For Shifting Pivotally Connected Interlocking Component Patents (Class 24/637)
  • Patent number: 11219280
    Abstract: A tool belt (1) comprises a belt strap (2) and a belt buckle (3), wherein the belt buckle (3) comprises a male (5) and a female part (7). The male part (5) comprises a latch plate (27) and the female part (7) comprises a female interface (9) for receiving the latch plate (27). The latch plate (27) is attached to a first end (2a) of the belt strap (2) and the female part (7) is attached to a second end (2b) of the belt strap (2), and the female part (7) comprises a locking mechanism (15) adapted for connection and disconnection of the latch plate (27) to or from the female interface (9), and a length adjustment mechanism (17) adapted for adjustment of the length of the belt strap (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Carl Heinemark, Mikael Arvidsson
  • Patent number: 11015639
    Abstract: A conceal buckle apparatus includes a box, a buckle, an axle and a locking element. The box includes a rim, a back plate and a connective plate formed between the rim and the back plate. An opening includes a portion in the connective plate and another portion in the back plate. The buckle includes two lateral portions extending out of the recess via the opening and a middle portion extending perpendicular to the lateral portions. The axle is connected to the lateral portions of the buckle and formed with two terminal sections each of which comprises at least three faces. The locking element is connected to the box and formed with five contact portions. Two of the contact portions are in contact with two of the faces of the axle when the lateral portions of the buckle extend perpendicular or parallel to the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 10363901
    Abstract: A belt buckle (1) for a seatbelt system including a spring-loaded lock mechanism (3) having a securing pin (2) for locking a belt tongue (5) inserted into a buckle housing (4), a pushbutton (7), a frame (6) which is displaceably guided on the buckle housing (4) under spring effect to impact upon the lock mechanism (3) for unlocking of the belt buckle (1). In the frame (6) a recess (9) including at least one contact region (8) is formed for guiding and/or retaining the securing pin (2) contacting the contact region (8) upon an actuation of the belt buckle (1). At least one contact region (8) of the recess (9) formed on the pushbutton (7) having a noise-damping element (10, 11) for reducing noise emission in the region where the securing pin (2) abuts against the pushbutton (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Melanie Placzek, Dietmar Legde
  • Patent number: 10357082
    Abstract: A belt buckle provided includes: a hollow retaining member including an entry end and an opposite exit end; a rotary member pivotally connected to two ears of the exit end and including a recess, a pulling portion protrudes from one side of the recess, an engaging portion is formed at an opposite another side of the recess, and an abutting portion is provided on an outer surface of the rotary member; a pivot disposed in the recess and having two ends inserted through the ears; a spring sleeved onto the pivot and disposed in the recess to push the abutting portion towards the two ears of the exit end; and an engaging member pivotally attached to the two ears of the entry end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: PURPLE CHAIN IND CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Steven Liu
  • Patent number: 9879453
    Abstract: A double door gate apparatus having a frame, a main gate and a secondary gate, where the apparatus includes the unique features of a) a latch apparatus between uppermost framework members of the main gate and secondary gate, b) the latch apparatus being weighted to return to a normally closed position, c) each of the main gate and secondary gates having an inverted U-shaped piece engaging the bottommost horizontal member such that each of the main and secondary gates need to be lifted prior to being opened and prior to being closed, and d) a pair of hand wheels on a common shaft that work together to space the double door gate apparatus a desired distance from a vertical surface such as a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Carlson Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Brian G. Linehan, Brian M. McMahon, Caleb Summers
  • Patent number: 9463737
    Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle seatbelt assembly is provided herein. The lighting system includes a first seatbelt component configured to couple to a second seatbelt component. A light source is disposed on the first seatbelt component. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the second component and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Patent number: 9402446
    Abstract: A belt buckle (10) for a seat belt includes a buckle housing (16), a locking mechanism for locking a plug-in tongue inserted in the buckle housing (16), a release button (22) which is movable in a first direction relative to the buckle housing (16) for unlocking the plug-in tongue, and a safety mechanism for preventing automatic displacement of the release button (22) in the first direction. The safety mechanism includes a mass body (36) movable in the first direction relative to the buckle housing (16) and a movably supported coupling lever (24) including an axis of rotation which is stationary relative to the buckle housing (16). The coupling lever (24) is coupled to the mass body (36) and to the release button (22) so that, upon acceleration of the belt buckle (10) in a second direction opposed to the first direction, it transmits an inertia force acting on the mass body (36) in the first direction to the release button (22) in the opposite second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Haas
  • Patent number: 8984725
    Abstract: An improved buckle device for a limited release application such as a pet collar, which includes a buckle assembly having a cover having a top with a downward turn release lip. The release lip, in the closed position, does not extend past the frame member and is recessed within the sidewalls and bottom wall of the frame. The cover includes high-positioned ledges that cause a cam latch to release a clasp from the buckle only when the cover has traveled at least about 80-degress from horizontal. The cover hingeably mounts to a frame by means of a pin. The latch is supported by the pin. Tension against the cover is provided by a first biasing member and the latch cam is forced downward by a second biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Fidrych
  • Patent number: 8978214
    Abstract: A seat belt buckle device in which the jumping or roll-over height of a counterweight is decreased allowing the seat belt buckle device to be reduced in size. The seat belt buckle device includes an outer case into which a tongue plate is inserted, a latch member that latches the tongue plate, a slideable release button, and a counterweight that resists sliding of the release button. The counterweight includes a shaft that engages a bearing groove formed in the release button and receives the force that rotates the counterweight due to the sliding of the release button. The rotating shaft has a recessed portion in its outer circumferential surface with this portion being configured to come into contact with the bearing groove of the release button when the release button slides into the outer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Goshu Kataoka, Shinya Obata, Toru Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8955204
    Abstract: A buckle for a safety harness in motor vehicles includes a buckle housing and a locking and unlocking mechanism housed therein, and a buckle tongue interacting with the locking and unlocking mechanism. The plastic buckle housing is provided with a silencing damping mass. The damping mass (12) is applied to the housing shells (10, 13) on the inside of the buckle housing to reduce the interior volume of the housing not occupied by the locking and unlocking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Ole Scharnberg, Ronald Kliche
  • Publication number: 20140047682
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water activated restraint release that is designed to be retrofitted onto an existing restraint system. Upon detecting the presence of water, the restraint releases a buckle mechanism to thereby release a passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Donald Blackman, Brian Ford, Tom Yandle
  • Patent number: 8567022
    Abstract: A buckle assembly for a vehicle restraint system where the buckle assembly is adapted to receive a plurality of belt connectors, with the belt connectors being simultaneously released upon moving at least one handle to a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen R. Keene, David T. Merrill
  • Patent number: 8434203
    Abstract: A web buckle 30 with a pivot pawl 40 to receive non-interlocking tongues insertable into the buckle. Push button 41 is biased upwardly by spring 39 within housing 44. Button 41 may be moved downward forcing pawl 40 to disengage the tongues. Pawl 40 is rockable to disengage the tongues one at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Morgan, Eugene R. Balensiefer, II
  • Publication number: 20120324685
    Abstract: A seat belt buckle device in which the jumping or roll-over height of a counterweight is decreased allowing the seat belt buckle device to be reduced in size. The seat belt buckle device includes an outer case into which a tongue plate is inserted, a latch member that latches the tongue plate, a slideable release button, and a counterweight that resists sliding of the release button. The counterweight includes a shaft that engages a bearing groove formed in the release button and receives the force that rotates the counterweight due to the sliding of the release button. The rotating shaft has a recessed portion in its outer circumferential surface with this portion being configured to come into contact with the bearing groove of the release button when the release button slides into the outer case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Goshu Kataoka, Shinya Obata, Toru Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8327513
    Abstract: A buckle assembly for a vehicle restraint system where the buckle assembly is adapted to receive a plurality of belt connectors, with the belt connectors being simultaneously released upon moving at least one handle to a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen R. Keene, David T. Merrill
  • Patent number: 8205310
    Abstract: A battery cover latch assembly (10) used in a portable electronic device is described. The battery cover latch assembly (10) includes a cover member (12), a body member (11) including at least one first latch (117), a button (13) including at least one second latch (1312), a button housing (14) mounted to the cover member (12). The button (13) is slidably received in the button housing (14). The second latch (1312) detachably engages with the first latch (117) when the button (13) slides in the button housing (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Zheng Shi, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Publication number: 20120119033
    Abstract: Disclosed is a retaining mechanism for a buckle and buckle release system. The buckle release system is locked or unlocked via a manual release lever. A locking lever overlies the manual release lever and protects against the unintended release of the buckle. The retaining mechanism provides a further degree of protection. It includes a retaining bar that is pivotally interconnected to the locking lever. The retaining mechanism has a closed orientation wherein the locking lever cannot be actuated. The retaining mechanism can only be opened via a two part motion. First, the retaining bar is pivoted with respect to the locking lever. Second, the retaining bar and the locking lever are rotated together to permit access to the underlying manual release lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: CONAX FLORIDA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert E. Clark, Elizabeth Rinehart, Nick Pandelos
  • Patent number: 8096027
    Abstract: A twin buckle assembly is provided with dual release positions. The buckle assembly can lockingly secure two buckle tongues. The buckle assembly includes a single, pivotal latch mechanism that can separately secure one or both of the buckle tongues. Pivotal movement of the latch occurs upon rotation of the buckle cover. Thus, one tongue is released at a first rotational position of the cover and both tongues are released at a second rotational position of the cover. The buckle assembly, thereby, allows the independent removal of lap and shoulder belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Conax Florida Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Jung, Jason Chin
  • Patent number: 7614124
    Abstract: A buckle assembly for a vehicle restraint system where the buckle assembly is adapted to receive a plurality of belt connectors, with the belt connectors being simultaneously released upon moving at least one handle to a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen R. Keene, David Thayer Merrill
  • Publication number: 20090260202
    Abstract: A battery cover latch assembly (10) used in a portable electronic device is described. The battery cover latch assembly (10) includes a cover member (12), a body member (11) including at least one first latch (117), a button (13) including at least one second latch (1312), a button housing (14) mounted to the cover member (12). The button (13) is slidably received in the button housing (14). The second latch (1312) detachably engages with the first latch (117) when the button (13) slides in the button housing (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: ZHENG SHI, CHIH-CHIANG CHANG
  • Patent number: 7350277
    Abstract: A buckle that is resistant to unintentional or accidental release for joining the distal ends of a web, having a first portion with a rigid, bifurcated tongue. A pair of outward-facing protrusions located on the edges of the tongue at its distal end are adapted for engagement with a locking mechanism disposed within a mating buckle component. The mating buckle component has a rigid block or key centrally located so that as the bifurcated tongue is inserted into the receiving buckle component, the central opening of the bifurcated tongue surrounds and fits snuggly against the rigid central block or key. Side-to-side movement of the tongue (i.e., cocking) is thereby prevented. This lack of side-to-side movement, in cooperation with the latching mechanism, helps prevent accidental unlocking of the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: DeForest Canfield, Robert Whitehead, James Rullo
  • Patent number: 7313848
    Abstract: A dual action canopy release for releasably holding a parachute harness securement strap in a buckle. The canopy release may be activated by a forward movement of a lever arm or a rearward movement of the lever arm. The lever arm cooperates with an actuating lever having a first position, wherein the actuating lever holds a latch in a locked position, and a second position, wherein the actuating lever releases the latch thereby allowing the latch to move to an unlocked position. Either the forward movement or the rearward movement of the lever arm causes the actuating lever to move to the second position. In the unlocked position, the latch allows parachute harness securement strap to be withdrawn from the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: H. Koch & Sons, Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Forster, Joseph Martin
  • Patent number: 7263750
    Abstract: A buckle assembly for a vehicle restraint system where the buckle assembly is adapted to receive a plurality of belt connectors, with the belt connectors being simultaneously released upon moving at least one handle to a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen R. Keene, David Thayer Merrill
  • Patent number: 6907646
    Abstract: A seatbelt buckle apparatus includes a buckle assembly for latching or unlatching a tongue connected to a seatbelt, a hall sensor assembly including contact and non-contact switched integrated into one unit, which is coupled with the buckle assembly, and for operating together with the buckle assembly to detect the locking or unlocking state thereof to generate at least two control signals; an upper case and a lower case coupled to each other for receiving the buckle assembly and the hall sensor assembly, in which the lower case includes a device for determining the position of the hall sensor assembly and fixing it thereon; the frame includes a device for determining the position of the hall sensor assembly and fixing it thereto; and an ejector including a second permanent magnet to cooperate with the hall sensor responsive to the movement thereof and a pair of leg portions projected from a lower surface thereof to cooperate with the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Automotive Systems Sungwoo Corporation
    Inventors: Jae Ho Lee, Chan Woo Choi
  • Patent number: 6722212
    Abstract: A device for measuring tensile stress acting on a vehicle seat belt has two components. A first component is connected with a seat belt and a second component is fixed to a vehicle part a spring arranged between the two components, against whose force the two components may be moved relative to one another. A transducer has transducer elements that are attached to the two components and produces an electrical signal as a function of the positions of the two components relative to one another. The transducer produces a switching signal when the components are in a first positional zone. In a second positional zone, in which the two components may be moved relative to one another against the force of the spring, the transducer produces measuring signals proportional to the movement of the two components relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Specht
  • 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: 6536082
    Abstract: A tamper-proof tie includes a head and an attached strap. The head is shaped to define an elongated interior channel having a strap entry end and a strap exit end. The head includes an articulating locking tang disposed to project into the interior channel. The strap includes a first end formed onto the head, a second end and an anti-tampering device integrally formed onto the second end, the anti-tampering device including a plug and a finger. In use, the strap is inserted into the interior channel so the tie forms a closed loop. As the strap is inserted into the head, the locking tang engages the anti-tampering device to prevent withdrawal of the strap from the head. With the tie formed into a closed loop, the plug is sized and shaped to substantially enclose the entry end and the finger is sized and shaped to substantially enclose the exit end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Berrocal, James C. Benoit
  • Patent number: 6508495
    Abstract: A latch assembly for securing a cover to a container comprises a base for mounting to the container cover adjacent to an edge thereof, a cover member secured to the base and a slider slidable between the base and cover member between a latched position wherein a portion of the slider interfits with the container and an unlatched position wherein the slider portion is disengaged from the container. A headed spring member interposed between the slider and the base interfits with openings in the slider to signal when the slider has reached its latched and unlatched positions and to releasably retain the slider at those positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Edward D. Riley
  • 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: 6457219
    Abstract: A side release buckle includes a male buckle member, a female buckle member for engagement with the male buckle member, a first decorative member fastened to the male buckle member by a hook joint, and a second decorative member fastened to the female buckle member and adapted to show with the first decorative member a particular character design after connection of the male buckle member to the female buckle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Kim Ging Hui Enterprise Limited
    Inventor: Chun Chien Liu
  • Patent number: 6397440
    Abstract: An assembly of a buckle mechanism and blade. The buckle mechanism includes a housing surrounding a guide supported by a base. The guide engages a fastening surface of the blade with the lock surface of a projection of the base and has at least one wall defining a void, which is positionable in a first position so that the projection occupies at least a portion of the void and a second position so that the projection is disengaged from the void. The base has a surface and a projection extending away from the surface. A biasing member locates the guide to a first position in which the blade engages the projection and opposes movement of the guide to a second position in which the blade disengages from the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Wonderland Nursery Goods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James A. Sack, Glenn E. Gehr, Arthur L. Gehr
  • 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: 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: 6266855
    Abstract: A seat belt buckle has a guide channel formed in a buckle frame into which a tongue connected to a seat belt can be inserted. An ejector, located in the guide channel acts, as an ejector spring in the ejection direction opposite to the insertion direction of the tongue. A locking element is mounted on the buckle frame and can be moved out of an unlocking position into a locking position in order to lock the tongue in the guide channel. A securing element is movable between a securing position for holding the locking element in the locking position and a release position for releasing the locking element. A blocking device is mounted on the securing element and is moved into a blocking position when the locking element is in the locking position. The securing element is held in the securing position against a movement into the release position, whereby the blocking device is held in the blocking position by the ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Specht, Walter Krauss, Stephan Schwald, Thomas Schrott
  • Publication number: 20010008038
    Abstract: A seat belt buckle comprises a release button for a latch slidably mounted on a frame, an ejector for an insert tongue and at least one connecting element. The connecting element is shiftable between a working position, in which it makes a connection between the ejector and the release button, and a resting position in which it breaks the connection between the ejector and release button. A dislocator is provided on the frame, which dislocates the connecting element from the resting position into the working position when the ejector is shifted out of place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Haas
  • Patent number: 6249937
    Abstract: A low profile latch mechanism for use in existing and new parachute quick release couplings of the type having two nested members. The mechanism uses a U shaped latch connected to a lever. In an overlying position of the lever, the members are retained in the nested condition, preventing release of the coupling. A W-shaped spring biases tabs into engagement with apertures in one of the members. The lever is retained in the overlying position by connection with the W-shaped spring. Disengaging the W-shaped spring allows the lever to be pivoted, moving the U shaped latch to a position whereby the members are free to separate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Capewell Components Company Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Todd M. Grenga
  • Patent number: 6216323
    Abstract: A buckle assembly is provided with a latch plate for latching or unlatching a tongue plate, a holder member arranged movably in response to a movement of the latch plate, slots formed as guide paths in a buckle base, support apertures formed as a cam portion in a holder member, and an auxiliary lock member supported movably in said slots and support apertures for controlling a movement of the latch plate. In response to a movement of the holder member, the support apertures produce cam action in association with the slots such that the auxiliary member is movable between a position, in which the auxiliary lock member restricts the latch plate to a latching position, and another position, in which the auxiliary lock member restricts the latch plate to an unlatching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Ayaki Oyamada
  • Patent number: 6205627
    Abstract: A belt buckle for vehicle safety belts has a load bearing frame and a locking mechanism thereon. A housing encloses the frame and has an insertion slot for an insert tongue acting in conjunction with the locking mechanism. To eliminate any extraneous matter that has entered into the housing through the insertion slot, a channel leads from the insertion slot through the housing and out of the housing, forming a guide for gravity assisted movement of such extraneous matter out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Hoika
  • Patent number: 6205628
    Abstract: The buckle of the invention comprises a housing, a buckle part connected to one end of a seat belt and having a passage for receiving an interlocking tongue part connected to another end of a seat belt, a pivoting carrier element carrying a latching element arranged to engage with the tongue part to lock the tongue part in the passage, a release button operatively coupled via a ramp surface to move the latching element from an engaging position in which the buckle is fastened to the tongue, to a release position in which the buckle is unfastened, a counterbalance mass slidably mounted in the housing so that its inertia acts on the latching element to keep the latching element in the tongue engaging position under forces of acceleration and of deceleration acting on the buckle, the inertia acting in a first direction under acceleration and in a second direction under deceleration thereby substantially to counteract the effects of button inertia on the operation of the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew John Downie
  • Patent number: 6061883
    Abstract: The present invention provides a buckle having a simple structure to increase efficiency of an assembling operation and desirable operability wherein engagements of plugs with a socket are reliably carried out. The buckle comprises a pair of plugs and a socket. Each the plug has a strap attaching portion, a tongue formed to project from the strap attaching portion to be inserted into the socket, and an engaging portion. The socket is formed with inserting portions into which the tongues are inserted respectively, and fixed engaged portions with which the engaging portions are engaged. An operating portion is formed separately from the socket between the engaged portions for displacing the engaging portions to-disengage engagements of the engaging portions with the engaged portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoichiro Uehara
  • Patent number: 6055708
    Abstract: A seat belt buckle (12) includes a buckle base (34) having a passage (36) for receiving a tongue (16) by movement of the tongue in a first direction into the passage. An ejector (40) in the passage (36) is biased in a second direction opposite the first direction. The ejector (40) moves in the first direction against the bias upon insertion of the tongue (16) into the passage (36). A latch (42) latches the tongue (16) in the passage (36). The buckle (12) includes structure (24, 32) defining an opening (22) through which the tongue (16) is inserted into the passage (36). A shield (60) blocks the opening (22) and blocks foreign matter from passing through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Ellis, Duan W. Chisnell
  • Patent number: 6000110
    Abstract: A buckle for safety belts in vehicles comprises a load bearing housing in which an insertion path for receiving an insert tongue is formed. A movable latch is mounted on the housing. A casing is provided which surrounds the housing. The casing is provided with an opening at a rear side thereof remote from the insertion path. Within the casing at least one electric switch is arranged. This switch is fitted through the opening in the buckle in an already assembled condition thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Wier
  • Patent number: 5987717
    Abstract: A latching device capable of being remotely released and a method of remotely releasing a locking tab from a locking body. The latching device includes a locking tab comprising a shaft with an engaging recess and a head with a buckle; a locking body comprising a slide with a channel for the shaft of the locking body, a ramp and shoulder for securing the locking tab, a leg with a trigger surface, an ejector pin and ejection spring for ejecting the locking tab from the locking body and a slide biasing spring; a trigger comprising a knob, shank and foot; and an extension for attaching the latching device to a brace holding fire fighting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Superior Flamefighter Corporation
    Inventors: Steven R. Peterson, Arlon J. Amundson
  • Patent number: 5970587
    Abstract: A buckle for receiving and locking a tongue connected to a vehicle safety belt, the buckle comprising: a locking element for locking a tongue to the buckle; a sensor to sense locking of the tongue to the buckle; and an indicator arrangement actuable by an output of the sensor to indicate whether the buckle is in a locked or an unlocked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Matthew J. Knox
  • Patent number: 5915633
    Abstract: A safety belt buckle based on the well accepted pivotal latch design has simple measures for adaptation for use with a belt pretensioner. The pivotal latch (16) is secured in a fastened position by a locking plate (20). The locking plate (20) is for its part held in position by two locking balls (36), which are retained between a recess (28) in the locking plate and an arrest plate (30) adapted to shift in parallelism to the locking plate. For unfastening the buckle it is firstly necessary for such arrest plate (30) to be actuated by way of an inertial mass-compensated system.The buckle is furthermore made proof against extremely high levels of acceleration in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Biller
  • Patent number: 5815895
    Abstract: A latch system for joining a first strap section or section of flexible support to a second strap section or section of flexible support. Attached to the second strap section is a rod that is adapted for insertion into the latch system, and for releasing the second strap section in response to a control signal. The latch system also includes a support housing with a cross member and an attachment for attaching the housing to the first strap. The system also includes a crank shaft with a longitudinal axis and which is rotatably supported within the support housing. The crank shaft also includes a generally slotted opening that is substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventors: Bradley O. Carlson, Brian L. Griffis
  • Patent number: 5758393
    Abstract: A buckle for safety belts in vehicles comprises a load bearing housing in which an insertion path for receiving an insert tongue is formed. A movable latch is mounted on the housing. A casing is provided which surrounds the housing. The casing is provided with an opening at a rear side thereof remote from the insertion path. Within the casing at least one electric switch is arranged. This switch is fitted through the opening in the buckle in an already assembled condition thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Wier
  • Patent number: 5749130
    Abstract: A locking seat belt buckle assembly is configured for placement and operation within a standard seat belt buckle and tongue. In one embodiment, the seat belt buckle includes a latch that engages the tongue and a latch release plate to disengage the latch from the tongue upon depression of the release plate. The assembly includes a stop block that is movable by way of an actuator, such as a reversible micro-motor, to a position beneath the release plate to prevent depression of the latch plate. A pair of limit switches disconnect the motor from a power supply when contacted by the stop block at opposite ends of its travel. An indicator light is provided that is illuminated when the stop block is in position beneath the latch release plate. In one aspect, the motor is mounted within a housing with a spring disposed between the motor and the housing to bias the motor toward the release plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Paul D. Bilyeu, Felicia M. Hinant, James H. Hobby, Donel A. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5722129
    Abstract: A buckle for a seat belt of a motor vehicle includes a release button (24) which is provided to release the latch plate from the locking means. A resilient protrusion or protrusions on the button presses the latch plate, when inserted in the buckle, against the frame of the buckle thereby reducing the tendency of the latch plate and frame to rattle against each other and consequently the noise generated by vibration of the buckle is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: European Components Co. Limited
    Inventors: Mark John Harrison, Cecil Owens, Michael John Jackson