Abstract: A restraint device for controlling the head of a driver during a high-performance vehicle collision. The device includes a rigid spacer positioned along the back of the driver, a tether for attaching the spacer to the driver's helmet, and an anchor strap attached at one end to the tether and at the other end to the vehicle's seat belt assembly and/or the driver's legs which serve as an anchor, opposing forward and downward movement of the driver's head during a frontal collision to reduce the likelihood of injury to the driver. During a frontal collision, deceleration forces applied to the driver's head cause the tether and anchor strap to be tensioned. As such, forces are directly transferred through the tether to the anchor strap and, ultimately, to the anchor in order to resist forward movement and downward rotation of the driver's head.

Abstract: A restraint device for controlling the head of a driver during a high-performance vehicle collision. The device includes a rigid member positioned along the back of the driver, a tether for attaching the member to the driver's helmet, and a strap for anchoring the device. The vehicle's seat belt assembly or the driver's own body, such as his torso, waist or legs, may be used to anchor the device. During a vehicle collision, forces from the head are transferred through the device (i.e. tether, rigid member, and strap) into the anchor in order to resist forward movement and downward rotation of the driver's head.

Abstract: A head restraint device worn by a driver while operating a high performance vehicle. The device controls the driver's head from snapping forward and downward during a collision event. The device includes a back member positioned along the back of the driver. The back member is attached to the driver's helmet or skull cap by a first strap. A second strap is configured to encircle the driver's torso in order to releaseably secure the device to the driver. Third straps define openings through which the driver's shoulders are received to assists in holding the device on the driver. During a collision event, forces from the head and helmet are transferred through the first strap and the back member, causing the third strap to react against the mass of the driver's body. These reactive forces control the driver's head and neck from violently moving forward and downward.

Abstract: A tongue (30) having multiple modes of operation comprising: a frame (60), a slide, or clamp (15) and manually adjustable knob (200). The tongue frame includes a locking feature (74) for locking engagement with a seat belt buckle (24), a seat belt receiving first aperture (66) positioned apart from the locking feature; the first aperture including a first belt clamping surface (72). The slide or clamp includes a second belt clamping surface (174) generally opposite the first belt engaging surface, the slide being arranged to slide upon the frame in the vicinity of the first aperture from a belt release position in which the seat belt is freely sliding to a belt clamping or cinching position in which the seat belt (32) is clamped or cinched between the first and second belt clamping surfaces, the slide further includes a first belt engaging surface (160) arranged to urge the slide toward its clamped position.

Abstract: A manually activated seat belt device comprising: a latch plate (20) and cooperating buckle (100).