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 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 height adjuster for a vehicle safety restraint has a web guide (38) and a track (84) for the web guide. The web guide (38) is vertically moveable along the track (84). A lock (76) has a lock condition for preventing vertical movement of the web guide (38) along the track (84) and an unlocked condition for allowing vertical movement of the web guide (38) along the track (84). A release mechanism (50, 80) is operatively connectable to said lock (76). The release mechanism (50, 80) has a release position for placing the lock (76) in the unlocked condition and an unreleased position from maintaining the lock (76) in the lock condition. A lift mechanism (66) at least partially assists vertical movement of the web guide (38) along the track (84) and biases the release mechanism (50, 80) toward the unreleased position.

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 method of installing a seat belt system (100) into a passenger compartment of a vehicle, the system of the type including a seat belt retractor (501), a height adjuster (102) and a web guide (104), the method including the steps of: a) providing a height adjusting mechanism having a bar or track and a carrier; b) securing the web guide to the carrier so the height adjuster and web guide form a subassembly; c) locating and securing the retractor to a desired location within the vehicle and; d) lifting the subassembly and manipulating the height adjuster to a desired location in the vehicle and securing the height adjuster to the desired location, wherein the step of lifting the subassembly simultaneously locates the web guide to its desired location.

Abstract: A height adjuster (200) for a vehicle safety restraint comprising: a rail (230) for providing a vertical path guide for a carrier (220); the carrier (220) configured to be vertically movable along the rail to one of a plurality of locations, the carrier also configured to rotationally support the web guide (210). The height adjuster also comprises a lock mechanism (240) movable between a locked and an unlocked condition, when in a locked condition the carrier is prohibited from moving down the rail and when in an unlocked condition the carrier is free to be moved; and a return spring mechanism (300) comprising a coiled return spring having an interior or coiled end (372) and a distal end (376), the internal end configured not to rotate as the carrier is moved and a distal end of the return spring secured to one of the carrier and release mechanism.

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 height adjuster for a vehicle safety restraint has a web guide (38) and a track (84) for the web guide. The web guide (38) is vertically moveable along the track (84). A lock (76) has a lock condition for preventing vertical movement of the web guide (38) along the track (84) and an unlocked condition for allowing vertical movement of the web guide (38) along the track (84). A release mechanism (50, 80) is operatively connectable to said lock (76). The release mechanism (50, 80) has a release position for placing the lock (76) in the unlocked condition and an unreleased position from maintaining the lock (76) in the lock condition. A lift mechanism (66) at least partially assists vertical movement of the web guide (38) along the track (84) and biases the release mechanism (50, 80) toward the unreleased position.

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.