Abstract:
A telescoping seatbelt buckle design that improves seatbelt buckle accessibility and comfort by telescopingly adjusting the length of the seatbelt buckle assembly to maintain an optimal relationship between the seatbelt buckle position and the vehicle seat cushion position, wherein the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly is adapted to maintain the optimal position of the seatbelt buckle relative to the vehicle seat cushion over a full range of seat height and seat track travels. Particularly, on a power seat, the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly adjustment occurs passively as a vehicle occupant moves or adjusts the vehicle seat height or tilt using the seat controller switches, as the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly is coupled to a motor used to adjust the vehicle seat position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a seatbelt height adjustment mechanism, and more specifically, to a telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly which is operably coupled to a motor adapted to adjust the height of a vehicle seat, such that the vehicle seat and the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly are adjusted in a synchronized or simultaneous manner as a vehicle occupant adjusts the seat position. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In an automotive vehicle, a seatbelt buckle is generally fixed in a length in relation to a vehicles seat. The fixed length seatbelt buckle can be coupled to a vehicle floor, or be coupled to a vehicle seat track such that the fixed length seatbelt buckle can move between fore and aft positions with the vehicle seat. Vehicle seats have evolved to include many different forms of seat position adjustments. Currently, vehicle seats are adapted to not only adjust in the fore and aft positions, but are further adapted to tilt, as well as raise and lower the seat pan to accommodate the needs of a vehicle user. With a fixed length seatbelt buckle assembly in place, the user has poor accessibility to the seatbelt buckle assembly when the vehicle seat is in a full up position. This is because the fixed length seatbelt buckle assembly, as coupled to a vehicle seat track or a vehicle floor, does not adjust in length in accordance with the vehicle seat position. Thus, while the seatbelt buckle may be readily accessible when the seat cushion is in a full down position, the same is not true when the vehicle seat cushion is in a full up position. The poor accessibility is particularly noticeable for smaller and older vehicle occupants, because they are more likely to adjust the seat height to near full up position. 
         [0003]    Known telescoping buckle presenters use a variation of buckle pretensioner hardware which is modified to be driven by a dedicated motor to change the buckle length. This change in buckle length (or height) occurs independent of the vehicle seat adjustment typically with separate dedicated controller circuits and switches. This system “presents” (lengthens) the buckle beyond normally available length to make it accessible for easy buckling when an occupant first enters the vehicle. Then after the occupant buckles the seatbelt, the “presenter” shortens the buckle to a normal length. This system is significantly larger and heavier than conventional buckles, making it challenging to package in tight space between the seat and center floor console. It also bears significant cost due to the additional motor, electronics, control logic and switches. Thus, such a dedicated system requires complex control logic to determine when to extend and when to retract the buckle length for optimum crash performance. 
         [0004]    Other buckle presenters are self adjusting using mechanical means such as a rack and pinion mechanism or other systems using a rigid or flexible strap mounted seatbelt buckle attached to a lower slider mechanism. An upper portion of the buckle is coupled mechanically to the seat pan. This self adjusting buckle presenter does not require any electrical controls or logic, but does require a mechanical “clutch” type mechanism to allow the buckle length adjustment with seat height adjustment, yet lock the buckle length adjustment when it is under load, such as in a collision event. In this system, the buckle length range is limited by the seat pan height adjustment, since it is directly attached to the seat pan for vertical travel therewith. This reinforcement of seat structure adds significant weight and cost to the seat assembly, thereby calling for a larger package than the typical static buckle it replaces. 
         [0005]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a fixed length seatbelt buckle  1  of the prior art is shown as coupled to a vehicle seat  2 . Many common seat structures include a fixed length seatbelt buckle  1  having an anchorage  3  which is coupled to an upper track of the seat assembly  2 . In this way, the fixed length seatbelt buckle  1  moves to fore and aft positions in a direction as indicated by arrow A as the position of the seat assembly  2  is adjusted. Further, referring to  FIG. 2 , the seat assembly  2  is adjustable vertically between a full up position B, as shown in  FIG. 2 , and a full down position C as indicated in  FIG. 1 . The seat assembly  2  moves between the full up position B and the full down position C in a direction as indicated by arrow D shown in  FIG. 2 . The ability of the vehicle seat  2  to move between positions B and C results in a minimal portion of the seatbelt buckle  1  being accessible when the seat height is in the full up position B as shown in  FIG. 2 . Accordingly, when the vehicle seat  2  is in the full down position C, the fixed length seatbelt assembly  1  is more accessible. In the configuration as shown in  FIG. 2 , the fixed length seatbelt is not only less accessible as compared to  FIG. 1 , but the position of the buckle  1  also degrades the overall comfort for the vehicle occupant when attempting to engage the seatbelt buckle  1 . 
         [0006]    Thus, there is a desire to provide a telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly that will adjust the seatbelt buckle length in accordance with the position of the vehicle seat, such that a relative position of the buckle to the seat is maintained in a full range of motion of a vehicle seat including, but not limited to, fore and aft positions, tilted positions, as well as raised and lowered seat positions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to one aspect of the present invention, a telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly includes a seatbelt buckle which is coupled to a drive mechanism, wherein the seatbelt buckle is operable between an extended position and a retracted position as driven by the drive mechanism. The telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly further includes a seat height adjustment motor which is coupled to the drive mechanism having a seat raising mode and a seat lowering mode. In assembly, the seatbelt buckle moves to the extended position when the seat height adjustment motor is in the seat raising mode, and the seatbelt buckle moves to the retracted position when the seat height adjustment motor is in the seat lowering mode. As such, the coupling of the seat adjustment motor to the drive mechanism ensures that the vehicle seat height and the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly are synchronized such that the vehicle seat and the seatbelt buckle assembly move simultaneously or in concert to maintain a relative vehicle seat to seatbelt buckle position. 
         [0008]    Another aspect of the present invention includes a telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly having a seatbelt buckle portion coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operable to move the seatbelt buckle between an extended position and a retracted position. A single actuator is coupled to the drive mechanism and a vehicle seat adjustment mechanism. The actuator has a seat raising mode for raising the vehicle seat and a seat lowering mode for lowering the vehicle seat. In assembly, the actuator is adapted to move the seatbelt buckle to the extended position when the actuator is in the seat raising mode, and is further adapted to move the seatbelt buckle to the retracted position in the seat lowering mode. Thus, the seatbelt buckle moves passively as the vehicle occupant adjusts the vehicle seat as dictated by the mode of the actuator to which the seatbelt buckle and the vehicle seat are operably coupled. 
         [0009]    Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly including a seatbelt buckle member coupled to a support member or anchorage. An actuator is coupled to the support member to move the support member between an extended position and a retracted position. The actuator is operable to control the position of a vehicle seat in assembly. The actuator is adapted to move the support member between the extended position and the retracted position as the actuator raises and lowers the vehicle seat respectively. 
         [0010]    These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    In the drawings: 
           [0012]      FIGS. 1-2  are side perspective views of a vehicle seat in a fixed length buckle assembly of the prior art; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of a telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly in an extended position according to embodiments; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  is a side elevational view of a telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly in a retracted position according to embodiments; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4A  is a side elevational view of the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly of  FIG. 3  as coupled to a vehicle seat; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of a seatbelt buckle assembly as coupled to an actuator power switch; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of a telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly coupled to a vehicle seat; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly shown in  FIG. 8  taken at location IX showing relative movement of the seatbelt buckle assembly; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of a telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly, a vehicle seat frame, and a vehicle seat height adjustment motor. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 5 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the reference numeral  10  generally designates a telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. The telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  includes a seatbelt buckle portion or a buckle member  12 . The seatbelt buckle  12  is coupled to a support member  14  having a first end  16  and a second end  18  wherein the first end  16  is coupled to the buckle member  12 . The first end  16  of the support member  14  is coupled to the buckle member  12  at an engagement portion  20  disposed on the buckle member  12 . The second end  18  of the support member  14  is coupled to a mounting bracket  22  as further described below. The support member  14  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is a twin cable support assembly having cable supports  14   a  and  14   b , wherein the support member  14  is adapted to support the buckle member  12  in a generally upright or forwardly angled upright position as shown in  FIG. 5 . It is noted that the twin cable support assembly  14  can also be a single cable assembly or any other support configuration adapted to support the buckle member  12 . The telescoping buckle assembly  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  further includes a housing member or anchorage  24  having a shaft housing portion  28  and a coupling portion  26 , wherein the coupling portion  26  further includes an engagement aperture  30  which is adapted to pivotally couple the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  to a vehicle seat as further described below. 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  includes a drive mechanism  32 , wherein the drive mechanism  32  includes a drive shaft or screw member  34  coupled to the mounting bracket  22 . The drive shaft  34 , as shown in  FIG. 4A , is in the form of a power screw or worm screw having threads  36  disposed thereon. The threads  36  are essentially a continuous thread extending along a length of the drive shaft  34 . The drive mechanism  32  is generally concealed by the shaft housing  28  in assembly. The mounting bracket  22  includes a ferrule portion  38  and a support portion  40  to form a short strap ferrule member. In assembly, it is contemplated that the support member  14  of the seatbelt buckle  12  can couple to the support portion  40  of the mounting bracket  22 . The ferrule portion  38  of the mounting bracket  22  is threaded in such a manner that the ferrule portion  38  mates with the threads  36  of the drive shaft or power screw  34 . In this way, the ferrule portion  38  of the mounting bracket  22  serves as a threaded translation actuator and is moveable in a linear manner up and down along a length of the drive shaft  34  as indicated by arrow E between an extended position F, as shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  4 A, and a retracted position G shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , a flexible shaft  42  is coupled to a motor as further described below. The flexible shaft  42  is designed to rotate as powered by the motor, wherein the flexible shaft  42  rotates in a direction as indicated by arrow H. The flexible shaft  42  is operably coupled with the drive shaft or power screw  34  of the drive mechanism  32 , such that the drive shaft  34  also rotates in a direction as indicated by arrow H1. Thus, as the drive shaft  34  rotates, the threads  36  also rotate as matingly threaded with the ferrule portion  38  of the mounting bracket  22 , such that the rotational torque from the motor is converted to a linear motion of the mounting bracket  22  indicated by arrow I along a length of the drive shaft  34  indicated by arrow E. Thus, the drive mechanism  32  comprises a drive shaft  34  and a mounting bracket or translation actuator  22 , which are threadedly coupled, according to one embodiment of the present invention, such that the mounting bracket  22  does not rotate and therefore is capable of being extended and retracted axially as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 3A  by translating the rotational movement of the power screw  34  to axial or linear movement. The coupling of the mounting bracket  22  and the power screw  34  provides for a gear ratio that determines the movement of the buckle assembly  10  in use as further described below. The support member  14  and the seatbelt buckle assembly  12  are also moveable between extended and retracted positions as coupled to the mounting bracket  22 . 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  is shown coupled to a vehicle seat  50  wherein the vehicle seat  50  includes a seatback  52  and a seat cushion  54 . The vehicle seat  50  is further coupled to a vehicle seat track assembly  56 , which is coupled to the vehicle seat  50  in such a way that the vehicle seat  50  is moveable in a car forward direction and a car rearward direction, or fore and aft positions, as indicated by arrow A. In the embodiment show in  FIG. 5 , the vehicle seat track assembly  56  further includes an upward extending flange  58  having an engagement aperture  60  disposed thereon which is adapted to couple to the engagement aperture  30  of the anchorage  24  of the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10 , such that the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  is pivotally coupled to the vehicle seat track assembly  56  at the or anchorage  24 . Unlike other telescoping assemblies, the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  of the present invention does not need to have an upper portion coupled to the seat pan of the vehicle seat  50  in order to functionally telescope in assembly. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  is in a retracted position G and is pivotally coupled to the vehicle seat track assembly  56  such that the seat belt buckle member  12  can be positioned along an arc as indicated by arrow R 1 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the vehicle seat  54  is in a full down position C and the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  is in the retracted position G. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the seatbelt buckle portion  12  is readily accessible to the vehicle occupant even while in the retracted position G. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  is shown in the extended position F and the vehicle seat cushion  54  is shown in a full up position B. As shown in  FIG. 6 , due to the synchronized movement of the vehicle seat  50  and the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10 , the buckle portion  12  of the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  is readily accessible above a top surface of the seat cushion  54 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the vehicle seat  50  includes a powered seat height adjustment mechanism  62  which is adapted to move the vehicle seat  50  vertically in a direction as indicated by arrow V. Further, it is contemplated that the powered seat height adjustment mechanism  62  can pivotally move the vehicle seat  50  in a direction as indicated by arrow P for making tilt adjustments, such that the overall position of the vehicle seat  50  is raised and lowered vertically by the seat height adjustment mechanism  62 . As best shown in  FIG. 5 , the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  can be angled as coupled to the vehicle seat track assembly  56  such that the telescoping movement of the seatbelt buckle member  12  is an upward and car forward telescoping movement along a direction indicated by arrow E. In comparing  FIGS. 5 and 6 , it is noted that the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  of the present invention maintains a relative position in relation to the vehicle seat  50  as the vehicle seat  50  is adjusted. The relative position as used throughout this disclosure indicates that the seatbelt buckle  12  is visible and accessible in relation to the vehicle seat, and generally disposed slightly above the vehicle seat  50 . 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  is shown coupled to a vehicle seat  50  on an upper engagement flange  58  of a vehicle seat track assembly  56 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  is moveable in a direction as indicated by arrow E between an extended position F and a retracted position G. In  FIG. 8 , the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  is shown in the retracted position G while the vehicle seat  50  is in a full up position B. Thus, the seatbelt buckle portion  12  is not as easily accessible to the vehicle occupant. As such, a synchronized movement between the vehicle seat  50  and the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  is desired as described with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the vehicle seat  50  is shown having a seatback frame  51  and seat portion frame  53 . The seat height adjustment mechanism  62  is shown coupled to the left and right vehicle seat track assemblies  56  on an upper track portion thereof. In  FIG. 10 , the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  is shown exploded away from the upper engagement flange  58  of the vehicle seat track assembly  56 . The attachment of the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  to the vehicle seat track assembly  56  ensures that the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  will move in a synchronized manner or in concert with the vehicle seat  50  between fore and aft positions along a direction as indicated by arrow A. In order to fully provide uniform movement of the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  with all positional changes of the vehicle seat  50 , the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  must also move in concert or simultaneously with the vehicle seat  50  as the vehicle seat  50  is adjusted vertically in a direction as indicated by arrow V or pivotally as indicated by arrow P by the vehicle occupant. As shown in  FIG. 10 , a seat height adjustment motor  64  is shown exploded away from the vehicle seat  50 . In assembly, it is contemplated that the vehicle seat height adjustment motor  64  couples to the vehicle seat height adjustment mechanism  62  to power the height adjustment mechanism  62 . The motor  64  provides a rotational torque R 2  to the vehicle seat height adjustment mechanism  62 , such that the height adjustment mechanism  62  pivotally raises and lowers the vehicle seat  50  within a vehicle interior. Further, the motor  64  is contemplated to adjust the tilt of the vehicle seat  50  using the adjustment mechanism  62 . The vehicle seat height adjustment motor  64  is essentially a vehicle seat position motor or actuator that can be adapted to move the vehicle seat  50  in any number of directions including fore and aft positions. The motor or actuator  64  is shown in  FIG. 10  as an electric motor having a rotor  65  which is coupled to the vehicle seat adjustment mechanism  62 . The rotor  65  is further coupled to flexible shaft  42  to provide a torque or rotary force to the flexible shaft  42 . This dual coupling provides for movement of the vehicle seat  50  and the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  using a single actuator  64 . As an actuator, the vehicle seat height adjustment motor  64  is adapted to convert an electric signal or an input signal into a rotary motion R 2 . This rotary motion is translated to the rotational movement H of the flexible shaft  42 , as shown in  FIG. 4A , and the rotational movement H1 of the power screw  34 . Acting as a threaded translation actuator, the mounting bracket  22 , which is threadedly engaged or mated with the power screw  34 , is used as a bolt and screw transducer mechanism to transform the circular or rotational movement of the power screw  34  into linear motion of the mounting bracket  22 . The threadedly coupled power screw  34  and mounting bracket  22  provides for a structural load path through the power screw  34  that is always engaged. This constant engagement eliminates the need for an additional clutch mechanism needed in other telescoping buckle assemblies to keep the buckle assembly in place during a collision event, and therefore eliminates a potential point of failure that other assemblies must deal with in a collision event. 
         [0031]    Since the optimal buckle height or position corresponding to a given seat height adjustment setting (i.e., full up, mid or full down) depends on several constraints (such as vehicle specific package, performance, and regulatory requirements), it is desired that a suitable gear ratio between the power screw  34  and the mounting bracket  22  will be pre-selected or predetermined and set at the manufacturing facility. A vehicle occupant will not be able to adjust the seatbelt buckle length (height) independent of the vehicle seat  50 . Thus, the present invention can be configured by the manufacturer to provide a buckle length adjustment range that may be more, equal to, or less than the seat height adjustment range of a particular vehicle seat  50 . In most applications, it is contemplated that the relative position between the buckle  12  and the vehicle seat  50  will remain constant as a vehicle occupant adjusts the vehicle seat  50 . However, as noted above, the buckle length range can be adjusted as needed to travel greater or less than the seat height travel range by changing the gear ratio between the seat motor  64  and the buckle telescoping mechanism  10 . Thus, by adjusting the predetermined gear ratio defined by the coupling of the threaded translation actuator  22  to the threaded screw member  34 , the predetermined gear ratio can move the anchorage  14  between the extended and retracted positions according to a buckle length range, wherein the buckle length range is adapted to be greater than, less than or equal to a range of vertical travel of the vehicle seat  50 . 
         [0032]    As noted above and shown in  FIG. 10 , a flexible shaft  42  is coupled at a first end  41  to the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10 , and further coupled at a second end  43  to the seat height adjustment motor  64 . The flexible shaft  42  is contemplated to have a cable, or other like apparatus, disposed within a housing that carries a rotational force or torque indicated by arrow H to the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10 . The flexible shaft  42 , as shown in  FIG. 4A , is coupled to the drive shaft  34  of the drive mechanism  32  such that the drive shaft  34  rotates in the direction as indicated by arrow H1. This rotational movement H1 translates into a linear movement I of the mounting bracket  22  along a length of the drive shaft  34  as indicated by arrow E in  FIG. 4A  by the matting engagement of the ferrule portion  38  of the mounting bracket  22  with drive shaft  34 . 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , a switch mechanism  70  is coupled to the seat height adjustment motor  64 . The switch mechanism  70  can have multiple modes or inputs for controlling the motor  64 , including but not limited to, a first mode M 1  and a second mode M 2 , wherein it is contemplated that the first mode M 1  is a seat raising mode and the second mode M 2  is a seat lowering mode. Thus, the switch  70  is operable between a seat raising mode and a seat lowering mode such that the vehicle seat height adjustment motor  64  can raise and lower the vehicle seat  50  using adjustment mechanism  62  according to the input received from the switch  70 . Depending on the input received from the switch  70 , the seat height adjustment motor  64  rotates in one of two ways along the rotational direction as indicated by arrow R 2 . This rotational movement of the seat height adjustment motor  64  further correlates to the rotational movement of the flexible shaft  42  in one of two directions indicated by arrow H. As such, the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  is adapted to move towards the extended position F when the first mode M 1  is selected thereby maintaining a relative position of the seatbelt buckle member  12  to the vehicle seat  50  while the vehicle seat  50  is raised and the seatbelt buckle member  12  is extended. Further, the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  is adapted to move to the retracted position G as the input for the second mode M 2  is selected on the switch  70 , such that the seat height adjustment motor  64  lowers the vehicle seat  50  simultaneously with the movement of the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10 . Therefore, as a vehicle occupant raises and lowers the vehicle seat  50  between raised and lowered positions B, C using the power seat adjustment control switch  70 , the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  passively moves simultaneously in a synchronized manner with the vehicle seat  50 , thereby maintaining a relative and optimum position of the buckle portion  12  of the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  relative to a vehicle seat  50  for maximizing accessibility and comfort for the vehicle occupant. 
         [0034]    Therefore, as an occupant raises and lowers the vehicle seat  50  using the power seat adjustment control  70 , the buckle assembly  10  moves in sync with the vehicle seat  50 , maintaining the optimum relative position for accessibility and comfort. In this way, the vehicle occupant does not actively adjust the buckle height, rather when the vehicle occupant adjusts the seat height using the seat height adjustment controls (switches)  70 , the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  adjusts the buckle length (or height) passively according to a preset gear ratio, and maintains the optimal buckle height that corresponds to the given seat height adjustment setting selected by the vehicle occupant. 
         [0035]    The telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  disclosed herein provides a much smaller size and lighter weight package as compared to other known telescoping buckle assemblies. In fact, the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  of the present invention can be packaged in nearly the same environment as a fixed length seatbelt buckle. Since the telescoping seatbelt buckle assembly  10  of the present invention also shares the power source and control electronics with the existing seat adjustment motor parts, the incremental cost of providing the present invention in a current vehicle is significantly lower than the other solutions known in the art. 
         [0036]    It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.