A retractor includes a pretensioner whereby increased control and variation over the load limitation characteristics of the retractor are provided. The seat belt and spool are linked to a locking mechanism through a first force limiting element, while the pretensioner is linked to the seat belt and spool through a second force limiting element. Both the first and second force limiting elements are employed during a load limiting phase of the retractor.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
This patent application is a continuation-in-part of corresponding U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/968,504, filed Oct. 19, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,318,607, and is also a continuation-in-part of corresponding U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/115,583, filed Apr. 27, 2005. All of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
