Dynamic guide providing upper anchorage for vehicle seat belts

Abstract

A seat belt system for a vehicle occupant includes an anchor point attached to a body of the vehicle; a seat belt webbing extending from the anchor point toward the occupant; and a dynamic guide for the seat belt webbing positioned between the anchor point and the occupant's shoulder, the dynamic guide having a lid attached to a base, the seat belt webbing extending through the dynamic guide and exiting through an opening between the lid and the base, the dynamic guide configured to at least partially separate the lid from the base when a first predetermined tension is applied to the seat belt webbing in a lateral direction of the vehicle.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 18 / 328,493, entitled "DYNAMIC GUIDE PROVIDING UPPER ANCHORAGE FOR A VEHICLE SEATBELT," filed June 2, 2023. This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 481,551, entitled "DYNAMIC GUIDE PROVIDING UPPER ANCHORAGE FOR A VEHICLE SEATBELT," filed January 25, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 481,551, filed January 25, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] This document relates to a dynamic guide that provides upper anchorage for a vehicle seat belt. [Background technology]

[0004] Seat belts are mandatory in most vehicles. Three-point seat belts typically consist of a shoulder belt that runs from a point behind one shoulder, across the torso, to a buckle near the occupant's waist, where a lap belt is also attached, which runs across the pelvis. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, a seat belt system for a vehicle occupant includes: an anchor point attached to a body of the vehicle; a seat belt webbing extending from the anchor point toward the occupant; and a dynamic guide for the seat belt webbing positioned between the anchor point and the occupant's shoulder, the dynamic guide having a lid attached to a base, the seat belt webbing extending through the dynamic guide and exiting through an opening between the lid and the base, the dynamic guide configured to at least partially separate the lid from the base when a first predetermined tension is applied to the seat belt webbing in a lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0006] The implementation may include any or all of the following features: the seat belt webbing is secured to the body of the vehicle at the anchor point; the seat belt system further includes a seat belt retractor attached to the body of the vehicle, the seat belt webbing attached to the seat belt retractor, and the anchor point positioned between the seat belt retractor and the dynamic guide; the anchor point is substantially horizontally at the same level as the dynamic guide or higher than the dynamic guide; the first predetermined tension is lower than a second predetermined tension corresponding to a load limit tension of the seat belt retractor; the first predetermined tension is higher than a third predetermined tension corresponding to a movement of an occupant; the dynamic guide is attached to an interior wall of a passenger compartment of the vehicle; the dynamic guide is attached to a seat back of the passenger seat; and the seat belt system is installed for a second row seat or a subsequent row seat of the vehicle. The dynamic guide includes a snap feature that holds the lid and the base together in a closed position, the snap feature including a hook on one of the lid or the base, the hook configured to engage a detent on the other of the lid or the base. The dynamic guide includes a disengagement mechanism for releasing the lid from the base at the first predetermined tension in the seat belt webbing. The disengagement mechanism is configured to tear at the first predetermined tension in the seat belt webbing. The disengagement mechanism includes an initiator that causes the disengagement mechanism to tear at the first predetermined tension. The dynamic guide includes a snap feature that holds the lid and the base together in a closed position, the snap feature including a hook on one of the lid or the base, the hook configured to engage a detent on the other of the lid or the base, and the initiator including a notch in the hook.The dynamic guide includes a first snap feature that holds the lid and the base together in the closed position, the first snap feature including a hook on one of the lid or the base and a detent on the other of the lid or the base, and the disengagement mechanism configured to disengage the hook from the detent at the first predetermined tension in the seat belt webbing. The disengagement mechanism includes a release portion extending from the hook, the release portion configured so that tension in the seat belt webbing causes the seat belt webbing to apply pressure to the release portion. The seat belt system further includes a second snap feature that holds the lid and the base together in the closed position, the first and second snap features being positioned between the anchor point and the opening through which the seat belt webbing exits.

[0007] In a second aspect, a seat belt system for a vehicle occupant includes: an anchor point attached to a body of the vehicle; a seat belt retractor attached to the body of the vehicle; a seat belt webbing attached to the seat belt retractor, the seat belt webbing extending from the anchor point toward the occupant; and means for dynamically guiding the seat belt webbing positioned between the anchor point and the shoulder of the occupant, the means for releasing the seat belt webbing at a first predetermined tension in the seat belt webbing, the first predetermined tension being lower than a second predetermined tension corresponding to a load limit tension of the seat belt retractor and higher than a third predetermined tension corresponding to movement of the occupant. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] 1A-1C show examples of dynamic guides providing an upper anchorage for a vehicle seat belt depicted in comfort and frontal crash conditions. [Figure 1B]1A-1C show examples of dynamic guides providing an upper anchorage for a vehicle seat belt depicted in comfort and frontal crash conditions.

[0009] [Figure 2A] 1A-1B depicting the dynamic guide example of FIGS. 1A-1B in a lateral / diagonal impact situation. FIG. [Figure 2B] 1A-1B depicting the dynamic guide example of FIGS. 1A-1B in a lateral / diagonal impact situation. FIG.

[0010] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows an example of a dynamic guide providing an upper anchorage for a vehicle seat belt depicted in a comfortable position.

[0011] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the dynamic guide of FIG. 3.

[0012] [Figure 5] 5 illustrates an example cross section of a dynamic guide taken along line xx in FIG. 4, the dynamic guide having a snap feature.

[0013] [Figure 6] FIG. 5 illustrates an example cross section of a dynamic guide taken along line yy of FIG. 4, the dynamic guide having a snap feature.

[0014] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a dynamic guide providing an upper anchorage for a vehicle seat belt depicted in a lateral / diagonal impact situation.

[0015] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the dynamic guide of FIG. 7.

[0016] [Figure 9]6 illustrates an example cross section of the dynamic guide of FIG. 5, where the dynamic guide has an initiator on the snap feature.

[0017] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of a cross section of the dynamic guide in FIG. 9 where the initiator has broken the snap feature.

[0018] [Figure 11] FIG. 6 illustrates an example cross section of the dynamic guide of FIG. 5, where the dynamic guide has a disengagement mechanism in the snap feature.

[0019] [Figure 12] FIG. 9 illustrates an example cross section of the dynamic guide of FIG. 8, where the disengagement mechanism has disengaged the snap feature.

[0020] [Figure 13] 1A-1B positioned on a seat back. FIG.

[0021] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] This document describes example dynamic guide systems and techniques that provide upper anchorage for vehicle seat belts.

[0023] Existing vehicle seat belts are provided with anchor points that hold the seat belt in place. However, these seat belts do not provide dynamic seat belt guidance as described herein. Anchor points, and seat belts in general, may be subject to one or more safety regulations in the region or country in which the vehicle is sold. Examples of such regulations include UN R14 and one or more FMVSS specifications. In this manner, anchorages providing dynamic guidance according to the present disclosure can comply with the regulations (e.g., be positioned according to one or more zones specified by the regulations). For example, dynamic guidance can be provided such that features disengage the seat belt webbing under an appropriate amount of load.

[0024] Examples described herein refer to vehicles. A vehicle is a machine that transports passengers, cargo, or both. A vehicle may have one or more electric motors. Examples of vehicles include, but are not limited to, cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and scooters. The number of wheels may vary between vehicle types, and one or more (e.g., all) of the wheels may be used to propel the vehicle. A vehicle may include a passenger compartment that accommodates one or more people. To name a few examples, a vehicle may be solely powered by electricity, may use one or more other energy sources in addition to electricity, or may be equipped with an internal combustion engine (ICE).

[0025] 1A-1B illustrate an example of a dynamic guide 100 providing upper anchorage for a vehicle seat belt, depicted in either a comfort state or a frontal crash state. The dynamic guide 100 may be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. Referring initially to FIG. 1A, the dynamic guide 100 is used within a vehicle, which is only partially shown here for simplicity. A portion of a passenger compartment 102 is shown from above. The passenger compartment 102 is partially defined by an interior wall 104. The interior wall 104 may be part of the vehicle's body. Some or all of the interior wall 104 may be covered with interior trim or other material. A seat 106 may be provided for an occupant 108. For example, the seat 106 may include a seat back 106A and a seat cushion 106B. The seat 106 may be a second-row seat, a third-row seat, or another subsequent-row seat of the vehicle.

[0026] A vehicle may include one or more seat belt systems, in which a seat belt webbing 110 is installed within a passenger compartment to restrain an occupant 108. The seat belt webbing 110 passes through a dynamic guide 100 and extends through an opening in the dynamic guide 100. The seat belt webbing 110 may extend from at least an anchor point 112 toward the occupant 108. For example, the seat belt webbing 110 may be part of a three-point belt for the occupant 108. The anchor point 112 may be attached to the body of the vehicle (e.g., the interior wall 104). The seat belt webbing 110 may be anchored to the vehicle body at the anchor point 112, or may extend beyond the anchor point 112 and be anchored to another component (e.g., at a seat belt retractor). For example, the anchor point 112 may be a D-ring through which the seat belt webbing 110 extends.

[0027] The seat belt system includes a dynamic guide 100 positioned between an anchor point 112 and an occupant's shoulder 108A. In some implementations, the dynamic guide 100 is attached to an interior wall 104 of the passenger compartment. The dynamic guide 100 is positioned forward of the vehicle from the anchor point 112. In some implementations, the anchor point 112 is positioned substantially horizontally at the same level as the dynamic guide 100 or is higher than the dynamic guide 100.

[0028] 1B, anchor points 112 are shown attached to interior wall 104. As shown in this illustrative example, anchor points 112 may be attached in any of a number of spatial orientations relative to interior wall 104 and / or seat 106. Dynamic guide 100 may be designed and / or installed to accommodate a number of different positions and / or configurations of seat 106, as shown in this illustrative example.

[0029] The seat belt system includes a seat belt retractor 114 that is attached to the body of the vehicle. For example, the seat belt retractor 114 is attached to the interior wall 104, to the seat 106, and / or to the floor of the passenger compartment. A seat belt webbing 110 is attached to the seat belt retractor 114. An anchor point 112 is positioned between the seat belt retractor 114 and the dynamic guide 100.

[0030] 1A-1B illustrate a condition before the dynamic guide 100 is activated by seat belt tension. For example, this can be characterized as a normal condition (e.g., during normal operation of the vehicle). As another example, this condition can also exist during and after a frontal collision with a vehicle. The dynamic guide 100 can be configured and installed to not activate or to have a substantially low likelihood of activation during a frontal collision. Rather, in a frontal collision, the dynamic guide 100 can guide the seat belt webbing without being activated. In this case, the seat belt webbing 110 continues to extend through the dynamic guide 100 and exit the opening in the dynamic guide 100, both before and after the frontal collision. In this manner, the dynamic guide 100 can remain structurally engaged in a frontal collision.

[0031] 2A-2B show the example dynamic guide 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B depicted in a side / diagonal impact situation. That is, the depicted vehicle is experiencing a side impact and / or diagonal impact collision, with the seat belt system restraining the occupant 108 in the seat 106. For example, the impact may have occurred on the outside of the interior wall 104 or on the opposite side of the vehicle. Notably, because the dynamic guide 100 was activated as a result of the collision, the seat belt webbing 110 is now no longer restrained by the dynamic guide 100. That is, the seat belt webbing 110 no longer extends through the dynamic guide 100 or exits any openings therein. In contrast, the seat belt webbing 110 now extends in a substantially straight direction between the anchor point 112 and the shoulder 108A of the occupant 108, and the occupant 108 has moved laterally relative to the example of FIGS. 1A-1B. In this manner, the dynamic guide 100 can dynamically guide the seat belt webbing 110 and can release the seat belt webbing 110 in the situations illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B.

[0032] Dynamic guidance may offer advantages over fixed guides. For example, in comfort conditions, the dynamic guide 100 may position the seat belt webbing 110 in a precise and comfortable position relative to the occupant 108, allowing the seat belt system to provide adequate restraint in a frontal impact situation. Additionally, in a side / diagonal impact situation, the dynamic guide 100 may eliminate or reduce the possibility of the seat belt webbing 110 dislodging from the shoulder 108A of the occupant 108, as may occur in a fixed turn. Dynamic guidance may instead allow the seat belt webbing 110 to extend in a substantially straight line between the anchor point 112 and the occupant's shoulder.

[0033] The dynamic guide 100 can be designed to activate the seat belt webbing 110 at a predetermined tension in the lateral direction of the vehicle (e.g., away from the interior wall 104). The predetermined activation tension can be lower than the load limit tension of the seat belt retractor 114. That is, the dynamic guide 100 can release the seat belt webbing 110 at a predetermined tension lower than the predetermined tension that is the load limit of the seat belt retractor 114 (i.e., if a significant load occurs, the seat belt retractor 114 reduces the load applied to the occupant). For example, the predetermined activation tension of the dynamic guide 100 can be lower than and close to (e.g., within a few percent of) the load limit. The dynamic guide 100 can move the seat belt webbing 110 forward (to a comfortable position) for all types of occupants in the seat 106 and closer to the shoulder, while facilitating the seat belt webbing 110 moving further inward and remaining on the shoulder in a lateral / diagonal impact condition. The predetermined tension below the load limit may be higher than the endurance load case associated with normal (i.e., non-crash) operation. Voluntary occupant movement (e.g., due to turning sideways in the seat or lateral acceleration in aggressive driving) should not activate the dynamic guide 100. Thus, the predetermined tension may be higher than the predetermined tension corresponding to occupant movement.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows an example of a dynamic guide 300, depicted in a comfortable position, that provides upper anchorage for a vehicle seat belt. The dynamic guide 300 may be used in one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. The dynamic guide 300 may be attached to the vehicle body. The vehicle seat belt includes a webbing 302 that extends through the dynamic guide 300 and exits an opening 304 in the dynamic guide 300. The dynamic guide 300 may have a clamshell design that includes at least a lid 300A that fits against a base 300B to form the opening 304. The lid 300A and the base 300B may at least partially disengage from one another upon application of a predetermined load in the Y direction of the vehicle coordinate system. In this manner, the dynamic guide 300 may dynamically guide the webbing 302 relative to the occupant 306. For example, the dynamic guide 300 may prevent or reduce the likelihood of the webbing 302 disengaging from the shoulder 306A of the occupant 306 during a side impact of the vehicle.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows an example of the dynamic guide 300 of FIG. 3. Here, the lid 300A is shown as being partially transparent. As such, the webbing 302 extending through the dynamic guide 300 and exiting through the opening 304 is now visible from both the inside and outside of the dynamic guide 300. An anchor point 400 can attach the dynamic guide 300 to the vehicle body, for example, by one or more pins 402. For example, the anchor point 400 can be a D-ring through which the webbing 302 passes.

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates an example cross-section of a dynamic guide taken along line xx in FIG. 4 , where the dynamic guide includes a snap feature 500. The snap feature 500 may be used in one or more of the other examples described elsewhere herein. Here, the lid 300A and base 300B are shown in a closed position, with the snap feature 500 holding them together in the closed position to enclose the webbing 302. One of the lid 300A or base 300B may have a hook 502. The other of the lid 300A or base 300B may have a detent 504 aligned with the hook 502. Here, the hook 502 is on the lid 300A and the detent 504 is on the base 300B. The hook 502 may engage the detent 504 to hold the lid 300A against the base 300B.

[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates an example cross-section of a dynamic guide taken along line yy in FIG. 4, where the dynamic guide has a snap feature 600. The snap feature 600 may be used in one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. Here, the lid 300A and base 300B are shown in a closed position, where the snap feature 600 holds them together around the webbing 302. One of the lid 300A or base 300B may have a hook 602. The other of the lid 300A or base 300B may have a detent 604 aligned with the hook 602. Here, the hook 602 is on the lid 300A and the detent 604 is on the base 300B. The hook 602 may engage the detent 604 to hold the lid 300A against the base 300B. The snap features 500 and 600 can be positioned between an anchor point (eg, anchor point 400) and the opening 304 through which the seat belt webbing exits.

[0038] 7 shows an example of a dynamic guide 300 providing upper retention for a vehicle seat belt, depicted in a lateral / diagonal impact condition, where the dynamic guide 300 has been actuated such that the lid 300A is at least partially spaced from the base 300B. Here, the dynamic guidance ensures that the webbing 302 remains over the shoulder 306A and does not assume a position 700 (shown in dashed lines) that would cause it to drop off the shoulder.

[0039] Figure 8 shows an example of the dynamic guide 300 of Figure 7. The dynamic guide 300 has been actuated such that the lid 300A is at least partially spaced from the base 300B. The webbing 302 can exit the dynamic guide 300 at a location 800 different from the opening 304.

[0040] FIG. 9 illustrates an example cross-section of the dynamic guide 300 of FIG. 5, where the dynamic guide 300 includes an initiator 900 on the snap feature 500. The dynamic guide 300 can also, or instead, include an initiator or another disengagement mechanism on the snap feature 600 (FIG. 6). Here, the disengagement mechanism of the snap feature 500 includes an initiator 900 formed on the hook 502. In some implementations, the initiator 900 can be an intentionally created weakness in the material, including, but not limited to, a notch in the hook 502. The disengagement mechanism is configured to release the lid 300A from the base 300B with a predetermined tension on the webbing 302. For example, tension on the webbing 302 can cause the end 302A of the webbing 302 to apply a force against the inside of the lid 300A. This force can then cause the hook 502 to break and disengage from the detent 504.

[0041] 10 illustrates an example cross-section of the dynamic guide from FIG. 9 where the initiator 900 has broken the snap feature 500. The lid 300A has been at least partially separated from the base 300B. As such, the hooks 502 no longer engage the detents 504, and the webbing 302 is no longer trapped within the dynamic guide 300. Thus, the dynamic guide 300 can dynamically guide the webbing 302.

[0042] FIG. 11 illustrates an example cross-section of the dynamic guide 300 of FIG. 5 , where the dynamic guide has a disengagement mechanism 1100 at the snap feature 500. The dynamic guide 300 can also, or instead, have the disengagement mechanism 1100 at the snap feature 600 ( FIG. 6 ) or another disengagement mechanism. Here, the disengagement mechanism 1100 includes a release 1102 extending from a hook 1104. The hook 1104 can engage with a detent 1106. In some implementations, the release 1102 can extend away from the hook 1104 in substantially the same direction that the hook 1104 is biased toward the detent 1106. The release 1102 is configured to release the lid 300A from the base 300B at a predetermined tension in the webbing 302. For example, tension in the webbing 302 can cause the webbing 302 to apply a force to the release portion 1102, thereby moving the hook 1104 in a direction opposite its bias direction. This force can cause the hook 1104 to disengage from the detent portion 1106.

[0043] Figure 12 shows an example cross-section of the dynamic guide of Figure 11 where the disengagement mechanism 1100 has disengaged the snap feature. Here, the webbing 302 exerts pressure on the release portion 1102 under tension, which causes the hook 1104 to disengage from the detent portion 1106, thereby allowing the lid 300A to at least partially separate from the base 300B.

[0044] FIG. 13 shows an example of the dynamic guide 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B positioned on a seat back. Some aspects of this example are similar or identical to those of the example in FIGS. 1A-1B and will not be redundantly described here. The seat 106 has a seat back 1300, and the dynamic guide 100 is positioned on the seat back 1300. This example is depicted in a comfortable state or a frontal crash state, where the dynamic guide 100 is not activated. When a predetermined tension (e.g., less than the load limit tension but greater than or equal to the occupant movement tension) occurs in the seat belt webbing 110, the dynamic guide 100 is activated and can dynamically guide the seat belt webbing during a crash.

[0045] As used throughout this specification, the terms "substantially" and "about" are used to describe and take into account small variations, such as those due to processing variations. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%. Also, as used herein, indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" mean "at least one."

[0046] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed in more detail below, (provided that such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

[0047] Although multiple implementations have been described, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present specification.

[0048] Additionally, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Additionally, other processes may be provided or eliminated from the described flows, and other components may be added to or deleted from the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. While several features of the described implementations are shown as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of these implementations. They have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation, and it should be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made. Except for mutually exclusive combinations, any portions of the apparatus and / or methods described herein may be combined in any combination. The implementations described herein may include various combinations and / or subcombinations of the functions, components, and / or features of the different described implementations. (Other possible items) (Item 1) 1. A seat belt system for an occupant of a vehicle, the seat belt system comprising: anchor points attached to the body of said vehicle; a seat belt webbing extending from the anchor point toward the occupant; and a dynamic guide for the seat belt webbing positioned between the anchor point and the shoulder of the occupant, the dynamic guide having a lid attached to a base, the seat belt webbing extending through the dynamic guide and exiting an opening between the lid and the base, the dynamic guide configured to at least partially separate the lid from the base when a first predetermined tension is applied to the seat belt webbing in a lateral direction of the vehicle; A seat belt system comprising: (Item 2) Item 2. The seat belt system of item 1, wherein the seat belt webbing is secured to the body of the vehicle at the anchor point. (Item 3) 3. The seat belt system according to any one of items 1 and 2, further comprising a seat belt retractor attached to the main body of the vehicle, the seat belt webbing being attached to the seat belt retractor, and the anchor point being positioned between the seat belt retractor and the dynamic guide. (Item 4) 4. The seat belt system according to item 3, wherein the anchor point is at substantially the same horizontal level as the dynamic guide or higher than the dynamic guide. (Item 5) 5. The seat belt system according to any one of items 3 and 4, wherein the first predetermined tension is lower than a second predetermined tension corresponding to a load limit tension of the seat belt retractor. (Item 6) 6. The seat belt system of claim 5, wherein the first predetermined tension is higher than a third predetermined tension corresponding to occupant movement. (Item 7) 7. The seat belt system according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the dynamic guide is attached to an inner wall of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. (Item 8) 8. The seat belt system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the dynamic guide is attached to a seat back of the occupant's seat. (Item 9) The seat belt system according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the seat belt system is installed for a second row seat or a subsequent row seat of the vehicle. (Item 10) 10. The seat belt system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the dynamic guide includes a snap feature that holds the lid and the base together in a closed position, the snap feature including a hook on one of the lid or the base, the hook configured to engage with a detent on the other of the lid or the base. (Item 11) 11. The seat belt system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the dynamic guide includes a disengagement mechanism for releasing the lid from the base at the first predetermined tension in the seat belt webbing. (Item 12) Item 12. The seat belt system of item 11, wherein the disengagement mechanism is configured to tear at the first predetermined tension in the seat belt webbing. (Item 13) Item 13. The seat belt system of item 12, wherein the disengagement mechanism includes an initiator that causes the disengagement mechanism to rupture at the first predetermined tension. (Item 14) Item 14. The seat belt system of item 13, wherein the dynamic guide includes a snap feature that holds the lid and the base together in a closed position, the snap feature including a hook on one of the lid or the base, the hook configured to engage with a detent on the other of the lid or the base, and the initiator including a notch in the hook. (Item 15) 15. The seat belt system of claim 11, wherein the dynamic guide includes a first snap feature that holds the lid and the base together in a closed position, the first snap feature including a hook on one of the lid or the base and a detent on the other of the lid or the base, and the disengagement mechanism is configured to disengage the hook from the detent at the first predetermined tension in the seat belt webbing. (Item 16) Item 16. The seat belt system of item 15, wherein the disengagement mechanism includes a release portion extending from the hook, the release portion configured such that tension in the seat belt webbing causes the seat belt webbing to apply pressure to the release portion. (Item 17) 17. The seat belt system of any one of items 15 to 16, further comprising a second snap feature that holds the lid and the base together in the closed position, the first snap feature and the second snap feature being positioned between the anchor point and the opening through which the seat belt webbing exits. (Item 18) 1. A seat belt system for an occupant of a vehicle, the seat belt system comprising: anchor points attached to the body of said vehicle; a seat belt retractor mounted to the body of the vehicle; a seat belt webbing attached to the seat belt retractor, the seat belt webbing extending from the anchor point toward the occupant; and a means for dynamically guiding the seat belt webbing positioned between the anchor point and the shoulder of the occupant, the means for releasing the seat belt webbing at a first predetermined tension in the seat belt webbing, the first predetermined tension being lower than a second predetermined tension corresponding to a load limit tension of the seat belt retractor and higher than a third predetermined tension corresponding to movement of the occupant; A seat belt system comprising:

Claims

1. 1. A seat belt system for an occupant of a vehicle, the seat belt system comprising: anchor points attached to the body of the vehicle; a seat belt webbing extending from the anchor point toward the occupant; and a dynamic guide for the seat belt webbing positioned between the anchor point and the shoulder of the occupant, the dynamic guide having a lid attached to a base, the seat belt webbing extending through the dynamic guide and exiting an opening between the lid and the base, the dynamic guide configured to move the lid at least partially away from the base when a first predetermined tension is applied to the seat belt webbing in a lateral direction of the vehicle; A seat belt system comprising:

2. 10. The seat belt system of claim 1, wherein the seat belt webbing is secured to the body of the vehicle at the anchor point.

3. 2. The seat belt system of claim 1, further comprising a seat belt retractor attached to the body of the vehicle, the seat belt webbing attached to the seat belt retractor, and the anchor point positioned between the seat belt retractor and the dynamic guide.

4. 4. The seat belt system of claim 3, wherein the anchor point is at substantially the same horizontal level as the dynamic guide or higher than the dynamic guide.

5. 4. The seat belt system of claim 3, wherein the first predetermined tension is less than a second predetermined tension corresponding to a load limit tension of the seat belt retractor.

6. 6. The seat belt system of claim 5, wherein the first predetermined tension is greater than a third predetermined tension corresponding to occupant movement.

7. 10. The seat belt system of claim 1, wherein the dynamic guide is mounted to an interior wall of a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

8. 10. The seat belt system of claim 1, wherein the dynamic guide is attached to a seat back of the occupant's seat.

9. 10. The seat belt system of claim 1, wherein the seat belt system is installed for a second row seat or a following row seat of the vehicle.

10. 2. The seat belt system of claim 1, wherein the dynamic guide includes a snap feature that holds the lid and the base together in a closed position, the snap feature including a hook on one of the lid or the base, the hook configured to engage with a detent on the other of the lid or the base.

11. 11. A seat belt system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the dynamic guide includes a disengagement mechanism for releasing the lid from the base at the first predetermined tension in the seat belt webbing.

12. 12. The seat belt system of claim 11, wherein the disengagement mechanism is configured to rupture at the first predetermined tension in the seat belt webbing.

13. 13. The seat belt system of claim 12, wherein the disengagement mechanism includes an initiator that causes the disengagement mechanism to rupture at the first predetermined tension.

14. 14. The seat belt system of claim 13, wherein the dynamic guide includes a snap feature that holds the lid and the base together in a closed position, the snap feature including a hook on one of the lid or the base, the hook configured to engage with a detent on the other of the lid or the base, and the initiator including a notch in the hook.

15. 12. The seat belt system of claim 11, wherein the dynamic guide includes a first snap feature that holds the lid and the base together in a closed position, the first snap feature including a hook on one of the lid or the base and a detent on the other of the lid or the base, and the disengagement mechanism is configured to disengage the hook from the detent at the first predetermined tension in the seat belt webbing.

16. 16. The seat belt system of claim 15, wherein the disengagement mechanism includes a release portion extending from the hook, the release portion configured such that tension in the seat belt webbing causes the seat belt webbing to apply pressure to the release portion.

17. 16. The seat belt system of claim 15, further comprising a second snap feature that holds the lid and the base together in the closed position, the first snap feature and the second snap feature being positioned between the anchor point and the opening through which the seat belt webbing exits.

18. 1. A seat belt system for an occupant of a vehicle, the seat belt system comprising: anchor points attached to the body of the vehicle; a seat belt retractor mounted to the body of the vehicle; a seat belt webbing attached to the seat belt retractor, the seat belt webbing extending from the anchor point toward the occupant; and a means for dynamically guiding the seat belt webbing positioned between the anchor point and the shoulder of the occupant, the means releasing the seat belt webbing at a first predetermined tension in the seat belt webbing, the first predetermined tension being lower than a second predetermined tension corresponding to a load limit tension of the seat belt retractor and higher than a third predetermined tension corresponding to movement of the occupant; A seat belt system comprising:

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