Seat belt with magnetically seated buckle and automatic release
US7178208B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T24/45639
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seat belt improvement providing seat belt buckling assistance and automatic release of the seat belt. The seat belt assembly includes an electromagnet located in the seat belt buckle that aligns and draws the seat belt tongue into the seat belt buckle when the seat belt tongue is in close proximity to the seat belt buckle. A solenoid located in the seat belt buckle is used to release the seat belt tongue from the buckle. When the vehicle transmission is in the “park” position, the ignition is turned off, and the key is removed, the solenoid is energized to release the seat belt tongue. Further, a switch may be conveniently located in the vehicle such as on the seat belt buckle, near the window, on the door, or the like to activate the solenoid and release the seat belt assembly without having to turn off the vehicle ignition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.