Seatbeltlock, a controlled release seat belt buckle cover for law enforcement
A release resistant buckle cover is shown having a primarily rectangular shape for engagement with a top or side release female buckle portion of a seat belt. A hole in the top and another hole in one side are provided to allow insertion of a standard police issue handcuff key that when depressed allows the release button under the buckle cover to release the belt locking mechanism thus disengaging the seat belt.
Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like elements are indicated by like numerals, there is shown in
The buckle cover has a first end wall 10 opposite a second end wall 12 joined to first and second side walls 11 and 14.
This particular embodiment shows a front side 14 gap and slot 16 and a top side 13 gap and slot 15 that allows passage of the standard issue handcuff key E in
The side walls 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 of the buckle cover, should be large enough such that a female buckle A, as shown in
The gaps are sized such that only handcuff key sized objects will fit where an adults finger would not be able to disengage the seat belt.
It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments, improvements, details and uses can be made consistent with the letter and spirit of the foregoing disclosure and within the scope of this patent, which is limited only by the following claims, construed in accordance with the patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims
1. A device for prohibiting the premature release of vehicular seat belts used in law enforcement applications. This devise is comprised of a buckle cover or sleeve that has four sides that encompass and surround a receiver latching seat belt mechanism. These four sides are connected to a top on the object that has an access hole in the shape that allows a standard police issue handcuff key to be inserted into to contact the release button on the seat belt mechanism. Pressure applied to the release button with the handcuff keys allows the seat belt to be unlocked in the normal manor. Another handcuff key shaped hole in the side of the cover allows seat belts with side release buttons to use this same devise, in the same operating manor. This cover prevents a person from releasing the seatbelt with their finger. The handcuff key sized hole prohibits the use of typical vehicle keys, or similar larger objects. Seatbelts save lives and a properly secured prisoner is paramount to officer safety. Historically, prisoners that have released their seat belts prematurely while in police custody have caused accidents, escapes and injuries or death to themselves and the police officers involved. This device will prevent those undesirable situations and the liabilities that are associated with those undesirable situations. This invention was designed to be maintenance free and simple. It may be carried in the vehicle or with the officer. It may be used in all seating positions in the vehicle, and it is designed to fit most late model vehicles in use by law enforcement.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 7, 2005
Publication Date: Sep 7, 2006
Inventor: Robert Symns (Hays, KS)
Application Number: 10/906,782
International Classification: A44B 21/00 (20060101);