Abstract: A load-limiting device has a mechanical structure designed to dissipate forces applied by a vehicle occupant to a safety belt during a crash. The load limiting device comprises a housing and a deformable member, at least one of which is configured for connection to a vehicle safety belt and the other of which is configured for connection to a structural part of a vehicle. The housing and the deformable member are moveable relative to each other when force is applied to the one of those members. The housing supports a hardened member formed of a material which is harder than the deformable member and which is positioned to engage and deform the deformable member as the deformable member is being moved relative to the housing.

Abstract: A child seat device is formed of a base to be placed on a seat of a car, a child seat body placed on the base, and a connecting member for connecting a rear bottom of the child seat body to a fixed portion. The connecting member increases a length thereof while absorbing a kinetic energy of the child seat body when a tension higher than a predetermined value is applied thereto from the child seat body.

Abstract: A safety belt-reversing device on a vehicle seat, having a sheet metal body connected with a base construction of the seat. The sheet metal body comprises a surface on which the belt is running in the form of a saddle, and stiffening tabs connected on the face sides of the saddle, as well as foot elements projecting from the underside. A belt-guiding element, for example in the form of a bow, is arranged in the area of the ridge of the saddle above the surface on which the belt is running, for limiting a slot for the belt. The ridge area of the saddle is rounded in the direction in which the belt is running and, in the transverse direction thereto, has upwardly shaped ears. The foot elements in the form of sheet metal tabs are secured on a cross bar of the base construction of the seat so that the face-side tabs of the sheet metal body are spaced from the cross bar.

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: An exercise belt for use while seated in a normal position in a motor vehicle and preferably while using the installed safety harness in which the exercise belt incorporates a resilient resistance member extending diagonally across the chest of the user and held in position by oppositely extending tie straps tied to brackets secured to the vehicle. The tie straps are adjustable in length to adjust the position of the resistance member and one of the tie straps is provided with a quick release buckle to facilitate removal of the exercise belt when not is use.

Abstract: An assembly unit comprising a belt buckle (10) for the insert tongue of a vehicular seat belt, a fastener fitting (12) for the belt buckle (10) and a force limiter between the belt buckle (10) and the fastener fitting (12) is characterized in that the force limiter contains a traction means (14, 16) fixedly connected to the belt buckle (10), movable relative to the fastener fitting (12) by a predetermined travel, and a stretchable member (24) coupled to the belt buckle (10) and the fastener fitting (12), which can be stretched by a predetermined tensile force between the belt buckle (10) and the fastener fitting (12) being exceeded.

Abstract: A shoulder anchor device comprises a through anchor (23) for supporting a seat belt, a base member (3, 103) for mounting on a center pillar of a vehicle body, and a fixing mechanism (38, 40) for fixing the through anchor to the base member. The base member includes a channel-shaped anchor fixing portion (1) of a generally C-shaped cross-section for fixing the through anchor, and a pair of vehicle fixing portions formed integrally at opposite ends of the anchor fixing portion and formed into a generally flat plate-shape in a cross-section.

Abstract: A device for damping the belt tension which occurs in a seat belt (16) in the event of a momentary stress of great force. In order for momentary stresses of great force on the seat belt (16) to be able to be absorbed without injury being caused, the device has at least two reels (6, 14), rollers or the like which deflect the seat belt (16) from its straight-line extent and at least one (14) of which can yield elastically in the transverse direction of the extent when a preset maximum force is exceeded.

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).

Abstract: An inflatable belt includes an envelope-shaped or elongated belt body, which is folded in a long band-shaped configuration, and a cover enclosing the belt body. The belt body is made of a single piece of rectangular base fabric. The rectangular base fabric is folded about a longitudinal return line. The folded halves are then sewn about an outer periphery of an inflatable area so as to have an envelope-shaped or elongated configuration. Thus, the inflatable belt has a uniform thickness and feels better to the vehicle occupant when the inflatable belt is in contact with the vehicle occupant. Also, the inflatable belt has a shorter stitching length, thereby reducing cost, improving productivity, and reducing or preventing gas leakage.

Abstract: A holder (10) for a belt lock (12) of a safety belt comprises a plurality of leaves which are connected together, whereby a relative movement is possible between the belt lock and the seat structure.

Abstract: The present webbing has a force-displacement profile characterized by:(a) when the webbing is subjected to a knuckle point force in the range from about 400 pounds (about 1.8 kilonewtons) to about 900 pounds (about 4.0 kilonewtons), the webbing elongates to less than about five percent;(b) upon subjecting the webbing to greater than the knuckle point force and to less or equal to about 1,400 pounds (about 6.2 kilonewtons), the webbing elongates further to at least about ten percent; and(c) upon subjecting the webbing to greater than 1,400 pounds (about 6.2 kilonewtons), the modulus increases sharply and the webbing elongates further until the webbing breaks at a tensile strength of at least about 5,000 pounds (about 22 kilonewtons).

Abstract: The present invention provides load leveling and impact energy absorption webbing comprising warp yarn. If the webbing is used in seat belts, the webbing provides load leveling behavior from about 450 pounds (about 2,000 Newtons) to about 1,800 pounds (about 8,000 Newtons) in vehicle collision. The yarn has a force-displacement profile such that: (a) when the yarn is subjected to an initial barrier stress of from about 0.2 gram/denier to less than or equal to about 1.4 grams/denier, the yarn elongates to less than 3 percent and the initial modulus ranges from about 20 grams/denier to about 150 grams/denier; (b) upon subjecting the yarn to greater than the initial barrier stress and less than or equal to 1.8 grams/denier, the yarn elongates further to at least about 10 percent and the energy absorbed from 0 to the elongation at 1.8 grams/denier is at least about 0.0008 Joule/denier.multidot.meter; and (c) upon subjecting the yarn to greater than 1.

Abstract: A restraining device comprises a seat belt and a belt force limiter. The belt force limiter is arranged at a location along the belt and comprises an absorption member which is deformed or destroyed when a predetermined belt tension force is exceeded, whereby a prolongation of the belt section is caused. Further, a holding means is provided that limits the prolongation of said belt section when said absorption means is deformed or destroyed.

Abstract: A reinforced beam assembly includes a channel-shaped beam which has an internal reinforcement member located within the channel. The reinforcement member is of generally W-shape and functions as a carrier for an expandable foam located between the inner surface of the reinforcement member and the inner surface of the beam. Upon expansion the foam is bonded to both surfaces.

Abstract: A safety belt fastening arrangement for an adjustable vehicle seat includes a latching element which can be latched in a latching rail affixed to the vehicle and which has a retaining part to receive, for example, a belt buckle for the safety belt. In its normal position, a deformation element assures that the latching element is kept out of engagement with the latching rail. When a predetermined safety-belt force is exceeded, the deformation element yields to permit the latching element to engage the latching rail so that the safety belt forces are transmitted directly into the vehicle body. The latching element is arranged behind a pivot point for the latching element toward the rear of the vehicle seat, permitting extremely short lever arms and very small clearances during the controlled engagement of the latching element with the latching rail. The deformation element is elastic and is retained in a retaining pocket fixed to the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A passenger-restraining system, in particular for children and wheelchair occupants in motor vehicles. The restraining system includes at least one safety-belt arrangement with a lap belt and an associated cushion element. The cushion element has a body made of at least one cushion material which can be deformed, absorbing energy in the process, and has a guide slit for the lap belt. The element also has an insert which is embedded in the deformable cushion material and surrounds the guide slit. In order to convert a large amount of kinetic energy into deformation work in the cushion element, and thus to dissipate said kinetic energy, without there being any risk of injury to the individual secured by the restraining system, the insert includes, a plurality of layers of a thin, flexible foil, sheet material and/or fabric which are separated from one another by a layer of the cushion material.

Abstract: The present invention provides load leveling and impact energy absorption webbing comprising warp yarn. If the webbing is used in seat belts, the webbing provides load leveling behavior from about 450 pounds (about 2,000 Newtons) to about 1,800 pounds (about 8,000 Newtons) in vehicle collision. The yarn has a force-displacement profile such that: (a) when the yarn is subjected to an initial barrier stress of from about 0.2 gram/denier to less than or equal to about 1.4 grams/denier, the yarn elongates to less than 3 percent and the initial modulus ranges from about 20 grams/denier to about 150 grams/denier; (b) upon subjecting the yarn to greater than the initial barrier stress and less than or equal to 1.8 grams/denier, the yarn elongates further to at least about 10 percent and the energy absorbed from 0 to the elongation at 1.8 grams/denier is at least about 0.0008 Joule/denier.cndot.meter; and (c) upon subjecting the yarn to greater than 1.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt installation has a structural belt guide mounted on the seat back headrest which guides movement of the seat belt during operation between a clamping member and a clamping surface. A normally deflated inflatable bag includes a body that is mounted on a base having an inextensible fixed length with one end fixed to the structural belt guide. The other end of the bag base mounts an end belt guide loop which embraces the belt. A middle belt guide loop is secured to the bag outer surface embracing the belt to assure that occupant movement causes the belt to move along a travel route over the outer surface of the bag a distance that is substantially equal to said fixed length when the bag is deflated. When sudden vehicle deceleration is sensed, an inflator mounted in the headrest simultaneously moves the clamping member to clamp the belt to the clamping surface against movement and inflates the bag.

Abstract: A vehicle seat (10) has a lower seat frame (14) and a seat back (16) pivoted about a recliner axis (20). An occupant (22) restraining shoulder belt (26) has an upper attachment point provided by a sliding belt guide (40) fixed to the top of a resilient, flexible elongated tower (36) attached to one side of the seat back (16). The tower (36) is normally unflexed, with the same orientation as the seat back (16), but is capable of bending with the belt guide (40) down and forwardly relative to the seat back and closer to the recliner axis (20) when a forward and downward force is applied to the belt guide (40). An inertially locking belt retractor (24) is rigidly fixed to the seat (10) below the belt guide (40). The retractor (24) provides a reserve length of belt (50) that extends up along the back of the tower (36) and over the belt guide (40) and then continues into the shoulder belt (26).

Abstract: An energy absorbing mounting fastener assembly is provided for a seat belt component particularly a seat belt sling assembly 22 which includes an energy absorbing member 46, 47 carried with a mounting bolt 32 for pivotally mounting the seat belt component with the energy absorbing member being retained between the mounting bolt head and the seat belt component and providing an access aperture 63 for tool engagement with the bolt 32 at a pocket 64.

Abstract: A small passenger restraint system in which a portable small passenger seat is placed on a vehicle seat and belted thereto. The small passenger seat has a passageway for accommodating the dual-anchored adjustable lap belt section of a belt system to initially secure the portable seat. The belt system also has a vertical section (with or without an inflatable portion) anchored below and above the vehicle seat adjacent the portable seat to stabilize the portable seat. The lap belt section is slidably connected to the vertical section so that upon inflation of a portion of that section the lap belt is tightened to further secure the portable seat.

Abstract: A seat belt device for a vehicle having a good shock absorbing function for impact from the car-room side as well as sufficient person binding performance is provided. The seat belt device has an anchor member attached to an upper portion of a vehicle pillar and comprises a shock absorbing member provided on the pillar, supported by the pillar in a direction from an exterior side to an interior side of a car-room, and deformable in a direction from the interior side to the exterior side; a connecting means for connecting the shock absorbing member with the anchor member; and a spacer member interposed between the shock absorbing member and the anchor member for keeping the anchor member apart from the pillar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seat belt system in which it is unnecessary to increase a distance of movement of the occupant's body by increasing a length of the seat belt to be drawn out more than it is required, so that an impact given to the occupant can be effectively reduced even in a vehicle in which an intensity of impact tends to increase. There is provided a fuse belt (5) on the lap belt (26b) located close to the anchor plate (14). When a tension, the intensity of which is higher than a predetermined value, is given to the continuous webbing (26), the lap belt (26b) is drawn out. In the retractor (10) having a clamp, there is provided an energy absorbing mechanism. When a tension, the intensity of which is higher than a predetermined value, is given, a holding force to hold the continuous webbing (26) is released and the shoulder belt (26a) is drawn out while a constant drawing force is being kept.

Abstract: Bending elements for the triggering indicator of a belt tensioner.The triggering indicator for belt tensioners in motor vehicles includes a helical bending element made of a thermoplastic material such as polyamide, polyester or polyacetal.

Abstract: A belt force limiter for a vehicle seat belt is mounted fixed to the vehicle by one end and, at its opposite free end, secures the shoulder strap approximately at shoulder level. The shoulder strap is displaced forward in relation to the vehicle seat with a limited amount of travel by the belt force limiter when tensile loading occurs due to a crash, tensile energy being absorbed in the belt force limiter. The belt force limiter has a pivot lever which is linked to an energy-absorbing component and in the position of rest is aligned approximately vertically and whose free end can be pivoted forward by the tension on the shoulder strap in the event of a crash, as a result of which the energy-absorbing component is deformed in an energy-absorbing manner.

Abstract: A device for cushioning a safety belt of a vehicle includes a resilient member having one end secured to the vehicle and having a clamping device secured to the other end. The resilient member includes two or more plates having a middle portion secured together for increasing the resilience of the resilient member. A bracket is secured to the other end of the resilient member and a flap is pivotally coupled to the bracket for engaging with and for securing the safety belt and for allowing the safety belt to be resiliently moved for a distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for biasing a portion of a seat belt shoulder harness away from a portion of a human chest. The apparatus comprises a body portion including a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The body portion is deformable between a first and a second position. In the first position the intermediate portion is substantially non-coplanar with the first and second end portions, and in the second position, the intermediate portion is substantially coplanar with the end portions. The body portion is biased in the first position and is secured to the seat belt shoulder harness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seatback frame for a vehicle seat, comprising a lower structure provided with two side uprights, and an upper structure provided with a horizontal torsion bar surmounted by an arch. The first end of the torsion bar is prevented from rotating relative to one of the two uprights of the lower structure and is secured to one end of the arch. The second end of the torsion bar is mounted to pivot freely relative to the other side upright of the lower structure, while being secured to the other end of the arch. A seat belt is mechanically connected to the arch of the upper structure, with said upper structure being dimensioned so as to deform plastically when the seat belt is subjected to a traction force.

Abstract: An inflatable air-belt comprises an air tube and a sheath surrounding the air tube. While the sheath has a flat strip shape when the air-belt is used as an usual flat belt, the air tube is inflated when a predetermined impact is applied to a sensor for the air-belt. The air tube may be folded toward its center along its both sides. The sheath may be formed with cut perforated lines along its both sides. The sheath may comprise two flat strips which are attached to each other by means of hook-loop fastener attached to longitudinal edges of the flat strips. The air-belt is provided at its middle portion with a locking buckle assembly for securing the middle portion of the air-belt to the vehicle body. The locking buckle assembly has a locking buckle fixed to the vehicle body and a buckle tongue connected to the air-belt.

Abstract: An integral child seat having a back panel which is attached to the seat frame with an extensible, energy absorbing diaphragm. The diaphragm enables the child seat back panel to move forward relative to the seat frame during a vehicle collision to reduce the relative deceleration of a seat occupant's head compared to his/her shoulders, thus reducing the neck loads and neck injuries. As the diaphragm is extended, an enclosed space, defined in part by the diaphragm, increases in size. One or more small orifices are provided to allow a controlled flow of air into this enlarging space. Likewise, after extension, return of the diaphragm to its initial position is controlled by the required expulsion of air from this enlarged space. The orifices restrict the discharge of air from the enlarged space, avoiding a return impact on the seat occupant due to the rebound of the elastic diaphragm.

Abstract: A seat belt system includes a first mounting bracket and a belt buckle, and a first connecting member connectable with the belt buckle and the first mounting bracket. The first connecting member is coupled with the first mounting bracket and is movable relative the first mounting bracket between retracted and extended positions. A first biasing device is provided for biasing the first connecting member in the retracted position. A corresponding retractor assembly coupled with a second mounting bracket and movably biased relative the second mounting bracket between like retracted and extended positions is also disclosed for use in conjunction with the seat buckle assembly to cause the seat belt to move upwardly rather than laterally relative the occupant, thereby preventing chafing of the occupant by the seat belt and reducing lateral accelerations applied to the upper torso of the occupant by the seat belt system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable seat belt apparatus in which, under ordinary conditions, a bag-shaped belt (2b) of a shoulder belt (2) and a lap belt (3) are maintained in a belt-shaped form and a control member (5d) for controlling the opening area of a through-hole is maintained at an opening-area reducing position. Accordingly, the two belts (2b), (3) are prevented from turning over and twisting so that the seat belt apparatus (1) performs a function similar to that of the conventional seat belt apparatus. In the event of an emergency such as a vehicular collision, a gas generator (8) is actuated and generates a gas which causes the lap belt (3) to inflate. The gas which has filled the lap belt (3) causes the control member (5d) to move to the position at which it enlarges the opening area of the through-hole. Accordingly, the gas easily flows into the bag-shaped belt (2b) of the shoulder belt (2) ahead of a tongue (5).

Abstract: A seat belt system comprising a length of webbing (20) adapted to secure an occupant to a seat; first locking element such as a tongue (24) receivable into second locking element such as a buckle (26), a portion of the buckle being fixedly positioned relative to the seat; a retractor (22) for retracting excess webbing; the webbing supporting a loop (40) of elastic material for resiliently coupling the webbing (20) to the tongue such that the webbing can move relative to the tongue in response to occupant motion and wherein a portion of the webbing (20) proximate the tongue is formed into a second loop (42), which limits the extension of the elastic loop (40) when the webbing is under tension.

Abstract: In order to reduce the risk of head injuries in a passive safety belt system, the upper anchoring fitting provided with a buckle insert is automatically pivoted in response to loads typical of an accident to a safety position in which the anchoring fitting projects only a minimal amount into the region of a passenger head in a passenger compartment of a vehicle.

Abstract: In a belt strap for a restraint system for restraiing a passenger in a vehicle seat in the event of a collision, the belt strap includes regions which mechanically absorb energy. Such a seat belt includes elements for increasing the contact surface of the belt strap with the passenger's body so that the force transmitted to the passenger's body in the event of a collision is reduced. The belt may include colored material which discolors over time or plastically deformable colored threads to indicate if the belt's elasticity has decayed due to aging or due to over-extension of the belt. The belt has a modulus of elasticity which varies across its width so that the belt edges roll away from the passenger in the event of a collision. An information label indicating the expiration date of the usable duty lifetime of the safety belt may be provided.

Abstract: A seat assembly for over-the-highway trucks and tractors including a seat (10) having a frame (16), a cushion (17) and a back (25). The assembly includes a three-point seat belt structure including a retractor (52), a shoulder anchor (58) on a support (67), a lock (56) and an anchor (54). Vehicle cab and frame structure connected tethers (30, 31, 71) limit seat and seat belt movement in the event of an accident.

Abstract: In a belt strap for a restraint system for restraining a passenger in a vehicle seat in the event of a collision, the belt strap includes regions which mechanically absorb energy. Such a seat belt includes elements for increasing the contact surface of the belt strap with the passenger's body so that the force transmitted to the passenger's body in the event of a collision is reduced. The belt may include colored material which discolors over time or plastically deformable colored threads to indicate if the belt's elasticity has decayed due to aging or due to over-extension of the belt. The belt has a modulus of elasticity which varies across its width so that the belt edges roll away from the passenger in the event of a collision. An information label indicating the expiration date of the usable duty lifetime of the safety belt may be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an anchorage for a webbing of a vehicle seat belt system. The anchorage is of the type that when an abrupt tensile force is applied to the webbing, a bracket fixed on a seat slide rail is deformed to bring a pin of a base plate secured on the bracket into engagement with a recess of an anchor stay fixed on a stationary base of a vehicle thereby to distribute the abrupt tensile force to the stationary base. The bracket comprises two parts consisting of a first bracket fixed on the seat slide rail and a second bracket which is secured on the base plate and is deformed upon application of a force of at least a predetermined value to the webbing. An engaged portion is provided with one of the first bracket and second bracket while an engaging portion is provided with the other bracket. The engaged portion and engaging portion are normally maintained in mutual engagement.

Abstract: A seat slide device for adjusting the forward and backward positions of the seat which comprises an upper rail and a lower rail, the upper rail being slidably fitted to the lower rail. In the upper rail, there is provided an anchor plate adapted to be connected with a seat belt, the anchor plate having a plurality of hook members arranged in correspondence with a plurality of engagement holes formed in the lower rail. When an upward pulling force is exerted on the anchor plate, the hook members are brought to engagement into the engagement holes, to thereby prevent removal of the upper rail from the lower rail.

Abstract: A baby stroller comprising a seat portion and a frame portion separable from the seat portion. The stroller seat comprises a concave front portion forming a seat and a pair of opposite retaining walls. A flexible safety belt serving both as fastening means and buffer means is provided on the stroller seat. A pivotally adjustable U-shaped stand, which enables the stroller seat to be positioned as a seat or a bed without the stroller frame attached to, is provided on the back of the stroller seat. The stroller frame is collapsable and can be folded into a compact volume when not in use. The assembly and disassembly of the stroller seat and the stroller frame can be easily achieved by turning a couple of engagement members.

Abstract: A safety belt system for use in cars and the like, consisting of a fastener, a belt, and highly flexible fixing device for securing to the fixed car structures. The fixing device comprises a core a fibrous material completely or partly encased in a relatively thin rubber material and wound into a shape essentially corresponding to that of the finished product. The core is embedded in a vulcanized rubber composition.

Abstract: In a buckle device in which a tongue plate is inserted into a buckle body secured to a vehicle body and is latched to a lock lever disposed in the buckle body, an opening portion of the tongue plate and a pawl of the lock lever are caused to contact with each other at two points spaced in a predetermined distance and a clearance is formed between the opening portion and the pawl in respect of the two points.In an ordinary situation of the vehicle the clearance is kept smooth, and, when a large load acts upon the tongue plate in an emergency situation of the vehicle, the contact portions of the opening portion and the pawl at the two points are deformed, whereby portions of the opening portions and the pawl existing between both the points are caused to contact with each other.Accordingly, the lock lever is capable of being operated with a small force and the tongue plate can be pulled out of the buckle device smoothly.

Abstract: A child car restraint comprising a one-piece device having a lower shell area adapted to cover the lap of a seated child and an upper shell area adapted to cover the torso of a seated child. The two areas are joined together in the hip area of a seated child. The device is constructed to have a seat lap belt pass over the device where the areas are joined to hold the device against a seated child. A brace extends between the areas to prevent them from moving any great distance toward each other about their joined area.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor in which the housing has differential structural integrity. The retractor frame has a rigid structure and contains the retraction and locking elements. A mounting flange is connected to the frame and is permitted to distort in a controlled fashion as a result of crash forces acting on the retractor, whereby the frame remains substantially undistorted.

Abstract: An anchoring arrangement of an end point or deflection point of a safety belt, especially in motor vehicles, under interposition of a spring at a fixed vehicle part; the spring is installed prestressed in the sense of a tightening of the belt band and is blocked in the normal driving operation in this position while the blocking is released by a force peak exceeding the prestress force of the spring which occurs at the beginning of an accident at the belt band.

Abstract: A tubular housing has one end closed by a cover plate and two adjoining inner conical or tapered surfaces centrally disposed therein; the innermost surface has a non-self-binding taper, while the adjacent one has a self-binding taper. The surfaces cooperate with three rings, two of which are solid rings having tapered circumferential walls arranged in the non-self-binding section, i.e., the one closed by the cover plate. Impact energy, for example due to an abrupt deceleration of a car during braking emergency or collision, is transmitted to the system via a centrally arranged shaft which is guided loosely by central bores in the rings and held against the cover plate by a compression spring. Upon impact, the shaft displaces first the split ring and, in dependence with the magnitude of the impact energy, then the other solid rings against the force of the compression spring and frictional force acting between the rings and the tapered surface of the housing.