Abstract: A seatbelt buckle for receiving a tongue of a latch plate in an occupant restraining system of a vehicle includes a housing having a frame and a locking mechanism operatively connected with the frame, an ejector operatively coupled to the locking mechanism, a button in sliding engagement with the locking mechanism, an opening formed in the housing for inserting the tongue of the latch plate into a passage formed in the housing, and a gate securely attached to the ejector and sized to fit in the opening of the housing. The ejector releasably retains the tongue of the latch plate and the button releases the locking mechanism. Further, the gate moves in a linear fashion along with the tongue of the latch plate.

Abstract: A buckle device capable of displaying a locked state includes a main body unit, a latch unit, a fastening unit, an electromagnetic unit, and a control unit. The main body unit includes a main body and the latch unit includes a detachable tongue element. The fastening unit includes a bolt body interfering with the tongue element. The electromagnetic unit includes an electromagnetic module and an electromagnetic rod. The electromagnetic module controls the electromagnetic rod to interfere with the bolt body. The control unit includes a control module, a display module and a magnetic rod detection module for detecting the position of the electromagnetic rod. The control unit receives detection information of the magnetic bolt detection module and controls the display module to display a current state according to the position of the at least one electromagnetic rod.

Abstract: A buckle assembly has a main body with a first hook element facing a rear end, and an actuation button disposed in a cavity of the main body. The actuation button is connected to the main body by a spring so that the actuation button can move between an extended resting position and a compressed position. The actuation button has a second hook element on a bottom surface and which faces the front end of the main body. A pull ring is connected to the main body and actuation button by fitting the pull ring around the first hook element, pressing the actuation button, pivoting the actuation button and main body until the second hook element is disposed within a central aperture of the pull ring, and releasing the actuation button so that the pull ring is retained in the hook elements under pressure by the spring.

Abstract: A wearable device is provided. The wearable device includes a housing. The housing includes a housing base, a housing hook extending from the housing base, and a locking pin extending from the housing base. The wearable device also includes a cover. The cover includes a cover base having an opening to receive the locking pin and a cover hook extending from the cover base. The cover hook is configured to engage the housing hook for latching the cover onto the housing. The wearable device also includes a strap. The strap includes a connector that has a through hole to receive the locking pin securing the strap to the housing and the cover when the housing and the cover are latched.

Abstract: A captive fastener and method of use is disclosed wherein the screw is comprised of a head and shank, and where the shank includes a radial counter bore that retains a spring biased pin. The spring may bear against a plug in the counter bore or the shank inner wall, and biases the pin outward such that it extends outside of the shank in the absence of a compressive force. The captive screw is inserted through a top panel by tilting the screw at the opening of the panel such that the pin is pushed inward into the channel formed by the counter bore (against the force of the spring). Once the pin is recessed in the screw, the screw is passed through the panel opening until the shank emerges on the other side. Once the shank pushes through the panel, the pin will emerge under the biasing of the spring to extend outward of the shank in the radial direction. The pin thus prevents the screw from disengaging with the panel.

Abstract: A quick-release fastener for a vehicle seat belt (21) with a fitting part (1), and a fastening part (7). The fitting part (1) has a first opening (2), and a second opening (3), in which the fastening part (7) can be locked to a locking head (6). The fastening part (7) can be inserted into the opening (3) in which a spring element (14) is arranged in an assembly position (I), and the spring element (14) can be moved into the locked position (II). A housing (100) is adapted to the shape of the fitting part (1) with the locking head (6) retained therein. The mounting (112) is shaped n such that the fitting part (I) with the locking head (6) can be completely received in the mounting (112) only when the locking head (6) is in the locked position (II).

Abstract: A buckle for a safety harness in motor vehicles includes a buckle housing and a locking and unlocking mechanism housed therein, and a buckle tongue interacting with the locking and unlocking mechanism. The plastic buckle housing is provided with a silencing damping mass. The damping mass (12) is applied to the housing shells (10, 13) on the inside of the buckle housing to reduce the interior volume of the housing not occupied by the locking and unlocking mechanism.

Abstract: A buckle includes a snap coupling mechanism including a locking element pivotable between a locked and an unlocked position for engaging and disengaging two tongues, respectively; a release button movable between a raised position and a lowered position corresponding to the locked and unlocked positions, respectively; a spring tending to keep the release button in the raised position; and two sliders opposing the insertion of the tongues. The sliders are configured to come between a body of the buckle and the locking element, when the locking element is moved into the unlocked position, so as to prevent the locking element from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position. The release button is connected to the locking element so that when the release button is pressed, the locking element moves into the unlocked position, whereas when the release button is released, the locking element moves into the locked position.

Abstract: A barrier may be configured to maintain a fixed position with respect to a seat, the barrier separating a first space from a second space, a seatbelt buckle may be configured to maintain a fixed position with respect to the barrier in the second space, the buckle includes an opening to receive a seatbelt tongue and a release button to release the tongue from the buckle, the barrier may include a slot having dimensions selected to permit passage of the tongue from the first space into the opening and prevent an object from passing through the slot to operate the release button. A force-transfer-structure, coupled between the release button and a solenoid may transfer a force exerted by the solenoid to the release button, where the buckle and force-transfer-structure maintain operational alignment therebetween. A second structure can operate the release button in event that the solenoid is inoperable.

Abstract: A barrier may be configured to maintain a fixed position with respect to a seat, the barrier separating a first space from a second space, a seatbelt buckle may be configured to maintain a fixed position with respect to the barrier in the second space, the buckle includes an opening to receive a seatbelt tongue and a release button to release the tongue from the buckle, the barrier may include a slot having dimensions selected to permit passage of the tongue from the first space into the opening and prevent an object from passing through the slot to operate the release button. A force-transfer-structure, coupled between the release button and a solenoid may transfer a force exerted by the solenoid to the release button, where the buckle and force-transfer-structure maintain operational alignment therebetween. A second structure can operate the release button in event that the solenoid is inoperable.

Abstract: A buckle of a seat belt has a seat belt buckle body, a releasing button module, a spring module, and a buckle module. The releasing button module is pivotally mounted in the seat belt buckle body and has a spring recess and an abutted portion. The spring module has a buckle spring mounted in the spring recess and a buckle spring block mounted on the buckle spring. The buckle module engages the releasing button module, and abuts the buckle spring block. When the releasing button module is pressed and the buckle module disengages from the releasing button module, the buckle spring will spring the buckle spring block, the buckle module will depart from the seat belt buckle body, and then the buckle spring block is stopped on the abutted portion. As a result, the buckle spring will not spring out of the seat belt buckle body.

Abstract: When a pretensioner is activated, a buckle main body experiences abrupt acceleration in a direction toward webbing. An inertial amass body of a stopper member is then rotated toward a frame member against an urging force of a torsion spring urged through a lever member. Further, the lever member abutting on the stopper member is also rotated toward the frame member, making each projecting piece face each abutment portion of a slide button. Further, when the slide button is slidingly moved against an urging force of a button spring, each abutment portion makes contact with each projecting piece of the lever member, stopping the slide movement of the slide button. Thus, unintentional disengagement between a latch and a tongue plate can be prevented.

Abstract: A frame member, which is approximately U-shaped in side view, has an ejector having elastic locking pieces whose tips are configured to move along long holes formed in an upper plate, mounted thereon. A permanent magnet is mounted on a slider member, at the end portion closer to a Hall IC switch. Pairs of elastic engagement pieces are inserted through the long holes respectively, and engaged with engagement portions provided at the tips of elastic engagement pieces of the ejector respectively and thus assembled. In a base member formed approximately rectangular-frame-shaped in plan view, the Hall IC switch is fitted on a Hall IC switch supporting extension, extended approximately perpendicularly outward from an end portion closer to the frame member of an outer plate positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A belt lock for a seat belt system includes a locking mechanism arranged in a belt lock housing formed from two housing shells for an inserted belt tongue. The locking mechanism has an axially movable component that changes its location from a first end position into a second end position when the locking mechanism is actuated. The locking mechanism is also equipped with a switch arrangement that has at least one fixed contact part and one switching contact part that can move relative to it and on which, in an end position of the component that changes its location, the component acts. The switching contact part is configured as a clamp-shaped elastic sheet part with two axially running side braces that are provided with knee-like bends that, in an end position of the axially movable component, are mechanically exposed to pressure by the component.

Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a first plate and a second plate defining a gap therebetween. A button assembly defines a slot aligned with the gap, and is coupled to the first plate and the second plate for movement along a longitudinal axis of the first plate. The button assembly includes a door transversely moveable relative to the longitudinal axis between a closed position covering the slot and a retracted position spaced from the slot. The door includes an angled ledge, that directs fluid through at least one aperture in a sidewall of the button assembly when the door is in the closed position. A block is disposed within the gap. The first plate and the second plate define undulations extending along the longitudinal axis and into the gap. The block mates with the undulation in the first plate and the second plate to fill the gap.

Abstract: A buckle includes a snap coupling mechanism including a locking element pivotable between a locked and an unlocked position for engaging and disengaging two tongues, respectively; a release button movable between a raised position and a lowered position corresponding to the locked and unlocked positions, respectively; a spring tending to keep the release button in the raised position; and two sliders opposing the insertion of the tongues. The sliders are configured to come between a body of the buckle and the locking element, when the locking element is moved into the unlocked position, so as to prevent the locking element from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position. The release button is connected to the locking element so that when the release button is pressed, the locking element moves into the unlocked position, whereas when the release button is released, the locking element moves into the locked position.

Abstract: The lock member includes: a plate-like base portion positioned on a top side of the socket; a holder retaining the base portion to the socket; an operating portion connected to the base portion and movable in a direction intersecting the base portion by an external operation; and a lock portion restricting disengagement of the engaged portions and the engaging portions. The lock portion is positioned in the socket and connected to the operating portion via a joint inserted in the cutout. Without the external operation, the lock portion is present in movement paths where the engaging portions move to be disengaged from the engaged portions. When the operating portion is moved by the external operation, the lock portion is moved away from the movement paths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a buckle and tongue combination for restraining an occupant in a seat, the buckle and tongue combination.

Abstract: Body restraint systems for vehicles that include buckles for latching and retaining latch plates associated with safety belts. The buckle of each system includes a pair of oppositely biased latching mechanisms that are operative in such a manner that a force applied to release one latching mechanism from a latch plate inserted within the buckle creates an opposite and equal force against the opposite latching mechanism to thereby positively retain the latch plate within the buckle in a locked position. Release of a latch plate can only occur upon the simultaneous movement of both of the oppositely biased latching mechanisms toward one another by application of manual force and thus release of the latch plate cannot occur by inertial forces that may be encountered in a vehicular accident.

Abstract: A buckle assembly for a vehicle restraint system where the buckle assembly is adapted to receive a plurality of belt connectors, with the belt connectors being simultaneously released upon moving at least one handle to a release position.

Abstract: A buckle that is compact in a longitudinal direction and uses an unlatching force that may be effectively applied to a latch member when releasing a tongue from a buckle. The buckle is configured so that as an operation button is manipulated in the unlatching direction from a state in which a tongue and a latching portion of a latch member are latched, the slider moves so that the inclined face of a pressed portion of the slider comes in contact with the inclined face of a pressing portion of an ejector and presses the ejector. Then, the ejector is spaced from the tongue and the biasing force of an ejector spring is effectively applied to the latch member via the ejector and the slider in the unlatching direction. An unlatching force is thereby applied to the latch member so that the latch member pivots in the unlatching direction, causing release of the tongue.

Abstract: A buckle device includes a buckle body that includes a bottom plate and a pair of side walls with a tongue plate being inserted and retained between the side walls, and a release button that includes an operation portion that is push-operated along the insertion direction to release the retention of the tongue plate. Elongated holes along the insertion direction of the tongue plate are formed in the pair of side walls of the buckle body. The release button also includes a pair of arm portions that extend in the insertion direction from both width-direction ends of the operation portion, a pair of extension portions that have a predetermined elasticity and extend from width-direction ends of the pair of arm portions toward the bottom plate, and pawl portions that protrude from ends of the pair of extension portions toward the side walls and movably fit into the elongated holes.

Abstract: A buckle device capable of reducing an impact noise generated when a tongue plate (2) is inserted and eliminating a coil spring member energizing a release button (50) and a lock pin holder so as to simplify a structure, wherein a lock bar (30) has both end parts inserted into slots (16) and is mounted on a pair of side plate parts (12), both end parts of the lock bar (30) are engaged with a pair of guide grooves (54) in a pair of guide wall parts (52) of a synthetic resin release button (50) and, when the tongue plate (2) is inserted, the lock bar (30) is moved rapidly to the front end part of the slots (16) and, in this case, the end parts of the lock bar (30) are supported on a supporting part (55) at the end of the guide groove (54), not on the end of the slots (16).

Abstract: A safety belt latch for a car includes a base, a cover, and a rotation member. Thus, the flattened opening of the connecting plate is spaced from the fixed post so that the fixed post is fixed independently and is not moved with the connecting plate, and the fixed snap of the safety belt is secured to the base of the safety belt latch by the fixed post of the cover rigidly and stably, thereby preventing the fixed snap of the safety belt from detaching from the safety belt latch.

Abstract: A multi-purpose buckle sensor assembly includes a hall sensor portion including a hail sensor and a printed enclosed in one package; a base plate including a metal pattern with a plurality of terminal portions for control and power lines formed in a predetermined pattern and a supporting plate including a plurality of terminal seats for connecting the connecting ends of control and power lines to the terminal portions; a movable member including at least two contact terminals for generating various control and a terminal block made of a heat-melted material in the form of a fork having three branches at the front portion and including at least one branch enclosing the connecting ends of the control and power lines electrically coupled to each other with the control terminal portions in corresponding power terminal seats, in which the hall sensor portion is cooperated with a buckle assembly.

Abstract: A buckle device which can ensure smooth unlocking over a long period of time at low cost. A button slope 66 is a curved surface opening toward a button 50 side with respect to an unlocking direction. Accordingly, the increasing amount of force of the button slopes 66 pressing abutted surfaces 86A with respect to the amount of movement of the button 50 is small immediately after the button 50 started to be pressed, and frictional resistance between the button slopes 66 and the abutted surfaces 86A can be thereby made smaller than before. Thus, wear of the abutted surfaces 86A can be reduced or prevented. For example, even when coatings are applied to the abutted surfaces 86A to reduce the frictional resistance between the button slopes 66 and the abutted surfaces 86A so that the unlocking can be smoothly carried out, degree of dependence on the coatings for reducing the frictional resistance becomes lower than before so that the coatings can be kept long.

Abstract: A buckle device in which it can be detected whether or not a tongue plate inserted into a case is locked, and in which reliability of such detection is high. In the buckle device, a magnetic plate is provided at a leg portion which moves together with the tongue plate which is inserted into an interior of the case. Changes in orientation of a magnetic field of a magnet of a sensing section, which orientation varies due to the magnetic plate approaching and moving away from the magnet, are detected at an MRE sensor.

Abstract: A buckle for a safety belt with three branches where one of the branches includes a rocking lever, which is pivotably connected at one end, having an opposing free end, an intermediate groove and an intermediate projection. A dependent portion or appendage of a push button is provided including a V-shaped notch with a cam surface that cooperates with the intermediate projection of the lever. When the buckle device is un-buckled, the push button is kept at a resting position by the intermediate projection of the lever movement along the cam surface and into the V-shaped notch, where the lever is prevented from rotating but is oscillated about its pivot.

Abstract: A safety belt buckle locking mechanism comprising a receiving buckle and an insertion buckle with spring-loaded safety locking bars and side-pins extending from each side of the insertion buckle. The receiving buckle has an internal spring-action latch rotatively attached to pivot pin and a spring-loaded main belt release button extending from the top of the buckle. The insertion buckle has a rectangular latching hole, which the receiving buckle's latch snaps into when the two buckles are coupled together. When the belt release button is pressed downward, the spring-action latch is rotated upward out of the mating rectangular latching hole, thereby releasing the belts.

Abstract: A buckle for safety belts is provided, especially for the waist belt of a life preserver. The buckle has a tongue plate, the pins of which are insertable into a slot-shaped recess of a main body in which are displaceably disposed two securing elements, which cooperate with the pins for locking the buckle, and which are resiliently biased into the locking position.

Abstract: An improved structure of a plug-in fastening device is disclosed. An improved structure of a plug-in fastening device having a female fastener and a male fastener, characterized in that the two sides of the housing of the female fastener are provided with resilient legs and the interior of the housing is provided with a positioning sliding block and a fastening rod, by means of the top urging and pressing of a compression spring, via the pushing of the controlling button positioned at the housing of the female fastener, the protruded block of the fastening rod contacts with a positioning sliding block zigzag recess and a slot, thereby the dislocation of the fastening device due to external force is prevented.

Abstract: A latch assembly for securing a cover to a container comprises a base for mounting to the container cover adjacent to an edge thereof, a cover member secured to the base and a slider slidable between the base and cover member between a latched position wherein a portion of the slider interfits with the container and an unlatched position wherein the slider portion is disengaged from the container. A headed spring member interposed between the slider and the base interfits with holes or recesses in the slider to signal when the slider has reached its latched and unlatched positions and to releasably retain the slider at those positions.

Abstract: A multi-point buckle assembly includes a body having a top opening on a top surface, a plurality of side openings, and a plurality of channels, a release button disposed within the top opening, a plurality of main tongues, and a plurality of side tongues, wherein each of the plurality of main tongues is adapted to fit into each of the plurality of side openings and each of the plurality of side tongues is adapted to fit into each of the plurality of channels.

Abstract: The buckle for a safety belt with three branches is of the type described in the Italian patent application for utility model No. TO98U 000121.

Abstract: A buckle assembly configured to receive a tongue and selectively engaging the tongue with a fixed latch. The buckle assembly includes a release button, a frame and an urging member. The release button receives the tongues and also slidably retains two ejectors. The frame has two fixed lathes that engage the latch receiving slots on the tongues when the tongues are at least partially inserted into the release button. In one embodiment, insertion of the tongues into the release button causes the displacement of two ejectors such that the urging member is able to urge the release button into a closed configuration in which the release button is flush with the frame. When the release button is urged into the closed configuration, the latch receiving slots are engaged by the fixed latches.

Abstract: A buckle that can be manufactured at lower cost and is not unlocked even when a tongue plate is pushed in a locked state is obtained. An intermediate arm 60 is fixed to a lock spring 54 attached to a button 28. Facing walls 68 of leg portions 66 of the intermediate arm 60 face distal ends of horn pieces 26 of an ejector 22. In the locked state, a predetermined clearance 72 is formed between the facing walls 68 and protrusions 70 of the horn pieces 26. Accordingly, even if a tongue plate 20 is moved further in the direction of the arrow A, the facing walls 68 are not moved in the direction of the arrow A. The button 28 is not moved in an unlocking direction (the direction of the arrow A), either, and movement of a latch 48 in a disengaging direction (the direction opposite to the arrow B) is certainly prevented. As protrusions 38 can be formed in a small size, a buckle 10 is formed in a small size, and the buckle 10 can be manufactured at lower cost.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle having a release button for a latch slidably mounted on a frame, an ejector for an insert tongue and at least one connecting element. The connecting element is shiftable between a working position, in which it makes a connection between the ejector and the release button, and a resting position in which it breaks the connection between the ejector and release button. A dislocator is provided on the frame, which dislocates the connecting element from the resting position into the working position when the ejector is shifted out of place.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lockable element (16) and a buckle (12) that includes a base (28), a latch (42), a Hall effect device (60), and a pair of magnets (68) and (74). The base (28) defines a passage (32) into which the lockable element (16) is insertable. The latch (42) is made of a ferromagnetic material and is movable from a non-locking position to a locking position in which it engages the lockable element (16). The Hall effect device (60) is disposed between the magnets (68) and (74). The magnetic fields of the magnets (68) and (74) oppose each other. In the locking position, the magnets (68) and (74) provide a net magnetic field of a first magnitude that acts on the Hall effect device (60). In the non-locking position, the magnets (68) and (74) provide a magnetic field of a second magnitude acting on the Hall effect device (60) that is different than the net magnetic field of a first magnitude.

Abstract: An improved safety belt buckle for use with a buckle end pretensioner. The buckle for a vehicle safety restraint belt comprises a latch (5) moveable between a tongue engaging position in which the buckle is fastened and a tongue disengaged position in which the buckle is open, a button (7) moveable in the direction of tongue insertion to lift the latch against the action of a biasing spring (9), into the disengaging position. A securing means (10) in the form of a slidable plate is mounted in the buckle frame and is moveable between a position in which it restrains a movement of the latch into the disengaging position and a position in which it does not restrain movement of the latch.

Abstract: A load-bearing frame is provided with a fastener extension which is configured integrally with the frame and comprises a fastener opening for mounting the frame in a vehicle-fixed manner.

Abstract: A web adjuster for securing a web and a seat including the web adjuster. The web extends through the web adjuster including a mounting plate that is mounted to the seat. A sliding plate moves relative to the mounting plate for lockingly engaging the web. Resilient biasing elements bias the sliding plate into locking engagement, and a release handle displaces the sliding plate against the resilient biasing elements.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle has a guide channel formed in a buckle frame into which a tongue connected to a seat belt can be inserted. An ejector, located in the guide channel acts, as an ejector spring in the ejection direction opposite to the insertion direction of the tongue. A locking element is mounted on the buckle frame and can be moved out of an unlocking position into a locking position in order to lock the tongue in the guide channel. A securing element is movable between a securing position for holding the locking element in the locking position and a release position for releasing the locking element. A blocking device is mounted on the securing element and is moved into a blocking position when the locking element is in the locking position. The securing element is held in the securing position against a movement into the release position, whereby the blocking device is held in the blocking position by the ejector.

Abstract: Before mounting to an anchor plate, a holding block is connected by a plurality of connecting portions to a button so as to be formed integrally with the button. A pair of connecting portions among the plurality of connecting portions is comprised of a button-side connecting portion and a holding block-side connecting portion, and the button-side connecting portion and the holding block-side connecting portions are joined together by a minimum sectional area portion which intersects, at an angle of inclination of 45 degrees, a direction in which the button slides. The minimum sectional area portion is made substantially perpendicular to the direction of tensile stress acting during assembly, and therefore, a crack is formed in the minimum sectional area portion along the shortest possible length of the minimum sectional area portion when the above-described pair of connecting portions is broken.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lockable element (16) and a buckle (12). The buckle (12) includes a base (28) that defines a passage (32) for receiving the lockable element (16), a latch (42), a Hall effect device (60), and a magnet (62). The latch (42) is movable from a non-locking position to a locking position in which it engages the lockable element (16). The magnet (62) is fixed to and moves with the latch (42). In the non-locking position, the latch (42) conducts low density magnetic flux from the magnet (62) to the Hall effect device (60). In the locking position, the latch (42) and the lockable element (16) conduct high density magnetic flux from the magnet (62) to the Hall effect device (60). The Hall effect device (60) thus has a first output when the latch (42) is in the non-locking position, and a second, different output when the latch (42) is in the locking position.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (12) includes a buckle base (34) having a passage (36) for receiving a tongue (16) by movement of the tongue in a first direction into the passage. An ejector (40) in the passage (36) is biased in a second direction opposite the first direction. The ejector (40) moves in the first direction against the bias upon insertion of the tongue (16) into the passage (36). A latch (42) latches the tongue (16) in the passage (36). The buckle (12) includes structure (24, 32) defining an opening (22) through which the tongue (16) is inserted into the passage (36). A shield (60) blocks the opening (22) and blocks foreign matter from passing through the opening.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle for use with a tongue 16, associated with a seat belt, includes a frame 10, in which is mounted an ejector 20, operable by an ejector spring 22. Insertion of the tongue pushes a retainer 30 down a track 26, against the action of a retainer spring 32. The track is inclined at an angle .alpha. to the path 15 of the tongue and extends outwardly away from the path in the direction of insertion of the tongue. When the tongue has been inserted an adequate amount, the retainer 30, e.g. a ball returns up the ramp under the influence of the spring 32 and engages in an aperture 18 in the tongue to retain the tongue in the locked condition. Operation of a release mechanism 42 disengages the retainer from the aperture thereby to release the tongue.

Abstract: In a buckle of the present invention, inertia force F.sub.1 acts in a direction opposite to a direction toward a disengaging position of a main body 4d of a lock member when the buckle is pulled by a pretensioner. Clockwise torque T.sub.1 is developed on a lever 12b and counter-clockwise torque T.sub.2 is developed on a mass body 12c. Since the torque T.sub.2 of the mass body 12c is larger generally, the lever 12b and the mass body 12c rotate together in the counter-clockwise direction so that the lever is set in the restricting position. At the bottoming of the pulling action of the buckle, the inertia force F.sub.2 acts in a direction toward the disengaging position of the main body 4d. Therefore, the mass body 12c rotates in the clockwise direction and the lever 12b is held in the restricting position so that the movement of the lock member in the direction toward the disengaging position of the main body 4d is prevented.

Abstract: A Hall effect device (60) is exposed to a magnetic field having flux lines extending in a first direction relative to the Hall effect device (60) if a seat belt tongue (16) is not locked in a seat belt buckle (12). The Hall effect device (60) is exposed to a magnetic field having flux lines extending in a second, opposite direction relative to the Hall effect device if the tongue (16) is locked in the buckle (12). The output of the Hall effect device (60) indicates whether or not the tongue (16) is locked in the buckle (12).

Abstract: A seat belt buckle incorporates a spring mounted on the latch. When the latch engages with the tongue of a seat belt, the tongue can move against the spring in response to tension loading of the seat belt while remaining securely latched. This motion due to belt tension is resisted by the spring, with a selected spring constant. A sensor is used to monitor the presence and position of the tongue either directly or by measuring motion of the latch. The position information, which is related to spring compression, is used to determine loading on the tongue and thus seat belt tension.

Abstract: A safety belt buckle based on the well accepted pivotal latch design has simple measures for adaptation for use with a belt pretensioner. The pivotal latch (16) is secured in a fastened position by a locking plate (20). The locking plate (20) is for its part held in position by two locking balls (36), which are retained between a recess (28) in the locking plate and an arrest plate (30) adapted to shift in parallelism to the locking plate. For unfastening the buckle it is firstly necessary for such arrest plate (30) to be actuated by way of an inertial mass-compensated system.The buckle is furthermore made proof against extremely high levels of acceleration in all directions.