US3757293A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Seat belt control system
Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products Inc
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Filing: 1972-05-31
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Granted: 1973-09-04
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Expires: 1992-05-31
Abstract
Abstract An electronic system employing simple Nand gate logic to require that the driver and passenger be seated prior to buckling their seat belts. The system permits a three minute delay when the vehicle stalls so that the starter mechanism will not be disabled in an emergency. The system provides various other delays so that unnecessary warning signals will not be generated during a bumpy ride or during movement of the driver on his seat when the vehicle is in operation.
Inventors
- 👤 C Petersen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 11:45
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R22/00; B60R22/48; B60R2022/4808; B60R2022/4825; B60R2022/4858; B60R2022/4883; B60R2022/4891
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 44
Claim 1
Independent Claim
275 words
In a safety seat belt system having an ignition switch and a starter disabling mechanism, the improvement comprising: a seat belt state responsive switch having a first state when the seat belt is buckled and a second state when the seat belt is fully taken up in its retractor, a seat switch having a first state when an occupant is seated and a second state when the associated seat is empty, first logic curcuit means energized by the first state of said seat switch and responsive to the state of said seat belt actuated switch, said first logic circuit having a first state output in response to (a) the combination of said second state of said seat belt state responsive switch and said first state of said seat switch or (b) the switching of said seat switch from its second state to its first state while said seat belt state responsive switch is in its first state, said first logic circuit having a second state output in response to the switching of said seat belt responsive switch from its second state to its first state while said seat switch is in its first state, and second logic circuit means energized by the closing of the ignition switch and responsive to said states of said first logic circuit to provide a starter enable state in response to said second state output of said first logic circuit and to provide a starter disable state in response to said first state output of said first logic circuit; said starter enable state turning off the starter disabling mechanism and said starter disable state turning on the starter disabling mechanism.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
275 words
In a safety seat belt system having an ignition switch and a starter disabling mechanism, the improvement comprising: a seat belt state responsive switch having a first state when the seat belt is buckled and a second state when the seat belt is fully taken up in its retractor, a seat switch having a first state when an occupant is seated and a second state when the associated seat is empty, first logic curcuit means energized by the first state of said seat switch and responsive to the state of said seat belt actuated switch, said first logic circuit having a first state output in response to (a) the combination of said second state of said seat belt state responsive switch and said first state of said seat switch or (b) the switching of said seat switch from its second state to its first state while said seat belt state responsive switch is in its first state, said first logic circuit having a second state output in response to the switching of said seat belt responsive switch from its second state to its first state while said seat switch is in its first state, and second logic circuit means energized by the closing of the ignition switch and responsive to said states of said first logic circuit to provide a starter enable state in response to said second state output of said first logic circuit and to provide a starter disable state in response to said first state output of said first logic circuit; said starter enable state turning off the starter disabling mechanism and said starter disable state turning on the starter disabling mechanism.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
80 words
The system of claim 1 wherein: said first and second logic circuits are separated, said first logic circuit being located within the passenger compartment of the vehicle and said second logic circuit being located outside of the passenger compartment, and further comprising: no more than two wires leading to or from the passenger compartment, one of said wires providing energizing current and the other of said wires providing the output from said first logic circuit to said second logic circuit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
The system of claim 1 wherein: said first logic circuit is energized solely by said first state of said seat switch, and said second logic circuit is energized solely by the closing of the ignition switch, so that no current flows in said system when the ignition switch is opened while the associated seat is unoccupied.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
The system of claim 2 wherein: said first logic circuit is energized solely by said first state of said seat switch, and said second logic circuit is energized solely by the closing of the ignition switch, so that no current flows in said system when the ignition switch is opened while the associated seat is unoccupied.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of sets of said seat belt state responsive switches, said seat switches and said first logic circuit means, each of said sets associated with a separate seat position, each of said sets being in electric parallel and having a common output, said common output being coupled to said second logic circuit means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
61 words
The system of claim 2 further comprising: a plurality of sets of said seat belt state responsive switches, said seat switches and said first logic circuit means, each of said sets associated with a separate seat position, each of said sets being in electric parallel and having a common output, said common output being coupled to said second logic circuit means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
61 words
The system of claim 3 further comprising: a plurality of sets of said seat belt state responsive switches, said seat switches and said first logic circuit means, each of said sets associated with a separate seat position, each of said sets being in electric parallel and having a common output, said common output being coupled to said second logic circuit means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
61 words
The system of claim 4 further comprising: a plurality of sets of said seat belt state responsive switches, said seat switches and said first logic circuit means, each of said sets associated with a separate seat position, each of said sets being in electric parallel and having a common output, said common output being coupled to said second logic circuit means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
63 words
The system of claim 5 further comprising: means to uncouple said second state output of those ones of said first logic circuits in those of said sets that are associated with the non-driver passenger seats from said second logic circuit, said second logic circuit thereby responsive to said second state output of only the driver seat associated one of said first logic circuits.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
63 words
The system of claim 6 further comprising: means to uncouple said second state output of those ones of said first logic circuits in those of said sets that are associated with the non-driver passenger seats from said second logic circuit, said second logic circuit thereby responsive to said second state output of only the driver seat associated one of said first logic circuits.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
63 words
The system of claim 8 further comprising: means to uncouple said second state output of those ones of said first logic circuits in those of said sets that are associated with the non-driver passenger seats from said second logic circuit, said second logic circuit thereby responsive to said second state output of only the driver seat associated one of said first logic circuits.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising: first delay means coupled to said second logic circuit to hold said second logic circuit in said enable state for a first predetermined time period after the ignition switch turns off.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 2 further comprising: first delay means coupled to said second logic circuit to hold said second logic circuit in said enable state for a first predetermined time period after the ignition switch turns off.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 3 further comprising: first delay means coupled to said second logic circuit to hold said second logic circuit in said enable state for a first predetermined time period after the ignition switch turns off.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 5 further comprising: first delAy means coupled to said second logic circuit to hold said second logic circuit in said enable state for a first predetermined time period after the ignition switch turns off.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 11 further comprising: first delay means coupled to said second logic circuit to hold said second logic circuit in said enable state for a first predetermined time period after the ignition switch turns off.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
118 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising: said first logic circuit having a third state output in response to said second state of said seat switch, and second delay means coupled between said first logic circuit and said second logic circuit to maintain an input to said second logic circuit simulating said second state output of said first logic circuit for a second predetermined time period after said first logic circuit switches from its second state output to its third state output and to provide an input to said second logic circuit simulating said first state output of said first logic circuit after said second predetermined time period when said second logic circuit has its third state output.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
118 words
The system of claim 2 further comprising: said first logic circuit having a third state output in response to said second state of said seat switch, and second delay means coupled between said first logic circuit and said second logic circuit to maintain an input to said second logic circuit simulating said second state output of said first logic circuit for a second predetermined time period after said first logic circuit switches from its second state output to its third state output and to provide an input to said second logic circuit simulating said first state output of said first logic circuit after said second predetermined time period when said second logic circuit has its third state output.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
118 words
The system of claim 3 further comprising: said first logic circuit having a third state output in response to said second state of said seat switch, and second delay means coupled between said first logic circuit and said second logic circuit to maintain an input to said second logic circuit simulating said second state output of said first logic circuit for a second predetermined time period after said first logic circuit switches from its second state output to its third state output and to provide an input to said second logic circuit simulating said first state output of said first logic circuit after said second predetermined time period when said second logic circuit has its third state output.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
118 words
The system of claim 2 further comprising: said first logic circuit having a third state output in response to said second state of said seat switch, and second delay means coupled between said first logic circuit and said second logic circuit to maintain an input to said second logic circuit simulating said second state output of said first logic circuit for a second predetermined time period after said first logic circuit switches from its second state output to its third state output and to provide an input to said second logic circuit simulating said first state output of said first logic circuit after said second predetermined time period when said second logic circuit has its third state output.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
118 words
The system of claim 14 further comprising: said first logic circuit having a third state output in response to said second state of said seat switch, and second delay means coupled between said first logic circuit and said second logic circuit to maintain an input to said second logic circuit simulating said second state output of said first logic circuit for a second predetermined time period after said first logic circuit switches from its second state output to its third state output and to provide an input to said second logic circuit simulating said first state output of said first logic circuit after said second predetermined time period when said second logic circuit has its third state outpuT.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
78 words
The system of claim 17 further comprising: third delay means coupled to said first logic circuit to bias said first logic circuit for a third predetermined time period after said first logic circuit switches from its second state to its third state, said bias being effective to cause said first logic circuit to switch back to its second state when said seat switch switches from its second state to its first state during said third predetermined time period.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
78 words
The system of claim 18 further comprising: third delay means coupled to said first logic circuit to bias said first logic circuit for a third predetermined time period after said first logic circuit switches from its second state to its third state, said bias being effective to cause said first logic circuit to switch back to its second state when said seat switch switches from its second state to its first state during said third predetermined time period.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
78 words
The system of claim 19 further comprising: third delay means coupled to said first logic circuit to bias said first logic circuit for a third predetermined time period after said first logic circuit switches from its second state to its third state, said bias being effective to cause said first logic circuit to switch back to its second state when said seat switch switches from its second state to its first state during said third predetermined time period.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
78 words
The system of claim 20 further comprising: third delay means coupled to said first logic circuit to bias said first logic circuit for a third predetermined time period after said first logic circuit switches from it second state to its third state, said bias being effective to cause said first logic circuit to switch back to its second state when said seat switch switches from its second state to its first state during said third predetermined time period.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
78 words
The system of claim 21 further comprising: third delay means coupled to said first logic circuit to bias said first logic circuit for a third predetermined time period after said first logic circuit switches from its second state to its third state, said bias being effective to cause said first logic circuit to switch back to its second state when said seat switch switches from its second state to its first state during said third predetermined time period.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 12 wherein: said second logic circuit includes a first bi-stable circuit having first and second inputs, and said first delay is an RC delay circuit having a capacitor and resistor connected in parallel between ground and one of said inputs to said first bi-stable circuit.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 16 wherein: said second logic circuit includes a first bi-stable circuit having first and second inputs, and said first delay is an RC delay circuit having a capacitor and resistor connected in parallel between ground and one of said inputs to said first bi-stable circuit.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 17 wherein: said second delay is an RC circuit having a capacitor and resistor connected in parallel between ground and the connection between the output of said first logic circuit and said second logic circuit.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 27 wherein: said second delay is an RC circuit having a capacitor and resistor connected in parallel between ground and the connection between the output of said first logic circuit and said second logic circuit.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 28 wherein: said second delay is an RC circuit having a capacitor and resistor connected in parallel between ground and the connection between the output of said first logic circuit and said second logic circuit.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 22 wherein: said first logic circuit includes a second bi-stable circuit having first and second inputs, and said third delay is an RC delay circuit having a capacitor and resistor connected in parallel between ground and one of said inputs to said second bi-stablE circuit.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 25 wherein: said first logic circuit includes a second bi-stable circuit having first and second inputs, and said third delay is an RC delay circuit having a capacitor and resistor connected in parallel between ground and one of said inputs to said second bi-stable circuit.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 31 wherein: said first logic circuit includes a second bi-stable circuit having first and second inputs, and said third delay is an RC delay circuit having a capacitor and resistor connected in parallel between ground and one of said inputs to said second bi-stable circuit.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
39 words
The safety seat belt improvement of claim 1 further comprising: warning means responsive to the state of said second logic circuit to provide a warning signal when the start switch is closed in response to said starter disable state.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
33 words
The safety seat belt improvement of claim 12 further comprising: warning means responsive to the state of said second logic circuit to provide a warning signal in response to said starter disable state.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
33 words
The safety seat belt improvement of claim 17 further comprising: warning means responsive to the state of said second logic circuit to provide a warning signal in response to said starter disable state.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
33 words
The safety seat belt improvement of claim 22 further comprising: warning means responsive to the state of said second logic circuit to provide a warning signal in response to said starter disable state.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
33 words
The safety seat belt improvement of claim 34 further comprising: warning means responsive to the state of said second logic circuit to provide a warning signal in response to said starter disable state.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 22 wherein: said third predetermined time period is greater than said second predetermined time period.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 25 wherein: said third predetermined time period is greater than said second predetermined time period.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 31 wherein: said third predetermined time period is greater than said second predetermined time period.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 34 wherein: said third predetermined time period is greater than said second predetermined time period.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-03 | 1977-03-05 | 1977-09-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-03 | 1981-03-05 | 1981-09-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-03 | 1985-03-05 | 1985-09-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |