Abstract: A seatbelt retractor according to the present invention is configured in such a manner that a cylindrical rotor (24) of an electric motor in a spool is formed into two members in the axial direction, that is, a two-piece member including a first rotating member (24a1) and a first rotating shaft member (24b1), and a second rotating member (24a2) and a second rotating shaft member (24b2), and these two members are coupled. A torsional portion (42a) of a torsion bar (42) is penetrated through an inner hole (24b11) of a rotating shaft member (24b) including first and second rotating shaft members (24b1), (24b2) in the axial direction. Accordingly, even though the maximum outer diameters of first and second head portions (42b), (42c) of the torsion bar (42) are set to be larger than the inner diameter of the inner hole (24b11), the torsion bar (42) can be integrated into the rotor (24) easily.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat base and a seatback. The vehicle seat has as a permanent feature a pair of seat belt guides positioned such that when a lap portion of a seat belt webbing is received in both of the seat belt guides the lap portion of the seat belt webbing intersects the seat belt guides at a selected distance from a forward face of the seatback. Each of the seat belt guides restricts movement of the lap portion of the seat belt webbing away from the forward face of the seatback. The seat belt guides direct the lap portion of the seat belt webbing across the seat base along a path such that the lap portion of the seat belt webbing interacts with the lower body of a child when the vehicle seat is occupied by a child aged three to twelve years and under 150 cm in height.

Abstract: A seatbelt device comprising a seatbelt, a spool for retracting the seatbelt, and a motor for rotating and driving the spool. The seatbelt device further includes urging means for urging the seat belt in a retracting direction, first retracting means for starting retracting of the seatbelt by the urging means, and second retracting means for starting the retracting of the seatbelt by the motor. The second retracting means starts the retracting of the seatbelt if, after the retracting of the seatbelt by the first retracting means is started, a retracting speed thereof is at a predetermined value or less and the retracting of the seatbelt has not been stopped.

Abstract: A safety restraint system for a vehicle includes a safety net stored in a wall mounted cartridge wherein a guiding bar, securable in a locking mechanism, steers the safety net away from the wall and provides a secured space around a bunk. The safety net is secured adjacent to the bunk using a locking bar. The safety net may be provided with one or several safety belts at least partly attached to the safety net.

Abstract: An assembly having a retractor and a pretensioner whereby the pretensioner can be employed to provide load limitation features. The pretensioner may also be used without the load limitation features. The pretensioner has a drive mechanism including a plurality of pretensioner balls sized to engage a pinion, the pinion operatively connected to the seat belt through a force limiting element. The pretensioner defines a guide surface structured to guide the pretensioner balls along a ball path along the pinion. The guide surface includes features to engage a pretensioner ball and block the pinion.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor is provided with a reduced size and reduced man-hours required for installation to a vehicle body. A motor for rotating a spool of winding a seat belt and an ECU for the motor are united to form a combined motor/ECU unit. The motor/ECU unit is supported on a frame just below the spool. In this case, the motor and ECU are accommodated in a unit casing of which a casing body is flatly supported on a unit stay. The unit stay is supported by the frame.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (1) is provided which comprises a rotation sensor (8) for detecting the withdrawn amount of a seat belt, a control amount setting unit for setting a first control amount for winding up the seat belt (3) and a second control amount to which the amount reaches after the first control amount according to the winding of the seat belt (3), an electric motor (6) having a two-stage winding speed composed of at least a high speed and a low speed as the speed winding the seat belt (3), and a winding speed adjusting unit for setting the winding speed of the electric motor (6) to the high speed between the time when the electric motor (6) starts the winding of the seat belt (3) and the time when the amount reaches the first control amount, setting the winding speed of the electric motor to the low speed when the amount exceeds the first control amount, and stopping the winding action of the seat belt (3) after the amount exceeds the second control amount, thereby quickly accommodating the seat belt

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a seat belt winding method, a seat belt retractor, and a seat belt apparatus capable of stopping the motor even when the seat belt is being wound and restarting the winding of the seat belt, and capable of reducing excess repetition of stopping and starting of the motor.

Abstract: [Problems] In a woven belt and a seat belt apparatus using the same, it is an object to improve the abrasion resistance thereof. [Means for Solving the Problems] A woven belt 101 is made by weaving warp thread 102 extending in substantially the longitudinal direction of webbing and weft thread 103 extending in substantially the width direction of the webbing. Employed as at least either of the warp thread 102 and the weft thread 103 is fiber bundle containing thermal adhesion yarns (for example, each comprising a low melting point filament component 206 having a relatively low melting point and a high melting point filament component 207 having a relatively high melting point), thereby improving the strength of the fiber bundle and thus improving the entire abrasion resistance of the woven belt 101.

Abstract: A motor-driven seatbelt retractor is provided in which vibrations of a cover can be minimized while minimizing increase in weight. In one form, a predetermined number of ribs are provided on a thin plate portion of a cover of a power transmission gear mechanism. These ribs extend in parallel with each other from top to bottom (in a vertical direction) of a seatbelt retractor. Since rigidity of the cover is increased by these ribs, even though vibrations are generated when a motor is driven and the power transmission gear mechanism is operated respectively, the cover is prevented effectively from being vibrated due to the vibrations of these members. Accordingly, generation of noise due to the vibrations of the cover can also be effectively restrained.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor mounting system for a vehicle seat includes a bracket having a first sidewall and a second sidewall. A generally planar plate is located generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first sidewall of the bracket. The plate is coupled to the second sidewall. In addition, at least one of the bracket and plate are secured to, and cooperate with, a seat cushion frame of the seat to surround and protect an emergency locking retractor mounted to the first sidewall. A method employs the system.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint apparatus includes a controller for controlling a reversible occupant restraint so as to restrain an occupant when three conditions are met, i.e., a first condition that the steering angle of a steering wheel has exceeded a steering angle threshold, a second condition that the steering angle speed has exceeded a steering angle speed threshold, and a third condition that the steering angle acceleration has exceeded a specific steering angle acceleration threshold.

Abstract: A self stopping seat belt retractor is provided with a belt shaft for winding a seat belt thereonto and unwinding a wound seat belt therefrom and a housing rotatably supporting the belt shaft and having a locking device that includes a locking means for the belt shaft that can be controlled in a vehicle sensitive and/or belt sensitive manner into engagement with a toothed gearing system on that side of the housing. A tightening device operating on the belt shaft includes a drive wheel, which is, prior to the release of the tightening device, secured in a force-transmitting manner on the housing, is connectable upon release of the tightening device with the belt shaft, whereby the drive wheel of the tightening device is connectable via the locking device with the belt shaft for the transmission of force to the belt shaft.

Abstract: A rotary drive for a belt tensioner includes a housing, a pinion rotatably mounted therein, and at least one driving gear coupled to the pinion, the driving gear being mounted in the housing and being adapted to be driven by pressurized gas introduced into a pressure chamber. Formed in the driving gear is a cavity having a substantially radially extending wall which, in the installed state, is opposite to a protrusion which projects into the cavity and is rigidly connected to the housing, the wall of the cavity and the protrusion forming part of a wall of the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A seatbelt pretensioner mechanism (10) for use with a seatbelt retractor (11). The retractor (11) has a spool (16) configured for winding a seatbelt webbing thereon. The pretensioner mechanism (10) includes a movable actuator member (22) slidably coupled to the spool (16), a stationary member (20) secured to the retractor (11), and a base member (50) slidably coupled to the actuator (22) and to the stationary member (20). Helical splines (23) extend along a portion of the spool (16), and one or more complementary pins (25) extend along a first portion of the movable member (22) for slidingly engaging the splines (23) on the spool (16). Pins (28) also extend along a second portion of the movable member (22), and complementary helical splines (29) extend along a portion of the base member (50) for slidingly engaging the pins (28) on the second portion of the movable member (22).

Abstract: A seatbelt pretensioner mechanism (10) for use with a seatbelt retractor (11). The retractor (11) has a spool (16) configured for winding a seatbelt webbing thereon. The pretensioner mechanism (10) is housed inside the retractor spool (16). The pretensioner mechanism (10) includes a movable actuator member (22) slidably coupled to the retractor spool (16), and a stationary member (20) secured to the retractor (11) along a path of slidable movement of the movable member (22). Helical splines (23) extend along a portion of the spool (16), and complementary helical splines (25) extend along a first portion of the movable member (22) for slidingly engaging the splines (23) on the spool (16). Helical splines (29) also extend along a second portion of the movable member (22), and complementary helical splines (28) extend along a portion of the stationary member (20) for slidingly engaging the splines (29) on the second portion of the movable member (22).

Abstract: A vehicle passenger seat active occupant restraint provides for absorbing energy from a passenger during sudden deceleration of a vehicle. The torso belt portion of a three-point restraint system is anchored using a spring and a displacement limiting linkage at the opposite end from its point of connection to the lap portion of the belt. During deceleration energy is transferred from the restrained occupant to the spring up to the displacement limit.

Abstract: A furniture article having an integral torso support system includes a chair having a seat portion and a backrest portion. Two belt members are permanently attached to the chair's backrest portion and extend therefrom to free ends. Coupling elements are attached to the free ends to provide for connection between the belt members. With this cooperation of structure, the coupling elements can be engaged to configure the belt segment and the belt portion as the support system for restraining the torso of a person sitting on the seat portion of the chair as the person leans forward in a direction away from the backrest portion of the chair.

Abstract: A child restraint system comprises a retractor attached to a child seat. A restraint harness is coupled at one end to the automatic retractor and is releasably attached at another end to a buckle attached to the child seat. The retractor is normally biased to tighten the harness but will yield to an opposite force sufficient to overcome the normal bias. The harness may be further tightened by actuating a manual adjustment device. The restraint harness may be any suitable restraint harness including a three-point, four-point, or five-point restraint.

Abstract: A seat belt system adapted for use with a seat-belt ready seat frame; comprising: (A) housing unit comprising: (i) enclosure and lid portions; (ii) seat belt retractor; (iii) retractor shoulder belt mounted on the retractor with webbing and a first connector; (iv) back cover portion, adapted to be fixedly attached to the seat frame and removably attached to the unit; and (v) the housing unit adapted to be fixedly attached to the underside of the seat frame; (B) multi-connecting lap and shoulder belt having a second section of seat belt webbing and connected at a distal end by way of a Y-junction to second and third connectors, wherein the second connector releasably interconnects with the first connector; and (C) single lap belt having a third section of seat belt and having at the opposite distal end a fourth connector, wherein the fourth connector releasably interconnects with the third connector.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system (30) comprises first and second lap belts (32 and 34), first and second shoulder belts (36 and 38), and a buckle assembly (90) for interconnecting the lap belts (32 and 34) and the shoulder belts (36 and 38). The vehicle restraint system (30) also comprises first and second lap belt retractors (46 and 104) for the first and second lap belts (32 and 34), respectively. A linking mechanism (218) connects the first and second lap belt retractors (46 and 104) and is adapted to transfer motion between the first and second lap belt retractors (46 and 104). As a result, the first and second lap belts (32 and 34) are retracted in unison and by equal amounts during retraction and are withdrawn in unison and by equal amounts during withdrawal from the first and second lap belt retractors (46 and 104).

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a vehicle seat, a first retractable restraint system for the vehicle seat and a second retractable restraint system for the vehicle seat. The first restraint system is in the form of a retractable, three-point shoulder harness. The second restraint system includes a first strap designed to resiliently retract onto a first take-up reel located within the back rest of the vehicle seat, a second strap designed to resiliently retract onto a second take-up reel located within the back rest of the vehicle seat, and a buckle assembly located within the seat support of the vehicle seat which is designed to lockably receive a tongue affixed onto each of the first and second straps.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a booster seat configured to carry a child and adapted to be supported by at least one of a chair and seat. The booster seat includes a base portion and at least one rotatable spool connected with the booster seat. Also included is at least one spool strap having one end windable about the at least one rotatable spool and having a first connector at a free end of the at least one spool strap, the free end extending outside the booster seat. Further included is at least one associated second connector connected with the booster seat to connect with the first connector to secure the booster seat to the at least one of a chair and seat. The present disclosure also relates to a method for securing the booster seat to a support and a method of unsecuring the booster seat and storing the spool straps and connectors.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a belt spool (12) rotatably mounted in a frame (10) and a coupling disc (32) rotatably mounted relative to the belt spool. With a rotation relative to the belt spool, the coupling disc can bring about a locking of the rotation of the belt spool in unwinding direction of the safety belt. The belt spool has a first friction element (22) and the coupling disc has a second friction element (66). The first and second friction elements are positioned such that they are able to connect the belt spool and the coupling disc with each other with a friction fit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seat belt apparatus having a webbing which traverses an occupant's body. The webbing includes two lap belts which are secured at their ends to a lap belt retractor. The lap retractor is secured below the seat and in a forward position relative to the seat. The lap belt retractor is configured to simultaneously retract the lap belts to thereby retain the position of the buckle assembly over the mid abdomen section of an occupant. The opposing ends of the lap belts are secured in a fixed manner to a lap belt anchor. The lap belt anchor is secured below the seat and in a rearward position relative to the seat. The lap belt anchor may further incorporate a pretensioner which pulls the lap belts rearward and downward. The lap belts slidably engage a buckle assembly along a mid section of the lap belts. The webbing further includes shoulder belts which are secured at their ends to shoulder belt retractors.

Abstract: A shopping cart mounted child restraint apparatus includes a cylindrical housing which includes first and second housing ends and strap passageway channels. An extendible and retractable safety restraint strap assembly is housed within the cylindrical housing. Distal portions of straps pass through the strap passageway channels. First and second housing-to-shopping-cart connectors are connected to the first and second housing ends, respectively. First and second strap passageway housing channels are located at the first and second housing ends, respectively. The child restraint apparatus of the invention is mounted on a shopping cart in place of a conventional shopping cart handle. To restrain a child in a shopping cart seat, straps are pulled out from the cylindrical housing, wrapped around the child, and secured to each other. When the child no longer needs to be restrained, the straps are disengaged from each other and contract back into the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A compartmentalized occupant restraint system and kit for restraining an occupant in a seating arrangement comprising a vehicle seat with a seat frame, a seat bottom, and a seat back.

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: The seat belt module is electronically controlled using magneto-rheological fluid. A CPU delivers a signal to an electromagnetic coil within the module at the beginning of a crash to cause the viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid to increase sufficient to lock the spool on which the seat belt is wound against rotation. Thereafter, a subsequent signal is delivered by the CPU to the coil to reduce the magnetic field and the viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid allowing the spool to be unwound in a programmed manner so as to reduce the forces imposed on an occupant by the seat belt. The CPU may be pre-programmed in response to signals from sensors throughout the vehicle that deliver signals corresponding to the characteristics of the occupant and may be programmed in response to signals from these sensors and from an air bag to respond in real time.

Abstract: A rotational direction detecting switch detects a rotational direction of a shaft, preferably of a seat belt retractor. The detecting switch is formed of a switch plate having a support portion for pivotally supporting the switch plate and restricting members spaced apart from each other for restricting a rotating angle of the switch plate, a spring member attached to the switch plate between the restricting members for elastically contacting an outer circumference of the shaft, and a switch situated near the switch plate for detecting a rotating position of the switch plate. Since the spring member is used to contact the shaft, the elastic deformation is large. Therefore, tolerance in manufacturing the switch plate can be large, so that its assembling accuracy may not be so accurate. However, the rotating direction can be positively detected.

Abstract: A webbing take-up device for taking up and unwinding a webbing belt in a vehicle is provided that includes a rotatably mounted take-up shaft adapted for receiving and anchoring an end of the webbing belt, and rotatably urged in a direction for taking up the webbing belt; and a frame having a pair of leg plates opposing each other between which the take-up shaft extends. The frame further includes a connecting portion integrally extending from one leg plate to the other, and a fixing portion adapted for fastening to the vehicle, the connecting portion has a plurality of engraved portions on either side defined therein, and at least some of the engraved portions are formed as elongated holes or thinned portions having a longitudinal axis formed substantially along a direction in which tensile force is applied via the take-up shaft and leg plates when the webbing belt is unwound.

Abstract: A retractor and boot for limiting passage of dirt and foreign material on the retractor belt. The boot includes a plastic housing surrounding the retractor and has an outwardly extending portion forming a channel through which the belt is movable. A pair of scraping edges are located offset along the longitudinal channel axis and are spaced apart relative to each other a distance less than the belt thickness allowing dirt and foreign material to be scraped from the belt as the belt is retracted.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system for restraining an occupant in a seating arrangement comprising a vehicle seat wherein the vehicle seat has a seat frame, a seat bottom coupled to the frame, and a seat back coupled to the seat frame wherein the seat back has a first edge and a second edge, the occupant restraint system comprising a first anchoring assembly for being attached to the vehicle seat adjacent to the first edge of the seat back, a second anchoring assembly for being attached to the vehicle seat adjacent to the second edge of the seat back, a first elongate flexible member with a body portion extendibly and retractably retained on the first anchoring assembly, a mechanism for coupling a portion of the first elongate flexible member to the second anchoring assembly whereby the body portion of the first elongate flexible member traverses the seat back from the first edge to the second edge, a first buckle element coupled to the body portion of the first elongate flexible member, a first corresponding buckl

Abstract: A universal passenger restraint system which can be used by either a passenger sitting on a vehicle seat or a passenger in a wheelchair is described. A reel is mounted against the vehicle wall and a first belt extends therefrom having a female pin connector at the distal end and a male buckle slidably mounted intermediate the ends. A second belt is mounted on the opposite side of the passenger from the first belt and is provided with a male pin assembly, at the distal end thereof, to be received by the female pin connector. When used by a wheelchair passenger, a third belt is provided for attachment to the vehicle and having, at the distal end thereof a female buckle to releasably engage with the male buckle on the first belt.

Abstract: A retractor 100 for a seat belt to be mounted within a seat back of a reclining type seat. The retractor 100 comprises a winding shaft 4 for winding a webbing 90 therearound, a lock element of an emergency lock mechanism 300 for locking the rotation of the winding shaft 4 in the webbing drawn-out direction thereof, and a vehicle body acceleration sensor 32 for detecting a given vehicle body acceleration to thereby actuate the lock element. The lock element of the emergency lock mechanism 300 is structured such that, while the seat belt is not in use, if the seat back is set within the range from the most forwardly inclined position of the seat back to the the most backwardly inclined position of the seat back, a locking wall 41c of a rotation control disk 41 is contactable with a securing piece 15d of an engaging member 15 to thereby prevent the engaging member 15 from moving in a direction where it can be engaged with a latch cup 13.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicular seat belt system comprises a belt reel taking up a seat belt, a belt tensioning mechanism capable of biasing the belt reel in a winding direction of the seat-belt, and a sensor capable of triggering the belt tensioning mechanism and provided with a safety device translatable by installation of the belt retractor in a vehicle from a secured condition in which the sensor is blocked, into a released condition in which the sensor is ready to trigger. The safety device includes a sensor blocking element which is movable between a blocking position in which the sensor is blocked, and a release position in which the sensor is ready to trigger, and includes a transport locking element and a sensing element. The sensing element senses a diameter of a coil of the seat belt on the belt reel and allows a movement of the sensor blocking element into the release position only when the diameter is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A seat belt system (10) comprises first and second shoulder belt portions (30, 32) extensible from an upper portion (20) of the vehicle seat adjacent the shoulders of an occupant. The first and second shoulder belt portions (30, 32) are connected with the vehicle. First and second lap belt portions (74, 85) are extensible from sides (22, 24) of the vehicle seat (14) adjacent sides of the occupant (12) and partially across the lap of the occupant. A first anchor (64) connects a first end portion (62) of the first lap belt portion (74) with the vehicle adjacent one side of the occupant (12). A second anchor (68) connects a first end portion (66) of the second lap belt portion (85) with the vehicle adjacent another side of the occupant (12). The first and second shoulder belt portions (30, 32) and the first and second lap belt portions (74, 85) are interconnected adjacent a waist of the occupant (12). The first lap belt portion (74) has a second end portion (98) wound on a spool (96) of a retractor (76).

Abstract: The positioning of the buckle plate of an auto driver's safety belt so that it is within reach of the driver without the need to turn attention away from traffic in front of the auto, a dangerous maneuver often needed when the safety belt, through oversight, has to be buckled after the auto is in motion.

Abstract: Described is a vehicle seat having a safety belt which can be extended from a belt retractor. The belt retractor is mounted to one side of the vehicle seat. A belt end portion which projects from the belt retractor is provided with a spring hook means. An engagement element for retainingly receiving the spring hook means is disposed at the second side of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A child seat (10) for a vehicle has a seat belt system (12) for restraining a seated child. The seat belt system (12) includes seat belt webbing (16), a pair of webbing anchors (150, 160), and a retractor assembly (18). The webbing (16) has a plurality of sections including first and second shoulder belt sections (64, 74), each which has an upper end and a lower end. The webbing anchors (150, 160) permanently attach the upper ends (154, 164) of the shoulder belt sections (64, 74) to the seat back (24). The retractor assembly (18) takes up slack in the webbing (16) by pulling the lower ends (170, 172) of the shoulder belt sections (64, 74) toward the seat cushion (22).

Abstract: A split rear seat assembly is disclosed in which the upper fixing of a three point automatic safety belt assembly for a center seated passenger is mounted in such a manner that it is accessible from the rear side of a backrest forming part of the seat assembly. The seat belt assembly can therefore be easily fitted to the backrest even after the backrest has been trimmed. The seat backrest has a strong internal reinforcing frame so that loads from the seat belt assembly upper fixing can be safely resisted.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt retractor attaching structure is constructed in such a manner that an inner panel is divided into at least two parts, the inner panels obtained by dividing the inner panel are used as upper and lower inner panels respectively, a bulged part is formed in the upper inner panel so as to be protruded into a car cabin from the lower inner panel and the seat belt retractor is fixed so as to be interposed between the bulged part of the upper inner panel and the lower inner panel.

Abstract: A retractor for controlling the withdrawal of a belt therefrom actuated by movement of a locking bar extension. The retractor frame having a spring biased rotatably mounted spool wrappingly receives one end of the belt harness, the opposite end of the belt harness having fixed thereto either a buckle or a buckle tongue. Attached to a seat is a pivoting crotch stalk including either a buckle or a buckle tongue that receives the corresponding mating part of the buckle tongue combination which is attached to the buckle harness. A locking bar with attached extension is engageable with the ratchet shaped end plates of the spool to prevent further withdrawal of the belt harness. The pivoting crotch stalk engages the extension causing movement of the locking bar into contact with the ratchet shaped end placed, thereby preventing the spool from rotating to allow any further withdrawal of the belt harness.

Abstract: A retractor for a seat belt includes a retractor base, a bobbin fixed to a winding shaft rotatably supported to the retractor base for winding a webbing, and a webbing guide having a first positioning portion located on the side of the bobbin and a second positioning portion located on the side of the upper end of the retractor base. The webbing guide is fixed to the retractor base for regulating a webbing moving path so that the webbing wound around the bobbin is drawn out from a prescribed position on said retractor base. The first and second positioning portions each has a protrusion portion provided with a plurality of protrusions abutting on the surface of said webbing and the surface of each protrusion abutting on said webbing forms a smooth bending face.

Abstract: A child restraint assembly is integrated into the backrest portion of a passenger seat in motor vehicle. The assembly includes a rear cushion and a pivoting bottom cushion for supporting a child in a seated posture. Left and right safety belts extend in a generally vertical direction over the torso of the child to secure the child on the rear and bottom cushions. The left and right safety belts are wound on individual retractor spools each having a respective vertical axis of rotation which allows the left and right safety belts to emanate in opposing horizontal directions. A diverter plate is positioned near the retractor spools for redirecting each of the left and right safety belts from the generally horizontal direction upon which each emanates from its respective retractor spool to the generally vertical use direction, thus providing more efficient and beneficial packaging options.

Abstract: A seat support for a motor vehicle includes a mounting plate permanently secured to the floor of the vehicle and a riser releasingly mounted on the mounting plate. The plate and the riser have cooperating sliding surfaces wherein the riser is slidably supported for movement on the plate between released and latch positions. As the riser moves into the latched position, open-ended slots on feet extending from the riser engage pins on the plate, thereby securing the riser to the plate. Primary and secondary locking mechanisms lock the riser on the plate and tighten engagement between the riser and the plate. The locking mechanisms engage semi-resilient sleeves on the pins to prevent rattling.

Abstract: A modular automotive seat frame enabling a variety of seat frames to be fabricated of modular components. The seat back frame includes a pair of side supports each including a cross member which nestingly interfit with one another. The amount of nesting is varied to vary the width of the seat back. An upper member is secured between the side supports and is adapted to support a headrest. In an enhanced embodiment, the seat is an all-belts-to-seat design. A belt retractor is mounted to the nested cross members of the side supports and a shoulder belt terminal is mounted on the upper member of the seat back frame. The terminal permits the height of the shoulder belt loop to be adjusted for comfort and safety.

Abstract: A retractor for a seat belt includes a retractor base, a bobbin fixed to a winding shaft rotatably supported to the retractor base for winding a webbing, and a webbing guide having a first positioning portion located on the side of the bobbin and a second positioning portion located on the side of the upper end of the retractor base. The webbing guide is fixed to the retractor base for regulating a webbing moving path so that the webbing wound around the bobbin is drawn out from a prescribed position on said retractor base. The first and second positioning portions each has a protrusion portion provided with a plurality of protrusions abutting on the surface of said webbing and the surface of each protrusion abutting on said webbing forms a smooth bending face.

Abstract: A modular automotive seat frame enabling a variety of seat frames to be fabricated of modular components. The seat back frame includes a pair of side supports each including a cross member which nestingly interfit with one another. The amount of nesting is varied to vary the width of the seat back. An upper member is secured between the side supports and is adapted to support a headrest. In an enhanced embodiment, the seat is an all-belts-to-seat design. A belt retractor is mounted to the nested cross members of the side supports and a shoulder belt terminal is mounted on the upper member of the seat back frame. The terminal permits the height of the shoulder belt loop to be adjusted for comfort and safety.

Abstract: A lever is provided for switching from a state in which a preloader for rapidly rotating a webbing take-up shaft in a webbing winding direction in an emergency of a vehicle is non-operated to a state in which the preloader is operated. Before a retractor is mounted to the vehicle, the preloader is made non-operative so that an undesired operation may be avoided. The lever interlocks with a lock device for preventing the webbing take-up shaft from being rotated in a webbing pulling-out direction during acceleration of the vehicle. When the preloader is in a non-operative state, the lock device provides a locked state in which a webbing cannot be pulled out from the webbing take-up shaft. Therefore, in order to fasten the webbing to an occupant, the lever must be actuated to enable the pulling out of the webbing, i.e., to enable the lock device to operate and to enable the preloader to operate. After the retractor has been mounted to the vehicle, the preloader is released from the non-operating state.