Abstract: A rear or bench seat in a motor vehicle such as a "Estate car", "station-wagon" or "hatch-back" is adapted to be folded down. A locking mechanism is provided to lock the back seat in the operative position. The locking mechanism comprises a locking element which extends substantially across the whole width of the vehicle in which the seat is fitted, which is mounted on the back of the seat. The locking element has means adapted to engage an abutment located on each side of the motor car when in the locking position. The locking element can be moved to a release position.

Abstract: A passive safety harness for use in a vehicle comprises a safety belt portion one end of which is attached to a retractor reel and the other end of which is attached to a carriage movable along a rail formed in the door of the vehicle. The carriage carries a tongue which is received in a latching or locking element secured to the vehicle so as to ensure that in an accident situation the end of the belt attached to the carriage is securely retained in the desired position. The locking mechanism comprises a safety belt buckle which is pivotally mounted in position, but which normally occupies a position in which the plane of the buckle is parallel with the plane of the rail to enable the tongue to be easily inserted into the buckle. However, the arrangement is such that in the event that an accident arises the buckle can pivot so that the force applied to the buckle by the safety belt is axial of the buckle, the buckle being designed primarily to withstand forces in this particular direction.

Abstract: A three-point safety harness for use in a motor vehicle consists of two safety belts, each having its own individual retractor mechanism, the retractor mechanisms being mounted on the side of the relevant seat which is furthest from the associated door of the vehicle. One safety belt extends to a carriage movable along a rail mounted on the roof of the motor vehicle extending over the door opening. This safety belt is to form a chest strap. The other safety belt extends to a carriage movable along a rail formed in the door of the motor vehicle. This is the lap strap. The two straps are connected together by means of a slidable element which defines a passage or passages through which the safety belts pass in a sliding manner. The safety belt that forms the lap strap has a thickened portion which cannot pass through the said element.