Direct locking retractor assembly for a seatbelt system and a method for actuating the same

US10246048B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Tool, Inc. · US

Inventors

• William P. Liteplo · Middleton, US
• Jason G. Sidman · Marblehead, US
• Arnold J. Herberg · Davisburg, US
• John D. Fiegener · Marblehead, US
• Daniel D. Bloch · Saint Peters, US
• Ryan Thompson · Cambridge, US
• Michael Tinstman · Malden, US
• Ben Bangser · Salem, US
• Thomas Anthony Gernetzke · Boston, US
• Daniel L. Ha · McLean, US
• Matthew P. Cioe · Mansfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 2, 2016
• Grant date: Apr 2, 2019
• Expiry date: Nov 8, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R22/347
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A seatbelt system comprising a buckle; a spool with a ratchet wheel and webbing that is windable onto or off of the spool as the spool rotates. A control mechanism is operatively engaged with a pawl located proximate the ratchet wheel. When the control mechanism is in a first condition, the pawl is disengaged from the ratchet wheel and the ratchet wheel and spool are rotatable to wind the webbing onto or off of the spool. When the control mechanism is in a second condition, the pawl is moved into engagement with the ratchet wheel and the ratchet wheel and spool are only able to rotate the webbing onto the spool. The control mechanism includes a button that has to be pushed by a user after the seatbelt is engaged with the buckle in order to move the pawl into engagement with the ratchet wheel.