Abstract: A high-speed train derailment arresting system is provided, which includes multiple passive protection arresting devices arranged on both sides of a high-speed railway line. The passive protection arresting device includes a rigid support assembly fixed on a respective side of the high-speed railway line and a rotating protective barrel arranged on the support assembly. A structural design method for the high-speed train derailment arresting system is further provided.

Abstract: A seatbelt detection system detects seatbelt use in each seat of a passenger aircraft to produce safety-compliance data. A computer system, which is communicatively coupled to the seatbelt detection system, generates a time-based record of the safety-compliance data. The computer system can use the time-based record to adapt cabin operations policy, including cabin temperature, cabin lighting, illumination of seatbelt signs, scheduling of meal or drink service, timing of inflight announcements, or the availability of in-flight entertainment.

Abstract: Quick Release Buckle (QRB) is an automated seatbelt system. QRB utilizes a power source and control unit software incorporated into pre-existing components within the vehicle's transmission or by micro-switch. QRB automatically disengages the seatbelt upon placing the vehicle in “park”, regardless of the ignition setting for law enforcement/military vehicles. While in “park”, an electrical signal energizes a solenoid releasing the buckle. The control unit contains proprietary software that records every engage/disengage of the seatbelt. Electronic records can be downloaded at any time, using an integrated micro-scan disk (SD) module/card. During a collision, the system ceases to record activity, showing electronic proof the seatbelt was engaged/disengaged. Civilian application includes accident investigations, insurance inquiries, and private company regulation compliance. Civilian QRB differs slightly as the transmission must be placed in “park” and the ignition must be in “off” for system operation.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting securement of a proximity lanyard system to a bucket anchor in a bucket having a proximity sensor positioned therein. The proximity lanyard system can include an elongated body portion having a first end and a second end; a harness attachment positioned at the first end of the body portion; an anchor attachment positioned at the second end of the body portion; and a sensor substrate section comprising a sensor substrate and being integrated with the second end of the flexible body portion. The proximity sensor can detect the sensor substrate when the anchor attachment is connected to the bucket anchor.

Abstract: A seat belt for an occupant sitting on a seat in a vehicle includes a tongue part provided at a first side portion of the seat and a buckle part provided at a second side portion of the seat. The tongue part includes at least one first guide part that is operable between extended and contracted configurations, and at least one first webbing with a tongue wound therein. In addition, the tongue of the first webbing is connected with an end portion of the first guide part. The buckle part includes a second guide part that is operable between extended and contracted configurations, and the second webbing with a buckle wound therein. In addition, the buckle of the second webbing is connected with an end portion of the second guide part. The tongue of the tongue part is fastened to the buckle of the buckle part.

Abstract: In a method for operating a safety system of a motor vehicle, a corresponding safety system, and a motor vehicle equipped with such safety system, status signals from several sensor devices are captured by the safety system, wherein the status signals indicate respective status change of a functional unit of the motor vehicle. Thereafter, a chronological order of the status changes is determined and evaluated to detect a consistency or an inconsistency with the proper application of a seat belt of the motor vehicle. If an inconsistency is detected and it persists over a predetermined period of time, a control signal is transmitted by the safety system to a safety device of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A seatbelt ignition interlock system. The system includes a plurality of sensor devices each including a housing, a latch configured to removably engage the latch receiver of a vehicle seatbelt system, a latch receiver configured to receive and removably engage the latch of the vehicle seatbelt system, a latch sensor, a temperature sensor, and a power source. Each sensor device is in electrical communication with a vehicle ignition interlock circuit, and the vehicle ignition interlock circuit is in electrical communication with an ignition of a vehicle. The vehicle ignition interlock circuit is configured to prevent the vehicle ignition from being started when a combination of temperature sensors and latch sensors determine that occupied seats have unfastened seatbelts.

Abstract: A side release buckle device with a male and female member. The female member has a housing, a catch assembly, and at least one contact point. The male member can interlock with the female member and has an arm assembly, a catch assembly, and at least one contact point. At least one switch is formed by contact between contact point of the male member and contact point of the female member. An electrical circuit traverses the female and male member, so when the members are “locked” together, the switch is closed. The electrical circuit has a series of wires, a source of electrical energy, a currently limiting resistor, at least one switch, and an electrical element (at least one microcontroller or integrated circuit, a Bluetooth® RF transceiver, Wi-Fi® enablement). The device may have a computer chip activated upon closure of the switch, triggering activation of an external camera, or a GPS-tracking system. The device pairs with other communication devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to child safety seats, and more particularly to a harness or belt tensioning indicator for a child safety seat harness system. The tension indicator includes a body portion for receiving a belt, harness or webbing. The tension indicator also includes a sliding indicator that is capable of moving from a first, unactuated position to a second, actuated position when the belt, harness or webbing that is received in the body portion is tensioned from a first tension to a second, correct tension.

Abstract: A system includes a first webbing payout sensor and a seatbelt wear condition module. The first webbing payout sensor can detect a first webbing payout of a seatbelt associated with a seat of a vehicle. The first webbing payout is a first length of webbing of the seatbelt dispensed from a first retractor of the seatbelt. The seatbelt wear condition module can identify whether the seatbelt is worn correctly based on the first webbing payout. The system may further include a second webbing payout sensor that detects a second webbing payout of the seatbelt associated with the seat. The second webbing payout is a second length of webbing of the seatbelt dispensed from a second retractor of the seatbelt. The seatbelt wear condition module identifies whether the seatbelt is worn correctly based on the first webbing payout and the second webbing payout.

Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controller's housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system includes a vehicle that has a plurality of seats, a plurality of seat belts, an electrical system and an ignition. Each of the seat belts includes a buckle and a clasp. A plurality of buckle sensors is provided and each of the buckle sensors is coupled to the buckle on an associated one of the seat belts. Each of the buckle sensors senses when the clasp of the associated seat belt is engaged to the buckle of the associated seat belt. A plurality of weight sensors is provided and each of the weight sensors is coupled to an associated one of the seats to sense weight of an occupant in the associated seat. A shut down unit is coupled to the vehicle. The shut down unit is in electrical communication with each of the seat belt sensors, each of the weight sensors and the ignition.

Abstract: A system according to the present disclosure includes a pawl actuator control module. The pawl actuator control module controls a pawl actuator of a seatbelt retractor to disengage a pawl of the seatbelt retractor from a control disc of the seatbelt retractor. The pawl actuator control module disengages the pawl of the retractor from the control disc when at least one of: a tongue of the seatbelt is disengaged from a seatbelt buckle; a button on the buckle is pressed; a manual disengagement button is pressed; an occupant is present in the seat; and a user provides an instruction to disengage the pawl via a user interface device. The seatbelt retractor allows a seatbelt to be extracted from the seatbelt retractor when the pawl is disengaged from the control disc and prevents the seatbelt from being extracted from the seatbelt retractor when the pawl is engaged with the control disc.

Abstract: A side release buckle device that has a male member and a female member. The female member has a housing, a catch assembly and at least one contact point. The male member is capable of interlocking with the female member and has an arm assembly, a catch assembly and at least one contact point. At least one switch is formed by the contact between the contact point of the male member and the contact point of the female member. An electrical circuit traverses the female and male member, such that when the members are “locked” together the switch is closed and when the members are apart the switch is open. The electrical circuit has a series of wires, a source of electrical energy, a currently limiting resistor, at least one switch and an electrical element (e.g. light source).

Abstract: A vehicle module for a vehicle includes one or more sensors, which are configured to record sensor data in an operating mode of the vehicle module, and are configured to adopt a plurality of discrete states in an energy saving mode in order to provide a basic function of the vehicle module in the energy saving mode of the vehicle module. The vehicle module further has an interface for a data line to transmit the sensor data to a control device of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle module has an energy saving mode switch which is configured to connect the one or more sensors in the energy saving mode to the interface for the data line in such a way that information regarding a state of the plurality of discrete states can be transmitted to the control device via the data line.

Abstract: A sideseat includes a sideseat base, turntable, posterior frame and backrest frame. The sideseat posterior frame is rotatably coupled to the sideseat base through the turntable. The turntable is positioned so that the sideseat turntable and combined frame components move from a deployed position to a locked position in response to an applied force.

Abstract: Relays having internal connections on both sides of their switches may be used in conjunction with a connector that integrates both the normal relay switch control lines with the sensing conductors of a control module for a battery module of an energy storage device. In this manner, sensing conductors may be routed along with the switch control lines for the relay instead of separately as described above. This integration reduces the complexity and cost associated with the energy storage device, because it reduces the number of separately routed lines and also eliminates the external connections for at least some of the sensing conductors.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system that is adapted for absorbing energy of an object in a vehicle in a crash situation by decreasing acceleration and force acting on the object in the crash situation, the energy absorbing system comprising at least one plastically deformable energy absorber that is plastically deformable in the crash situation. A mass-dependent self-adjusting mechanism is provided, the mass-dependent self-adjusting mechanism being adapted for adjusting, on the basis of an underlying mass of the object, a required compensation force that is to be provided by the energy absorbing system in the crash situation for plastically deforming the at least one plastically deformable energy absorber in order to decrease the acceleration and force acting on the object.

Abstract: There are provided a buckle switch that detects an insertion of a tongue into a buckle of a seatbelt and an ejection of the tongue from the buckle, a signal transmitting section that wirelessly transmits a signal showing a state of the buckle switch, and an attaching detection control unit that controls the signal transmitting section such that the signal transmitting section transmits different signals that correspond to a first time lasting from the insertion of the tongue into the buckle until the ejection of the tongue from the buckle or a second time lasting from the ejection of the tongue from the buckle until the insertion of the tongue into the buckle.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a door lining assembly for use with a vehicle that defines a vehicle exterior and a vehicle passenger compartment. The door lining assembly can include a base assembly including an outboard base that defines a substantially planar upper surface that extends obliquely relative to a transverse direction of the vehicle so as to face upwardly toward the vehicle exterior. The base assembly can also include an inboard base that defines a substantially planar upper surface that extends obliquely relative to the upper surface of the outboard base downward toward the vehicle passenger compartment. The outboard and inboard bases can be joined together to form a peak that is the vertically highest portion of the base assembly. A unitary topcoat can cover the upper surfaces of the outboard and inboard bases.

Abstract: Provided is a mounting apparatus for a buckle transmission apparatus. The mounting apparatus includes a mounting bracket to couple the buckle transmission apparatus, which comprises a transmission cable coupled to a buckle head and a driving unit coupled to the transmission cable to transmit the buckle head to a required position, to a vehicle body, and a cover member provided under the buckle head, allowing the transmission cable to pass the cover member, and fitted into an internal structure of a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle with a seat part, a backrest part, and a side part, particularly an armrest part, for collectively supporting a vehicle operator in his seated position on the vehicle seat, wherein the vehicle seat is characterized in that a supplemental vehicle operator support device that is arranged on the side part of the vehicle seat, and that can be temporarily arranged in an otherwise vehicle seat-free support area, and by means of which a vehicle operator seated on the vehicle seat can be additionally supported when in a laterally or rear-oriented seated working position.

Abstract: A security monitoring, theft (and vandalism) prevention, and recovery system for automobiles includes an exterior light housing camera, an interior passenger cabin camera bar with an interior passenger cabin camera located within, an automatic release air valve located in a valve stem of an automobile wheel and tire assembly, and an automatic seatbelt immobilizing lock located in a seatbelt latch of an automobile. Upon detection of an invasive activity, an intrusion sensor provides an activation signal to a microprocessor. The exterior light housing camera and the interior passenger cabin camera are activated by the microprocessor to provide a video signal to the microprocessor via an activation signal. The quick release air valve and the seatbelt immobilizing lock are activated by the microprocessor to release air pressure from the wheel and tire and immobilize the seatbelt latch, respectively.

Abstract: A control device controls driving of a motor such that a clutch of a power transmission mechanism is moved to a disconnecting position and thereby a belt reacher device is moved around in a forward direction of a vehicle by a return spring of the belt reacher device, if a change from an open state to a closed state of a door is detected by a door switch. The control device controls driving of the motor such that a webbing is winded and thereby the belt reacher device is moved around to a retracted position in a backward direction of the vehicle, if a determination is made that no occupant seated in a passenger seat is detected by an output of an OFF signal from a buckle switch of the passenger seat and a determination is made that start-up of the vehicle is detected by an output of an ON signal from an ignition switch.

Abstract: An automatic seatbelt release system includes an electrically-released buckle which engages a shoulder belt and a lap belt. When engaged, the system provides the protection and functionality of a common three-point seatbelt. When a user opens a vehicle door, an electric switch within the door handle provides a signal to disengage the buckle causing both the shoulder and lap belts to retract, enabling the user to exit the vehicle in an expedient manner. The system is particularly useful for law enforcement officers or military personnel who need to frequently and quickly exit a vehicle. A power switch is provided to deactivate the system.

Abstract: A starter for an auxiliary power unit includes a direct current motor operably connectable to an auxiliary power unit. A clutch is arranged in an electrically parallel relationship and configured to operably connect the motor to the auxiliary power unit when engaged, the motor and the clutch powered by a common input line. A time delay switching element is located and configured to delay power delivery to the direct current motor thus providing for full engagement of the clutch prior to initiation of rotation of the motor.

Abstract: A seatbelt safety apparatus and method for controlling ignition with respect to an automotive vehicle. The apparatus generally includes a seatbelt associated with a seatbelt sensor and an ignition interlock clip circuit. The seatbelt sensor that senses heat can be located on a front portion of the seatbelt to ensure that the seatbelt is strapped in an operative position with respect to an occupant in the vehicle and is worn properly. The ignition interlock clip circuit associated with a seatbelt clip controls the ignition with respect to the vehicle. An electrical connection can be made when a fastening member associated with the seatbelt is connected with the clip circuit in order to ignite the vehicle. The ignition will not start unless the seatbelt is fastened with the seatbelt clips by the occupant in the automobile.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for an automobile includes a control unit, which is connected to an ignition system of an automobile, a seat belt sensor, which is connected to the control unit, and a seat occupancy detector, which is connected to the seat belt sensor. In the event that it senses an occupant in an automobile seat, the seat occupancy sensor transmits a signal to the seat belt sensor. In the event that it senses that the seat belt of the seat is fastened, the seat belt sensor transmits an activation signal to the control unit, which enables operation of the ignition system. In the event that it senses that the seat belt of the seat is not fastened, the seat belt sensor transmits an inactivation signal to the control unit, which does not enable operation of the ignition system.

Abstract: A vehicle seatbelt apparatus includes a power supply voltage fluctuation detecting section incorporated in a control device for detecting fluctuations of power supply voltage occurring when an engine cranking operation is being performed. The control device changes drive mode of the motor when such fluctuations of the power supply voltage are detected by the power supply voltage fluctuation detecting section.

Abstract: The present invention is, in one embodiment, directed to a system and method to encourage seat belt use among all passengers in a vehicle. The system and method use media driver and entertainment devices to reward seat belt usage in all seating positions.

Abstract: Seatbelt apparatus includes a control device connected with a vehicle-mounted battery for controlling an operational state of a seatbelt on the basis of an opened/closed state of a buckle switch and electric power supplied by the battery. The control device has a first operation mode for operating with low-level electric power, and a second operation mode for operating with higher-level electric power. In the second operation mode, the control device is kept in a state capable of detecting the opened/closed state of the buckle switch. The apparatus also includes a storage section for storing a current state value of the buckle switch when the control device shifts from the second operation mode to the first operation mode.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a safe-driving promotion system for obliging a driver to wear a seat belt and effectively preventing drunk driving and/or drug driving. The safe-driving promotion system includes attachment sensing means 100 for sensing that a male part 11 of the seat belt of an automobile 1 has been attached to a female part 12, and for outputting a first start permission signal ?; start controlling means 200 for receiving the first start permission signal ? and putting a motor 20 of the automobile 1 into a startable state; breath component concentration determining means 300 for detecting alcohol contained in the breath of the driver of the automobile 1 and performing concentration determination of the alcohol; and attachment preventing means 400 for preventing the attachment between the male part 11 and the female part 12 of the seat belt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seatbelt safety system for an automobile that includes a latch mechanism configured to fixedly engage with a male of a seatbelt, a release button disposed on the latch mechanism that is configured to release the latch from engagement with the male member, an engagement sensor disposed with the latch mechanism that is configured to sense the engagement between the latch and the male member, a tamper sensor that is configured to sense any depression of the release button, and at least one transmitting device configured to transmit engagement and tamper data to at least one indication device, the at least one indication device being configured to provide a driver the engagement and tamper data, the indication device being disposed in a position that allows the driver to receive the engagement and tamper data.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling cycling of high voltage contactors is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes generating a first contactor command and activating the contactor in response to the first contactor command. A timer is initiated upon generation of the first contactor command. The method also includes determining whether a second contactor command should be generated subsequent to the generation of the first contactor command. The method further includes activating the contactor in response to the second contactor command being generated when the timer has expired.

Abstract: A decentralized method and system for vehicle emissions testing uses the OBD unit of the vehicle to be tested and includes a remote data storage location in communication with a plurality of decentralized inspection stations or test locations. Each inspection location is designed to allow for “self-service” inspection through a kiosk that includes all of the hardware and software necessary to carry out the testing process and to communicate test data and information to the remote storage location.

Abstract: A system for signaling that a person is in an vehicle is provided and includes a power source, a processing unit including a counter, a state monitoring unit configured to monitor an internal temperature of the vehicle and to monitor whether the vehicle is in an off state and a door monitoring unit configured to monitor whether any of the vehicle doors are open or closed, a first buckle receiver, including a first signal issuing unit, a first buckle to be removably inserted into the buckle receiver and to thereby cause the first signal issuing unit to issue an installation signal to the processing unit, a second buckle receiver, including a second signal issuing unit, a second buckle to be removably inserted into the second buckle receiver and to thereby cause the second signal issuing unit to issue an occupation signal to the processing unit, and an alarm unit.

Abstract: A seat belt switching device for preventing the running of a vehicle optionally having a remote starting ability, key operated ignition switch, neutral safety switch, seat belt switch, solenoid and starter, having a wiring of the seat belt switch such that the solenoid is not actuated unless and until the seat belt switch is engaged indicative of a seat belt being connected such that if not connected, the vehicle does not run. The seat belt switch has a fastened and unfastened position such that when in a fastened position a circuit is closed to the solenoid, actuating the starter and when in an unfastened position the circuit is open to the solenoid thereby failing to engage the solenoid and failing to permit operation of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the opening and closing occurs after the neutral safety switch. In another, the opening and closing occurs prior to the neutral safety switch.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system for use in a vehicle includes a plurality of image pick-up systems adapted for being mounted on the vehicle, the image pick-up systems being configured for recording video images of inside and/or outside statuses of the vehicle; and a computer system connected to the image pick-up systems, the computer system comprising a signal transmitting device configured for transmitting the video images to an intended receiver for help upon occurrence of an mishap accident. A vehicle having such safety system is also provided.

Abstract: A device and method for tensioning a vehicle seatbelt are disclosed. The device has a motor, a pulley, a first cable, and a seatbelt buckle. The motor has a motor output for transferring rotational energy developed in the motor. The pulley is in communication with the motor output for receiving the rotational energy developed in the motor. The first cable has first and second ends. The first end is coupled to the pulley. The seatbelt buckle is coupled to the second end of the cable. The rotation of the pulley causes movement of the seatbelt buckle.

Abstract: A fail-safe breakaway belt is provided for installation onto a single occupant transporter having a seat portion laterally bounded by arm rests, an electrical system that drives the transporter, and a joystick associated with one arm rest for controlling the electrical system. The belt includes two oppositely disposed elongated members, each having a proximal extremity secured to the transporter below an arm rest, and extending to a distal extremity. Electrical conductor wires in series connection with the electrical system are incorporated into the elongated members. When the distal extremities are separated, the transporter is rendered inoperable. When the distal extremities are connected across the lap of the occupant, full functionality is restored to the transporter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic unbuckling seat belt system adapted to easily buckle and unbuckle the seat belt, wherein the system comprises a seat belt tongue formed with a groove and a seat belt buckle with a latch for suspending in the groove and maintaining the coupled state with the seat belt tongue. An ignition key detecting switch detects whether the ignition key is inserted. An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) controls the latch of the seat belt buckle to be removed from the groove of the seat belt tongue if the ignition key detecting switch detects that the ignition key is taken out. A first relay provides power by being activated according to the control of the ECU. A first electromagnet generates the magnetic force via the power provided through the first relay and pulls the latch from the groove.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensing device adapted for sensing tension in a belt securing a child's car seat in a vehicle, and comprising a housing (52) having a upper housing member (50) hingedly attached (at 54) to a lower housing member 52, and a closure catch (58) to permit the passage of a length of seat belt (36) through the housing to pass over a depressible switch (66). Within the housing is a power source (40) and alarm/indicator (41) responsive to a signal emitted by the switch (66) when actuated by the scar belt (36) passing over the switch. Sufficient belt tension may be shown by a visible indicator, while insufficient tension may be indicated by an audible alarm.

Abstract: A seat belt shifter lock microprocessor system is used with a vehicle having an automatic transmission for preventing the shifting from park gear position into a moving gear position of the vehicle until the driver and all passengers are properly secured into their seats and the driver depresses the brake.

Abstract: A system (20) comprising a buckle presenter (100) and/or a tongue presenter (200) and mechanism to activate and control each presenter. The buckle presenter and tongue presenter (200) are used to respectively move a seat belt buckle (26) and a corresponding tongue (24) from a stowed position to activated positions generally in front of the occupant to make the process of inserting the tongue into the buckle more convenient.

Abstract: A simple but improved seatbelt safety device is provided for preventing vehicles from starting an engine by an engine key without drivers or passengers wearing seatbelts. The seatbelt safety device for a vehicle is placed in an electric circuit for energizing an engine for the vehicle, via an engine starter key for starting the engine. The electric circuit includes a built-in ON/OFF switch seat buckle detector, an occupant's seating detecting ON/OFF switch or sensor in parallel, thereby enabling the engine starter key to start the engine only when an occupant is seated and the seatbelt is fastened.

Abstract: A seat belt shifter lock microprocessor system is used with a vehicle having an automatic transmission for preventing the shifting from park gear position into a moving gear position of the vehicle until the driver and all passengers are properly secured into their seats and the driver depresses the brake.

Abstract: A seatbelt safety system for an automobile including at least one seat having a seatbelt associated therewith. The seatbelt safety system includes at least one seat sensor identifying when a passenger is seated within the vehicle seat, at least one seatbelt sensor identifying whether a passenger identified by the seat sensor has fastened the seatbelt of the seat and an automobile state sensor identifying when the automobile is operating in a predetermined manner. The safety system further includes a control system lined to the seat sensor, the seatbelt sensor and the automobile state sensor. The control system includes circuitry for preventing one from starting a vehicle engine when the seat sensor and seatbelt sensor indicate that a passenger is seated within the seat without a fastened seatbelt. The control system further includes a mechanism for locking the seatbelt when the automobile state sensor indicates to the control system that the automobile is operating in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle engagement detector of the invention includes a by-pass or direct circuit for supplying electricity from a battery to one end of a seat belt warning lamp through a current limiting resistance. With this by-pass circuit, even if an ignition switch is turned off, in case a buckle switch is turned on, a signal of a ground potential is inputted to a seat belt system. In case the buckle switch is turned off, a signal of a potential corresponding to a voltage of the battery is inputted to the seat belt system. Thus, the seat belt system can carry out a desired process even under a condition where the ignition switch is turned off.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection system (10) includes a seat belt buckle (12) for receiving a seat belt tongue (16). A Hall effect device (62) is mounted on the seat belt buckle (12). The Hall effect device (62) has at least one electrical lead (72, 74). A magnet (68) is mounted on the seat belt buckle (12). The magnet (68) and the Hall effect device (62) are moveable relative to each other to first relative positions upon receipt of the seat belt tongue (16) in the seat belt buckle (12). The Hall effect device (62) provides a signal in response to the magnet (68) and the Hall effect device (62) being moved to the first relative positions. An electrical conductor (92, 94) has an electrical connection (110, 114) with the electrical lead (72, 74). The electrical connection (110, 114) is provided by melted portions (112, 116) of the electrical lead (72, 74) and the electrical conductor (92, 94) that are bonded together.

Abstract: A bumper and supporting frame assembly for protecting a column or a corner, or any object which may come in contact with the column or corner. The invention includes tires having hubs or wheels rotatably mounted on a sleeve, i.e. a hollow tube. A pair of frames for mounting around a column, one above the tires and the other below the tires, support the tires in their position as bumpers to protect the column. The frames have tubular protrusions, e.g. pipes, extending towards one another and telescopically engaged. The sleeve is rotatably mounted on the pipes. Energy from an object which strikes the column is dissipated by this rotation of the sleeve relative to the pipes, as well as the rotation of the tires relative to the sleeve. Each frame includes two portions, which are removably attached to one another, allowing for the easy adjustment of the frames along a column. The adjustment of both frames allows for the height of the bumper to be varied on the column.