US5997097A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Restraining device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1998-10-26
•
Granted: 1999-12-07
•
Expires: 2018-10-26
Abstract
Abstract A restraining device comprises a seat belt and a belt force limiter. The belt force limiter is arranged at a location along the belt and comprises an absorption member which is deformed or destroyed when a predetermined belt tension force is exceeded, whereby a prolongation of the belt section is caused. Further, a holding means is provided that limits the prolongation of said belt section when said absorption means is deformed or destroyed.
Inventors
- 👤 Joerg Engelhard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 05:04
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R22/00; B60R22/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A restraining device comprising a seat belt (12, 14) and a belt force limiter (16), said belt force limiter (16) being arranged between two belt sections of said seat belt (12, 14), said belt force limiter (16) includes an absorption member (18) which is destroyed only when a predetermined belt tension force is exceeded thereby causing a prolongation of the seat belt, separate holding means (20) for limiting the prolongation of said seat belt when said absorption member (18) is destroyed, said absorption member (18) being substantially X-shaped defined by opposite broad ends and a narrow medial portion therebetween defining a rated breaking point (22), and at least one of said belt sections being fastened to an associated one of said absorption member opposite broad ends.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
126 words
A restraining device comprising a seat belt (12, 14) and a belt force limiter (16), said belt force limiter (16) being arranged between two belt sections of said seat belt (12, 14), said belt force limiter (16) includes an absorption member (18) which is destroyed only when a predetermined belt tension force is exceeded thereby causing a prolongation of the seat belt, separate holding means (20) for limiting the prolongation of said seat belt when said absorption member (18) is destroyed, said absorption member (18) being substantially X-shaped defined by opposite broad ends and a narrow medial portion therebetween defining a rated breaking point (22), and at least one of said belt sections being fastened to an associated one of said absorption member opposite broad ends.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The restraining device as defined in claim 1 wherein said absorption member (18) holds together said belt sections, said rated breaking point (22) breaks when a predetermined belt tension force is exceeded, and only the holding means (20) holds the two belt sections together when said absorption member (18) is broken.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The restraining device as defined in claim 1 wherein said holding means (20) is high strength holding frame (36) interconnecting said belt sections.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The restraining device as defined in claim 3 wherein said absorption member (18) is arranged within said holding frame (36).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The restraining device as defined in claim 4 wherein each belt section includes a belt loop (32, 34) each connected with said absorption member (18) and said holding frame (36).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The restraining device as defined in claim 4 wherein said holding means (20) is made of steel and said absorption member (18) is made of plastics material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3438674A
Cited
DE1531512A1
Cited
DE2141668A1
Cited
US3749205A
Cited
US4060278A
Cited
US4457251A
Cited
US4461492A
Cited
DE3900066A1
Cited
DE3933762A1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-12-06 | 2003-06-07 | 2003-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-12-06 | 2007-06-07 | 2007-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-12-06 | 2011-06-07 | 2011-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |