US3840248A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-tensioning knee belt safety device
Assignee: Volkswagen AG
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Filing: 1973-02-20
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Granted: 1974-10-08
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Expires: 1993-02-20
Abstract
Abstract An improved knee belt safety device allows the occupant of a vehicle freedom of movement under ordinary circumstances but secures his legs to the seat of the vehicle in the event of a collision. One end of the knee belt is connected to a tensioning device and the other end is connected through holding loops to a pivotal arm. The holding loops maintain the belt at a distance from the occupant of the vehicle. On impact the tensioning device is activated pulling the belt from the holding loops and securing the occupant''s knees to the seat. Easy access to the seats of the vehicle is provided by connecting the pivotal arm so that it will swing out of the way when the door of the vehicle is open or when the back rest of the front seat is pivoted forward for entry to the rear seats.
Inventors
- 👤 E Fiala
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 21:33
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R22/00; B60R22/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
195 words
Self-tensioning knee belt apparatus that allows easy access to the vehicle in which it is installed and that securely holds the knees of an occupant in place in the event of a collision, comprising: a. a transversely extending safety belt; b. a pivotal arm on the entrance side of the vehicle having one end pivotally connected to the vehicle about a substantially vertical axis and having retaining means provided on said pivotal arm at a location spaced from said connection, one end of said safety belt being connected to said retaining means of said pivotal arm; c. locking means for locking said pivotal arm in an operative position; d. holding means for holding said safety belt at a distance from the knees of the occupant, said holding means allowing free passage of the belt therethrough; e. means located at an inboard portion of the vehicle for applying tension to the other end of said safety belt in the event of a collision, causing said safety belt to be detached from said holding means and secured about the knees of the occupant; and f. means for pivoting said pivotal arm to allow access to the vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
Self-tensioning knee belt apparatus that allows easy access to the vehicle in which it is installed and that securely holds the knees of an occupant in place in the event of a collision, comprising: a. a transversely extending safety belt; b. a pivotal arm on the entrance side of the vehicle having one end pivotally connected to the vehicle about a substantially vertical axis and having retaining means provided on said pivotal arm at a location spaced from said connection, one end of said safety belt being connected to said retaining means of said pivotal arm; c. locking means for locking said pivotal arm in an operative position; d. holding means for holding said safety belt at a distance from the knees of the occupant, said holding means allowing free passage of the belt therethrough; e. means located at an inboard portion of the vehicle for applying tension to the other end of said safety belt in the event of a collision, causing said safety belt to be detached from said holding means and secured about the knees of the occupant; and f. means for pivoting said pivotal arm to allow access to the vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holding means comprises first and second holding means, said first holding means comprising a first releasible holding loop attached directly to the vehicle and said second holding means comprising a second releasible holding loop and a retaining spring for attaching said second holding loop to the vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pivotal arm is a door of the vehicle and said retaining means of said pivotal arm is a belt retracting device located in said door.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pivotal arm is in operative connection with a backrest of a front seat of the vehicle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
85 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said means for pivoting, comprises: a. means for disengaging said locking means and freeing the backrest of the front seat; b. a pivotal spring connected between the pivotal arm and the backrest, said pivotal spring maintaining the pivotal arm in its normal position; and c. means for overcoming the force of the pivotal spring and pulling the pivotal arm against the backrest as the backrest is moved forward to allow access to a back seat of the vehicle.
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) | 1977-10-07 | 1978-04-08 | 1978-10-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-07 | 1982-04-08 | 1982-10-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-07 | 1986-04-08 | 1986-10-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |