초록 ▼

A belt shortening device for winding and unwinding a vehicle seat belt is disclosed. The device includes a spindle mounted in a frame and connected to a crank arm to facilitate winding. The spindle includes a longitudinally extending slot which communicates with a laterally extending entry opening.

A belt shortening device for winding and unwinding a vehicle seat belt is disclosed. The device includes a spindle mounted in a frame and connected to a crank arm to facilitate winding. The spindle includes a longitudinally extending slot which communicates with a laterally extending entry opening. A seat belt, when folded, is insertable into the longitudinally extending slot via the laterally extending entry opening. Once the vehicle seat belt is positioned within the longitudinally extending slot, the crank arm is manipulated to, thereby, rotate the spindle to wind the belt therearound. The laterally extending entry opening is positioned substantially mid-way along the length of the longitudinally extending slot to prevent ejection and slippage of the belt during winding. Additional tabs are provided to hold the belt in place during winding.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A device for shortening a length of a flexible belt having a width and opposing edges and a top portion, comprising:a frame having a upstanding opposing side walls and a floor;a spindle supported by and between said upstanding opposing side walls of said frame for rotatio

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A device for shortening a length of a flexible belt having a width and opposing edges and a top portion, comprising:a frame having a upstanding opposing side walls and a floor;a spindle supported by and between said upstanding opposing side walls of said frame for rotation about an axis, said spindle including a longitudinally extending slot, having a length, a width, a first end and a second end opposite said first end, communicating with a laterally extending entry opening having a width, said entry opening being configured and dimensioned to accommodate lateral insertion of said belt into said slot; said laterally extending entry opening being positioned between said first end and said second end of said slot; said slot and said entry opening in combination, providing an opening in said spindle of a substantially T-shaped configuration; said spindle being rotatable about said axis in one direction and rotatable in an opposite direction thereto;operating means for rotating said spindle to thereby wind the inserted belt thereon; andat least one tab connected to said frame; said at least one tab being positioned a selected distance from said spindle and being engageable with said top portion of said inserted belt; said at least one tab securing said belt during winding of said inserted belt on said spindle.