US3790099A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy absorbing retractor
Assignee: Honeywell International Inc
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Filing: 1972-05-10
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Granted: 1974-02-05
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Expires: 1992-05-10
Abstract
Abstract An energy absorbing seat belt retractor of the automatic locking or inertia locking type which includes an energy absorbing system that allows a belt shaft to rotate with respect to a locking wheel at a predetermined applied load so that belting is paid out. After a predetermined amount of rotation of the belt shaft, an increased load is required to further pay out the belting. Kinetic energy of an occupant moving forward from his seated position into contact with the belting is absorbed during the initial rotation of the shaft at the predetermined load and during any further rotation at a higher level.
Inventors
- 👤 H Beller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 22:21
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R22/00; B60R22/34; B60R22/341; B60R22/3413; B60R22/28; B60R2022/285
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
252 words
An energy absorbing seat belt retractor comprising a lockable locking wheel having an internal aperture, an outer shaft having one end inserted in said aperture and an end opposite therefrom, said one end being pressed against said locking wheel, said outer shaft adapted to receive seat belting, spring means urging said locking wheel and outer shaft into abutting relationship, a load shaft inserted in said aperture and extending internally through said outer shaft, said load shaft having a head portion adjacent said locking wheel and one end remote from said head portion, restraining means restraining said load shaft from axial movement with respect to said locking wheel, said outer shaft being rotatable with respect to said locking wheel, when said locking wheel is locked, upon the application of a predetermined force to said belting, retaining means in the opposite end of said outer shaft, loading means supported by said load shaft and spaced from said opposite end of said outer shaft, means connecting said loading means to said retaining means for permitting rotation of said loading means with said outer shaft, means for moving said loading means along said load shaft in a direction towards said opposite end of said outer shaft and into abutting relation therewith upon rotation of said outer shaft when said locking wheel is locked, whereby the force required to rotate said outer shaft when said wheel is locked is greater after said loading means has moved into abutting relation with said opposite end of said outer shaft.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
252 words
An energy absorbing seat belt retractor comprising a lockable locking wheel having an internal aperture, an outer shaft having one end inserted in said aperture and an end opposite therefrom, said one end being pressed against said locking wheel, said outer shaft adapted to receive seat belting, spring means urging said locking wheel and outer shaft into abutting relationship, a load shaft inserted in said aperture and extending internally through said outer shaft, said load shaft having a head portion adjacent said locking wheel and one end remote from said head portion, restraining means restraining said load shaft from axial movement with respect to said locking wheel, said outer shaft being rotatable with respect to said locking wheel, when said locking wheel is locked, upon the application of a predetermined force to said belting, retaining means in the opposite end of said outer shaft, loading means supported by said load shaft and spaced from said opposite end of said outer shaft, means connecting said loading means to said retaining means for permitting rotation of said loading means with said outer shaft, means for moving said loading means along said load shaft in a direction towards said opposite end of said outer shaft and into abutting relation therewith upon rotation of said outer shaft when said locking wheel is locked, whereby the force required to rotate said outer shaft when said wheel is locked is greater after said loading means has moved into abutting relation with said opposite end of said outer shaft.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The retractor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said internal aperture of said locking wheel includes beveled walls and said one end of said outer shaft is beveled in the direction of the bevel of said walls of said aperture.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The retractor as claimed in claim 2 wherein said beveled walls of said locking wheel aperture and said beveled end of said outer shaft form a cone clutch structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The retractor as claimed in claim 3 wherein said loading means comprises a loading nut.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The retractor as claimed in claim 4 wherein said load shaft is threaded at its portion which supports said loading nut.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The retractor as claimed in claim 3 wherein said retaining means comprises a slot formed in said opposite end of said outer shaft and wherein said loading means is connected to said retaining means by a projecting portion on said loading means which projects into said slot.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The retractor as claimed in claim 3 wherein said outer shaft comprises a belt shaft having a slot therein for attachment of said seat belting thereto.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The retractor as claimed in claim 3 wherein said spring means is biased between said heat portion of said load shaft and said locking wheel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The retractor as claimed in claim 8 wherein said locking wheel comprises a ratchet wheel having a plurality of ratchet teeth.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The retractor as claimed in claim 8 wherein the beveled walls of the aperture in said locking wheel are tapered inwardly towards said head portion of the load shaft.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-04 | 1977-08-06 | 1978-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-04 | 1981-08-06 | 1982-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-04 | 1985-08-06 | 1986-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |