U.S. patent application number 09/882717 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-19 for automotive safety net system.
Invention is credited to Svetlik, Robert W..
Application Number | 20020190513 09/882717 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25381191 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020190513 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Svetlik, Robert W. |
December 19, 2002 |
AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY NET SYSTEM
Abstract
An automotive safety net system having a front safety net and
respective side safety nets, woven of man-made, synthetic, or
natural fibers to prevent vehicle occupants from being thrust
forward or sideways beyond the placement of the net in case of a
sudden impact. The front safety net is attached to the interior of
the vehicle frame transversely behind the front seats. The side
safety nets are attached to respective ends of the front safety net
and extend in a rearward direction attached to the interior of the
vehicle frame adjacent the rear seat. The safety nets are attached
to the interior of the vehicle frame using U-shaped mounting
brackets having flared ends and adjustable length straps. The
mounting brackets are low profile so as not to hinder ingress or
egress, and the safety nets are easily detachable by releasing the
straps at the respective mounting brackets.
Inventors: |
Svetlik, Robert W.; (Key
West, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John H. Oltman
Oltman, Flynn & Kubler
915 Middle River Drive
Ft. Lauderdale
FL
33304
US
|
Family ID: |
25381191 |
Appl. No.: |
09/882717 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/749 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 21/06 20130101;
B60R 2021/0004 20130101; B60R 2021/0006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/749 |
International
Class: |
B60R 021/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A safety net system for attachment to the interior structure of
a motor vehicle to close a central opening disposed between a
driver seating area in which at least one front seat is disposed
and a rear passenger area of the motor vehicle, comprising: a front
safety net, having opposing pairs of upper and lower edges and
opposing pairs of end edges, said safety net being operable in a
stretched state to close the central opening between the driver
seating area and the passenger seating area; and at least two front
safety net anchoring assemblies affixable to the interior structure
of the motor vehicle at the central opening, each anchoring
assembly being attachable to one opposing edge of said pairs of
opposing edges of said front safety net to prevent occupants of the
passenger seating area from being thrust forward through said front
safety net into the driver seating area such as during sudden
deceleration of the motor vehicle.
2. The safety net system of claim 1, wherein the front safety net
anchoring assemblies are adapted to be attachable to the end
edges.
3. The safety net system of claim 2, wherein the end edges are
reinforced.
4. The safety net system of claim 3, wherein the end edges are each
reinforced using a respective elongate edge stiffener member.
5. The safety net system of claim 4, wherein a flexible strip
covers each respective end edge with stiffener member.
6. The safety net system of claim 2, wherein the netting is
coarsely woven from a material which is fine enough so as not to
significantly obstruct visibility therethrough by occupants of the
driver and passenger seating areas.
7. The safety net system of claim 2, wherein there are three front
safety net anchoring assemblies for attachment to each end edge,
one each adjacent the respective top and bottom edges, and one
generally centrally disposed therebetween.
8. The safety net system of claim 2, wherein each front safety net
anchoring assembly comprises an anchoring bracket and a strap, said
anchoring bracket being affixable to the interior structure of the
motor vehicle, said strap having an operative position looped
around one respective edge of the netting and attached to said
anchoring bracket.
9. The safety net system of claim 8, wherein the anchoring brackets
each comprise an elongate, bent member having a center loop portion
and opposing end portions, said end portions being affixable to the
interior structure of the motor vehicle using hardware, said strap
being attachable to said anchoring bracket by forming a loop
between said center loop portion and the interior structure of the
motor vehicle and around one respective edge of the netting, being
affixed in said loop using a strap retainer.
10. The safety net system of claim 8, wherein the hardware
comprises a plurality of sheet metal screws which are extendable
through respective clearance holes in the opposing end portions of
the bent member, and which are threadable into the interior
structure of the motor vehicle.
11. The safety net system of claim 8, wherein the strap is of
adjustable length using the strap retainer to allow adjustment of
strap length to stretch the safety netting tightly across the
central opening between the driver seating area and the passenger
seating area.
12. The safety net system of claim 11, wherein the strap retainer
comprises a buckle attached to one end of the strap, an opposite
end of the strap being adjustably securable thereto.
13. The safety net system of claim 1, further comprising: at least
one side safety net, having opposing pairs of upper and lower edges
and opposing pairs of end edges, said side safety net being
operable in a stretched state to close one of the side openings
disposed laterally adjacent the passenger seating area at a
respective side door of the motor vehicle; and at least one side
safety net anchoring assembly affixable to the interior structure
of the motor vehicle at the respective side opening, said at least
one side safety net anchoring assembly being attachable to one
opposing edge of said pairs of opposing edges to prevent occupants
of the passenger seating area from being thrust sideways past said
side safety net out of the motor vehicle should the side door open
during sudden lateral acceleration of the motor vehicle such as due
to an impact.
14. The safety net system of claim 13, wherein one of the side
edges of the side safety net is adapted to be attachable to the
front safety net anchoring assemblies at one end edge, and the at
least one side safety net anchoring assembly is adapted to be
attachable to the other of said side edges.
15. The safety net system of claim 14, wherein there are a pair of
side safety nets and corresponding at least one side safety net
anchoring assemblies, said side safety nets being operable in
respective stretched states to close respective side openings
disposed laterally adjacent the passenger seating area at
respective side doors of the motor vehicle, each of said at least
one side safety net anchoring assemblies being affixable to the
interior structure of the motor vehicle at the respective side
opening, each of said at least one side safety net anchoring
assemblies being attachable to one opposing edge of said pairs of
opposing edges to prevent occupants of the passenger seating area
from being thrust sideways past the respective of said side safety
nets out of the motor vehicle should the respective side door open
during sudden lateral acceleration of the motor vehicle such as due
to an impact.
16. A safety net system for attachment to the interior structure of
a motor vehicle to close a central opening disposed between a
driver seating area of the motor vehicle in which at least one
front seat is disposed and a passenger seating area of the motor
vehicle in which at least one rear seat is disposed, and to close
each of a pair side openings disposed laterally adjacent the
passenger seating area at respective side doors of the motor
vehicle, comprising: a front safety net, having opposing pairs of
upper and lower edges and opposing pairs of end edges, said safety
net being operable in a stretched state to close the central
opening between the driver seating area and the passenger seating
area; at least two front safety net anchoring assemblies affixable
to the interior structure of the motor vehicle at the central
opening, each being attachable to one opposing edge of said pairs
of opposing edges to prevent occupants of the passenger seating
area from being thrust forward past said front safety net into the
driver seating area during sudden deceleration of the motor
vehicle; a pair of side safety nets, each having opposing pairs of
upper and lower edges and opposing pairs of end edges, said side
safety net being operable in a stretched state to close one of the
side openings disposed laterally adjacent the passenger seating
area at a respective side door of the motor vehicle; and at least
one side safety net anchoring assembly for each of said side safety
nets, each being affixable to the interior structure of the motor
vehicle at the respective side opening, said at least one side
safety net anchoring assembly being attachable to one opposing edge
of said pairs of opposing edges of the respective side safety net
to prevent occupants of the passenger seating area from being
thrust sideways past said respective side safety net out of the
motor vehicle should the respective side door open during sudden
lateral acceleration of the motor vehicle such as due to an
impact.
17. The safety net system of claim 16, wherein the front safety net
anchoring assemblies are adapted to be attachable to the end edges
of the front safety net, and wherein one of the side edges of each
side safety net is adapted to be attachable to the front safety net
anchoring assemblies at the respective opposite end edges of said
front safety net, and the said at least one side safety net
anchoring assembly is adapted to be attachable to the other of said
side edges of the respective side safety net.
18. The safety net system of claim 17, wherein the respective end
edges of the front safety net and the side safety nets are
reinforced.
19. The safety net system of claim 18, wherein the respective end
edges of the front safety net and the side safety nets are each
reinforced using a respective elongate edge stiffener member.
20. The safety net system of claim 19, wherein a flexible strip
covers each respective end edge with stiffener member of the front
safety net and the side safety nets.
21. The safety net system of claim 17, wherein the netting of the
front safety net and the side safety nets are coarsely woven from a
material which is fine enough so as not to significantly obstruct
visibility therethrough by occupants of the driver and passenger
seating areas.
22. The safety net system of claim 17, wherein there are three
front safety net anchoring assemblies for attachment to each end
edge of the front safety net and the side safety nets, one each
adjacent the respective top and bottom edges, and one generally
centrally disposed therebetween.
23. The safety net system of claim 17, wherein each front and side
safety net anchoring assembly comprises an anchoring bracket and a
strap, said anchoring bracket being affixable to the interior
structure of the motor vehicle, said strap having an operative
position looped around one respective edge of the netting and
attached to said anchoring bracket.
24. The safety net system of claim 23, wherein the anchoring
brackets each comprise an elongate, bent member having a center
loop portion and opposing end portions, said end portions being
affixable to the interior structure of the motor vehicle using
hardware, said strap being attachable to said anchoring bracket by
forming a loop between said center loop portion and the interior
structure of the motor vehicle and around one respective edge of
the netting, being affixed in said loop using a strap retainer.
25. The safety net system of claim 23, wherein the hardware
comprises a plurality of sheet metal screws which are extendable
through respective clearance holes in the opposing end portions of
the bent member, and which are threadable into the interior
structure of the motor vehicle.
26. The safety net system of claim 23, wherein the strap is of
adjustable length using the strap retainer to allow adjustment of
strap length to stretch the safety netting tightly across the
central opening between the driver seating area and the passenger
seating area.
27. The safety net system of claim 26, wherein the strap retainer
comprises a buckle attached to one end of the strap, an opposite
end of the strap being adjustably securable thereto.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to safety barriers for
restraining movement of the occupants during rapid vehicle
deceleration such as during accidents, and more particularly to
safety barriers which include a safety net operatively connected to
the vehicle frame to restrain the occupants.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Many different types of safety devices have been developed
over the years to protect the occupants of motor vehicles. The most
commonly known safety device is the conventional seat belt, which
includes a lap belt and possibly an attached shoulder harness. Seat
belts are now typically provided for the driver and all three or
four passengers in the front and the rear seats of automobiles.
More recently, air bags have also been used in automobiles in
combination with seat belts initially designed to further protect
the driver of the automobile. Some automobiles now also have an air
bag for the front passenger, though deemed less effective than that
for the driver because of the larger size of the air bag required
due to the longer dashboard to passenger distance. Air bags for the
rear passengers are difficult to provide since they would
necessarily be mounted on the rears of the front seats, both an
unstable mounting place and providing little knee room for the rear
passengers.
[0005] While seat belts and air bags are good for most adults of
average or larger size, they have proven dangerous in certain
automobile accidents for smaller adults, children, and infants. For
example, lap belts are designed to fit directly on the pelvis of an
adult which prevents the internal organs from being crushed during
a head-on accident. However, the lap belt fits above the pelvis on
small adults and children, directly crushing the internal organs
during such an accident. Likewise, the shoulder harness can cause
neck injury to small adults and children due to the lower position
of their necks relative to the shoulder harness. Air bags have
similarly been known to cause injuries to small adults and children
since such individuals may not be in the correct position during
air bag firing or deployment. Being too close to the air bag during
firing, or being laterally offset relative to the normal adult
driving position causes the air bag to forcefully hit the person
during deployment, rather than inflating first then acting as a
cushion for the person's head to contact.
[0006] Infants present a particularly difficult problem due to
their extremely small size. Child car seats which have a protective
shell and cushioned interior present the best current solution. The
shell typically attaches to the lap belt of the automobile for
restraint of the shell, with an inner body harness which retains
the infant to the cushion and shell. However, infants are still
injured in such car seats when not properly installed, or if an air
bag deploys in the seat to which the child car seat is
attached.
[0007] Various devices other than seat belts, air bags, and child
car seats have been devised. Some such devices use safety netting
or nets which are movable from an out-of-the-way storage position
to a deployed position to restrain typically one vehicle occupant.
Others use safety nets which are fixed in a non-movable deployed or
operative position.
MOVABLE SAFETY NETS
[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,219 issued to Ha is disclosed a crash
net safety device for an automobile, which includes a U-shaped bar
having a net fixed to the ceiling of the automobile and pivotally
connected to the interior of the automobile at both sides. A
trigger is operatively connected to one end of the U-shaped bar for
allowing movement of the bar from a stowed position to a deployed
position to protect an occupant upon the sensing of a collision by
sensors in the automobile. Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,701
issued to Nanda is disclosed a protection system which includes a
pair of expandable bellows which are normally in a retracted
position. The bellows rapidly expand upon release of respective
latches to deploy a crash barrier attached to the ceiling of the
vehicle when a sensor detects an accident. Yet further, in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,906,020 issued to Habrer is disclosed a passive
restraining barrier which includes a restraining barrier bounded by
first, second, and third restraining belts. The first and second
restraining belts are fixed to the ceiling of the automobile, the
third restraining belt connected to the bottom of the restraining
barrier. First and second takeup belts are connected to the bottoms
of the first two restraining belts, with first and second takeup
belt retractors mounted to the body of the automobile. The takeup
belts are received by the retractors and the restraining barrier is
held by breakaway fasteners. When an accident occurs, the takeup
belts are retracted into their retractors, bringing the restraining
barrier to a deployed position in front of the driver or front
passenger. Finally, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,672 is disclosed a
protection system which includes a rectangular net stored in the
ceiling of an automobile. The net is secured at four corners to
cables that are guided along the interior of the automobile to a
pair of pistons in cylinders located on the frame under the
automobile. A sensor electrically triggers firing of charges that
propel the pistons when an accident is detected. The pistons pull
on the cables to deploy the net across the front and sides of the
driver or passenger to restrain movement of any occupants in the
seat.
FIXED SAFETY NETS
[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,341 issued to Hartigan is disclosed a
restraining net which includes a rectangular safety net which is
affixed within a flexible support frame of upper, lower, and
transverse straps. A pair of upper belts extend from the upper
strap and are releasibly connected to the shoulder belts of a motor
vehicle, being positioned above the seat back of the vehicle
adjacent the ends of the seat. A pair of lower belts extend from
the lower strap and are releasibly connected to the frame of the
seat. Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,043,582 is disclosed a restraint
device for protecting young children in the sleeping compartments
or bunks of a recreational vehicle. The restraint device includes a
safety net that is supported by a rectangular frame attached to the
upper bunk so as to provide simultaneous vertical and horizontal
support. Quick release snaps are provided to allow an adult ready
access to the infant in the bunk. The quick release mechanism is
such that an adult may have ready egress from the bunk, but a young
child cannot release the mechanism. Yet further, in U.S. Pat. No.
4,213,636 is disclosed a barrier for separating the passenger
compartment of a motor vehicle from the compartment occupied by the
driver. The barrier includes a relatively stiff frame of plastic
tubing which is expandable to allow for press fit installation in
the particular motor vehicle. The frame is horizontally and
vertically traversed by flexible bands which perform the barrier
function. Finally, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,028 is disclosed a safety
net device which includes a load-indicator which signals whether
forces have acted on the safety net during an accident which might
cause premature failure of the safety net. Deformation of
respective anchoring members which retain the safety net to the
motor vehicle is used to indicate forces were applied to the safety
net possibly leading to premature failure of the safety net.
[0010] There is a need for a simple, cost effective fixed safety
net system which is reliable, has no moving parts, can be designed
to fit most motor vehicles, provides side impact protection if
desired, which is easily removed and compactly stored when not
needed, and which does not significantly obstruct the view of the
occupants of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
1. Advantages of the Invention
[0011] One of the advantages of the present invention is that it
provides protection for minimizing forward and/or side movement of
the occupants in the rear seating area of a moving motor vehicle
upon sudden impact with an object.
[0012] A further advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a safety net made of a webbed netting which is transparent
enough so as to not significantly obstruct the view of the
occupants, yet is sufficiently strong enough to prevent the
occupants from hurtling forward or sideways beyond the netting.
[0013] Another advantage of the present invention is it provides a
safety system which prevents and limits the occupants of the rear
passenger area from being thrust forward and/or sideways beyond the
immediate rear seating area.
[0014] Another advantage of the present invention is it does not
involve any complicated mechanics or sensors that need to operate
properly upon an impact and which are a function of the impact.
[0015] Another advantage of the present invention is the attachment
of the mounting brackets to the interior framing ribs or posts of
the motor vehicle far enough in front of the rear passenger area so
as to not hinder leg and arm movements of the seated
passengers.
[0016] Another advantage of the present invention is it can be
mounted in easily detachable sections to the front and two sides of
the rear passenger area.
[0017] Another advantage of the present invention is it provides
flexibility allowing installing of the front safety net only, or by
also installing one or both of the side safety nets.
[0018] Another advantage of the present invention is it utilizes
straps that are easily detachable from the mounting brackets, but
that can be made to permanently attach to the netting.
[0019] Another advantage of the present invention is it provides a
safety net system that can be easily stored away when not in use,
the permanently installed mounting brackets being small enough as
to not interfere with the normal functions within the motor
vehicle.
[0020] Another advantage of the present invention is it is equally
suitable for young children and adults.
[0021] Another advantage of the present invention is it provides a
safety net system which can be easily adapted for use in all types
of motor vehicles including, but not limited to, cars, pick-up
trucks, vans, busses, and even trains.
[0022] These and other advantages of the present invention may be
realized by reference to the remaining portions of the
specification, claims, and abstract.
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The invention comprises a safety net system for attachment
to the interior structure of a motor vehicle to close a central
opening disposed between a driver seating area in which at least
one front seat is disposed and a rear passenger area of the motor
vehicle. The safety net includes a front safety net, having
opposing pairs of upper and lower edges and opposing pairs of end
edges, said safety net being operable in a stretched state to close
the central opening between the driver seating area and the
passenger seating area. The safety net further includes at least
two front safety net anchoring assemblies which are affixable to
the interior structure of the motor vehicle at the central opening.
Each anchoring assembly is attachable to one opposing edge of the
pairs of opposing edges of the front safety net to prevent
occupants of the passenger seating area from being thrust forward
through said front safety net into the driver seating area such as
during sudden deceleration of the motor vehicle.
[0024] The safety net system can include at least one side safety
net, preferably a pair of side safety nets and corresponding at
least one side safety net anchoring assemblies. The side safety
nets are operable in respective stretched states to close
respective side openings disposed laterally adjacent the passenger
seating area at respective side doors of the motor vehicle. Each of
the at least one side safety net anchoring assemblies is affixable
to the interior structure of the motor vehicle at the respective
side opening, each being attachable to one opposing edge of said
pairs of opposing edges to prevent occupants of the passenger
seating area from being thrust sideways past the respective of the
side safety nets out of the motor vehicle should the respective
side door open during sudden lateral acceleration of the motor
vehicle such as due to an impact.
[0025] The above description sets forth, rather broadly, the more
important features of the present invention so that the detailed
description of the preferred embodiment that follows may be better
understood and contributions of the present invention to the art
may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional
features of the invention that will be described below and will
form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before
explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of the construction and to the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in
the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0027] FIG. 1 is substantially a front quarter perspective view of
an automobile, the roof being partially broken away to show the
safety net system of the present invention as installed;
[0028] FIG. 2 is substantially a fragmentary side elevational view
of the automobile, the doors and vehicle frame being partially
broken away;
[0029] FIG. 3 is substantially a fragmentary rear perspective view
of the safety net system showing the mounting to the vehicle side
frame behind the drivers seat;
[0030] FIG. 4 is substantially a fragmentary top plan view of the
automobile, the roof being removed to show the relative position of
the vehicle occupants to the safety net system;
[0031] FIG. 5 is substantially a lateral vertical sectional view
taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 2; and
[0032] FIG. 6 is substantially a fragmentary view to an enlarged
scale of a front safety net anchoring assembly connecting the front
safety net to the interior of the frame of the automobile.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] As seen in FIGS. 1-6, the present invention comprises an
automotive safety net system, generally designated at 20, which is
installed in a motor vehicle, such as an automobile 23. Safety net
system 20 comprises a front safety net assembly 26 and a pair of
respective side safety net assemblies 29.
Front Safety Net Assembly
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, front safety net assembly 26
includes a front safety net 32 and a plurality of front safety net
anchoring assemblies 35.
[0035] Front Safety Net: Front safety net 32 comprises a web or
netting 38 made of a plurality of strands 41 made of natural or
synthetic fiber which are interconnected at a plurality of center
connections such as loops or knots 44. Front safety net 32 includes
respective opposing upper and lower edges 47 and 50, and opposing
end edges 53 and 56. A pair of metal stiffening rods 59 are affixed
to the respective end edges 53 and 56 by looping around the
respective strands 41 and securing at a plurality of end
connections such as knots 62. Stiffening rods 59 along with the
respective end edges 53 and 56 are contained within a respective
fabric strip 65 wrapped around the respective end edge 53 and 56
with stiffening rod 59, and sewn at a respective seam 68 and
71.
[0036] Front Safety Net Anchoring Assemblies: Each front safety net
anchoring assembly comprises a mounting bracket 74 and an
adjustable strap assembly 77. Mounting bracket 74 is made from a
steel rod which is bent and flattened to have a raised center band
attachment portion 80 of round cross-section, and a pair of
opposite flattened ends 83 and 86 having respective holes 89 and 92
therethrough. Adjustable strap assembly 77 comprises a woven web
strap 95 and a buckle 98. Buckle 98 includes a unitary outer ring
101 having a pair of long legs 104 and 107 which are interconnected
by a pair of short legs 110 and 113. A separate long center leg 116
is affixed to short legs 110 and 113 intermediate long legs 104 and
107 in a plane offset from that of outer ring 101. Long leg 104 is
secured within a looped end 119 of strap 95 formed by a seam 122,
opposite a straight end 125 thereof.
Mounting of Front Safety Net Assembly
[0037] Automobile 23 includes an interior compartment 128 which
includes a driver seating area 131 containing a drivers seat 134
and a front passenger seat 137 on which a driver 140 and a front
passenger 143 are shown seated (FIG. 4). A passenger seating area
146 is disposed behind driver seating area 131, being separated
therefrom by a central opening 149. Passenger seating area 146
includes a rear passenger seat 152 which extends across the width
of interior compartment 128 for seating rear passengers 155 and
158.
[0038] Front safety net assembly 26 fits transversely within the
interior compartment 128, being disposed in central opening 149
immediately behind drivers seat 134 and front passenger seat 137.
Front safety net 26 is of such a size as to closely fit both
vertically and laterally within the interior compartment 128 so as
to prevent the passage therearound of passengers and other objects
during an accident or other such sudden acceleration or
deceleration of the automobile 23. Three of mounting brackets 74
mount to each of hollow right and left central roof support members
161 and 164 using respective pairs of bolts or screws, such as
self-drilling sheet metal screws 167, which extend through the
respective holes 89 and 92 of mounting brackets 74, and through the
respective roof support members 161 and 164. A respective backing
plate 170 can be disposed within the respective roof support
members 161 and 164, into which screws 167 are driven to further
secure brackets 74 to the respective roof support members 161 and
164. The front safety net 32 is connected to the respective
mounting brackets 74 using the respective adjustable strap
assemblies 77. The straight end 125 of each strap 95 is looped
through the raised center band attachment portion 80 of the
corresponding mounting bracket 74, and around one of end edges 53
and 56 adjacent the upper and lower edges 47 and 50 or centrally
located therebetween with the respective stiffening rod 59 and
fabric strip 65. Straight end 125 is then inserted under long leg
107, over long center leg 116, and under long leg 104 of buckle 98
and tensioned to secure front safety net in the desired
position.
Side Safety Net Assemblies
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, each side safety net assembly 29
includes a side safety net 173 and a plurality of the safety net
anchoring assemblies 35.
[0040] Side Safety Net: Side safety net 173 comprises a web or
netting 176 made of a plurality of strands 179 made of natural or
synthetic fiber which are interconnected at a plurality of center
connections such as loops or knots 182. Side safety net 173
includes respective opposing upper and lower edges 185 and 188, and
opposing end edges 191 and 194. A pair of the metal stiffening rods
59 are affixed to the respective end edges 191 and 194 by looping
around the respective strands 179 and securing at a plurality of
end connections such as knots 197. Stiffening rods 59 along with
the respective end edges 191 and 194 are contained within a
respective fabric strip 65 wrapped around the respective end edge
191 and 194 with stiffening rod 59, and sewn at a respective seam
200 and 203.
Mounting of Side Safety Net Assemblies
[0041] Side safety net assemblies 29 each fit within the interior
compartment 128, being longitudinally disposed, respectively,
immediately behind drivers seat 134 and front passenger seat 137.
Side safety net 173 is of such a size as to closely fit both
vertically and laterally within the interior compartment 128
immediately behind drivers seat 134 and front passenger seat 137,
and extending laterally adjacent rear passenger seat 152 so as to
prevent the passage therearound of passengers and other objects
during an accident or other such sudden acceleration or
deceleration of the automobile 23. Three of the mounting brackets
74 mounted to the respective right and left center roof support
members 161 and 164 using the same mounting brackets 74 used for
front safety net 32. The other end edges 194 of netting 176 are
each supported by three of mounting brackets 74 mounted to each of
hollow right and left rear roof support members 206 and 209 using
respective pairs of self-drilling sheet metal screws 167, which
extend through the respective holes 89 and 92 of mounting brackets
74, and through the respective roof support members 206 and 209. A
respective backing plate 170 can be disposed within the respective
roof support members 206 and 209, into which screws 167 are driven
to further secure brackets 74 to the respective roof support
members 206 and 209. The side safety nets 173 are connected to the
respective mounting brackets 74 using the respective adjustable
strap assemblies 77. The straight end 125 of each strap 95 is
looped through the raised center band attachment portion 80 of the
corresponding mounting bracket 74, and around one of end edges 53
and 56 adjacent the upper and lower edges 47 and 50 or centrally
located therebetween with the respective stiffening rod 59 and
fabric strip 65. Straight end 125 is then inserted under long leg
107, over long center leg 116, and under long leg 104 of buckle 98
and tensioned to secure front safety net in the desired
position.
Conclusion
[0042] It can now be seen that the present invention solves many of
the problems associated with the prior art. The present invention
provides protection for minimizing forward and/or side movement of
the occupants in the rear seating area of a moving motor vehicle
upon sudden impact with an object. The present invention provides a
provides a webbed netting which is transparent enough so as to not
significantly obstruct the view of the occupants, yet is
sufficiently strong enough to prevent the occupants from hurtling
forward or sideways beyond the netting. The present invention
provides a safety system which prevents and limits the occupants of
the rear passenger area from being thrust forward and/or sideways
beyond the immediate seating area. The present invention provides a
safety system which does not involve any complicated mechanics or
sensors that need to operate properly and which are a function of
the impact. The present invention provides a safety system in which
the attachment of the mounting brackets to the interior framing
ribs or posts far enough in front of the rear passenger area so as
to not hinder leg and arm movements of seated passengers. The
present invention provides a safety net system which can be mounted
in easily detachable sections to the front and two sides of the
rear passenger area. The present invention provides flexibility by
installing the front safety net only, or by including either or
both of the side safety nets. The present invention provides a
safety net system which utilizes straps that are easily detachable
from the mounting brackets, but that can be made to permanently
attach to the netting. The present invention provides a safety net
system that can be easily stored away when not intended for use,
the mounting brackets being permanently installed in the motor
vehicle but small enough as to not interfere with the normal
functions within the vehicle. The present invention provides a
safety net system which is useable equally for young children and
adults. The present invention provides a safety net system which
can be easily adapted for use to protect occupants of all types of
motor vehicles including, but not limited to, cars, pick-up trucks,
vans, busses, and even trains.
[0043] Although the description above contains many specifications,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. The
specification, for instance, makes reference to straps with buckles
for providing adjustable length. However, devices other than the
type of buckle described, or other such devices which provide
adjustment of the strap length are also contemplated. Likewise,
straps can be replaced by belt-like ties, cables with end clips, or
other such arrangements which do not provide for adjustable length,
but which fit the particular motor vehicle. The specification makes
reference to a specific design for the mounting brackets and
straps. However, many different types of mounting brackets are
possible which accommodate the straps, such as those made of sheet
metal, fabricated from multiple component parts, or molded from
plastic. Other attachment devices than straps are possible for use
with the brackets, such as cables with end clips, and hook devices.
Other materials can be used for the various component parts of the
safety net device. The specification makes reference to certain
metal parts, such as the mounting brackets and the stiffener rods.
However, while the mounting brackets and stiffener rods are
described as metal, they can be made of any suitable durable
material such as appropriately selected plastics. The specification
and drawings show the front safety net mounted to the frame of the
vehicle immediately behind the drivers and front passenger seats
with the side safety nets extending rearwardly therefrom. However,
the front safety net and side safety nets can be positioned as
desired to retain the vehicle occupants, including the driver and
front passenger. The side safety nets can be connected to the
respective door such as in a four door automobile to open outwardly
with the door to facilitate exiting the vehicle, though such
mounting of the side safety nets no longer protects the occupants
from being ejected from the vehicle. It still, however, provides
some cushioning from impacting the door during an accident. The
specification makes reference to hardware comprising sheet metal
screws to affix the mounting brackets to the interior frame of the
vehicle. However, any suitable hardware can be used such as bolts,
nuts, and washers, or even permanent affixing such as by welding.
Also, while three mounting brackets are shown per end edge of the
safety nets, other arrangements are possible such as a single
bracket having multiple attachment points to the end edges or a
single attachment along subsatsantially the entire length of the
end edge. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by
the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the
examples given.
* * * * *