Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Joseph W Struck

Richard D Loose

A seat belt retractor is comprised of a minimum number of component parts which may be interchangeably and optionally assembled upon a standard frame to provide a desired combination of mechanisms which control rotation of the belt reel. The optional control mechanisms include spring windup, belt sensitive lockup, vehicle sensitive lockup, and a comfort device for relieving tension on the belt. A pair of support members abut against the side walls of the frame to carry the control mechanisms and have integral bushings which journal the reel shaft. Covers are provided to enclose the operating mechanisms and have plug-in projections which extend through aligned apertures of the support members and frame side walls to attach the support members and associated control mechanism interchangeably on either of the frame side walls. The frame has first and second opposed facing pairs of mounting apertures to selectively mount the lock bar for engagement with oncoming sprocket teeth regardless of the selected direction of belt unwinding reel rotation. One of the support members carries the inertia weight and has first and second pairs of oppositely arranged apertured mounting bosses for selective alternate mounting of a lock bar energizing pawl to orient the pawl for engagement with oncoming gear teeth carried by the sprocket regardless of the direction of belt unwinding reel rotation.

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Sterling Heights, MI, United States of America

Joseph W Struck