Abstract: An apparatus for use with a vehicle seat belt retractor which includes a spindle having seat belt webbing wound thereon. The spindle is supported for rotation in belt retraction and withdrawal directions and is biased to rotate in the belt retraction direction. The apparatus comprises a ratchet wheel connected to the spindle for rotation with the spindle. A plurality of ratchet teeth extend from the ratchet wheel. A member is movable from a first position in which the member is spaced from the ratchet wheel to a second position in which the member engages one of the plurality of ratchet teeth on the ratchet wheel to block rotation of the ratchet wheel and the spindle in the belt retraction direction. A cam disk separate from the ratchet wheel prevents movement of the member to its second position during rotation of the spindle in the belt retraction at a speed above a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a spindle. Seat belt webbing is wound on the spindle. The spindle is supported for rotation in belt withdrawal and belt retraction directions. A mechanism is actuatable to block rotation of the spindle in the belt withdrawal direction. A disk is supported for rotation relative to the spindle to actuate the mechanism in response to rotation of the spindle in the belt withdrawal direction relative to the disk. The disk has a plurality of teeth extending therefrom. A member is manually movable toward and away from the disk. The member has a portion for engaging one of the plurality of teeth on the disk to block rotation of the disk in the belt withdrawal direction thereby enabling rotation of said spindle in the belt withdrawal direction relative to the disk upon rotation of the spindle in the belt withdrawal direction.