SPRING-CONTAINED BAND GUIDE

Abstract

Safety belt strap guide assembly (10) designed for attachment to a backrest (12), comprising: a band guide (16) in the form of a loop; and a rail base (114) with: a housing (120) designed for attachment to the backrest (12) and defines a sliding axis; a sliding element which is arranged to slide and extends axially in a guide means in the housing (120); wherein the belt guide (16) is connected to the sliding element for movement along the sliding axis; a spring (144) arranged between the housing (120) and the sliding element, wherein the spring (58) biases the sliding element with respect to the housing (120), the sliding element has a flat guide plate (137); and The housing (120) defines a groove (132) as the first guide means, which receives the guide plate (137) for displacement therein along the sliding axis. characterized by the fact that The sliding element further comprises a sliding piece (138) arranged in a channel (130), which is defined by the housing (120) as a second guide means, wherein the sliding piece (138) is arranged between the spring (144) and the guide plate (137) and the sliding piece (138) is thus attached to the guide plate (137) for axial displacement.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] A seat belt currently used in passenger vehicles is a three-point restraint system that has a length of webbing providing a shoulder belt portion and a lap belt portion. The shoulder belt portion extends over a seat occupant's shoulder on a first side of the occupant and runs diagonally across the occupant's torso to a second side of the occupant at or near the occupant's hip. A path of the webbing can cause the webbing to engage the occupant in a location that chafes or is otherwise uncomfortable for the occupant. Certain seat locations, such as second-row seats in some sport utility vehicles, present unique challenges due to the location of the retractors for those locations.A particular challenge is to provide belt webbing paths or guides for such retractor locations that are suitable for the comfort of occupants of a wide variety of sizes and shapes.

[0002] Document JP S62-82863 U describes a seat belt webbing guide assembly designed for attachment to a seat back, comprising a webbing guide in the form of a loop, a rail base with a housing designed for attachment to the seat back and defining a sliding axis, a sliding element slidably arranged and extending axially in a guide means in the housing, the webbing guide being connected to the sliding element for movement therewith along the sliding axis. The seat belt webbing guide assembly further comprises a spring arranged between the housing and the sliding element, the spring biasing the sliding element with respect to the housing, the sliding element having a substantially planar guide plate, and the housing, as first guide means, defines with the side plates a groove which receives the guide plate for displacement therein along the sliding axis.

[0003] It is desirable to provide a seat belt routing system that is not disruptive to the occupant, as such disruption could lead to the occupant not wearing the seat belt. The objective is to minimize disruption when moving the slider within the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The object is achieved by a seat belt webbing guide arrangement according to claims 1, 7 and 12.

[0005] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 is a rearward facing view of an exemplary webbing guide arranged with respect to a schematic representation of a vehicle seat back with a head restraint. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the exemplary webbing guide shown in Fig. 1 is shown in an installed state. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the exemplary belt guide of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the exemplary webbing guide of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the exemplary webbing guide of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary pivot portion of the webbing guide of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary alternative webbing guide. Fig. 8 is a plan view of an exemplary webbing guide shown in Fig. 7 in an installed state and in a first position. Fig. 9 is a plan view of an exemplary webbing guide shown in Fig. 7 in an installed state and in a second position. Fig. 10 is an exploded view of an exemplary webbing guide of Fig. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] Relative orientations and directions (for example, top, bottom, bottom, rearward, front, rear, back, outboard, inboard, inboard, outboard) are listed in this description not for limitation, but to aid the reader in imagining at least one embodiment of the described structures.

[0007] Fig. 1 shows a pivotal webbing guide assembly 10 received in and embedded within an upper region of a seatback 12 of a vehicle seat. The webbing guide assembly 10 is anchored at its pivot point 14 to a seat frame (not shown), which provides a structural skeleton for the seatback 12. As described in more detail below, the pivot point 14 defines a pivot axis 46. The pivot point 14 connects a webbing guide 16 to the seatback 12. The guide 16 is loop-shaped for receiving and retaining the seat belt webbing. The guide 16 can either be completely closed or it can have a slot that facilitates the passage of the webbing in and out of the guide 16. The webbing guide assembly 10 shown is arranged on a first side of a separate headrest 18, but it is possible to integrate a non-adjustable headrest into the seatback 12.A seat covering 20, which in an exemplary embodiment is made of textile or leather and overlies a cushioning material, is arranged over the skeleton to provide the visible portion of the backrest 12. The pivot point 14 is at least partially concealed or enclosed by the seat covering 20.

[0008] Fig. 2 shows the webbing guide assembly 10 pivoted into a position to accommodate the path of the seat belt webbing 22. The illustrated portion of the webbing 22 comprises a shoulder strap portion of a seat belt. The webbing 22 is part of a three-point restraint system, which in an exemplary embodiment alternatively comprises a lap belt portion of the webbing 22 or alternatively a separate piece of webbing forming the seat belt. The webbing 22 in Fig. 2 extends over one shoulder of an occupant 24.

[0009] Fig. 3 shows the pivotal webbing guide assembly 10 separated from the backrest 12. The pivot point 14 is connected to the webbing guide 16 via a link 26. The link 26 holds the webbing guide 16 at a location spaced from the pivot axis 46. The link 26 may be rigidly attached to the guide 16 so that no relative movement is possible between one end of the link 26 engaging the guide 16 and the guide 16. As can be seen, a hinged connection is provided between the link 26 and the guide 16. Although a hinged connection could be achieved in several ways, for example by having a U-shaped piece at the end of the guide receiving the link 26 and a hinge pin passing through both, in Fig. 3 shows a different arrangement. The guide 16 has a receiving notch 28 that receives a leading end of the connecting link 26. A hinge pin 30 holds the leading end of the connecting link 26 in the notch 28. The notch 28 is defined by sides that are parallel to a plane defined by a region of the guide 16 with maximum area. The viewing direction in Fig. 3 is perpendicular to such a plane. The pin 30 is perpendicular to the sides of the notch 26, allowing the connecting link 26 to pivot about the pin 30 in the notch 28. The pin 30 extends through both the leading end of the connecting link 26 and through the guide 16. The pivoting direction is indicated by the guide pivot arrow 32.

[0010] The connecting link 26 could be a fixed-length shaft support guide 16 at a fixed distance from the pivot point 14. The connecting link 26 shown is a variable-length telescopic rod. The connecting link 26 includes a first cylinder 34 with a first diameter, which is slidably received in a second cylinder 36 with a larger diameter. An axial displacement direction of the band guide 16 with respect to the pivot point 14 is defined by a common connecting axis 38 of the cylinders 34 and 36. The relative telescopic displacement of the cylinder 34 and the cylinder 36 occurs along the connecting axis 38.

[0011] The pivot point 14 includes a hemispherical lower housing 40 and a hemispherical upper bezel 42 covering the housing 40, which cooperatively define a spherical cavity therein. A first portion of the bezel lip 44 extends radially outward from the bezel 42 and wraps downward, overlapping an upper portion of the housing 40. The bezel lip 44 defines a first pivot plane. The bezel lip 44 prevents dirt from entering the housing 40. The pivot axis 46 defined by the bezel 42 in cooperation with the housing 40 is perpendicular to the pivot plane. The bezel 42 is axially attached to the housing 40. Although not shown, the housing 40 may include a radially outwardly extending flange, the flange being overlapped by the lip 44.The lip 44 is wrapped under the flange to permit rotation of the bezel 42 about the axis 46 while maintaining a connection between the bezel 42 and the housing 40 that resists separation of the bezel 42 from the housing 40 in response to a force along an axis 46 in a direction tending to separate the bezel 42 from the housing 40.

[0012] In Fig. 4, a spherical bearing 48 is received by the housing 40 and the bezel 42. Sufficient clearance exists between the bearing 48 and the cavity in the housing 40 and the bezel 42 to allow the bearing 48 to rotate freely therein. The bearing 48 shown receives a pivot end of the connecting link 26 defined by the second cylinder 36. A channel or slot 50 in the bezel 42 receives the second cylinder 36, which extends through the bezel 42 and into the bearing 48. The bezel 42, the bearing 48, and the connecting link 26 can rotate together as a unit about the axis 46. The sides of the slot 50 are parallel to a line defined by a plane intersecting the bezel 42 and coincident with the pivot axis 46. The slot 50 accommodates pivotal movement of the bearing 48 and the connecting link 26 in the direction of a bearing pivot arrow 52 with a range of approximately 45 degrees.The bezel 42 and bearing 48 are rotatable relative to the housing 40 about the axis 46 in the direction of a bezel pivot arrow 54. The band guide 16 and the connecting link 26 and bearing 48 are also rotatable relative to the housing 40 and the bezel 42 about the connecting link axis 38. Rotation of the bearing 48 about the pivot axis 46 could be achieved if the bearing 48 had an alternative shape, such as a cylinder or cone, as long as the portion perpendicular to the axis would result in a circular shape and the cavity defined by the housing 40 and the bezel 42 had a complementary shape.

[0013] In Fig. 5, the components comprising the illustrated pivotal tape guide assembly 10 are shown in more detail in an exploded view. The bearing 48 includes a receiving opening 56 that receives the pivot end of the link 26, the pivot end being provided by the second cylinder 36. In the illustrated assembled guide assembly 10, the link 26 is secured to the bearing 48. The opening 56 has a diameter that provides an interference fit relationship between the pivot end of the link and the bearing 48 to prevent relative movement therebetween. The use of an interference fit is exemplary. Alternative attachment structures could include a weld connecting the link 26 and the bearing 48 and a pin extending through both the link 26 and the bearing 48.

[0014] An exemplary spring 58 is operatively disposed between the first cylinder 34 and the second cylinder 36 and biases the band guide 16 toward the pivot point 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 58 is a tension spring and includes a loop or hook at each end. A first loop at a first end of the spring 58 is disposed within the first cylinder 34. The first loop receives the pin 30. The pin 30 also extends through receiving openings in the guide 16 and the first cylinder 34. The receiving openings in the guide 30 are located on opposite sides of the groove 28 and are axially aligned to receive the pin 30. The pin 30 has an interference fit relationship with the receiving opening on at least one side of the guide 16. The pin 30 has a clearance fit with the pin receiving opening through the first cylinder 34.

[0015] The loop at the second end of the tension spring 58 is disposed within the second cylinder 36 and receives an anchor pin 60. The anchor pin 60 also extends through aligned receiving openings in the second cylinder 36. The interference fit relationship between the second cylinder 36 and the bearing 48 would retain the pin 60 within the cylinder 36. The anchor pin 60 may have an interference fit relationship with at least one of the pin receiving openings through the second cylinder 36 to facilitate assembly, but an interference fit relationship is not required to provide the desired functionality. As noted in the discussion of attaching the second cylinder 36 to the bearing 48, the connection between the bearing and link 26 may be facilitated by a pin rather than an interference fit.One approach to providing a pinned connection is to provide an opening (not shown) extending through the bearing 48 in alignment with and extending beyond the receiving opening 56. The pin 60 would be longer, long enough to engage the bearing 48 on both sides of the opening 56. The pin 60 would have an interference fit with the bearing 48 on at least one side of the opening 56.

[0016] The cylinders 34 and 36 are provided with features that limit the relative axial displacement of the cylinders 34 and 36 to prevent separation of the cylinders. Without restriction of movement, the band guide 16 could be axially displaced sufficiently along the link axis 38 to withdraw the first cylinder 34 from engagement with the second cylinder 36. In the embodiment shown, the restriction of movement is provided by a combination of a radially outwardly extending first lip 62 on an outer diameter of the first cylinder 34 at an end distal to the openings for the hinge pin 30 and a radially inwardly extending second lip 64 on an inner diameter of the second cylinder 36 at an end distal to the openings for the anchor pin 60.When there is no force in a direction tending to move the tape guide 16 away from the pivot point 14, the spring 58 biases the first cylinder 34 to an unloaded position in which substantially the entire first cylinder 34 is disposed within the second cylinder 36. Of course, the end of the second cylinder 36 having the second lip 64 cannot move past the hinge pin 30. When the tape guide 16 is biased away from the pivot point 14 with sufficient force to overcome the resistance of the spring 58, the movement is limited by the engagement of the first lip 62 against the second lip 64. An alternative to providing lips 62 and 64 that completely define the cylinders 34 and 36 is to provide radially extending tabs on the cylinders 34 and 36 that only partially define the cylinders 34 and 36.In such an arrangement, it may be necessary to restrict the relative rotation of the cylinders 34 and 36 about the link axis 38.

[0017] The pivoting webbing guide assembly 10 described above allows rotation of the webbing guide 16 about the pivot bearing 48 in a variety of directions, pivoting of the webbing guide 16 with respect to the connecting link 26 disposed between a pivot point and the webbing guide, and axial extension toward the connecting link axis. The ability to thus translate the webbing guide 16 allows the seat belt webbing 22 to exit the guide 16 and engage the occupant 24 at different angles, thereby providing an improved seat belt fit for a wider variety of occupant sizes. The webbing 22 can be guided by the guide assembly 10 away from the neck and over the shoulder, thereby properly routing the belt and preventing chafing on the neck. Various shapes and styles of webbing guides may be used.The illustrated embodiment utilizes a spring-loaded, telescoping, cylindrical link 26 that allows the webbing guide 16 to be pulled inward toward a center of the seat when desired to accommodate smaller occupants. The spring 58 creates tension between the two cylinders, pulling the webbing guide 16 outward away from a center of the seat and backrest 12 when a more outboard placement is preferred for larger occupants. The bezel 42 is disposed over the housing 40 and covers the bearing 48, and it can also rotate about the housing 40, which in the illustrated embodiment is disposed beneath the seat trim 20.An advantage of the arrangement 10 shown is the ability to allow almost free or floating movement of the belt guide to accommodate different sizes of occupants, thereby providing both safety and comfort for the occupant while maintaining structural integrity in the event of an impact event.

[0018] An alternative embodiment of a belt guide assembly, a rail belt guide assembly 110, is shown in Fig. 7. The webbing guide assembly 110 is attached to a seatback 112 and includes a rail base 114 and a webbing guide 116. The webbing guide 116 is slidable relative to the base 114 in a first direction parallel to a housing axis 118. The webbing guide 116 is not limited to the shape shown, but may have any shape suitable for receiving the seat belt webbing, as long as it has a suitable sliding surface on a bottom or underside for engagement with the rail base 114.

[0019] The rail base 114 includes a sliding housing 120 with a U-shaped channel 130, which is closed at its ends by rail end caps 128. The housing 120 provides sliding platforms 136 into which the sliding surfaces of the tape guide 116 engage.

[0020] The assembly 110 is received and embedded in an upper region of a backrest 112 of a vehicle seat. The webbing guide assembly 110 is fixedly anchored to the seat frame (not shown) by its slide housing 120. The seat trim 122 covers the seat frame. The webbing guide 116 has a predetermined amount of displacement along the housing axis 118. The webbing guide 116 is biased by a bias spring 144 in a first position distal to a seat center.

[0021] In Fig. 8, the webbing guide 116 is shown in an outboard arrangement, with a webbing 124 held distal to a center of the seat to accommodate a larger occupant 126. In Fig. 9, the webbing guide 116 is shown in an inboard arrangement with a webbing 124 held more proximal to a center of the seat to accommodate a smaller occupant 127.

[0022] In Fig.10, components comprising the illustrated tape guide assembly 110 are shown in more detail. The housing 120 includes and is substantially defined by an axially extending U-shaped channel 130. The channel 130 is framed in a plan view direction by a pair of opposed sliding platforms 136. The sliding platforms 136 of the illustrated housing are extensions of the first flanges that extend outwardly away from the channel 130, fold upwardly, and then bend inwardly to form the platforms 136. The sliding platforms 136 and the underlying flanges define a pair of co-planar lateral grooves 132. The lateral grooves 132 are sized to cooperatively receive a guide plate 137. In the illustrated embodiment, axially extending slide rails 134 are provided adjacent the bottom of an interior surface of the channel 130.The channel 130 and the grooves 132 can each be characterized as guide means.

[0023] A slider 138, which is spherical in the embodiment shown, is disposed in the bottom of the channel 130 in sliding engagement with the slide rails 134. The slider 138 has two pins extending therefrom. A first pin 140 extends upwardly into engagement with the guide plate 137. A lift spring 146, shown, is disposed over the first pin 140 and provides a bias tending to separate the slider 138 from the guide plate 137. A second pin 142 extends parallel to the axis 118 and is directed toward a first of the end caps 128. The bias spring 144 is disposed between the first of the end caps 128 and the slider 138. The spring 144 shown is a compression coil spring and has an inner diameter sized to accommodate the second pin 142.

[0024] The guide plate 137 is slidably disposed within side grooves 132 for movement in the direction of the axis 118. The guide plate 137 is shorter than the housing 120. The available axial range of movement of the band guide 116 relative to the housing 120 and the seat frame is no more than the length of the housing 120 minus the length of the guide plate 137. The guide plate 137 has an opening 148 that receives the first pin 140. If the plate 137 is to be maintained at a fixed distance relative to an engagement surface of the slider 138, the opening 148 may be sized to provide an interference fit with the first pin 140. An alternative means of providing engagement between the plate 137 and the slider 138 is to provide a threaded connection between the plate 137 and the first pin 140.In the illustrated embodiment, spring 142 is provided according to an alternative configuration for maintaining a substantially constant force biasing slider 138 away from plate 137. This is achieved by providing a clearance fit between first pin 140 and opening 148.

[0025] In the embodiment shown, the band guide 116 is secured to the slider 138 by the first pin 140. The connection between the first pin 140 and the band guide 116 can take several forms. One possible form is the provision of an opening in a bottom or lower side of the band guide 116 that receives the first pin 140 in an interference fit. An interference fit resists rotation of the band guide 116 with respect to the housing 120. Alternatively, the first pin 140 includes a detent ring disposed in a circumferential groove at one end of the first pin 140 distal to the slider 138, and the opening in the band guide 116 provides a clearance fit with the first pin. The opening in the band guide 116 further includes a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter across the sliding surface, thereby allowing expansion of the detent ring into a cavity in the guide 116.Once the locking ring has expanded, the tape guide 116 is pivotally held on the slider housing 120. The tape guide 116 may alternatively be provided with a projection below a center of its sliding surface, the projection extending the length of the tape guide 116 to prevent pivoting of the tape guide 116. A cross-section of the tape guide with the described projection has a T-shape. The projection extends into a gap in the housing 120 between the sliding platforms 136. A groove is formed in the end caps, complementary in shape to the projection, to allow one end of the tape guide 116 to slide past the end caps 128. The axial movement of the tape guide 116 relative to the housing 120 is still limited by the engagement of the guide plate 137 with the end caps 128.

[0026] The track webbing guide assembly 110 described above allows for lateral translation of the webbing guide 116 relative to the seatback. Optionally, the webbing guide 116 can pivot about a pivot axis established by a relationship between the first pin 140 and the opening 148. The ability to translate the webbing guide 116 in this way allows the seat belt webbing 124 to exit the guide 116 and impact occupants 126 and 127 at different angles and lateral locations, thereby providing an improved seat belt fit for a wider variety of occupant sizes and shapes. The webbing 124 is guided by the guide assembly 110 away from the neck and over the shoulder, properly routing the belt and preventing neck chafing. Various shapes and styles of webbing guides may be used.The illustrated embodiment utilizes a spring-loaded slider 138 that biases the webbing guide 116 away from a center of the seat, but allows the guide 116 to be pulled inward toward a center of the seat when desired to accommodate smaller occupants. The spring 144 creates a biasing force between the housing 120 and the slider 138, pulling the webbing guide 116 outward away from a center of the seat and backrest 112 when a more outboard placement is preferred for larger occupants. The guide plate 137 slides into the side grooves 132. The illustrated arrangement 110 advantageously allows for nearly free or floating movement of the webbing guide to accommodate various sizes of occupants, providing both safety and comfort for the occupant while maintaining structural integrity in the event of a crash event.

[0027] Other possible variations of the tape guide assembly 110 include a version without a slider. For example, the guide plate 137 could be provided with a spring engagement tab extending beneath a bottom surface of the plate 137. The spring 144 would then be disposed between the tab and the first of the end caps 128. The housing 120 would have a much smaller channel 130, just providing a clearance fit sized to retain the spring 144 and prevent the spring 144 from buckling during compression.

Claims

[1] A seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) designed to be attached to a seat back (12), comprising: a tape guide (16) in the form of a loop; and a rail base (114) with: a housing (120) designed to be attached to the backrest (12) and a sliding axis is defined; a sliding element slidably arranged and extending axially in a guide means in the housing (120); wherein the belt guide (16) is connected to the sliding element for movement therewith along the sliding axis; a spring (144) arranged between the housing (120) and the sliding element, and wherein the spring (58) biases the sliding element with respect to the housing (120), the sliding element has a flat guide plate (137); and the housing (120) defines a groove (132) as the first guide means, which receives the guide plate (137) for displacement therein along the sliding axis characterized by , that the sliding element further comprises a sliding piece (138) arranged in a channel (130) which is defined by the housing (120) as a second guide means, the sliding piece (138) being arranged between the spring (144) and the guide plate (137) and the sliding piece (138) being fastened to the guide plate (137) for axial displacement therewith. [2] The seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the housing (120) includes an end cap (128) covering the groove (132) and limiting movement of the guide plate (137). [3] The seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the spring (144) is a compression coil spring. [4] The seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) of claim 3, wherein the housing (120) includes an end cap (128) disposed on one end of the housing (120), and wherein the end cap (128) covers the groove (132) and the channel (130) and limits movement of the guide plate (137) and is engaged by the spring (144). [5] The seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) of claim 4, wherein the slider (138) is spherical and includes a first pin (140) received by an opening in the guide plate (137) and a second pin (142) received by one end of the spring (144). [6] The seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) of claim 5, wherein the first pin (140) is further received by the webbing guide (16). [7] A seat belt guide assembly (10) designed to be attached to a seat back (12), comprising: a tape guide (16) in the form of a loop; and a rail base (114) with: a housing (120) designed to be attached to the backrest (12) and a sliding axis is defined; a sliding element having a slider (138) slidably disposed in a channel (130) defined by the housing (120); wherein the tape guide (16) is connected to the slider (138) for movement therewith along the slide axis; and a spring (144) arranged between the housing (120) and the slider (138), and wherein the spring biases the slider (138) relative to the housing (120), wherein the sliding element further comprises a planar guide plate (137) which is slidably arranged in a groove (132) formed in the housing (120) for displacement therewith along the sliding axis and which is further arranged between the slider (138) and the tape guide (16). [8] The seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) of claim 7, wherein the spring (144) is a compression coil spring. [9] The seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) of claim 8, wherein the housing (120) includes an end cap (128) disposed on one end of the housing (120), and wherein the end cap (128) covers the groove (132) and the channel (130) and limits movement of the guide plate (137) and is engaged by the spring (144). [10] A seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the slider (138) is spherical and includes a first pin (140) received by an opening in the webbing guide (16) and a second pin (142) received by one end of the spring (144). [11] The seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) of claim 10, wherein the first pin (144) is further received by the webbing guide (16). [12] A seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) designed to be attached to a seat back (12), comprising: a tape guide (16) in the form of a loop; and a rail base (144) with: a housing (120) designed to be attached to the backrest (12) and a sliding axis is defined; a sliding element including a slider (138) slidably disposed in a channel (130) defined by the housing (120), and a planar guide plate (137) connected to the slider (138) and slidably disposed in a groove (132) formed in the housing (120) for translation therewith along the sliding axis tape guide; wherein the tape guide is connected to the slider (138) for movement therewith along the slide axis; and a spring (144) arranged between the housing (120) and the slider (138), and wherein the spring (144) biases the slider (138) with respect to the housing (120). [13] The seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) of claim 12, wherein the spring (144) is a compression coil spring. [14] The seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) of claim 13, wherein the housing (120) includes an end cap (128) disposed on one end of the housing (120), and wherein the end cap (128) covers the groove (132) and the channel (130) and limits movement of the guide plate (137) and is engaged by the spring (144). [15] A seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the slider (138) is spherical and includes a first pin (140) received by an opening in the webbing guide (16) and a second pin (142) received by one end of the spring (144). [16] The seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) of claim 15, wherein the first pin (140) is further received by the webbing guide (16).

Images