Belt Or Belt Anchor Covers Patents (Class 297/482)
  • Patent number: 11606112
    Abstract: A mobile device connection apparatus, method and system is disclosed which allows a user to physically connect or tether, without the use of adhesive, a mobile device with a case to a user, surface, or structure. The mobile device connection apparatus comprises multiple layers of materials to create a connection point for mobile devices, such as mobile phones, which is compatible with devices with a case, reusable, and robust and prevents mobile devices from being damaged, lost, and stolen. Further the mobile device connection apparatus allows a user to interact with their phone in new ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Nite Ize, Inc.
    Inventors: John Osmanski, Kent Solberg, Bowden Ormsbee
  • Patent number: 11584333
    Abstract: A seat belt installation apparatus having a seat belt installation anchor fixed to a vehicle body and having a lower end portion of a seat belt installed at one side thereof; and a cover configured to shield the anchor and a rotation prevention bead formed on a bottom surface of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Sang-Hun Park, Gu-Hyun Jeong, Hyeon-Ki Hong
  • Patent number: 10562485
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, a removable roof, and a removable seatbelt post. The body has a pillar that includes a pillar receptacle. The removable roof has a roof pillar adapted to be received within the pillar receptacle and removably fastened to the pillar in a first configuration. The removable seatbelt post includes a first portion having a seatbelt ring. The removable seatbelt post further includes a second portion adapted to be received within the pillar receptacle and removably fastened to the pillar in a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Stephen Thomas Kozak
  • Patent number: 10525892
    Abstract: An in-vehicle locking safe system comprising a lockbox having one or more walls defining an enclosure, wherein the lockbox is configured with one or more apertures in one or more lockbox walls. The in-vehicle locking safe system further comprises a vehicle structural element including one or more studs configured to be inserted within one or more apertures in one or more lockbox walls, and a fastener component coupled to a portion of the one or more studs at a location inside the enclosure of the lockbox. In some embodiments, the vehicle structural element includes one or more of a vehicle chassis, a slider rail, a slider track, and/or a floor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: FARADAY & FUTURE INC.
    Inventors: Jared L Gargano, Pontus Anthony Fontaeus, Richard S Kim, Juergen W Sauer, Claudio Carbone, Skyler Reed Lund
  • Patent number: 10442392
    Abstract: A vehicle seat belt system is provided. The vehicle seat belt system includes a seat belt comprising a tubular seat belt webbing defining a passageway and a plurality of exhaust openings. The seat belt system also has an air porous compressible material disposed within the passageway. The seat belt buckle has an air delivery device that supplies air to the seat belt, wherein the air porous compressible material allows air to flow through the passageway when compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kerrie Gath, John Craig Elson, Victoria Schein, Clay Wesley Maranville
  • Patent number: 10342296
    Abstract: Systems and methods capable of changing the aesthetic appearance of a safety seat by covering portions thereof with an ornamental accessory. The systems includes the ornamental accessory and an attachment system configured for removably securing the ornamental accessory to a belt system of the safety seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: 2B, LLC (2B)
    Inventor: Natalie Beth Unger
  • Patent number: 10336292
    Abstract: Disclosed seat belt assemblies or mechanisms include a seat belt guide which positions the seat belt for convenient ingress and egress by an operator, but in a position which reminds the operator to fasten the seat belt. The seat belt guide is configured to be stiffer in one direction of movement to maintain the metal tab of the seat belt at a raised position to one side of the operator seat, for example at a position adjacent to an operator joystick or control, but to allow the guide and the seat belt to be moved across the operator seat (and operator) for buckling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Brian P. Dehnert, Jonathan J. Roehrl
  • Patent number: 10143043
    Abstract: A vehicle seat belt system is provided. The vehicle seat belt system includes a seat belt comprising a webbing, an electric powered device such as a heater coupled to the webbing, electrical circuitry connected to the heater and extending through a seat belt buckle and connector tongue, and an electric power source for providing electric power to the electric heater via the electrical circuitry. The electrical circuitry supplies power through the connector tongue and seat belt buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Craig Elson, Kerrie Gath, Clay Wesley Maranville, Victoria Schein
  • Patent number: 10000182
    Abstract: In a buckle device, displacement of a buckle cover in a width direction with respect to a buckle guide is restricted by restricting grooves of the buckle cover and restricting ribs of the buckle guide that enter the restricting grooves. This enables a space to be secured between a wall portion on one side in a width direction of the buckle cover and a wall portion on one side in a width direction of the buckle guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Koji Hayashi, Makoto Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 9949535
    Abstract: A latch plate is selectively latched to, and selectively unlatched from, a buckle. An extender is moved by the latch plate to a retracted position when the latch plate is latched to the buckle and moves to an extended position when the latch plate is unlatched from the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Senthil N. Karuppaswamy, Matthew W. Derkach
  • Patent number: 9908502
    Abstract: An antimicrobial barrier seatbelt covering apparatus for preventing a cross contamination between hosts contacting with a seatbelt includes stripes of antimicrobial material creating a barrier against pathogens accumulated on a seatbelt, a container for storage of the antimicrobial material that can be attached on one end of the seatbelt, and a holding device to fix the material on the other end of the seatbelt. The antimicrobial seatbelt covering may be used in applications including seatbelts in cars seats, airplanes, boats where the seatbelt covering controls the level of cross contamination by preventing unwanted microbes that contact the seatbelt and thereby, prevents the spread of disease and infections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Ayenew Marew
  • Patent number: 9694783
    Abstract: The child safety seat for transporting a child in a vehicle is configured for the child to be secured to the child safety seat with a safety belt of the vehicle, and is characterized in that the child safety seat comprises a belt pad which is adapted to be arranged on the safety belt. The belt pad of the child safety seat preferably comprises a lower component and an upper component, wherein the lower component is configured to be positioned between the safety belt and the child when the child is seated in the child safety seat and is secured in the child safety seat with the safety belt, and wherein the upper component is configured to be positioned on the side of the safety belt opposite to the side the lower component is positioned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: BRITAX RÖMER KINDERSICHERHEIT GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Haas, Richard Henseler, Michael Grohspietsch, Michael Blum
  • Patent number: 9592754
    Abstract: A vehicle rear seat cushion structure includes: an anchor plate mounted on a vehicle body; a buckle which is connected to the anchor plate via an inner webbing and with which a tongue plate attached to an occupant restraint webbing engages; a cushion pad in which a housing area which houses the buckle is formed on a position away from the anchor plate; and a cushion frame provided on a bottom portion of the cushion pad adjacent to the housing area to straddle the inner webbing from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yutaka Hirako
  • Patent number: 9463770
    Abstract: A personnel restraint seat belt having an elongated flexible web with a front surface, a rear surface, and two side edges. A distinguishing feature, such as a raised bump, color strip, or edge cut outs are provided adjacent at least one of the side edges of the web. The distinguishing feature allows for rapid identification of the restraint seat belt during emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Jim Allen Faughn
  • Patent number: 9399444
    Abstract: An attachable tension reducing seat belt device to reduce web tension on the neck, shoulder and chest of motor vehicle occupants or other restraint system webs to slightly reduce tension created by a refraction device preventing a minimal portion of web from being pulled through a web guide by a retractor. Additionally, the device is designed to be either temporarily mounted through easy clip on and removal function which allows the seat belt to be refracted after each use, as is typical, or semi-permanently mounted with the use of a seat belt tongue hooking system which allows the seat belt to remain un-retracted after each use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Sidney B. Warner
  • Patent number: 9340181
    Abstract: A belt member includes: a strip member having an elongate shape; a fastener disposed along the longitudinal direction of the strip member; and an opening-closing device that opens or closes the fastener. For reducing a contact pressure of the belt member per unit area, the fastener is opened by the opening-closing device to unfold the belt member into a form of a wide strip so that the width of the belt member is increased. On the other hand, when the fastener is closed by the opening-closing device, the belt member takes a form of a narrow tube so that the width of the belt member is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignees: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, YKK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Fukamoto, Atsuki Ito, Nobuhiro Yamada, Makoto Yamazaki, Yasuhiko Matsuda, Seiji Koga
  • Patent number: 9199599
    Abstract: A passenger protection device in which an airbag capable of expanding by receiving a predetermined action signal is disposed on the position of a shoulder belt, and a webbing is wound by means of one winding device, wherein the airbag is folded along a gate-shape guide-form slide guide having high-rigidity parts arranged to have a predetermined distance from one another along one side surface of a low-rigidity part extending in the lengthwise direction of the airbag can smoothly slide along the webbing via the slide guide when the webbing is being pulled out. Moreover, it is possible to fit the folded airbag between the chest and shoulder of a passenger because the slide guide is flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Yamataki, Hikaru Kameyoshi, Atsushi Ichida, Tatsuya Higuchi
  • Patent number: 9193328
    Abstract: A device for anchoring a belt buckle (10) comprises a fitting (12) including a first end portion (20) and a second end portion (22) as well as a central portion (18) provided between the two end portions (20, 22). The central portion (18) has an opening for fastening the fitting (12) in a way affixed to the vehicle by means of a screw (16). The device further comprises a connecting strap (14) connected on the one hand to the belt buckle (10) and on the other hand to the fitting (12). According to the invention, the connecting strap (14) extends along the first end portion (20) and the central portion (18) of the fitting (12) and is threaded via a loop (30) into an eyelet (24) of the second end portion (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Haas, Detlev Schmid
  • Patent number: 9145105
    Abstract: A seatbelt buckle structure having: a buckle portion which a tongue plate, through which a seatbelt is inserted, is reattachable; a hollow boot portion; at whose distal end portion the buckle portion is installed; and that supports the buckle portion in an erect state by rigidity of the boot portion; a webbing portion provided at an interior of the boot portion; that connects a vehicle body and the buckle portion; that makes movement, in a vehicle vertical direction, of the boot portion possible; and that, when external force from above is inputted to the buckle portion, moves the boot portion and the buckle portion downward in the vehicle vertical direction; and an elastic member that is provided at the interior of the boot portion; that connects the boot and webbing portions; and at which elastic energy accumulates when external force from above is inputted to the buckle and boot portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukito Ohmura
  • Patent number: 9015949
    Abstract: A method for preventing twisting of a strap of a car seat, the method comprising receiving the strap through a body portion of a device, wherein the body portion includes opposite open ends, and wherein the strap extends through the body portion and protrudes from each of the ends, and positioning the device below at least one of a chest clip and a bottom clip coupled to the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Jeannine Bernardo
  • Patent number: 8991866
    Abstract: A vehicle pillar trim assembly includes a trim panel, a first cover plate and a second cover plate. The trim panel has a first side surface, a second side surface and an aperture extending from the first side surface to the second side surface. The first cover plate is slidably arranged in an adjustment direction with respect to the trim panel in an overlapping manner with the first side surface and at least partially covering the aperture. The first cover plate has a first opening that is smaller than the aperture and at least partially aligned with the aperture. The second cover plate is slidably with respect to the trim panel in an overlapping manner with the first cover plate and at least partially covering the first opening. The second cover plate has a second opening smaller than the first opening and aligned with the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal Osterhout
  • Patent number: 8985698
    Abstract: A seat belt for a motor vehicle front seat is provided with a belt having a lower branch that has one end designed to be connected to an anchor point in the motor vehicle and is thickened via an additional element; the additional element is arranged on just one of the faces of the belt, along a rear edge of the lower branch, and comprises a bar, which is substantially parallel to said rear edge and is fixed to the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
    Inventor: Rosario Luca'
  • Patent number: 8851575
    Abstract: A harness apparatus including a first adjustable harness strap, a second adjustable harness strap, and a retainer apparatus. The retainer apparatus includes a first retainer portion slidably attached to the first harness strap, a second retainer portion slidably attached to the second harness strap, and a braking mechanism configured to prevent the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion from moving along the first harness strap and the second harness strap. The first retainer portion is removably attached to the second retainer portion. The braking mechanism includes a braking device configured to apply resistance to the first harness strap and/or the second harness strap and to hold the retainer apparatus in a stationary position along the first harness strap and the second harness strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Mark J. Friedman
  • Publication number: 20140284991
    Abstract: A seat belt for a motor vehicle front seat is provided with a belt having a lower branch that has one end designed to be connected to an anchor point in the motor vehicle and is thickened via an additional element; the additional element is arranged on just one of the faces of the belt, along a rear edge of the lower branch, and comprises a bar, which is substantially parallel to said rear edge and is fixed to the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
    Inventor: Rosario Luca'
  • Patent number: 8827312
    Abstract: A pretensioner includes a member having a through-hole, a tubular cover, and an actuator configured to pull the member to pull a belt folded back through the through-hole, wherein the tubular cover has a mounting portion that is fixedly positioned on the member upon being put on the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Yoji Suyama, Hirokazu Naganuma
  • Patent number: 8789889
    Abstract: A vehicle buckle support apparatus is arranged between a console box and a seat cushion. The vehicle buckle support apparatus includes a cylindrical inner boot that covers an inner webbing that connects a buckle and an anchor plate together. A thin portion is formed in a width direction of the inner webbing, on a middle portion in a height direction of a seat-side side wall portion of the inner boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tetsu Mitsuo, Yasuhiro Yoshida, Yuki Ando
  • Patent number: 8777322
    Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile seat and a child-restraint harness coupled to the juvenile seat. The juvenile seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back extending upwardly from the seat bottom. The juvenile seat also includes a headrest mounted for up-and-down movement on the seat back relative to the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: William R Horton, David Amirault
  • Patent number: 8727449
    Abstract: A trim covering for a seat assembly of a vehicle, the trim cover having an inner and outer surface and a bonding tape applied to at least one of the inner or outer surfaces. The bonding tape is used to bond portions of the trim cover together, provide additional structural integrated to the trim cover and provide improved craftsmanship in closing-out certain areas of the trim cover. A method of performing a trim cover assembly for use in a seat assembly of a vehicle. The method includes applying heat and pressure over a predetermined time period to bonding tape arranged at a joint between at least two trim components, placing such bonding tape and trim components in a mold, and applying heat and pressure over a predetermined time period to such trim components having the bonding tape arranged at a joint, to form a one-piece trim assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregg Laframboise, David Thimm, Richard P. Doerer, Daniel J. Koester, Marie R. Howell, Sandra L. Smith, Jeffrey Suiter, Teresa A. Stapleton, Duane Potes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8678438
    Abstract: A seat belt apparatus for a vehicle including an anchor metal plate coupled with a vehicle body by a fastening bolt to extensively support a seat belt and upper and lower covers to receive the anchor metal plate. A contact rib is formed on at least one side portion of the inner surface of the upper cover, and a sidewall is formed on a side portion of the lower cover to make contact with the contact rib. An arc-type rib is formed on the bottom plate of the lower cover corresponding to an outer peripheral portion of at least one side portion of the base portion of the anchor metal plate, and a connection rib is formed between the arc-type rib and the sidewall. An arc-type slot is formed on the bottom plate of the lower cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Byoung-Gae You, Sung-Suk Ko, Ho-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8678511
    Abstract: Described in this invention is an inflatable cushion apparatus for a vehicle, which may be applied in multiple embodiments. One such apparatus is a cushioned strap that may be used with or in place of a standard seat belt shoulder strap. A strap may also be employed across the lap strap. A second embodiment may be used a vehicle seat cushioned. Disposed within both embodiments is an inflatable tube within channels created by seams, which may be inflated and deflated to accommodate the comfort of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Vinod M. Grover
  • Patent number: 8672413
    Abstract: A web harness system for use with a child safety seat device for use in automobiles. The web harness having two spaced apart shoulder straps, each having a buckle insert and a latchable connector having two separable components attached. A first integrally formed structure including sleeve covers having a an upper portion, a central portion, and a lower portion coupled to the web harness and latchable connector. A second integrally formed structure including an upper sleeve portion spaced apart from a lower sleeve portion capturing a buckle insert coupled on the shoulder straps. A lower connecting buckle member includes a rotatable handle attached, providing a grasping and manipulating opportunity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Brian J. Morrissey
  • Patent number: 8651519
    Abstract: A restraint system for a mobile platform is provided and may include a seatbelt, an anchor attached to the seatbelt and to the mobile platform, and an airbag attached to the mobile platform via the anchor. The airbag may be movable from a pre-deployed state to an inflated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Keith Czach, David Warren Funnell, Jan Pontus Soderstrom
  • Patent number: 8608246
    Abstract: A safety belt holder for holding a safety belt out of a seat associated with the safety belt, the safety belt holder comprising a first part and a second part. The first part comprises an attachment device for attaching the first part to a structure adjacent the seat, a body attached to the attachment device, and a connector first side attached to or embedded within the body. The second part is attachable to the safety belt and comprises a connector second side, which is removably attachable to the connector first side. In particular, the safety belt holder is suitable for use with an infant car seat with a five-point harness and a retractable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Adam Teague
  • Patent number: 8562076
    Abstract: A configurable cushion device is provided that protects from injury or discomfort caused by items in contact with a person. In one embodiment, the device includes a cushioned pillow wrapped in a protective case that includes a plurality of fastener straps for attaching the device to an object such as a seat belt. The protective case may include an internal or external pocket and may be made of a frictional material or include one or more grippers that provide additional friction against the object to keep the cushion device in a desired location with respect to the object or the person. The cushion device may also include a strap with a connector to allow the device to be secured around a larger object such as the waist of a person. The device may also include a drape cloth that is secured to the interior of the protective case and can be taken out and draped around an object or a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: The Owie Pillow, LLC
    Inventor: Kristine Elizabeth Currier
  • Patent number: 8556020
    Abstract: This object is attained by the combination of a motor-vehicle safety belt formed as a flexible longitudinally extending band and formed with a longitudinally extending and laterally substantially closed passage with an insert fittable into the passage and comprised of a flexible and elongated support strip and at least one electrical or electronic element usable by a motor-vehicle passenger employing the belt secured to the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: paragon AG
    Inventor: Klaus Rodemer
  • Patent number: 8550567
    Abstract: A seat for children intended to be installed in a vehicle, in particular an automobile, comprising a seat bottom, a seat back, and a headrest, the headrest is mobile in translation relatively to the seat back between a lost position and a high position. The seat includes a child-restraint harness intended to maintain a child seated in the seat and configured to include two shoulder straps, each of the shoulder straps carrying a strap-receiving pad adapted to contact a child seated on the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M Biaud
  • Patent number: 8523229
    Abstract: A height adjuster assembly for motor vehicle belt restraint systems adapted to be mounted to a motor vehicle “B” pillar for affixing a D-ring belt anchorage. The height adjuster assembly can be moved to a plurality of vertical positions for optimally locating a seat belt and D-ring. The adjuster assembly includes a slider assembly movable along a rail preferably formed by a roll forming operation. A rotatable pawl within the slider assembly is biased into engagement with the rail teeth and is held in a normally locked position. A pushbutton can be actuated to rotate the lock pawl to a disengaged position allowing vertical adjustment. The system features few parts, low-cost construction, and provides high structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Kohlndorfer
  • Patent number: 8333433
    Abstract: A harness apparatus including a first adjustable harness strap, a second adjustable harness strap, and a retainer apparatus. The retainer apparatus includes a first retainer portion slidably attached to the first harness strap, a second retainer portion slidably attached to the second harness strap, and a braking mechanism configured to prevent the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion from moving along the first harness strap and the second harness strap. The first retainer portion is removably attached to the second retainer portion. The braking mechanism includes a braking device configured to apply resistance to the first harness strap and/or the second harness strap and to hold the retainer apparatus in a stationary position along the first harness strap and the second harness strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Mark J. Friedman
  • Patent number: 8328289
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a harness belt retaining system for a child safety seat. The system includes a first portion including a first attachment portion and configured to secure to a chest clip on a harness belt. The first portion may be configured to be removably secured to the chest clip. The first portion may include a strap. The strap may include a first end and a second end. The first end may include an aperture configured to receive the second end. The strap may be configured to form a loop having an adjustable size, such that the loop can secure to the chest clip. The first portion may have a first surface and a second surface. Each of the surfaces may include the first attachment portion. The first portion may include a toy or a decorative tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Bruce M Tharp
  • Patent number: 8308244
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seatback moveably connected to a seat base. The seatback has an upright position and a folded position. A stationary bolster is located on an outboard lateral side of the seatback. The seatback and the stationary bolster define a seat split line. A seatbelt assembly has a seatbelt webbing and a tongue joined to the seatbelt webbing. A portion of the seatbelt webbing extends along the split line when the seatbelt webbing is in a non-use condition and the seatback is in the upright position. An apparatus connected to at least one of the side bolster and seatbelt assembly retains the seatbelt webbing away from the split line as the seatback is moved between the upright position and the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Grey B. Parker, Eric Daume, Kelly Whalen
  • Patent number: 8302994
    Abstract: A shield cover assembly for a vehicle, may include a shield cover main body, on which a slot is formed thereon in one direction and another direction of the vehicle, and a sliding cover disposed on a bottom surface of the shield cover main body such that the slot is not exposed outside the shield cover main body, wherein the sliding cover has a penetration portion formed in a hollow shape thereon and an anchorage pretensioner member is fixed to a cushion frame through the penetration portion, and wherein the sliding cover is slidable along the bottom surface in the one direction and the another direction in accordance with a movement of the shield cover main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyun Ko
  • Patent number: 8240772
    Abstract: A seatbelt holding structure that comprises a seat body 10 on which a seater is seated, a seatbelt 20 that restrains the seater seated on the seat body 10, and a belt cover 40 as a belt holding unit that holds the seatbelt 20 in a direction in which a seating space of the seat body 10 is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: COMBI Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Kawata, Shushi Hosoya
  • Patent number: 8235469
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable belt guide for the upper hold point of a three-point seat belt with a directing element, via which the belt band of the three-point seat belt can be guided, with a connecting element to fix the belt guide 4 to a backrest of a vehicle seat and with an adjustment element arranged between connecting element and directing element. It is provided according to the invention that the adjustment element is developed such that the distance between the backrest, i.e. the connecting element, and the directing element is variable perpendicular to the backrest and the directing element can be fixed in various positions vis-á-vis the backrest. In addition, the invention relates to a vehicle seat with integrated three-point seat belt in which the belt band of the three-point seat belt is guided by an adjustable belt guide connected to the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Isringhausen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Lutz Meyer
  • Patent number: 8087697
    Abstract: To allow an occupant to easily wear a seat belt without twisting his or her body when the occupant sits in a seat. When a door sensor 60 detects the opening of a door, a motor is driven to wind up a seat belt 2 so as to move a belt guide 4 against biasing force of a spring 9, thereby evacuating the seat belt 2 to a rear side of a vehicle relative to a seat back 1a. When the door sensor 60 detects the closing of the door and a seat sensor 61 detects the sitting of the occupant, the motor is driven in the reverse direction to make a clutch mechanism 34 in the disconnected state so as to protrude the seat belt 2 in the forward direction of the vehicle by the biasing force of the spring 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Tanaka, Daisuke Murakami
  • Publication number: 20110254344
    Abstract: A padded segment device for wheelchair restraint belts that functions to decrease chaffing, rash or other injury related to long-term wear. The device functions by wrapping a padded segment around restraint belts at critical contact points. Additionally, a system employing multiple padded segment devices used in conjunction with an open padded segment allows the practitioner to customize the device to any type of wheelchair design, including protection from and access to a restraint buckle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Cheryl Freeman, Argyle White
  • Publication number: 20110227392
    Abstract: The present invention provides a child safety seat installed within a motor vehicle, including both upper portions of a harness web threaded through a pair of sleeves surrounding that portion of the web proximate a child's chest area. It is an object of this invention to eliminate the disadvantages of the harness webs, tangs and buckle, falling into the depression or concavity formed by the contours of the seat, interfering with placing a child within the seat. The upper portions of both webs are required to be connected laterally to offer protection against separation in the event of a sudden deceleration. The sleeves therefore include a latchable connector to selectively couple or uncouple one sleeve to another. A magnet is positioned upon each sleeve, and metallic strips embedded within the seat sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Brian James Morrissey
  • Patent number: 8016362
    Abstract: An occupant restraint apparatus includes an anchor adapted to be fixed to a vehicle body, a lap belt having a tip side fixed to the anchor, and an inflatable portion formed at the tip side, an inflator for introducing gas from the tip side to inflate the inflatable portion, and a cover. The cover includes a first masking portion for covering the anchor, and a second masking portion formed separately from the first masking portion and attached to the first masking portion for covering at least the tip side of the lap belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Itoga
  • Patent number: 8002358
    Abstract: A seatbelt system for a bench seat is provided. The seatbelt system includes a first seatbelt device that includes seatbelt webbing with a latch, a buckle to receive the latch, and at least one adjustable turning loop that is configured to adjust the vertical position of the adjustable turning loop and, thus, the webbing for the seatbelt. The adjustable turning loop includes a continuous, folding cover to conceal the structural components of the adjuster mechanism and rail assembly and to protect these components from debris and undesirable interaction with the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Marriott, Paul Smith, Thomas Grzybowski, Thomas Messner
  • Patent number: 7971908
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat of a vehicle, a safety belt, and a guide assembly. The seat includes a seat back and an attachment feature that is operatively connected to the seat back. The safety belt includes webbing that is configured to extend in a generally diagonal direction across the seat back. The guide assembly includes a clip, a cord, an attachment mechanism, and a breakaway mechanism. The clip is configured for operative attachment to the webbing of the safety belt. The cord operatively extends from the clip. The attachment mechanism is operatively connected to the cord. The attachment mechanism is configured for selective attachment to the attachment feature of the seat back. The breakaway mechanism operatively interconnects the cord and the clip and is configured to separate such that the cord pulls free from the clip upon the application of a force to the clip or the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Carol C. Hathaway, Thomas M. DiMambro, Alfred A. Jefferson, Steven G. Corrion, Thomas Tilly, Leslie A. Sajovec
  • Publication number: 20110156469
    Abstract: A harness system for a child seat has a shoulder strap, a chest clip, and a harness cover. The harness cover has an upper section coupled to the shoulder strap and positioned above the chest clip and a lower section coupled to the shoulder strap and positioned below the chest clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventor: Jason A. Carpenter