Daimlerchrysler Corporation

Autoliv Asp, Incorporated

Daniel E Crimmins

James N Sonnenberg

Steven F Snyder

Lance Bertelle

Michael L Goatley

A turning loop cover is disclosed that is configured to slidably engage a turning loop and a fastener of a seatbelt system. The turning loop cover is primarily formed of a housing that has an internal volume and a first surface wherein a plurality of ribs extend from the first surface into the internal volume. The ribs are configured to attenuate a force acting upon the first surface of the housing.

Energy absorbing turning loop cover

A seat belt anchorage has a tubular housing adapted to be mounted on support structure of a vehicle. The housing has a cylindrical wall. A nut is axially slidable along the inner surface of the cylindrical wall. The housing has a transverse wall at an inner end of the cylindrical wall. The transverse wall has a tapered surface. The transverse wall has an annular abutment ring inwardly of the tapered surface defining a central opening. The nut has a tapered side in contact with the tapered surface of said transverse wall and an end in contact with the abutment ring. A bolt has a shank extending through the opening and threaded into the nut. The bolt has a head exteriorly of the housing and a collar on the shank between the head and the abutment ring. A seat belt supporting plate is mounted on the collar. The bolt in normal use is tightened to draw the tapered side of the nut against the tapered surface of the transverse wall and to draw the collar against the abutment ring. In a crash, when the head of an occupant of the vehicle strikes the bolt and urges the bolt outwardly, the collar deforms the abutment ring to absorb the energy of the impact.

Growing community of inventors

Holly, MI, United States of America

Daniel E Crimmins