SHOULDER BELT LATCH LOAD-LIMITING SYSTEM

摘要

A seat belt arrangement includes a vehicle floor, a seat, and a latch assembly including a deformable element. Shoulder and lap belt webbings are attached to the latch assembly. The shoulder belt webbing is associated with the deformable element. According to one embodiment the latch assembly includes a latch plate to which the shoulder belt webbing is attached at an attachment point. This point includes the deformable element that may be a deformable pin or an insert fitted to the latch plate, or may be a relatively soft material. Alternatively the latch assembly includes a movable element and a fixed element having a deformable element fitted there between. When deformed, the deformable element allows movement of the movable element toward the fixed element, thereby limiting the forces of an impact applied by the shoulder belt to the lower portion of the chest of a vehicle occupant wearing the disclosed belt system.

主权项

1. A seat and seat belt arrangement for a vehicle comprising;
a vehicle floor: a seat attached to said floor; a latch assembly including a deformable element; a shoulder belt attached to said latch assembly and being associated with said deformable element; a lap belt attached to said latch assembly; and a latch plate anchor to which said latch assembly releasably attaches, said anchor being attached to one of said floor or said seat.