Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.

Steven C Bell

Brandon S Marriott

Nathan Alan Schimmoller

A latch plate for use with a seat belt and seat belt buckle, the latch plate comprising: a metal load-bearing plate including a generally flat tongue engageable with a locking feature of the seat belt buckle, a first portion of the bearing plate, rearward of the tongue, having a first surface, the first surface including a lateral extending rearward edge; the bearing plate, in a second portion thereof, including an integrally formed tab having a laterally extending forward edge, the forward edge of the tab overlaying the rearward edge of the first surface, the tab being spaced a determinable distance from the first surface defining a thin channel or opening therebetween through which the seat belt is received, the distance being sufficiently narrow to lessen the likelihood of the seat belt becoming twisted in the channel.

Anti-roping latch plate

A vehicle occupant safety device ( ) comprising: an air bag ( ) initially in a folded configuration and when inflated by inflation gases expands to an inflated configuration to protect the occupant; an inflator ( ) for providing inflation gases to inflate the air bag; a shroud ( ) comprising a plurality of frangible straps, preferably loosely positioned about the exterior of the folded air bag for controlling the trajectory of the inflating air bag by initially restricting the forward extension of the air bag by interaction with the shroud ( ) and thereafter directing the air bag to inflate along a passageway defined by the shroud which is oriented at a downward angle relative to the occupant. Once the air bag exits the shroud it is free to inflate laterally and upwardly to protect the occupant. In one embodiment the shroud includes a tearable strap ( ).

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Rochester, MI, United States of America

Steven C Bell