Abstract: A post supported bell pendulum omnidirectional inertial sensor for seat belt retractors and the like in which the bell shaped pendulum rests on a post and the post is positioned vertically in a vehicle such as an automobile. The bell pendulum has substantially more mass depending in its flared skirt portion and includes a flat top so that upon displacement of the bell shaped pendulum from the axis of the post, the flat top is cocked or tilted and elevates. This mechanically changes the effective elevation to trip or move a stop control lever and cause a locking of the retractor against withdrawal when inertial imbalance is sensed.

Abstract: A vehicle sensitive inertial retractor for safety belting and the like which includes a frame or base supporting a webbing receptacle in the form of a spring motor loaded reel or drum and biased to rewind. The frame also supports a saddle and the saddle provides a fulcrum seat for an inertially displaceable pendulum mass. A lever, pivotal in the frame is positioned to engage the pendulum in a following relation and a finger portion of the lever holds a face clutch plate against movement corresponding to the outgoing of the adjacent drum or reel which accompanies withdrawal of webbing. The clutch plate includes a cam portion which normally blocks a spring biased pawl bar from lock engagement with ratchet wheels on the reel or drum. Clutch rotation limiting means are also provided in the frame of the retractor restricting the extremes of rotation of the clutch plate in the manner of a stop.