Abstract: A motor vehicle seat belt retractor having load limiting features for controlling seat belt restraint loads for a retractor having a spool for storing belt webbing and rotatable with respect to a retractor frame, and a locking mechanism for locking the spool to provide vehicle occupant restraint. A load limiting element coupled with the spool limits restraint loading of the seat belt webbing upon locking of the spool. A rotational displacement limiting mechanism limits the displacement of the load limiting element, the limiting mechanism having a cam forming a spiral flight rotatable with the load limiting element and a cam follower engaging the spiral flight. The cam and the cam follower interengage to reach an end position preventing further relative angular displacement beyond a predetermined angular displacement of the load limiting element. Embodiments provide various configurations for the cam and cam follower elements.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat belt retractor having load limiting features for controlling seat belt restraint loads for a retractor having a spool for storing belt webbing and rotatable with respect to a retractor frame, and a locking mechanism for locking the spool to provide vehicle occupant restraint. A load limiting element coupled with the spool limits restraint loading of the seat belt webbing upon locking of the spool. A rotational displacement limiting mechanism limits the displacement of the load limiting element, the limiting mechanism having a cam forming a spiral flight rotatable with the load limiting element and a cam follower engaging the spiral flight. The cam and the cam follower interengage to reach an end position preventing further relative angular displacement beyond a predetermined angular displacement of the load limiting element. Embodiments provide various configurations for the cam and cam follower elements.

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.

Abstract: A load limiting anchor for seatbelt systems is provided. The anchor includes a pair of plates sandwiched together and connected by a rivet or other fastener. One of the plates features a key-hole shaped slot through which the rivet can move upon relative sliding motion between the plates causing material deformation as the anchor absorbs tensile exerted by the associated seatbelt system.

Abstract: A height adjuster assembly for motor vehicle belt restraint systems adapted to be mounted to a motor vehicle “B” pillar for affixing a D-ring belt anchorage. The height adjuster assembly can be moved to a plurality of vertical positions for optimally locating a seat belt and D-ring. The adjuster assembly includes a slider assembly movable along a rail preferably formed by a roll forming operation. A rotatable pawl within the slider assembly is biased into engagement with the rail teeth and is held in a normally locked position. A pushbutton can be actuated to rotate the lock pawl to a disengaged position allowing vertical adjustment. The system features few parts, low-cost construction, and provides high structural integrity.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor has a spool. An energy absorption mechanism absorbs energy from the spool during seatbelt protraction. The energy absorption mechanism has at least a first portion for a relatively high rate of energy absorption and preferably a second portion for a relatively low rate of energy absorption. The seatbelt retractor has an outer sheath cast, molded, coated or otherwise bonded to and encircling a portion of the external surface of the first portion or the second portion which upon a sufficient exposure to rotational energy breaks the bond between the first portion or the second portion and the outer sheath.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a spool for seat belt protraction and retraction. An energy absorption mechanism is provided for absorbing energy from the spool during seat belt protraction. The energy absorption mechanism has a first part for a relatively high rate of energy absorption and a second part for a relatively low rate of energy absorption. A shift mechanism for shifting between the first part and the second part is also provided. The shift mechanism is a link movable between a first link position wherein the first part is engaged with the spool and a second link position wherein the second part is engaged with the spool. The link is drivable between the first link position and the second link position by energy from seat belt protraction.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor has a spool. An energy absorption mechanism absorbs energy from the spool during seatbelt protraction. The energy absorption mechanism has at least a first portion for a relatively high rate of energy absorption and preferably a second portion for a relatively low rate of energy absorption. The seatbelt retractor has an outer sheath cast, molded, coated or otherwise bonded to and encircling a portion of the external surface of the first portion or the second portion which upon a sufficient exposure to rotational energy breaks the bond between the first portion or the second portion and the outer sheath.

Abstract: A seat belt system (10) comprising: a seat belt retractor (20) having a rotationally mounted spool and a quantity of seat belt wound thereabout; a belt tightener (210) comprising a hollow tube having a circular cross-section; a cylindrically shaped piston (230) moveable within the tube and including a plurality of annular, adjacent teeth.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a spool for seat belt protraction and retraction. An energy absorption mechanism is provided for absorbing energy from the spool during seat belt protraction. The energy absorption mechanism has a first part for a relatively high rate of energy absorption and a second part for a relatively low rate of energy absorption. A shift mechanism for shifting between the first part and the second part is also provided. The shift mechanism is a link movable between a first link position wherein the first part is engaged with the spool and a second link position wherein the second part is engaged with the spool. The link is drivable between the first link position and the second link position by energy from seat belt protraction.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (20) characterized by low mass and low operating noise, resistant to dust, moisture, and corrosion comprising: an integrally formed, quadrilaterally shaped main body portion (24). In the preferred embodiment of the invention the frame is injection molded using 50% or greater long glass fiber plastic or die cast or injection molded metal. A spring housing wall and wall of a mechanism cover are also integrally formed in the sides of the retractor. Positioned within the spring housing wall is a spring coil guide, as well as an integrally formed anchor, which is used to hold the outer end of a rewind spring. The mechanism side of the frame further includes an integrally formed post or pin to pivotally support a locking pawl.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor assembly has a seat belt retractor for generating a retraction force to rewind a seat belt on a reel. A coupling device selectively couples and decouples the retractor from the reel. A tensioning device generates a tensioning force in the seat belt when in an activated state. The coupling device decouples the retractor from the reel when the tensioning device is activated.