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:
Jan. 11, 2000
Filed:
Feb. 19, 1998
Edward W Clancy, III, Livonia, MI (US);
Gerald Keller, Shelby Township, Macomb County, MI (US);
H John Miller, III, Macomb Township, Macomb County, MI (US);
William L Palmer, Rochester, MI (US);
Susan A Richards, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Carl M Petersen, III, Waterford, MI (US);
Brian Nadeau, Livonia, MI (US);
Breed Automotive Technology Inc., Lakeland, FL (US);
Abstract
An energy absorbing retractor having a frame, locking mechanisms to initially stop a spool from rotating in a belt protraction direction, the spool rotationally supported relative to the frame, a seat belt wound about the spool, and biasing device to retract the seat belt, a two-sided torsion bar for generating at least a first level of reaction torque on the spool permitting the spool to rotate in a controlled manner in a belt protracting direction including a torsion bar having a middle portion fixedly coupled to the spool to prevent relative rotation therebetween, a first torsion rod extending therefrom, the first torsion rod including a first end coupled to a first locking mechanism to prevent the first end from rotating upon such coupling, whereby upon locking of the first end, and the loading of the spool, the first torsion rod is twisted to generate a first level of control force. A second torsion rod including a second end coupled to a second locking mechanism to prevent the second end from rotating upon such coupling, whereby upon locking of the second end, and the loading of the spool, the first and second torsion rods are twisted simultaneously to generate a second level of control force.