Single retractor continuous loop restraint system

Abstract

A safety belt system includes a continuous loop of webbing which is anchored at one end to the vehicle floor and anchored at the other end to the roof or upper part of the vehicle. A buckle is mounted on the other side of the seat from the first-mentioned floor anchor, and a connector which is positionable along the webbing includes a tongue plate which mates with the buckle. The system has been improved by the provision of the combination of including limiting means on the connector for allowing the webbing to pass only in a direction to shorten the portion between the floor anchor and the buckle over the lower torso of the user and to lengthen the portion of the webbing between the retractor and the connector over the upper torso. The retractor is more powerful than a normal retractor to pull the webbing through the limiting means. The retractor may further include a tensionless feature to relieve the force from the retractor on the webbing. The system may further include override means to override the limiting means and allow the webbing to pass through the connector in both directions. The override means includes a grip which is held when the connector is held and which releases the override means when the connector is inserted in the buckle. The grip means may include a bar extending between part of the connector. The webbing passes between the bar and the part of the connector to be gripped thereby. The bar is movable to override the gripping of the webbing.