IP Library Granted Patent US 8,408,599
Granted Patent B2
US 8,408,599 · App. 12/560,753 · Granted Apr 2, 2013

Guide loops for a seat belt system

Inventors: George J. Strnad (Rochester, MI); Steven J. Richter (St. Clair Shores, MI)
Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,408,599
App. No.
12/560,753
Granted
Apr 2, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

A guide loop for a vehicle seat belt system includes a first portion configured for attachment to a body of a vehicle in one plane and a second portion extending from the first portion at an angle and configured for attachment to the body in another plane. The guide loop is fixedly attachable to and not rotatable with respect to the body. In another embodiment, the guide loop includes a third portion extending from the second portion and substantially parallel to the first portion. The third portion is spaced apart from the first portion prior to attachment to the body so as to define a channel that is configured for receiving a seat belt webbing. A guide loop for a vehicle seat belt system including a height adjuster includes a loop portion and a stop portion, and is fixedly attachable to and not rotatable with respect to the height adjuster.

Claims (12)

1. A guide loop for a vehicle seat belt system, the guide loop comprising:

a first portion configured for attachment to a body of a vehicle in one plane, wherein said first portion defines at least a first bore therethrough that is configured for receiving a first fastener; and

a second portion extending from said first portion at an angle and configured for attachment to the body of the vehicle in another plane, wherein said second portion includes:

a lower arm defining an arcuate bearing surface; and

an upper arm spaced apart from said lower arm and having a distal end spaced apart from said first portion to thereby define a channel therebetween that is not enclosed by said distal end and said lower arm;

wherein said channel is configured for receiving a seat belt webbing of the vehicle onto said arcuate bearing surface and slideably releasing the seat belt webbing from said channel along said first portion;

wherein said upper arm defines at least a second bore therethrough that is configured for receiving a second fastener;

wherein the guide loop is fixedly attachable to and not rotatable with respect to the body of the vehicle.

2. The guide loop of claim 1 , wherein said first portion is integral with said second portion.

3. The guide loop of claim 1 , wherein said arcuate bearing surface includes an element configured for minimizing sliding friction of the seat belt webbing with respect to said arcuate bearing surface.

4. The guide loop of claim 1 , wherein said first portion is configured to abut said body.

5. The guide loop of claim 4 , wherein said first portion is configured for preventing rotation of said guide loop with respect to said body.

Assignments (8)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 7, 2014
From: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 034185/0789 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Feb 10, 2011
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 025781/0299 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 8, 2010
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Reel/Frame 025324/0555 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 5, 2010
From: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 025315/0091 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 4, 2010
From: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 025246/0234 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 25, 2010
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST
Reel/Frame 023990/0001 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 25, 2010
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Reel/Frame 023989/0155 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 16, 2009
From: STRNAD, GEORGE J.; RICHTER, STEVEN J.
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 023240/0414 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20110062696A1 · Mar 17, 2011