Ford Motor Company Limited

Timothy K Willis

Keith R Waineo

David E Scroggie

A passive restraint system includes a torso belt automatically securing a vehicle occupant by moving from a forward position along a track to a rearward position to secure the occupant. A belt carrier carries one end of the torso belt along the track while the other end of the torso belt is retained on a belt retractor. Inadvertent latching of the retractor latching mechanism during movement of the belt carrier to the rearward position may cause stalling of the belt carrier. A manual retrigger is provided whereby the vehicle occupant may reinitiate the movement of the belt carrier once the latched belt is released.

Control for automotive passive restraint system with manual retrigger

A passive restraint system includes a torso belt automatically securing a vehicle occupant by moving from a forward position along a track to a rearward position. A belt carrier carries one end of the torso belt along the track while the other end of the torso belt is retained on a belt retractor. Adjustment of the location of a vehicle seat during travel of the torso belt could cause inadvertent latching of the retractor latching mechanism which results in stalling of the belt carrier. The present invention inhibits torso belt movement whenever the seat is adjusted to prevent such latching. When the seat adjustment is completed, the torso belt movement is resumed.

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Northville, MI, United States of America

Timothy K Willis