Pivoting latch plate for seat belts

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "pivoting latch plate for a seat belt." A seat belt latch plate assembly includes a latch plate, a D-ring, and a pivot stop. The D-ring is pivotally connected to the latch plate. The pivot stop is disposed between the latch plate and the D-ring and rotatably secures the latch plate to the D-ring. The pivot stop includes a deformable element. The deformable element is deformable under a predetermined pivoting torque between the D-ring and the plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle seat belt assemblies. Background Art

[0002] The seatbelt portion of a vehicle restraint system protects vehicle occupants from harmful motion caused by a vehicle collision. Seatbelts function to reduce the likelihood of injury by attenuating the forces exerted by occupants impacting the vehicle's internal structure. During this operation, the seatbelt applies loads across the occupant's chest and lap. The loads from the seatbelts can be increased by pretensioners that tighten the seatbelts upon detection of a collision or the incipient impact. Controlling or reducing these loads can reduce the risk of occupant injury during a collision. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A seat belt latch plate assembly includes a latch plate, a D-ring, and a pivot stop. The D-ring is pivotally connected to the latch plate. The pivot stop is disposed between the latch plate and the D-ring and rotatably secures the latch plate to the D-ring. The pivot stop includes a deformable element that deforms under a predetermined pivot torque between the D-ring and the plate.

[0004] A seat belt system includes a seat belt, a D-ring, a latch plate, a pivot pin, a pivot stop, and a buckle. The D-ring slidably receives the seat belt. The pivot pin pivotally connects the D-ring and the latch plate. The pivot pin defines a pivot axis about which the D-ring can pivot relative to the latch plate. A pivot stop is disposed between the D-ring and the latch plate. The pivot stop rotatably secures the D-ring to the latch plate to resist pivoting therebetween. The pivot stop includes a deformable element. The buckle selectively slidably receives the latch plate. The deformable element is deformable under a predetermined pivoting torque between the D-ring and the plate.

[0005] The deformable element may be made of plastic and the latch plate may be made of steel.

[0006] The latch plate and the D-ring may both be made of steel.The latch plate and the D-ring are pivotally connected to each other by a pivot pin defining a pivot axis.

[0007] The deformable element may be a shear pin disposed in a hole in the D-ring and in an aligned hole in the latch plate.

[0008] The shear pins may be made of plastic.

[0009] A plurality of shear pins may be disposed in the same plurality of holes in the D-ring and in the same plurality of aligned holes in the latch plate.

[0010] The pivot stop may include a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface. The first abutment surface may be formed of plastic and integral with the D-ring and define a deformable element. The second abutment surface may be formed of steel and integral with the latch plate and engage the first abutment surface in a first condition.

[0011] The first abutment surface may be disposed on the generally peg-shaped engagement feature.The second abutment surface may be disposed in a generally complementary cavity to the generally peg-shaped engagement feature and may receive the first abutment surface in a first condition.

[0012] The cavity may include a deformable wall.

[0013] The generally peg-shaped engagement feature may be generally square in shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the interior of an exemplary vehicle with an exemplary supplemental three-point seat belt system installed in the front seats.

[0015] Figure 2 is a rear view of an exemplary right seat being occupied, wherein Figure 1 The three-point seat belt system is fully buckled.

[0016] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary latch plate assembly engaged with a striker.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the latch plate assembly.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded view of the latch plate assembly.

[0019] Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternative exemplary latch plate assembly engaged with a striker in a first, undeformed position.

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the latch plate assembly in a second, deformed position.

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the latch plate assembly and the latch from a second direction.

[0022] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Exploded view of the latch plate assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The relative orientations and directions (e.g., up, down, bottom, forward, rearward, front, rear, back, outboard, inboard, inward, outward, lateral, left, right) set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting but are provided for the convenience of the reader in describing at least one embodiment of the structure. This exemplary orientation is from the perspective of an occupant seated in a seat, facing the instrument panel. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like parts throughout the several views.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 9 The exemplary restraint system 10 shown may be provided in a vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 includes a first seat 14A and a second seat 14B, each for supporting an occupant 16 of the vehicle 12. The restraint system 10 includes exemplary seat belt systems 18A, 18B for the vehicle occupant positions and may include an airbag (not shown) for the vehicle occupant positions. Such vehicle occupant positions may include, but are not limited to, a first seat, such as the driver's seat 14A, and a second seat, such as the front passenger seat 14B.

[0025] The driver's seat 14A and passenger seat 14B described herein are consistent with a vehicle 12 having such designated locations. The driver's seat 14A is positioned to allow access to vehicle controls, such as a starter switch, for example, an ignition switch, a steering wheel, a brake pedal, and an accelerator pedal. Automated driving, i.e., autonomous vehicles, may not require the provision of such controls for use by a human driver. The driver's seat 14A and front passenger seat 14B are shown on the left and right sides of the vehicle 12, respectively, but the positions may be reversed. In an automated driving vehicle, the driver's seat 14A and passenger seat 14B may be identical to each other, except that it may be desirable to facilitate entry and exit from the vehicle 12 and the seats 14A and 14B.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 The seats 14A and 14B shown are bucket seats, but may alternatively be bench seats or one or more seats of another type. The seat belt systems 18A, 18B can be used with the front seats 14A, 14B and the rear seats, as well as with the seats in any lateral position in the vehicle. The seats 14A, 14B can be mirror images of each other and can be identical in other respects. The following description will be of the driver's seat 14A and seat belt system 18A, where the reference numerals are followed by the suffix A. The components of the passenger seat 14B and seat belt system 18B are identified with the same reference numerals, but with the suffix B instead of the suffix A. The components marked with the suffix B are described identically to the components marked with the suffix A. The use of reference numerals without the letter A or the letter B suffix generally identifies such components regardless of position, and includes the components marked with the suffix A or the suffix B in the figures.

[0027] Each seat 14A may include a seat back 20A, a seat bottom 22A, and a headrest 24A. The headrest 24A may be supported by the seat back 20A and may be fixed or movable relative to the seat back 20A. The seat back 20A may be supported by the seat bottom 22A and may be fixed or movable relative to the seat bottom 22A. The seat back 20A, seat bottom 22A, and / or headrest 24A may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. The seat back 20A, seat bottom 22A, and / or headrest 24A may themselves be adjustable; in other words, they may include adjustable components and / or may be adjustable relative to one another.

[0028] The seat bottom 22A and / or the seat back 20A may include a seat frame (not shown) and a cushion covering 26A supported on the frame. The frame may include a tube, a beam, or the like. The frame may be made of any suitable plastic material, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), a glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite (organic sheet), or the like. As another example, some or all components of the frame may be made of a suitable metal, such as steel, aluminum, or the like.

[0029] The cushion covering 26A may include upholstery and padding. The upholstery may be made of cloth, leather, artificial leather, or any other suitable material. The upholstery may be sewn into a panel around the frame. The padding may be between the upholstery and the frame and may be made of foam or any other suitable support material.

[0030] The seat belt system 18A shown is a three-point system. Three-point means that the seat belt (i.e., webbing or seat belt) 28A of the system 18A restrains the occupant 16 at three points. These three points can be: at the shoulder (at Figure 2 The occupant's waist is secured to the left shoulder (in the example of the left shoulder) by the seat belt retractor 30A, and on either side of the occupant's waist, such as by the seat belt latch plate assembly 32A (i.e., clamp) engaging the inboard seat belt buckle 34A and the outboard seat belt anchor 36A. A shoulder D-ring 38A may be provided at the shoulder between the retractor 30A and the seat back 20A. The anchor 36A may include an anchor plate, as shown, secured to the vehicle structure, or alternatively, secured to the seat frame. The buckle 34A may be secured to the vehicle structure or the seat frame by a buckle mount 40A.

[0031] A seat belt anchor 36A attaches one end of the seat belt 28A to one of the seat frame and the vehicle structure. The other end of the seat belt 28A feeds into a retractor 30A, which may include a reel for extending and retracting the seat belt 28A. As shown, the retractor 30A may be secured to the vehicle structure, such as the floor or B-pillar 42, or alternatively, to the seat frame. The latch plate assembly 32A slides freely along the seat belt 28A and, when engaged with the buckle 34A, separates the seat belt 28A into a lap belt 44A and a shoulder belt 46A. The lap belt 44A is disposed between the latch plate assembly 32A and the anchor 36A. The shoulder belt 46A may be disposed between the latch plate assembly 32A and the shoulder D-ring 38A.

[0032] The seat belt system 18A holds the occupant 16 in the seat 14A when fastened, such as during a sudden deceleration of the vehicle 12 .

[0033] The shoulder D-ring 38 provides consistent orientation of the seat belt 28A across the shoulders of an occupant, such as at the rear of the seat 14A. When included, the shoulder D-ring 38 receives the seat belt 28A and directs it from the retractor 30A across the shoulders of the occupant 16. The shoulder D-ring 38 may be secured to the seat back 20A or, alternatively, to a structural member of the vehicle, such as the B-pillar 42A. The shoulder D-ring 38 may be omitted from the system 18A when the retractor 30A is mounted to either the B-pillar 42A or the seat frame.

[0034] refer to Figures 3 to 5 The exemplary seat belt latch plate assembly 32A / 32B can be generally identified as the latch plate assembly 32. The latch plate assembly 32 includes a latch plate D-ring 48 pivotally connected to a latch plate 50. A pivot pin 52 can be provided between the latch plate 50 and the D-ring 48 to allow for such pivotable connection. A pivot stop 54 is provided between the D-ring 48 and the latch plate 50 to rotationally secure the latch plate 50 to the D-ring 48, i.e., to resist pivoting therebetween.

[0035] The D-ring 48 slidably receives the seat belt 28 through its belt slot 56. Figure 3 As shown, the D-ring 48 divides the seat belt 28 into a lap belt 44 and a shoulder belt 46. Figure 5 As shown, the D-ring 48 may have a first coupling region 58 adjacent the slot 56. The coupling region 58 may have a first pin hole 60 for receiving the pivot pin 52. The D-ring 48 may be made of steel.

[0036] The latch plate 50 has a latch engagement surface 62, such as may be provided by a latch aperture 63. The latch engagement surface 62 is operably engaged by a latch latch (not shown) disposed within the latch 34. Alternatively, the latch engagement surface 62 may be a raised surface (not shown) on the latch plate 50. The latch plate 50 includes a second coupling region 64, which may also have a second pin aperture 66 for receiving the pivot pin 52. The latch plate 50 may be made of steel.

[0037] The first coupling region 58 of the D-ring 48 and the second coupling region 64 of the latch plate 50 overlap each other and can be smooth and flat. When the coupling regions 58, 64 are positioned against each other, the D-ring 48 and the latch plate 50 can pivot relative to each other with minimal or no interference.

[0038] The pivot pin 52 can be a separate, discrete pin in the form of a rivet or threaded fastener and can define the pivot axis 68. The pivot pin 52 can be received in both the pin holes 60 and 66 in a sliding fit. Alternatively, the pin 52 can be received in one of the holes 60 and 66 in a press-fit relationship and in the other in a sliding fit. The pivot pin 52 can also alternatively be integrally formed with one of the D-ring 48 and the latch plate 50 and received in the holes 60 and 66 in the other of the D-ring 48 and the latch plate 50, thereby providing a sliding fit.

[0039] The exemplary pivot stop 54 may include a deformable element in the form of a shear pin 70 that engages each of the D-ring 48 and the latch plate 50. The shear pin 70 is deformable in that it can shear (i.e., break) when subjected to a predetermined magnitude of vehicle impact load conditions, as described below. The pivot stop 54 also includes a first pivot stop aperture 72 in the D-ring 48 and a second pivot stop aperture 74 in the latch plate 50. The first pivot stop aperture 72 receives a first end of the shear pin 70, and the second pivot stop aperture 74 receives a second end of the shear pin 70. The shear pin 70 may have a cross-sectional area at the interface between the material of the coupling regions 58, 64, and the shear pin 70, and be selected to provide a desired shear strength. The shear strength of the shear pin 70 translates into a predetermined magnitude of torsional resistance (i.e., pivot torque) to pivot between the D-ring 48 and the latch plate 50. The torsional resistance is in part a function of the distance between the shear pin 70 and the pivot axis 68 and can be increased by moving the shear pin 70 further away from the pivot axis 68. The torsional resistance can also be increased by providing multiple shear pins 70. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5In the illustrated example, three shear pins 70 are provided. Materials for the shear pins 70 may include, for example, but not limited to, plastic, aluminum, and steel. The cross-sectional area of the pins 70 may decrease as their shear strength increases, and vice versa, to maintain constant torsional resistance. The exemplary pivot stop 54 may employ multiple pins 70. The pins 70 may be installed by first aligning the holes 72 and 74 and then pressing the pins 70 into position within the holes 72 and 74. Alternatively, the pins 70, particularly when made of plastic, may be formed by injecting the plastic in liquid form into the aligned holes 72 and 74, with the holes 72 and 74 serving as a mold for the pins 70. When a predetermined amount of torsional resistance (i.e., torque) is exceeded and the deformable element deforms (e.g., the pins 70 shear through), pivoting of the D-ring 48 relative to the latch plate 50 is permitted.

[0040] exist Figures 6 to 9 An alternative embodiment of a seat belt latch plate assembly 32' is shown in FIG. The latch plate assembly 32' includes a latch plate D-ring 48' pivotally connected to a latch plate 50'. A pivot pin 52' may be provided between the latch plate 50' and the D-ring 48' to allow for such pivotal connection. A pivot stop 54' is provided between the D-ring 48' and the latch plate 50' to rotationally secure the latch plate 50' to the D-ring 48', i.e., to resist pivoting therebetween.

[0041] The D-ring 48' shown may be made of plastic. It may have a belt slot 56' that slidably receives the seat belt 28. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the D-ring 48' divides the seat belt 28 into the lap belt 44 and the shoulder belt 46. The D-ring 48' may include a boss 57' defining a first coupling area 58'. The coupling area 58' may have a first pin hole 60' for receiving the pivot pin 52'.

[0042] The latch plate 50' shown can be made of steel. The latch plate 50' has a latch engagement surface 62', as can be provided by a latch hole 63'. The latch engagement surface 62' is operably engaged by a latch latch (not shown) disposed within the latch 34. Alternatively, the latch engagement surface 62' can be a raised surface (not shown) on the latch plate 50'. The latch plate 50' includes a second coupling region 64', which can also have a second pin hole 66' for receiving the pivot pin 52'.

[0043] The first coupling region 58' of the D-ring 48' and the second coupling region 64' of the latch plate 50' overlap each other and can both be smooth and flat. When the coupling regions 58', 64' are positioned against each other, the D-ring 48' and the latch plate 50' can pivot relative to each other with minimal or no interference.

[0044] The pivot pin 52' can be a separate, discrete pin in the form of a rivet or threaded fastener and can define a pivot axis 68'. The pivot pin 52' can be received in both the pin holes 60' and the pin holes 66' in a sliding fit. Alternatively, the pin 52' can be received in one of the holes 60', 66' in a press-fit relationship and in the other of the holes 60', 66' in a sliding fit. The pivot pin 52' can alternatively be integrally formed with the latch plate 50' and received in the hole 60' in the D-ring 48', thereby providing a sliding fit.

[0045] The exemplary pivot stop 54' may include a first abutment surface 76' made of plastic and integral with the D-ring 48' and defining a deformable element. The pivot stop 54' may also include a second abutment surface 78' made of steel and integral with the latch plate 50'. The second abutment surface 78' is formed of plastic and integral with the D-ring 48' and defines a deformable element. Figure 8 The first abutment surface 76' is engaged in the first condition shown.

[0046] The second abutment surface 78' may be disposed on a generally pin-shaped engagement feature 80'. The first abutment surface 76' may be disposed in a slot 82' that may receive the generally pin-shaped engagement feature 80' under a first condition. The slot 82' may include a first deformable wall 84' comprising a deformable element on which the surface 76' may be disposed. The wall 84' is deformable in that it may shear (i.e., break, and / or deflect, i.e., bend) when subjected to a vehicle crash load condition of a predetermined magnitude as described below. When the wall 84' has two edges connected to the remainder of the D-ring 48', one edge may break and the other edge may deflect at a predetermined torsional (i.e., pivoting torque) magnitude, thereby allowing the engagement feature 80' to move therethrough. The generally pin-shaped engagement feature 80' may be generally square in shape.

[0047] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the slot 82' can be defined by both a first deformable wall 84' and a second deformable wall 86'. Walls 84', 86' can extend radially from the boss 57'. By moving the walls 84', 86', and the engagement feature 80' further away from the pivot axis 68', the torsional resistance provided by the pivot stop 54' can be increased. Alternatively, the torsional resistance can be increased by providing walls 84', 86' with a thicker cross-section, particularly where the walls connect to the rest of the D-ring 48', such as at the boss 57'. When a predetermined amount of torsional resistance (i.e., torque) is exceeded and the deformable element deforms (e.g., one of the walls 84', 86' breaks, shears through, or bends), pivoting of the D-ring 48' relative to the latch plate 50' is permitted.

[0048] In operation, the seat belt 28 is positioned across the occupant 16, with the latch plate assemblies 32, 32' engaged with the buckle 34. In the event of a collision (e.g., a head-on collision), the occupant 16 of the seat 14 has forward momentum relative to the rest of the vehicle 12. The forward inertial motion of the occupant 16, and particularly the forward inertial motion of the occupant's 16 torso, may act on the seat belt 28. With the lap area of the occupant 16 engaged with the lap belt 44 and the upper torso of the occupant 16 engaged with the shoulder belt 46, the seat belt 28 is in a tensioned state. The inertial force of the occupant 16 against the shoulder belt 46 may cause a deflection of the occupant's chest. The path of the shoulder belt 46 across the upper torso is affected by the angle between the D-rings 48, 48' and the latch plates 50, 50'. Figure 6 The neutral angle is shown as it may be maintained by pivot stops 54 , 54 ′. Figure 7 The deflection angles that can be achieved by the components 32, 32' subjected to the crash load are shown. The deflection angles can have a wide range, for example from 10 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0049] In the case of a non-pivoting latch plate assembly, i.e., one in which the latch plate D-rings 48, 48' and the latch plates 50, 50' are integral and unitary and do not permit relative movement, it has been observed that the upper end of the shoulder belt 46 contacts the occupant 16 at the shoulder, with the inboard edge of the shoulder belt 46 engaging the occupant's neck region, where the shoulder belt 46 has a greater engagement area on the inboard side (i.e., to the side of the center of the vehicle 12 adjacent to the chest). This load path can result in a first load magnitude from the shoulder belt 46 acting on the inboard side of the chest.

[0050] The pivoting latch plate assemblies 32, 32' allow the D-rings 48, 48' to pivot forward relative to the latch plates 50, 50'. Pivoting stops 54, 54' prevent pivoting between the unloaded D-rings 48, 48' and the latch plates 50, 50'. Deformable elements 70, 84' deform and pivot between the D-rings 48, 48' and the latch plates 50, 50' only when the tension in the seat belt 28 exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 500 pounds), causing the corresponding pivoting torque between the D-rings 48, 48' and the latch plates 50, 50' to exceed the predetermined torque of the pivot stops 54, 54'. This deflection allows the shoulder strap to follow a different path across the shoulder, with the shoulder strap 46 engaging the shoulder at a location away from the neck and closer to the arm socket of the shoulder. When following this path, the shoulder strap 46 is positioned closer to the center of the upper torso, resulting in a more even load distribution and reduced load across the upper torso.

[0051] As used herein, the adverb “substantially” means that shape, structure, measurement, quantity, time, etc. may deviate from the precisely described geometric shape, distance, measurement, quantity, time, etc. due to defects in materials, processing, manufacturing, data transmission, computing speed, etc.

[0052] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0053] According to the present invention, a seat belt latch plate assembly is provided, which has: a latch plate; a D-ring, which is pivotally connected to the latch plate; and a pivot stop, which is arranged between the latch plate and the D-ring and rotatably fixes the latch plate to the D-ring, and the pivot stop includes a deformable element, wherein the deformable element can be deformed under a predetermined pivot torque between the D-ring and the plate.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the deformable element is made of plastic and the latch plate is made of steel.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the latch plate and the D-ring are both made of steel and are pivotally connected to each other by a pivot pin defining a pivot axis.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the deformable element is a shear pin disposed in a hole in the D-ring and in an aligned hole in the latch plate.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the shear pin is made of plastic.

[0058] According to one embodiment, a plurality of shear pins are disposed in the same plurality of holes in the D-ring and in the same plurality of aligned holes in the latch plate.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a first abutment surface, which is made of plastic and is integral with the D-ring and defines the deformable element, and a second abutment surface, which is made of steel and is integral with the latch plate and engages the first abutment surface in a first condition.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the first abutment surface is disposed on a generally peg-shaped engagement feature, and the second abutment surface may be disposed in a generally complementary cavity to the generally peg-shaped engagement feature and receive the first abutment surface in the first condition.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the cavity comprises a deformable wall.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the generally peg-shaped engagement feature is generally square in shape.

[0063] According to the present invention, a seat belt system is provided, which comprises: a seat belt; a D-ring, which is slidably received by the seat belt; a latch plate; a pivot pin, which is pivotally connected to the D-ring and the latch plate and defines a pivot axis, and the D-ring can be pivoted relative to the latch plate around the pivot axis; a pivot stop, which is arranged between the D-ring and the latch plate and rotatably fixes the D-ring to the latch plate to resist pivoting therebetween, and the pivot stop includes a deformable element; a lock buckle, which selectively slidably receives the latch plate; and wherein the deformable element can be deformed under a predetermined pivot torque between the D-ring and the plate.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the deformable element is made of plastic and the latch plate is made of steel.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the latch plate and the D-ring and the pivot pin are made of steel.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the deformable element is a shear pin disposed in a hole in the D-ring and in an aligned hole in the latch plate.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the shear pin is made of plastic.

[0068] According to one embodiment, a plurality of shear pins are disposed in the same plurality of holes in the D-ring and in the same plurality of aligned holes in the latch plate.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the above invention is also characterized by a first abutment surface, which is made of plastic and is integral with the D-ring and defines the deformable element; and a second abutment surface, which is made of steel and is integral with the latch plate and engages the first abutment surface under a first condition.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the first abutment surface is disposed on a generally peg-shaped engagement feature, and the second abutment surface may be disposed in a generally complementary cavity to the generally peg-shaped engagement feature and receive the first abutment surface in the first condition.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the cavity comprises a deformable wall.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the generally peg-shaped engagement feature is generally square in shape.

Claims

1. A seat belt latch plate assembly comprising: latch plate; a D-ring pivotally connected to the latch plate and including a slot for slidably receiving a seat belt, the D-ring being pivotable relative to the latch plate about a pivot axis perpendicular to a plane in which the slot lies; as well as a pivot stop disposed between the latch plate and the D-ring and rotatably securing the latch plate to the D-ring, the pivot stop comprising a deformable element, The deformable element is deformable under a predetermined pivoting torque between the D-ring and the latch plate.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the deformable element is made of plastic and the latch plate is made of steel.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the latch plate and the D-ring are each made of steel and are pivotally connected to each other by a pivot pin defining the pivot axis.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the pivot pin has a sliding fit relationship with each of the latch plate and the D-ring.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the pivot pin has a sliding fit with only one of the latch plate and the D-ring.

6. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the pivot pin is in the form of a threaded fastener.

7. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the pivot pin is in the form of a rivet.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the deformable element is a shear pin disposed in a hole in the D-ring and in an aligned hole in the latch plate.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the shear pin is made of plastic.

10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein a plurality of shear pins are disposed in a same plurality of holes in the D-ring and a same plurality of aligned holes in the latch plate.

11. The assembly of claim 1 , said pivot stop comprising: a first abutment surface made of plastic and integral with the D-ring and defining the deformable element, and A second abutment surface is formed of steel and is integral with the latch plate and engages the first abutment surface in a first condition.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the second abutment surface is disposed on a peg-shaped engagement feature, and the first abutment surface is disposed in a cavity complementary to the peg-shaped engagement feature and receiving the second abutment surface in the first condition.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the cavity includes a deformable wall.

14. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the peg-shaped engagement feature is square in shape.

15. A seat belt system comprising: A seat belt latch plate assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14; a seat belt slidably disposed in the groove of the D-ring; as well as A latch selectively slidably receives the latch plate.

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