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. 05, 2002
Filed:
Oct. 11, 2000
Harley L. Kapanka, Rochester, MI (US);
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., Lyndhurst, OH (US);
Abstract
A seat belt retractor ( ) comprises a spool ( ) supported on a base ( ) for rotation relative to the base about an axis ( ) in a belt retraction direction and an opposite belt withdrawal direction. A length of belt webbing ( ) wound on the spool ( ) is extensible from the retractor ( ) for helping to protect an occupant of the vehicle. The retractor ( ) includes a spool locking mechanism ( ) for blocking rotation of the spool ( ) in the belt withdrawal direction. A sensor mechanism ( ) is supported on the base ( ). A cover ( ) secured to the base ( ) has a main body portion ( ) covering the sensor mechanism ( ). The cover ( ) has a plurality of legs ( ) projecting from the main body portion ( ). The legs ( ) are resiliently deformable to absorb energy of impact to the retractor ( ).