Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Other

Delphi Technologies, Inc.

George J Strnad

Steven J Richter

Scott David Thomas

Matt R Gohlke

Steven G Corrion

Peter J Gareau

Thomas J Corbett

Peter P Kujawa

Alethea Keesia Morris

Joseph William Tiberia

A number of variations may include a product comprising: a pretensioner that moves from a first position to a second position, several with a with guide loop assembly comprising: a guide loop; a pretensioner, wherein the pretensioner is attached to the guide loop; and wherein the pretensioner moves a guide loop from a first position to a second position upon deployment. A number of variations may also include a slot in the pretensioner body through which motion is communicated to a seatbelt anchor or guide loop to move it from a first position to a second position.

Pretensioner with guide loop or anchor

A buckle presenter for moving a seat belt buckle with a vehicle seat of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle seat has a seat frame connected to a seat adjustment mechanism that moves the vehicle seat. The buckle presenter includes an anchor strap and a buckle strap. The anchor strap is anchored with respect to the vehicle seat such that it is substantially restricted from moving when the vehicle seat is being adjusted vertically. The buckle is attachable to the buckle strap, which is connectable to the vehicle seat such that it moves with the vehicle seat when it is being adjusted vertically. The buckle strap is configured to move along the anchor strap. When a load is applied to the seat belt buckle, the buckle strap and the anchor strap are configured to interlock such that the buckle strap is substantially restricted from moving vertically.

Seat mounted buckle presenter

A vehicle and a locking assembly for a seat belt are disclosed. A strap is disposed between a locking member and an engagement surface of a support. The strap is spaced from the engagement surface when the locking member is in an initial position. The strap engages the engagement surface when the locking member is in a transitional position to apply a variable load to the strap. The strap engages the engagement surface when the locking member is in a final position to apply a final load to the strap. At least one of the support and the locking member includes a device that restricts rotation of the locking member to limit the final load applied to the strap when the locking member is in the final position such that the strap is movable relative to the locking member when a force applied to the strap exceeds the final load.

Vehicle and a locking assembly for a seat belt

A seat belt system includes a belt having an upper end mounted adjacent the occupant shoulder and a lower end mounted adjacent the occupant lap. A latch plate assembly is carried by the belt for engagement with a buckle and includes a housing having a base wall with a tongue for latching engagement by the buckle and a pair of flanges extending at a lateral spacing greater than the width of the belt. A lock bar is pivotally mounted on the flanges. The lock bar has a clamping surface moving toward and away from the base wall upon pivoting of the lock bar to clamp and unclamp the belt against the base wall to prevent transference of the belt through the latch plate assembly. A detent mechanism between the lock bar and the housing locks the lock bar at a pivotal position clamping the belt against the housing.

Seat belt latch plate assembly

A guide loop for a vehicle seat belt system includes a first portion configured for attachment to a body of a vehicle, a second portion extending from the first portion at an angle and configured for attachment to the body, and a third portion extending from the second portion and substantially parallel to the first portion. The third portion is spaced apart from the first portion so as to define a channel that is configured for receiving a seat belt webbing. The guide loop is fixedly attachable to and not rotatable with respect to the body.

Guide loops for a seat belt system

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.

A guide loop for a vehicle seat belt system includes a first portion configured for attachment to a body of a vehicle in one plane and a second portion extending from the first portion at an angle and configured for attachment to the body in another plane. The guide loop is fixedly attachable to and not rotatable with respect to the body. In another embodiment, the guide loop includes a third portion extending from the second portion and substantially parallel to the first portion. The third portion is spaced apart from the first portion prior to attachment to the body so as to define a channel that is configured for receiving a seat belt webbing. A guide loop for a vehicle seat belt system including a height adjuster includes a loop portion and a stop portion, and is fixedly attachable to and not rotatable with respect to the height adjuster.

A rotating joint is provided having a washer with a through-hole, a base, and a shoulder; a rotatable member having a primary hole circumscribing the center hole and sandwiched between the shoulder and base; and a fastener having a shaft that is insertable into the through-hole and connected with a mating threaded receptacle for applying a clamping force on the washer for preventing axial movement of the member while allowing the member to rotate. The shoulder is rolled, and the fastener is non-shouldered and does not use a load distribution washer. The rotatable member includes an opening for connecting a seat belt when the joint is used as a seat belt anchor. The shoulder has a lip overhanging the base, and the rotatable member is positioned therebetween. A method is also provided wherein the joint is captured by the washer separately from the application of the clamping force.

Rotating joint with captured washer assembly and method

An anchorage mechanism is provided for structurally coupling at least two components in series to withstand tensile loads. The anchorage mechanism includes a lower anchor and an upper anchor. The lower anchor has a first end that includes a substantially flat surface having flange portions, and an opposing second end configured for connecting the lower anchor to one of the at least two components. The upper anchor has a first end defining a receiving portion and a second end defining a first opening configured to secure the upper anchor to a second of the at least two components. The receiving portion is configured in a first manner to receive the flange portions of the lower anchor, and configured in a second manner to interlock the upper anchor with the lower anchor to withstand tensile loads. A method of installing a seat belt assembly with the disclosed anchorage mechanism is also provided.

Interlocking anchorage and method of installing a seat belt assembly

A break away trim panel assembly for a panel in an occupant compartment of a vehicle includes a trim panel having an inner side and an outer side and a reinforcement attached to the outer side of the trim panel. The reinforcement includes a channel. The break away trim panel assembly also includes a fastener disposed within the channel for attaching the trim panel to the panel, such that application of a force from a predetermined angle pushes the fastener through the channel to break away the trim panel from the panel in a predetermined direction.

Break away trim panel assembly

A quick-release collar assembly for fastening weights onto a bar is disclosed. The assembly includes an annular collar defining a bore which enables the assembly to be slid onto the barbell and to snugly abut against the weights to be retained thereon. A lock shoe is disposed in a passage which communicates with the bore in the collar. A cam is provided which is reactive against the lock shoe and urges the lock shoe into retaining engagement with the bar when the cam is in a locked position. When the cam is in an unlocked position, a resilient spring acts to urge the lock shoe out of engagement with the bar, so that the collar can be easily removed from the bar. The cam is pivotally supported on a pivot shaft which incorporates a resilient bushing which is compressed when the cam is moved to the locked position. In another embodiment, the cam is reactive directly against the bar.

Growing community of inventors

Rochester, MI, United States of America

George J Strnad