US5397075A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Seat belt pretensioner
Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory Inc
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Filing: 1993-09-10
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Granted: 1995-03-14
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Expires: 2013-09-10
Abstract
Abstract A pretensioner for a seat belt utilizes a relatively inexpensive gas-producing cartridge that is easily replaced after activation so as to condition the pretensioner for subsequent use. The cartridge is similar to a shotgun shell and is chambered in a breech block. The cartridge contains a gas-producing pyrotechnic and a piston. Upon ignition, gas produced by the pyrotechnic effects advancement of the piston which, through an associated mechanism, takes up slack in the seat belt.
Inventors
- 👤 Leonard W. Behr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 09:31
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R22/00; B60R22/34; B60R22/46; B60R22/4628; B60R22/4633; B60R22/18; B60R22/195; B60R22/1954; B60R22/1955; B60R2022/4661; B60R2022/469
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A pretensioner for a seat belt comprising: a breech block, a replaceable cartridge in said breech block comprising: a cylinder having a closed end and an open end; a piston in said cylinder; a rack attached to said piston; and a pyrotechnic in said cylinder between the closed end thereof and said piston for driving said piston and rack relative to said cylinder toward the open end thereof; and means connecting said piston to said seat belt for taking up slack therein upon ignition of said pyrotechnic and advancement of said piston comprising: a pinion gear releasably engageable with said rack; and a retraction mechanism for the seat belt driven by said pinion gear.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
A pretensioner for a seat belt comprising: a breech block, a replaceable cartridge in said breech block comprising: a cylinder having a closed end and an open end; a piston in said cylinder; a rack attached to said piston; and a pyrotechnic in said cylinder between the closed end thereof and said piston for driving said piston and rack relative to said cylinder toward the open end thereof; and means connecting said piston to said seat belt for taking up slack therein upon ignition of said pyrotechnic and advancement of said piston comprising: a pinion gear releasably engageable with said rack; and a retraction mechanism for the seat belt driven by said pinion gear.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The seat belt pretensioner of claim 1 wherein said pinion gear is of varying diameter so as to vary the rate of rotation thereof in relation to advancement of said piston 9 and rack.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
109 words
A pretensioner for a seat belt comprising: a breech block; a replaceable cartridge in said breech block comprising: a cylinder having a closed end and an open end; a piston in said cylinder; a pyrotechnic in said cylinder between the closed end thereof and said piston for driving said piston relative to said cylinder toward the open end thereof; and means connecting said piston to said seat belt for taking up slack therein upon ignition of said pyrotechnic and advancement of said piston comprising a pulley connected to said piston and disposed in contact with the seat belt whereby advancement of said piston and said pulley tensions said belt.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
109 words
A pretensioner for a seat belt comprising: a breech block; a replaceable cartridge in said breech block comprising: a cylinder having a closed end and an open end; a piston in said cylinder; a pyrotechnic in said cylinder between the closed end thereof and said piston for driving said piston relative to said cylinder toward the open end thereof; and means connecting said piston to said seat belt for taking up slack therein upon ignition of said pyrotechnic and advancement of said piston comprising a pulley connected to said piston and disposed in contact with the seat belt whereby advancement of said piston and said pulley tensions said belt.
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) | 1998-03-13 | 1998-09-12 | 1999-03-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-03-13 | 2002-09-12 | 2003-03-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-03-13 | 2006-09-12 | 2007-03-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |