the influence of its own inertia at the end of a pretensioning stroke is resisted by a pair of counterbalance assemblies (162, 164) disposed in the buckle (32). The counterbalance assemblies (162, 164) include masses (168, 176) having inertia which results in the application of force against counterbalance cams (212, 232) connected with the actuator member (36). This force resists movement of the actuator member (36) to an actuated position at the end of the pretensioning stroke. Upon the application of manual force against an outer end portion of the actuator member (36) to release the buckle, the masses (168, 176) are pivoted by the counterbalance cams (232, 212).

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: Combination vehicle sensitive inertia and automatic locking retractor responsive to full extraction and slight retraction of retractor webbing to establish automatic locking mode and responsive to partial retraction beyond operative connection extension to establish vehicle sensitive inertia mode. Reel driven control gearing with means for actuating lost motion pivoted cam segment, control transition and range of respective ALR and VSI modes of operation.

Abstract: A trunk shade for an automotive luggage compartment having a central torque tube removably installed and held against rotation in fixed mounting brackets in which a torsional windup spring accommodating shade extraction and retraction has a prewind retention feature provided by an axial lead screw for a clutch dog which reaches a limit stop at a prewound retracted condition unaffected when the shade is removed from the mounting brackets. Optionally, a stop may also be provided at the other end of its travel to limit extraction of the shade. Helical torsional windup springs, of either compression or extension type, are adapted to take up mounting end clearance and in other respects eliminate shade rattle.

Abstract: A safety belt buckle comprising a frame detachably coupled with a belt tongue, each secured to the end of a belt, the tongue having a latch opening, the frame having a reaction flange for pivotal engagement with a latch lever having a projection formed for displaceable engagement and disengagement in the latch opening. A plastic housing within the frame is recessed to accommodate the lever, cooperate with the frame to guide the tongue, and to provide spring reaction means for a push button spring mounted on a displaced integral push button seat formed in the lever. A cover with an access opening for the push button completes the assembly of frame, lever, housing and push button spring elements.

Abstract: An automatic comfort lock release for an automotive vehicle retractable shoulder belt assuring complete retraction of the shoulder belt upon occupant departure from the vehicle seat. Sensing of automatic lap belt retraction having no comfort lock feature is employed to release the comfort lock and, in dual spool installations, a lever adjacent the lap belt spool sensing lap belt windup releases the comfort lock.

Abstract: A vehicle safety belt system including a retractor with a static loop snubber operative to normally freely pass webbing and to lock under predetermined belt load thereby eliminating occupant excursion incident to belt tension on the retractor side of the static loop snubber.