Interpretation ID: aiam0335
General Manager
Product Engineering and Service
Mercedes-Benz of North America
Inc.
Post Office Box 318
Fort Lee
NJ 07024;
Dear Mr. Gerth: Thank you for your letter of April 20, 1971, regarding a interpretation for seat belt assemblies required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 - Occupant Crash Protection.; It is our intent that an integral (3-point) lap and shoulder bel system, with a sliding attachment, could meet the requirements of the subject standard. Since paragraph S7.1.1 requires automatic adjustment by means of an emergency-locking retractor for this type of integral system (see S7.1.1.3), the sliding attachment friction could not unduly restrict adjusting movements of the belt, however, a nominal friction is permissible and is expected.; The seat belt assembly which you submitted to Mr. Clue Ferguson' Office of Crash Worthiness has been placed in Docket 69-7. This system would appear to have a nominal friction at the sliding adjustment, however, an actual vehicle installation is necessary to enable a full evaluation.; Sincerely, Robert L. Carter, Acting Associate Administrator, Moto Vehicle Programs;