Balanced Locking Pawl for a Retractor
AssigneeValeda Company (dba "Q'Straint, Inc.")
InventorsEdgardo CARDONA, Patrick GIRARDIN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Provided herein is a balanced locking pawl. In particular, the center of gravity of the locking pawl is located at or near the pivot point of the locking pawl. The balanced approach allows for a faster locking response during the rebound (whiplash/return) forces of a crash.
Claims18
1-20. (canceled)
A locking mechanism for use with a retractor, the locking mechanism comprising a pawl and a ratchet, wherein the locking pawl has a pivot point, a spring biases the locking pawl about the pivot point for engagement with one of a plurality of teeth on the ratchet, and a center of gravity of the locking pawl is at least near the pivot point of the locking pawl.
A locking mechanism intended for use with a retractor, the locking mechanism comprising a locking pawl and a ratchet, wherein the locking pawl has a pivot point, a spring biases the locking pawl about the pivot point for engagement with one of a plurality of teeth on the ratchet, and a mass of the locking pawl is generally balanced about the pivot point.
A locking mechanism intended for use with a retractor, the locking mechanism comprising a pawl and a ratchet, wherein the locking pawl has a pivot point, a spring biases the locking pawl about the pivot point for engagement with one of a plurality of teeth on the ratchet, and a mass of the locking pawl is generally balanced about the pivot point to reduce a force of an accident on the locking pawl that tends to move the locking pawl out of engagement with the ratchet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.