Abstract: A safety belt arrangement includes a controllable blocking apparatus that is controlled sensitive to the vehicle and/or to the safety belt. A safety belt buckle is provided and a tensioning apparatus is inserted in the safety belt arrangement, such that the tensioning apparatus, when triggered, eliminates the slack in the belt. The arrangement also includes a continuously working device for limiting the force exerted on the safety belt by the forward displacement of the belted occupant.

Abstract: A motorized seat belt retractor configured to be activated in response to a signal generated by a dangerous state detection device indicating that a vehicle is in a dangerous state. The retractor is configured so that in response to the signal the retractor operates to retract a seat belt webbing prior to a collision thereby restraining an occupant positioned in a seat in the vehicle. The retractor is activated every time a signal indicating that the vehicle is in a dangerous state is received from the detector.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (20) characterized by low mass and low operating noise, resistant to dust, moisture, and corrosion comprising: an integrally formed, quadrilaterally shaped main body portion (24). In the preferred embodiment of the invention the frame is injection molded using 50% or greater long glass fiber plastic or die cast or injection molded metal. A spring housing wall and wall of a mechanism cover are also integrally formed in the sides of the retractor. Positioned within the spring housing wall is a spring coil guide, as well as an integrally formed anchor, which is used to hold the outer end of a rewind spring. The mechanism side of the frame further includes an integrally formed post or pin to pivotally support a locking pawl.

Abstract: A motorized seat belt retractor having a load limiter to control the tensile load on a seat belt webbing, especially when the webbing is withdrawn due to an emergency condition. The load limiter controls the tension by controlling the condition of the motor that drives the retractor.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a belt reel for seat belt webbing and a load limiter that has a flowable load-limiter medium which is transported through a flow channel, by a displacement device. The displacement device is drivable by the belt reel, at an energy consumption related to a crash, in which the flow resistance of the transported load-limiter medium in the flow channel or the volume of the load-limiter medium transported in the flow channel per unit time is adjustable.

Abstract: A safety-belt arrangement for use in a motor vehicle has a safety-belt (5), one end of which is connected to a retractor (8), a sensor (11) generates a signal representative of the amount of safety-belt paid-out from the retractor. A force limiter (10) is associated with the retractor to permit safety-belt to be paid-out with a variable force limiting effect.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a spool mounted for rotation in the retractor for retraction or pay-out of seat belt webbing depending upon the direction of rotation of the spool. A locking ring is attached to one end of the spool. A device for locking locks the locking ring against rotation in a crash. A force limiting device allowing further pay-out of the seat belt webbing after the locking ring has locked, under the influence of a vehicle occupant's forward momentum. The force limiting device has a length of wire, attached at one end to one of the spool or the locking ring, and wound, at a distance spaced from said one end, on a pin fixed to the other end of the spool or the locking ring. Under the influence of crash forces above a predetermined value the wire is pulled around the pin.

Abstract: A tensioner for a safety belt includes a cylinder, a piston which is slidably arranged within the cylinder, and a traction transfer element which is connected with the piston to transfer a movement of the piston to the safety belt. The tensioner further includes a drive which may exert a driving force on the piston to tension the safety belt. The piston is provided with a deformation element which the traction transfer element engages.

Abstract: A programmable seat belt damper assembly for a seat belt in a motor vehicle. The programmable seat belt damper assembly includes a retractor operatively connected to the seat belt for winding and unwinding the seat belt. The programmable seat belt damper assembly also includes a rotary damper operatively connected to the retractor and having a magneto-rheological (MR) fluid therein. The programmable seat belt damper assembly further includes a controller electrically connected to the rotary damper to control an apparent viscosity of the MR fluid to increase and decrease a damping torque of the rotary damper for the unwinding of the seat belt.

Abstract: In a webbing retractor, a wire is inserted through a through-hole of a spool on which a webbing is taken-up and from which the webbing is pulled-out. At an initial stage of a process of absorbing inertial energy of a vehicle occupant, a large force limiter load is generated by adding a rubbing force of the wire at a peripheral portion of the through-hole, to a twisting load of a torsion bar. An energy absorption amount is made large, and an amount of pulling-out of the webbing is kept low. After a predetermined amount of energy has been absorbed, when the wire is completely pulled-out from the through-hole, the rubbing force of the wire is cancelled, the force limiter load is reduced, and force applied to the vehicle occupant via the webbing is reduced.

Abstract: A load limiting seat restraint retractor for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a housing for operative connection to vehicle structure. The load limiting seat restraint retractor also includes a take-up spool operatively connected to the housing and connected to webbing of a seat restraint system for winding and unwinding the webbing. The load limiting seat restraint retractor also includes a rotatable torsion bar operatively connected to the housing to provide a constant load limiting on the webbing during an impact. The take-up spool is mounted on the torsion bar. The load limiting seat restraint retractor includes a locking mechanism operatively connected to the torsion bar and the housing. The load limiting seat restraint retractor further includes a load limiting device disposed between the locking mechanism and the take-up spool to deform the take-up spool to provide digressive load limiting on the webbing during the impact.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt system, in particular a three-point seat belt system, has belt webbing and an end fitting by which an end of the belt webbing is secured to a vehicle. A belt tensioner acts with a pulling eyebolt through which the belt webbing is guided by a webbing guide in the vicinity of the end fitting to transmit a tensioning movement to the belt webbing. The pulling eyebolt has a substantially straight pulling rod by which a pulling movement generated by the tensioning drive is transmitted to the belt webbing during tensioning and during tensioning the pulling rod acts as a webbing deflection rod for the belt webbing guided through the webbing guide. The webbing guide has two deflection points about which the belt webbing is guided during tensioning and the pulling rod acts on a section of the belt webbing guided between these two deflection points.

Abstract: The load acting on the body of a belted-in vehicle occupant restrained by a seat belt is determined by providing electrical signals from occupant restraint device sensors. The electrical signals are then evaluated with an evaluating device, wherein the movement of a seat belt webbing influenced by the body of the belted-in vehicle occupant is scanned and a corresponding signal is fed to the evaluating device.

Abstract: A motorized seat belt retractor having a load limiter to control the tensile load on a seat belt webbing, especially when the webbing is withdrawn due to an emergency condition. The load limiter controls the tension by controlling the condition of the motor that drives the retractor.

Abstract: Shear ribs are formed at a bottom portion of a fitting hole of a spool for positioning a lock base, and respective end portions of the positioning portion abuts on a shear rib. Further, ribs are formed between the shear ribs. When the spool rotates in an unwinding direction with respect to the lock base, the end portion of the positioning portion deforms and breaks a shear rib, a rib and then another shear rib in that order. By being able to combine the effects of energy absorption due to deformation of the ribs with that of energy absorption due to twisting deformation of the torsion bar, a force limiter load immediately increases as soon as the spool starts to rotate.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor of a vehicle with a belt reel for the seat belt has a frame with two frame legs in which a belt reel is rotatably mounted. A torque rod is arranged in the belt reel with one end if the torque rod connected to a first belt reel part arranged inside an aperture in a frame leg. Another end of the torque rod is connected to a second belt reel part which receives the wound seat belt. A blocking device capable of engagement with the first belt reel part with support in one of the two planes of the two frame legs. In the event of an excessive force issuing from the seat belt the second belt reel part can be rotated with respect to the first belt reel part blocked on the frame by torsion of the torque rod.

Abstract: A system and device for managing the restraints available for vehicle occupants that uses fluidic torque conversion to provide an adaptive variable load limiting for the primary occupant safety restraint. The fluidic torque conversion of this invention can be variably controlled through the use of an electro/mechanical flow control device. The flow control is preferably coupled to one or more sensors, including occupant weight, occupant position, seat position, low “g”, high “g”, and belt displacement/latching sensors. This invention is adapted to be responsive to the vehicles interior safety devices, including front air bags, side air bags, seat back pivots, head rests, collapsible steering wheel, and positioning of the dash board and/or vehicle instrumentation. This invention is a re-usable system.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a frame, a belt reel rotatably mounted in the frame, and an energy converter coil having at least one metal strip. The energy converter coil has a plurality of metal strips which are disposed symmetrically with respect to the middle axis of the belt reel.

Abstract: A safety belt apparatus for a vehicle, having a belt reel, a belt buckle, a belt redirection apparatus mounted on the B-post of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes, a belt-force limiter with a torsion bar and a belt tensioner. In the event of an accident, the belt tensioner is triggered, and pretorsioning of the torsion bar is simultaneously effected. The pretorsion is preferably brought about by the forces that arise during belt tensioning. The pretorsion allows for the force limitation to start at an optimum force level with regard to the retention force and the protection of the occupant.

Abstract: An extensible tether is provided for tethering a juvenile vehicle seat to a tether anchor in a vehicle. The extensible tether includes a tether strap and a compliant member trapped in a space formed in the tether strap and configured to deform when a longitudinal tugging force is applied to the tether strap to lengthen the extensible tether during sudden vehicle stoppage or slowdown.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belt retractor (10) with a switchable force limiter. Said belt retractor (10) comprises as the force limiter at least one energy absorbing element (13; 14, 15; 61) that is linked with the reel shaft (12) and with the locking device of the belt retractor (10) via a profiled bead (50). The belt retractor is further provided with a switch device with which the energy absorption is adjusted. The aim of the invention is to provide a switch device that functions independent of the transmission of power between the reel shaft and the torsion bar. Said switch device (latch 21) is designed in such a manner that it can be switched at any time during the already existing energy absorption via the drive (26) that is independent of the reel shaft (12) and/or the switch device.

Abstract: A webbing take-up device and a vehicle are provided in which different force limiter loads can be selected at arbitrary times with a simple structure. A wire is inserted into a spool. One end portion of the wire is fixed to a lock base. Thus, when rotation of the lock base is impeded, a twisting load of a torsion bar and a drawing-through load of the wire are applied to a webbing as force limiter load. Further, a cutting gear is disposed between the spool and the lock base. When the cutting gear is rotated at an arbitrary time, the wire is cut. In this way, the force limiter load is reduced to only the twisting load of the torsion bar. As a result, different force limiter loads can be selected at arbitrary times with a simple structure.

Abstract: A vehicle safety restraint system for a vehicle that allows transfer of tensile force from a transferor belt to a transferee belt. One end of the transferor belt is secured to the vehicle and the other end is attached to a transferor plate. One end of the transferee belt is secured to the vehicle and the other end is fed through a transferee plate and attached to a tension transfer latch plate. During normal use conditions, the transferee plate and the tension transfer latch plate are united, the transferor plate and the tension transfer latch plate are engaged using a quick release mechanism, and the transferee plate is engaged in a buckle that is secured to the vehicle. When the vehicle experiences a sudden deceleration that exerts a tensile force on the transferor belt, the tension transfer latch plate is separated from the transferee plate if the tensile force exceeds a design value. When the tension transfer latch plate is separated, the tensile force is transferred to the transferee belt.

Abstract: In a seat belt retractor, as the rotation of a pawl holder of a locking member in the webbing unwinding direction is stopped by a locking mechanism in emergency, a reel receives a force on a protrusion by impact load applied to the webbing with the inertia of an occupant. As the force is increased, the protrusion is plastically deformed. By this plastic deformation, the impact on the occupant can be greatly absorbed at first. After the protrusion is sheared, the reel tends to rotate in the webbing unwinding direction by the inertia of the occupant, so that the torsion bar is further twisted. Thus, the load can be variously set to effectively absorb kinetic energy of the occupant.

Abstract: A detector for detecting the load applied to a passenger seat of an automobile equipped with an air bag. The load detector includes a sensor bracket having a deformation portion that deforms in accordance with the amount of the load. A strain sensor is arranged on the deformation portion to detect the degree of deformation of the deformation portion. A force limiter bracket is located adjacent to the sensor bracket to limit deformation of the deformation portion within a predetermined range. An anchor bracket is formed integrally with the force limiter bracket and is connected to a seat belt.

Abstract: An occupant-restraining system has a belt force limiter that limits a restraining force exerted on an occupant via a restraining belt by switching from a relatively higher to a relatively lower level of restraining force depending on predefined parameters. The belt-force limiter is activated only after a predetermined forward displacement of the occupant is reached and only after a predefined air bag inflating time, when an excessive crash intensity and an occupant's weight are recognized as being below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A seat belt device including a shock absorbing mechanism to gently stop a pull-in member and to prevent a large impact force from being exerted on the pull-in member when the pull-in member is pulled in by a pre-tensioner. The device may include a wire pulled by operation of a buckle pre-tensioner at the time of an emergency, a buckle is pulled in towards a bracket while a cover contracts. Before the cover contracts to a maximum permissible contraction position, the buckle comes into contact with the free end of a shock absorbing member, and, then, is pulled in while the shock absorbing member is caused to contract. By the contraction of the shock absorbing member, the shock absorbing member absorbs impact energy of the buckle.

Abstract: A connecting screw for a locking rail of a vertical belt adjuster is anchored in a threaded head of a sleeve element anchored in a vehicle pillar wall. The sleeve element can be positioned during installation by a guide element which envelops the threaded head and is disposed so as to clamp in notches of the threaded head.

Abstract: A webbing retractor having a force limiter mechanism whose energy absorption amount is large and which can reliably absorb energy. To this end, a wire is provided as an energy absorbing member having a fixing portion, a curved portion and a fit-in portion. When a spool rotates in a pull-out direction relative to a lock base, the fit-in portion is forcibly pulled-out from a fit-in hole and deformed while being strongly rubbed. Here, the fit-in portion deforms along an imaginary extended line of the curved portion. Thus, breaking of the wire due to concentration of shearing stress at one portion of the wire can be prevented. Deformation load which is applied to the wire can be reliably applied as force limiter load until a position of relative rotation of the spool with respect to the lock base which position is set in advance.

Abstract: A variable load limiting restraint retractor for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a housing for operative connection to vehicle structure. The variable load limiting restraint retractor also includes a take-up spool operatively connected to the housing and connected to a belt of a seat restraint system for winding and unwinding the belt. The variable load limiting restraint retractor includes a rotatable shaft operatively connected to the take-up spool and the housing, the take-up spool being mounted on the shaft. The variable load limiting restraint retractor further includes a load limiting assembly operatively connected to the shaft for variably limiting load on the belt when the seat restraint system is in a buckled position.

Abstract: An energy absorbing web guide assembly comprising: a web guide for slidingly supporting a section of a seat belt; and a pair of mounting fasteners for mounting the web guide to a mounting surface and for permitting the web guide to resiliently move, in response to forces input thereto, between a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor with a torsion bar which can receive a large torque and can be easily formed by forging is provided. A reel assembly of the seat belt retractor includes a reel, a torsion bar, and a locking member. A first connection part of the torsion bar non-rotatably couples with concavities of a locking base of the locking member. A second connection part non-rotatably couples with concavities of the reel. The outer peripheries of the connection parts and are torx-shaped having a plurality of concavities and convexities formed in a wave-shape. A ratio R1/R2 of the distance between the tops of the wave-shaped convexities of the connection parts and the axial center of the torsion bar (radius R1) to the distance between the bottoms of the concavities and the axial center of the torsion bar (radius R2) is set to 1.2 to 1.3.

Abstract: A seatbelt apparatus with two pretensioners and a load limiter. The seatbelt apparatus has a seatbelt retractor, a belt guide, a lap belt anchor, a tongue, and a buckle. The seatbelt retractor and the lap belt anchor are provided with pretensioners. The buckle is fixed to an inner portion of a car body such as the car floor through a load limiter. This configuration allows the seatbelt apparatus to restrain a passenger more effectively.

Abstract: In order to cause a deformation or a yielding, in the event of a head impact onto a safety belt system of a passenger vehicle, a deformation element is interposed which deforms plastically and absorbs energy. So that an exchange of numerous parts is avoided, an arrangement for a belt level adjuster is configured so that after a head impact, only the deformation element needs to be exchanged.

Abstract: A B-pillar is provided with energy absorbing material extending the entire length of the interior of the pillar. Along the upper end of the B-pillar, an area is provided for framing the mounting arrangement of the safety restraint system. A slot extends longitudinally along the upper end of the B-pillar and frames a trim panel. The trim panel is provided with two openings, one is a through bore for the D ring receiving the mounting webbing and the other is a through bore for receiving an indexing latch for moving the seat belt webbing and D ring along the slot. The trim panel slides along a track extending on both sides of the slot and the entire length of the slot within the interior of the B-panel. The trim panel includes energy absorbing material along its lower end below the openings framing the safety restraint system. The area above the openings is generally flat and does not contain any energy absorbing material.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a frame with sidewalls and a rotatable spool extending between said sidewalls. The rotatable spool has seat belt webbing wound thereon. A locking pawl engages ratchet teeth on the outer periphery of the spool for arresting rotation of the spool. A secondary locking mechanism locks the spool against rotation.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a rotatable spool mounted in a frame, a primary locking mechanism for arresting rotation of the spool and a load absorbing mechanism arranged to come into effect at a predetermined load for absorbing a portion of the spool locking load. The load absorbing mechanism may be a section of an inwardly facing peripheral edge of the frame having a serrated or roughened texture and which is positioned and adapted so that above a predetermined load it co-operates with a smooth surfaced spool bearing face to absorb some of the load. Spool rotation is prevented on engagement of the primary locking mechanism and the load on the primary mechanism rises causing the frame side walls to deform and the serrated or roughened section is pushed closer to, and eventually against the spool bearing face, roughening the smooth surface and increasing its coefficient of friction to absorb some of the load and resist rotation of the spool.

Abstract: A mechanism for changing the restriction load placed on a seatbelt is provided. The mechanism restricts the load placed upon the seatbelt by a torsion bar capable of twisting and deformation that the rotation of the locking member in the direction of the seatbelt is obstructed and the spool rotates relative to the extracting direction of the seatbelt as to the locking member.

Abstract: To absorb the energy in the event of a head impact, a device is provided between a safety belt locking rail and a side wall of a vehicle pillar of the device included deformation elements in the form of conical deformation elements or spring systems in the form of cup or compression springs.

Abstract: An over the highway vehicle having an occupant restraint system is disclosed. An improved harness for retaining an occupant in a bunk is also disclosed. The harness is connected to a bunk by a buckle and hinge arrangement. A frangible connection between an upstanding leaf of the hinge is provided which fails due to forces applied to the harness as a result of a collision. The system includes an occupant restraining strap and a buckle having a component attached to the strap and a mating component attached to the vehicle for releasably connecting the strap to the vehicle at a buckle location. An anchor securer the strap to the vehicle at a location spaced from the buckle location.

Abstract: A force limiter for a seat belt retractor comprising a frame, a belt reel rotatably mounted in the frame and a drum which may be coupled with the belt reel for joint rotation. The force limiter further comprises a plastically deformable metal band that may be wound on the drum with dissipation of energy. The metal band runs through a plurality of deflection elements arranged on the frame to be deformed thereby. At least one of the deflection elements is supported on a supporting structure fixed to the frame and is arranged on the frame so as to be movable transversely to the metal band. The deflection element is provided with a stepped contact surface area for a correspondingly stepped abutment surface area on the supporting structure, whereby, when the supporting structure engages a step of the contact surface area, a retraction movement of the deflection element relative to the metal band is permitted.

Abstract: A safety belt apparatus for motor vehicles comprising a safety belt and a deflecting device for the safety belt which is connected to a holder which can be fastened to the vehicle via an absorption unit. The deflecting device being movable in an absorption direction by forces occurring relative to the holder with a pulling movement of the safety belt caused by an accident while overcoming an opposing absorption resistance of the absorption unit. The deflecting device being hindered from making a movement in the absorption direction with forces occurring in normal operation. The absorption unit being changeable in shape by the deflecting device moving in the absorption direction in order to overcome the absorption resistance.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (20) characterized by low mass and low operating noise, resistant to dust, moisture, and corrosion comprising: an integrally formed, quadrilaterally shaped main body portion (24). In the preferred embodiment, the frame is injection molded using 50% or greater long glass fiber plastic or die cast or injection molded metal. A spring housing wall and wall of a mechanism cover are also integrally formed in the sides of the retractor. Positioned within the spring housing wall is a spring coil guide, as well as an integrally formed anchor, which is used to hold the outer end of a rewind spring. The mechanism side of the frame further includes an integrally formed post or pin to pivotally support a locking pawl.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor with a belt reel upon which the seat belt can be wound and unwound, and a force limiter composed of a deformable material which is arranged between at least one first reel part which can be blocked by a blocking device against rotation and at least one second reel part which is rotatable upon energy consumption of the force limiter, an inertial mass being capable of being coupled to the second reel part for entrainment by means of a coupling which is engaged upon blocking of the first reel part and rotation of the second reel part.

Abstract: A safety seat built into a land, air or sea vehicle is provided. A structure is fixed to the vehicle and comprises vertically disposed side components that are anchored at seat-width intervals. A safety belt member is secured to the structure and has two shoulder belts and two lap belts that are joined at a fastener. A seat belt extends transversely between the side components and upwardly there along and in an upper region of the back area of the safety seat is connected to each side component. The two shoulder belts cross one another between the side components as they extend from a connection in the vicinity of a respective side component to the other side component and then to the fastener. Back belts are provided as support belts and extend from the seat belt, parallel to the side components, upwardly to the shoulder belts, where they are connected.

Abstract: A retractor for use with a seat belt webbing, comprising: a retractor base (1); a substantially cylindrical-shaped winding shaft assembly (9) which is rotatably supported on the retractor base (1) and around which a webbing can be wound; a torsion bar (2) to be inserted through a center hole formed in the winding shaft assembly (9) in such a manner that one end thereof is connected to the winding shaft assembly (9) in a mutually unrotatable manner and the other end thereof is connected to a locking member (15) in a mutually unrotatable manner; an emergency lock mechanism (300) which, in a vehicle emergency, connects the locking member to the retractor base to stop the rotation of the torsion bar to thereby prevent the winding shaft assembly from rotating in the webbing pull-out direction thereof, the emergency lock mechanism (300) being structured such that, when the emergency lock mechanism (300) is in operation and also a tensile force acting on the webbing exceeds a given value, the emergency lock mechanis

Abstract: A simple, low cost energy absorbing shear strip bender that provides constant load, tailored load, or adjustable load/displacement profiles for use in any application where a single use energy absorber is required. Examples include, but are not limited to: a spinal load attenuator for use in crash-resistant aircraft seats; crash-resistant aircraft landing gear; aircraft or automotive restraint harness attachments; cargo or high-mass item tie-downs; automotive bumper attachments; and collapsible steering columns. The present invention comprises a shear plate or other base material, a shear strip integral to the shear plate, and a shear strip tab, all of which are formed from a single sheet of ductile material. The energy absorber attaches to two objects and begins to displace when opposing forces applied to the shear plate and shear strip tab reach the design limit value such that shear strip shears and plastically deforms, i.e., bends.

Abstract: An arrangement for a passenger vehicle safety belt level adjuster includes a receptacle with a deformation element, and a carrier plate for a detent rail of a belt level adjuster. The receptacle is configured to be mounted as a constructional unit into a vehicle column together with the deformation element and carrier plate.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor for a seat belt has a belt reel mounted rotatably about an axis on a frame. An electric motor can be coupled to the belt reel and has an internal planet gear with a planet carrier that forms an output that can be connected to the belt reel. The planet carrier is mounted externally in a cylindrical external bearing that is connected non-rotatably to the frame and internally to a bearing journal that projects axially from the belt reel.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (10) includes a spool member (40) on which seat belt webbing (16) is wound. The spool member (40) is supported for rotation in a belt withdrawal direction (52) and an opposite belt retraction direction (54). The retractor (10) includes a plastically deformable torsion bar member (70) having a first portion (78) and a second portion (74). The second portion (78) of the torsion bar member (70) is rotatable relative to the first portion (74). The torsion bar member (70) twists upon rotation of the second portion (78) relative to the first portion (74). When the torsion bar member (70) twists, the spool member (40) rotates in the belt withdrawal direction (52) relative to the ratchet member (60), and the spool member cutter portion (92, 94) of the ratchet member cuts into the spool member (82, 84) to increase the resistance to rotation of the spool member relative to the ratchet member.