CAM timed and activated buckle actuator system

Abstract

A buckle assembly for a motor vehicle restraint includes a housing, a plurality of tongue members including a first tongue member and a second tongue member, latch components configured to latch and unlatch the plurality of tongue members, a release button, and a multi-tongue release unit. The release button is configured to unlatch, selectively, the first tongue member while the second tongue member remains latched by the latch components. The multi-tongue release unit is configured to unlatch, selectively, both the first tongue member and the second tongue member.

Description

2835-432279CAM TIMED AND ACTIVATED BUCKLE ACTUATOR SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 735,097, filed December 17, 2024, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to buckle assemblies for motor vehicle restraints, and more specifically to buckle assemblies with cam timed and activated buckle actuator systems.BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional restraint systems for motor vehicles may typically include a tongue member and buckle arrangement. Each of the tongue member and the buckle are coupled to one or more respective restraint webs, in which the tongue member and buckle assemblies are releasable engageable with one another. Some restraint systems include multiple tongue members, each coupled with a web that is permanently coupled with a buckle or configured to latch to and release from the buckle.

[0004] In such conventional restraint systems, if a tongue member is releasable from the buckle, a release button, corresponding to the tongue member, is activated to release only that tongue member. If multiple releasable tongue members are present, then a corresponding number of multiple release buttons are present, one release button to release each corresponding tongue member. It remains an interest to improve user experience with multi-tongue buckle assemblies.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the features recited in the attached claims, and / or one or more of the following features and combinations thereof. In one aspect, a buckle assembly for a motor vehicle restraint may comprise a housing, a plurality of tongue members, latch components, a release button, and a multi-tongue release unit. The plurality of tongue members including a first tongue member and a second tongue member and, optionally a third tongue member. The latch components are coupled with the housing and configured2835-432279 to releasable engage the plurality of tongue members. The release button and the multi-tongue release unit are coupled with the housing and operatively coupled to the latch components.

[0006] The release button is movable between a latched position in which the latch components engage and latch the first tongue member and the second tongue member, and optionally the third tongue member, and a release position in which the latch components release the first tongue member to allow the first tongue member to be separated from the housing while retaining engagement and latching with the second tongue member and optionally the third tongue member. The multi-tongue release unit is movable between a latched position in which the latch components engage and latch the first tongue member, the second tongue member, and optionally the third tongue member and a release position in which the latch components unlatch and release the first tongue member, the second tongue member, and optionally the third tongue member to allow the first tongue member, the second tongue member, and the optional third tongue member to be separated from the housing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a buckle assembly showing the buckle assembly in a locked state in which a plurality of tongue members are retained in a housing so as to restrain an occupant of a motor vehicle.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 1 showing the buckle assembly in the locked state.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 1 showing the buckle assembly includes a housing, latch components, a plurality of tongues, a release button, and a multi-tongue release unit.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the buckle assembly with the release button moved to a release position to allow one tongue member to be separated from the latch components while the other two tongue members remain retained in the latched position.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the buckle assembly with the tongue members removed to show a first housing body of the housing with the latch components, release button, and multi-tongue release unit coupled thereto.2835-432279

[0012] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a first tongue member, a second housing body of the housing, and a second tongue member which are separable from the first housing body to allow an occupant to ingress into and egress out of a seat of the motor vehicle.

[0013] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the components of the buckle assembly shown in FIG. 5 showing the first housing body, latch components, and the multitongue release unit.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the buckle assembly with the multitongue release unit in the release position to allow all releasable tongue members to be separated from the latch components.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the buckle assembly with the multitongue release unit moved to the release position to allow all releasable tongue members to be separated from the latch components.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle assembly in the locked state taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 showing a latch in a locked position and engaging and retaining one of the tongue members.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 10 of the buckle assembly in the release state taken along line B-B of FIG. 9 showing the latch moved to the release position to allow the tongue member to be separated from the latch components.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a buckle assembly showing the buckle assembly in a locked state in which a plurality of tongue members are retained by the latch components so as to restrain an occupant of a motor vehicle.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 12 in the locked state with a rear cover removed to show the latch components, tongue members, and multi-tongue release unit.

[0020] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 12 showing the buckle assembly includes a housing, latch components, a plurality of tongues, a release button, and a multi-tongue release unit.

[0021] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a portion of the buckle assembly of FIG. 12 showing a first housing body, latch components, a plurality of tongues, and the release button.2835-432279

[0022] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 12 with the release button moved to a release position to allow one tongue member to be separated from the latch components while the other two tongue members remain retained in the latched position.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the buckle assembly with the multi-tongue release unit moved to a release position to allow all releasable tongue members to be separated from the latch components.

[0024] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a first tongue member, a second tongue member, and latch components for retaining the second tongue member of the buckle assembly of FIG. 12.

[0025] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the first tongue member, the second tongue member, and latch components of the buckle assembly of FIG. 12.

[0026] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the multi-tongue release unit of the buckle assembly of FIG. 12.

[0027] FIG. 21 is rear perspective view of the multi-tongue release unit of the buckle assembly of FIG. 12.

[0028] FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the buckle assembly FIG. 12 with the first tongue and second housing body separated from the first housing body to reveal the multi-tongue release unit in the locked position.

[0029] FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of the buckle assembly FIG. 12 with the first tongue and second housing body separated from the first housing body to reveal the multi-tongue release unit in the release position.

[0030] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle assembly FIG. 12 taken along line C-C of FIG. 12 showing the second housing body, second tongue, and latch components showing the multi-tongue release unit in the latched position.

[0031] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle assembly similar to FIG. 24 showing the second housing body, second tongue, and latch components in the release position.

[0032] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a buckle assembly showing the buckle assembly in a locked state in which a plurality of tongue members are retained in latch components so as to restrain an occupant of a motor vehicle.2835-432279

[0033] FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 26 after the multi-tongue release unit has moved to a release position to allow all releasable tongue members to be separated from the latch components.

[0034] FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 26 with the housing removed to reveal the plurality of tongue members, latch components, release button, and multi-tongue release unit of the buckle assembly.

[0035] FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 26 with the housing removed and the release button moved to a release position to allow one tongue member to be separated from the latch components while the two shoulder tongue members remain retained in the latched position.

[0036] FIG. 30 is a section view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 26 with each of the tongue members in the latched positions.

[0037] FIG. 31 is a section view of the buckle assembly similar to FIG. 30 with the lap tongue member released and separated from the latch components while the two shoulder tongue members remain latched.

[0038] FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 26 with the multi-tongue release unit moved to the release position to allow all releasable tongue members to be separated from the latch components.

[0039] FIG. 33 is a top elevation view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 26 with each of the tongue members in the latched positions.

[0040] FIG. 34 is a top elevation view of the buckle assembly similar to FIG. 33 with the multi-tongue release unit moved to the release position, but prior to the tongue members being separated from the latch components.

[0041] FIG. 35 is a perspective and section view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 26 with each of the tongue members latched with the latch components.

[0042] FIG. 36 is a perspective and section view of the buckle assembly similar to FIG. 35 with the multi-tongue release unit activated and moved to the release position and each of the tongue members unlatched and separated from the latch components.

[0043] FIG. 37A is a section view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 26 with all of the tongue members latched with the latch components.

[0044] FIG. 37B is an enlarged view of the second housing of the should buckle with all of the tongue members latched with the latch components.2835-432279

[0045] FIG. 38A is a section view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 26 with all of the tongue members latched with the latch components and the multi-tongue release unit being first activated and moved to the release position to release each of the releasable tongue members, but prior to the tongue members being separated from the latch components.

[0046] FIG. 38B is an enlarged view of the second housing of the should buckle with its latch components moved to release the should tongue member in response to the multi-tongue release unit being in the release position.

[0047] FIG. 39 is a section view of the second housing of the buckle assembly of FIG. 26 showing the shoulder tongue member latched with the latch components.

[0048] FIG. 40 is a section view of the second housing similar to FIG. 39 showing the latch components have moved to unlatch and release the shoulder tongue member.

[0049] FIG. 41 is a top elevation view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 26 with all releasable tongue members being released and showing the latch regulator arranged to block buckling of the lap tongue member in response to one or more of the shoulder tongue members being unlatched.

[0050] FIG. 42 is a top elevation view of the buckle assembly with a first shoulder tongue member being latched and second shoulder tongue member being unlatched and showing the latch regulator arranged to block buckling of the lap tongue member.

[0051] FIG. 43 is a top elevation view of the buckle assembly with the second shoulder tongue member being latched and the first shoulder tongue member being unlatched and showing the latch regulator arranged to block buckling of the lap tongue member.

[0052] FIG. 44 is a top elevation view of the buckle assembly with the first and second shoulder tongue members being latched and showing the latch regulator arranged to allow buckling of the lap tongue member in response to both shoulder tongue members being latched.

[0053] FIG. 45 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a buckle assembly showing the buckle assembly in an unlocked state in which a plurality of tongue members are unlatched and separated from latch components.2835-432279

[0054] FIG. 46 is a rear perspective view of the buckle assembly of FIG. 45 showing the buckle assembly in a locked state in which the plurality of tongue members are latched to restrain an occupant in a motor vehicle.DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0055] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments shown in the attached drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

[0056] This disclosure relates to various embodiments of a buckle assembly for use with a motor vehicle restraint, in which various embodiments of a multitongue release unit is coupled with or integral with various embodiments of housings for controllably releasing a plurality of tongue members. In this regard, it will be understood that while some example embodiments of buckle assemblies are illustrated by example in the attached figures, this disclosure is not limited to any particular type or style of buckle assemblies and / or to any particular structure for locking and unlocking the plurality of tongue members, i.e., “locked” to prevent tongue members from being separated from the housing, and “unlocked” to allow the tongue members to be separated from the housing. The housing may include outer shells arranged around the latch components and / or one or more components of the latch components that are stationary and fixed in position relative to the other latch components and tongue members.

[0057] The buckle assembly, however embodied, will typically define or be part of a restraint system in which the buckle assembly is secured or is securable to a support structure, a first web is operatively coupled to the housing, a second web is coupled with a first tongue member, a third web is coupled with a second tongue member, and a fourth web is coupled with a third tongue member such that the webs and buckle assembly thereby restrain the some type of body. In some embodiments, the housing may be mounted in a motor vehicle of any type, without limitation, to at least one frame component thereof and / or to at least one frame component of an occupant seat mounted in the motor vehicle, and the other webs and tongue members may be secured to at least another frame component of the motor vehicle and / or of the occupant seat such that the webs, upon engagement with the housing,2835-432279 extend at least partially over or about at least a portion of the occupant seat to restrain a person, animal or object occupying the seat.

[0058] In other embodiments, the buckle assembly may define or be part of a restraint system for restraining an occupant carried in other types of mobile structures. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “mobile structure” may be understood to mean any of the following examples which include, but are not limited to, aircraft of any type, without limitation, watercraft of any type, without limitation, wheelchairs, personal mobility carts, and towed vehicles including, but not limited to, trailers or the like.

[0059] In such embodiments, the housing will typically be mounted to the mobile structure and / or to an occupant seat thereof, and the other web and tongue members may be likewise secured to the mobile structure and / or to the occupant seat thereof such that the webs and tongue members, upon engagement of the housing, extends at least partially over or about the occupant seat of the mobile structure to restrain a person, animal or object occupying the seat. In still other embodiments, the buckle assembly may define or be part of a restraint system for restraining cargo in a motor vehicle or in any type of mobile or stationary structure. In such embodiments, the buckle assembly will typically be mounted to the motor vehicle, mobile structure or stationary structure. The term “motor vehicle” is used throughout the present disclosure for convenience; however, the buckle assemblies are applicable to any one or more of a motor vehicle, mobile structure, or stationary structure.

[0060] This disclosure relates to devices and techniques for restraining an occupant or object in a motor vehicle and for selectively releasing a tongue member from latch components of a buckle assembly while retaining at least one other tongue member with the latch components and releasing multiple tongue members from the latch components of the buckle assembly by activating a single multi-tongue release unit. Referring now to FIGS. 1 -11 , an embodiment is shown of a buckle assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0061] The buckle assembly 10 includes a housing 12, a plurality of tongue members 14, latch components 16, a release button 18, and a multi-tongue release unit 20. The plurality of tongue members 14 are coupled with webs that are secured with the moving vehicle and are configured to be retained by the latch components 16 to secure the occupant or object within the motor vehicle and to be released,2835-432279 selectively, to allow the occupant or object to egress from the motor vehicle. The release button 18 may be actuated to selectively release at least one tongue member 14 of the plurality of tongue members 14 so that the occupant may egress the restraint while the other tongue members 14 remain retained so that that buckle assembly 10 is ready to be used again with minimal set up. The multi-tongue release unit 20 may be activated to release each of the plurality of tongue members 14 in one motion as suggested in FIGS. 7-9 so that the occupant is free from obstruction by the tongue members 14 and webs and may egress from the restraint quickly, for example, in an urgent or emergency situation.

[0062] The buckle assembly 10 provides the ease-of-use of a closed-loop multi-point (clicking) style buckle while also providing the ease-of-egress of an openloop buckle. The multi-point end release buckle is configured to release a tongue member 14 in a traditional way, thereby maintaining the closed loop system. The buckle assembly 10 also provides the ability to activate a release that releases the tongue members in multiple points to provide an open-loop system. As a result, the present disclosure may operate as a closed and open loop system to improve seat belt usage and improve urgent or emergency egress. In some embodiments, a four point restraint system with multiple points of contact is able to unlatch all restraints in an improved timed scenario so not to cause any one restraint to restrict the occupant from egressing. The buckle assembly may also allow release in such a way that the desired loops are maintained in their original stored (latched) position. In some embodiments, the buckle assembly provides ejection features for ejecting the tongue members to reduce effort or assistance in releasing the occupant from the buckle assembly.

[0063] The housing 12 supports the latch components 16, the release button 18, and the multi-tongue release unit 20 as suggested in FIGS. 1-3. An end 22 of the housing 12 is configured to be coupled with a first web to couple the housing 12 with the motor vehicle. An opposite end 24 of the housing 12 is configured to receive a first tongue member 14A of the plurality of tongue members 14. The housing 12 of illustrative embodiments includes a first housing body 26 coupled with the release button 18 and a second housing body 28 coupled with the first tongue member 14A and configured to move with the first tongue member 14A. Cover components arranged around the housing 12 are omitted in the figures to reveal the workings of2835-432279 the buckle assembly 10. The housing 12 may include one or more brackets, plates, or other rigid structures for supporting the latch components 16.

[0064] The plurality of tongue members 14 illustratively include the first tongue member 14A, a second tongue member 14B, and a third tongue member 14C as shown in FIGS. 1-4. Each of the first tongue member 14A, second tongue member 14B, and the third tongue member 14C is configured to be coupled with an associated second, third, and fourth web that are coupled with the motor vehicle at one end of the tongue member 14A, 14B, 14C and is configured to be received by and coupled, selectively, with the housing 12 and the latch components 16 at another end of the tongue member 14A, 14B, 14C. The first tongue member 14A is received by and removed from the housing 12 in a first direction. The second tongue member 14B and the third tongue member 14C are received by and removed from the housing 12 in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular with the first direction. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of tongue members 14 translate or slide along the housing 12. In some embodiments, the plurality of tongue members 14 includes two tongue members and, in some embodiments, the plurality of tongue members includes four or more tongue members.

[0065] The latch components 16 are coupled with the housing 12 and configured to releasable engage the first tongue member 14A, the second tongue member 14B, and the third tongue member 14C as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 10, and 11. The latch components 16 include a first latch 30, a second latch 32, and a third latch 34 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The first latch 30, the second latch 32, and the third latch 34 are coupled with the housing 12 and configured to move relative to the housing 12. In the illustrative embodiment, each of the first latch 30, the second latch 32, and the third latch 34 are configured to rotate relative to the housing 12.

[0066] The first latch 30 is configured to retain the first tongue member 14A in response to the first tongue member 14A being inserted into the housing 12 and is configured to release the first tongue member 14A in response to the release button 18 or the multi-tongue release unit 20 being actuated. The second latch 32 is coupled with the second housing body 28 and configured to move relative to the housing 12. The second latch 32 is configured to retain the second tongue member 14B in response to the second tongue member 14B being inserted into the housing 12 and is configured to release the second tongue member 14B in response to the multi-tongue release unit 20 being activated. The third latch 34 is coupled with the2835-432279 first housing body 26 and configured to move relative to the housing 12. The third latch 34 is configured to retain the third tongue member 14C in response to the third tongue member 14C being inserted into the housing 12 and is configured to release the third tongue member 14C in response to the multi-tongue release unit 20 being activated. The first latch 30, the second latch 32, and the third latch 34 are biased toward engaging and retaining the plurality of tongue members 14 via corresponding bias elements.

[0067] The first latch 30 includes a first latch body 36 that rotates about an axis 38, a latch tab 44 configured to releasably engage the first tongue member 14A, and a first paw 46 coupled with the body 36. The second latch 32 includes a second latch body 62 configured to rotate about an axis 64, a latch tab 66 configured to releasably engage the second tongue member 14B, and a second paw 68 configured to cause the second latch 32 to rotate when urged about the axis 64. The third latch 34 includes a third latch body 72 configured to rotate about an axis 74, a latch tab 76 configured to releasably engage the third tongue member 14C as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , and a third paw 78 configured to cause the third latch 34 to rotate when urged about the axis 74.

[0068] The release button 18 is coupled with the first housing body 26 of the housing 12 and is operatively coupled to the latch components 16. In the illustrative embodiment, the release button 18 is configured to move the first latch 30. The release button 18 is movable between a latched position in which the latch components 16 engage the first tongue member 14A, the second tongue member 14B, and the third tongue member 14C, as shown in FIG. 1 , and a release position in which the latch components 16 release the first tongue member 14A to allow the first tongue member 14A to be separated from the housing 12 while retaining engagement with the second tongue member 14B and the third tongue member 14C as shown in FIG. 4. The release button 18 is biased toward the latched position via a bias element. In some embodiments, the release button 18 may be omitted and such that the buckle assembly is operable only by multi-tongue release.

[0069] The release button 18 includes a button body 40 that is formed to include a cam element 41 for engagement with the first latch 30. In the latched position, the cam element 41 allows the first latch 30 to be biased away from the first housing body 26 and toward the release button 18 into engagement with the first tongue member 14A as suggested in FIG. 4. Moving the release button 18 into the2835-432279 release position causes the cam element 41 to move the first latch 30 out of retaining engagement with the first tongue member 14A to allow the first tongue member 14A to be separated from the first housing body 26 as suggested in FIG. 5. Illustratively, the release button 18 is configured to translate or slide relative to the housing 12 and the cam element 41 thereby causes the first latch 30 to rotate away from the release button 18 and out of retaining engagement with the first tongue member 14A.

[0070] The release button 18 further includes an opening 42 formed therein as shown in FIG. 4. An element of the multi-tongue release unit 20 is received in the opening 42. The opening 42 allows the release button 18 to move between the latched position and the release position to unlock the first tongue member 14A without actuating the multi-tongue release unit 20. As a result, the second tongue member 14B and the third tongue member 14C are not unlocked. As discussed further below, the opening 42 allows the multi-tongue release unit 20 to move relative to the release button 18 to unlock each of the latch components 16 and thereby release each of the plurality of tongue members 14 as suggested in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0071] The multi-tongue release unit 20 is coupled with the housing 12 and operatively coupled to the latch components 16 as suggested in FIGS. 1-3. The multi-tongue release unit 20 is movable between a latched position, shown in FIGS.1 and 2, and a release position, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. When the multi-tongue release unit 20 is in the latched position, the first tongue member 14A, the second tongue member 14B, and the third tongue member 14C are engaged and retained by the first latch 30, the second latch 32, and the third latch 34, respectively, as shown in FIG. 2. When the multi-tongue release unit 20 is moved to the release position, the multi-tongue release unit 20 causes the latch components 16 to release the first tongue member 14A, the second tongue member 14B, and the third tongue member 14C to allow the first tongue member 14A, the second tongue member 14B, and the third tongue member 14C to be separated from the housing 12. In the illustrative embodiment, the first tongue member 14A and the third tongue member 14C are separated from the first housing body 26 and the second tongue member 14B is separated from the second housing body 28.

[0072] In the illustrative embodiment, movement of the multi-tongue release unit 20 from the latched position to the unlatched position causes the latch components 16 to release the second tongue member 14B and the third tongue2835-432279 member 14C before releasing the first tongue member 14A. As a result, the multitongue release unit 20 is operably connected with the second latch 32 and the third latch 34 to be able to release those latches 32, 34 before the second housing body 28 moves away from the first housing body 26 with the first tongue member 14A. In the illustrative embodiment, the webs attached with the second tongue member 14B and the third tongue member 14C apply a bias force on the tongue members 14B, 14C away from the housing 12 such that upon release of the tongue members 14B, 14C by the multi-tongue release unit 20, the second tongue member 14B and the third tongue member 14C, and the attached webs, are biased or pulled away from the housing 12. Movement of the multi-tongue release unit 20 from the latched position to the release position may not cause movement of the release button 18 from the latched position to the release position in the some embodiments.

[0073] The multi-tongue release unit 20 includes an actuator lever 48, a crank 50, a first cam 52, a second cam 54, and a strap 56 as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7. The first cam 52 and the second cam 54 may also be referred to as release levers. The actuator lever 48 is configured to move selectively to actuate the crank 50 in response to an occupant activating the multi-tongue release unit 20. The first cam 52 is configured to move the third latch 34 to the release position in response to actuation by the actuator lever 48. The second cam 54 is configured to move the second latch 32 to the release position in response to actuation by the actuator lever 48. In the illustrative embodiment, the first cam 52 is coupled with the actuator lever 48 and the second cam 54 is coupled with the crank 50. The strap 56 is coupled with the actuator lever 48 and configured to be pulled by an occupant of the motor vehicle to cause the multi-tongue release unit 20 to move from the latched position to the release position and release the plurality of tongue members 14. In other embodiments, the actuator lever 48 may be actuated by other suitable alternatives such as buttons, chords, etc. The illustrative multi-tongue release unit 20 further includes an actuator pin 58 coupled with the actuator lever 48 and the strap 56 and a crank pin 60 coupled with the first housing body 26 and the crank 50.

[0074] The actuator lever 48 includes a body 80, and a flange with a cam surface 82 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The body 80 is configured to rotate about an axis 84 and the flange is coupled with the actuator pin 58. The crank 50 includes a crank body 86 that rotates about an axis 88 extending through the crank pin 60. The2835-432279 crank 50 further includes a follower 90 that engages the cam surface 82 and is moved by the cam surface 82 in response to movement of the actuator lever 48.

[0075] During typical egress of the occupant, the release button 18 is moved from the latched position to the release position as shown in FIG. 4. Movement of the release button 18 is independent of the multi-tongue release unit 20 and does not cause movement of the multi-tongue release unit 20. The cam surface of the release button 18 overcomes the bias member acting on the first latch 30 and rotates the first latch 30 out of retaining engagement with the first tongue member 14A to allow the first tongue member 14A to be separated from the first housing body 26. The second tongue member 14B and the third tongue member 14C remain coupled with the second housing body 28 and the first housing body 26, respectively. As a result, the buckle assembly 10 is ready for the first tongue member 14A to be received in the first housing body 26 to secure an occupant the next time an occupant is to be restrained in the motor vehicle. In other words, the occupant need not first find and couple the second tongue member 14B and the third tongue member 14C with the housing 12 before being restrained in the motor vehicle.

[0076] During egress of the occupant with the multi-tongue release unit 20, the strap 56 or other user interface is moved by the occupant to move the multitongue release unit 20 from the latched position to the release position as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Movement of the strap 56 causes the actuator lever 48 to move and activate the first cam 52 and the second cam 54. Illustratively, the actuator pin 58 coupled with the strap causes the actuator lever 48 to translate and rotate about the axis 84 extending through the actuator body 80 relative to the housing 12.

[0077] The first cam 52 is coupled with the actuator lever 48 such that rotation of the actuator lever 48 causes the first cam 52 to rotate about the axis 84. Rotation of the first cam 52 causes the first cam 52 to overcome the bias force on the third paw 78 of the third latch 34 and urge the third latch 34 to move to the release position and release the third tongue member 14C from the third latch 34 and the first housing body 26 as suggested in FIGS. 10 and 11 . The web coupled with the third tongue member 14C applies a retracting force to the third tongue member 14C when the occupant is retained by the buckle assembly 10 and, as a result, the web pulls the third tongue member 14C away from the housing 12 in response to the third latch 34 releasing the third tongue member 14C. In some embodiments, the latch2835-432279 components 16 may further include features for biasing the third tongue member 14C away from the housing 12 upon release of the third tongue member 14C.

[0078] Movement of the actuator lever 48 further causes the crank 50 to rotate about the axis 88 extending through the crank body 86 as suggested in FIG. 9. The cam surface 82 of the actuator lever 48 causes the follower 9 of the crank 50 to rotate the crank 50 about the axis 88 in response to movement of the actuator lever 48. The second cam 54 is coupled with the crank 50 such that rotation of the crank 50 causes rotation of the second cam 54 about the axis 88. The rotated second cam 54 overcomes the bias force on the second paw 68 of the second latch 32 and urge the second latch 32 to move to the release position and release the second tongue member 14B from the second latch 32 and the second housing body 28. The web coupled with the second tongue member 14B applies a retracting force to the second tongue member 14B when the occupant is retained by the buckle assembly 10 and, as a result, the web pulls the second tongue member 14B away from the housing 12 in response to the second latch 32 releasing the second tongue member 14B. In some embodiments, the latch components 16 may further include features for biasing the second tongue member 14B away from the housing 12 upon release of the second tongue member 14B.

[0079] Movement of the actuator pin 58 and the actuator lever 48 further causes the multi-tongue release unit 20 to move the first latch 30 to the release position to release the first tongue member 14A. The multi-tongue release unit 20 causes the first latch 30 to release the first tongue member 14A after the second latch 32 and the third latch 34 release the second tongue member 14B and the third tongue member 14C. Actuation of the multi-tongue release unit 20 causes the actuator pin 58 to engage the first paw 46 of the first latch 30 and move the first latch 30 to the release position. Illustratively, pulling the strap 56 causes the actuator pin 58 to move in the opening 42 and rotate the first latch 30. Rotation of the first latch 30 causes the first latch 30 to move out of retaining engagement with the first tongue member 14A to allow the first tongue member 14A, and the second housing body 28, to be separated from the first housing body 26 of the housing 12. In some embodiments, the latch components 16 include features for biasing the first tongue member 14A away from the housing 12 upon release of the first tongue member2835-432279

[0080] Another embodiment of a buckle assembly 210 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 12-25. The buckle assembly 210 is substantially similar to the buckle assembly 10 shown in Figs. 1-11 and described herein. Accordingly, similar reference numbers in the 200 series indicate features that are common between the buckle assembly 210 and the buckle assembly 10. The description of the buckle assembly 10 is incorporated by reference to apply to the buckle assembly 210, except in instances when it conflicts with the specific description and the drawings of the buckle assembly 210.

[0081] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-25, the example buckle assembly 210 illustratively includes a includes a housing 212, a plurality of tongue members 214, latch components 216, a release button 218, and a multi-tongue release unit 220. The plurality of tongue members 214 are coupled with webs that are secured with the moving vehicle and are configured to be retained by the latch components 216 to secure the occupant or object within the motor vehicle and to be released, selectively, to allow the occupant or object to egress from the motor vehicle. As suggested in FIG. 16, the release button 218 may be actuated to selectively release at least one tongue member 214 of the plurality of tongue members 214 so that the occupant may egress the restraint while the other tongue members 214 remain retained so that that buckle assembly 10 is ready to be used again with minimal set up. The multi-tongue release unit 220 is configured to be activated to release each of the plurality of tongue members 214 in one motion as suggested in FIG. 17 so that the occupant is free from obstruction by the tongue members 214 and webs and may egress from the restraint quickly, for example, in an urgent or emergency situation.

[0082] The housing 212 supports the latch components 216, the release button 218, and the multi-tongue release unit 220 as suggested in FIGS. 12-14. An end 222 of the housing 212 is configured to be coupled with a first web to couple the housing 212 with the motor vehicle. An opposite end 224 of the housing 212 is configured to receive a first tongue member 214A of the plurality of tongue members 214. The housing 212 of illustrative embodiments includes a first housing body 226 coupled with the release button 218 and a second housing body 228 coupled with the first tongue member 214A and configured to move with the first tongue member 214A.2835-432279

[0083] The plurality of tongue members 214 illustratively include the first tongue member 214A, a second tongue member 214B, and a third tongue member 214C as shown in FIGS. 12-14. Each of the first tongue member 214A, second tongue member 214B, and the third tongue member 214C is configured to be coupled with an associated second, third, and fourth web that are coupled with the motor vehicle at one end of the tongue member 214A, 214B, 214C and is configured to be received by and coupled, selectively, with the housing 212 and the latch components 216 at another end of the tongue member 214A, 214B, 214C.

[0084] The latch components 216 are coupled with the housing 212 and configured to releasable engage the first tongue member 214A, the second tongue member 214B, and the third tongue member 2140 as shown in FIGS. 13-15 and 18. The latch components 216 include a first latch 230, a second latch 232, and a third latch 234 as shown in FIGS. 13-15. The first latch 230 is configured to retain the first tongue member 214A in response to the first tongue member 214A being inserted into the housing 212 and is configured to release the first tongue member 214A in response to the release button 218 or the multi-tongue release unit 220 being actuated. The second latch 232 is coupled with the second housing body 228 and configured to retain the second tongue member 214B in response to the second tongue member 214B being inserted into the housing 212 and is configured to release the second tongue member 214B in response to the multi-tongue release unit 220 being activated. The third latch 234 is coupled with the first housing body 226 and configured to retain the third tongue member 214C in response to the third tongue member 214C being inserted into the housing 212 and is configured to release the third tongue member 214C in response to the multi-tongue release unit 220 being activated. The first latch 230, the second latch 232, and the third latch 234 are biased toward engaging and retaining the plurality of tongue members 214 via corresponding bias elements.

[0085] The first latch 230 includes a first latch body 236 that rotates about an axis 238 relative to the housing 12, a latch tab 244 configured to releasably engage the first tongue member 214A, a first paw 246 coupled with the first latch body 236, and a primary release paw 247 coupled with the first latch body 236. The primary release paw 247 extends away from the first latch body 236 in a first direction and is configured to be engaged by and actuated by movement of the release button 218 to release the first tongue member 214A. The first paw 246 extends away from the first2835-432279 latch body 236 in a second direction opposite the first direction and is configured to be engaged by and actuated by movement of the multi-tongue release unit 220 to release the first tongue member 214A.

[0086] The second latch 232 includes a second latch body 262 arranged to rotate about an axis 264 relative to the second housing body 228 of the housing 212, a latch tab 266 configured to releasably engage the second tongue member 214B, and a second paw 268 configured to cause the second latch 232 to rotate when urged about the axis 264 as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. The third latch 234 includes a third latch body 272 arranged to rotate about an axis 274 relative to the first housing body 226 of the housing 212, a latch tab 276 configured to releasably engage the third tongue member 214C, and a third paw 278 configured to cause the third latch 234 to rotate when urged about the axis 274.

[0087] The release button 218 is movable between a latched position in which the latch components 216 engage the first tongue member 214A, the second tongue member 214B, and the third tongue member 214C, as shown in FIG. 12, and a release position in which the latch components 216 release the first tongue member 214A to allow the first tongue member 214A to be separated from the housing 212 while retaining engagement with the second tongue member 214B and the third tongue member 214C as shown in FIG. 16. The release button 218 is biased toward the latched position via a bias element.

[0088] The release button 218 includes a button body 240 that is formed to include a cam element 241 for engagement with the first latch 230. In the latched position, the cam element 241 allows the first latch 230 to be biased away from the first housing body 226 and toward the release button 218 into engagement with the first tongue member 214A. Moving the release button 218 into the release position causes the cam element 241 to move the first latch 230 out of retaining engagement with the first tongue member 214A to allow the first tongue member 214A to be separated from the first housing body 226 as suggested in FIG. 16. Illustratively, the release button 18 is configured to translate or slide relative to the housing 212 and the cam element 241 thereby causes the first latch 230 to rotate away from the release button 218 and out of retaining engagement with the first tongue member 214A. In the illustrative embodiment, the release button 218 includes a bias element and features 251 for biasing the first tongue member 214A away from the first2835-432279 housing body 226 so that the first tongue member 214A is ejected from the first latch 230 when released.

[0089] The multi-tongue release unit 220 is coupled with the housing 212 and operatively coupled to the latch components 216 as suggested in FIGS. 13, 22, and 23. The multi-tongue release unit 220 is movable between a latched position, shown in FIG. 12, and a release position, shown in FIG. 17. When the multi-tongue release unit 220 is in the latched position, the first tongue member 214A, the second tongue member 214B, and the third tongue member 214C are engaged and retained by the first latch 230, the second latch 232, and the third latch 234, respectively. When the multi-tongue release unit 220 is moved to the release position, the multi-tongue release unit 220 causes the latch components 216 to release the first tongue member 214A, the second tongue member 214B, and the third tongue member 214C to allow the first tongue member 214A, the second tongue member 214B, and the third tongue member 214C to be separated from the housing 212. In the illustrative embodiment, the first tongue member 214A and the third tongue member 214C are separated from the first housing body 226 and the second tongue member 214B is separated from the second housing body 228.

[0090] In the illustrative embodiment, movement of the multi-tongue release unit 220 from the latched position to the unlatched position causes the latch components 216 to release the second tongue member 214B and the third tongue member 214C before releasing the first tongue member 214A. As a result, the multitongue release unit 220 is operably connected with the second latch 232 and the third latch 234 to be able to release those latches 232, 234 before the second housing body 228 moves away from the first housing body 226 with the first tongue member 214A. Movement of the multi-tongue release unit 220 from the latched position to the release position does not cause movement of the release button 218 from the latched position to the release position in the illustrative embodiment.

[0091] The multi-tongue release unit 220 includes a shaft 245 arranged to rotate about an axis 284, an actuator lever 248 coupled for movement with the shaft 245, a crank 250, a first cam 252, a second cam 254, and a strap 256 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 20-25. The actuator lever 248 is configured to move selectively to actuate the crank 250, the first cam 252, and the second cam 254 in response to an occupant activating the multi-tongue release unit 220. The crank 250 moves the first latch 230 to the release position, the first cam 252 moves the third latch 234 to the2835-432279 release position, and the second cam 254 moves the second latch 232 to the release position in response to actuation of the shaft 245 by the actuator lever 248. The multi-tongue release unit 220 further includes a retainer 255 configured to bias the multi-tongue release unit 220 toward the latched position. The retainer 255 biases the shaft 245 toward one direction of rotation.

[0092] The crank 250 includes a crank body 280 and a timing collar 282 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 in the illustrative embodiment. The timing collar 282 is coupled with the shaft 245 for direct rotation with the shaft 245 about the axis 284. The crank body 280 includes a journal 286 that receives the shaft 245 such that the shaft 245 rotates relative to the crank body 280. In response to rotation of the shaft 245, the timing collar 282 rotates with the shaft 245 a predetermined distance before the timing collar 282 causes the crank body 280 to rotate with the timing collar 282. As a result, the shaft 245 causes the first cam 252 and the second cam 254 to move the second latch 232 and the third latch 234 to their release positions before the crank 250 moves the first latch 230 to the release position. The crank body 280 and the timing collar 282 are formed with predefined engagement surfaces and cutouts and are arranged about the axis 284 such that the amount of rotation before the timing collar 282 causes the crank body 280 to rotate with the timing collar 282 is predetermined. In other embodiments, the crank 250 is coupled to the shaft 245 for direct rotation therewith.

[0093] In the illustrative embodiment, the first cam 252 is coupled with a first end of the shaft 245 for direct rotation therewith and the second cam 254 is coupled with a second end of the shaft 245 for direct rotation therewith as shown in FIG. 13. The strap 256 is coupled with the actuator lever 248 and configured to be pulled by an occupant of the motor vehicle to cause the multi-tongue release unit 220 to move from the latched position to the release position and release the plurality of tongue members 214. In other embodiments, the actuator lever 248 may be actuated by other suitable alternatives such as buttons, chords, etc.

[0094] During typical egress of the occupant, the release button 218 is moved from the latched position to the release position as shown in FIGS. 12 and 16. Movement of the release button 218 is independent of the multi-tongue release unit 220 and does not cause movement of the multi-tongue release unit 220. The cam element 241 of the release button 218 overcomes the bias member acting on the first latch 230 and rotates the first latch 230 out of retaining engagement with the first2835-432279 tongue member 214A to allow the first tongue member 214A to be separated from the first housing body 226 as suggested in FIG. 16. The second tongue member 214B and the third tongue member 214C remain coupled with the second housing body 228 and the first housing body 226, respectively. As a result, the buckle assembly 210 is ready for the first tongue member 214A to be received in the first housing body 226 to secure an occupant the next time an occupant is to be restrained in the motor vehicle. In other words, the occupant need not first find and couple the second tongue member 214B and the third tongue member 214C with the housing 212 before being restrained in the motor vehicle.

[0095] During egress of the occupant with the multi-tongue release unit 220, the strap 256 or other user interface is moved by the occupant to move the multitongue release unit 220 from the latched position to the release position as shown in FIG. 17. Movement of the strap 256 causes the actuator lever 248 to move and activate the first cam 252 and the second cam 254. Illustratively, the strap 256 is coupled with the actuator lever 248 and causes the actuator lever 248 to rotate the shaft 245 about the axis 284.

[0096] The first cam 252 is coupled with the shaft 245 such that rotation of the shaft 245 causes the first cam 252 to rotate about the axis 284. Rotation of the first cam 252 causes the first cam 252 to overcome the bias force on the third paw 278 of the third latch 234 and urge the third latch 234 to move to the release position and release the third tongue member 214C from the third latch 234 and the first housing body 226. The web coupled with the third tongue member 214C may apply a retracting force to the third tongue member214C when the occupant is retained by the buckle assembly 210 and, as a result, the web pulls the third tongue member 214C away from the housing 212 in response to the third latch 234 releasing the third tongue member 214C. In the illustrative embodiment, the latch components 216 further include features for biasing the third tongue member 214C away from the housing 212 to eject the third tongue member 214C upon release of the third tongue member 214C.

[0097] The second cam 254 is coupled with the shaft 245 such that rotation of the shaft 245 causes the second cam 254 to rotate about the axis 284 as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. Rotation of the second cam 254 causes the second cam 254 to overcome the bias force on the second paw 268 of the second latch 232 and urge the second latch 232 to move to the release position and release the second tongue2835-432279 member 214B from the second latch 232 and the second housing body 228. The web coupled with the second tongue member 214B may apply a retracting force to the second tongue member 214B and, as a result, the web pulls the second tongue member 214B away from the housing 212 in response to the second latch 232 releasing the second tongue member 214B. In the illustrative embodiment, the latch components 216 further include features for biasing the second tongue member 214B away from the housing 212 to eject the second tongue member 214B upon release of the second tongue member 214B.

[0098] Movement of the actuator lever 248 and the shaft 245 further causes the crank 250 to rotate about the axis 284 as suggested in FIGS. 22 and 23. Rotation of the shaft 245 causes the timing collar 282 to rotate about the axis 284 with the shaft 245 relative to the crank body 280. In response to the timing collar 282 rotating a predetermined amount through a gap between the timing collar 282 and the crank body 280, the timing collar 282 engages the crank body 280 and causes the crank body 280 to rotate about the axis 284 relative to the housing 212. Rotation of the crank body 280 moves the first paw 246 of the first latch 230 to cause the first latch 230 to move out of retaining engagement with the first tongue member 214A to release the first tongue member 214A. Movement of the crank body 280 and the first paw 246 does not cause movement of the release button 218.

[0099] Movement of actuator lever 248 and the shaft 245 causes the multitongue release unit 220 to move the first latch 230 to the release position to release the first tongue member 214A. The multi-tongue release unit 220 causes the first latch 230 to release the first tongue member 214A after causing the second latch 232 and the third latch 234 to release the second tongue member 214B and the third tongue member 214C. Rotation of the first latch 230 causes the first latch 230 to move out of retaining engagement with the first tongue member 214A to allow the first tongue member 214A, and the second housing body 228, to be separated from the first housing body 226 of the housing 212. In the illustrative embodiment, the latch components 216 include features for biasing the first tongue member 214A away from the housing 212 upon release of the first tongue member 214A.

[0100] Another embodiment of a buckle assembly 310 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 26-44. The buckle assembly 310 is similar to the buckle assembly 10 shown in Figs. 1-11 and described herein. Accordingly, similar reference numbers in the 300 series indicate features that are common2835-432279 between the buckle assembly 310 and the buckle assembly 10. The description of the buckle assemblies 10, 210 are incorporated by reference to apply to the buckle assembly 310, except in instances when it conflicts with the specific description and the drawings of the buckle assembly 310.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 26-44, an embodiment is shown of a buckle assembly 310 in accordance with the present disclosure. The buckle assembly 310 includes a housing 312, a plurality of tongue members 314, latch components 316, a release button 318, and a multi-tongue release unit 320. The plurality of tongue members 314 are coupled with webs that are secured with the moving vehicle and are configured to be retained by the latch components 316 to secure the occupant or object within the motor vehicle and to be released, selectively, to allow the occupant or object to egress from the motor vehicle.

[0102] The release button 318 may be actuated to selectively release at least one tongue member 314 of the plurality of tongue members 314 so that the occupant may egress the restraint while the other tongue members 314 remain retained so that that buckle assembly 310 is ready to be used again with minimal set up as suggested in FIG. 29. Illustratively, the release button 318 may be actuated to selectively release the tongue member 314A that is coupled with a web configured to extend over the occupants lap, also referred to as a lap belt, without releasing tongue members 314B, 314C which are coupled to webs configured to extend over the occupants shoulders, also referred to as shoulder belts or shoulder straps.

[0103] The multi-tongue release unit 320 may be activated to release each of the plurality of tongue members 314 in one motion as suggested in FIGS. 27 and 32 so that the occupant is free from obstruction by the tongue members 314 and webs and may egress from the restraint quickly, for example, in an urgent or emergency situation. As shown in FIG. 27, the lap belt tongue member 314A and the shoulder strap tongue members 314B, 314C are released in response to the multi-tongue release unit 320 being activated and moved to the release position. The multi-tongue release unit 320 is arranged to release at least the tongue member 314B prior to releasing the tongue member 314A so that the tongue member 314B is released before the multi-tongue release unit 320 is no longer in physical communication with the tongue member 314B.

[0104] The buckle assembly 310 provides the ease-of-use of a closed-loop multi-point (clicking) style buckle while also providing the ease-of-egress of an open-2835-432279 loop buckle. The multi-point end release buckle is configured to release a tongue member 314 in a traditional way, thereby maintaining the closed loop system. The buckle assembly 310 also provides the ability to activate a release (multi-tongue release unit 320) that releases the tongue members 314 in multiple points to provide an open-loop system. As a result, the present disclosure may operate as a closed and open loop system to improve seat belt usage and improve urgent or emergency egress. In some embodiments, a four point restraint system with multiple points of contact is able to unlatch all restraints in an improved timed scenario so not to cause any one restraint to restrict the occupant from egressing. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a similar three point restraint system, as shown in FIGS. 45 and 46. The buckle assembly may also allow release in such a way that the desired loops are maintained in their original stored (latched) position. In some embodiments, the buckle assembly provides ejection features for ejecting the tongue members to reduce effort or assistance in releasing the occupant from the buckle assembly.

[0105] The housing 312 supports the latch components 316, the release button 318, and the multi-tongue release unit 320 as suggested in FIGS. 28 and 35. An end 322 of the housing 312 is configured to be coupled with a first web to couple the housing 312 with the motor vehicle. An opposite end 324 of the housing 312 is configured to receive a first tongue member 314A of the plurality of tongue members 314. The housing 312 of illustrative embodiments includes a first housing body 326 coupled with the release button 318 and a second housing body 328 coupled with the first tongue member 314A and configured to move with the first tongue member 314A. The first housing body 326 and the second housing body 328 are configured with geometry to interact and couple with the latch components 316. The first housing body 326 and the second housing body 328 include single piece or multipiece mount brackets in the illustrative embodiments. In some embodiments, the tongue member 314A and member 322 cooperate with the housing 312 as they remain stationary relative to associated latch components 316. Cover components 313 are arranged around the housing 312 and are omitted in some figures to reveal the workings of the buckle assembly 310.

[0106] The plurality of tongue members 314 illustratively include the first tongue member 314A, a second tongue member 314B, and a third tongue member 314C as shown in FIG. 27. Each of the first tongue member 314A, second tongue2835-432279 member 314B, and the third tongue member 314C is configured to be coupled with an associated second, third, and fourth web that are coupled with the motor vehicle at one end of the tongue member 314A, 314B, 314C and is configured to be received by and coupled, selectively, with the housing 312 and the latch components 316 at another end of the tongue member 314A, 314B, 314C. The first tongue member 314A is received by and removed from the first housing 326 of the housing 312 and the latch components 316 in a first direction. The second tongue member 314B and the third tongue member 314C are received by and removed from the housing 312 in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular with the first direction. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of tongue members 314 translate or slide relative to the housing 312 and latch components 316. In some embodiments, the plurality of tongue members 314 includes two tongue members (as shown in FIGS. 45 and 46) and, in some embodiments, the plurality of tongue members includes four or more tongue members.

[0107] The latch components 316 are coupled with the housing 312 and configured to releasable engage the first tongue member 314A, the second tongue member 314B, and the third tongue member 314C as shown in FIGS. 28 and 32. The latch components 316 include a first latch 330, a second latch 332, and a third latch 334. The first latch 330, the second latch 332, and the third latch 334 are coupled with the housing 312 and configured to move relative to the housing 312. In the illustrative embodiment, each of the first latch 330, the second latch 332, and the third latch 334 are configured to move relative to the housing 312 between a latched position and a release position.

[0108] The first latch 330 is configured to retain the first tongue member 314A in response to the first tongue member 314A being inserted into the first housing body 326 of the housing 312. The first latch 330 is configured to release the first tongue member 314A in response to each of the release button 318 or the multitongue release unit 320 being actuated.

[0109] The second latch 332 is coupled with the second housing body 328 and configured to move relative to the second housing body 328. The second latch 332 is configured to retain the second tongue member 314B in response to the second tongue member 314B being inserted into the second housing body 328 and is configured to release the second tongue member 314B in response to the multitongue release unit 320 being activated and moved to the release position, but not in2835-432279 response to the release button 318 being activated and moved to the release position.

[0110] The third latch 334 is operably coupled with the first housing body 326 and configured to move relative to the first housing body 326. The third latch 334 is configured to retain the third tongue member 314C in response to the third tongue member 314C being inserted into the first housing body 326 and is configured to release the third tongue member 314C in response to the multi-tongue release unit 320 being activated and moved to the release position, but not in response to the release button 318 being activated and moved to the release position. The first latch 330, the second latch 332, and the third latch 334 are biased toward engaging and retaining the plurality of tongue members 314 via corresponding bias elements.

[0111] The first latch 330, the second latch 332, and the third latch 334 are substantially similar, include similar components, and function in similar ways. As such, only the first latch 330 is described in detail and the description of the first latch 330 applies to the second latch 332 and the third latch 334. An embodiment of the first latch 330 is described below; however, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the latch components 316 may have alternative arrangements and geometry and many latches are known and being developed which are and would be operable with the buckle assemblies of the present disclosure.

[0112] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 , the first latch 330 includes a latch body336A that slides and rotates relative to the first housing body 326, a latch tab 344A coupled with the latch body 336A and configured to releasably engage the first tongue member 314A, and an arm 346A that extends from the latch body 336A. The latch 330 further includes a slotted bracket 347A, a pin 349A, and an ejector 351 A as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31. The slotted bracket 347A is coupled with the first housing body 326 or, in some embodiments, formed by a portion of the first housing body 326 and is formed to define an L-shaped slot 353A with an angled surface. The pin 349A is received in the slot 353A and engaged with the latch body 336A and engagable with the release button 318.

[0113] In the unlatched position of the first latch 330, the latch body 336A is rotated to lift the latch tab 344A out of a patch where the first tongue member 314A is received as shown in FIG. 31. A bias element 355A urges the release button 318 away from the end 322 of the housing 312 and the biased release button 318 urges the pin 349A against the slotted bracket 347A at a first end of the L-shaped slot2835-432279353A. The ejector 351 A is urged away from the second end 322 by another bias element 357A such that the ejector 351 A is spaced apart from the arm 346A.

[0114] To latch the first tongue member 314A with the first latch 330, the first tongue member 314A is inserted into the first housing body 326. The first tongue 314A engages the ejector 351 A, overcoming the bias force of the bias member 357A, and moving the ejector 351 A to operably engage and rotate the arm 346A as suggested in FIG. 30. Rotation of the arm 346A causes rotation of the latch body 336A which moves the pin 349A away from the first end of the slot 353A and the latch tab 344A to extend into an opening in the first tongue member 314A to latch the first tongue member 314A. With the pin 349A moved in the slot 353A, the bias member 355A moves the release button 318 further away from the end 322 which moves the pin 349A to the second end of the slot 353A. With the pin 349A moved toward the second end of the slot 353A, the latch body 336A and the latch tab 344A are retained in position to maintain the first tongue 314A in a latched and locked arrangement.

[0115] Pressing the release button 318 overcomes the bias element 355A and moves the pin 349A to the first end of the slot 353A which also rotates the latch body 336A and the latch tab 344A out of engagement with the first tongue member 314A as suggested in FIG. 31. With the latch tab 344A no longer retaining the first tongue member 314A, the bias force of the bias member 357A urges the ejector 351 A away from the end 322 and ejects the first tongue member 314A away from the first housing body 326 such that the first latch 330 is in the unlatched position and the first tongue member 314A is separated from the first latch 330.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 , the second latch 332 includes a latch body 336B that slides and rotates relative to the second housing body 328, a latch tab 344B coupled with the latch body 336B and configured to releasably engage the first tongue member 314B, and an arm 346B that extends from the latch body 336B. The latch 332 further includes a slotted bracket as provided by the second housing body 328, a pin 349B, an ejector 351 B, and bias members 355B, 357B. The slotted bracket 347 formed to define an L-shaped slot 353B with an angled surface. The second latch 332 further includes an actuator body 363B that functions similar to how the release button 318 interacts with the pin 349A and a paw lever 368B configured to interact with the multi-tongue release unit 320 and move the actuator body 363B. The third latch 334 is substantially similar to the second latch 332 and2835-432279 notably includes a actuator body 363C and a paw lever 368C among the other similar components of the second latch 332 and the first latch 330.

[0117] The release button 318 is movable between a latched position in which the first latch 330 engages the first tongue member 314A and a release position in which the first latch 330 releases the first tongue member 314A to allow the first tongue member 314A to be separated from the first latch 330. The release button 318 is biased toward the latched position via the bias element 355A.

[0118] The multi-tongue release unit 320 is coupled with the housing 312 and operatively coupled to the latch components 316 as suggested in FIGS. 32-35. The multi-tongue release unit 320 is movable between a latched position, shown in FIG. 33 and a release position, shown in FIG. 34. When all tongue members 314 are latched and the multi-tongue release unit 320 is in the latched position, the first tongue member 314A, the second tongue member 314B, and the third tongue member 314C are engaged and retained by the first latch 330, the second latch 332, and the third latch 334, respectively. In response to the multi-tongue release unit 320 being moved to the release position, the multi-tongue release unit 320 causes the latch components 316 to release the first tongue member 314A, the second tongue member 314B, and the third tongue member 314C to allow the first tongue member 314A, the second tongue member 314B, and the third tongue member 314C to be separated from the housing 312 and the latch components 316. In the illustrative embodiment, the first tongue member 314A and the third tongue member 314C are separated from the first housing body 326 and the second tongue member 314B is separated from the second housing body 328.

[0119] In the illustrative embodiment, movement of the multi-tongue release unit 320 from the latched position to the unlatched position causes the latch components 316 to release the second tongue member 314B and the third tongue member 314C before releasing the first tongue member 314A. As a result, the multitongue release unit 320 is operably connected with the second latch 332 and the third latch 334 to be able to release those latches 332, 334 before the second housing body 328 moves away from the first housing body 326 with the first tongue member 314A. Movement of the multi-tongue release unit 320 from the latched position to the release position moves the release button 318 as described below; however, in other embodiments, movement of the multi-tongue release unit 320 may2835-432279 not cause movement of the release button 318 from the latched position to the release position.

[0120] The multi-tongue release unit 320 includes an actuator lever 348 and a release lever 350 as shown in FIGS. 33-37. The actuator lever 348 is configured to move selectively to actuate the release lever 350 in response to an occupant activating the multi-tongue release unit 320. The release lever 350 is configured to move the paw lever 368B of the second latch 332 and the paw lever 368C of the third latch 334 in response to the actuator lever 348 moving the release lever 350.

[0121] The actuator lever 348 is pivotably coupled with the first housing body 326 or other stationary component and includes a first end coupled with a strap, cord, wire, or other suitable activation feature 381 and a second end having a cam surface 382. The release lever 350 is pivotably coupled with the first housing body 326 or other stationary component to pivot about its axis. The release lever 350 is configured to pivot about its axis generally perpendicular to the pivot axis of the actuator lever 348 in the illustrative embodiment. In response to the actuator lever 348 moving and rotating the release lever 350, the release lever 350 activates the second and third latches 332, 334 by moving the paw levers 368B, 368C. The release lever 350 illustratively includes a first paddle 352 configured to move the paw lever 368B and a second paddle 354 configured to move the paw lever 368C.

[0122] During typical egress of the occupant, the release button 318 is moved from the latched position to the release position as shown in FIGS 30 and 31 . Depression of the release button 318 is independent of the multi-tongue release unit 320 and does not cause movement of the multi-tongue release unit 320. Movement of the release button 318 results in movement of the latch tab 344A via, among other things, the pin 349A and the latch body 336A. As a result, the latch tab 344A is moved away from the first tongue member 314A and the first tongue member 314A may be removed from the housing 312 or ejected by the ejector 351 A. The second tongue member 314B and the third tongue member 314C remain coupled with the second latch 3321 second housing body 328 and the third latch 3341 first housing body 326, respectively as shown in FIG. 29. As a result, the buckle assembly 310 is ready for the first tongue member 314A to be received in the first housing body 326 to secure an occupant the next time an occupant is to be restrained in the motor vehicle. In other words, the occupant need not first find and couple the second2835-432279 tongue member 314B and the third tongue member 314C with the housing 312 before being restrained in the motor vehicle.

[0123] During egress of the occupant with the multi-tongue release unit 320, the strap or other user interface is moved by the occupant to pull the cord or other activation feature 382 and move the multi-tongue release unit 320 from the latched position to the release position as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34.

[0124] In response to the occupant pulling the activation feature 381 , the actuator lever 348 pivots about its axis to cause the cam surface 382 to pivot the release lever 350. Pivoting of the actuator lever 348 further causes the actuator lever 348 to move the release button 318 to thereby unlatch the first latch 330 as described above. In particular, the multi-tongue release unit 320 further includes a distributor rail 360 pivotably coupled with the first housing body 326 and extending from a first side of the release button 318 to a second opposite side of the release button 318. In response to the actuator lever 348 pivoting, the actuator lever 348 moves the distributor rail 360 which moves the release button 318 from its latched position shown in FIG. 33 to its unlatched position shown in FIG. 34. The cam surface 382 is arranged to activate the release lever 350 and unlatch the second latch 332 and the third latch 334 prior to moving the release button 318 to the unlatched position. In some embodiments, the actuator lever 348 engages the release button 318 directly and the distributor rail 360 is omitted. The actuator lever 348 is biased toward the unactivated position shown in FIG. 33.

[0125] While simultaneously or prior to moving the release button 318, the actuator lever 348 moves and rotating the release lever 350. Pivoting of the release lever 350 causes the first paddle 352 to move the paw lever 368B and the second paddle 354 to move the paw lever 368C as suggested in FIGS. 37A and 38A. Movement of the paw lever 368B causes the actuator body 363B of the second latch 332 to move and unlatch the latch tab 344B as shown in FIGS. 37B, 38B, 39, and 40. The actuator body 363B acts similar to the release button 318 and moves the pin 349B and latch body 336A, etc. in response to being moved by the paw lever 368B. The third latch 334 operates similar to the second latch 332 in response to the paw lever 368C being moved by the release lever 350. As a result, the second tongue member 314B and the third tongue member 314C are unlatched and released. Ejectors may urge the tongue members 314B, 314C away from the housing 312 or the webs coupled with the tongue members 314 may apply a retracting force to the2835-432279 tongue members 314. The occupant may exit the vehicle with minimal or no resistance caused by the buckles assembly 310. When re-buckling, the occupant inserts the third tongue 314C, second tongue 314B, and first tongue 314A into the housing to latch all of the tongue members 314.

[0126] The buckle assembly 310 further includes a latch regulator 370 configured to allow the first tongue member 314A (lap belt) to be latched only if the second tongue member 314B and third tongue member 314C (shoulder straps) are latched before the first tongue member 314A as shown in FIGS. 35, 36, and 41-44. The latch regulator 370 includes a blocker arm 372 pivotably coupled with the first housing body 326 and a lever 374 pivotably coupled with the first housing body 372. The blocker arm 372 is configured to pivot about the same or parallel axis as the release lever 350 and the lever 374 is configured to pivot about an axis that parallel with the axis of the actuator lever 348 in the illustrative embodiment.

[0127] The blocker arm 372 is biased toward the first latch 330 and configured to block a path of the paw lever 368B unless the lever 374 has moved the blocker arm 372 away from the first latch 330. The lever 374 is operably engaged with the blocker arm 372 and the paw lever 368C. The lever 374 allows the blocker arm 372 to biased toward blocking the path of the paw lever 368B in response to the third tongue member 314C not being latched. The lever 374 moves the blocker arm 372 out of a path of the paw lever 368B in response to the third tongue member 314C being latched, and the paw lever 368B being in the appropriate position by latching the second tongue member 314B.

[0128] Examples of the latch regulator 370 in use are shown in FIGS. 41-44. As shown in FIG. 41 , the second tongue member 414B is unlatched and, as a result, the paw lever 368B is in a position that will be blocked by the blocker arm 372 whether the third tongue member 414C is latched or not. Illustratively, the third tongue member 414C is not latched. In other words, the first tongue member 414A (lap belt) cannot be inserted and latched to the first latch 330 because the paw lever 368B is blocked by the blocker arm 372. So long as the second tongue member 414B is not latched, the blocker arm 372 blocks the path of the paw lever 368B.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 42, the third tongue member 414C is latched with the third latch 334 and, as a result, the paw lever 368C has caused the lever 374 to pivot and move the blocker arm 372 away from the first latch 330. However, the second tongue member 314B is not latched in the second latch 332 such that the paw lever2835-432279368B remains obstructed by the blocker arm 372. In other words, the blocker arm 372 blocks the paw lever 368B, and thereby the first tongue 414A from being latched, if the second tongue member 414B is unlatched, even if the third tongue 314C is latched.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 43, the second tongue member 414B is latched with the second latch 332 such that the paw lever 368B is moved to an acceptable position. However, the third tongue member 314C is not latched with the third latch 334. As a result, the lever 374 has not moved the blocker arm 372 and the blocker arm 372 remains biased into a position that blocks the path of the paw lever 368B. As a result, the first tongue member 314A cannot latch with the first latch 330.

[0131] In FIG. 44, the second tongue member 314B is latched with the second latch 332 and the third tongue member 314C is latched with the third latch 334. As a result, the paw lever 368C has caused the lever 374 to move the blocker arm 372 and the paw lever 368B is in the desired position such that the paw lever 368B can be moved along the path without being blocked by the blocker arm 372. The first tongue member 314A can be inserted into the housing 312 and latch with the first latch 330 such that all tongue members 314 are latched.

[0132] Another embodiment of a buckle assembly 410 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 45 and 46. The buckle assembly 410 is substantially similar to the buckle assembly 310 shown in Figs. 26-44 and described herein. Accordingly, similar reference numbers in the 400 series indicate features that are common between the buckle assembly 410 and the buckle assembly 310. The description of the buckle assemblies 10, 210, 310 are incorporated by reference to apply to the buckle assembly 410, except in instances when it conflicts with the specific description and the drawings of the buckle assembly 410.

[0133] The buckle assembly 410 does not include the third tongue member or third latch of the buckle assembly 310. As such, the buckle assembly 410 includes a housing 412, tongue members 414 including a first tongue member 414A and a second tongue member 414B, latch components 416, a release button 418, and a multi-tongue release unit 420. The housing 412 includes a first housing 426 and a second housing 428. The latch components 416 include a first latch 430 and a second latch 432. The release button 418 is configured to release only the first tongue member 414A from the first latch 430. The multi-tongue release member 420 is configured to release the first tongue member 414A from the first latch 430 and the2835-432279 second tongue member 414B from the second latch 432. The actuator body 448 of the multi-tongue release unit 420 is configured to pivot to move the release button 418 and a release lever 450. The release lever 450 having a paddle 452 for moving the paw 468B of the second latch 432.

[0134] The buckle assembly 410 includes a latch regulator 470 that is similar to the latch regulator 370 except that the latch regulator 470 does not include a lever 374. If the second tongue member 414B is not latched, the paw lever 468B is blocked by the blocker arm 472 of the latch regulator 470. In response to the second tongue member 414B being latched, the paw lever 468B moves to the desired position and is not blocked by the blocker arm 472. As such, the paw lever 468B can be moved into position adjacent the release lever 450 and the first tongue member 414A can be inserted into and latched with the first latch 430.

[0135] While this disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of this disclosure are desired to be protected.

[0136] The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and non-limiting:

[0137] Clause 1. A buckle assembly for a motor vehicle restraint, the buckle assembly comprising: a housing, a plurality of tongue members including a first tongue member and a second tongue member, and latch components coupled with the housing and configured to engage selectively the first tongue member and the second tongue member.

[0138] Clause 2. The buckle assembly of clause 1 , any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further including a release button coupled with the housing and operatively coupled to the latch components, the release button movable between a latched position in which the latching components latch the first tongue member and the second tongue member, and a release position in which the release button causes the latch components to unlatch the first tongue member to allow the first tongue member to be separated from the housing without unlatching the second tongue member.

[0139] Clause 3. The buckle assembly of clause 2, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further including a multi-tongue release unit coupled with the2835-432279 housing and operatively coupled to the latch components, the multi-tongue release unit movable between a latched position in which the latching components latch the first tongue member and the second tongue member and a release position in which the multi-tongue release unit causes the latch components to unlatch the first tongue member and the second tongue member to allow the first tongue member and the second tongue member to be separated from the housing.

[0140] Clause 4. The buckle assembly of clause 3, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein movement of the multi-tongue release from the latched position to the released position causes the latch components to unlatch the second tongue member prior to the latch components unlatching the first tongue member.

[0141] Clause s. The buckle assembly of clause 3, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first tongue member slidingly engages the housing in a first direction and the second tongue member slidingly engages the housing in a second direction that is different from the first direction.

[0142] Clause s. The buckle assembly of clause 3, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the housing includes a first housing body coupled with the release button and a second housing body coupled with the first tongue and configured to move with the first tongue and be separated selectively from the first housing body with the first tongue in response to the release button or the multi-tongue release unit being moved to the release position.

[0143] Clause 7. The buckle assembly of clause 6, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the latch components include a first latch coupled with the first housing body and a second latch coupled with the second housing body, the first latch is movable between a latched position in which the first latch latches the first tongue member and a release position in which the first latch unlatches the first tongue member to allow the first tongue member to be separated from the first housing body, and the second latch is movable independent of the first latch between a latched position in which the second latch latches the second tongue member and a release position in which the second latch unlatches the second tongue member to allow the second tongue member to be separated from the second housing body.

[0144] Clause s. The buckle assembly of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the latch components include a third latch2835-432279 coupled with the first housing body and the plurality of tongue members includes a third tongue member configured to be latched with the third latch and unlatched via the multi-tongue release unit moving to the release position.

[0145] Clause 9. The buckle assembly of clause 8, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein movement of the multi-tongue release unit from the latched position to the unlatched position causes the latch components to unlatch the second tongue member and the third tongue member prior to unlatching the first tongue member.

[0146] Clause 10. The buckle assembly of clause 8, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a latch regulator that blocks the first tongue member from latching with the latch components in response to either or both the second tongue member and the third tongue member being unlatched from the latch components.

[0147] Clause 11 . The buckle assembly of clause 10, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the latch regulator includes a blocker arm configured to engage the second latch and block the first tongue member from being moved into engagement with and latched with the first latch in response to the second tongue member being unlatched from the second latch, and the latch regulator includes a lever configured to move the blocker arm in response to the third tongue member being latched with the third latch such that the blocker arm is configured to engage the second latch and block the first tongue member from being moved into engagement with and latched with the first latch in response to the third tongue member being unlatched from the third latch.

[0148] Clause 12. The buckle assembly of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a latch regulator that blocks the first tongue member from latching with the latch components in response to the second tongue member being unlatched from the latch components.

[0149] Clause 13. The buckle assembly of clause 12, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the latch regulator includes a blocker arm configured to engage the second latch and block the first tongue member from being moved into engagement with and latched with the first latch in response to the second tongue member being unlatched.

[0150] Clause 14. The buckle assembly of clause 3, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein movement of the multi-tongue release unit from2835-432279 the latched position to the release position causes the release button to move from the latched position to the release position.

[0151] Clause 15. The buckle assembly of clause 3, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the multi-tongue release unit includes an actuator lever configured to rotate and operably engage the release button to move the release button to the unlatched position and unlatch the first tongue member and a release lever configured to move the latch components to unlatch the second tongue member in response to the multi-tongue release unit being moved to the release position.

[0152] Clause 16. The buckle assembly of clause 15, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the actuator lever is pivotably coupled with the housing about a first axis and the release lever is pivotably coupled with the housing about a second axis that is different from the first axis.

[0153] Clause 17. The buckle assembly of clause 15, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the actuator lever is formed to include a cam surface configured to engage and move the release lever in response to the multitongue release unit being moved to the release position.

[0154] Clause 18. The buckle assembly of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein each of the first latch and the second latch includes a latch body configured to rotate about an axis, a latch tab configured to engage and latch first and second tongue member, respectively, and an arm that is operably movably by movement of the multi-tongue release unit to cause the latch body and the latch tab to rotate and unlatch the first and second tongue member, respectively.

[0155] Clause 19. The buckle assembly of clause 3, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the multi-tongue release unit includes a strap configured to be pulled by an occupant of the motor vehicle restraint to cause the multi-tongue release unit to move from the latched position to the release position.

[0156] Clause 20. The buckle assembly of clause 3, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein movement of the multi-tongue release from the latched position to the release position does not cause movement of the release button from the latched position to the release position.

[0157] Clause 21. The buckle assembly of clause 8, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the multi-tongue release unit includes an2835-432279 actuator lever, a first cam coupled with the actuator lever, a crank, and a second cam coupled with the crank, and movement of the actuator lever causes the first latch to unlatch the first tongue member, moves the first cam to cause the third latch to unlatch the third tongue member, and moves the crank and the second cam to cause the second latch to unlatch the second tongue member.

[0158] Clause 22. The buckle assembly of clause 21 , any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the multi-tongue release unit includes an actuator pin coupled with the actuator lever and extending into an opening formed in the release button.

[0159] Clause 23. The buckle assembly of clause 8, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein each of the first latch, the second latch, and the third latch includes a latch body configured to rotate about an axis, a latch tab configured to engage one of the plurality of tongue members, and a paw that is engaged by the multi-tongue release unit to cause the latch tab to rotate.

[0160] Clause 24. The buckle assembly of clause 3, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the multi-tongue release unit includes a shaft rotatably coupled with the housing and configured to rotate about an axis and a plurality of cams coupled with the shaft for rotation therewith, the shaft is configured to rotate in response to the multi-tongue release unit moving from the latched position to the release position to cause the plurality of cams to engage the latch components and cause the latch components to releases the first tongue member, the second tongue member, and the third tongue member to allow the first tongue member, the second tongue member, and the third tongue member to be separated from the housing.

[0161] Clause 25. The buckle assembly of clause 24, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the plurality of cams includes a crank configured to rotate with the shaft and cause a first latch of the latch components to unlatch the first tongue member, a first cam configured to rotate with the shaft and cause a third latch of the latch components to unlatch the third tongue member, and a second cam configured to rotate with the shaft and cause a second latch of the latch components to unlatch the second tongue member.

[0162] Clause 26. The buckle assembly of clause 25, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the crank includes a crank body arranged to rotate relative to the shaft and formed to include a cutout therein and a timing collar2835-432279 coupled with the shaft for rotation therewith, wherein the timing collar extends into the cutout and the cutout is sized such that rotation of the shaft causes the first cam and the second cam to unlatch the third tongue member and the second tongue member before the timing collar engages the crank body to cause the first cam arm to rotate with the timing key and shaft to release the first tongue member.

[0163] Clause 27. A method of operating a buckle assembly, the method comprising: latching a first tongue member and a second tongue member with latch components of the buckle assembly, moving a release button of the buckle assembly from a latched position to a release position to cause the latch components coupled with a housing of the buckle assembly to release and unlatch the first tongue member while the latch components retain the second tongue member in a latched configuration,

[0164] Clause 28. The method of clause 27, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising latching the first tongue member with the latch components after moving the release button to the release position, and moving a multi-tongue release unit of the buckle assembly from a latched position to a release position to cause the latch components to release and unlatch both the first tongue member and the second tongue member.

[0165] Clause 29. The method of clause 28, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein moving the multi-tongue release unit from the latched position to the release position causes the latch components to release and unlatch the second tongue member before releasing and unlatching the first tongue member.

[0166] Clause 30. The method of clause 28, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein moving the release button from the latched position to the release position causes the latch components to release and unlatch the first tongue member while the latch components retain the second tongue member and a third tongue member and moving the multi-tongue release unit from the latched position to the release position causes the latch components to release the first tongue member, the second tongue member, and the third tongue member.

[0167] Clause 31 . The method of clause 30, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising blocking the first tongue member from latching with the latch components in response to either or both of the second2835-432279 tongue member and the third tongue member being unlatched from the latch components.

[0168] Clause 32. The method of clause 28, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein moving the multi-tongue release unit of the buckle assembly from the latched position to the release position causes an actuator lever to pivot relative to the housing and move the release button to release position to unlatch a first latch of the latch components and to move a release lever operably engaged with a second latch of the latch components to unlatch the second tongue member.

[0169] Clause 33. The method of clause 28, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising blocking the first tongue member from latching with the latch components in response to the second tongue member being unlatched from the latch components.

[0170] Clause 34. The method of clause 28, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first tongue member is included in a lap belt and the second tongue member is included in a shoulder belt.

Claims

2835-432279What is claimed is:1 . A buckle assembly for a motor vehicle restraint, the buckle assembly comprising: a housing, a plurality of tongue members including a first tongue member and a second tongue member, latch components coupled with the housing and configured to engage selectively the first tongue member and the second tongue member, a release button coupled with the housing and operatively coupled to the latch components, the release button movable between a latched position in which the latching components latch the first tongue member and the second tongue member, and a release position in which the release button causes the latch components to unlatch the first tongue member to allow the first tongue member to be separated from the housing without unlatching the second tongue member, and a multi-tongue release unit coupled with the housing and operatively coupled to the latch components, the multi-tongue release unit movable between a latched position in which the latching components latch the first tongue member and the second tongue member and a release position in which the multi-tongue release unit causes the latch components to unlatch the first tongue member and the second tongue member to allow the first tongue member and the second tongue member to be separated from the housing.

2. Th buckle assembly of claim 1 , wherein movement of the multi-tongue release from the latched position to the released position causes the latch components to unlatch the second tongue member prior to the latch components unlatching the first tongue member.

3. The buckle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first tongue member slidingly engages the housing in a first direction and the second tongue member slidingly engages the housing in a second direction that is different from the first direction.

4. The buckle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a first housing body coupled with the release button and a second housing body coupled with the first tongue and configured to move with the first tongue and be separated2835-432279 selectively from the first housing body with the first tongue in response to the release button or the multi-tongue release unit being moved to the release position.

5. The buckle assembly of claim 4, wherein the latch components include a first latch coupled with the first housing body and a second latch coupled with the second housing body, the first latch is movable between a latched position in which the first latch latches the first tongue member and a release position in which the first latch unlatches the first tongue member to allow the first tongue member to be separated from the first housing body, and the second latch is movable independent of the first latch between a latched position in which the second latch latches the second tongue member and a release position in which the second latch unlatches the second tongue member to allow the second tongue member to be separated from the second housing body.

6. The buckle assembly of claim 5, wherein the latch components include a third latch coupled with the first housing body and the plurality of tongue members includes a third tongue member configured to be latched with the third latch and unlatched via the multi-tongue release unit moving to the release position.

7. The buckle assembly of claim 6, wherein movement of the multi-tongue release unit from the latched position to the unlatched position causes the latch components to unlatch the second tongue member and the third tongue member prior to unlatching the first tongue member.

8. The buckle assembly of claim 6, further comprising a latch regulator that blocks the first tongue member from latching with the latch components in response to either or both the second tongue member and the third tongue member being unlatched from the latch components, the latch regulator includes a blocker arm configured to engage the second latch and block the first tongue member from being moved into engagement with and latched with the first latch in response to the second tongue member being unlatched from the second latch, and the latch regulator includes a lever configured to move the blocker arm in response to the third tongue member being latched with the third latch such that the blocker arm is configured to engage the second latch and block the first tongue member from being moved into engagement with and latched with the first latch in response to the third tongue member being unlatched from the third latch.2835-4322799. The buckle assembly of claim 5, further comprising a latch regulator that blocks the first tongue member from latching with the latch components in response to the second tongue member being unlatched from the latch components.

10. The buckle assembly of claim 9, wherein the latch regulator includes a blocker arm configured to engage the second latch and block the first tongue member from being moved into engagement with and latched with the first latch in response to the second tongue member being unlatched.11 . The buckle assembly of claim 1 , wherein movement of the multi-tongue release unit from the latched position to the release position causes the release button to move from the latched position to the release position.

12. The buckle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the multi-tongue release unit includes an actuator lever configured to rotate and operably engage the release button to move the release button to the unlatched position and unlatch the first tongue member and a release lever configured to move the latch components to unlatch the second tongue member in response to the multi-tongue release unit being moved to the release position.

13. The buckle assembly of claim 12, wherein the actuator lever is pivotably coupled with the housing about a first axis and the release lever is pivotably coupled with the housing about a second axis that is different from the first axis.

14. The buckle assembly of claim 12, wherein the actuator lever is formed to include a cam surface configured to engage and move the release lever in response to the multi-tongue release unit being moved to the release position.

15. The buckle assembly of claim 5, wherein each of the first latch and the second latch includes a latch body configured to rotate about an axis, a latch tab configured to engage and latch first and second tongue member, respectively, and an arm that is operably movably by movement of the multi-tongue release unit to cause the latch body and the latch tab to rotate and unlatch the first and second tongue member, respectively.

16. The buckle assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the multi-tongue release unit includes a strap configured to be pulled by an occupant of the motor vehicle restraint to cause the multi-tongue release unit to move from the latched position to the release position.2835-43227917. The buckle assembly of claim 1 , wherein movement of the multi-tongue release from the latched position to the release position does not cause movement of the release button from the latched position to the release position.

18. The buckle assembly of claim 6, wherein the multi-tongue release unit includes an actuator lever, a first cam coupled with the actuator lever, a crank, and a second cam coupled with the crank, and movement of the actuator lever causes the first latch to unlatch the first tongue member, moves the first cam to cause the third latch to unlatch the third tongue member, and moves the crank and the second cam to cause the second latch to unlatch the second tongue member.

19. The buckle assembly of claim 18, wherein the multi-tongue release unit includes an actuator pin coupled with the actuator lever and extending into an opening formed in the release button.

20. The buckle assembly of claim 6, wherein each of the first latch, the second latch, and the third latch includes a latch body configured to rotate about an axis, a latch tab configured to engage one of the plurality of tongue members, and a paw that is engaged by the multi-tongue release unit to cause the latch tab to rotate.21 . The buckle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the multi-tongue release unit includes a shaft rotatably coupled with the housing and configured to rotate about an axis and a plurality of cams coupled with the shaft for rotation therewith, the shaft is configured to rotate in response to the multi-tongue release unit moving from the latched position to the release position to cause the plurality of cams to engage the latch components and cause the latch components to releases the first tongue member, the second tongue member, and the third tongue member to allow the first tongue member, the second tongue member, and the third tongue member to be separated from the housing.

22. The buckle assembly of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of cams includes a crank configured to rotate with the shaft and cause a first latch of the latch components to unlatch the first tongue member, a first cam configured to rotate with the shaft and cause a third latch of the latch components to unlatch the third tongue member, and a second cam configured to rotate with the shaft and cause a second latch of the latch components to unlatch the second tongue member.

23. The buckle assembly of claim 22, wherein the crank includes a crank body arranged to rotate relative to the shaft and formed to include a cutout therein and a timing collar coupled with the shaft for rotation therewith, wherein the timing2835-432279 collar extends into the cutout and the cutout is sized such that rotation of the shaft causes the first cam and the second cam to unlatch the third tongue member and the second tongue member before the timing collar engages the crank body to cause the first cam arm to rotate with the timing key and shaft to release the first tongue member.

24. A method of operating a buckle assembly, the method comprising: latching a first tongue member and a second tongue member with latch components of the buckle assembly, moving a release button of the buckle assembly from a latched position to a release position to cause the latch components coupled with a housing of the buckle assembly to release and unlatch the first tongue member while the latch components retain the second tongue member in a latched configuration, latching the first tongue member with the latch components after moving the release button to the release position, and moving a multi-tongue release unit of the buckle assembly from a latched position to a release position to cause the latch components to release and unlatch both the first tongue member and the second tongue member.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein moving the multi-tongue release unit from the latched position to the release position causes the latch components to release and unlatch the second tongue member before releasing and unlatching the first tongue member.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein moving the release button from the latched position to the release position causes the latch components to release and unlatch the first tongue member while the latch components retain the second tongue member and a third tongue member and moving the multi-tongue release unit from the latched position to the release position causes the latch components to release the first tongue member, the second tongue member, and the third tongue member.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising blocking the first tongue member from latching with the latch components in response to either or both of the second tongue member and the third tongue member being unlatched from the latch components.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein moving the multi-tongue release unit of the buckle assembly from the latched position to the release position causes an2835-432279 actuator lever to pivot relative to the housing and move the release button to release position to unlatch a first latch of the latch components and to move a release lever operably engaged with a second latch of the latch components to unlatch the second tongue member.

29. The method of claim 24, further comprising blocking the first tongue member from latching with the latch components in response to the second tongue member being unlatched from the latch components.

30. The method of claim 24, wherein the first tongue member is included in a lap belt and the second tongue member is included in a shoulder belt.

Images