Winding – tensioning – or guiding – Reeling device – With spring motor
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-11
2002-11-05
Rivera, William A. (Department: 3654)
Winding, tensioning, or guiding
Reeling device
With spring motor
C280S806000, C297S476000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06474586
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a seat belt retractor having a portion for absorbing energy of an impact to the retractor.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A known vehicle seat belt retractor includes a sensor mechanism for actuating a spool locking mechanism of the retractor. The retractor must be able to pass a “drop test”; that is, the retractor must be able to withstand being dropped from a height of one meter onto a hard ground surface without damage to the sensor mechanism. It is known to cover a portion of the retractor with a piece of foam to cushion the retractor, to enable the retractor to pass the drop test.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a seat belt retractor comprising a spool supported on a base for rotation relative to the base about an axis in a belt retraction direction and an opposite belt withdrawal direction. A length of belt webbing wound on the spool is extensible from the retractor for helping to protect an occupant of the vehicle. The retractor includes a spool locking mechanism for blocking rotation of the spool in the belt withdrawal direction.
A sensor mechanism is supported on the base. A cover secured to the base has a main body portion covering the sensor mechanism. The cover has a plurality of legs projecting from the main body portion. The legs are resiliently deformable to absorb energy of impact to the retractor.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4381086 (1983-04-01), Pfeiffer
patent: 5842674 (1998-12-01), Freeman
patent: 5924641 (1999-07-01), Keller et al.
patent: 6082655 (2000-07-01), Verellen et al.
Rivera William A.
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
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