Seat belt mechanism
US5964427A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R22/44
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides for a seat belt mechanism comprising a spool from which a seat belt (1) is to be unwound, resilient means arranged to act on said spool to rewind said belt thereon, said resilient means comprising a first resilient member (8) and a second resilient member (13) arranged to exert a return force on said spool which is less than the return force exerted on said spool by said first resilient member (8) means (12, 15, 17, 19, 21) inhibiting the return force of said first resilient member (8) during initial rewinding of said spool so that said second resilient member (13) provides the primary return force for the spool, and wherein said first (8) and second (13) resilient members are operatively connected to said spool by gear train means (3, 4, 6, 7). The invention proves particularly advantageous in providing for resilient means which can exert a reduced return force during the rewinding of the belt for, preferably, a substantial portion of the rewinding thereof. Thus, the degree of comfort for the seat belt wearer is therefore increased during the rewinding of the belt about the spool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.