Abstract: A seatbelt buckling device and system includes a buckle and a latch plate. The latch plate includes a pair of fingers that extend from a base portion. The buckle includes buckle housing that defines a slot that is configured to receive the fingers of the latch plate. The buckle also includes a blocking member disposed in the slot that splits the slot into first and second slot portions. The first and second slot portions are sized to receive the fingers. The blocking member restricts debris from entering a cavity of the buckle housing. The buckle further includes a depressible button for releasing the latch plate. The blocking member is arranged as a blockout portion integrated into the button or an ejector protrusion extending from an ejector disposed within the buckle.

Abstract: A seatbelt pretensioning retractor assembly for use in a passenger vehicle is provided. The pretensioning assembly includes a tube in fluid communication with a gas generator and a driving element disposed therein that travels in a first direction in response to actuation of the gas generator. The driving element includes a plastically deformable polymer rod with a recessed portion. A stopper is coupled to an end portion of the plastically deformable polymer rod. A seal member is disposed between the gas generator and the stopper. The tube includes a projection extending within the tube adjacent to the exit to define a constriction portion. The constriction portion is sized to permit the recessed portion of the plastically deformable polymer rod to pass therethrough while preventing the stopper from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A seatbelt buckling device and system includes a buckle and a latch plate. The latch plate includes a pair of fingers that extend from a base portion. The buckle includes buckle housing that defines a slot that is configured to receive the fingers of the latch plate. The buckle also includes a blocking member disposed in the slot that splits the slot into first and second slot portions. The first and second slot portions are sized to receive the fingers. The blocking member restricts debris from entering a cavity of the buckle housing. The buckle further includes a depressible button for releasing the latch plate. The blocking member is arranged as a blockout portion integrated into the button or an ejector protrusion extending from an ejector disposed within the buckle.

Abstract: A seatbelt clamping device includes a U shaped housing configured for being mounted to vehicle structure and a shackle that is pivotally attached to the housing. The shackle can pivot between an open position for receiving a loop of seatbelt webbing and a closed position for retaining the seatbelt webbing. The housing includes a locking surface, and the shackle and locking surface define a gap therebetween through which the seatbelt webbing can slide. The shackle includes a shaft and a cam cover rotatable about the shaft. The cam cover includes an increased radius locking portion that can rotate toward the locking surface to clamp the seatbelt webbing in response to a load exerted thereon.

Abstract: A dual spool retractor device for seat belts in a motor vehicle including a frame, two spools rotatably mounted to the frame, and a pretensioning system providing pretensioning rotation for both the spools. The spools are pretensioning through the activation of a micro-gas generator. The gas generator can provide gas to a single or a pair of gas cylinders. One or more flexible numbers such as a metal band or cable is used which is coupled to one or both spools via a pulley. Activation of the gas generator forces a piston to move in a manner which exerts tension on the flexible member(s) thereby unwinding the flexible member from the spool pulley and providing pretensioning rotation of the respective belt spool.