Patent US3743046A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3743046A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Passive restraint for vehicle passengers
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-07-09
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Granted: 1973-07-03
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Expires: 1991-07-09
Abstract
Abstract A seat associated belt-type restraint for passenger vehicles stands automatically in an open position. When the passenger places his weight on the seat, a pressure device causes the restraint to fall to the closed or active position. When the vehicle electrical system is energized, the restraint is automatically locked and adjusted to the proper size. When the electrical system is de-energized, the restraint returns automtically to the standing inactive position. No positive steps by the passenger are required to operate the restraint.
Inventors
- 👤 B Rothschild
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 18:52
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R22/00; B60R22/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
A passive restraint for vehicle passengers comprising a pair of interfitting restraint sections capable of relative longitudinal movement to adjust the length of the restraint, hinge means hingedly anchoring one end of one restraint section to vehicle fixed structure, means connected with one restraint section and responding to weight of a passenger on a vehicle seat to initiate movement of the restraint in a first direction about said hinge meaNs from a normally open standing position to a locked closed active position about a passenger, energy storing means responsive to movement of the restraint in said first direction to store energy that is released to apply power to move the restraint in a second direction about said hinge means from said closed position to said open position pursuant to unlocking of the restraint in said closed position, and means on one restraint section operable to releasably lock the restraint in said closed position and to automatically adjust the length of the restraint to fit a particular passenger by causing said relative longitudinal movement of the restraint sections after the restraint is closed and locked.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
A passive restraint for vehicle passengers comprising a pair of interfitting restraint sections capable of relative longitudinal movement to adjust the length of the restraint, hinge means hingedly anchoring one end of one restraint section to vehicle fixed structure, means connected with one restraint section and responding to weight of a passenger on a vehicle seat to initiate movement of the restraint in a first direction about said hinge meaNs from a normally open standing position to a locked closed active position about a passenger, energy storing means responsive to movement of the restraint in said first direction to store energy that is released to apply power to move the restraint in a second direction about said hinge means from said closed position to said open position pursuant to unlocking of the restraint in said closed position, and means on one restraint section operable to releasably lock the restraint in said closed position and to automatically adjust the length of the restraint to fit a particular passenger by causing said relative longitudinal movement of the restraint sections after the restraint is closed and locked.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The structure of claim 1, and said pair of interfitting restraint sections comprising a semi-rigid bar-like body portion, and a sleeve section having telescopic engagement with the bar-like body portion and being extensible and retractable relative thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
The structure of claim 2, and said energy storing means including a rotary drum element, and a flexible element attached to the drum element and being windable thereon and having connections with the bar-like body portion and sleeve section to cause relative longitudinal movement therebetween during movement of the restraint in said second direction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
The structure of claim 3, and said energy storing means including gearing interconnecting the bar-like body portion and said drum element, said gearing including a shiftable gear and means responding to said movement of the restraint in said first direction to disengage the shiftable gear from adjacent gears of said gearing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The structure of claim 1, and said means responding to the weight of a passenger comprising a flexible element attached to the restraint and including a pressure sensing element associated with said seat and responding to weight on the seat to tension said flexible element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The structure of claim 1, and said means operable to lock the restraint in a closed position and to automatically adjust the length of the restraint including parts responding to magnetism induced by the energizing of a vehicle electrical system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
59 words
The structure of claim 6, and said parts responding to magnetism comprising a magnetically attractable locking bolt on one restraint section, and a separate movable magnetically attractable weight element on the restraint cooperating with said bolt to initiate the operation of means to adjust the length of the restraint to fit the particular passenger who is using the restraint.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The structure of claim 7, and said means to adjust the length of the restraint including a power spring having connections with said interfitting restraint sections.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
67 words
The structure of claim 7, and said means to adjust the length of the restraint comprising a magnetically attractable weight element, gearing connected with and driven by movement of the weight element, and a flexible driving element connected with the gearing and interconnecting the interfitting restraint sections, whereby movement of the flexible driving element in one direction will cause said relative longitudinal movement of the restraint sections.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
62 words
The structure of claim 1, and said means to releasably lock the restraint comprising electromagnetic locking means energized by closing of the ignition circuit of the vehicle, and a separate latching device for the restraint activated by the closing thereof and securing the restraint against opening during the short interval between closing of the restraint and energizing of the electromagnetic locking means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
88 words
The structure of claim 1, and said energy storing means including a gear train having one gear shiftable into and out of mesh with adjacent gears and having at least one gear which is spring-loaded by turning in one direction for storing energy to return said restraint automatically to a normal open standing position, and camming means connected with the shiftable gear operable to disengage it frOm adjacent gears when the gear train is powered in one direction due to movement of the restraint in said first direction.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-02 | 1977-01-01 | 1977-07-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-02 | 1981-01-01 | 1981-07-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-02 | 1985-01-01 | 1985-07-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |