U.S. patent application number 11/245949 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-20 for remotely lockable seat belt arrangement.
This patent application is currently assigned to Eggshell Restraints Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to David J. O'Brien, Justin R. Rickard.
Application Number | 20060080812 11/245949 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36179201 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060080812 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Brien; David J. ; et
al. |
April 20, 2006 |
Remotely lockable seat belt arrangement
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a restraint comprising a buckle (200)
configured to secure a latch (120) when said latch (120) is engaged
with said buckle (200). The restraint also comprises complementary
locks (280a, 280b) associated with said buckle (200) that are
configured to prevent release of said latch (120) from engagement
with said buckle (200) in a first position and to allow release of
said latch from engagement with said buckle in a second position.
The restraint further comprises an electro-magnet (385) associated
with said buckle (200) and said locks (280a, 280b), said
electro-magnet (385) being configured to prevent said locks (280a,
280b) from being moved from said second position when said
electro-magnet (385) is in a first state and to allow said locks
(280a, 280b) to be moved in a second state, said first state being
determined through activation of a remote activator (530).
Inventors: |
O'Brien; David J.;
(Cherrybrook, AU) ; Rickard; Justin R.;
(Turramurra, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
Eggshell Restraints Pty Ltd
Smithfield
AU
|
Family ID: |
36179201 |
Appl. No.: |
11/245949 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/AU04/00449 |
Apr 8, 2004 |
|
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|
11245949 |
Oct 7, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
24/633 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 11/25 20130101;
Y10T 24/45623 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/633 |
International
Class: |
A44B 11/25 20060101
A44B011/25 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 7, 2005 |
AU |
2005901068 |
Apr 9, 2003 |
AU |
2003901686 |
Claims
1. A restraint comprising: buckle configured to secure a latch when
said latch is engaged with said buckle; complementary locks
associated with said buckle and being configured to prevent release
of said latch from engagement with said buckle in a first position
and to allow release of said latch from engagement with said buckle
in a second position; and electromagnet associated with said buckle
and said locks, said electro-magnet being configured to prevent
said locks from being moved from said second position when said
electro-magnet is in a first state and to allow said locks to be
moved in a second state, said first state being determined through
activation of a remote activator.
2. The restraint according to claim 1, wherein said
electro-magnetic is energised in said first state.
3. The restraint according to claim 2, wherein said complementary
locks are aligned such that electro-magnetic coupling is induced
between said locks when said electro-magnet is energised in said
first state.
4. The restraint according to claim 3, wherein said
electro-magnetically coupled locks engage said latch to secure said
latch in said buckle.
5. The restraint according to claim 1, wherein said electro-magnet
is mounted on a non-magnetic portion of said buckle.
6. The restraint according to claim 3, further comprising guides
for aligning said complementary locks.
7. The restraint according to claim 5, wherein said guides are
non-magnetic.
8. A restraint comprising: buckle configured to secure a latch when
said latch is engaged with said buckle; lock associated with said
buckle and being configured to prevent release of said latch from
engagement with said buckle in a first position and to allow
release of said latch from engagement with said buckle in a second
position; and electro-magnet associated with said buckle and said
lock, said electro-magnet being configured to prevent said lock
from being moved from said second position when said electro-magnet
is in a first state and to allow said lock to be moved in a second
state, said first state being determined through activation of a
remote activator.
9. A restraint according to claim 8, wherein said electro-magnet is
mounted on a non-magnetic portion of said buckle.
10. A restraint according to claim 8, further comprising an
override configured to allow release of said latch from engagement
with said buckle when said remote activator is activated.
11. A restraint according to claim 8, wherein an amount of magnetic
attraction provided by said electro-magnet is adjustable.
12. A restraint according to claim 8, said electro-magnet being
energised in said first state preventing said lock from being
moved, and said electro-magnet being de-energised in said second
state allowing said lock to be moved.
13. A restraint according to claim 8, wherein said remote activator
is in the form of a remote switch configured within a vehicle that
has the restraint installed.
14. A restraint according to claim 8, wherein said electro-magnet
is switched to said second state upon opening an ignition switch of
a vehicle that has the restraint installed.
15. A restraint according to claim 8, wherein the lock is formed by
a locking E-piece.
16. A restraint comprising: buckle configured to secure a latch
when said latch is engaged with said buckle; lock associated with
said buckle and being configured to prevent release of said latch
from engagement with said buckle in a first position and to allow
release of said latch from engagement with said buckle in a second
position; electro-magnet associated with said buckle and said lock,
said electro-magnet being configured to prevent said lock from
being moved from said second position when said electro-magnet is
in a first state and to allow said lock to be moved in a second
state, said first state being determined through activation of a
remote activator; and override configured to allow release of said
latch from engagement with said buckle when said remote activator
is activated.
17. A restraint according to claim 16, wherein said electro-magnet
is mounted on a non-magnetic portion of said buckle.
18. A restraint according to claim 16, wherein said electro-magnet
is switched to said second state upon opening an ignition switch of
a vehicle that has the restraint installed.
19. A seat belt arrangement comprising: buckle means configured to
secure a latch means when said latch is engaged with said buckle
means; locking means associated with said buckle means and being
configured to prevent release of said latch means from engagement
with said buckle means in a first position and to allow release of
said latch means from engagement with said buckle means in a second
position; and magnetic means associated with said buckle means and
said locking means, said magnetic means being configured to prevent
said locking means from being moved from said second position when
said magnetic means is in a first state and to allow said locking
means to be moved in a second state, said first state being
determined through activation of a remote activator means.
20. A method of locking a restraint buckle, said method comprising:
securing a latch when said latch is engaged with said buckle, said
buckle comprising an associated lock configured to prevent release
of said latch from engagement with said buckle in a first position
and to allow release of said latch from engagement with said buckle
in a second position; and activating a remote activator to
determine a first state for a electro-magnet associated with said
buckle, said electro-magnet being configured to prevent said lock
from being moved from said second position when said electro-magnet
is in a first state, thereby locking said buckle, said
electro-magnet being further configured to allow said lock to be
moved in a second state.
21. A method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of
activating an override to allow release of said latch from
engagement with said buckle when said remote activator is
activated.
22. A method according to claim 20, wherein said electro-magnet is
energised in said first state preventing said lock from being
moved, and said electro-magnet is de-energised in said second state
allowing said lock to be moved.
23. A method according to claim 20, wherein said electro-magnet is
switched to said second state upon opening an ignition switch of a
vehicle that has the restraint installed.
24. A restraint comprising: buckle configured to secure a latch
when said latch is engaged with said buckle; release associated
with said buckle and being configured to allow release of said
latch from engagement with said buckle upon activation of said
release; lock associated with said buckle and said release, said
lock being configured to prevent activation of said release in a
first state and to allow activation of said release in a second
state, said first state being determined through activation of a
remote activator; and override configured to allow activation of
said release when said remote activator is activated.
25. A restraint according to claim 24, said lock comprising at
least one magnet, said magnet being energised/de-energised in said
first state preventing activation of said release.
26. A restraint according to claim 24, said lock comprising at
least one magnet, said magnet being energised/de-energised in said
second state allowing activation of said release.
27. A restraint according to claim 25, said magnet being
operatively associated with at least one magnetic projection, such
that upon activation of said remote activator, said magnet is
energised/de-energised securing the magnetic projection in a first
position preventing activation of said release.
28. A restraint according to claim 25, said magnet being
operatively associated with at least one magnetic projection, such
that upon deactivation of said remote activator, said magnet is
energised/de-energised such that said magnetic projection moves to
a second position allowing activation of said release.
29. A restraint according to claim 28, wherein a biasing means is
configured to locate the magnetic projection to the second position
upon energising/de-energising said magnet.
30. A restraint according to claim 25, wherein said magnetic
projection forms a portion of said release.
31. A restraint according to claim 25, wherein said magnetic
projection is independent of said release.
32. A restraint according to claim 24, wherein said remote
activator is in the form of a remote switch configured within a
vehicle that has the seat belt arrangement installed.
33. A restraint according to claim 24, wherein one or more
indicators indicate whether said lock is in said first state or
second state.
34. A restraint according to claim 24, wherein said lock is
switched to said second state upon opening an ignition switch of a
vehicle that has the seat belt arrangement installed.
35. A restraint comprising: buckle configured to secure a latch
when said latch is engaged with said buckle; release associated
with said buckle and being configured to allow release of said
latch from engagement with said buckle upon activation of said
release; lock associated with said buckle and said release, said
lock being configured to prevent activation of said release in a
first position and to allow activation of said release in a second
position, said first position being determined through activation
of a remote activator; and override configured to allow activation
of said release when said remote activator is activated.
36. A restraint according to claim 35, said lock comprising at
least one magnet being operatively associated with at least one
magnetic projection, such that upon activation of said remote
activator, said magnet is energised/de-energised such that said
magnetic projection configures said magnetic projection in said
first position.
37. A seat belt arrangement comprising: buckle means configured to
secure a latch when said latch is engaged with said buckle; release
means associated with said buckle and being configured to allow
release of said latch from engagement with said buckle means upon
activation of said release means; locking means operatively
associated with said buckle means and said release means, said
locking means being configured to prevent activation of said
release means in a first state and to allow activation of said
release means in a second state, said first state being determined
through activation of a remote activation means; and override means
configured to allow activation of said release means when said
remote activation means is activated.
38. A seat belt arrangement according to claim 37, said locking
means comprising at least one magnetising means, said magnetising
means being energised/de-energised in said first state preventing
activation of said release means.
39. A seat belt arrangement according to claim 37, said locking
means comprising at least one magnetising means being operatively
associated with at least one magnetic projection, said magnetising
means is energised/de-energised in said second state allowing
activation of said release.
40. A seat belt arrangement comprising: a buckle configured to
secure a latch when said latch is engaged with said buckle; a
release button associated with said buckle and being configured to
allow release of said latch from engagement with said buckle upon
activation of said release button; a locking pin operatively
associated with said buckle and said release button, said locking
pin being configured to prevent release of said latch from
engagement with said buckle in a first position and to allow
release of said latch from engagement with said buckle in a second
position; a magnet operatively associated with said buckle and said
locking pin, said magnet being configured to retain said locking
pin in said first position in a first state, said first state of
said magnet being determined through activation of a remote switch;
and a manual override button configured to move said locking pin to
said second position, when said remote switch is activated, to
allow release of said latch from engagement with said buckle.
41. A method of locking a restraint buckle, said method comprising:
securing a latch when said latch is engaged with said buckle, said
buckle comprising an associated release configured to allow release
of said latch from engagement with said buckle upon activation of
said release; and activating a remote activator to determine a
first state for a lock associated with said buckle, said lock being
configured to prevent activation of said release in said first
state and to allow activation of said release in a second state,
wherein an override associated with said buckle is selectable to
allow activation of said release when said remote activator is
activated.
42. A method according to claim 41, wherein upon activation of said
remote activator a magnet operatively associated with at least one
magnetic projection is energised/de-energised such that said magnet
retains said magnetic projection in a first position.
43. A method according to claim 41, wherein upon activation of said
remote activator a magnet forming said lock is
energised/de-energised in said first state preventing activation of
said release.
44. A buckle configured to secure a latch when said latch is
engaged with said buckle, said buckle comprising: release
associated with said buckle and being configured to allow release
of said latch from engagement with said buckle upon activation of
said release; lock associated with said buckle and said release,
said lock being configured to prevent activation of said release in
a first position and to allow activation of said release in a
second position, said first position being determined through
activation of a remote activator; and override configured to allow
activation of said release when said remote activator is
activated.
45. A buckle according to claim 44, said lock comprising at least
one magnet being operatively associated with at least one magnetic
projection, such that upon activation of said remote activator,
said magnet is energised/de-energised such that said magnetic
projection configures said magnetic projection in said first
position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of:
Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2003901686 filed on 9
Apr. 2003; International Patent Application No. PCT/AU2004/000449
filed 8 Apr. 2004; and Australian Provisional Patent Application
No. 2005901068 filed on 7 Mar. 2005. The entirety of each of these
applications is incorporated by reference herein, as if fully set
forth herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
passenger restraints and, in particular, to a remotely lockable
seat belt arrangement suitable for use in a passenger vehicle, such
as a car or airplane.
BACKGROUND
[0003] FIG. 1 shows an example of a conventional seat belt
arrangement (or passenger restraint) 110 having a latch in the form
of a latch plate 120 and a buckle 130. The latch plate 120 and
buckle 130 are typically configured such that the latch plate 120
is received in a recess 150 of the buckle 130 and engages therein
to form a locking relationship with respect to the buckle 130. The
latch may take many other forms such as a latch pin, for
example.
[0004] A problem with the above arrangement is that a release
button 140 of the buckle 130 can be easily pressed, for example, by
a child, to disengage the latch plate 120 from the buckle 130. This
can be dangerous if a vehicle, which such a child is travelling in,
stops suddenly whilst the child is unsecured. Further, such a
conventional arrangement can be dangerous if a child releases
themselves and then exits the vehicle whilst the vehicle is moving
or exits the vehicle when stationary, into the path of another
vehicle passing by.
[0005] In order to address the above problem, one known seat belt
arrangement comprises a buckle cover (not shown) that attaches to a
buckle such as the buckle 130 and covers the release button 140 in
order to prevent a passenger, such as a child, from pressing the
release button 140 and disengaging the latch plate 120.
[0006] A problem with the above buckle cover, however, is that the
cover can sometimes be removed from the buckle 140 by a child,
allowing the child access to the buckle 130 and the release button
140. Another disadvantage of the above buckle cover is that the
cover remains on the buckle such that the buckle is still locked
when a car engine is turned off and thus, potentially can become an
impediment to the passenger being released in the event of an
accident.
[0007] Another known seat belt arrangement is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,431,652. The seat belt arrangement of U.S. Pat. No.
6,431,652 comprises a main body and a plate and is configured to
attach to and to cover a traditional buckle. The plate can only be
operated by compressing two locking cylinders located on the
lateral sides of the main body. The locking cylinders can be
electrically connected to the door locking system of a vehicle.
Whilst the doors of the vehicle are locked the plate is unable to
be released from the buckle. However, when a door of the vehicle is
unlocked, the plate is able to be released.
[0008] One disadvantage of the arrangement disclosed by U.S. Pat.
No. 6,431,652 is that the main body and plate are configured to
surround a traditional belt buckle and, are thus, cumbersome and
bulky. Another disadvantage is that a second party or even the
person restrained by the arrangement of U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,652
cannot release the latch plate whilst the doors are locked such
that in the event that the car remains locked following an
accident, for example, the person remains restrained. Still another
disadvantage of the arrangement disclosed by U.S. Pat. No.
6,431,652 is that due to the configuration of the plate, a child
may be injured by the plate if the plate remains undone and in a
substantially upright position whilst the associated vehicle is in
an accident, for example.
[0009] Another known seat belt arrangement comprises a buckle
device that connects to the periphery of a conventional seat belt
buckle such as the buckle 130 and provides a continuous alarm
(e.g., visual and/or audible) if the buckle 130 is disconnected
from the latch plate 120. One disadvantage of this arrangement is
that the buckle device adds to the size of a traditional belt
buckle and, is thus, cumbersome and bulky. Further, in recent
times, some passenger vehicles provide a visual alarm to a driver
if a passenger is sitting in a seat (e.g., the rear seat of a car)
and a corresponding seat belt is disconnected. However, one
disadvantage of both of these known arrangements is that if the
alarm is overlooked by a driver, for example, the seat belt may
still be disconnected without the driver being aware. Further, if
the seat belt is disconnected (e.g., by a child), the driver must
stop the vehicle and reconnect the seat belt. Stopping the vehicle
may be difficult at times (e.g., on a freeway) and the passenger
may remain unrestrained for some period of time. Still further,
even if through such an alarm the driver is made aware that a seat
belt has been disconnected but the driver is not able to reconnect
the seat belt in a timely manner, the passenger (e.g., a child) may
still exit the vehicle whilst the vehicle is moving or exit the
vehicle when stationary, into the path of another vehicle passing
by.
[0010] Thus, a need clearly exists for an improved seat belt
arrangement that inhibits a restrained child or the like from
removing the seat belt when such is not appropriate and that
enables the seat belt to be removed when needed, such as in the
event of an accident.
SUMMARY
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to substantially
overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of
existing arrangements.
[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a restraint comprising:
[0013] a buckle configured to secure a latch when said latch is
engaged with said buckle;
[0014] complementary locks associated with said buckle and being
configured to prevent release of said latch from engagement with
said buckle in a first position and to allow release of said latch
from engagement with said buckle in a second position; and
[0015] an electro-magnet associated with said buckle and said
locks, said electro-magnet being configured to prevent said locks
from being moved from said second position when said electro-magnet
is in a first state and to allow said locks to be moved in a second
state, said first state being determined through activation of a
remote activator.
[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a restraint comprising:
[0017] buckle configured to secure a latch when said latch is
engaged with said buckle;
[0018] lock associated with said buckle and being configured to
prevent release of said latch from engagement with said buckle in a
first position and to allow release of said latch from engagement
with said buckle in a second position; and
[0019] electro-magnet associated with said buckle and said lock,
said electro-magnet being configured to prevent said lock from
being moved from said second position when said electro-magnet is
in a first state and to allow said lock to be moved in a second
state, said first state being determined through activation of a
remote activator.
[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a restraint comprising:
[0021] buckle configured to secure a latch when said latch is
engaged with said buckle;
[0022] lock associated with said buckle and being configured to
prevent release of said latch from engagement with said buckle in a
first position and to allow release of said latch from engagement
with said buckle in a second position;
[0023] electro-magnet associated with said buckle and said lock,
said electro-magnet being configured to prevent said lock from
being moved from said second position when said electro-magnet is
in a first state and to allow said lock to be moved in a second
state, said first state being determined through activation of a
remote activator; and
[0024] override configured to allow release of said latch from
engagement with said buckle when said remote activator is
activated.
[0025] According to still another aspect of the present invention
there is provided a seat belt arrangement comprising:
[0026] buckle means configured to secure a latch means when said
latch is engaged with said buckle means;
[0027] locking means associated with said buckle means and being
configured to prevent release of said latch means from engagement
with said buckle means in a first position and to allow release of
said latch means from engagement with said buckle means in a second
position; and
[0028] magnetic means associated with said buckle means and said
locking means, said magnetic means being configured to prevent said
locking means from being moved from said second position when said
magnetic rmeans is in a first state and to allow said locking means
to be moved in a second state, said first state being determined
through activation of a remote activator means.
[0029] According to still another aspect of the present invention
there is provided a method of locking a restraint buckle, said
method comprising:
[0030] securing a latch when said latch is engaged with said
buckle, said buckle comprising an associated lock configured to
prevent release of said latch from engagement with said buckle in a
first position and to allow release of said latch from engagement
with said buckle in a second position; and
[0031] activating a remote activator to determine a first state for
a electro-magnet associated with said buckle, said electro-magnet
being configured to prevent said lock from being moved from said
second position when said electro-magnet is in a first state,
thereby locking said buckle, said electro-nmagnet being firraler
configured to allow said lock to be moved in a second state.
[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a restraint comprising:
[0033] buckle configured to secure a latch when said latch is
engaged with said buckle;
[0034] release associated with said buckle and being configured to
allow release of said latch from engagement with said buckle upon
activation of said release;
[0035] lock associated with said buckle and said release, said look
being configured to prevent activation of said release in a first
state and to allow activation of said release in a second state,
said first state being determined through activation of a remote
activator; and
[0036] override configured to allow activation of said release when
said remote activator is activated.
[0037] According to a farther aspect of the invention, there is
provided a restraint comprising:
[0038] buckle configured to secure a latch when said latch is
engaged with said buckle;
[0039] release associated with said buckle and being configured to
allow release of said latch from engagement with said buckle upon
activation of said release;
[0040] lock associated with said buckle and said release, said lock
being configured to prevent activation of said release in a first
position and to allow activation of said release in a second
position, said first position being determined through activation
of a remote activator; and
[0041] override configured to allow activation of said release when
said remote activator is activated.
[0042] According to a still further aspect of the invention, there
is provided a seat belt arrangement comprising:
[0043] buckle means configured to secure a latch when said latch is
engaged with said buckle;
[0044] release means associated with said buckle and being
configured to allow release of said latch fom engagement with said
buckle means upon activation of said release means;
[0045] locking means operatively associated with said buckle means
and said release means, said locking means being configured to
prevent activation of said release means in a first state and to
allow activation of said release means in a second state, said
first state being determined through activation of a remote
activation means; and
[0046] override means configured to allow activation of said
release means when said remote activation means is activated.
[0047] According to a still further aspect of the invention, there
is provided a seat belt arrangement comprising:
[0048] a buckle configured to secure a latch when said latch is
engaged with said buckle;
[0049] a release button associated with said buckle and being
configured to allow release of said latch from engagement with said
buckle upon activation of said release button;
[0050] a locking pin operatively associated with said buckle and
said release button, said locking pin being configured to prevent
release of said latch from engagement with said buckle in a first
position and to allow release of said latch from engagement with
said buckle in a second position;
[0051] a magnet operatively associated with said buckle and said
locking pin, said magnet being configured to retain said locking
pin in said first position in a first state, said first state of
said magnet being detennined through activation of a remote switch;
and
[0052] a manual override button configured to move said locking pin
to said second position, when said remote switch is activated, to
allow release of said latch from engagement with said buckle.
[0053] According to a still frther aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of locking a restraint buckle, said
method comprising:
[0054] securing a latch when said latch is engaged with said
buckle, said buckle comprising an associated release configured to
allow release of said latch from engagement with said buckle upon
activation of said release; and
[0055] activating a remote activator to determine a first state for
a lock associated with said buckle, said lock being configured to
prevent activation of said release in said first state and to allow
activation of said release in a second state, wherein an override
associated with said buckle is selectable to allow activation of
said release when said remote activator is activated.
[0056] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a buckle configured to secure a latch when said
latch is engaged with said buckle, said buckle comprising:
[0057] release associated with said buckle and being configured to
allow release of said latch from engagement with said buckle upon
activation of said release;
[0058] lock associated with said buckle and said release, said lock
being configured to prevent activation of said release in a first
position and to allow activation of said release in a second
position, said first position being determined through activation
of a remote activator; and
[0059] override configured to allow activation of said release when
said remote activator is activated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0060] Some aspects of the prior art and one or more embodiments of
the present invention will now be described with reference to the
drawings, in which:
[0061] FIG. 1 shows a prior art seat belt arrangement;
[0062] FIG. 2 is a top view of a remotely electro-magnetically
locked seat belt buckle;
[0063] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the seat belt
buckle of FIG. 2 in a released state;
[0064] FIG. 4A shows a side cross-sectional view of the seat belt
buckle of FIG. 2 in a locked state;
[0065] FIG. 4B shows an end-on cross-sectional view of the seat
belt buckle of FIG. 2 in a locked state;
[0066] FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic diagram showing a control
circuit for use with the seat belt buckle of FIG. 2;
[0067] FIG. 6 is a top view of a remotely electro-magnetically
locked seat belt buckle;
[0068] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the seat belt
buckle of FIG. 6 in a released state;
[0069] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the seat belt buckle
of FIG. 6 in a locked state;
[0070] FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic diagram showing a control
circuit for use with the seat belt buckle of FIG. 6;
[0071] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another seat belt buckle
in a released state; and
[0072] FIG. 11 shows the seat belt buckle of FIG. 10 in a locked
state;
[0073] FIG. 12 is a top view of a remotely lockable seat belt
buckle;
[0074] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the seat belt
buckle of FIG. 12 in a released condition;
[0075] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the seat belt buckle
of FIG. 12 in a locked condition;
[0076] FIG. 15 is an electrical schematic diagram showing a control
circuit; and
[0077] FIG. 16 is an electrical schematic diagram showing another
implementation of the control circuit of FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION INCLUDING BEST MODE
[0078] Disclosed herein is a seat belt arrangement that includes a
buckle means having an electro-magnet and complementary locking
pieces. In one arrangement, the electro-magnet is energised when a
latch plate is inserted into the buckle means. The energisation of
the electro-magnet induces a magnetic coupling between the locking
pieces, wherein the locking plates are arranged such that at least
one portion of at least one of the locking pieces engages the latch
plate to secure the latch plate in the buckle means. The magnetic
coupling induced between the locking pieces may include, for
example, magnetic attraction between the locking pieces themselves.
In a preferred embodiment, the locking pieces are arranged in a
substantially self-aligning manner.
[0079] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a buckle means in the form of a buckle
200 comprising a locking means or lock in the form of complementary
upper and lower locking E-pieces 280a, 280b and a magnet or
magnetic means in the form of an electro-magnet 385. The buckle 200
also comprises a release means in the form of a release button 210.
A plastic casing 297, as shown by dashed lines, may be used to
conceal any moving components of the buckle 200, including the
E-pieces 280a and 280b. The buckle 200 further comprises a belt
connecting piece 285 interposing a top plate 240 and a bottom plate
350, so as to form an opening 302 for accepting a latch plate such
as the latch plate 120. The top and bottom plates 240, 350 and the
connecting piece 285 may be secured together by a pressed rivet 275
or the like. A support member 270 is located adjacent to the
pressed rivet 275 and is secured to the top plate 240. The
connecting piece 285 is adapted to connect the buckle 200 to a
portion of belt (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0080] A flat spring 235 is attached to the support member 270 at
one end and to the upper E-piece 280a at the other so as to force
the upper E-piece 280a downwards onto a latch plate guide 310 when
the buckle 200 is in a released state (i.e., when the latch plate
20 is not inserted into the buckle 200), as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The latch plate guide 310 is attached to a latch spring 320 and is
configured to slide along a substantial length of the opening 302
of the buckle 200.
[0081] The latch spring 320 forms a biasing means for biasing the
latch plate guide 310 to a position substantially underneath the
upper E-piece 280a when the buckle 200 is in the released state. In
this position, the latch plate guide 310 prevents the upper E-piece
280a from plunging into the opening 302 and blocking the insertion
of the latch plate 120. In the arrangement shown, the bottom plate
350 comprises three (3) openings 372 for accepting three
corresponding portions of the upper E-piece 280a or the lower
E-piece 280b. The lower E-piece 280b is positioned substantially
beneath the upper E-piece 280a. A retaining device 388 prevents the
lower E-piece 280b from falling away from the bottom plate 350. The
retaining device may take the form, for example, of a bracket or a
spring. In the arrangement shown, the retaining device 388 is a
bracket with a light spring 389 affixed thereto. The light spring
389 biases the lower E-piece 280b in a recessed position so that
the lower E-piece 280b does not move into the opening 302 and
obstruct the insertion of a latch plate into the buckle 200, when
the buckle 200 is in a released state.
[0082] As seen in FIG. 4A, a latch plate, such as the latch plate
120, may be inserted into the buckle 200, thus forcing the latch
plate guide 310 along the opening 302 against the extended
direction of the latch spring 320. Once latch plate openings 121,
122 and 123 of the latch plate 120 are substantially under
corresponding portions of the upper E-piece 280a, the flat spring
235 forces the upper E-piece 280a downwards. In this position, one
or more portions of the upper E-piece 280a pass through the
corresponding openings 121, 122 and 123 in the latch plate 120 to
secure the latch plate 120 in the buckle 200.
[0083] As particularly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the magnetic means
in the form of the electro-magnet 385 is attached to the bottom
plate 350. The electro-magnet 385 may be glued, welded, or
otherwise attached to the bottom plate 350. Alternatively, the
electro-magnet 385 may be loosely attached to the bottom plate, For
example, the electro-magnet 385 may be floating within a plasLic
casing (not shown) attached to the bottom plate 350. When the
buckle 200 is in a released state (i.e., when the latch plate 120
is not inserted into the buckle 200), the latch plate guide 310
sits in the opening 302 between the upper E-piece 280a and the
lower E-piece 280b, as seen in FIG. 3, and the electro-magnet 385
is not energised.
[0084] However, when the buckle 200 is in a secured state (i.e.,
when the latch plate 120 is inserted into the buckle 200), the flat
spring 235 forces the upper E-piece 280a downwards such that at
least one lower portion of the upper E-piece 280a engages with the
corresponding openings 121, 122 and 123 in the latch plate 120.
When electro-magnet 385 is energised, the electro-magnet 385
applies an attractive force between the upper and lower E-pieces
280a, 280b, such that the E-pieces 280a, 280b act as armatures.
Consequently, the upper and lower E-pieces 280a, 280b are
magnetically attracted and because the lower E-piece 280b is able
to self-align to the upper E-piece 280a, no air gap exists between
the upper and lower E-pieces 280a, 280b. The metal to metal contact
between the upper and lower E-pieces 280a, 280b provides a strong
magnetic coupling and consequently a high holding power. In one
embodiment, the E-pieces 280a and 280b are configured to be
essentially self-aligning and unrestrained when magnetically
coupled together. As described above, at least one lower portion of
the upper E-piece 280a engages with the corresponding openings 121,
122 and 123 in the latch plate 120. The magnetic coupling of the
upper and lower E-pieces 280a, 280b results in at least one lower
portion of the upper E-piece 280a or at least one upper portion of
the lower E-piece 280b engaging the openings 372 of the lower base
plate 350. As will be described in detail below, the attractive
force generated by the electromagnetic may be adjusted so as to
apply a stronger or weaker force to the E-pieces 280a, 280b (i.e.,
armatures).
[0085] FIG. 4B is an end-on cross-sectional view of the buckle 200
in a secured state with the latch plate 120 secured by the
engagement of upper and lower E-pieces 280a, 280b. In the example
shown, the upper E-piece 280a has a longer inner pole 410 and
shorter outer poles 420, 430. Conversely, the lower E-piece 280b
has a shorter inner pole 440 and longer outer poles 450, 460. It
will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the locking
pieces embodied by E-pieces 280a, 280b may take many forms and
shapes, including E-pieces with inner and outer poles of matching
lengths, without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0086] In the secured state shown in FIG. 4B, the upper and lower
E-pieces 280a, 280b are magnetically coupled by the energised
electro-magnet 385 (not shown in FIG. 4B). The inner pole 410 of
the upper E-piece 280a and the inner pole 440 of the lower E-piece
280b are coupled and pass through the latch opening 122 of the
latch plate 120. Similarly, the outer poles of the E-pieces 280a,
280b pass through the latch openings 121, 123 of the latch plate
120.
[0087] In one energised state, the attractive force applied to the
E-pieces 280a, 280b is strong enough to retain the E-pieces 280a,
280b in the position shown in FIG. 4, so as to inhibit the latch
plate 120 from being released from the buckle 200. When the
electro-magnet 385 is in this energised state, the release button
210 may still be operated to some extent in the direction of the
arrows 211. However, the release button 210 cannot be operated
fully unless the attractive force of the energised electro-magnet
385 is overcome so as to allow removal of the E-pieces 280a, 280b
from engagement with the latch plate 120 and bottom plate openings
372.
[0088] The bottom plate 350, upon which the electro-magnet 385 is
mounted, and the upper plate 240 are preferably formed of a
non-magnetic material (e.g., non-magnetic stainless steel) in order
to ensure that the attractive force of the energised electro-magnet
385 is applied substantially to the E-pieces 280a, 280b (i.e., the
armatures), when the E-pieces 280a, 280b are engaged with the
bottom plate openings 372. Using a magnetic material for the bottom
plate 350 will result in the magnetic flux of the energised
electro-magnet 385 shorting out across the bottom plate 350 and not
being applied fully to the E-pieces 280a, 280b. The material used
to form the bottom plate 350 is strong enough so as not to
jeopardize the safety of the passengers restrained using the buckle
200.
[0089] The release button 210 is configured to slide along a button
guide 265, which is surrounded by a return spring 260 and is
attached to the support member 270. The return spring 260 forms a
biasing means for biasing the release button 210 away from the
support member 270. The release button 210 is inter-connected to
the upper E-piece 280a such that by pressing the release button 210
in the direction of the arrows 211 of FIG. 2, the upper E-piece
280a is no longer biased in a downward direction to engage the
latch plate 120 and the corresponding openings 121, 122 and 123 of
the latch plate 120.
[0090] In one arrangement, the release button 210 is not
inter-connected to the electro-magnet 385. Thus, pressing the
release button 210 in the direction of the arrows 211 of FIG. 2
releases the upper E-piece 280a, but does not de-energise the
electro-magnet 385. The magnetic coupling of the upper and lower
E-pieces 280a, 280b remains. Whilst some longitudinal movement of
the coupled upper and lower E-pieces 280a, 280b is possible, the
magnetic coupling of the lower portion of the upper E-piece 280a
and the upper portion of the lower E-piece 280b through the
openings 121, 122, and 123 of the latch plate 120 ensures that the
latch plate 120 remains secured in the buckle 200. This arrangement
ensures that a buckle is not released by accidentally pressing the
release button, as may occur when the buckle is used to secure a
child. In order to release the passenger, the electro-magnet 385
must be de-energised and the release button 210 must be pressed.
The electro-magnetic 385 may be de-energised by a remote central
locking switch or other device. For example, control of the
electro-magnets of all seat belts in a passenger vehicle may be
effected in a manner similar to the operation of central locking of
the doors from a switch near the driver. Such an arrangement may be
utilised to prevent children from releasing their seat belts in
passenger vehicles. The arrangement may also be utilised for
transferring prisoners, or unstable patients. Further, such an
arrangement may be utilised in aircraft during periods of
turbulence to ensure that the occupants remain secure in their
seats.
[0091] In another arrangement, the release button 210 is
inter-connected to the electro-magnet 385. Thus, pressing the
release button 210 in the direction of the arrows 211 of FIG. 2
releases the upper E-piece 280a, and de-energises the
electro-magnet 385. The magnetic coupling of the upper and lower
E-pieces 280a, 280b no longer remains and the upper E-piece 280a
disengages from the latch plate 120 and the corresponding openings
121, 122, and 123 of the latch plate 123. Further, the spring 389
acts on the lower E-piece 280b to disengage the lower E-piece 280b
from the latch plate 120. Thus, the latch plate is able to be
removed from the buckle 200.
[0092] The attractive force of the electro-magnet 385 may be
adjusted up or down to require more or less force, respectively, to
be applied to the release button 210 in order to disengage the
magnetic coupling between the upper and lower E-pieces 280a, 280b
(i.e., the armatures). As will be described in detail below, the
attractive force may be adjusted by adjusting the amount of current
flowing through the electro-magnet 385. At full current, the
attractive force provided by the electro-magnet 385 is preferably
strong enough to substantially prevent anyone from fully operating
the release button 210 so as to inhibit the removal of the E-pieces
280a, 280b from engagement with the latch plate 120 and bottom
plate openings 372. As mentioned above, the metal to metal contact
of the upper and lower E-pieces 280a, 280b provides high holding
power when the electro-magnet 385 is energised. Consequently, it is
possible to use a relatively small electro-magnet to provide the
necessary coupling strength. In one example, an electro-magnet of
approximately 1/2 W is used. The reduced size of the electro-magnet
reduces the heat generated by the electro-magnet, and requires
lower voltage and lower current, resulting in reduced power
consumption.
[0093] As described above, in one arrangement the buckle 200 may
also comprise a manual override switch (not shown). Such a manual
override switch may be formed as an electrical spring return button
switch mounted on the buckle 200. The manual override switch may be
configured to de-energise the electro-magnet 385 when pressed, as
will be explained in detail below.
[0094] The plastic casing 297 may be used to conceal the components
of the buckle 200, including the electro-magnet 385 and the
retaining device 388. Thus, the electro-magnet 385 and retaining
device 388 do not protrude from the periphery of the casing 297. As
such, the buckle 200 does not appear from the outside to be any
different than a conventional buckle and is of a similar size.
[0095] In one arrangement, one or both of the upper and lower
E-pieces 280a, 280b are provided with support guides to assist in
the alignment of the E-pieces with the openings 372 in the bottom
plate 350. In one example, the support guides are nylon, but other
materials such as non-magnetic stainless steel could equally be
used. It is preferable, but not essential, that any such support
guides be made of non-magnetic material to maximise the strength of
the magnetic coupling of the upper and lower E-pieces 280a,
280b.
[0096] FIG. 5 shows a control circuit 500 for controlling multiple
buckles 200a, 200b according to one arrangement. The circuit 500
comprises a battery 510 (e.g., the battery of a vehicle), an
ignition switch 520, a remote activator in the form of a remote
switch 530, and one or more emergency override switches 580. In one
embodiment, the remote activator switch 530 is a driver master
switch located on a console within easy reach of the driver. In the
embodiment shown, there are three emergency override switches 580
arranged in series, which may be located, for example, on one or
more door handles located outside the vehicle. The emergency
override switches 580, as shown, are normally closed to allow the
circuit to operate. In the case of an emergency, one or more of the
emergency override switches is opened, which breaks the circuit to
electro-magnets that are associated with the buckles, as described
below.
[0097] The battery 510 may be a 12 Volt battery. Alternatively, the
battery 510 may be a 6 Volt, 24 Volt or any other suitable voltage
battery. The battery voltage may be dictated by the arrangement of
the buckles 200a, 200b. For example, if the buckles 200a, 200b are
implemented in a passenger vehicle such as a car, then battery 510
mnay be a 12 Volt battery. However, any other power source other
than a battery may also be used to supply power to the circuit
500.
[0098] A positive terminal of the battery 510 is electrically
connected to the ignition switch 520 via a junction 511. The
ignition switch 520 connects via junction 521 to the remote switch
530. The remote switch 530 is connected via junction 531 to the
emergency release switches 580, which are in turn connected to a
junction 541a.
[0099] The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is for controlling two
buckles 200a and 200b. Associated with each buckle 200a, 200b is an
indicator 540a, 540b that is also preferably located on a driver
console to alert the driver, or person in control of the vehicle,
whether a latch is inserted in each respective buckle 200a, 200b.
In the circuit 500, the junction 521 is connected to the indicator
540a. The indicator 540a is embodied by a red light 545a arranged
in series with a contact 535a, which is normally closed. The
indicator 540a is further embodied by a green light 555a in series
with a contact 565a, which is normally open. The red light 545a and
contact 535a are arranged in parallel with the green light 555a and
contact 565a. The indicator 540a is connected to a negative
terminal of the battery 510 via a junction 551.
[0100] The indicator 540b is embodied in a similar manner to that
described above with respect to the indicator 540a, and is parallel
to the indicator 540a. Thus, junction 521 is connected to the
indicator 540b. The indicator 540b contains a red light 545b in
series with a contact 536a, which is normally closed. The indicator
540b is further embodied by a green light 555b in series with a
contact 565b, which is normally open. The red light 545b and
contact 535b are arranged in parallel with the green light 555b and
contact 565b. The indicator 540b is connected to a negative
termnual of the battery 510 via the junction 551.
[0101] An indicator circuit 575a is associated with the buckle
200a. From the junction 521, and in parallel with the indicators
540a, 540b described above, the indicator circuit 575a includes the
buckle 200a arranged in series with a relay 595a, which in turn
connects to a negative terminal of the battery 510 via junction
551. Arranged in parallel with the buckle 200a and the relay 595a
is a sub-circuit relating to an indicator provided on, or in close
proximity to the buckle 200a. The sub-circuit includes a contact
535b in series with a red light 545c. The contact 535b is normally
closed. Arranged in parallel with the contact 535b and red light
545c is a contact 565c and a green light 555c. The contact 565c is
normally open. Connected to the junction 541a is a drop resistor
590a in series with a contact 535c and an electro-magnet 385a. The
contact 535c is normally open. The electro-magnet 385a is connected
to a negative terminal of the battery 510 via the junction 551.
[0102] An indicator circuit 575b is associated with the buckle
200b, which appears in parallel to the indicator circuit 575a
described above in respect of buckle 200a. From the junction 521,
the indicator circuit 575b includes the buckle 200b arranged in
series with a relay 595b, which in turn connects to a negative
terminal of the battery 510 via junction 551. Arranged in parallel
with the buckle 200b and the relay 595b is a sub-circuit relating
to an indicator provided on, or in close proximity to the buckle
200b. The sub-circuit includes a contact 536b in series with a red
light 545d. The contact 536b is normally closed. Arranged in
parallel with the contact 536b and red light 545d is a contact 565d
and a green light 555d. The contact 565d is normally open.
Connected to the junction 541a is a drop resistor 590b in series
with a contact 536c and an electro-magnet 385b. The contact 536c is
normally open. The electro-magnet 385b is connected to a negative
terminal of the battery 510 via the junction 551.
[0103] The contact 565a and contact 535a of the indicator 540a
located on the driver console are coupled to the relay 595a and
contacts 535b, 565c, 535c associated with the buckle 200a. When the
ignition switch 520 is on, and the latch plate 120a is not located
in the buckle 200a, the red lights 545a, 545c are illuminated and
the green lights 555a, 555c are not illuminated. This provides an
indication to the driver, and at the buckle itself or in close
proximity thereof, that no latch plate is in the buckle 200a. When
the latch plate 120a is inserted into the buckle 200a, the relay
595a becomes energised. The relay 595a is coupled to each of the
contacts 535a, 535b, 535c, 565a, and 565c and thus the green lights
555a, 555c bccome illuminated and the red lights 545a, 545c are
extinguished. This provides an indication to the driver, and at the
buckle itself or in close proximity thereof, that the latch plate
120a is in the buckle 200a. Further, the energisation of the relay
595a from inserting the latch plate 120a into the buckle 200a
causes the circuit from the drop resistor 590a to the magnetic coil
385a to be completed.
[0104] The contact 565b and contact 536a of the indicator 540b
located on the driver console are coupled to the relay 595b and
contacts 536b, 565d, 536c associated with the buckle 200d. When the
ignition 520 is on, and the latch plate 120b is not located in the
buckle 200b, the red lights 545b, 545d are illuminated and the
green lights 555b, 555d are not illuminated. This provides an
indication to the driver, and at the buckle itself or in close
proximity thereof, that no latch plate is in the buckle 200b. When
the latch plate 120b is inserted into the buckle 200b, the relay
595b becomes energised. The relay 595b is coupled to each of the
contacts 536a, 536b, 536c, 565b, and 565d and thus the green lights
555b, 555d become illuminated and the red lights 545b, 545d are
extinguished. This provides an indication to the driver, and at the
buckle itself or in close proximity thereof, that the latch plate
120b is in the buckle 200b. Further, the energisation of the relay
595b from inserting the latch plate 120b into the buckle 200b
causes the circuit from the drop resistor 590b to the magnetic coil
385b to be completed.
[0105] When a driver switches on the ignition 520 and observes that
all occupied seat positions have seat belts that are fastened, with
corresponding green lights illuminated on the driver console, the
driver operates the remote switch 530, which in this embodiment
energises all of the seat belt magnetic coils 385a, 385b. The latch
plates 120a, 120b can then only be removed from the buckles 200a,
200b by turning off the remote switch 530, or by turning off the
ignition 520, or operating one of the emergency override switches
580.
[0106] Thus, the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 5
provides a red and green light associated with each seat buckle,
and a corresponding red and green light on a driver console. An
alternate embodiment utilises a single light in the form of a light
emitting diode (LED), wherein the LED is illuminated when a latch
is not inserted in a buckle, and the LED is extinguished when a
latch is inserted in the buckle. The indicator may be located only
on the driver console, or only on the buckle. It will be
appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the indicators may
take different forms and be embodied in different colours, without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0107] The electro-magnets 385a, 385b are configured to have a
polarity arrangement so that when the electro-magnets 385a, 385b
are energised, the electro-magnets 385a, 385b apply an attractive
force to complementary locking pieces 280a, 280b. In another
arrangement, the electro-magnets 385a, 385b may be configured to
repel a locking means or lock such as the E-pieces 280a, 280b
(i.e., acting as the armatures). For example, with reference to
FIGS. 3 and 4, the electro-magnet 385 mnay be positioned in or near
the position of the release button 210, such that when the
electro-magnet 385 is energised, the resulting magnetic force
forces the locking E-pieces 280a, 280b into a magnetic coupling
with one another.
[0108] In the arrangement described herein, the electro-magnets
385a, 385b comprise sufficient ampere-turns to achieve a suitable
magnetic effect and to provide a sufficient attractive force when
the electro-magnets 385a, 385b are energised. The dropping
resistors 590a, 590b may be formed of a zero (0) to ten (10) ohm
slider resistor and may be set to five (5) ohms. This results in a
current flowing through the electro-magnets 385a, 385b when the
ignition switch 520 and the remote switch 530 are closed so that
the electro-magnets 385a, 385b provide an attractive force. A
person skilled in the art would appreciate that the electro-magnets
385a, 385b may comprise any suitable number of turns of wire and
the wire may be of any suitable cross-sectional area in order to
provide a magnetic force to the locking E-pieces 280a, 280b. The
number of turns of wire and the cross-sectional diameter of the
wire used in the electro-magnets 385a, 385b may change depending on
the locking means used and the arrangement of the locking
means.
[0109] When energised, the electro-magnets 385a, 385b substantially
inhibit the latch plates 120a, 120b, respectively, from being
removed from the buckles 200a, 200b by coupling the E-pieces 280a,
280b through the latch openings 121, 122, 123 of the latch plates
120a, 120b, as described above.
[0110] Conversely, when the remote switch 530 is opened, the
electro-magnets 385a, 385b are de-energised. In this state, the
upper E-piece 280a may be released by moving the release button 210
in the direction of the arrows 211 so as to allow the latch plates
120a, 120b to be removed from the buckles 200a, 200b.
[0111] Similarly, the electro-magnets 385a, 385b are de-energised
when the emergency switch 580 is opened. The emergency switch 580
may be opened in response to the door handles of the vehicle (e.g.,
automobile) being activated from the outside. The emergency switch
580 may also be opened upon impact, if the vehicle is in a crash.
In this instance, the emergency switch 580 may be formed by an
impact sensor similar to those used for a conventional air bag
system.
[0112] As described above, in one arrangement, the buckle 200 may
also comprise a manual override switch. The manual override switch
may be a normally closed series contact similar to the emergency
release switch 580. Such a manual override switch may be located on
the buckle. In this instance, opening the manual override switch
deactivates the electro-magnet 385. The manual override switch may
be spring loaded, so that the manual override switch closes upon
release by a person operating the manual override switch. When
pressed, the manual override switch may be configured to
de-energise the electro-magnet 385. Thus, such a manual override
switch acts as an advantageous safety device since, when the
electro-magnet 385 is energised, a person is required to
simultaneously press the manual override switch and the release
button 210 so as to allow the latch plate 120 to be removed from
the buckle 200. This arrangement provides some difficulty,
particularly to a small child, in relation to removing the latch
plate 120. However, an adult or the like may release the latch
plate 120 by simultaneously operating the manual override switch
250 and the release button 210 in the case of an emergency.
[0113] As another safety feature, if a small child or the like was
able to simultaneously operate the manual override switch and the
release button 210 when not appropriate, such will be indicated to
a second party (such as the driver of the vehicle) by the "OFF"
indication light 535a. The "OFF" indication light will operate when
the closed contact 535a opens and the open contact 565a closes in
response to de-energising the relay 595a. The difficulty of
simultaneously operating the manual override switch and the release
button 210 may be increased by adjusting the spring force constant
within the manual override switch.
[0114] The remote switch 530 is preferably located in a driving
console of a vehicle in which the buckle 200 is installed. A
further switch similar to the remote switch 530 may be located near
the buckle 200 such as on a car door. However, in this instance the
further remote switch may be positioned out of reach of any
passenger restrained by a seat belt arrangement or restraint device
utilising the buckle 200. The remote switch 530 allows a pcrson
within the vehicle to choose when the latch plate 120 may be
released from the buckle 200.
[0115] In another arrangement, the buckle 200 and circuit 500 may
be installed in an aircraft, such as a passenger jet. In this
instance, the remote switch 530 may be positioned so as to be
operated by a flight attendant and/or by pilot of the aircraft.
[0116] A reminder mechanism may also be installed in a vehicle in
which the buckle 200 is installed. This reminder mechanism may
remind the driver audibly or visually (e.g., using a flashing light
or a beeping sound), if there is a passenger in a seat in which the
buckle 200 is installed and the remote switch 530 for that buckle
200 has not been closed.
[0117] A number of buckles 200 may also be controlled from the same
centrally located remote switch 530 by having a number of
electro-magnets 385a, 385b connected in a parallel arrangement, as
shown in FIG. 5. In this instance, all of the buckles 200 installed
in a vehicle may be operated it a similar manner to the
conventional central locking of doors.
[0118] Preferably, the electro-magnet 385 is deactivated when the
ignition switch 520 is turned off or, as described above, a further
sensor (e.g., an impact sensor) mounted in the vehicle detects that
the vehicle has crashed. Again, this allows the restrained
passenger to be easily removed from the vehicle. Both the "ON" and
"OFF" indication lights 535a, 565a will deactivate in this
instance.
[0119] The configuration of the buckle 200 without the manual
override switch 250 may be used to prevent an adult, such as a
prisoner or an unstable person, restrained in the seat belt from
operating the release button 210 and/or releasing the locking
E-pieces 280a, 280b from engagement with the bottom plate 350.
[0120] In one arrangement, the circuit 500 may be implemented using
one or more integrated circuits. Such integrated circuits may
include processors (e.g., digital signal processors), or one or
more microprocessors and associated memories.
[0121] In another arrangement, the remote switch 530 may be
operated by an infrared or radio frequency (RF) remote control (not
shown). In this arrangement, the circuit 500 operates substantially
as described above with reference to FIG. 5. However, in this
arrangement, the circuit 500 comprises an infrared or RF receiver
(not shown), such that the remote switch 530, infrared or RF remote
control and infrared or RF receiver form a remote activator. The
infrared or RF receiver may be located in a driving console of a
vehicle in which the buckle 200 is installed, in the buckle 500
itself or any other suitable position. Using such an infra-red or
RF receiver, the remote switch 530 may be operated using a remote
control (i.e., infra-red or RF transmitter) such as a conventional
remote control contained on a key-fob or the like. Upon receiving
an infrared or RF signal, the remote switch 530 may be opened or
closed by a user in order to choose when the release button 210 is
to be unlocked or locked.
[0122] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a buckle means in the form of a buckle
1200 comprising a locking means or lock in the form of a locking
E-piece 1280 and a magnet or magnetic means in the form of an
electromagnet 1385. The buckle 1200 also comprises a release means
in the form of a release button 1210. A plastic casing 1297, as
shown by dashed lines, may be used to conceal any moving components
of the buckle 1200, including the E-piece 1280, The buckle 1200
further comprises a belt connecting piece 1285 interposing a top
plate 1240 and a bottom plate 1350, so as to form an opening 1302
for accepting a latch plate such as the latch plate 1120. The top
and bottom plates 1240, 1350 and the connecting piece 1285 may be
secured together by a pressed rivet 1275 or the like. A support
member 1270 is located adjacent to the pressed rivet 1275 and is
secured to the top plate 1240. The connecting piece 1285 is adapted
to connect the buckle 1200 to a portion of belt (not shown in FIGS.
8 and 9).
[0123] A flat spring 1235 is attached to the support member 1270 at
one end and to the E-piece 1280 at the other so as to force the
E-piece 1280 downwards onto a latch plate guide 1310 when the
buckle 1200 is in a released state (i.e., when the latch plate 1120
is not inserted into the buckle 1200), as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
The latch plate guide 1310 is attached to a latch spring 1320 and
is configured to slide along a substantial length of the opening
1302 of the buckle 1200.
[0124] The latch spring 1320 forms a biasing means for biasing the
latch plate guide 1310 to a position substantially underneath the
E-piece 1280 when the buckle 1200 is in the released state. In this
position, the latch plate guide 1310 prevents the E-piece 1280 from
plunging into bottom plate openings 1372 formed in the bottom plate
1350. In one arrangement, the bottom plate 1350 may comprise three
(3) openings 1372 for accepting three corresponding portions of the
E-piece 1280.
[0125] As seen in FIG. 8, a latch plate, such as the latch plate
1120, may be inserted into the buckle 1200 thus forcing the latch
plate guide 1310 along the opening 1302 against the extended
direction of the latch spring 1320. Once latch plate openings 1121,
1122 and 1123 of the latch plate 1120 are substantially under
corresponding portions of the E-piece 1280, the flat spring 1235
forces the E-piece 1280 downwards. In this position, one or more
portions of the E-piece 1280 pass through the corresponding
openings 1121, 1122 and 1123 in the latch plate 1120, and engage
with the bottom plate openings 1372 so as to secure the latch plate
1120 in the buckle 1200.
[0126] The release button 1210 is configured to slide along a
button guide 1265, which is surrounded by a return spring 1260 and
is attached to the support member 1270. The return spring 1260
forms a biasing means for biasing the release button 210 away from
the support member 1270. The release button 1210 is inter-connected
to the E-piece 1280 such that by pressing the release button 1210
in the direction of the arrows 1211 of FIG. 8, the E-piece 1280
disengages from the latch plate 1120 and the corresponding openings
1121, 1122 and 1123 of the latch plate 1120. Disengaging the
E-piece 1280 allows the latch plate 1120 to be removed from the
buckle 1200.
[0127] As particularly shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the magnetic means
in the form of the electro-magnet 1385 is fixed to the bottom plate
1350. When the buckle 1200 is in a released state (i.e., when the
latch plate 1120 is not inserted into the buckle 1200), the latch
plate guide 1310 sits between the E-piece 1280 and the
electro-magnet 1385, as seen in FIG. 9.
[0128] However, when the buckle 1200 is in a secured state (i.e.,
when the latch plate 1120 is inserted into the buckle 1200), the
flat spring 1235 forces the E-piece 1280 downwards such that at
least one lower portion of the E-piece 1280 engages with the bottom
plate openings 1372, and the lower portion of the E-piece 1280 is
separated from the electro-magnet 1385 only by a small air gap
1386.
[0129] The electro-magnet 1385 applies an attractive force to the
E-piece 1280 when the electro-magnet 1385 is energised, such that
the E-piece 1280 acts as an armature. As will be described in
detail below, this attractive force may be adjusted so as to apply
a stronger or weaker force to the E-piece 1280 (i.e., armature). In
one energised state, the attractive force applied to the E-piece
1280 is strong enough to retain the E-piece 1280 in the position
shown in FIG. 8, so as to inhibit the latch plate 120 from being
released from the buckle 1200. When the electro-magnet 1385 is in
this energised state, the release button 1210 may still be operated
to some extent in the direction of the arrows 1211. However, the
release button 1210 cannot be operated fully unless the attractive
force of the energised electro-magnet 1385 is overcome so as to
allow removal of the E-piece 1280 from engagement with the latch
plate 1120 and bottom plate openings 1372. The portions of the
E-piece 1280 that engage with the bottom plate openings 1372 may be
lengthened in the arrangement described herein (over a similar
conventional type locking E-piece) in order to strengthen the
magnetic contact between the portions of the E-piece 1280 and the
electro-magnet 1385.
[0130] The bottom plate 1350, upon which the electro-magnet 1385 is
mounted, is preferably formed of a non-magnetic material (e.g.,
non-magnetic stainless steel) in order to ensure that the
attractive force of the energised electro-magnet 1385 is applied to
the E-piece 1280 (i.e., the armature), when the E-piece 1280 is
engaged with the bottom plate openings 1372. Using a magnetic
material for the bottom plate 1350 will result in the magnetic flux
of the energised electromagnet 1385 shorting out across the bottom
plate 1350 and not being applied fully to the E-piece 1280. The
material used to form the bottom plate 1350 is strong enough so as
not to jeopardize the safety of the passengers restrained using the
buckle 1200.
[0131] The attractive force of the electro-magnet 1385 may be
adjusted up or down to require more or less force, respectively, to
be applied to the release button 1210 in order to disengage the
E-piece 1280 (i.e., the armature) from the openings 1372. As will
be described in detail below, the attractive force may be adjusted
by adjusting the amount of current flowing through the
electro-magnet 1385. At full current, the attractive force provided
by the electro-magnet 1385 is preferably strong enough to
substantially prevent anyone from fully operating the release
button 1210 so as to inhibit the removal of the E-piece 1280 from
engagement with the latch plate 1120 and bottom plate openings
1372.
[0132] As described above, in one arrangement, the buckle 1200 may
also comprise a manual override switch (not shown). Such a manual
override switch may be formed as an electrical spring return button
switch mounted on the buckle 1200. The manual override switch may
be configured to de-energise the electro-magnet 1385 when pressed,
as will be explained in detail below.
[0133] The plastic casing 1297 may be used to conceal the
components of the buckle 1200, including the electro-magnet 1385.
Thus, the electro-magnet 1385 does not protrude from the periphery
of the casing 1297. As such, the buckle 1200 does not appear from
the outside to be any different than a conventional buckle and is
of a similar size.
[0134] FIG. 9 shows a control circuit 1500 for controlling multiple
buckles 200a, 200b according to one arrangement. The circuit 1500
comprises a battery 1510 (e.g., the battery of a vehicle), an
ignition switch 1520, a remote activator in the form of a remote
switch 1530, and one or more emergency override switches 1580. In
one embodiment, the remote activator switch 1530 is a dnver master
switch located on a console within easy reach of the driver. In the
embodiment shown, there are three emergency override switches 1580
arranged in series, which may be located, for example, on one or
more door handles located outside the vehicle. The emergency
override switches 580, as shown, are normally closed to allow the
circuit to operate. In the case of an emergency, one or more of the
emergency override switches is opened, which breaks the circuit to
electro-magnets that are associated with the buckles, as described
below.
[0135] The battery 1510 may be a 12 Volt battery. Alternatively,
the battery 1510 may be a 6 Volt, 24 Volt or any other suitable
voltage battery. The battery voltage may be dictated by the
arrangement of the buckles 1200a, 1200b. For example, if the
buckles 1200a, 1200b are implemented in a passenger vehicle such as
a car, then battery 1510 may be a 12 Volt battery. However, any
other power source other than a battery may also be used to supply
power to the circuit 1500.
[0136] A positive terminal of the battery 1510 is electrically
connected to the ignition switch 1520 via a junction 1511. The
ignition switch 1520 connects via junction 1521 to the remote
switch 1530. The remote switch 1530 is connected via junction 1531
to the emergency release switches 1580, which are in turn connected
to a junction 1541a.
[0137] The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is for controlling two
buckles 1200a and 1200b. Associated with each buckle 1200a, 1200b
is an indicator 1540a, 1540b that is also preferably located on a
driver console to alert the driver, or person in control of the
vehicle, whether a latch is inserted in each respective buckle
1200a, 1200b. In the circuit l500, the junction 1521 is connected
to the indicator 1540a. The indicator 1540a is embodied by a red
light 1545a arranged in series with a contact 1535a, which is
normally closed. The indicator 1540a is further embodied by a green
light 1555a in series with a contact 1565a, which is normally open.
The red light 1545a and contact 1535a are arranged in parallel with
the green light 1555a and contact 1565a. The indicator 1540a is
connected to a negative terminal of the battery 1510 via a junction
1551.
[0138] The indicator 1540b is embodied in a similar manner to that
described above with respect to the indicator 1540a, and is
parallel to the indicator 1540a. Thus, junction 1521 is connected
to the indicator 1540b. The indicator 1540b contains a red light
1545b in series with a contact 1536a, which is normally closed. The
indicator 1540b is further embodied by a green light 1555b in
series with a contact 1565b, which is normally open. The red light
1545b and contact 1535b are arranged in parallel with the green
light 1555b and contact 1565b. The indicator 1540b is connected to
a negative terminal of the battery 1510 via the junction 1551.
[0139] An indicator circuit 1575a associated with the buckle 1200a.
From the junction 1521, and in parallel with the indicators 1540a,
1540b described above, the indicator circuit 1575a includes the
buckle 1200a arranged in series with a relay 1595a, which in turn
connects to a negative terminal of the battery 1510 via junction
1551. Arranged in parallel with the buckle 1200a and the relay
1595a is a sub-circuit relating to an indicator provided on, or in
close proximity to the buckle 1200a. The sub-circuit includes a
contact 1535b in series with a red light 1545c. The contact 1535b
is normally closed. Arranged in parallel with the contact 1535b and
red light 1545c is a contact 1565c and a green light 1555c. The
contact 565 is normally open. Connected to the junction 1541a is a
drop resistor 1590a in series with a contact 1535c and an
electro-magnet 1385a. The contact 1535c is normally open. The
electro-magnet 1385a is connected to a negative terminal of the
battery 1510 via the junction 1551.
[0140] An indicator circuit 1575b is associated with the buckle
1200b, which appears in parallel to the indicator circuit 1575a
described above in respect of buckle 1200a. From the junction 1521,
the indicator circuit 1575b includes the buckle 1200b arranged in
series with a relay 1595b, which in turn connects to a negative
terminal of the battery 1510 via junction 1551. Arranged in
parallel with the buckle 1200b and the relay 1595b is a sub-circuit
relating to an indicator provided on, or in close proximity to the
buckle 1200b. The sub-circuit includes a contact 1536b in series
with a red light 1545d. The contact 1536b is normally closed.
Arranged in parallel with the contact 1536b and red light 1545d is
a contact 1565d and a green light 1555d. The contact 1565d is
normally open. Connected to the junction 1541a is a drop resistor
1590b in series with a contact 1536c and an electro-magnet 1385b.
The contact 1536c is normally open. The electro-magnet 1385b is
connected to a negative terminal of the battery 1510 via the
junction 1551.
[0141] The contact 1565a and contact 1535a of the indicator 1540a
located on the driver console are coupled to the relay 1595a and
contacts 1535b, 1565c, 1535c associated with the buckle 1200a. When
the ignition switch 1520 is on, and the latch plate 1120a is not
located in the buckle 1200a, the red lights 1545a, 1545c are
illuminated and the green lights 1555a, 1555c are not illuminated.
This provides an indication to the driver, and at the buckle itself
or in close proximity thereof, that no latch plate is in the buckle
1200a. When the latch plate 1120a is inserted into the buckle
1200a, the relay 1595a becomes energised. The relay 1595a is
coupled to each of the contacts 1535a, 1535b, 1535c, 1565a, and
1565c and thus the green lights 1555a, 1555c become illuminated and
the red lights 1545a, 1545c are extinguished. This provides an
indication to the driver, and at the buckle itself or in close
proximity thereof, that the latch plate 1120a is in the buckle
1200a. Further, the energisation of the relay 1595a from inserting
the latch plate 1120a into the buckle 1200a causes the circuit from
the drop resistor 1590a to the magnetic coil 1385a to be
completed.
[0142] The contact 1565b and contact 1536a of the indicator 1540b
located on the driver console are coupled to the relay 1595b and
contacts 1536b, 1565d, 1536c associated with the buckle 1200b. When
the ignition 1520 is on, and the latch plate 1120b is not located
in the buckle 1200b, the red lights 1545b , 1545d are illuminated
and the green lights 1555b, 1555d are not illuminated. This
provides an indication to the driver, and at the buckle itself or
in close proximity thereof, that no latch plate is in the buckle
1200b. When the latch plate 1120b is inserted into the buckle
1200b, the relay 1595b becomes energised. The relay 1595b is
coupled to each of the contacts 1536a, 536b, 1536c, 1565b, and
1565d and thus the green lights 1555b, 1555d become illuminated and
the red lights 1545b, 1545d are extinguished. This provides an
indication to the driver, and at the buckle itself or in close
proximity thereof, that the latch plate 1120b is in the buckle
1200b. Further, the energisation of the relay 1595b from inserting
the latch plate 1120b into the buckle 1200b causes the circuit from
the drop resistor 1590b to the magnetic coil 1385b to be
completed.
[0143] When a driver switches on the ignition 1520 and observes
that all occupied seat positions have seat belts that are fastened,
with corresponding green lights illuminated on the driver console,
the driver operates the remote switch 1530, which in this
embodiment energises all of the seat belt magnetic coils 1385a,
1385b. The latch plates 1120a, 1120b can then only be removed from
the buckles 1200a, 1200b by turning off the remote switch 1530, or
by turning off the ignition 1520, or operating one of the emergency
override switches 1580.
[0144] Thus, the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 9
provides a red and green light associated with each seat buckle,
and a corresponding red and green light on a driver console. An
alternate embodiment utilises a single light in the form of a light
emitting diode (LED), wherein the LED is illuminated when a latch
is not inserted in a buckle, and the LED is extinguished when a
latch is inserted in the buckle. The indicator may be located only
on the driver console, or only on the buckle. It will be
appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the indicators may
take different forms and be embodied in different colours, without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0145] The electro-inagnets 1385a, 1385b are configured to have a
polarity arrangement so that when the electro-magnets 1385a, 1385b
are energised, the electro-magnets 1385a, 1385b apply an attractive
force to complementary locking pieces 1280a, 1280b. In another
arrangement, the electro-magnets 1385a, 1385b may be configured to
repel a locking means or lock such as the E-pieces 1280a, 1280b
(i.e., acting as the armatures). For example, with reference to
FIGS. 7 and 8, the electro-magnet 1385 may be positioned in or near
the position of the release button 1210, such that when the
electro-magnet 1385 is energised, the resulting magnetic force
forces the locking E-pieces 1280a, 1280b into a magnetic coupling
with one another.
[0146] In the arrangement described herein, the electro-magnets
1385a, 1385b comprise sufficient ampere-turns to achieve a suitable
magnetic effect and to provide a sufficient attractive force when
the electro-magnets 1385a, 1385b are energised. The droppimg
resistors 1590a, 1590b may be formed of a zero (0) to ten (10) ohm
slider resistor and may be set to five (5) ohms. This results in a
current flowing through the electro-magnets 1385a, 1385b when the
ignition switch 1520 and the remote switch 1530 are closed so that
the electro-magnets 1385a, 1385b provide an attractive force. A
person skilled in the art would appreciate that the electro-magnets
1385a, 1385b may comprise any suitable number of turns of wire and
the wire may be of any suitable cross-sectional area in order to
provide a magnetic force to the locking E-pieces 1280a, 1280b. The
number of turns of wire and the cross-sectional diameter of the
wire used in the electro-magnets 1385a, 1385b may change depending
on the locking means used and the arrangement of the locking
means.
[0147] When energised, the electro-magnets 1385a, 1385b
substantially inhibit the latch plates 1120a, 1120b, respectively,
from being removed from the buckles 1200a, 1200b by coupling the
E-pieces 1280a, 1280b through the latch openings 1121, 1122, 1123
of the latch plates 1120a, 1120b, as described above.
[0148] Conversely, when the remote switch 1530 is opened, the
electro-magnets 1385a, 1385b are de-energised. In this state, the
upper E-piece 1280a may be released by moving the release button
1210 in the direction of the arrows 1211 so as to allow the latch
plates 1120a, 1120b to be removed from the buckles 1200a,
1200b.
[0149] Similarly, the electro-magnets 1385a, 1385b are de-energised
when the emergency switch 1580 is opened. The emergency switch 1580
may be opened in response to the door handles of the vehicle (e.g.,
automobile) being activated from the outside. The emergency switch
1580 may also be opened upon impact, if the vehicle is in a crash.
In this instance, the emergency switch 1580 may be formed by an
impact sensor similar to those used for a conventional air bag
system.
[0150] As described above, in one arrangement, the buckle 1200 may
also comprise a manual override switch. The manual override switch
may be a normally closed series contact similar to the emergency
release switch 1580. Such a manual override switch may be located
on the buckle. In this instance, opening the manual override switch
deactivates the electro-magnet 1385. The manual override switch may
be spring loaded, so that the manual override switch closes upon
release by a person operating the manual override switch. When
pressed, the manual override switch may be configured to
de-energise the electro-magnet 1385. Thus, such a manual override
switch acts as an advantageous safety device since, when the
electro-magnet 1385 is energised, a person is required to
simultaneously press the manual override switch and the release
button 1210 so as to allow the latch plate 1120 to be removed from
the buckle 1200. This arrangement provides some difficulty,
particularly to a small child, in relation to removing the latch
plate 1120. However, an adult or the like may release the latch
plate 1120 by simultaneously operating the manual override switch
1250 and the release button 1210 in the case of an emergency.
[0151] As another safety feature, if a small child or the like was
able to simultaneously operate the manual override switch and the
release button 1210 when not appropriate, such will be indicated to
a second party (such as the driver of the vehicle) by the "OFF"
indication light 1535a. The "OFF" indication light will operate
when the closed contact 1535a opens and the closed contact 565a
opens in response to de-energising the relay 1595a. The difficulty
of simultaneously operating the manual override switch and the
release button 210 may be increased by adjusting the spring force
constant within the manual override switch.
[0152] The remote switch 1530 is preferably located in a driving
console of a vehicle in which the buckle 1200 is installed. A
further switch similar to the reiote switch 1530 may be located
near the buckle 1200 such as on a car door. However, in this
instance the further remote switch may be positioned out of reach
of any passenger restrained by a seat belt arrangement or restraint
device utilising the buckle 1200. The remote switch 1530 allows a
person within the vehicle to choose when the latch plate 1120 may
be released from the buckle 1200.
[0153] In another arrangement, the buckle 1200 and circuit 1500 may
be installed in an aircraft, such as a passenger jet. In this
instance, the remote switch 1530 may be positioned so as to be
operated by a flight attendant and/or by pilot of the aircraft.
[0154] A reminder mechanism may also be installed in a vehicle in
which the buckle 1200 is installed. This reminder mechanism may
remind the driver audibly or visually (e.g., using a flashing light
or a beeping sound), if there is a passenger in a seat in which the
buckle 1200 is installed and the remote switch 1530 for that buckle
1200 has not been closed.
[0155] A number of buckles 1200 may also be controlled from the
same centrally located remote switch 1530 by having a number of
electro-magnets 1385a, 1385b connected in a parallel arrangement,
as shown in FIG. 9. In this instance, all of the buckles 1200
installed in a vehicle may be operated in a similar manner to the
conventional central locking of doors.
[0156] Preferably, the electro-magnet 1385 is deactivated when the
ignition switch 1520 is turned off or, as described above, a
further sensor (e.g., an impact sensor) mounted in the vehicle
detects that the vehicle has crashed. Again, this allows the
restrained passenger to be easily removed from the vehicle. Both
the "ON" and "OFF" indication lights 1535a, 1565a will deactivate
in this instance.
[0157] The configuration of the buckle 1200 without the manual
override switch 1250 may be used to prevent an adult, such as a
prisoner or an unstable person, restrained in the seat belt from
operating the release button 1210 and/or releasing the locking
E-pieces 1280a, 1280b from engagement with the bottom plate
1350.
[0158] In one arrangement, the circuit 1500 may be implemented
using one or more integrated circuits. Such integrated circuits may
include processors (e.g., digital signal processors), or one or
more microprocessors and associated memories.
[0159] In another arrangement, the remote switch 1530 may be
operated by an infrared or radio frequency (RF) remote control (not
shown). In this arrangement, the circuit 1500 operates
substantially as described above with reference to FIG. 9. However,
in this arrangement, the circuit 1500 comprises an infrared or RF
receiver (not shown), such that the remote switch 1530, infrared or
RF remote control and infrared or RF receiver form a remote
activator. The infrared or RF receiver may be located in a driving
console of a vehicle in which the buckle 1200 is installed, in the
buckle 1500 itself or any other suitable position. Using such an
infra-red or RF receiver, the remote switch 1530 may be operated
using a remote control (i.e., infra-red or RF transmitter) such as
a conventional remote control contained on a key-fob or the like.
Upon receiving an infrared or RF signal, the remote switch 1530 may
be opened or closed by a user in order to choose when the release
button 1210 is to be unlocked or locked.
[0160] FIGS. 10 and 11 show another buckle means in the form of a
buckle 1700. The buckle 1700 is suitable for use with a
conventional lap belt, for example, as used in most passenger
aircrafts. The buckle 1700 again comprises a magnet or magnetic
means in the form of an electro-magnet 1785. The electro-magnet
1785 is fixed to a bottom plate 1710 of the buckle 1700. The bottom
plate 1710 also comprises a piece of belt 1715 connected to the
bottom plate 1710. The buckle 1700 comprises a locking means or
lock in the form of a locking plate 1780. The locking plate 1780
and the bottom plate 1710 are pivotally connected at either side
1704 and 1706 of the bottom plate 1710 to form an opening 1702 for
accepting a latch plate 1720. In FIG. 12, the buckle 1700 is shown
in a released state.
[0161] FIG. 11 shows the latch plate 1720 engaged with the buckle
1700 with the locking plate 1780 closed so that the latch plate
1780 is substantially parallel with the bottom plate 1710 of the
buckle 1700. In this position, a securing portion 1708 of the
locking plate 1780 engages with an opening 1712 in the latch plate
1720 so as to secure the latch plate 1720 in the buckle 1700.
[0162] When the buckle 1700 is in a released state (i.e., when the
latch plate 1720 is not inserted into the buckle 1700), the locking
plate 1780 may be moved freely through approximately ninety degrees
(90.degree.) movement. However, when the buckle 1700 is in a
secured state (i.e., when the latch plate 1720 is inserted into the
buckle 1700 and the locking plate 1780 is closed) the
electro-magnet 1785 may be energised so as to apply an attractive
force to the locking plate 1780. This attractive force is
preferably strong enough to retain the locking plate 1780 in the
position shown in FIG. 11, so as to inhibit the latch plate 1720
from being released from the buckle 1700.
[0163] When the electro-magnet 1785 is energised, the locking plate
1780 may still be operated to some extent in the direction of the
arrow 1711. However, the attractive force of the energised
electro-magnet 1785 needs to be overcome in order to allow the
locking plate 1780 to be opened fully so as to allow removal of the
securing portion 1708 from engagement with the opening 1712 of the
latch plate 1720.
[0164] Again, the buckle 1700 may be controlled using the circuit
1500. The attractive force of the electro-magnet 1785 may be
adjusted up or down to require more or less force, respectively, to
be applied to the locking plate 1780 in order to disengage the
securing portion 1708 of the locking plate 1780 with the opening
1712. As described above, the attractive force may be adjusted by
adjusting the amount of current flowing through the electro-magnet
1785. At fuill current, the attractive force provided by the
electro-magnet 1785 is preferably strong enough to substantially
prevent anyone from fully operating the locking plate 1780 so as to
inhibit the removal of the latch plate 1720 from engagement with
the buckle 1700.
[0165] The buckle 1700 may be formed from either magnetic (e.g.,
stainless steel) or non-magnetic material (e.g., plastic). In the
instance that the buckle 1700 is formed from a non-magnetic
material, then a suitable portion of magnetic material may be fixed
to an inner face of the locking plate 1780. The electro-magnetic
may then apply an attractive force to the portion of magnetic
material so as to prevent anyone from releasing the latch plate
1720 when the electro-magnetic is energised.
[0166] As seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, a buckle means in the form of a
buckle 2200 comprises a release means or release in the form of a
release button 2210, a magnetic projection in the form of a locking
pin 2230 and an override in the form of a manual override switch
2250. A plastic casing 2297, as shown by dashed lines, may be used
to conceal any moving components of the buckle 2200, including the
locking pin 2230. The buckle 2200 further comprises a belt
connecting piece 2285 interposing a top plate 2240 and a bottom
plate 2350, so as to form an opening 2302 for accepting a latch
plate such as the latch plate 2120. The top and bottom plates 2240,
2350 and the connecting piece 2285 are secured together by a
pressed rivet 2275. The connecting piece 2285 is adapted to connect
the buckle 2200 to a portion of belt (not shown in FIGS. 12 and
13).
[0167] Preferably, a support member 2270 is located adjacent to the
pressed rivet 2275 and is secured to the top plate 2240.
[0168] A resilient plate 2235 is attached to the support inember
2270 at one end and to a retention block 2380 at the other so as to
force the retention block 2380 downwards onto a latch plate guide
2310 when the buckle 2200 is in a released condition (i.e., when
the latch plate 2120 is not inserted into the buckle 2200), as
shown in FIG. 12.
[0169] The latch plate guide 2310 is attached to a latch spring
2320 and is configured to slide along a substantial length of the
opening 2302 of the buckle 2200.
[0170] The latch spring 2320 forms a biasing means for biasing the
latch plate guide 2310 to a position substantially underneath the
retention block 2380 when the buckle 2200 is in the released
condition, so as to prevent the retention block 2380 from plunging
into bottom plate openings 2372 formed in the bottom plate
2350.
[0171] As seen in FIG. 14, a latch plate, such as the latch plate
2120, may be inserted into the buckle 2200 thus forcing the latch
plate guide 2310 along the opening 2302 against the extended
direction of the latch spring 2320. Once the latch plate opening of
the latch plate 2120 is substantially under the retention block
2380, the resilient plate 2235 forces the retention block 2380
downwards such that at least a lower portion of the retention block
2380 engages with the bottom plate openings 2372, so as to secure
the latch plate 2120 in the buckle 2200.
[0172] The release button 2210 is configured to slide along a
button guide 2265, which is surrounded by a return spring 2260 and
is attached to the support member 2270. The return spring 2260
forms a biasing means for biasing the release button 2210 away from
the support member 2270. The release button 2210 is inter-connected
to the retention block 380 such that by pressing the release button
2210 in the direction of the dashed arrows 2211 of FIG. 12, the
retention block 2380 disengages. Disengaging the retention block
2380 allows the latch plate 2120 to be removed from the buckle
2200.
[0173] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, a magnet or magnetic means in
the form of a magnetic coil 2395 is configured within a recess 2396
of the top plate 2240. A further biasing means in the form of a
retaining spring 2390 is attached to the magnetic coil 2395 at one
end and to a magnetic locking pin 2230 at the other, such that the
magnetic locking pin 2230 may move up and down within the recess
2396 through operation of the retaining spring 2390, as will be
explained in detail below. A person skilled in the relevant art
would appreciate that the magnetic locking pin 2230 may be any
suitable shape, depending on the shape of the recess 2396 of the
top plate 2240. The magnetic coil 2395, locking pin 2230 and spring
2290 together form a locking means or lock.
[0174] The retaining spring 2390 is configured to prevent the
magnetic locking pin 2230 from being removed from the recess 2396
of the top plate 2240.
[0175] As seen in FIG. 13, the retaining spring 2390 biases the
locking pin towards the magnetic coil 2395 such that when the
spring 2390 is in a normal retracted state, the locking pin 2230 is
totally within the penphery of the recess 2396 and the release
button 2210 may be moved in the direction of the arrows 2211 so as
to allow the latch 2120 to be removed fron the buckle 2200.
Conversely, as shown in FIG. 14, when the spring 2390 is extended
in a direction opposed to the bias of the retaining spring 2390,
the locking pin 2230 projects out from the top plate 2240. In this
position, the locking pin 2230 substantially inhibits movement of
the release button 2210 in the direction of the arrows 2211 so as
to stop the release button 2210 from being operated and thus to
stop the latch 2120 from being removed.
[0176] As shown in FIG. 12, the manual override switch 2250 is
preferably an electrical spring return button switch that is
located adjacent the pressed rivet 2275, which is configured to
de-energise the magnetic coil 2395 when pressed, as will be
explained in detail below. Alternatively, the manual override
switch 2250 may be configured as a mechanical switch suitable for
forcing the locking pin 2230 within the recess 2396 so as to allow
the release button 2210 to be operated.
[0177] As described above, the plastic casing 2297 may be used to
conceal the moving components of the buckle 2200, including the
locking pin 2230. Thus, the locking pin 2230 does not protrude from
the periphery of the casing 2297. As such, the buckle 2200 does not
appear from the outside to be any different than a conventional
buckle and is of a similar size.
[0178] FIG. 15 shows a control circuit 2500 for controlling the
buckle 2200 according one implementation of the invention. The
circuit 2500 comprises a battery 2510 (e.g., the battery of a
vehicle) an ignition switch 2520, a remote activator in the form of
a remote switch 2530, the manual override switch 2250, an open
contact 2580, a close contact 2560, an "ON" indication light (or
indicator) 2550, an "OFF" indication light (or indicator) 2570 and
the magnetic coil 2395. The battery 2510 may be a 12 Volt battery.
Alternatively, the battery 2510 may be a 6 Volt, 24 Volt or any
other suitable voltage battery. The battery voltage may be dictated
by the implementation of the buckle 2200. For example, if the
buckle 2200 is implemented in a passenger vehicle such as a car
then battery 2510 may be a 12 Volt battery. However, any other DC
power source other than a battery (e.g., mains power) may also be
used to supply power to the circuit 2500.
[0179] A positive terminal of the battery 2510 is electrically
connected to the ignition switch 2520 via ajunction 2511. The
ignition switch 2520 also connects via junction 2521 to the remote
switch 2530. The remote switch 2530 is also connected via junction
2531 to the manual override switch 2250 which in turn is connected
to the magnetic coil 2395 via junction 2541. The magnetic coil 2395
connects to a negative terminal of the battery 2510 via junction
2551.
[0180] Preferably, as indicated by the dashed arrows of FIG. 15,
the open contact 2580 is electrically connected to the ignition
switch 2520 via the junction 2521 and to the "ON" indication light
2550 via junction 2581. The open contact 2580 is operatively
associated with the magnetic coil 2395 such that the open contact
2580 closes when the magnetic coil 2395 is energised.
[0181] The closed contact 2560 is connected to both the ignition
switch 2520 via junction 2521 and the "OFF" indication light 2570
via junction 2561. The closed contact 2560 is operatively
associated with the magnetic coil 2395 such that the closed contact
2560 opens when the magnetic coil 2395 is energised.
[0182] As shown in FIG. 15, closing the ignition switch 2520 and
the remote switch 2530 energises the magnetic coil 2395, thus
causing the open contact 2580 to close and the "ON" indication
light 2550 to illuminate. The "OFF" indication light is deactivated
at this point. The magnetic locking pin 2230 is configured to have
a polarity arrangement so that when the magnetic coil 2395 is
energised the pole at the bottom face 2397 of the pin 2230 is the
same as the pole at the top face 2398 of the magnetic coil 2395.
Thus, in this energised state, the magnetic locking pin 2230 is
forced out of the recess 2396 and the spring 2390 extends. In this
position, the locking pin 2230 substantially inhibits movement of
the release button 2210 in the direction of the arrows 2211 so as
to stop the release button 2210 from being operated and thus
stopping the latch 2120 from being removed, as described above.
[0183] Conversely, when the remote switch 2530 is opened the spring
retracts to its normal relaxed state and the locking pin 2230 is
retracted so as to be totally within the periphery of the recess
2396. In this position, the release button 2210 may be moved in the
direction of the arrows 2211 so as to allow the latch 2120 to be
removed from the buckle 2200.
[0184] Preferably, the manual override switch 2250 is located on
the buckle 2200 and opening the manual override switch 2250
deactivates the magnetic coil 2395. The manual override switch 2250
is spring loaded so that the manual override switch 2250 will close
upon release by a person operating the manual override switch 2250.
When pressed, the manual override switch 2250 is configured to
de-energise the magnetic coil 2395 so as to retract the spring to
its normal relaxed state and the locking pin 2230 is retracted so
as to be totally within the periphery of the recess 2396. Thus, the
manual override switch 2250 acts as an advantageous safety device
since, when the magnetic coil 2395 is energised, a person is
required to simultaneously press the manual override switch 2250
and the release button 2210 so as to allow the latch 2120 to be
removed. This arrangement provides some difficulty, particularly to
a small child, in relation to removing the latch 2120. However, an
adult or the like may release the latch 2120 by simultaneously
operating the manual override switch 2250 and the release button
2210 in the case of an emergency.
[0185] As a secondary safety feature, if a small child or the like
was able to simultaneously operate the manual override switch 2250
and the release button 2210 when not appropriate, such will be
indicated to a second party (such as the driver of the vehicle) by
the "OFF" indication light 2570. The "OFF" indication light will
operate when the closed contact 2560 opens in response to
de-energising the magnetic coil 2395. The difficulty of
simultaneously operating the manual override switch 2250 and the
release button 2210 may be increased by adjusting the spring force
constant within the manual override switch 2250.
[0186] The remote switch 2530 is preferably located where it cannot
be reached by the restrained person, such as in a driving console
of a vehicle in which the buckle 2200 is installed. A further
switch similar to the remote switch 2530 may be located near the
buckle 2200 such as on a door, but may only be active if the door
has been opened by an external handle. However, in this instance
the further remote switch may be positioned out of reach of any
passenger restrained by a seat belt arrangement or restraint device
utilising the buckle 2200. The remote switch 2530 allows a person
within the vehicle, such as the driver or controller of the
vehicle, to choose when the release button 2210 is to be
locked.
[0187] Preferably, the magnetic coil 2395 is deactivated when the
iguition switch 2520 is turned off or a further sensor mounted in
the vehicle detects that the vehicle has crashed. Both the "ON" and
"OFF" indication lights 2550, 2570 will deactivate in this
instance.
[0188] The buckle 2200 may also be configured so that the manual
override switch 2250 does not deactivate the locking pin 2230 and
allow the release button 2210 to be pressed. This configuration is
to prevent an adult, such as a prisoner or an unstable person,
secured in the belt from operating the release button 2210.
Alternatively, the manual override button 2250 may be removed.
[0189] In one implementation, the locking means may be configured
as a solenoid (not shown). Such a solenoid operates in
substantially the same manner as the magnetic coil 2395, retaining
spring 2390 and locking pin 2230 described above. When the solenoid
is energised a magnetic projection in the form of a solenoid pin,
is forced out of a body of the solenoid. In this position, the
solenoid pin substantially inhibits movement of the release button
2210 in the direction of the arrows 2211 so as to stop the release
button 2210 from being operated and thus stopping the latch 2120
from being removed, as described above. Conversely, when the remote
switch 2530 is opened the solenoid is de-energised and the solenoid
pin retracts so as to be substantially within a periphery of the
solenoid body allowing the release button 2210 to be operated.
[0190] In another implementation, the magnetic coil 2395 or
solenoid may be a two-stage device, which is configured to ensure
that fill voltage is applied to the magnet coil initially, when the
air gap between its armature pole is at a maximum requiring maximum
attractive force, and that this voltage is automatically reduced,
once the armature has moved in response to the magnetic force and
when only a lesser voltage (or current) is required in order to
hold the armature in its closed position. In this instance, closing
the ignition switch 2520 and the remote switch 2530 energises the
magnetic coil 2395 or solenoid with full battery voltage (e.g., 12
Volts) being seen across the magnetic coil 2395 or solenoid. After
a predetermined time (e.g., set by a user or installer of the
control circuit), which allows the locking pin 2230 to magnetic
locking pin 2230 or solenoid pin to be forced out of the recess
2396, the amount of voltage seen across the magnetic coil 2395 or
solenoid is reduced (e.g., halved). Reducing the amount of voltage
seen across the magnetic coil 2395 or solenoid whilst the magnetic
coil 2395 or solenoid remains energised stops the magnetic coil
2395 or solenoid from heating up too much, when the magnetic coil
2395 or solenoid is energised for a long period of time. This
allows the magnetic coil 2395 or solenoid to be housed within the
buckle 2200. Such two stage magnetic coils or solenoids typically
comprise an internal resistor/capacitor timing circuit which
dictates the time that the magnetic coil 2395 or solenoid will be
energised with full battery voltage or alternatively a switch can
be activated once the air gap is reduced, which inserts a current
reducing resistor into the circuit in order to reduce the current
heating.
[0191] In one implementation, as shown in FIG. 16, the control
circuit 2500 may comprise two mechanically associated conventional
delay contacts 2610 and 2620, and a series resistor 2630. In this
implementation, closing the ignition switch 2520 and the remote
switch 2530 energises the magnetic coil 2395, thus causing the
magnetic locking pin 2230 or solenoid pin to be forced out of the
recess 2396 and the spring 2390 to be extended. As such the full
battery voltage (e.g., 12 Volts) is seen across the magnetic coil
2395 or solenoid. After a predetermined time, the delay contact
2610 opens and the delay contact 2620 closes such that the resistor
2630 is switched into series with the magnetic coil 2395. The
circuit 2500 is configured so that the magnetic coil 2395 is not
de-energised at any point during the switching of the contacts 2610
and 2620. The resistor 2630 therefore reduces (e.g., halves to 6
Volts) tho amount of voltage seen across the magnetic coil 2395 or
solenoid whilst still allowing the magnetic coil 2395 to remain
energised. The circuit 2500 may also include one or more further
electronic components (e.g., capacitors) to ensure that the
magnetic coil 2395 does not de-energise, whilst the delay contacts
2610 and 2620 are switching.
[0192] The circuits described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9
could equally be used to control the buckle 2200.
[0193] In one implementation, the circuit 2500 may be implemented
using one or more integrated circuits. Such integrated circuits may
include processors (e.g., digital signal processors), or one or
more microprocessors and associated memories. In such an
implementation, the delay contacts 2610 and 2620 may be implemented
using a resistor/capacitor circuit or the like in order to provide
the timing function in order to reduce the voltage across the
magnetic coil 2395 whilst the coil is energised.
[0194] In another implementation, the remote switch 2530 may be
operated by an infrared remote control (not shown). In this
implementation, the circuit 2500 operates substantially as
described above with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. However, in this
implementation, the circuit 2500 comprises an infrared receiver
(not shown), such that the remote switch 2530, infrared remote
control and infrared receiver form a remote activator. The infrared
receiver rnay be located in a driving console of a vehicle in which
the buckle 2200 is installed, in the buckle 2500 itself or any
other suitable position. Using such an infra-red receiver, the
remote switch 2530 may be operated using a remote control (i.e., in
infra-red transmitter) such as a conventional remote control
contained on a key-fob or the like. Upon receiving an infrared
signal, the remote switch 2530 may be opened or closed by a user in
order to choose when the release button 2210 is to be unlocked or
locked.
[0195] Where reference is made in any one or more of the
accompanying drawings to steps and/or features, which have the same
reference numerals, those steps and/or features have for the
purposes of this description the same function(s) or operation(s),
unless the contrary intention appears.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0196] The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present
invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the
embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive. For example,
different types of vehicles may be suitable for installation of the
seat belt arrangement described above, such as cars, buses, trucks,
trains, and aeroplanes. Alternatively, the seat belt arrangement
described above may be in a variety of shapes and have a number of
configurations.
* * * * *