Interpretation ID: nht73-6.21
DATE: 02/15/73
FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Richard B. Dyson; NHTSA
TO: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION
TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of January 4, 1973, concerning your continuing uncertainties about the intent of sections S4.3.1.1 and S4.3.1.3 of Standard 210.
In your figure 1, assuming the seat is not adjustable, the contact points would be (b) in the first drawing and (c) in the second. However, a rigid attachment of the length shown in the second drawing would appear to violate the intent of S4.3.1.1 that the angle formed by the webbing in passing from the hardware to the seating reference point should be a forward angle.
In your figure 2, if the bracket can be rotated so that an extension of its centerline would pass through the seating reference point, we would consider point (p) to be the nearest contact point for purposes of S4.3.1.1 and S4.3.1.3.
With respect to the proposed used of a flexible wire, as shown in figure 3, the ability of the wire to move with reasonable freedom removes it from the category of rigid hardware. We would consider the points shown as (c) and (f) to be the appropriate contact points for purposes of S4.3.1.1 and S4.3.1.3.
January 4, 1973
Lawrence Schneider National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Although we have received and appreciated your interpretation of MVSS 210, S4.3.1.1, and S4.3.1.3, Seat Belt Anchorages, this matter remains rather vague to us. Please permit us to restate the situations in question.
We would like to use the seat belt system in which the buckle is attached to the floor panel (tunnel) or seat structure by a rigid bracket as indicated in the enclosed Figure 1. In this situation, please advise us of the correct nearest contact point and angle in each of the attached drawings.
If the rigid bracket with buckle is able to rotate about point "P", as shown in Figure 2, please advise us where we should consider the nearest contact point and angle.
We are also considering using another type of seat belt system, as shown in Figure 3, in which the buckle is attached to the floor panel through the flexible wire. Again, please indicate the exact nearest contact point and angle.
Thank you for your kind assistance.
Tatsuo Kato Engineering Representative Liaison Office in USA Enclosures
The nearest contact point: (A) or (B)?