Steven David Richter

US Patent:

20130187433, Jul 25, 2013

Filed:

Mar 1, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/782288

Inventors:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - Detroit MI, US
Steven J. Richter - St. Clair Shores MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60R 22/24

US Classification:

297468

Abstract:

A guide loop for a vehicle seat belt system includes a first portion configured for attachment to a body of a vehicle, a second portion extending from the first portion at an angle and configured for attachment to the body, and a third portion extending from the second portion and substantially parallel to the first portion. The third portion is spaced apart from the first portion so as to define a channel that is configured for receiving a seat belt webbing. The guide loop is fixedly attachable to and not rotatable with respect to the body.

US Patent:

20130097827, Apr 25, 2013

Filed:

Oct 25, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/280367

Inventors:

Steven J. Richter - St. Clair Shores MI, US
George J. Strnad - Rochester MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60R 22/00

US Classification:

245931

Abstract:

A seat belt system includes a belt having an upper end mounted adjacent the occupant shoulder and a lower end mounted adjacent the occupant lap. A latch plate assembly is carried by the belt for engagement with a buckle and includes a housing having a base wall with a tongue for latching engagement by the buckle and a pair of flanges extending at a lateral spacing greater than the width of the belt. A lock bar is pivotally mounted on the flanges. The lock bar has a clamping surface moving toward and away from the base wall upon pivoting of the lock bar to clamp and unclamp the belt against the base wall to prevent transference of the belt through the latch plate assembly. A detent mechanism between the lock bar and the housing locks the lock bar at a pivotal position clamping the belt against the housing.

US Patent:

20120198660, Aug 9, 2012

Filed:

Feb 4, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/020832

Inventors:

Steven J. Richter - St. Clair Shores MI, US
George J. Strnad - Rochester MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

A44B 11/12

US Classification:

24170

Abstract:

A seat belt has an upper end mounted at the occupant shoulder and a lower end mounted adjacent the occupant lap. A latch plate assembly carried by the belt engages a buckle. The latch plate assembly includes a housing having a pair of flanges and a depression extending laterally between the flanges. A lock bar pivotally mounted on the flanges has a clamping surface moving toward and away from the depression upon pivoting movement of the lock bar. The belt wraps around the lock bar so that a force applied to the belt pivots the lock bar and the clamping surface of the lock bar clamps the belt into the depression to lock the belt against movement through the latch plate assembly. The lock bar pivot axis is closer to the clamping surface than the opposite side edge around which the belt wraps to increase the clamping force.

US Patent:

20110062696, Mar 17, 2011

Filed:

Sep 16, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/560753

Inventors:

George J. Strnad - Rochester MI, US
Steven J. Richter - St. Clair Shores MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60R 22/18

US Classification:

2808012

Abstract:

A guide loop for a vehicle seat belt system includes a first portion configured for attachment to a body of a vehicle in one plane and a second portion extending from the first portion at an angle and configured for attachment to the body in another plane. The guide loop is fixedly attachable to and not rotatable with respect to the body. In another embodiment, the guide loop includes a third portion extending from the second portion and substantially parallel to the first portion. The third portion is spaced apart from the first portion prior to attachment to the body so as to define a channel that is configured for receiving a seat belt webbing. A guide loop for a vehicle seat belt system including a height adjuster includes a loop portion and a stop portion, and is fixedly attachable to and not rotatable with respect to the height adjuster.

US Patent:

20080296881, Dec 4, 2008

Filed:

Jun 4, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/757519

Inventors:

Steven J. Richter - St. Clair Shores MI, US
George J. Strnad - Rochester MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. - DETROIT MI

International Classification:

B60R 22/18

US Classification:

2808011

Abstract:

An anchorage mechanism is provided for structurally coupling at least two components in series to withstand tensile loads. The anchorage mechanism includes a lower anchor and an upper anchor. The lower anchor has a first end that includes a substantially flat surface having flange portions, and an opposing second end configured for connecting the lower anchor to one of the at least two components. The upper anchor has a first end defining a receiving portion and a second end defining a first opening configured to secure the upper anchor to a second of the at least two components. The receiving portion is configured in a first manner to receive the flange portions of the lower anchor, and configured in a second manner to interlock the upper anchor with the lower anchor to withstand tensile loads. A method of installing a seat belt assembly with the disclosed anchorage mechanism is also provided.

US Patent:

20080185901, Aug 7, 2008

Filed:

Feb 7, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/672218

Inventors:

Steven J. Richter - St. Clair Shores MI, US
George J. Strnad - Rochester MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. - DETROIT MI

International Classification:

B60R 22/18

US Classification:

297468, 411340

Abstract:

A rotating joint is provided having a washer with a through-hole, a base, and a shoulder; a rotatable member having a primary hole circumscribing the center hole and sandwiched between the shoulder and base; and a fastener having a shaft that is insertable into the through-hole and connected with a mating threaded receptacle for applying a clamping force on the washer for preventing axial movement of the member while allowing the member to rotate. The shoulder is rolled, and the fastener is non-shouldered and does not use a load distribution washer. The rotatable member includes an opening for connecting a seat belt when the joint is used as a seat belt anchor. The shoulder has a lip overhanging the base, and the rotatable member is positioned therebetween. A method is also provided wherein the joint is captured by the washer separately from the application of the clamping force.