Apparatus for using the impact energy of a vehicle for a safety device for the protection of passengers
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for enhancing the safety of a passenger in a vehicle of the kind having a chassis and drive means mounted in a forward section thereof for movement, when in a frontal collision of predetermined force, in a rearward direction relative to said chassis, comprising:
- a seat belt for retaining said passenger in a predetermined position and having a first portion extending generally forwardly of said passenger and a second portion extending generally rearwardly of said passenger;
means for securing said first portion of said seat belt to said chassis rearward of said forward section thereof;
retaining means for yieldably extending and retracting said second portion of said seat belt;
flexible substantially unstretchable means having a first section connected to said drive means and a second section connected to said retaining means for selectively retracting said second portion of said seat belt; and
means cooperating with said flexible means for converting said movement of said drive means in said rearward direction into a force whereby said second portion of said seat belt is retracted on said retaining means.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus responsive to the energy generated by a collision of predetermined force and relative movement between its chassis and drive unit resulting therefrom for actuating a safety mechanism, e.g. for tightening a seat belt.
61 Citations
6 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for enhancing the safety of a passenger in a vehicle of the kind having a chassis and drive means mounted in a forward section thereof for movement, when in a frontal collision of predetermined force, in a rearward direction relative to said chassis, comprising:
-
a seat belt for retaining said passenger in a predetermined position and having a first portion extending generally forwardly of said passenger and a second portion extending generally rearwardly of said passenger; means for securing said first portion of said seat belt to said chassis rearward of said forward section thereof; retaining means for yieldably extending and retracting said second portion of said seat belt; flexible substantially unstretchable means having a first section connected to said drive means and a second section connected to said retaining means for selectively retracting said second portion of said seat belt; and means cooperating with said flexible means for converting said movement of said drive means in said rearward direction into a force whereby said second portion of said seat belt is retracted on said retaining means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
Specification