Abstract: An air bag deactivation buckle (10) on a seat belt (12) for holding an infant (14) in an infant seat (16) securely in a seat (18) of a motor vehicle (20) comprising a frame (22) attached to a first end of the seat belt (12), the frame (22) having a slot (24) therein. A push button lock mechanism (26) is in the frame (22). A structure (28) is for covering the slot (24) in the frame (22) in a releasable manner. A component (30) in the frame (22) is for deactivating an air bag (32) in the motor vehicle (20). A tongue (34) is attached to a second end of the seat belt (18). When the tongue (34) is inserted into the slot (24) in the frame (22) after the covering structure (28) exposes the slot (24), the tongue (34) will engage with the push button lock mechanism (26) and the air bag deactivating component (30), to prevent inflation of the air bag (32) in case of a collision and eliminate endangerment to the infant (14) in the infant seat (16).

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (100) comprising: a frame (102) having a tongue receiving opening (170) to receive a tongue (173) as the tongue is moved in a first direction, a latch member (180) arranged to move from a latched position to an unlatched position, an ejector to eject the tongue which the latch member is in its unlatched position, an electronic sensor assembly (400) located upon the frame (102) comprising a magnetic sensor and a spaced magnet, a metal bar (260) supported on one of the latch member (180), the ejector (131) or a pivot member (500) and movable into position between the sensor and the magnet.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (16) includes a latch mechanism (22), a pushbutton (24), an inertia member (100) and a spring (102). The pushbutton (24) has a release position in which it releases a seat belt tongue (14) from the latch mechanism (22). The inertia member (100) has a blocking position in which it prevents the pushbutton (24) from moving to the release position. The buckle (16) further includes structure (126, 128) which supports the inertia member (100) for inertial movement from a non-blocking position to the blocking position against a bias of the spring (102). The supporting structure (126, 128) is free of a pivotal bearing.

Abstract: A high-security buckle including a pair of flexible side release latches and a third latch accessible on the front of the buckle. A male part of the buckle fits within a tubular body of a female part of the buckle. Disengagement of the male part can be accomplished by squeezing the side release latch catch bodies toward each other while pressing the third catch body into the body of the female part far enough for all three latches to be disengaged simultaneously.

Abstract: A safety belt buckle for insertion of a male lug designed to resist the action of a belt pretensioner, comprises a load bearing frame with a catch bolt slidingly mounted thereon and adapted to be moved between an unlocked and a locking position in which it engages the inserted male lug, a release button adapted to be operated to slide the catch bolt into its unlocked position for release of the male lug, a multiple-arm locking lever for preventing unintentional displacement of the release button, a pivot axis for the locking lever, and an inertial mass body movably mounted on the locking lever. The locking lever has a first and a second arm and being mounted on the frame for pivoting about the pivot axis. The first arm of the locking lever is pivotally coupled to the release button. Abrupt changes in velocity of the buckle in two opposite directions, appear during the belt pretensioning.

Abstract: A buckle for safety belts in vehicles comprises a load bearing housing in which an insertion path for receiving an insert tongue is formed. A movable latch is mounted on the housing. A casing is provided which surrounds the housing. The casing is provided with an opening at a rear side thereof remote from the insertion path. Within the casing at least one electric switch is arranged. This switch is fitted through the opening in the buckle in an already assembled condition thereof.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (20,20') comprising a frame (22), a locking element (30) movably disposed on the frame and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the frame including a locking element receiving opening (28) to receive the locking element when it is moved to its locked position in response to insertion of the tongue (52) having a mating portion (50) which interacts with the locking element, and non-contacting and direct sensing sensor such as a Hall effect sensor and magnet are provided to sense the presence of the locking element with the receiving opening (28).

Abstract: A locking seat belt buckle assembly is configured for placement and operation within a standard seat belt buckle and tongue. In one embodiment, the seat belt buckle includes a latch that engages the tongue and a latch release plate to disengage the latch from the tongue upon depression of the release plate. The assembly includes a stop block that is movable by way of an actuator, such as a reversible micro-motor, to a position beneath the release plate to prevent depression of the latch plate. A pair of limit switches disconnect the motor from a power supply when contacted by the stop block at opposite ends of its travel. An indicator light is provided that is illuminated when the stop block is in position beneath the latch release plate. In one aspect, the motor is mounted within a housing with a spring disposed between the motor and the housing to bias the motor toward the release plate.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (100) operable with a pretensioner (330) connected thereto for moving the buckle a determinable distance to remove slack of the seat belt about an occupant, the buckle comprising: a frame (102), adapted to be connected to the pretensioner (330), defining a tongue receiving opening (170) to receive a tongue (173) as the tongue is moved in a first direction, the frame having a first opening (126a) therein, and opposing frame sides (108a,b), each side including a latch plate slot (110) arranged generally perpendicular to the first direction and an arcuate slot (112), the arcuate slot (112) including a first portion (112a) generally parallel to the latch plate slots (110) and a second portion (113b) angled thereto, a latch plate (180), having end portions (186) movable within the latch plate slots between a locked position in engagement with an opening within the tongue and with the first opening (136a), a weight assembly pivotally connected to the end portions of the latch plate to generate a

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (12) includes a latch mechanism (20) and a Hall effect assembly (26). The latch mechanism (20) releasably interlocks with a seat belt tongue (16). The Hall effect assembly (26) has a first output if the seat belt tongue (16) is not interlocked with the latch mechanism (20) and has a second, different output if the seat belt tongue (16) is interlocked with the latch mechanism (20). The output of the Hall effect assembly (26) thus indicates whether or not the seat belt tongue (16) is interlocked with the latch mechanism (20).

Abstract: A buckle for a seat belt of a motor vehicle includes a lockbar 18 engagable in an aperture 26 in a latch plate 24, which is inserted into the buckle. A slider 16 connected with the lockbar 18 is retained under a lockpin 12 to prevent the lockbar 18 from disengaging the aperture 26 in the latch plate 24, except when a release button 20 is depressed. The surface of the lockpin 12 confronting the slider 16, when the lockbar 18 is engaged in an aperture 26 in a latch plate 24, is provided with one or more protuberances 28 such that when under high load the lockpin 12 becomes embedded in the slider 16 to prevent the slider 16. from sliding with respect to the lockpin 12 and inadvertently releasing the latch plate 24 from the buckle.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (16) for use with a seat belt pretensioner (30) has an inertia locking mechanism (52). A latch member (64) in the buckle (16) has a locking position for engaging a seat belt locking tongue (14) to block removal of the tongue (14) from the buckle (16). A pushbutton (22) moves the latch member (64) out of the locking position against a bias of a spring (70). The inertia locking mechanism (52) includes a blocking structure (82) which moves into blocking contact with the latch member (64) in response to a predetermined amount of deceleration which occurs when the buckle (16) decelerates and stops moving under the influence of the pretensioner (30).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supplemental seatbelt buckle cover system. The seatbelt buckle cover of the present invention is adapted to be removably positioned over a seatbelt buckle to protect a user from such a seatbelt buckle which may have inadvertently heated while in an automobile. In its broadest context, the cover includes a upper open end, a lower open end, a first open side and a second open side, as well as a slot positioned along the rearward wall of the cover. The slot allows the cover to be positioned over the shoulderbelt of a seatbelt or, in the alternative, the lapbelt of a seatbelt, rotated 90 degrees and slid onto the seatbelt buckle. Two springs are positioned within the opened first and second sides of the cover to allow the cover to be resiliently positioned and securely maintained upon the seatbelt buckle.

Abstract: A buckle includes a female member having a main body provided at opposite ends with sockets, a belt retainer adapted for fastening one end of a belt thereto and provided on one side of the main body so as to extend between the sockets, an engaging member having engaging claws facing the sockets and projecting toward the belt retainer and elastic pieces which urge the engaging member toward the belt retainer, and a window for allowing a portion of the engaging member to project downward; and a pair of male members adapted for fastening one end of a pair of belts and insertable into the sockets of the main body to be retained thereby, each male member having an insert formed with an engaging claw which projects toward the inner wall of the main body on the side thereof opposite from the belt retainer and engages with the associated engaging claw of the engaging member when the male member is inserted into the associated socket, the engagement between the engaging claws of the female member and the engaging claw

Abstract: A seat belt buckle for cooperation with an insert tongue comprises a swivel latch mounted in a frame to be movable between a locked position and a released position, and a helical pressure spring which has a first end supported by said swivel latch and a second end supported by a locking member. The spring is held by a spring receptacle which is defined by two ridges on said frame and which surrounds a spigot on said locking member. The second pressure spring end and said spring receptacle are configured such that said second spring end is self-centered on said spigot. Due to this configuration, a malassembly of the spring is excluded.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle based on the proven latching pawl design is equipped with simple measures to render it tensioner compatible. The latching pawl is locked in its latching position by a pin-type catch which is preloaded by a compression spring to a retracted position, but shifted into a blocking position in response to high acceleration of the buckle in which it protrudes into the guiding channel of the latching pawl.

Abstract: The pretensioner-proof buckle for safety belts has a latch (12) which is movably mounted in a load-bearing frame (10) between a release position and a fastening position and which in its fastening position acts on an insert tongue. A release button (14) is slidably mounted on the frame (10). Pressing of the button urges the latch (12) to its release position. A compensating mass forms one arm of a lever (16) pivotally mounted on the frame. The release button (14) has a pair of limit stops (14a, 14b) which are longitudinally spaced from each other. The lever (16) has a first lever arm (16c) the free end of which is located opposite the first limit stop (14a) of the release button, and a second lever arm (16d) the free end of which is located opposite the second limit stop (14b) of the release button.

Abstract: A locking arrangement is provided comprising a retaining element which is positionable to retain a lockable element in position. A combination of an actuating element and a counter weight are provided which are inter-connected to rotate simultaneously in a predetermined manner about axes of rotation. The centers of gravity of the actuating element and the counter weight are so positioned that when subjected to acceleration or deceleration the two components are substantially in balance and do not tend to move. One of the components blocks movement of the retaining element, when the arrangement is in the locked condition, but if the actuating element is moved rotationally, the counter weight will move rotationally, and as a consequence the retaining element will be released, the retaining element then being movable to a position in which the lockable element can be separated from the locking arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention offers a fastener structure between a diving flipper and a tightening strap thereof which is characterized in the following design the fastener comprises a male fastener and a female fastener; the male fastener is-provided at one end of the tightening strap, a tenon extending forward is formed at the front end of the male fastener, a recess is provided in a suitable position on each of two sides of the tenon, a holding down plate at the top of male fastener can adjust the tightness of tightening strap and brake the tightening strap from time to time; the female fastener is combined on one side of the diving filpper, a fastening plate pivotally provided on each of two sides of the female fastener extends inward from outside, the inner end of fastening plate has a catch, another end (outer end) thereof has a pressing portion, a bevel arm on one side of the fastening plate contacts against the inner walls on two sides of the housing so as to keep the catch at inner end of fastening plate te

Abstract: A safety belt buckle for receiving and retaining a tongue includes a housing defining a path therein to receive the tongue. A main locking element is movable between a release position in which it does not engage the tongue, and a locking position in which it engages the tongue to retain the tongue in the buckle. A push button is movable along a longitudinal axis of the path and is positioned above the main locking element. A second locking element is mounted to the housing between the push button and the main locking element, and includes a first portion engagable by the push button, and a second portion movable to a first position to engage the main locking element to prevent movement of the main locking element to the release position. The second portion and the push button are movable along the longitudinal axis of the path in opposite directions when the main locking element is to be released so that the second portion is moved to a second position in which the main locking element is freed.

Abstract: A load spreading belt includes a buckle closure and an elongated flexible strap having a pair of ends. A pad of locking catches is mounted on one end of the strap and a pad of catch receivers is mounted on another end of the strap. When the strap encircles a load to be retained in position, the ends of the strap overlap such that the locking catches and catch receivers are in mating engagement. The buckle includes a top and a base. A rear plate and a pair of posts spaced from the rear plate, extend between the top and the base and define a passage therebetween. One end of the strap extends through the passage with the locking catches extending outwardly on either side of each post to removably retain the buckle on the strap. In one embodiment a door is hingedly attached to the base of the buckle and closes around the strap ends when the locking catches and catch receivers are in mating engagement.

Abstract: A fastener device including a male fastener, a female fastener and a lock button. The male fastener has a pair of opposite outward projecting pressing latch boards integrally formed at two front ends thereof. Each pressing latch board has an integral inward projecting latch lug formed with a middle notch. The lock button is rotatably disposed on a latch seat of the female fastener and has a boss formed with lock blocks, whereby the lock button can be rotated to make the lock blocks of the boss thereof engaged into the notches of the latch lugs of the male fastener, so that the pressing latch boards of the male fastener are prevented from being withdrawn and unlocked from the latch seat of the female fastener by external force to achieve a reliable locking effect.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates an articles storage pouch designed to attach to an automobiles existing safety-belt hardware for securing articles thereby deterring theft and preventing the enclosed articles from shifting about the passenger compartment. The invention comprises a storage pouch for stowing articles adjacent to a driver on an automobile seat. The pouch is fabricated from a flexible durable material and incorporates an opening, defined by a rigid frame member, for preventing unwanted access to the contents when the storage pouch is closed. One opening member incorporates a slot through which a closure strap, attached at one end to the opposing opening member may be inserted for drawing the pouch opening closed. The closure strap terminates in a male seat-belt connector for engaging a female seat-belt connector which is anchored to the automobile frame thereby securing the pouch on the car seat.

Abstract: A lock fastener for bags or other receptacles (B) comprises a plug member and a socket member releasably engageable therewith, the plug member having an engaging tongue which is resiliently lockable with the socket member and unlockable therefrom by a means movable toward and away from the plug member and resiliently retractable to its original position upon releasing the plug member 11 from the socket member 12.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an end release belt buckle that is operable for releasable latching a tongue plate of a vehicular safety belt restraint system. The end release belt buckle of the present invention includes a base having a latch portion adapted to lockingly engage the tongue plate. The end release belt buckle further includes a release mechanism for permitting the seat occupant to intentionally release the tongue plate from locked engagement with the latch portion of the base in response to movement of a push-button actuator from a "latched" position to a "released" position. The push-button actuator is normally biased to the "latched" position by a spring-biasing mechanism. In addition, the end release belt buckle further includes a locking mechanism for inhibiting unintentional movement of the push-button actuator from the "latched" position to the "released" position when the vehicle is subjected to a deceleration force exceeding a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A retractor for controlling the withdrawal of a belt therefrom operated by the locking engagement of a buckle and buckle tongue. A retractor frame having a spring biased rotatably mounted spool wrappingly receives one end of a belt harness, with the opposite end of the belt harness having fixed thereto either a buckle or a buckle tongue. Attached to a seat is either a buckle or a buckle tongue that receives the corresponding mating part of the buckle tongue combination which is attached to the belt harness. A locking bar is engagable with the ratchet shaped end plates of the spool to prevent further withdrawal of the belt harness. The locking engagement of the buckle and tongue causes movement of the locking bar into contact with the ratchet shaped end plates, which prevents the spool from rotating to allow any further withdrawal of the belt harness.

Abstract: A pretensioner (40) is connected with a seat belt buckle (32) and is operable to move the buckle through a pretensioning stroke to remove slack from a seat belt. Movement of an actuator member (36) from an unactuated position to an actuated position under the influence of its own inertia at the end of a pretensioning stroke is resisted by a pair of counterbalance assemblies (162, 164) disposed in the buckle (32). The counterbalance assemblies (162, 164) include masses (168, 176) having inertia which results in the application of force against counterbalance cams (212, 232) connected with the actuator member (36). This force resists movement of the actuator member (36) to an actuated position at the end of the pretensioning stroke. Upon the application of manual force against an outer end portion of the actuator member (36) to release the buckle, the masses (168, 176) are pivoted by the counterbalance cams (232, 212).

Abstract: A tongue forming part of a safety belt is provided with two apertures adapted to receive the safety belt. The tongue has a portion adapted to be received and retained by a buckle forming part of a safety belt system. The tongue carries a clamping element adapted to be moved, by pressure applied to the clamping by the safety belt, to a clamping position in which the clamping element clamps part of a safety belt locking means are provided movable between a locking position and a release position. When the locking means are in the locking position the clamping element is prevented from moving to the clamping position. However, when the locking means are in the release position the clamping element may move to the clamping position.

Abstract: A seatbelt buckle safety sheath to prevent the inadvertent releasing of the seatbelt buckle by young children. Specifically, the seatbelt buckle safety sheath is made of a resilient material and frictionally encompasses the female portion of the seatbelt buckle. The resilient material of the safety sheath imposes a compressive force substantially greater than the normal force required to release the seatbelt buckle from a fastened condition. Thus, an adult can compress the resilient material to activate the seatbelt buckle release button, while a child will be prevented from accomplishing same.

Abstract: An end release type belt buckle for releasably latching a tongue plate of a safety belt system in a latched position. The belt buckle has a base, a release mechanism and an actuator supported for sliding movement on the base. The base has a stationary latch portion adapted to releasably lock the tongue plate in the latched position. The actuator includes a first surface for urging the tongue plate into the latched position, a second surface for retaining the tongue plate in the latched position, and a third surface for actuating the release mechanism to urge the tongue plate from the latched position into a released position. In addition, the end release belt buckle includes an illumination device affixed to the actuator for illuminating selected portions thereof, and an electrically conductive coupling arrangement for maintaining an electrical circuit during sliding movement of the actuator.

Abstract: A tongue includes a tongue base which can project therefrom. A solenoid at the forward end of a buckle attracts a tongue face plate. After the tongue base is inserted into the buckle, the tongue base is drawn deep into the buckle by the pawl portion of a hook. A latch plate is engaged with a hole at the forward end of the tongue plate, and a lock plate slides under pegs of a base, thereby latching the tongue base. The lock plate and the hook are advanced and withdrawn by a pinion which is rotated by a stepper motor, and when the pinion is reversely rotated, the tongue base is released from the latched state, and the tongue base is pushed out of the buckle by an ejector, thereby separating the tongue from the buckle.

Abstract: The safety belt device described for child safety seats in motor vehicles comprises a belt fastener (1) with a belt arrangement (4) comprising pelvic and shoulder belt (13, 14). The belt :fastener (1) comprises the conventional closure device (2) and a single, belt-guiding end piece (3) having an inclined belt guide slot (9). One end of the shoulder belt is attached to the pelvic belt near the closure device (2) of the belt fastener (1), and the other end of the shoulder belt (14) is attached to the belt end piece (3) of the belt fastener (1) while forming a longitudinally adjustable loop (21) in the pelvic belt region. The loop (21) therefore has pelvic belt function over a short distance and passes through an eye part (16), to which one end of the pelvic belt (13) is attached. The other end of the pelvic belt is attached to the closure device (2) of the belt fastener (1) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A buckle comprising a plug having a base plate and a pair of resilient arms extending forward from the base plate; each arms having a coupling hook; a socket including a pair of upper and lower walls to define therebetween a chamber for receiving the arms and a pair of coupling lugs mounted in the chamber; as inserted into the chamber, the arms being first compressed laterally thereof by the lugs against its own resiliency and, after the coupling hooks pass beyond the respective lugs expanded under its own resiliency to bring the coupling hooks into coupling engagement with the coupling lugs; and a lock member mounted in the chamber so as to reciprocally move between a locking position and an unlocking position; the lock member comprising two or first or second pairs of locking members, each locking member in each pair being opposed to the other locking member, respectively, in said each pair; the lock member resiliently fitted in an elongated aperture of the upper wall, with the first and second locking memb

Abstract: An impact cushion for a seat belt latch includes a sleeve of a latex rubber material sized to slide lengthwise over a female seat belt connector, with an interference fit. The front side of the sleeve has an opening in a position corresponding to the release button of the connector, so that the button is not obstructed. The rear of the cushion is provided with a rigid metal plate; segmented ribs running lengthwise along the inside upper and lower surfaces of the sleeve hold the rear of the seat belt a short distance away from the plate. The cushion is intended to reduce the incidence of seat belt buckle failure during accidents, resulting from impact directly to the buckle.

Abstract: A buckle is coinjection molded from different resins to provide a visually distinguishable section to which digital pressure is applied to release the buckle. The protuberance of a spring arm of the male member to which digital pressure is applied may be injected molded of a different colored resin or a guard to which digital pressure is applied protects and extends over the projection. The different colored resin may also be luminescent.

Abstract: A cushioning device for a car safety belt comprises a female seat body and an insertion plate body. The female seat body has a receiving space, an insertion slot and two arresting portions. The insertion plate body has a coupling portion, a combination portion, and two serrated sides. The insertion plate body engages the female seat body such that the coupling portion passes through and beyond the insertion slot of the female seat body, and that the first tooth of the serrated sides engages the arresting portion of the female seat body. The serrated sides are ruptured by the arresting portions at the time when a thrust of inertia exerting on the safety belt exceeds the destruction strength of the serrated sides, so as to cause the coupling portion to move further out of the insertion slot in order to lengthen intermittently the strap buckling across the chest of a car occupant, thus absorbing the kinetic energy of the occupant.

Abstract: An automatic buckling device comprising a tongue attached to a seat belt and a buckle for latching the tongue. The tongue includes a cover case, a tongue plate which can project from the forward end of the cover case, a spring for urging the tongue plate in the direction in which the tongue plate is withdrawn into the cover case, and a recessed portion provided on the surface of the tongue plate at the forward end thereof so as to engage a ball.

Abstract: To inhibit an actuating member from being moved to a release position, to make the manipulation feeling satisfactory, and to provide a compact and cheap buckle device.[Arrangement] When a large downward acceleration acts upon a buckle device 10, an upward inertia force F1 acts upon the gravitational center G of an inertia member 15 which is therefore rotated about a second support boss 17 so that a movement inhibiting part 15a abuts against the side wall of a second projected part 12b. in this condition, when a large upward deceleration acts upon the buckle device 10, large downward inertia forces F2, F3 act upon the gravitation center of an actuating member 12 and the gravitational center G of the inertia member, and accordingly, the actuating member 12 and the inertia member 15 are moved downward.

Abstract: A tongue includes a tongue base which can project therefrom and a tongue face plate at the forward end thereof. A buckle includes a solenoid provided at the forward end so as to attract the tongue face plate. After the tongue base is inserted into the buckle, the tongue base is drawn deep into the buckle by the pawl portion of a long hook, rocking arms are engaged with the notched portions of the tounge base, and a latch plate comes into close contact with the claw portions of the rocking arms at the back sides of the claw portions, thereby latching the tongue base. The latch plate and the long hook are advanced and withdrawn by a pinion which is rotated by a stepper motor. When the pinion is reversely rotated, the tongue base is released from the latched state, and the tongue base is pushed out of the buckle by an ejector, thereby separating the tongue from the buckle.

Abstract: A buckle apparatus includes a buckle body, a tongue plate, a lock plate supported by the buckle body, and being swingable between a first position for engaging the tongue plate and a second position for releasing the engagement, a lock pin moving in the tongue plate removal direction so as to prevent the lock plate from swinging toward the second position and moving in the tongue plate insertion direction so as to allow the lock plate to swing toward the second position, a release button pressing the holder so as to move the lock pin, teeth provided on the cover of the buckle body, and an engaging member being separated from the teeth in a state where the holder is in contact with the release button and engaging tile teeth so as to prevent the holder from moving in a state where the holder is separated from the release button.

Abstract: In the present invention, a lock pin 6 is temporarily fixed on an upper cover 2 in advance. Then, the upper cover 2 and a lower cover 3 are connected together by inserting a wall 10 between a pair of walls 4 and 5 and by aligning holes 7 and 8 with a hole 11. By pushing a release button 9 under this condition, the temporarily fixed lock pin 6 is inserted into the holes 7, 8 and 11 and is set at a predetermined connecting position. Thus, the upper cover 2 and the lower cover 3 are mechanically connected by the lock pin 6. As the result, the upper cover and the lower cover can be relatively easily and reliably connected together without requiring a special tool. The cover is not easily disassembled by outsiders, and good external appearance can be provided.

Abstract: A buckle pretensioner for a seat belt system includes a support member on which a buckle is mounted for movement generally downwardly from a normal upper position to a pretensioning lower position in which pretension is applied to the seat belt. A rotary actuator mounted on the support member and supplied with gas from a gas generator provides a driving force for moving the buckle downwardly along the support member. A connecting mechanism, which includes a force-transmitting mechanism that transduces a tangential force produced by rotation of the rotor of the rotary actuator to a translational force, connects the rotary actuator to the buckle for transmitting the driving force from the rotary actuator to the buckle. A locking device locks the buckle in the lower position to which it is driven by the driving force.

Abstract: A buckle for vehicle safety belt systems provided with a pretensioner engaging the buckle, is prevented by a locking pawl (42) from unintentional opening at the beginning and at the end of a pretensioning stroke. By the effect of its mass inertia at the start of the pretensioning stroke an inertial body moves the locking pawl (42) into a locking position in which the release button (30) is prevented from moving in a direction relative to the base in the pretensioning direction (R). Due to the location of its center of gravity relative to its mounting position the locking pawl (42) at the end of the pretensioning stroke remains in the locking position and is decoupled from the inertial body (56).

Abstract: A seat belt buckle guard comprises a one-piece, molded plastic, box-like enclosure having one open end and an opposite end wall with a slot. The seat belt buckle fits through the open end into the enclosure with its latch plate receiving slot aligned with the slot in the housing. The latch plate on one belt half can be inserted through the housing slot to make with the buckle. Formed in the top wall and the end wall is an opening for gaining access to the buckle release button. In one arrangement, the opening is a narrow slot through which a flat object, such as a key, can be inserted to operate the buckle's release button. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the opening is a circular aperture of a size permitting one's finger to be inserted to operate the release button. The opening is surrounded by a tubular stub or neck threaded on its exterior to receive a child-resistant safety cap of the type commonly used on medicine bottles.

Abstract: In a snap buckle, the plug member 1 has a pair of resilient locking strips, each having on its outer surface an engaging portion, and a pair of guide strips outside the locking strips, each having an inner edge portion substantially in alignment with the respective engaging portion. The companion socket member has a pair of locking walls and a pair of inwardly bent resilient push levers outside the locking walls. When inserting the plug member into the socket member, the engaging portions engages the locking walls to bring the inner edge portions of the guide strips into contact with the side surfaces of the locking walls, causing the pushing portions of the push levers to resiliently contact the heads of the locking strips. Pressing the pushing levers inwardly releases the connection of the plug and socket members. The guide strips prevents either any accidental release or any misinsertion.

Abstract: When the connection of the buckle main body A with the tongue is to be released during normal operation, the operating member is operated and is moved to the position where the engagement of the tongue with the latch member can be released. In this case, the locking member can be moved toward the position where the engagement of the tongue with the latch member can be released, and the locking member is perfectly moved to the position where the engagement of the tongue with the latch member can be released by the operating member. When impact is applied on the buckle unit, control device prevents the locking member from moving toward the position where the engagement of the tongue with the latch member can be released. For this reason, the engagement of the tongue with the latch member cannot be released, and the connection of the buckle main body with the tongue can be maintained.

Abstract: A seat belt tongue retaining device which comprises a buckle unit having an insertion passage into which a tongue is inserted, and a latch pawl capable of getting into and out of the insertion passage. A tongue has a latch hole for allowing the latch pawl to engage therewith. Slots formed in the tongue extend in the inserting direction. Arms disposed turnably in the buckle unit have leading ends capable of protruding and moving in the tongue inserting direction. The arms engage with the slots of the tongue in the insertion passage and pull the tongue deep into the passage wherein the tongue is latched automatically.

Abstract: An actuator for a buckle in a vehicle safety belt system is disclosed. A belt tightener engages on the buckle. In operation, the belt tightener moves the buckle towards the vehicle floor to tighten the webbing. An actuating member is arranged at a stationary location so that relative movement occurs between the buckle and the actuating member when the former is moved towards the vehicle bottom. A force transmitting connection permitting such relative movement is provided between the buckle and the actuating member. This connection can be embodied by a flexible cable or by a rack bar and a tooth member cooperating therewith.

Abstract: A buckle assembly (36) includes a latch member (50) which is movable between an engaged position and a release position. A pushbutton (88) is manually actuatable from a first position to a second position to move the latch member from the engaged position to the release position. The latch member is movable from the engaged position to the release position against force provided by only a latch spring (64) upon insertion of a tongue (38, 40) into the buckle assembly. The pushbutton is manually actuatable from the first position to the second position against a combined force provided by the latch spring and a coil spring (92). A one-piece plastic locator member (112) is mounted on a base (44) of the buckle assembly. The locator member extends into a belt receiving opening (46) in the base to protect the belt (32) against abrasion by the metal base.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle for securing a tongue of a seat belt comprises an insertion passage for inserting the tongue, a latch device for preventing the tongue from being pulled out from the insertion passage, and a magnetic biasing device for biasing magnetically the tongue in the direction of insertion.