Susan L Richards

US Patent:

60126671, Jan 11, 2000

Filed:

Feb 19, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/026102

Inventors:

Edward W. Clancy - Livonia MI
Gerald Keller - Shelby Township, Macomb County MI
H. John Miller - Macomb Township, Macomb County MI
William L. Palmer - Rochester MI
Susan A. Richards - Sterling Heights MI
Carl M. Petersen - Waterford MI
Brian Nadeau - Livonia MI

Assignee:

Breed Automotive Technology Inc. - Lakeland FL

International Classification:

B60R 2228
B65H 7548

US Classification:

2423791

Abstract:

An energy absorbing retractor having a frame, locking mechanisms to initially stop a spool from rotating in a belt protraction direction, the spool rotationally supported relative to the frame, a seat belt wound about the spool, and biasing device to retract the seat belt, a two-sided torsion bar for generating at least a first level of reaction torque on the spool permitting the spool to rotate in a controlled manner in a belt protracting direction including a torsion bar having a middle portion fixedly coupled to the spool to prevent relative rotation therebetween, a first torsion rod extending therefrom, the first torsion rod including a first end coupled to a first locking mechanism to prevent the first end from rotating upon such coupling, whereby upon locking of the first end, and the loading of the spool, the first torsion rod is twisted to generate a first level of control force. A second torsion rod including a second end coupled to a second locking mechanism to prevent the second end from rotating upon such coupling, whereby upon locking of the second end, and the loading of the spool, the first and second torsion rods are twisted simultaneously to generate a second level of control force.

US Patent:

20140263797, Sep 18, 2014

Filed:

Mar 14, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/827718

Inventors:

- Ogden UT, US
Thomas Garvey - Waterford MI, US
Susan Richards - Sterling Heights MI, US

Assignee:

Autoliv ASP, Inc. - Ogden UT

International Classification:

B60R 22/34

US Classification:

2423791

Abstract:

A torsion bar having progressive load limiting characteristics for use in a vehicle restraint system is provided. The torsion bar includes a longitudinal main body portion having a first end for mounting to a belt retractor spindle and a second end for being engaged and disengaged with a seatbelt locking mechanism. The main body portion includes a longitudinal slot extending transversely therethrough that defines an opening therein. The torsion bar will twist in response to a first torsional load, which will cause the opening to become closed. When the opening becomes closed, the torsion bar with withstand twisting up to a second torsional load, where the torsion bar will twist again in response to the second torsional load.