Abstract: In accordance with this invention, there is provided a safety belt retractor comprising a frame, a spool mounted for rotation on the frame and having seat belt webbing wound thereon, first means biasing the spool in a rewind direction and means for reducing the tension of the webbing against the wearer due to the bias force of the first biasing means, the tension reducing means comprising a second means biasing the spool in a rewind direction and having a lower biasing force than the first biasing means, the tension reducing means being activated upon a retraction movement of a withdrawn seat belt followed by a slight further extension of the belt and a subsequent slight additional retraction of the belt from the further extended position, the tension reducing means operable when activated to block out the rewind bias of the first biasing means and permitting the second biasing means to apply its lesser rewind force to the spool.

Abstract: A safety buckle and tongue combination requiring a minimal effort to unlatch, even under conditions of great stress, yet having a high degree of strength and reliability. The tongue is accepted by the slotted end of a ferrule, and latching is accomplished by latching teeth extending downward from a latch member which straddles the ferrule and is pivoted thereto, for engagement with openings in the tongue exposed on each side of the ferrule. The teeth are securely locked into latching engagement with the tongue, yet are readily disengaged by a wedge cooperating with the latching member in response to slight pressure on a sliding release button.

Abstract: An improved flywheel and clutch mechanism is adapted for use in a safety belt retractor which has a vehicle-sensitive mechanism and a pawl. The improvement includes: a polymeric flywheel, a clutch plate, a mechanical member, a biasing means and a retaining means. The flywheel has a recess in the interior thereof. An outer circumferential surface of the flywheel has ratchet teeth thereon. The pawl is located adjacent to the ratchet teeth and can engage a ratchet tooth when the pawl is actuated by the vehicle-sensitive mechanism. The clutch plate is disposed within the recess. The mechanical member is rigidly affixed to the center of the clutch plate and extends from the exterior side of the clutch plate. The biasing means is disposed in the recess of the flywheel adjacent to an interior surface of the clutch plate. The biasing means presses against the clutch plate in a direction urging the clutch plate away from the flywheel.

Abstract: A release means for a safety belt tension-relieving apparatus of a safety belt retractor includes: a sensing means, a locking means, an actuating means, and a baising means. The sensing means is located in a door-jam of a vehicle door for sensing a condition when the door is open and when the door is closed. The locking means is disposed on the retractor. The sensing means causes the locking means to move to its unlocking position when the door is open. The actuating means is mounted on the retractor adjacent to the locking means. The actuating means is mechanically coupled to a portion of the locking means and electrically coupled to the sensing means. The actuating means moves the locking means to its unlocking position, thereby allowing a rewind mechanism of the retractor to operate when the door is opened.