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. 26, 1985
Filed:
Mar. 13, 1985
Timothy J Schmidt, Troy, MI (US);
Ronald A Heintzleman, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
General Safety Corporation, St. Clair Shores, MI (US);
Abstract
A dual mode seat belt retractor assembly particularly useful for motor vehicles is described. The seat belt retractor according to this invention converts between an emergency locking retractor which locks only when the vehicle is subjected to a deceleration level above a predetermined level to an automatic locking mode wherein withdrawal of webbing from the retractor is inhibited. An automatic locking retractor is advantageous for firmly positioning child restraint systems. The emergency locking retractor, however, has advantages in terms of occupant comfort and convenience for adult occupants since they provide freedom of movement within the vehicle. In accordance with this invention, the retractor is converted between automatic locking and emergency locking operating modes through rotation of a drive plate which moves an actuator lever between two positions of engagement with an actuator cam rotatable with the retractor spool. One position permits normal operation of the retractor as an emergency locking retractor while another provides automatic locking operation.