Technical

What is the CG-Lock?

The CG-Lock is the first consumer automotive product that dramatically improves driver control in a convenient and inexpensive manner. The ingeniously engineered device easily attaches to the tongue of the existing seatbelt to provide:

Buckling up will never be the same!

How does the CG-Lock work?

Typical seatbelts do not tighten around the waist. They are designed to stay loose. The CG-Lock lets your seatbelt work like an aircraft seatbelt: when you pull the lap belt tight, it stays as tight as you want. With a CG-Lock installed, you can easily tighten the lap belt portion of your seatbelt by pulling up on the shoulder portion of the seatbelt. The CG-Lock lets you remove as much slack from the lap belt as you want. A little tightness adds comfort on long trips or during “turbulent” off road driving. A lot of tightness provides a driver with better control during spirited performance driving on the track or off road. The shoulder harness stays loose (just like normal) so you can still easily reach controls on the dashboard.

Is it safe to use a CG-Lock on a seatbelt?

Yes. The CG-Lock has been extensively tested using industry accepted FMVSS safety standards (Derived NCAP mid sized sedan pulse used. Tests performed to FMVSS 208). In brief, some of the same studies required for new seatbelts as required by the UK Department of Transport and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Division (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 208, 210, and 213) were used to simultaneously compare seatbelts with and without the CG-Lock installed. Replicate crash test simulations were conducted at 20 and 35 mile an hour frontal, 20 miles an hour lateral, and in a rollover simulation. Professional analysis of the test data showed there was no reduction (impairment or inhibition) of seatbelt performance when a CG-Lock was installed. Low speed tests showed better occupant stability for the seatbelt with the CG-Lock installed under both frontal and lateral g (gravity) loads.

Is the CG-Lock safe to use with pre-tensioners?

We have undertaken a full crash test programme with the CG-Lock, with and without pre-tensioners. We would not be allowed (or indeed ever want to!) sell a product that caused harm with pre-tensioners!

There are two elements to answer regarding this question about pretensioners. First, The CG-Lock was “crash” tested with the pretensioner on the buckle side. This is the “worst-case scenario”. The CG-Lock did not affect the seatbelt function negatively, whether or not there was a pretensioner in the restraint system.

Second, a pretensioner does not create a major pulling force… maybe only 100-200 Lbs. And this is through a “clutch” mechanism that limits the force when any resistance if felt. This means the tension placed on the seatbelt due to the pretensioner is small when compared to the loads placed on the hips during even the first few milliseconds the actual crash event. Even if the seatbelt was “bolted” tight, a pretensioner cannot break bones. It is designed with the knowledge that small children may be in that same seat. Post-crash bone injuries are due to the force of the body being held against a “locked” restraint… which all restraints do on impact. The CG-Lock does not change this dynamic.

It is interesting that pre-tensioners aim to get the occupant ‘back’ in the seat… the safest position for a crash. With the CG-Lock you are kept in this position all the time, avoiding the need to ‘correct’ the problem in an emergency! A much better solution.

In summary, the CG-Lock does not negatively affect pretensioners and vice versa. Safety is in no way compromised.

Why would I want a CG-Lock on my seatbelt?

The CG-Lock transforms a typical seatbelt into a functional tool for improved driver control and increased comfort for all occupants. The CG-Lock can benefit all sorts of drivers: sport and performance drivers (proven faster lap times), off road drivers and occupants, police and other emergency vehicle drivers, commuters, truckers, heavy equipment operators, military drivers (off road). The CG-Lock also provides greater comfort for occupants as it helps maintain correct sitting posture.

How do I install the CG-Lock?

The CG-Lock can be installed in less than 5 minutes. No drilling or bolts are required. The CG-Lock can be completely removed in 2 minutes and leaves no damage to your vehicle’s seatbelt. The only tool you need is the supplied Allen key. View installation instructions or see the installation video.

How do you use the CG-Lock?

To use the CG-Lock, buckle-up as normal. Use the lever to slacken off the seatbelt if needed. Push your hips all the way back against the seat back. For performance use, push hard. Adjust the seat if necessary to maintain proper spacing from the steering wheel, pedals, and other controls. Sit up straight. Adjust the lap belt low on your waist (across your hips not across your belly). Grasp the shoulder harness just above the CG-Lock and pull away from the CG-Lock parallel to the lap belt to tighten. Pull hard as you push your hips back into the seat. If the lap belt becomes too tight, simply rotate the thumb lever down temporarily while lifting the hip closest to the CG-Lock, and the belt will loosen or simply release the seatbelt tongue in the usual way and release the tension using the lever. To exit the vehicle, simply release the seatbelt tongue in the usual way and assist the seatbelt retractor in rewinding the belt. The weight of the CG-Lock may impede the seatbelt retractor. Failure to rewind the belt fully could result in the CG-Lock and tongue being caught in the door when it is closed. Every CG-Lock comes with a complete set of instructions and the installation video is available here, making installation quick and easy.

Will this work/Is it necessary for back seat passengers?

The CG-Lock works with rear seatbelts with single pass tongues. All the same comfort uses for a front seat occupant apply to rear seat occupants (comfort on long trips, stability during off road driving).

Will this work for childseats?

The CG-Lock has been shown to make installing a child seat (to the required tightness) really easy as you can buckle the child seat loose and tighten by pulling up on the shoulder section of the seatbelt. This saves your back and allows even light framed people to get the necessary tightness that is so difficult to get when having to pre-tension the seatbelt before buckling up.

Will the CG-Lock fit every car?

No. The CG-Lock does NOT fit all cars. It does however, fit most cars. The CG-Lock is designed ONLY for use with specific factory-installed (OEM) standard three-point lap/shoulder harnesses. Click here to see if the CG-Lock fits your car seatbelt. If someone buys a CG-Lock and determines the CG-Lock will not fit their vehicle, they may return the CG-Lock for a full refund (return instructions are included with each CG-Lock).

Will the CG-Lock encourage aggressive driving?

The CG-Lock is not a safety device. A CG-Lock does not change the laws of physics. The effects of speed, braking distance, lateral G loading, acceptable angles of climb and descent, and other such driving attributes are unchanged by the presence of a CG-Lock and appropriate cautions must be taken irrespective of the use of a CG-Lock. The CG-Lock does offer the experienced driver better control during “aggressive” driving or evasive maneuvers. The CG-Lock is not intended for performance driving on public streets. Suggested uses include closed-course, sanctioned driver training under the direction and control of appropriate instructors, such as autocrossing, rally, or driving instruction during a ‘track day’ event.

Will using CG-Lock affect my insurance rates?

The CG-Lock is not a safety device. The CG-Lock has been rigorously tested. Professional analysis of the test data showed there was no reduction (impairment or inhibition) of seatbelt performance when a CG-Lock was installed.

Who manufactures the CG-Lock?

The CG-Lock is manufactured, assembled, and quality tested by All Metal Machine Specialties, Ltd. All Metal is the premier full-line supplier of new unlined brake shoes for the aftermarket, manufacturing over 365 different types of brake shoes for passenger cars, light trucks, and 4×4’s. The company also manufactures brake shoes for golf carts, trailers, and for the Original Equipment Market. All Metal is ISO-9002 Certified and QS-9000 Certified.

Can I have the CG-Lock installed at the dealership when I buy a new car?

Not at this time. The CG-Lock is not yet sold through car dealerships, however dealers are now learning about the many benefits of the CG-Lock.

What colours does the CG-Lock come in?

Currently the CG-Lock is only available in a matte stainless steel finish.

How big is the CG-Lock?

The CG-Lock will fit in the palm of your hand! Approximate size of the CG-Lock ( 1″ H x 2 5/16″ L x 2 15/16″ W). Approximate weight 3.0 ounces.

What is the CG-Lock made of?

The CG-Lock is made of high grade stainless steel.