Energy absorbing restraint web assembly including a visual deployment indicator

An energy-absorbing restraint web assembly may include a motor vehicle seat restraint web and an energy absorption web having a first length, a first end attached to the restraint web at a first location thereof and a second end, opposite the first end of the energy absorption web, attached to the restraint web at a second location thereof, the energy absorption web responsive to a transverse force applied to the restraint web between first and second ends thereof that is greater than a threshold force to elongate and absorb energy while elongating, wherein the restraint web defines a second length between the first and second locations thereof, the second length of the restraint web greater than the first length of the energy absorption web such that the overall length of the restraint web increases as the energy absorption web elongates.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to restraint systems for motor vehicles, and more specifically to such restraint systems including at least one energy absorbing web assembly which may include a visual deployment indicator.

BACKGROUND

Motor vehicle restraint systems are known which include one or more load reducing webs. In some such restraint systems, a portion of an existing restraint web is looped upon itself and affixed via stitching or adhesive. When the restraint web is subject to a sufficient amount of force under load, the loops release, i.e., break apart, and the restraint web thus becomes longer and thereby transfers less load to the occupant than would otherwise be transferred with the shorter restraint web.

SUMMARY

The present invention 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, an energy-absorbing restraint web assembly may comprise a restraint web having a first end configured for attachment to at least one of a motor vehicle seat, a motor vehicle frame component, a motor vehicle floor and a web retractor secured within a motor vehicle, and a second end opposite the first end and configured for attachment to at least one of another restraint web and a releasable attachment device, and an energy absorption web having a first length, a first end attached to the restraint web at a first location thereof and a second end, opposite the first end of the energy absorption web, attached to the restraint web at a second location thereof, the energy absorption web responsive to a transverse force applied to the restraint web between the first and second ends thereof that is greater than a threshold force to elongate and absorb energy while elongating, wherein the restraint web defines a second length between the first and second locations thereof, the second length of the restraint web greater than the first length of the energy absorption web such that the overall length of the restraint web increases as the energy absorption web elongates.

In another aspect, an energy-absorbing restraint web assembly may comprise a restraint web having a first end configured for attachment to at least one of a motor vehicle seat, a motor vehicle frame component, a motor vehicle floor and a web retractor secured within a motor vehicle, and a second end opposite the first end and configured for attachment to at least one of another restraint web and a releasable attachment device, an energy absorption web attached to the restraint web, the energy absorption web responsive to a transverse force applied to the restraint web between the first and second ends thereof that is greater than a threshold force to elongate, a sleeve extending at least partially about the restraint web, and a visual deployment indicator on the restraint web and covered by the sleeve as long as the energy absorption web is not elongated, the visual deployment indicator extending outwardly from the sleeve as the energy absorption elongates in response to the applied force.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases may or may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Further still, it is contemplated that any single feature, structure or characteristic disclosed herein may be combined with any one or more other disclosed feature, structure or characteristic, whether or not explicitly described, and that no limitations on the types and/or number of such combinations should therefore be inferred.

Referring now toFIGS. 1A and 1B, an embodiment is shown of a motor vehicle10in which a restraint system20is mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, a motor vehicle seat12is mounted to and within the motor vehicle10, e.g., to a floor18and/or one or more frame components and/or other support structure(s) of the vehicle10. The restraint system20includes a web assembly20coupled to the motor vehicle seat12and configured to restrain an occupant19of and relative to the vehicle seat12. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A, the web assembly20includes a single web22having a lap portion22A configured to extend at least partially about and in contact with a lap19B of the occupant19, and a shoulder portion22B configured to extend over a shoulder of the occupant19, downwardly toward the lap portion19B of the occupant19, and at least partially about a torso19A of the occupant19. In the illustrated embodiment, an energy-absorbing web assembly40is mounted to the shoulder portion22B of the web22. The energy-absorbing web assembly40is shown inFIG. 1Ain a pre-deployed state thereof and, as will be described in detail below, the energy-absorbing web assembly40is configured to be responsive to a force applied by the occupant19to the web assembly20, and to the shoulder portion22B of the web22in particular, that is greater than a threshold force to elongate to a deployed state, and thereby elongate the web22, and to absorb energy while elongating as illustrated by example inFIG. 1B.

The motor vehicle seat12illustratively includes a seat back14coupled to a seat base16, wherein the seat base16and seat back14are configured in a conventional manner to support the occupant19seated in the seat12. The seat base16is illustratively mounted to a seat mounting base17which is affixed or slidably mounted to the floor18and/or other support structure of the motor vehicle10. In some alternate embodiments, the seat mounting base17may be omitted and the seat base16may be mounted directly to the floor18or other support structure of the motor vehicle10. In other alternate embodiments, one or more additional structural components may be mounted between the seat base16and the floor18or other support structure of the motor vehicle10. The motor vehicle10in which the vehicle seat12is mounted may illustratively be any motor vehicle configured to accommodate and transport one or more occupants, and examples include, but are not limited to, a lift truck, a recreational vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), dune buggy or other off-road recreational or off-road vehicle generally, an automobile, a light, medium or heavy-duty truck, an electric vehicle, a utility vehicle, a commercial vehicle, an industrial vehicle, a bus, a racing vehicle, and the like.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A, one end of the lap portion22A of the web22is affixed to the seat base16and/or to seat mounting base17in a conventional manner (not shown) on or along one side of the seat12(e.g., on the left side of the occupant19), and the lap portion22A extends through a web slot formed in and through a conventional tongue member24from which the shoulder portion22B of the web22emerges. A conventional buckle member28is affixed to the seat base16and/or to the seat mounting base17on or along the opposite side of the seat12(e.g., on the right side of the occupant19). The tongue member24and the buckle member28are configured in a conventional manner for releasable engagement with each other. In alternate embodiments, the positions of the tongue24and the buckle member may be reversed such that the tongue member24is affixed to the seat base16and/or to the seat mounting base17and the buckle member28defines a slot through which the web22extends.

The shoulder portion22B of the web22extends upwardly away from the tongue member24toward a restraint system post or other frame component11affixed to the floor18and/or other support structure(s) within the motor vehicle10. The end of the web22defined at the shoulder portion22B is affixed to the post11, e.g. at or near a top thereof, via a conventional bracket30. The web22thus extends between the seat base16and/or seat mount base17and the post11, and extends through the slot in the tongue member24between its two ends. The position of the tongue member24along the web22is thus variable in a conventional manner and depends on the size and position of the occupant19relative to the vehicle seat12. In some alternate embodiments, the shoulder web22B may extend downwardly from the bracket30and operatively attach to a conventional web retractor mounted to the floor18, seat mounting base17and/or seat base16.

An energy-absorbing web assembly40is mounted to the shoulder portion22B of the web22such that a lower portion22B1of the shoulder web22B extends between the web assembly40and the tongue member24, and an upper portion22B2of the shoulder web22B extends between the web assembly40and the post11. In some embodiments, the web assembly40is positioned partially about the shoulder and torso of the occupant19as illustrated by example inFIG. 1A, although in alternate embodiments the web assembly40may be positioned anywhere along the web22. In any such embodiment(s), two or more energy-absorbing web assemblies40may be mounted to and along the web22. Although only one such energy-absorbing web assembly40is illustrated inFIG. 1A,FIGS. 4A-6illustrate alternate embodiments which may include two or more energy-absorbing web assemblies40, and it will be understood that any such multiple energy-absorbing web assembly configurations are directly applicable and/or adaptable to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A.

Referring now toFIGS. 2A-3B, perspective views are shown of an embodiment of the energy-absorbing web assembly40mounted to the shoulder web22B. In the examples illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the energy-absorbing web assembly40is in a pre-deployment state; that is, before a force greater than a predetermined threshold force has been applied thereto by the occupant19of the vehicle seat12, and in the examples illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the energy-absorbing web assembly40is in a deployed state; that is, after a force greater than the predetermined threshold force has been applied thereto by the occupant19of the vehicle seat12so as to elongate the web assembly40.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 2A-3B, the energy-absorbing web assembly40includes a hollow sleeve42having opposite open ends42A,42B. The lower portion22B1of the shoulder web22B extends below the open end42A of the sleeve42, and the upper portion22B2of the shoulder web22B extends above the open end42B. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve42circumscribes the shoulder web22B, although in other embodiments the sleeve42may not extend fully about the shoulder web22B. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve42is movable along the shoulder web22B, e.g., toward and away from the bracket30. In some alternate embodiments, such movement of the sleeve42may be restricted such as by elastically affixing the sleeve42to the web22B at one or more locations along the web22B.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 2B, it can be seen that in the pre-deployment state of the energy-absorbing web assembly40, the sleeve42generally hides an energy absorption device50attached or otherwise mounted to a portion22B3of the shoulder web22B defined between the lower portion22B1of the shoulder web22B and the upper portion22B2of the shoulder web22B, and in some embodiments the sleeve42also hides a visual deployment indicator60. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy absorption device50is provided in the form of an energy absorption web52affixed at opposite ends52A,52B thereof to the portion22B3of the shoulder web22B so as to define a portion25of the shoulder web between the two ends52A,52B of the energy absorption web52.

In its pre-deployed state, the energy absorption web52defines, as illustrated by example inFIG. 2B, a length L1between the ends52A,52B thereof. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2B, the length of the portion25of the shoulder web22B defined between the two ends52A,52B of the energy absorption web52is longer than L1, but is limited to L1in the pre-deployment state of the energy-absorbing web assembly40by the length, L1, of the energy absorption web52. The excess length of the portion25of the shoulder web22B defined between the two ends52A,52B of the energy absorption web52in the pre-deployment state of the energy absorbing web assembly40is illustratively looped or folded adjacent to the energy absorption web52so as to fit within the sleeve42as shown by example inFIG. 2B. In the illustrated embodiment, a visual deployment indicator60is integral with or attached to the energy absorption web52at or adjacent to the end52A thereof. In some alternate embodiments the visual deployment indicator60may instead be attached to or integral with the portion25or portion22B3of the shoulder web22B at or adjacent to the end52A of the energy absorption web52. In other alternate embodiments, the visual deployment indicator60may be attached to or integral with the energy absorption web52at or adjacent to the end52B thereof, or attached to or integral with the portion25or portion22B3of the shoulder web22B at or adjacent to the end52B of the energy absorption web52. In still other alternate embodiments, visual deployment indicators60may be attached to or integral with the energy absorption web52or the portion25or22B3of the shoulder web22B at or adjacent to each end52A,52B of the energy absorption web52. In any of the foregoing embodiments, the energy absorption web52, the folded or looped portion25of the shoulder web22B and the visual deployment indicator(s)60are, in the pre-deployment state of the energy-absorbing web assembly40, all contained within, and thus hidden by, the sleeve42as illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B. In still further alternate embodiments, the visual deployment indicator(s)60may be omitted.

The energy absorption web52is illustratively configured or selected so as to remain at the length L1, as is the portion25of the shoulder web22B between the two ends of the energy absorption web52, i.e., to remain in the pre-deployed state, so long as forward forces applied to the shoulder web22B by the occupant19of the vehicle seat12, i.e., in a direction generally forwardly away from a front surface14A of the seat back14, do not exceed a threshold force. When a forward force greater than the threshold force is applied by the occupant19to the shoulder web22B, the energy absorption web52is configured to elongate, e.g., by one or a combination of stretching, deforming, unfolding, displacement of stitching or the like, and to absorb energy as the energy absorption web52elongates under such force. In the example illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the energy absorption web52is fully elongated such that the visual deployment indicator60, in embodiments which include a visual deployment indicator60, extends outside of, e.g., below, the end42A of the sleeve42and thus becomes visible to an observer. As also illustrated inFIG. 3B, the total length of the now fully extended portion25of the shoulder web22B extending between the two ends52A,52B of the energy absorption web52is L2(>L1). In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 3B, a portion of the energy absorption web52also extends below the end42A of the sleeve42when the energy absorption web52is fully elongated, although in other embodiments the position of the visual deployment indicator60and/or of the energy absorption web52relative to the shoulder web32may be selected such that only the visual deployment indicator60(and little or none of the energy absorption web52) extends outwardly of, e.g., below, the sleeve40.

In one embodiment, the energy absorption web52is selected or configured such that the total displacement amount of the web52when fully elongated is approximately equal to L2−L1such that the energy absorption web52is fully elongated when the distance between the two ends52A,52B thereof reaches L2. In other embodiments, the energy absorption web52may be selected or configured such that the total displacement amount of the web52when fully elongated is greater than L2−L1such that the energy absorption web52is not fully elongated, but is stopped from becoming so by the portion25of the shoulder web22B, when the distance between the two ends52A,52B of the energy absorption web52reaches L2. In still other embodiments, the energy absorption web52may be selected or configured such that the total displacement amount of the web52when fully elongated is less than L2−L1such that the energy absorption web52is fully elongated before the distance between the two ends52A,52B thereof reaches L2. In some such embodiments, the energy absorption web52may illustratively be configured to fail, or begin to fail, as it further elongates to L2. In other embodiments in which the total elongated length of the energy absorption web52is L2and the total length of the portion25of the shoulder web22B extending between the two ends52A,52B of the energy absorption web52is greater than L2, the energy absorption web52may be configured to hold at its maximum elongation length L2and thereby inhibit the portion25of the shoulder web22B from reaching its full length that is greater than L2.

In one embodiment, which is not to be considered limiting in any way, the energy absorption web52is a woven material, e.g. a polyester, partially-oriented yarn (POY) or other woven material, that is selectively woven such that is plastically deforms in the longitudinal direction of the web52(and absorbs energy in the process) as load, i.e., force, is applied to the web52having a force (or load) component between its two ends52A,52B that is greater than the threshold force (or load) value. In other embodiments, the energy absorption web52may be or include one or more other materials that elongate under load plastically or elastically. In still other embodiments, the energy absorption web52may be or include one or more material structures and/or techniques which allow or facilitate elongation of the web52under load, e.g., by unfolding, by displacement of stitching and/or other medium that joins two or more sections of the web52so as to unjoin two or more such sections of the web52, etc. The shoulder web22B is illustratively a conventional woven fabric web material, although in alternate embodiments the shoulder web22B may be or include any suitable material from which a conventional motor vehicle occupant restraint web, strap or belt may be formed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the visual deployment indicator60is provided in the form of a patch or tag upon which, when the energy absorption web52has been at least partially deployed, appears a textual message “REPLACE” extending from and below the end42A of the sleeve42to notify an observer that the energy-absorbing web assembly40has been deployed and requires replacement. In other embodiments, the visual deployment indicator60may alternatively or additionally be provided in the form of a patch, tag, emblem or portion of the shoulder web22B that is color coded, that contains or includes one or more graphic images or elements, and/or that contains or includes a textual message like, or different from, that illustrated by example inFIGS. 2B and 3B, and which extends from and below the end42A of the sleeve42, extends from and above the end42B of the sleeve42, becomes visible through a window or portal formed in and/or through one or more portions of the sleeve42or otherwise becomes visible to an observer, to provide notification that the energy-absorbing web assembly40has been deployed and requires replacement.

Referring again toFIGS. 1A and 1B, an embodiment of a process by which desired elongation characteristics of the energy absorption web52may be determined will now be described. Based on such desired elongation characteristics, the energy absorption web52can then be designed and/or selected to achieve such desired elongation characteristics when the shoulder web22B is subjected to forward forces applied thereto by the occupant19of the vehicle seat12, i.e., in a direction generally forwardly away from a front surface14A of the seat back14, that exceed the threshold force as described above.

Referring specifically toFIG. 1A, the motor vehicle10, the vehicle seat12and the occupant19seated in the vehicle seat12are all in an “at rest” state in which the lap and shoulder webs22A,22B extend about the occupant19as described above and with the tongue member24engaged with the buckle member28such that the restraint system20engages the occupant19to restrain the occupant19in and relative to the vehicle seat12, and in which the occupant19is not subjecting the restraint system20, and in particular the shoulder web22B, to any forward forces, i.e., in a direction generally forwardly away from a front surface14A of the seat back14or, said differently, in a transverse direction relative to the shoulder web portions22B1and22B2, resulting from motion and/or impact of the motor vehicle10in which the vehicle seat12is mounted. In this “at rest” state, the distance between an arbitrary point “A” on the seat back14, e.g., on the front surface14A of the seat back14near the top thereof, and an arbitrary point “B” on the occupant19, e.g., at the front of the torso19A or chest area just under the occupant's throat, is X1as shown. Now referring specifically toFIG. 1B, the energy absorption web52, and thus the shoulder web22B, is in a fully deployed state in which the occupant19has subjected the restraint system20, and in particular the shoulder web22B, to a forward force, i.e., in a direction generally forwardly away from a front surface14A of the seat back14or, said differently, in a transverse direction relative to the shoulder web portions22B1and22B2, resulting from motion and/or impact of the motor vehicle10, that is greater than a threshold elongation force of the energy absorption web52and to which the energy absorption web52, and thus the shoulder web22B, is responsive to fully elongate, e.g., from L1to L2, as described above, thereby increasing the distance between the points “A” and “B” to X2as shown.

In the example illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the difference, ΔX, between X2and X1illustratively represents the amount or distance of forward travel of the occupant19relative to the seat back14when subjecting the restraint system20, and in particular the shoulder web22B, in its “at rest” state illustrated inFIG. 1Ato the forward force greater than the threshold force such that the shoulder web22B, transitions, e.g., via elongation of the energy absorption web52, to its fully deployed state illustrated inFIG. 1B. As the occupant19moves the distance ΔX relative to the seat back14, the torso19A of the occupant performs work on the shoulder web22B causing it to elongate as described above, i.e., causing the energy absorption web52to elongate, thus increasing the length of the shoulder web22B as described above. It is desirable for ΔX to be a relatively small value in order to allow the occupant19to reach dynamic equilibrium without submarining, i.e. without being forced forwardly and downwardly under the lap web22A of the restraint system20. To achieve this goal with respect to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B, it has been empirically determined that ΔX should be between about 2.5 centimeters and 10 centimeters.

The work performed by the energy absorption web52may illustratively be expressed as work performed by a variable force according to the relationship W=∫abkx dx, where W is the work performed by the energy absorption web52as it elongates as described above, k is an expansion rate of the energy absorption web52, “a” is the elongation amount of the web52for a small occupant19, e.g., 5thpercentile adult and “b” is the elongation amount of the web52for a large occupant19, e.g., 95thpercentile adult, which will result in movement of forward movement or excursion of the occupant19relative to the vehicle seat back14by the amount ΔX. One example energy absorption web52, e.g., in the form of a POY web, behaves linearly and k illustratively has a rate, e.g., like a spring, after its activation force threshold is reached. Resulting from force/deflection testing, an appropriate k rate for this example type of energy absorption web52was determined to be approximately 7.6 centimeters/second. The elongation amounts “a” and “b” are those, illustratively determined via testing, that allow torso rotation of the occupant19to reach dynamic equilibrium without submarining, i.e., which results in forward movement or excursion of the occupant19relative to the vehicle seat back14by the amount ΔX. By integration and substitution using the above work relationship and developed parameter values, the range of work required to be performed by the example type of energy absorption web52described above which satisfies the elongation amounts for both small and large occupants19, is determined to be about 2.3-39.5 Joules or 20-350 inch-lbs. The particular energy absorption web52to be implemented may thus be designed or selected as that which performs the example range of work while satisfying the applicable elongation amounts. Performance of work by the energy absorption web52in excess of the above-determined work range has been found to allow excessive torso excursion, and performance of work by the energy absorption web52less than the above-determined work range has been found to result in insufficient torso excursion and submarining. By limiting the work performed by the energy absorption web52to the range just described, the amount or length ΔX of forward excursion of the occupant19can be advantageously controlled or limited to an acceptable or desired range, e.g., 2.5 cm-10 cm as described in the above example. As the amount of work performed by the energy absorption web52during such elongation is related to the force required to cause such elongation according to the relationship W=F×D, where W is the work performed, F is the applied force and D is the elongation amount, length or distance, testing and/or selection of an energy absorption web52candidate for compliance with the example work range over the applicable elongation amounts can be carried out via conventional force testing and measurement techniques.

It will be appreciated that the one or more energy absorbing web assemblies40illustrated and described herein may be mounted to or made integral with restraint systems of any desired configuration with the same, fewer or greater number of points of restraint as that illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B. Referring now toFIG. 4A, for example, another embodiment is shown of a motor vehicle10′ in which an alternate restraint system20′ is mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor vehicle10′, vehicle seat12and occupant19are all as described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B. The restraint system20′ is similar in many respects to the restraint system20illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B, and like numbers are therefore used to identify like components. The restraint system20′ illustrated inFIG. 4Adiffers from that illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1Bin that the free end of the shoulder web22B is affixed, e.g., via a bracket30and conventional fixation member32, e.g., bolt, screw or the like, to a frame component11′ of the vehicle10′. The restraint system20′ is otherwise identical in structure and operation to the restraint system20illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B, and the energy absorbing web assembly40included in the restraint system20′ is illustratively positioned to engage the front portion of the shoulder and upper torso of the occupant. The energy absorbing web assembly40illustrated inFIG. 4Ais illustratively identical in structure and operation as described with respect to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B. As with the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the energy absorbing web assembly40may alternatively be positioned at other locations along the shoulder web22B or lap web22A. Alternatively or additionally, the restraint system20′ may, as with the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B, include two or more energy absorbing web assemblies40variously positioned along the shoulder web22B and/or the lap web22A.

The work range requirements of the energy absorption web52or other such energy absorbing structure housed within the energy absorbing web assembly40may illustratively be determined consistently with the example described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B. It will be understood, however, that in embodiments which include multiple energy absorbing web assemblies40, the total work range requirements of all energy absorbing web assemblies40, i.e., for the web restraint system20′, will be distributed among each individual energy absorbing web assembly40, and the design and/or selection of the various energy absorption webs52or other such energy absorbing structures will take such distributed work range requirements into consideration.

Referring now toFIG. 4B, another example embodiment is shown of a motor vehicle10″ in which another alternate restraint system20″ is mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor vehicle10″, vehicle seat12and occupant19are all as described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B. The restraint system20″ is similar in some respects to the restraint system20illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B, and like numbers are therefore used to identify like components. The restraint system20″ illustrated inFIG. 4Bdiffers from that illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1Bin that the free end of the shoulder web22B is passed through slots35A,35B formed in and through a bracket34affixed via a conventional fixation member36, e.g., bolt, screw or the like, to a frame component11″ of the vehicle10″. A retracting portion22C of the web22extends between the bracket34and a free end thereof is attached to a spool of a conventional web retractor38that is mounted, e.g., affixed, to the floor18and/or other support structure(s) of the motor vehicle10″. In some embodiments, the retractor38may be a locking retractor, and in other embodiments the retractor38may be a non-locking retractor. In still other alternate embodiments, the retractor38may be omitted and the free end of the web portion22C may be mounted, e.g., via a suitable bracket, to the floor18and/or other support structure(s) of the motor vehicle10″. As shown inFIG. 4B, the free end of the lap web22A is illustratively affixed to the seat base16(and/or seat mounting base17and/or floor18), and it will be understood that such fixation of the free end of the lap web22A may likewise be representative of embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1Bin which the free end of the lap web22A is likewise affixed to the seat base16and/or seat mounting base17and/or floor18.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4B, the restraint system20″ includes an energy absorbing web assembly40illustratively mounted to or integral with the web portion22C as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy absorbing web assembly40is identical in structure and operation to the restraint system20illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1Bso as to provide for movement of the occupant torso19A by the amount ΔX relative to the vehicle seat back14in response to a forward force applied by the occupant to the shoulder web22B, e.g., in the direction forwardly away from the seat back14, that exceeds the threshold force. As with the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1A, 1B and 4A, the energy absorbing web assembly40may alternatively be positioned at other locations along the shoulder web22B, lap web22A and/or web portion22C. Alternatively or additionally, the restraint system20″ may, as with the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1A, 1B and 4A, include two or more energy absorbing web assemblies40variously positioned along the shoulder web22B and/or the lap web22A and/or the web portion22C. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4B, for example, an alternate or additional energy absorbing web assembly40is shown in dashed-line representation as being mounted to or integral with the lap portion22A of the web22.

The work range requirements of the energy absorption web52or other such energy absorbing structure housed within the energy absorbing web assembly40may illustratively be determined consistently with the example described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B. It will be understood, however, that in embodiments which include multiple energy absorbing web assemblies40, the total work range requirements of all energy absorbing web assemblies40, i.e., for the web restraint system20″, will be distributed among each individual energy absorbing web assembly40, and the design and/or selection of the various energy absorption webs52or other such energy absorbing structures will take such distributed work range requirements into consideration.

Referring now toFIGS. 5A and 5B, yet another example embodiment is shown of a motor vehicle10′″ in which yet another alternate restraint system20′″ is mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor vehicle10′″, vehicle seat12and occupant19are all as described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B. The restraint system20″′ illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5Bis a four-point restraint system having a single shoulder web80which includes two shoulder or torso web portions82,84each configured to extend through a corresponding web guide88,86respectively mounted to or near a top end of the seat back14, and the over a different shoulder of the occupant19of the vehicle seat12, and to then extend downwardly along either side of the torso19A of the occupant19and coupled to a conventional tongue member74, in the case of the shoulder web portion82, and to a conventional buckle member76, in the case of the shoulder web portion84. In alternate embodiments, the positions of the tongue and buckle members74,76may be reversed, i.e., the shoulder web portion82may be coupled to a buckle member and the shoulder web portion84may be coupled to a tongue member. In any case, the shoulder web portions82,84in the illustrated embodiment are provided in the form of a single web80coupled at the rear of the seat back14to one end of a connecting web92, e.g., via a conventional web guide loop90, and an opposite end of the connecting web92is operatively coupled to a conventional web retractor94illustratively mounted to the seat mounting base17such that the connecting web92can be retracted within and paid out of the retractor94in a conventional manner. In some alternate embodiments, the retractor94may be coupled to the seat base16, to the seat back14and/or to the floor18or other support structure or surface within the motor vehicle10″′. The web retractor94may illustratively be locking or non-locking. In other alternate embodiments, the shoulder web portions82,84may be separate webs, i.e., separate from each other, with each coupled to a different web retractor attached to the seat mounting base17, to the seat base16, to the seat back14and/or to the floor18or other support structure or surface within the motor vehicle10″′. In still other alternative embodiments, the shoulder webs82,84, whether implemented as a single web or separate webs, may be attached directly to the seat mounting base17, to the seat base16, to the seat back14and/or to the floor18or other support structure or surface within the motor vehicle10′″, i.e., the retractor94may be omitted.

Also coupled to the tongue and buckle members74,76are lap webs70and78respectively. One end of the lap web70is illustratively coupled to the tongue member74, and the opposite end of the lap web70is illustratively affixed, e.g., via a conventional mounting bracket72, to the seat base16and/or to the seat mounting base17. One end of the other lap web78is illustratively coupled to the buckle member74, and the opposite end of the lap web74is illustratively affixed, e.g., via a conventional mounting bracket (not shown but similar or identical to the mounting bracket72), to the seat base16and/or to the seat mounting base17. When the tongue and buckle members74,76are engaged, the lap webs70,78illustratively engage the occupant19about the occupant's lap area19B, and the shoulder web portions82,84illustratively engage the occupants torso19A on either side of the occupant's head. When the tongue and buckle members74,76are disengaged, the webs74,78, and82,84may be manually separated from the occupant19to provide for ingress/egress of the occupant19to/from the vehicle seat12.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the restraint system20″′ includes two energy absorbing web assemblies40illustratively mounted to or integral with each of the shoulder web portions82,84as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy absorbing web assemblies40are identical in structure and operation to the restraint system20illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1Bso as to provide for movement of the occupant torso19A by the amount ΔX relative to the vehicle seat back14in response to a forward force applied by the occupant to the shoulder webs82,84, e.g., in the direction forwardly away from the seat back14, that exceeds the threshold force.

As with the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1A, 1B, 4A and 4Bthe energy absorbing web assemblies40illustrated inFIG. 5Amay alternatively be positioned at other locations along the shoulder web portions82,84, lap web(s)70and/or78. Alternatively or additionally, the restraint system20″′ may, as with the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1A, 1B, 4A and 4Binclude one or more additional energy absorbing web assemblies40variously positioned along either shoulder web82,84, either lap web70,78, and/or the connecting web92. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5A, for example, an alternate or additional energy absorbing web assembly40is shown in dashed-line representation as being mounted to or integral with the lap web70. Alternatively or additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 5B, energy absorbing web assemblies40are shown in dashed-line representation as being mounted to or integral with the shoulder web portions82,84along the rear of the seat back14. Alternatively or additionally still, and as also illustrated inFIG. 5B, an energy absorbing web assembly40is shown in dashed-line representation as being mounted to or integral with the connecting web92.

As described above, the total work range requirements of the two energy absorbing web assemblies40illustrated inFIG. 5Ais distributed among each individual energy absorbing web assembly40, and the design and/or selection of the corresponding energy absorption webs52or other such energy absorbing structures will take such distributed work range requirements into consideration. It will be understood, however, that in embodiments which include more or fewer energy absorbing web assemblies40, the total work range requirements of all energy absorbing web assemblies40, i.e., for the web restraint system20″, will be distributed among each individual energy absorbing web assembly40, and the design and/or selection of the various energy absorption webs52or other such energy absorbing structures will take such distributed work range requirements into consideration.

Referring now toFIG. 6, still another example embodiment is shown of a motor vehicle10IVin which yet another alternate restraint system20IVis mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor vehicle10IV, vehicle seat12and occupant19are all as described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B. The restraint system20IVillustrated inFIG. 6is a two-point restraint system including a lap web96having one end affixed or attached to the seat base16and/or the seat mounting base17via conventional mounting bracket98and an opposite end coupled to a conventional buckle member100, and another lap web104having one end affixed or attached to the seat base16and/or the seat mounting base17via a conventional (not shown but similar or identical to the mounting bracket98) and an opposite end coupled to a conventional tongue member102. In alternate embodiments, the positions of the buckle and tongue members100,102may be reversed, i.e., the lap web96may be coupled to a tongue member and the lap web104may be coupled to a buckle member. In any case, when the tongue and buckle members100,102are engaged, the lap webs96,104illustratively engage the occupant19about the occupant's lap area19B, and when the tongue and buckle members100,102are disengaged, the lap webs96,104may be manually separated from the occupant19to provide for ingress/egress of the occupant19to/from the vehicle seat12.

In some alternate embodiments, a conventional locking or non-locking web retractor may be coupled to the seat base16, to the seat back14and/or to the floor18or other support structure or surface within the motor vehicle10IVon either or both sides of the vehicle seat12, and the mounted end(s) of the lap web(s)96and/or104may be attached to a spool of such a retractor(s).

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, the restraint system20IVincludes an energy absorbing web assembly40illustratively mounted to or integral with the lap web96as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy absorbing web assembly40is identical in structure and similar in operation to the energy absorbing web assembly40of the restraint system20illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1Bso as to provide for movement of the occupant lap area19B by the amount ΔX relative to the vehicle seat back14in response to a forward force applied by the occupant to the tongue/buckle engaged lap webs96,104, e.g., in the direction forwardly away from the seat back14, that exceeds the threshold force.

As with the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B and 5A-5B, the energy absorbing web assembly40illustrated inFIG. 6may alternatively be positioned at other locations along the lap web96and/or104. Alternatively or additionally, the restraint system20IVmay, as with the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B and 5A-5B, include one or more additional energy absorbing web assemblies40variously positioned along either or both of the lap webs96,104. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, for example, an alternate or additional energy absorbing web assembly40is shown in dashed-line representation as being mounted to or integral with the lap web104.

The work range requirements of the energy absorption web52or other such energy absorbing structure housed within the energy absorbing web assembly40may illustratively be determined consistently with the example described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B. It will be understood, however, that in embodiments which include multiple energy absorbing web assemblies40, the total work range requirements of all energy absorbing web assemblies40, i.e., for the web restraint system20IV, will be distributed among each individual energy absorbing web assembly40, and the design and/or selection of the various energy absorption webs52or other such energy absorbing structures will take such distributed work range requirements into consideration.

It will be understood that any of the restraint systems20,20′,20″,20″′,20IVillustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B, 4A, 4B, 5A-5B and 6respectively may include additional restraint webs and/or securement points, examples of which may include, but are not limited to, two or more leg restraint webs, one or more crotch webs, one or more additional torso restraint webs and/or one or more head and/or neck restraint webs. It will also be understood that the connection point(s) at the end(s) of any of the restraint webs included in any of the restraint systems20,20′,20″,20″′,20IVmay be different than that illustrated in attached figures. In some embodiments, for example, connected or attached ends of one or more of the various illustrated restraint webs may alternatively be coupled to the seat base16, the seat back14, the seat mounting base17, the floor18, another or additional frame component(s), and/or to a conventional web retractor or ratcheting device secured to any one or more such structures. Further still, any of the illustrated restraint systems20,20′,20″,20′″,20IVin any of the above-described embodiments may additionally include one or more web guides mounted to the seat base16, the seat back14, the seat mounting base17, the floor18, another or additional frame component(s), wherein at least a portion of one or more restraint webs pass(es) through such one or more web guides.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications consistent with the disclosure and recited claims are desired to be protected. For example, while the concepts of this disclosure have been described in the context of one or more energy absorbing web assemblies40mounted to or integral with one or more lap and/or shoulder webs, those skilled in the art will recognize that the energy absorption and/or visual deployment indication features described herein may be implemented in one or more other portions of a motor vehicle occupant restraint system. For example, the energy absorption and/or visual deployment indication features described herein may alternatively or additionally be implemented in one or more of a thigh, leg or foot restraint web assembly, a neck and/or head restraint web assembly, a helmet restraint web assembly, a suit restraint web assembly or the like.