And Operator Therefor Patents (Class 24/633)
  • Patent number: 6601917
    Abstract: A seat assembly (10) for a vehicle having an anchor (16) for a child seat (15) disposed between a seat cushion (12) and a seat back (14). The invention is characterized by a cover (17) movable into a retracted and closed position between the seat cushions (12) and the seat back (14) covering the anchor (16) and out of the retracted position to an extended and fully open position out from between the seat cushions (12) and seat back (14) exposing the anchor (16) for attachment to the child seat (15). The cover (17) includes guide slots (34, 36) for slidably receiving side portions (50) of the anchor (16) and a ramped surface (60) automatically moves the lid (20) from the closed position to the fully open position in response to the housing (18) moving relative to the anchor (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Sven Christopherson
  • Patent number: 6591465
    Abstract: A latching apparatus for an inflatable belt device which achieves reduction in the gas leakage without losing the smoothness of insertion of a tongue into a buckle, or which achieves reduction in the manufacturing cost and the weight of the latching apparatus. A tongue and a buckle of a latching apparatus for an inflatable belt device have pipes (a tongue pipe, a buckle pipe), through which gas for deploying an inflatable belt flows. The end of the buckle pipe is covered by a buckle cap which is broken when an inflator is actuated. The buckle cap is biased upwardly by a spring fitted around the buckle pipe. A space between the pipes is eliminated by the buckle cap, thereby achieving the reduction in gas leakage. Therefore, the need for excess gas is eliminated, thereby enabling miniaturization of the inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Yoji Suyama
  • Patent number: 6588077
    Abstract: A seat belt buckle is provided which can prevent ejection of a tongue plate caused by so-called reverse G without increasing release force for releasing a lock state. The seat belt buckle comprises a latch including a latch swinging end portion, a lock member including a lock swinging end portion, which is made to swing between a lock position, at which at the time of latching, the lock swinging end portion swings on the latch swinging end portion and engage to stop the latch swinging end portion in a state of pressing the latch swinging end portion toward engagement holes of a tongue plate and a base while pressing the same in a tongue plate insertion direction, thereby locking the latching, and a lock release position, a lock operation end portion for releasing the locking and a weight portion formed at the side of the lock swinging end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Soichi Katsuyama, Shinji Mori, Tetsushi Muromachi
  • Publication number: 20030121130
    Abstract: A mounting structure for buckles, cord locks and the like is provided with a base and a body for placement on opposite sides of the article to which the component is to be secured. A first connector part in the nature of a rack is provided on one of the body and base, and a lug is provided on the other of the body and the base for engagement at various locations along the rack to secure the body and base on opposite sides of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Jordi Badrenas Buscart, John S. Pontaoe
  • Publication number: 20030106193
    Abstract: A buckle device is disclosed for releasably fastening together a first, second and third strap. The device includes a first plug attached to the first strap and a second plug attached to the second strap. A socket is attached to the third strap and a release button is molded separately from the socket and cooperates with the socket such that when the button is disposed in a first disposition relative to the socket, the first and second plugs are secured relative to the socket and when the button is disposed in a second disposition relative to the socket, the first and second plugs are released from the socket. The socket defines a catch which engages an opening when the tongue is inserted into a first hole such that the first plug is secured relative to the socket. Also, the socket defines a further catch which engages a further opening when the further tongue is inserted into a second hole such that the second plug is secured relative to the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: John Pontaoe
  • Publication number: 20030101553
    Abstract: A buckle apparatus in which a permanent magnet and a GMR element are provided. A shielding member is provided to an ejector of the buckle apparatus via a lever. When an inserted tongue plate of a vehicle seat belt pushes and moves the ejector as far as a position at which an engaging piece can engage with a through-hole, the shielding member is interposed between the permanent magnet and the GMR element, and the shielding member shields lines of magnetic force from the permanent magnet toward the GMR element. As a result, magnetic forces lines penetrating the GMR element are greatly reduced, and an electrical resistance value of the GMR element is suddenly and greatly changed. Thus, a buckle apparatus is provided which includes a detection mechanism that can reliably detect when the tongue plate has been inserted into the apparatus main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kouichi Itoigawa, Hitoshi Muraki
  • Patent number: 6566869
    Abstract: A force sensor (50, 50′, 50a) generates a signal indicating the usage of a seat belt. A cylindrical housing (70, 70′) has a wall (72) and a bottom (74) which define an internal cavity (88). The bottom has an opening (76) through it. A cable anchor (90) is slidably received within the cavity and is connected to a cable (54). The cable has one end secured to the cable anchor and another end connected to an anchor point. A magnet (120) is connected to a top of the cable anchor and is movable with the cable anchor. The cable anchor is biased to resist motion of the cable anchor toward the bottom of the housing. A magnetic sensor (200) generates a signal indicative of the distance between it and the magnet. A sensor housing (180) is connected to the housing and is positioned on the housing to position the magnetic sensor a determinable distance from the magnet at a null position. A housing end cap (150) is secured to the housing for enclosing an open end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony W. Chamings, John O'Neill, Rudi Grzic
  • Publication number: 20030088953
    Abstract: To improve the grasp on the tongue of a seat belt, a handle extends from the seat belt tongue in the forward direction of the seat belt and is attached in a rotating manner to the central or rear portion of the tongue to perform rotation of the tongue in relation to the handle when the handle is grasped and pulled forward to fasten the seat belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Daniele Finotti
  • Patent number: 6560830
    Abstract: An improved structure of a plug-in fastening device is disclosed. An improved structure of a plug-in fastening device having a female fastener and a male fastener, characterized in that the two sides of the housing of the female fastener are provided with resilient legs and the interior of the housing is provided with a positioning sliding block and a fastening rod, by means of the top urging and pressing of a compression spring, via the pushing of the controlling button positioned at the housing of the female fastener, the protruded block of the fastening rod contacts with a positioning sliding block zigzag recess and a slot, thereby the dislocation of the fastening device due to external force is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Chen-Lung Chi
  • Publication number: 20030079321
    Abstract: A permanent enhancement for seat belts and child safety seat belt buckles that is resistant to release by children. The device is molded from rubber, plastics, polymers, or composite materials as to not be excessive in size and it can be color coded to match the materials used in the vehicle or child safety seat. The force required to release the belt can be controlled through material choice and the size of the release button. Thus, discouraging the untimely release of the seat belt buckle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Arvie Clyde Dean, Andrew Martin Bates
  • Patent number: 6550112
    Abstract: A closure for a seat belt comprises a release button shiftably mounted on a frame and cooperating with a latch which can be swiveled between a locking position and an opening position around a swiveling axis, and a blocking element that can assume a blocking position in which it blocks the latch in the locking position. The blocking element is mounted on the frame so as to pivot around an axis that passes through a center of gravity of the blocking element, so that it can be swiveled by the release button out of the blocking position into a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignees: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG, TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Röhrle, Bob McFalls
  • Patent number: 6543101
    Abstract: A multi-point buckle assembly includes a body having a top opening on a top surface, a plurality of side openings, and a plurality of channels, a release button disposed within the top opening, a plurality of main tongues, and a plurality of side tongues, wherein each of the plurality of main tongues is adapted to fit into each of the plurality of side openings and each of the plurality of side tongues is adapted to fit into each of the plurality of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James A. Sack, Arthur L. Gehr, Jr., Glenn E. Gehr
  • Patent number: 6539595
    Abstract: A vehicle body restraint system including a buckle for latching and retaining a latch plate associated with a safety belt wherein the buckle includes a latching mechanism which is moved to a first “locked” position by a threaded component placed under torque to retain the latch plate upon insertion of the latch plate into a buckle housing and wherein release of the latch plate is only permitted upon manual rotation of a pivotal release member which is operatively connected to the threaded component to thereby move the latch plate to a second “release” position. The system is operative such that inertial forces created during vehicle accidents cannot release the latch plate from the buckle housing and such that the torque on the threaded component is automatically increased in the event of an accident resulting in a forward pitch of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Charles E. Benedict
  • Patent number: 6520392
    Abstract: The backup buckle has a housing with juxtaposed first and second portions. A buckle mechanism is mounted in the first portion. A stiff plate is affixed to the buckle mechanism and extends along the second portion and away from the buckle mechanism. A latch blade is affixed to the stiff plate at a distance from the buckle mechanism. The backup buckle is mountable to a vehicle seat belt and is useful for offering an alternate release point along the seat belt in vehicles having hard-to-reach seat belt buckles. An objective of the backup buckle is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by faulty seat belts retaining passengers in a vehicle on fire, in a submerged vehicle or in a vehicle in such condition as to create other life threatening situation. In another aspect of the invention, the housing of the backup buckle has a storage compartment therein for stowing personal articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel D. L. Thibodeau, Adelbert Comeau
  • Patent number: 6513207
    Abstract: A belt connecting device having a female member and male member engagable with each other; an engaged/disengaged portion of the female member having a substantially U-shaped pinching resilient portion open at a side of a belt connecting portion, having a narrow portion in the middle thereof, and extending substantially on one plane from the other end; an engaging/disengaging portion of the male member having a protruded portion projecting substantially from a rear middle portion of said plate shaped body and at least a belt connecting portion side end face portion thereof having a configuration to be circumscribed by a pinching surface of the pinching resilient portion of the female member; and a substantially C-shaped attachment flange, having a gradually increasing projection, whose rear face engages with a surface attachment face of the pinching resilient portion at an upper end of the protruded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichiro Uehara, Tomohisa Ishida
  • Patent number: 6513208
    Abstract: A buckle assembly configured to receive a tongue and selectively engaging the tongue with a fixed latch. The buckle assembly includes a release button, a frame and an urging member. The release button receives the tongues and also slidably retains two ejectors. The frame has two fixed lathes that engage the latch receiving slots on the tongues when the tongues are at least partially inserted into the release button. In one embodiment, insertion of the tongues into the release button causes the displacement of two ejectors such that the urging member is able to urge the release button into a closed configuration in which the release button is flush with the frame. When the release button is urged into the closed configuration, the latch receiving slots are engaged by the fixed latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Wonderland Nursery Goods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James A. Sack, Arthur L. Gehr
  • Patent number: 6507982
    Abstract: The invention provides a buckle which is formed from a buckle main body and an insert-in body, and which has a good appearance in which a belt attaching portion is hidden from view. The buckle is formed from a buckle main body and an insert-in body. The insert-in body is provided with engaging rods and a guide rod. The engaging rods are provided at both sides of a base portion of the insert-in body and have engaging portions which engage with engaging holes of the buckle main body. The guide rod is provided at a center of the base portion and can be inserted into an insert-in hole of the buckle main body. At an opposite surface of the base portion are provided a lower surface plate having a belt attaching portion, and an upper surface plate which covers a surface of the lower surface plate. A belt insertion hole into which the belt is inserted is formed between the upper surface plate and the lower surface plate. The buckle main body is formed from an upper surface plate, a lower surface plate and side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoji Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20030005560
    Abstract: A tongue of an inflatable belt device which allows a lap belt anchor to be easily assembled to a tongue body is provided. A tongue plate is provided on its one surface with hook-like projections for coupling a lap belt anchor to the tongue plate, and stoppers for preventing the lap belt anchor engaged with the projections from coming off the projections. Each stopper is supported by a plate spring. As receiving holes are engaged with the projections, the stoppers come in contact with the front end face of the lap belt anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Yoji Suyama
  • Patent number: 6490764
    Abstract: A latch plate for use with a seat belt and seat belt buckle, the latch plate comprising: a metal load-bearing plate including a generally flat tongue engageable with a locking feature of the seat belt buckle, a first portion of the bearing plate, rearward of the tongue, having a first surface, the first surface including a lateral extending rearward edge; the bearing plate, in a second portion thereof, including an integrally formed tab having a laterally extending forward edge, the forward edge of the tab overlaying the rearward edge of the first surface, the tab being spaced a determinable distance from the first surface defining a thin channel or opening therebetween through which the seat belt is received, the distance being sufficiently narrow to lessen the likelihood of the seat belt becoming twisted in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Bell
  • Publication number: 20020178557
    Abstract: A seat belt buckle is provided which can prevent ejection of a tongue plate caused by so-called reverse G without increasing release force for releasing a lock state. The seat belt buckle comprises a latch including a latch swinging end portion, a lock member including a lock swinging end portion, which is made to swing between a lock position, at which at the time of latching, the lock swinging end portion swings on the latch swinging end portion and engage to stop the latch swinging end portion in a state of pressing the latch swinging end portion toward engagement holes of a tongue plate and a base while pressing the same in a tongue plate insertion direction, thereby locking the latching, and a lock release position, a lock operation end portion for releasing the locking and a weight portion formed at the side of the lock swinging end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Soichi Katsuyama, Shinji Mori, Tetsushi Muromachi
  • Patent number: 6484369
    Abstract: Positioning devices for improving the fit, comfort and crash protection provided to users, particularly children, of Type II vehicle seat belt assemblies which include webbing connected to a retraction device and extending at a relatively upper end from a force diverter such as a pillar loop and secured to an anchor at a relatively lower end, with a latch plate insertable into a buckle and having a slotted opening through which the webbing slides to define a shoulder belt portion between the upper force diverter and the latch plate, and a lap belt portion between the lower anchor end and the latch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Brian J. Conaway
  • Publication number: 20020166216
    Abstract: A seat belt buckle assembly including a seat belt buckle, the buckle including: a frame (26) defining a tongue-receiving slot (40); a latch plate (34) operably positioned in relation to the tongue-receiving slot and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position; a latch spring (64) for biasing the latch plate toward the locked position; an ejector mechanism (28) located behind the tongue-receiving slot and rearwardly movable in response to inward movement of a tongue; the ejector including a first portion engageable by the tongue and rearwardly movable to a position beyond the location of the latch plate and a second portion (80) slidably receiving and supporting the latch plate, the second portion remaining in contact with the latch plate, preventing the latch plate from moving to its locked position even when the first portion has moved beyond the latch plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Jain, Antony W. Chamings, Rudi Grzic, Stephan F. Vetter
  • Patent number: 6477753
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved buckle for a vehicle safety restraint from which more accurate and reliable information on seat belt usage can be obtained. The buckle comprises a buckle head with a passageway for receiving a buckle tongue, and releasable means for locking the tongue in the passageway. A tag such as a coded magnetic strip or a microchip is provided encapsulated in the material of the tongue and a detector is provided in the buckle head in close proximity to the tongue passageway. A detector is provided to suitably read the tag code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David Burke
  • Patent number: 6474435
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Devereaux
  • Patent number: 6463639
    Abstract: A buckle that can be manufactured at lower cost and is not unlocked even when a tongue plate is pushed in a locked state is obtained. An intermediate arm 60 is fixed to a lock spring 54 attached to a button 28. Facing walls 68 of leg portions 66 of the intermediate arm 60 face distal ends of horn pieces 26 of an ejector 22. In the locked state, a predetermined clearance 72 is formed between the facing walls 68 and protrusions 70 of the horn pieces 26. Accordingly, even if a tongue plate 20 is moved further in the direction of the arrow A, the facing walls 68 are not moved in the direction of the arrow A. The button 28 is not moved in an unlocking direction (the direction of the arrow A), either, and movement of a latch 48 in a disengaging direction (the direction opposite to the arrow B) is certainly prevented. As protrusions 38 can be formed in a small size, a buckle 10 is formed in a small size, and the buckle 10 can be manufactured at lower cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Siesakusho
    Inventor: Shinji Mori
  • Patent number: 6463638
    Abstract: A strap retainer for a buckle assembly wherein a strap retaining portion defines a slot. One or more teeth are positioned along the strap retaining portion and extend into the slot. At least one tooth is positioned along an inner edge of the strap retaining portion. The buckle assembly may further include a first mating portion and a second mating portion, each having the strap retaining portion, that engage with a centrally-positioned housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John Pontaoe
  • Publication number: 20020138951
    Abstract: A seat belt connector assembly is provided with a seat belt anchor adapted to be coupled to a passenger seat and a cover for accommodating an upper part of the seat belt anchor. The seat belt anchor and the cover, which are relatively movable, are each formed with a seat-belt insertion hole permitting a seat belt to pass therethrough, and are formed with a mark and a through hole, respectively. When the desired relative position permitting the desired tension force to be applied to the seat belt is established between the seat belt anchor and the cover, the mark is made visible through the through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Takayuki Enomoto, Naobumi Kuboki
  • Publication number: 20020124362
    Abstract: A buckle for safety belts is provided, especially for the waist belt of a life preserver. The buckle has a tongue plate, the pins of which are insertable into a slot-shaped recess of a main body in which are displaceably disposed two securing elements, which cooperate with the pins for locking the buckle, and which are resiliently biased into the locking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Bernhardt Apparatebau GmbH u. Co.
    Inventor: Stefan Glasa
  • Patent number: 6442807
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckle assembly for use in a restraint system for protecting a vehicle passenger during a crash event. The buckle assembly includes a connector, an airbag buckle and a means for ensuring that the connector may only be inserted into an airbag buckle and that the connector may only be inserted into an airbag buckle in a single orientation. The connector includes a mechanical stop with an offset edge. This offset edge must engage within a clearing slot located within the airbag buckle in order for the connector to latch into the airbag buckle. Latching of the connecting element with other non-airbag buckles or with the air bag buckle when the connector is not in the proper orientation is thus prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Am-Safe, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Alexander Adkisson
  • Patent number: 6438810
    Abstract: A seat restraint buckle assembly for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a rigid frame having an open forward end defining a passage to receive a latch plate. The seat restraint buckle assembly also includes a locking member operatively connected to the frame and pivotal between a latched position in which the locking member retains the latch plate within the passage and an unlatched position in which the locking member is held clear of the passage. The seat restraint buckle assembly includes a release button slidably mounted on the frame above the passage for longitudinal movement relative to the frame. The seat restraint buckle assembly further includes a blocking lever operatively connected to the frame and pivotal to contact the locking member and urging the locking member towards the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd Walker Rogers, Jr., John R. Rice, David Gerard Hlavaty, James Lloyd Webber
  • Publication number: 20020112327
    Abstract: A seat belt buckle, of the type which is released by depressing a push button, is provided with a cover having a body portion adapted to cover the push button. The cover is retained in place on the buckle by a plurality of resilient clips arranged to engage round the buckle body. The resilient clips are adapted to yield to release the cover when a force tending to dislodge the cover exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Charles Baloga
  • Patent number: 6427297
    Abstract: A buckle is formed of a base having two side walls, a cover for accommodating and supporting the base, and having a tongue insertion hole formed at one end side of the two side walls of the base, and guide portions provided on each of the two side walls to protrude inwardly therefrom for leading a tongue to be inserted through the tongue insertion hole. The guide portions lead a tip of the tongue smoothly without blocking even when the tongue is inserted from the tongue insertion hole at a maximum slant posture defined by the tongue insertion hole relative to the buckle. The tongue can be smoothly inserted into the buckle to improve the manipulation feeling in inserting the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Takata Corporation.
    Inventors: Yutaka Yamaguchi, Akihiro Shiota, Yoshihiko Kawai, Tadayuki Asako, Takaaki Kimura
  • Patent number: 6421889
    Abstract: A buckle structure has a male and female buckle piece. The male buckle piece has a base mount having two symmetric retaining legs extending therefrom with a guiding post disposed therebetween. Each retaining leg has an enlarged head portion having a leading angle and a retaining corner. Each retaining leg has an abutment block. In the female buckle piece is defined a hollow engagement cavity for receiving retaining legs with a guiding tunnel disposed at the center for receiving the guiding post. The female buckle piece has a side dodging opening respectively for exposing the abutment block. A stop post located in the way of each retaining leg engages with the retaining corner in buckling up; actuation of the abutment block permits the retaining corner to escape from restraint, making buckle pieces to separate easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Vinsonic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Vincent Chien
  • Patent number: 6419199
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring the locking position of a connecting device 5, especially the locking position of a device for fixing a child seat in a motor vehicle, with a base body 11, which can be connected with a support component 7 capable of being locked with a locking component 3, a slider 13 arranged in the base body 11, which when the base body is joined with the support component 7, can be impinged at time of transfer of locking component 3 to the locking position by the locking component and displaced from an initial position into an end position corresponding to the locking position, and with a detection device 15 provided in or at the base body 11 for detection of the correct locking position of the locking component 3 and the support component 7 by detection of the position of the slider 13, whereby the detection device 15 registers, in addition to the locking position, at least one additional position of the slider 13, at a distance from the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Skofljanec, Dieter Bornhorst, Sören Lemcke
  • Patent number: 6400145
    Abstract: A force sensor (50, 50′, 50a) generates a signal indicating the usage of a seat belt. A cylindrical housing (70, 70′) has a wall (72) and a bottom (74) which define an internal cavity (124). The bottom has an opening (76) through it. A cable anchor (90) is slidably received within the cavity and is connected to a cable (54). The cable has one end secured to the cable anchor and another end connected to an anchor point. A magnet (120) is connected to a top of the cable anchor and is movable with the cable anchor. The cable anchor is biased to resist motion of the cable anchor toward the bottom of the housing. A magnetic sensor (200) for generates a signal indicative of the distance between it and the magnet. A sensor housing (180) is connected to the housing and is positioned on the housing to position the magnetic sensor a determinable distance from the magnet at a null position. A housing end cap (150) is secured to the housing for enclosing an open end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony W. Chamings, John O'Neill, Rudi Grzic
  • Patent number: 6389661
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a lockable element (16) and a buckle (12) that includes a base (28), a latch (42), a Hall effect device (60), and a pair of magnets (68) and (74). The base (28) defines a passage (32) into which the lockable element (16) is insertable. The latch (42) is made of a ferromagnetic material and is movable from a non-locking position to a locking position in which it engages the lockable element (16). The Hall effect device (60) is disposed between the magnets (68) and (74). The magnetic fields of the magnets (68) and (74) oppose each other. In the locking position, the magnets (68) and (74) provide a net magnetic field of a first magnitude that acts on the Hall effect device (60). In the non-locking position, the magnets (68) and (74) provide a magnetic field of a second magnitude acting on the Hall effect device (60) that is different than the net magnetic field of a first magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Louis R. Brown, Antonio Esquivel
  • Patent number: 6385822
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing articles to a vehicle-mounted rack. The apparatus includes at least one flexible strap associated with the rack. The strap is positionable around an article supported by the rack. A clamping buckle is adapted to receive and clamp onto the strap. A protective housing is adapted to receive and at least partially cover the buckle to protect the article and the vehicle from damage. In one embodiment, the strap may be attached to the housing to prevent the housing from being separated from the strap. In another embodiment, the housing may include one or more apertures to allow a user to operate the buckle when it is covered by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Dean, Scott R. Allen, Joseph J. Settelmayer
  • Patent number: 6385823
    Abstract: In a buckle for a seat belt, lower ends of side walls of an operational button is positioned at a level lower than lower ends of guide portions of a base, and an upper surface of a portion of a lower cover defining a tongue-insertion opening is positioned at a level higher than an upper surface of a bottom of the base. Therefore, when a tongue is engaged with the buckle, an engaging portion of the tongue touches at least one of the side walls of the operational button made of resin, and the portion of the lower cover made of resin. Thus, the tongue is prevented from touching the guide portions and the bottom of the base made of metal, thereby preventing a noise due to the metal-to-metal contact when the tongue 3 is inserted into the buckle and engaged with the buckle. Therefore, a jar on an occupant's nerve when wearing the seat belt can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Yamaguchi, Akihiro Shiota, Yoshihiko Kawai, Tadayuki Asako, Takaaki Kimura
  • Patent number: 6381815
    Abstract: A buckle is provided with a non-contact buckle switch improved in durability to be securely operated. The non-contact buckle switch is switched by detecting a movement of one of an ejector, latch member and lock member of the buckle. The buckle switch includes a magnet and a Hall element for generating an electromotive force by a magnetic field of the magnet. One of the magnet and the Hall element is attached to a fixed member, and the other of the magnet and the Hall element is attached to one of the ejector, latch member and lock member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignees: Takata Corporation, Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Yamaguchi, Akihiro Shiota, Yoshihiko Kawai, Tadayuki Asako, Takaaki Kimura, Hirofumi Koizumi
  • Patent number: 6370742
    Abstract: In a latched state of a buckle in which a tongue is engaged, an inertia lever member of a movement preventing device enters into a path of a lock pin. When the buckle is pulled by a buckle pretensioner in this state, the inertia lever member moves in the longitudinal direction, and pressed portions of the inertia lever member are held by a holding portion, so that the inertia lever member does not pivot and the levers are thus held in the path of the lock pin. At the end of pretensioning, the buckle is stopped. Since the moment produced by the inertia force acting on the center of gravity of mass body of the movement preventing device is larger than the moment produced by the inertia force of an operational button, the inertia lever member does not pivot, so that the inertia lever member can be held in the path of the lock pin. In the buckle, the inertia release can be effectively prevented with a simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Yamaguchi, Akihiro Shiota, Yoshihiko Kawai, Tadayuki Asako, Takaaki Kimura
  • Patent number: 6367129
    Abstract: A buckle is provided in which a number of parts can be reduced and which can reliably maintain a latched state. When a tongue plate is engaged (latched) by a lock plate, presser members of a cam urged by a return spring abut receiving surfaces of the lock plate, and therefore, a latched state cannot be inadvertently released. Further, when the latched state is to be released, by pressing a release button, a claw is pushed such that a cam rotates, and the presser members separate from the receiving surfaces. As a result, the return spring is compressed, and due to elastic force of the return spring, the release button returns to its original position. In this way, because the return spring carries out both the operation of urging the cam and the operation of returning the release button to its original position, the number of parts is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Shinji Mori
  • Patent number: 6363591
    Abstract: An improved safety belt buckle for use with a buckle end pretensioner. The buckle for a vehicle safety restraint belt comprises a latch (5) moveable between a tongue engaging position in which the buckle is fastened and a tongue disengaged position in which the buckle is open, a button (7) moveable in the direction of tongue insertion to lift the latch against the action of a biasing spring (9), into the disengaging position. A securing means (10) in the form of a slidable plate is mounted in the buckle frame and is moveable between a position in which it restrains a movement of the latch into the disengaging position and a position in which it does not restrain movement of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Bell, Brian Jack
  • Patent number: 6360409
    Abstract: A load-bearing frame is provided with a fastener extension which is configured integrally with the frame and comprises a fastener opening for mounting the frame in a vehicle-fixed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Wier
  • Patent number: 6357092
    Abstract: A buckle which is used to removably fasten two pieces of webbing, strap or the like together requires two distinct actions for its opening and thus is “double locking.” A latch member is pivotally supported on a frame by means of a support shaft. A first strap end is fixedly attached to one end of the frame. A second strap end to be attached to the first strap end is removably attached to one end of an adjuster member. The other end of the adjuster member is T-shaped. The frame has a pair of opposing ledge portions which extend opposite the base portion of the frame, opposing slots being formed between these portions. The top of the “T” of the adjuster member fits into the slots to retain the adjuster member to the frame when tension is placed on the second strap end portion thereby providing a first locking action. The latch member has a detent formed thereon which engages a detent on the end of the ledge portion of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Ancra International, LLC.
    Inventor: Ward C. Burrows
  • Patent number: 6357091
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a lockable element (16) and a buckle (12). The buckle (12) includes a base (28) that defines a passage (32) into which the lockable element (16) is insertable, and a latch (42) movable to lock the lockable element against movement in the passage. The buckle (12) also includes a sensor (60) and a magnet (62). The magnet (62) is movable from a first position to a second position when the lockable element (16) is inserted into the passage (32). The magnet (62) creates a magnetic field of a first flux density acting on the sensor (60) to cause the sensor to provide a first output when the magnet is in the first position. The magnet (62) creates a magnetic field of a second flux density, different than the first flux density, acting on the sensor (60) to cause the sensor to provide a second output, different than the first output, when the magnet is in the second position. The magnet (62) has an interference fit with one of the lockable element (16) and the buckle (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Devereaux
  • Publication number: 20020023324
    Abstract: A seat belt cover comprising a flat tubular member through which a seat belt of a motor vehicle is passed to be covered therewith, wherein, the flat tubular member has i) a slit-shaped opening provided at its lower end and having a width larger than the width of a through-tongue and ii) a slit-shaped opening provided at its upper end and having a width which is enough to pass the seat belt but not enough to pass the through-tongue. Also disclosed is a seat belt cover provided with a pocket for, e.g., a cellular phone on the outside. The former seat belt cover can prevent the friction of a seat belt with clothes to keep the shoulder or breast of a coat or jacket from becoming shiny and wearing. The latter seat belt cover enables, e.g., safety driving in talking over the cellular phone during the driving of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Kyozo Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20020017012
    Abstract: A multi-point buckle assembly includes a body having a top opening on a top surface, a plurality of side openings, and a plurality of channels, a release button disposed within the top opening, a plurality of main tongues, and a plurality of side tongues, wherein each of the plurality of main tongues is adapted to fit into each of the plurality of side openings and each of the plurality of side tongues is adapted to fit into each of the plurality of channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: LoreTech, Ltd.
    Inventors: James A. Sack, Arthur L. Gehr, Glenn E. Gehr
  • Patent number: 6343449
    Abstract: A tension strap connector assembly for use in a stabilizing foundation system for a manufactured home supported by at least one flanged beam. The tension strap connector assembly is adapted at a first end so as to hook around and latch about a flange of the manufactured home support beam. At a second end, the tension strap connector has a strap slot adapted to receive a tension strap of the stabilizing foundation system, wherein the tension strap is attached at one end to a ground anchor. The tension strap connector provides a means for altering the orientation of the tension strap relative to the hook portion so that the tension strap can be arranged in non-perpendicular orientations with respect to the manufactured home without creating a torsional stress concentration within the tension strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • Patent number: 6338502
    Abstract: A buckle system and mechanism for use in a seat belt vehicle restraint system which provides an interlock for ensuring that the occupant has the correct web position for the lap and shoulder belt portions of a three-point seat belt system. This buckle system permits only one tongue to be inserted in the interlock at a time. Moreover, the insertion of one tongue causes the ejection of the other tongue. Once placed into use, this invention ensures that one of the tongues is latched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc
    Inventor: Stephen C. Czank
  • Patent number: 6332252
    Abstract: A release resistant buckle cover is shown having a primarily rectangular shape for engagement with a top release female buckle portion of a seat belt. A plurality of gaps are provided to provide passage of the male belt to the female buckle for engagement of the seat belt. The gaps are also used to provide passage of a thin object such as a key to be inserted through one of the gaps to compress the top release button of the female buckle to release the male belt thus disengaging the seat belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Diana L. Powers