Locking arrangement
US5566431A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T24/45623
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A locking arrangement is provided comprising a retaining element which is positionable to retain a lockable element in position. A combination of an actuating element and a counter weight are provided which are inter-connected to rotate simultaneously in a predetermined manner about axes of rotation. The centers of gravity of the actuating element and the counter weight are so positioned that when subjected to acceleration or deceleration the two components are substantially in balance and do not tend to move. One of the components blocks movement of the retaining element, when the arrangement is in the locked condition, but if the actuating element is moved rotationally, the counter weight will move rotationally, and as a consequence the retaining element will be released, the retaining element then being movable to a position in which the lockable element can be separated from the locking arrangement. The locking arrangement may form part of a latch to retain part of the seat and safety belt assembly in position within a motor vehicle or may form part of a buckle to retain a tongue associated with a safety belt.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.