The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 08, 1977
Filed:
Mar. 01, 1976
Harold R Scibbe, Chardon, OH (US);
Edward J Smith, Mentor, OH (US);
REPA Feinstanzwerk GmbH, Industriegebiet, DT;
Abstract
A retractor including a reel normally biased in a direction tending to wind a belt (such as an automobile belt) around the reel, and including apparatus for placing the retractor in a tensionless condition. A locking surface is fixed to the reel and a locking member is biased toward engagement with the locking surface to resist rotation of the reel in a belt winding direction. A control member is movable in the path of movement of the locking member, and includes a first portion which holds the locking member out of engagement with the locking surface and a second portion which cooperates with the locking member and allows the locking member to engage the locking surface. Gate means are mounted on the control member and are movable relative to the control member into a first position holding the locking member from engagement with the locking surface during a preselected range of movement of the control member relative to the locking member. The gate means are movable relative to the control member into a second position allowing cooperation of the locking member with the second portion of the control member in response to a predetermined sequence of movements of the control member relative to the locking member so that the locking member can engage the locking surface and prevent rotation of the reel in the belt winding direction. Also, according to the invention, a seat belt retractor is placed in a tensionless condition in response to the rotation of the reel as the belt is protracted to a desired degree, allowed to retract, protracted slightly further, and then allowed to retract again.