Abstract: A webbing insertion member is formed of a body having a through opening for allowing a webbing to pass therethrough, and a slide portion formed on at least one side of the through opening. The slide portion has a rough portion substantially contacting the webbing to reduce a sliding area with the webbing. A friction reducing material is formed on the rough portion for allowing the webbing to slide easily and smoothly on the rough portion.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensing assembly fixedly secured to a vehicle. The seat belt tension sensing assembly has a housing and a slider slidably received within the housing, the slider being capable of movement between a first position and a second position within the housing, the second position corresponding to a tension in the seat belt consummate with a child safety seat being secured by the seat belt, the slider having a first opening for a portion of the seat belt to pass therethrough. A first magnet and a second magnet are secured in a second opening in the slider, the first and second magnet being in a facing spaced relationship. A Hall effect device is fixedly secured to the housing and protrudes into the second opening of the slider. The Hall effect device is closer to the first magnet when the slider is in the first position and the Hall effect device is closer to the second magnet when the slider is in the second position.

Abstract: A restraint belt presenter assembly includes a restraint belt engaging member that is selectively driven by a track drive mechanism to catch and pull a restraint belt from its unused position to a presentation position for grasping by a vehicle occupant. In one embodiment, the restraint belt engaging member includes a selectively upwardly moving arm having a finger assembly with an offset rotary action for moving the finger assembly into an actuating position. In a second embodiment, the restraint belt engaging member is connected to a hinge member that pivots the restraint belt engaging member into an actuating position.

Abstract: A clamp for relieving the tension in a seatbelt. The clamp is moveable along a track between first and second endstops. The clamp includes a movable button which can be pushed by the passenger to lock the clamp to the seatbelt. The clamp can be secured to the seatbelt at the first endstop. Subsequent movement by the passenger results in the clamp moving along the track. Upon reseating by the passenger, the clamp will be supported at a support position intermediate of the first and second endstops, resulting in increased slack in the shoulder portion of the seatbelt, reduced tension in the shoulder portion, and increased comfort for the passenger.

Abstract: A four point restraint apparatus for a vehicle includes in a preferred embodiment a first pair of flexible lap belts connected at laterally opposite sides of a seat cushion with inner ends transversely connectable to one another across pelvic regions of an occupant and a second pair of flexible shoulder belts connected to a support in the vehicle body and extending forward of the seat back adjacent the neck and across the clavicle of the occupant. The shoulder belts extend from the clavicle essentially parallel downward across front edge portions of the occupant's rib cage to laterally spaced attachment with the lap belts adjacent pelvic regions of an occupant.

Abstract: A restraining device for protecting the driver of a vehicle. The restraining system has at least one safety rollover bar laterally mounted next to the seat of the driver. The safety rollover bar can be swiveled from an vertical release position into a horizontal restraining position by a shaft extending transversely in relation to the longitudinal expanse of the vehicle. The shaft is driven by an electric motor via a transmission.

Abstract: An energy management device (10) for seat belt webbing (18) for restraining a vehicle occupant includes a base (40) for attachment to the vehicle. The device (10) also includes a plastically deformable torsion bar (60) having a first portion (66) fixed relative to the base (40) and a second portion (72) rotatable relative to the first portion and the base. The torsion bar (60) twists upon rotation of the second portion (72) relative to the first portion (66). A spool (80) is supported on the base (40) and is fixed for rotation with the second portion (72) of the torsion bar (60) relative to the first portion (66) of the torsion bar. The spool (80) has an outer peripheral surface (90). A flexible member (100) is wound on the outer peripheral surface (90) of the spool (80). The flexible member (100) has a first end portion (104) connected with the spool (80) and a second end portion (110) extending from the spool (80) for connection with the seat belt webbing (14) of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive passenger restraint and protection apparatus for an automotive vehicle has a seatbelt and operates to restrain an occupant of the automotive vehicle by the seatbelt to protect the occupant. An electric retractor has a DC motor for retracting and protracting the seatbelt. An MPU applies voltage having a predetermined waveform to the DC motor, and then detects a waveform of current flowing to the DC motor. The MPU carries out fault diagnosis of the DC motor, based upon the detected waveform of current when the voltage having the predetermined waveform is applied to the DC motor. Thus, accurate fault diagnosis of the apparatus can be achieved.

Abstract: An advanced automobile passenger restraint and deceleration system is defined, the design of which is centered on retractible belts comprised of a unique, two-part combination of a single lap belt and dual shoulder belt restraints with the lap belt retractors automatically electrically locking upon application of restraint for firmly-located, tension-free lap belt comfort. This belt system features a padded body-centered, abdominal-force-distributing and fastening plate consisting of two halves, each half being attached to one shoulder belt and to one half of the lap belt with the two halves snapping together to apply said belt restraint system with one simple manual action.

Abstract: An anti-roping turning loop is provided for a vehicle seatbelt. The turning loop defines a guide slot which is provided with anti-roping projections which prevent twisting of the seatbelt web.

Abstract: A restraint presentation system is disclosed that includes a movable presenting member, such as an armrest or an actuating arm, that moves between a presenting position and a storage position and a restraint belt connected to a tensioning mechanism. The presenting member preferably has a concave shaped portion on a distal end thereof that captures a contact portion of the restraint belt to position the restraint belt in an operational position so as to be accessible to a vehicle occupant. The tensioning mechanism biases the restraint belt into a retracted position when the presenting member is in the storage position such that the contact portion of the restraint belt is in a co-linear relationship with the concave shaped portion of the presenting member.

Abstract: A seat belt system for a two wheel motor vehicle is arranged for fixing a person on a vehicle seat. Two mutually independent seat belt straps are provided which can be fastened by one belt buckle tongue respectively on one vehicle-fixed belt buckle respectively. By operating one unlatching device respectively on the pertaining belt buckle, one belt buckle tongue respectively can be released from this belt buckle and at least one additional operating device, which interacts with the unlatching devices of both belt buckles, is provided at an easily accessible point on the motor vehicle for releasing both belt buckle tongues from the respective pertaining belt buckle. The unlatching devices of both belt buckles are connected by way of at least one cable pull with the additional operating device.

Abstract: A restraint belt presenter assembly includes a restraint belt engaging member that is selectively driven by a track drive mechanism to catch and pull a restraint belt from its unused position to a presentation position for grasping by a vehicle occupant. The restraint belt engaging member includes a housing having an L-shaped slot that receives a finger assembly wherein the finger assembly has a rotary offset with locking movement for maintaining the finger assembly in an actuating position.

Abstract: A passenger protecting apparatus that prevents a submarine phenomenon of the passenger by the use of an air belt, or that can protect the passenger by applying a pretension to the webbing. The apparatus includes a seat cushion that includes a seat pad, and an air belt disposed under the seat pad. The air belt includes a buckle and a lap anchor. The rear end on the right and the left of the air belt are connected to the buckle and the lap anchor via a wire respectively. Upon collision, the air belt is inflated and the front portion of the seat pad is pushed up so that a submarine phenomenon is prevented and the buckle and the lap anchor are pulled down.

Abstract: A restraint presentation system is disclosed that includes a movable presenting member, such as an armrest or an actuating arm, that moves between a presenting position and a storage position and a restraint belt connected to a tensioning mechanism. The presenting member preferably has a concave shaped portion on a distal end thereof that captures a contact portion of the restraint belt to position the restraint belt in an operational position so as to be accessible to a vehicle occupant. The tensioning mechanism biases the restraint belt into a retracted position when the presenting member is in the storage position such that the contact portion of the restraint belt is in a co-linear relationship with the concave shaped portion of the presenting member.

Abstract: A through anchor in which residual stress caused by thermal contraction is dispersed so as to reduce risk of crack formation in a resin molding portion. The through anchor includes a metal plate and a resin molding portion covering a portion of the metal plate. Usually, residual stress due to thermal contraction (shrinkage) differences between the resin molding portion and the metal plate is high in regions near both ends of the boundary between the resin molding portion and the metal plate. A notch portion is formed in each of the regions so as to expose a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the metal plate covered by the resin molding portion to the outside environment. Accordingly, although the resin molding portion thermally contracts after insert molding, the contraction of the resin molding portion is not retarded as much by the outer peripheral portion of the metal plate due to the outer peripheral portion of the metal plate being exposed.

Abstract: The present device provides a plurality of belts to restrain a horizontal passenger within a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, a diagonal belt is secured to the vehicle proximal the side of the sleeping surface near the hips of the passenger. Where the passenger is lying on his back, the diagonal belt extends toward the shoulder of the passenger and is in contact with the back of the passenger. It is looped over the shoulder and passes over the chest of the passenger. It is then secured to the vehicle proximal the hips of the passenger. The passenger may lie on his side or chest, as well. The restraint also includes one or two additional belts positioned transverse to the sleeping surface. The first transverse belt extends over the chest and under the arms of the passenger; the second transverse belt extends over the thighs of the passenger. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a single belt to restrain the passenger both transversely and longitudinally.

Abstract: A height adjuster for a vehicle safety belt comprises a track and a slide piece which may be shifted within the track. The height adjuster further comprises an adjusting mechanism with a lever by which a movement of the slide piece can be unlocked or locked. Further, a deflection fitting is provided which is attached to the slide piece, and an impact protection member. The impact protection member is attached to the slide piece and extends from the slide piece in a direction away from the track. A cover part is provided which engages with the impact protection member.

Abstract: An apparatus (22) includes a webbing roller (32), a brake structure (80), and a support structure (62, 62). The roller (32) includes a spool (50) and a pair of axially opposite spindle structures (52) centered on an axis of rotation (53). A rotatable outer surface (54) of the spool (50) is configured to engage seat belt webbing (16). The support structure (62, 62) is configured to support the roller (32) in an ordinary operating position in which the outer surface (54) of the spool (50) is spaced radially from a braking surface (82) on the brake structure (80). The support structure (62, 62) is further configured to support the roller (32) for movement under the influence of tension in the seat belt webbing (16). Such movement of the roller (32) includes uniform movement radially from the ordinary operating position to a restrained position in which the outer surface (54) of the spool (50) engages the braking surface (82) on the brake structure (80).

Abstract: An improved weight-based occupant characterization method that can inexpensively and reliably distinguish between a child or small adult and a tightly cinched child seat. When the sensed weight is in a specified range that could be produced by a tightly cinched child seat, the system characterizes the occupant based on a detected variation in sensed weight during movement of the vehicle. If the variance of the sensed weight is below a threshold for a predetermined interval, the occupant is characterized as a child seat, since a tightly cinched seat belt severely restricts variance. If the variance exceeds the threshold for a predetermined interval, the occupant is characterized as a child or small adult. A correlative factor that can be used in distinguishing between a child seat and a child or small adult is determined by computing a slope reversal rate, or frequency, of the measured weight.

Abstract: The helmet restraint system of the invention secures the helmet of a driver or passenger occupant of a vehicle, such as a race car, to the structural chassis, body, or frame of the vehicle, independent of the shoulder harness or seatbelt. The system provides a head restraint system which reduces the potentially injurious forces to the neck and head during a high-deceleration event, particularly a frontal collision. The helmet restraint belt system comprises a restraint belt assembly which spans between an anchor point on the vehicle chassis/body and a belt receiving latch mounted to the driver's helmet. The belt is preferably retractable and pre-tensioned by means of a collision or inertially-lockable belt tensioner. The helmet restraint system allows the driver to have unrestricted head movement during normal driving, but restrains the helmet and head during the impact of a collision by locking the belt against further extension.

Abstract: In order to reduce the thickness of a connecting portion of an inflatable belt and a tongue, a gas introduction pipe is held by a pipe holder disposed at a side of a tongue. A narrow portion at the end of the inflatable belt is passed through an opening of the tongue, folded at the opening to be superposed on and sewn together with a wide portion of the inflatable belt. The rear end of the pipe is inserted into an insertion hole of the inflatable belt. The pipe has an exhaust pipe branched therefrom. Gas from an inflator is supplied into the inflatable belt through the pipe. As the weight of an occupant is applied on to the inflated inflatable belt, gas within the inflatable belt is discharged through the exhaust pipe, thereby absorbing the impact. Caps are put on ends of the pipes, respectively, to prevent foreign matter from entering the pipe assembly.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensing device has a seat belt tension sensor and a seat belt buckle. The seat belt tension sensor has a means for detecting and transmitting information about magnetic field strength, a magnet, and a means for positioning the magnet spaced from the sensor. The magnet is biased away from the sensor. The seat belt tension sensor maintained fixed relative to a structural member of a vehicle. The a seat belt buckle is attached directly or indirectly to the seat belt tension sensor so that tension on the seat belt buckle moves the magnet and sensor closer together or further apart.

Abstract: A car seat tether restraint system having an anchor with a fastening portion and a leg with a foot extending from a mounting side thereof, a resilient locking flange extending from the mounting side of the anchor in an opposite direction as the foot, a body panel having a locking flange recess on one side thereof and an aperture therein, the leg disposed in the aperture with a portion of the body panel disposed between the mounting side of the anchor and the foot, the locking flange disposed in the locking flange recess.

Abstract: An arrangement for seat-belts for vehicles having a seat for a passenger, an area where the passenger has his shoulder when seated in a normal position, a forward direction and a rearward direction, comprises a belt which runs from the area in the vehicles where the passenger has his shoulder when seated in a normal position to an attachment point at the side of the passenger. The arrangement has a connection fixed to the vehicle behind the seat for moving the belt in a rearward direction, keeping the belt at the passenger's shoulder so that the belt is in contact with the passenger regardless of the angle of the seat's backrest.

Abstract: Three-point safety belt system, in particular for motor vehicle seats, comprising a safety belt (2) which can be unwound from a reel (1) and which is guided via a deflection device (3) arranged at the side above the seat and which has a passage opening (4), the lower boundary of which is formed by a deflection roller (9) for the safety belt (2), wherein, to make the drawing out of the safety belt easier and to reduce the wear of the belt (2), the deflection device has at least one further deflection roller (10).

Abstract: The present device provides a plurality of belts to restrain a horizontal passenger within a vehicle. In its preferred embodiment, a diagonal belt is secured to the vehicle proximal the side of the sleeping surface near the hips of the passenger. Where the passenger is lying on his back, the diagonal belt extends toward the shoulder of the passenger and is in contact with the back of the passenger. It is looped over the shoulder and passes over the chest of the passenger. It is then secured to the vehicle proximal the hips of the passenger. The passenger may lie on his side or chest, as well. The restraint also includes two belts positioned transverse to the sleeping surface. The transverse belts may wrap around the sleeping surface; may be secured proximal one side of the sleeping surface and secured proximal the opposite side of the sleeping surface, extending over the sleeping surface; or may be positioned entirely above the sleeping surface.

Abstract: This invention sets forth one or more seat belts which are secured at one end to the vehicle body in front of the seat and which extends upwardly and across the seat to connect with the usual well known buckle. The belt can be a retractable type so that it does not flop around on the floor in front of the seat. The belt can pass through a loop on the upper front of the seat. This belt would be used to protect a person, such as a child, lying prone on the seat such as during sleeping.

Abstract: A device for use in conjunction with a standard three-point seat belt harness assembly to provide for restraint of potential rearward motion of a vehicle occupant. The device includes a secondary belt which is fixedly attached to one portion of the harness assembly on one side of the seat and affixedly to the floor attachment post on the opposite side of the harness assembly at the other side of the seat. An adjustable unit is provided on the second belt to tighten across the back of the occupant and for when the seat or the back of the seat is moved or adjusted.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt tension sensor for detecting the magnitude of tension in a seat belt when an occupant is in the seat. A limit structure is attached between a vehicle member and the seat belt. A sensor is attached to the limit structure to generate an electrical signal in response to the sensor being placed in tension. The electrical signal changes as a function of tension on the seat belt. The limit structure moves between a first position in which the sensor carries all of the seat belt tension and a second position in which the limit structure carries all of the seat belt tension.

Abstract: A vehicle, with a vehicle floor (1), with a belt tensioner (2) which includes a piston/cylinder unit, and with a device for fastening the cylinder (3) to the vehicle floor is characterized in that the vehicle floor (1) has a recess into which the cylinder (3) at least partially projects.

Abstract: A restraint harness that reduces frontal and lateral upper body movement of a vehicle occupant during a crash by substantially one-half over conventional restraint harnesses. In addition, the restraint harness further distributes crash load more on the occupant's shoulders, which are better able to handle the load. The restraint harness further distributes the crash load over a greater surface area than conventional restraint harnesses. In the preferred embodiment, the restraint harness is routed in a pulley configuration that restricts occupant movement to approximately one-half the distance that the occupant would move during a crash with a conventional harness restraint. The pulley action reduces slack in the straps, secures the occupant tightly to the seat, and limits the frontal and lateral displacement of the occupant's upper body, arms, and head.

Abstract: In an occupant protecting device including an expandable bag housed within a belt for holding back an occupant upon collision of a vehicle, an outlet opening 331 in a buckle-side duct 28 and an inlet opening 183 in a tongue-side duct 18 are opposed to each other through a gap &agr;, and a seal member 35 made of a rubber and integrally provided with an outer lip portion 352 and an inner breakable portion 353 is mounted to the outlet opening 331. When a gas generated by an inflater upon collision of the vehicle is supplied to the buckle-side duct, the breakable portion 353 of the seal member 35 is broken to bring the lip portion 352 into close contact with the inlet opening 183, so that the gas is supplied from the buckle-side duct 28 through the tongue-side duct 18 to a shoulder belt, thereby expanding a bag housed in the shoulder belt. Thus, it is possible to easily and reliably perform the sealing of a gas passage in a connection between a buckle 31 and a tongue 19.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for use in a vehicle comprises a webbing guide (30) for guiding movement of seat belt webbing (14) in the vehicle and a fastener (70) for mounting the webbing guide (30) in position in the vehicle. The fastener (70) has a head portion (76). The assembly (10) further has a resilient cover member (80) that includes a cover portion (82) covering the head portion (76) of the fastener (70) and at least a portion (32) of the webbing guide (30). The resilient cover member (80) further includes a first rib portion (100) projecting from the cover portion (82) toward the head portion (76) of the fastener (70) and a second rib portion (110) projecting from the cover portion (82) toward the webbing guide (30). The first and second rib portions (100, 110) are resiliently crushable to absorb energy in response to an impact of a vehicle occupant's head against the cover portion (82).