Abstract: A passive seat belt system having a door mounted seat belt retractor in which a vehicle sensitive sensor, preferably mounted in the retractor, is mounted at a forward position on the door so that the acceleration acting on the sensor due to normal door opening motion is less than the lock up acceleration.

Abstract: An improved tension-relieving apparatus for a shoulder belt of a vehicle safety belt system includes: a housing, a shoulder belt support, a locking means, a force transmitting means and an actuating means. The housing has an approximately U-shape including a back wall and two sidewalls. The shoulder belt support extends between the sidewalls of the housing. The shoulder belt moves partially around the shoulder belt support as the shoulder belt is unwound from the retractor and rewound into the retractor. The locking means is disposed adjacent to the shoulder belt support. The locking means includes a clamp pivotably disposed within the housing and extending between the sidewalls of the housing. The clamp, in its locking position, prevents movement of the shoulder belt around the shoulder belt support. The force transmitting means is mounted in the housing adjacent to the locking means and moves the clamp between its locking position and its unlocking position.

Abstract: An emergency-locking seatbelt retractor having a solenoid-operated, spring-biased lock connected to the vehicle's electrical system responsive to movement of an inertia sensitive device to automatically unlock the retractor when a seat switch is energized, irrespective of energization of the ignition circuit, and to automatically lock the retractor in response to various abnormal vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A reel type retractor for a safety belt having at least two locking pawls, staggered in relation to ratchet teeth incorporated into the reel and arranged for independent engagement therewith.

Abstract: A reel type retractor for a safety belt having at least two locking pawls, staggered in relation to ratchet teeth incorporated into the reel and arranged for independent engagement therewith.

Abstract: The apparatus is adapted to relieve tension on a shoulder belt of a vehicle safety belt system. The apparatus includes a pressure sensing means; a locking member; an electric actuating means; and a biasing means. The pressure sensing means is disposed in the back portion of a seat. The locking member may be a clamp bar or a pawl adapted to engage a ratchet wheel. The electric actuating means may be a solenoid which is mechanically connected to the clamp bar or pawl and electrically connected to the pressure sensing means. The electric actuating means is adapted to actuate the locking member to its locking position. The locking member counteracts the rewind mechanism of the retractor and relieves tension on the shoulder belt.