Shoulder Belt Or Harness Patents (Class 297/483)
  • Patent number: 8696027
    Abstract: Vehicle seatbelt positioner for pregnant women and persons with abdominal problems that acts on the shoulder strap and the lap belt, coupled to the user, easy to install and remove, which prevents an incorrect positioning of the seatbelt that could harm the user in case of accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fundacion Cidaut
    Inventors: Monica Diez Marin, Julio Abajo Alonso, Roberto Martín Macías
  • Patent number: 8678512
    Abstract: A high chair has a chair device and a fastener device. The fastener device is connected with the chair device and has a main body, a button and a button elastic member. The main body has a buckle recess formed in the main body and having an open side. The button is capable of retracting or protruding relative to a bottom of the buckle recess. The button elastic member is mounted in the main body and presses against the button. To push and pull the button allows a belt buckle to be easily taken out from and inserted into the buckle recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Kun Wang
  • Patent number: 8672357
    Abstract: An improved seatbelt clip is defined by a retractable tether anchored at the buckle intersection of a seatbelt. The retractable tether is connected at its end to a clipping device that accommodates a folded section of seatbelt. A user folds the shoulder strap of a seatbelt in half longitudinally and inserts the folded strap into the clip which holds it in a position to fit between the breasts of a user. In the event of an accident, the tether causes the clip to dislodge and pulls the clip down and away from the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Suzanne Benoit
  • Publication number: 20140042793
    Abstract: A restraint seat for use in vehicles with restraint systems having inflation devices is disclosed; the seat has a seat body housing, a seat body attachment means for securing the seat to a vehicle seat assembly, the seat body means securable to the seat body and a child restraint harness affixed to the seat body housing for restraining a child. The child restraint harness includes one or more inflatable belts. The harness is connectable to the vehicle restraint system which includes an inflation device, wherein the actuation of the vehicle inflation device inflates the one or more inflatable belts of the child seat. The harness further has a tongue for connecting the harness of the child seat to the buckle of the vehicle restraint system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: KEY SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Francis M. Fiore
  • Patent number: 8646845
    Abstract: A seatbelt guide is attached to a seat of a motor vehicle in the shoulder area of the seat to guide a shoulder belt. The guide includes an inner element fixed relative to the seat, and an outer element spaced from the inner element by a distance to receive and guide the seatbelt. The outer element is movable relative to the inner element in a longitudinal direction to allow the seatbelt to be removed from the guide. This may be desirable if, for example, the seat has a fold-down back rest. The outer element pivots about a pivot axis extending approximately in a transverse direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Johannes A Varcus
  • Patent number: 8636304
    Abstract: Provided are a webbing-threading member and a seatbelt device that can prevent deviation of webbing (a so-called jamming phenomenon) by preventing rotation of the webbing-threading member. A webbing-threading member 1 of the present invention includes a body 2 rotatably mounted on the side of a vehicle, a threading hole 3 formed in the body 2 for guiding the webbing W, and a guide piece 4 placed on a surface of the threading hole 3 and forming a sliding surface 41 over which the webbing W slides. The guide piece 4 has, on the sliding surface 41, engaging grooves 42 that cause a pressing force to act in such a direction as to rotate the body 2 toward a vehicle front side at the time of withdrawing the webbing W, and that cause a pressing force to act in such a direction as to rotate the body 2 toward a vehicle rear side at the time of retracting the webbing W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Yuuki Tabata, Hideaki Nakagawa, Ryoichi Imai
  • Publication number: 20140021771
    Abstract: An inflatable shoulder harness assembly for an aircraft seat including a shoulder belt, a retractor, an airbag contained within an outer cover, and a belt guide slideably receiving the inflatable airbag and outer cover therein when the shoulder belt is retracted, the belt guide defining an elongate channel for facilitating free movement of the outer cover during belt fastening and retraction. The assembly further includes an exit bezel for finishing the look of the seat and a stiffening element for preventing kinking, bunching and twisting of the outer cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Pete C. Meister, Michael Oleson
  • Patent number: 8608247
    Abstract: Seat belt shoulder strap comfort and safety devices provide increased comfort and safety for the user. Embodiments of adjustable clips allow positioning of the clip on the seat belt shoulder strap away from the neck and onto the torso minimizing neck or head injury in an accident or near accident also allowing for focus to be maintained on the road or matters that require attention. Embodiments of two channeled clips provide one channel for the shoulder strap and another channel for the waist strap and are designed to guide the should strap in a comfortable direction while reducing the force on the adjustable clip and the passenger. Embodiments of adjustable clips with locking mechanism are combined with a two channeled clip for optimum safety, comfort, and durability. Some embodiments allow for easy installation and removal or adjustment, which allows the seat belt to be fully retracted and not left dangling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Kendyl A. Román, Cara Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20130328378
    Abstract: Self adjusting and/or locking buckle tongue assemblies for use with occupant restraint systems in vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, a buckle tongue assembly includes a plate having a tongue portion configured to cooperatively engage a corresponding buckle assembly. The buckle tongue assembly of this embodiment can further include first and second web gripping portions carried by the plate. The second web gripping portion is configured to move relative to the first web gripping portion between a first position in which the web gripping portions are spaced apart to permit movement of a web therebetween, and a second position in which the web gripping portions are engaged or interlocked to clamp the web therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: AmSafe Commercial Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David D. Merrick
  • Patent number: 8590934
    Abstract: A three-point automatic belt has an offering arm, which is rotatably mounted by means of a drive, for a seat in a vehicle. A rotatably mounted offering arm is designed as a belt strap part, which is stiffened in one plane, of a belt strap, and can be deflected by means of an electromotive drive. The deflectable, stiffened belt strap part can be deflected into a forward end position, in which the belt strap is offered to a vehicle occupant, into an intermediate or boarding position and into a rearward end position in which access to a storage compartment and/or a rear space and/or a rear seat is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Frank Fruehauf, Rolf Pemsel, Thomas Siegel
  • Publication number: 20130264859
    Abstract: A dilatant characteristic portion, that is structured to include a dilatant characteristic resin material, is provided at a portion of a webbing from a lap webbing portion to a portion that is further toward a shoulder webbing side than a through-hole of a tongue in a webbing applied state. When the webbing is pushed against an inner peripheral portion of the through-hole due to a body of a passenger pulling the webbing when a vehicle suddenly decelerates, the dilatant characteristic resin material hardens due to this load. Due thereto, flexure of the webbing when the webbing attempts to pass-through the through-hole and move is restricted, and therefore, the shoulder webbing passing-through the through-hole and moving toward a waist portion side of the passenger can be prevented or suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaki Fukuzawa
  • Patent number: 8550566
    Abstract: A seat belt includes: a lap strap stretchable around the waist of an operator, in other words, laterally stretchable across a seat surface; an AL retractor that is configured to wind the lap strap; a shoulder strap stretchable from the shoulder to the waist of the operator, in other words, stretchable from an upper portion on one side of the backrest to a lower portion on the other side thereof; and an EL retractor that is configured to wind the shoulder strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirofumi Wada
  • Patent number: 8523229
    Abstract: A height adjuster assembly for motor vehicle belt restraint systems adapted to be mounted to a motor vehicle “B” pillar for affixing a D-ring belt anchorage. The height adjuster assembly can be moved to a plurality of vertical positions for optimally locating a seat belt and D-ring. The adjuster assembly includes a slider assembly movable along a rail preferably formed by a roll forming operation. A rotatable pawl within the slider assembly is biased into engagement with the rail teeth and is held in a normally locked position. A pushbutton can be actuated to rotate the lock pawl to a disengaged position allowing vertical adjustment. The system features few parts, low-cost construction, and provides high structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Kohlndorfer
  • Patent number: 8523285
    Abstract: A seat (10) for a utility vehicle comprising a base (12) and a back support (14) is provided. The back support has an asymmetric profile (18) which includes a cut-away portion (20) at a position corresponding to a user's first shoulder, and a mounting point (25) corresponding to a point located above the user's second shoulder for attachment of a three-point harness (22, 24). Provision of the cut-away portion on one upper corner of the seat maintains a portion on the opposite side of the seat for location of the three-point harness thus delivering increased freedom of movement for the operator whilst incorporating safety requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Valtra Oy Ab
    Inventor: Kimmo Wihinen
  • Patent number: 8480180
    Abstract: A height-adjustable deflection device that functions as the upper fastening point of a three-point safety belt which facilitates adjustment of the belt height and minimizes unintentional changes of the upper fastening point. The relative height of the upper fastening point of the belt is established by a slot formed in the device housing. In a locked position, the housing is engaged with a holder in a form-locking manner to securely establish the upper fastening point of the belt. In an adjustment position, engagement between the holder and the housing is prevented to enable free rotation of the housing about a swivel axle. The configuration of the housing geometry with respect to the swivel axle, the height of the outlet slot thereby changes during rotation of the housing. The relative height of the slot, i.e., the upper fastening point, can be readily established on an individual basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Isringhausen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Winfried Titz, Austin Jennings
  • Patent number: 8479863
    Abstract: An occupant restraint system for a vehicle seat has a belt with a shoulder-belt portion extending diagonally across the seat between an upper portion of first side of the seat and a lower portion of a second side of the seat. An upper belt guide is mounted adjacent to the upper first side of the seat and engages the shoulder-belt to allow it to slide along the guide during belt retraction and extension. A safety sensor/control system generates a signal indicating a condition requiring improved occupant restraint in the seat. A guide actuator is activated in response to the safety sensor/control system signal and displaces the upper belt guide in a transverse direction relative to the seat. The displacement of the guide moves the shoulder-belt portion closer to the neck and/or shoulder of the seat occupant to more securely restrain the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Adolfsson, Gert Aldeborg
  • Patent number: 8474106
    Abstract: A seat belt has an upper end mounted at the occupant shoulder and a lower end mounted adjacent the occupant lap. A latch plate assembly carried by the belt engages a buckle. The latch plate assembly includes a housing having a pair of flanges and a depression extending laterally between the flanges. A lock bar pivotally mounted on the flanges has a clamping surface moving toward and away from the depression upon pivoting movement of the lock bar. The belt wraps around the lock bar so that a force applied to the belt pivots the lock bar and the clamping surface of the lock bar clamps the belt into the depression to lock the belt against movement through the latch plate assembly. The lock bar pivot axis is closer to the clamping surface than the opposite side edge around which the belt wraps to increase the clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Richter, George J. Strnad
  • Publication number: 20130154335
    Abstract: Recess portions (15) and (16) are disposed in a seat-belt sliding face (14) of a seat-belt sliding member (13), and a predetermined number of projections (17) are provided independently of each other in a dotted state in the recess portions (15) and (16). In each of the projections (17), sliding resistance between a seat belt (4) and the seat-belt sliding member (13) in a normal time is small, and the sliding resistance between the seat belt (4) and the seat-belt sliding member (13) when the seat belt (4) slides to the lap belt (4c) side is larger than the sliding resistance between the seat belt (4) and the seat-belt sliding member (13) when the seat belt (4) slides to the shoulder belt (4b) side. By means of the dotted-state projections (17), extension of the lap belt (4c) in an emergency is suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Yuki Tabata, Yoshihiko Kawai
  • Publication number: 20130119718
    Abstract: An adjustable harness and a chair therewith are disclosed. The adjustable harness includes an attachment component, an adjustment component, and a shoulder strap. The attachment component is fixedly disposed on a backrest of a chair. The adjustment component is disposed on the attachment component and capable of being operated to move relative to the attachment component. An end of the shoulder strap is connected to the adjustment component. Thereby, the attachment component and the adjustment component function as an adjustment mechanism, by which a user can simply and fast adjust the shoulder strap, so as to solve the problem of tediousness and time consuming in adjusting restraint systems in the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Schantal M. Kane, Curtis M. Hartenstine
  • Patent number: 8408656
    Abstract: A harness system for a child seat has a shoulder strap, a chest clip, and a harness cover. The harness cover has an upper section coupled to the shoulder strap and positioned above the chest clip and a lower section coupled to the shoulder strap and positioned below the chest clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventor: Jason A. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 8360521
    Abstract: This invention relates to restraining means for seats which can be conveniently adjusted. Accordingly, the invention consists in one aspect of a seat assembly comprising a seat having one or more straps, the straps having a primary bracing point located on the assembly, one or more apertures, and at least one bracing member, wherein the bracing member is co-operable with at least one of the straps and at least one of the apertures to form a secondary bracing point for the strap. In a second aspect, the invention consists of a five-point harness for a child's safety seat, comprising at least one strap and at least one bracing member, the bracing member having a bracing surface for engagement with at least one strap, the bracing member being moveable along said strap to be co-operable with apertures in a seat to be secured releasably to said seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Scott Macliver
  • Publication number: 20120292977
    Abstract: A seatbelt tether is provided for a child car seat. The tether guides the shoulder belt so that the shoulder belt is positioned proximate an occupant's shoulder. The tether is adjustable to accommodate occupants of multiple heights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: BABY TREND, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Sedlack
  • Publication number: 20120256469
    Abstract: A soldier restraint system and method secure a soldier in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the soldier restraint system is secured in a military vehicle. The soldier restraint system includes a seat assembly comprising a seat and straps. The soldier restraint system also includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to the seat assembly. In addition, the soldier restraint system includes mounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies are securable in the vehicle. Attachment of at least one of the straps to the seat is releasable by a release assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: BLACK MOUNTAIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Kyle L. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 8272689
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an automobile seat for children. The seat includes a safety harness and a system of tightening the safety harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Biaud, Francois Renaudin
  • Patent number: 8256073
    Abstract: A harness fastener system for a child carrier device comprises a first plug, and a buckle including a front surface and a release button. The first plug is movable along a first direction substantially parallel with the front surface for engaging with the buckle, and the release button is movable along a second direction substantially parallel with the front surface for pushing the first plug out of the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: BP Children's Products HK Co., Limited
    Inventor: Da Liang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8246077
    Abstract: An occupant restraining device for a vehicle that can regulate a position of a seat belt, without occupying vehicle cabin space. An air belt device includes a retractor that is arranged to the rear, in a vehicle front-rear direction, with respect to a seat back, a seat belt that is pulled out from the retractor when applied to an occupant and that includes a shoulder belt portion for restraining an upper body of the occupant, and a belt insertion portion that is formed by indenting a portion, in a seat width direction, of an upper end of the seat back, and into which an upper side portion of the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt is made to enter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takuya Nezaki
  • Patent number: 8235469
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable belt guide for the upper hold point of a three-point seat belt with a directing element, via which the belt band of the three-point seat belt can be guided, with a connecting element to fix the belt guide 4 to a backrest of a vehicle seat and with an adjustment element arranged between connecting element and directing element. It is provided according to the invention that the adjustment element is developed such that the distance between the backrest, i.e. the connecting element, and the directing element is variable perpendicular to the backrest and the directing element can be fixed in various positions vis-á-vis the backrest. In addition, the invention relates to a vehicle seat with integrated three-point seat belt in which the belt band of the three-point seat belt is guided by an adjustable belt guide connected to the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Isringhausen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Lutz Meyer
  • Patent number: 8226115
    Abstract: An objective is to inflate an inflation portion to an upward position, corresponding with a temple area of an occupant, at the time of a side impact. At a shoulder portion of a seatback 26 of a vehicle seat 12, there is an inflation-time cross-sectional shape regulation component 22, through which an occupant restraint webbing 16 passes. The occupant restraint webbing 16 has an inflation portion 18 that corresponds with a cephalic region 14H of an occupant 14 at the time of inflation. At the time of inflation of the inflation portion 18, the inflation-time cross-sectional shape regulation component 22 regulates such that a cross-sectional shape of the inflation portion 18 is an oblong shape which is long in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Sekizuka, Takuya Nezaki, Atsushi Hiroshige
  • Publication number: 20120112516
    Abstract: Seat belt shoulder strap comfort and safety devices provide increased comfort and safety for the user. Embodiments of adjustable clips allow positioning of the clip on the seat belt shoulder strap away from the neck and onto the torso minimizing neck or head injury in an accident or near accident also allowing for focus to be maintained on the road or matters that require attention. Embodiments of two channeled clips provide one channel for the shoulder strap and another channel for the waist strap and are designed to guide the should strap in a comfortable direction while reducing the force on the adjustable clip and the passenger. Embodiments of adjustable clips with locking mechanism are combined with a two channeled clip for optimum safety, comfort, and durability. Some embodiments allow for easy installation and removal or adjustment, which allows the seat belt to be fully retracted and not left dangling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Kendyl A. Román, Cara Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8146946
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for adjusting a restraining device. The method, system and apparatus can include a body foldably formed with a first segment, a second segment and a third segment. There may further be a first anchor and a second anchor disposed on an interior portion of the first segment, as well as a third anchor disposed on an interior portion of the second segment. Additionally, a backing material may be disposed on an interior portion of the third segment, on exterior portions of the first segment, the second segment and the third segment and extending beyond the exterior portion of the third segment and a coupling mechanism can be disposed on portions of the backing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Elizabeth A Emond
  • Patent number: 8136842
    Abstract: A deflector for a safety belt system of a motor vehicle with a metal core, which has a mounting aperture in the upper section (12) and a belt loop in the lower section, and a plastic element that encompasses at least some sections of the metal core. The plastic element having a first section (30), which is fixed on the metal core, and a second section (50) connected to the first section (30) by means of a film hinge (60), which in the fully assembled state covers at least the front side of the upper section (12) of the metal core and engages with the first section. In order to reliably prevent the second section (50) from becoming detached from the first section (30) in case an expanding curtain airbag makes impact on the second section, one of the two sections of the plastic element has a nose (40) with a first contact surface beside the film hinge, which in the fully assembled state is in contact with a second contact surface of the other section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Arno Kardel, Knut Janzen
  • Publication number: 20120025557
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle including a folding rear compartment seat, the seat resides adjacent the vehicle body. The vehicle body includes a latch assembly accessible via a slot. A seat belt retractor is disposed within the vehicle body above the slot. A seat belt webbing extends from the retractor. The seat is comprised of a seat back and a seat base with a pivot interconnecting the back and base. An assembly including a striker and a webbing guide is secured to the seat back. The assembly comprises a first arm mounted to the seat back and engaging the striker element and a second arm adapted to receive the seat belt webbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Derek Shane Lindsay, Carlington George Demetrius
  • Publication number: 20120007409
    Abstract: A three-point seat belt assembly for an occupant sitting in a seat of a motor vehicle is provided. The three-point seat belt assembly can include a seat belt web that has a shoulder harness portion and a knee portion. The shoulder harness portion extends across the occupant's torso and the knee portion extends across the occupant's knees. In addition, a guide member can be included that prevents the knee portion of the seat belt web from sliding up above the occupant's knees and sliding down towards the occupant's shins. A pretensioner can further be included and be attached to the seat belt web. The pretensioner can have a release force of between 5 and 6 kilonewtons which is an improvement over current limits of between 2 and 3 kilonewtons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Umesh N. Gandhi
  • Publication number: 20110291459
    Abstract: A restraining device eases the loading, unloading and securing of an infant/child to a car seat by holding the shoulder straps of the harness assembly away from the seating area of the car seat. A common, central body is secured to the carrying handle of the infant car seat by at least one of the at least one radial extension. Another of the at least one radial extension is used to secure the harness shoulder strap temporarily to the carrying handle while the infant/child is placed in the seating area of the car seat. The harness shoulder strap is subsequently released from the carrying handle and returned to its original position within the seating area for properly securing the infant/child to the car seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Ashley R. Bruce, Dylan S. Bruce, Patricia L. Hoehne
  • Patent number: 8061781
    Abstract: A configurable restraint system (10-10vi) for a vehicle seat (12, 12?) may comprise a first restraint harness (30-30?) coupled to a first engagement member (32), a second restraint harness (34-34?) coupled to a second engagement member (36), and a third engagement member (50-50??) configured to be movable between first and second positions relative to the vehicle seat. The first position may be located relative to the vehicle seat so that the first engagement member (32) may releasably engage the third engagement member (50-50??) to restrain a first occupant of the vehicle seat via the first restraint harness (30-30?). The second position may be located relative to the vehicle seat so that the second engagement member (36) may alternatively releasably engage the third engagement member (50-50??) to alternatively restrain the first occupant of the vehicle seat via the second restraint harness (34-34?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W Foye, Aaron J Acton, Guy R Dingman
  • Patent number: 8052170
    Abstract: A seat belt system for a vehicle may include a tongue configured to slidably engage a seat belt; a retractor coupled to a portion of the vehicle, the retractor configured to receive the seat belt; and a height adjuster. The height adjuster may include a guide webbing configured to be secured to a portion of the vehicle; a frame supporting a locking mechanism; and a supporting surface to support the seat belt as the seat belt changes direction. The position of the frame relative to the guide webbing is adjustable. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the frame in a position relative to the guide webbing by clamping the guide webbing without input from the user and stays in position during a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Nick John Pelliccia, Christopher Joe Kranz, Thomas Grzybowski, Brandon Scott Marriott, Paul Michael Smith, David Sanders, April Lee Lampkowski, Lyle William Dunham
  • Patent number: 8037581
    Abstract: An anti-rattle tongue plate is provided that includes two different materials for being operably connected to the body of the tongue plate. One of the materials is softer than the other to minimize noise when the tongue plate engages against interior components of the vehicle such as during rough ride conditions. One of the materials is made into a distinct component for being operably connected to the tongue plate body. In this manner, the tongue plate herein eliminates at least one of the insert molds needed for prior over molded latch plates, thus providing manufacturing and cost efficiencies thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark F. Gray, Timothy A. Gandee
  • Patent number: 7980635
    Abstract: An auxiliary mechanism for a seat belt apparatus includes a support portion and a guide portion. The support portion supports a webbing in a manner drawable to the front of a seat back. The support portion is movable between a storage position, which is near the seat back, and a projection position, which is spaced further apart from the seat back than the storage position to draw out the webbing toward the front of the seat back. The guide portion guides the movement of the support portion between the storage position and the projection position, and then continuously guides the movement of the support portion along a vertical direction of the seat back at the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukihiro Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7971908
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat of a vehicle, a safety belt, and a guide assembly. The seat includes a seat back and an attachment feature that is operatively connected to the seat back. The safety belt includes webbing that is configured to extend in a generally diagonal direction across the seat back. The guide assembly includes a clip, a cord, an attachment mechanism, and a breakaway mechanism. The clip is configured for operative attachment to the webbing of the safety belt. The cord operatively extends from the clip. The attachment mechanism is operatively connected to the cord. The attachment mechanism is configured for selective attachment to the attachment feature of the seat back. The breakaway mechanism operatively interconnects the cord and the clip and is configured to separate such that the cord pulls free from the clip upon the application of a force to the clip or the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Carol C. Hathaway, Thomas M. DiMambro, Alfred A. Jefferson, Steven G. Corrion, Thomas Tilly, Leslie A. Sajovec
  • Patent number: 7964130
    Abstract: A guide anchor for a seat belt, and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The guide anchor comprises a guide plate having a latching hole and a slide guide hole formed therein, a guide piece engaged with a lower circumference of the slide guide hole, and a first molded part for coupling the guide plate and the guide piece. The guide piece comprises a cover, and a second molded part injected into a lower surface of the cover. The second molded part has a recess formed in a longitudinal direction at a lower surface. The cover has cover eaves extending from a lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Byoung-Gae You
  • Publication number: 20110140489
    Abstract: A child restraining system for a vehicle the system comprising: at least one web (60), suitable for attachment to a harness comprising a shoulder strap (14); wherein in use the one or more webs (60) covers an area substantially below the scapula and the same or a different web covers at least part of the side of the abdomen; thereby limiting the ability of a child to slide an arm or a shoulder out from under the strap (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Knight
  • Publication number: 20110133528
    Abstract: Strap with one magnetic end to maintain harness strap and male buckle component of child seat in open position. The strap facilitates the ease of placement and removal of the child from the car seat by maintaining harness in open (retracted) position, eliminating the interference of the restraint straps when placing the child in the car seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Cristina Francesca Keith, Jennifer Ann Hartman, Philip Bentley Kirst
  • Patent number: 7954902
    Abstract: In order to allow use of the seat belt in both positions of use of a reversible seat, an articulated end fitting is proposed for connecting a seat belt to the reversible seat, with a connecting part (51) and a projecting elongate lug (53) connected thereto for suspending a seat belt, the elongate lug (53) being pivotable relative to the connecting part (51) about three different axes (A, B, C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Seating Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Ralf Hoge, Armin Amend, Wolfgang Kroner
  • Patent number: 7954901
    Abstract: A configurable restraint system (10-10vi) for a vehicle seat (12, 12?) may comprise a first restraint harness (30-30?) coupled to a first engagement member (32), a second restraint harness (34-34?) coupled to a second engagement member (36), and a third engagement member (50-50??) configured to be movable between first and second positions relative to the vehicle seat. The first position may be located relative to the vehicle seat so that the first engagement member (32) may releasably engage the third engagement member (50-50??) to restrain a first occupant of the vehicle seat via the first restraint harness (30-30?). The second position may be located relative to the vehicle seat so that the second engagement member (36) may alternatively releasably engage the third engagement member (50-50??) to alternatively restrain the first occupant of the vehicle seat via the second restraint harness (34-34?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher W. Foye, Aaron J. Acton, Guy R. Dingman
  • Publication number: 20110101765
    Abstract: A seat belt extender having a rigid non-flexible elongated flat strap with a male connector attached to a first end of the rigid non-flexible elongated flat strap for removably engaging a female connector attached to the floor of an automobile of a three point seat belt and shoulder strap restraint system, and a female connector attached to a second end of the rigid non-flexible elongated flat strap for removably engaging a male connector of the three point seat belt and shoulder strap restraint system. The rigid non-flexible elongated flat strip will stand upright when removably attached to the female connector and has a length that is between two and sixteen inches. The rigid elongated flat strip also has a bend that will locates the female connector of the seat belt extender sideways out away from the side of the seat by a distance of between one inch and four inches when removably attached to the female connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Brian Matthew Brents
  • Publication number: 20110068615
    Abstract: A guide element is provided for a safety belt that is fixable on a motor vehicle seat in a shoulder area. A hook, which is open on top, originates from a fastening plate associated with the motor vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Armin ROSSMANN, Sacha TIPPL
  • Patent number: 7878546
    Abstract: A belt guide anchor is provided to improve handling operability of a seat belt even when a belt opening angle between a portion of the seat belt adjacent to a retractor and that adjacent to an occupant is increased. A belt guide anchor has a belt insertion hole into which a seat belt is fitted so as to be slidable and expanded portions formed on surfaces of the belt guide anchor facing the interior and exterior, respectively, of the vehicle adjacent to the belt insertion hole. In one form, a thin portion is formed in the expanded portion on the surface facing the interior of the vehicle at a position adjoining a part of the belt insertion hole facing the front side of the vehicle, and a thin part is formed in the expanded portion on the surface facing the exterior of the vehicle at a position adjoining a part of the belt insertion hole facing the rear side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Tabata, Tadashi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7850205
    Abstract: Part of a seat belt, anchored at the top of the seat, adopts a conventional sash/belt arrangement (2a, 2c). The other end of the belt, however, passes under the seat base and protrudes up on the opposite side of the seat base to the above anchorage point. This other end carries a buckle to receive a conventional tongue which slides along the belt. Thus, in use, the belt encircles user's thighs (22) and the seat squab. In an accident a pretensioner activates which tightens the belt, somewhat raising and curling seat squab and user's legs (22), so preventing “submarining” (ie sliding of the user out from under the belt). Alternatively an existing lap/sash belt may be augmented by an extra belt passing from the seat top, across the chest, and around one thigh of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lifebelt Pty Limited
    Inventors: Luigi Luke Pisaniello, Marcel Paul Stephan
  • Patent number: 7815256
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) having a squab (2) and the backrest (3) may be provided with a child squab or booster cushion (4). Various elements are provided on the seat which may move in response to the child squab (4) being provided. A first element that may move is a guide (10) which guides part of a seat belt (7). The guide (10) moves inwardly towards the central axis (8) of the seat. Other moveable restraints may be lateral restraints (62,63) which move forwardly from the backrest of the seat to be located to either side of the torso of a child occupying the child squab (4) and head restraints (64,65) which may move forwardly from the head rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv Development,AB
    Inventors: Christer Erlingstam, Christian Svensson
  • Patent number: 7806440
    Abstract: A restraint assembly of a type including a seat belt assembly and a side impact air bag assembly. The seat belt assembly and side impact assembly are preferably mounted to a motor vehicle seat. The seat belt assembly includes one or two retractors, preferably each having roto pretensioners. A single gas source is used to actuate retractor pretensioning functions, as well as providing a gas source for initiating the production of inflation gas for the side impact air bag assembly. Preferably, these elements are all mounted to a motor vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunter K. Clute