US4597545A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Seat belt tensioning system
Assignee: Britax Kolb GmbH and Co
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Filing: 1985-05-09
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Granted: 1986-07-01
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Expires: 2005-05-09
Abstract
Abstract A seat belt tensioning system for a motor vehicle comprises a locking retractor for a seat belt and a pre-tensioning device for pre-tensioning the seat belt, the pre-tensioning device comprising mounting means for mounting the retractor on a fixed mounting member, the mounting means permitting movement of the retractor in a direction opposite to the protraction direction of the belt. Such movement of the retractor may be caused by a cable coupled to the front bumper of the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Wilfried Burghardt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 15:15
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R22/00; B60R22/18; B60R22/195; B60R22/1951; B60R22/34; B60R22/36; B60R22/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A seat belt tensioning system for a motor vehicle comprising a locking retractor for a seat belt, means defining a protraction direction for the belt and a pre-tensioning device for pre-tensioning the seat belt, the pre-tensioning device comprising mounting means for mounting the retractor on a fixed mounting member so as to permit movement of the retractor in a direction opposite to the protraction direction of the belt, and traction means connected to the retractor and adapted to move the retractor in said direction and simultaneously effect locking of the retractor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
A seat belt tensioning system for a motor vehicle comprising a locking retractor for a seat belt, means defining a protraction direction for the belt and a pre-tensioning device for pre-tensioning the seat belt, the pre-tensioning device comprising mounting means for mounting the retractor on a fixed mounting member so as to permit movement of the retractor in a direction opposite to the protraction direction of the belt, and traction means connected to the retractor and adapted to move the retractor in said direction and simultaneously effect locking of the retractor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein the retractor is held in its initial position by a shear pin.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein the means for mounting the retractor on the mounting part comprises a slot guide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system according to claim 2, further comprising a ratchet mechanism for locking the retractor in predetermined positions within its range of movement.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
56 words
A system according to claims 4, wherein the slot guide comprises a stud secured to the retractor and projecting through the slot, and a retaining plate attached to the stud behind the mounting member, and the ratchet mechanism comprises a pawl mounted on the retractor and adapted to engage in locking holes in the mounting member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system according to claim 5, wherein the mounting member includes a part of U-shaped cross-section, with the slot in the base of the U-shaped and the locking holes in a side arm of the U-shape.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein the traction means comprises a traction element which is connected to an exposed part of the vehicle and is adapted to transmit displacement thereof to the retractor in the event of a collision.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system according to claim 7, further comprising two pulleys, the traction element being a cable running over said pulleys.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
68 words
A system according to claim 1, further comprising a clamping member, coupling means coupling the clamping member between the retractor and the fixed mounting member, the coupling means being operative to move the clamping member into a position of engagement with the seat belt in response to said movement of the retractor relative to the mounting means in said direction opposite to the protraction direction of the belt.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system according to claim 9, wherein the retractor has a housing, a clamp plate being mounted on the housing on the side of the seat belt opposite to the clamping member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system according to claim 9, wherein the clamping member is pivotally mounted on the retractor and a link couples the clamping member to the mounting member by a link.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system according to claim 11, wherein a bracket projects from the fixed mounting member and has a slot through which the seat belt runs, the link being attached to the bracket.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system according to claim 12, wherein the link is arranged to break when a predetermined load is exceeded.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-06-30 | 1989-12-30 | 1990-07-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-06-30 | 1993-12-30 | 1994-07-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-06-30 | 1997-12-30 | 1998-07-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |