US20060213040A1 - Non-inertial release safety restraint belt buckle systems - Google Patents
Non-inertial release safety restraint belt buckle systems Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060213040A1 US20060213040A1 US11/402,841 US40284106A US2006213040A1 US 20060213040 A1 US20060213040 A1 US 20060213040A1 US 40284106 A US40284106 A US 40284106A US 2006213040 A1 US2006213040 A1 US 2006213040A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- latch
- release
- latch plate
- housing
- buckle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
- A44B11/00—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts
- A44B11/25—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts with two or more separable parts
- A44B11/2503—Safety buckles
- A44B11/2507—Safety buckles actuated by a push-button
- A44B11/2515—Safety buckles actuated by a push-button acting parallel to the main plane of the buckle and perpendicularly to the direction of the fastening action
- A44B11/2519—Safety buckles actuated by a push-button acting parallel to the main plane of the buckle and perpendicularly to the direction of the fastening action with two buttons acting in opposite directions
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
- Y10T24/45225—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock] including member having distinct formations and mating member selectively interlocking therewith
- Y10T24/45602—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity
- Y10T24/45623—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
- Y10T24/45225—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock] including member having distinct formations and mating member selectively interlocking therewith
- Y10T24/45602—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity
- Y10T24/45623—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor
- Y10T24/4566—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor including slidably connected and guided element on receiving member
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
- Y10T24/45225—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock] including member having distinct formations and mating member selectively interlocking therewith
- Y10T24/45602—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity
- Y10T24/45775—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity having resiliently biased interlocking component or segment
- Y10T24/45785—Requiring manual force applied against bias to interlock or disengage
Definitions
- This invention is generally directed to vehicle safety restraint systems including shoulder and lap-type seat belts and more particularly to such restraint systems which incorporate locking mechanisms for preventing release of latch plates from buckles of the restraint systems due to inertial forces created during vehicle accidents, such as in vehicle rollovers.
- the restraint systems can only be released by simultaneously manually maneuvering opposing release mechanisms in opposite directions.
- Body restraint systems including seat belts, lap belts, shoulder harnesses and the like have been credited with saving numerous lives which otherwise would have been lost in vehicular accidents.
- the positive benefits obtained due to body restraints systems has been so recognized that, in the United States, the use of seat belts is mandated in all states.
- a first or side release system includes an operating release button which is generally resiliently urged outwardly at an angle which is perpendicular to an axis or line of insertion of the latch plate into a buckle housing.
- a second type of conventional release system is known as an end release system and includes an operating lever or button for releasing the latch plate from the buckle housing and which lever is mounted at an end of the buckle housing.
- latching mechanisms for body restraint systems in automotive vehicles are subject to premature release when subjected to at least one mode of inertial force which is created under various conditions resulting from collisions, rollovers and other types of loss of vehicle control.
- Side release latching assemblies or mechanisms referred to as Type 1 and Type 6 in the industry, will inertially release when subjected to lateral forces which are applied to a backside of a buckle during a vehicle collision or rollover.
- Such latching assemblies will also release by the release buttons being forceably engaged by an object in a vehicle accidently depressing the buttons during an accident, collision or rollover, thereby prematurely destroying the effectiveness of the restraint systems which can cause severe or deadly injury to persons using the systems.
- the interior latch will engage a latch plate of a seat belt and will release when the striking force level is sufficient to cause the inertia of the latch mass, relative to the acceleration and displacement of the buckle frame, to compress a leaf spring and unlatch the buckle.
- End type release latching systems will inertially release due to the mass of the release buttons associated therewith when taken into consideration the mass of movement of latch plates and the direction of rotational release of the latch plates when subjected to an upward or upward and lateral force opposite a locking direction of latch dogs associated with such mechanisms, especially during vehicle rollovers.
- This lateral mode of failure occurs when an occupant is more apt to be ejected from a vehicle and thus can result in severe bodily injury or death.
- Virtually all end release buckles operate using an over-the-center mechanism so the actual latch uses either a fairly weak compression spring or a leaf spring for a latching force.
- a so called “lock for the latch” is a rod or bar that follows an “L” shaped track where the lock bar moves laterally across the buckle frame in a direction of latch movement and then moves vertically along a leg of the “L” and behind the latch after the latch goes over-the-center to its latched position; thus supposedly locking the latch from moving laterally due to lateral forces acting on the buckle frame that would inertially move the latch laterally relative to the buckle frame.
- the end release buckles have a release button, release slider, lock bar (pin) latch and two compression springs, all of which have mass.
- One spring actuates the latch laterally and the other spring acts against the latch plate to keep a locking edge in contact with a latch surface or “dog” and applies an upward force against the release button.
- This spring also acts to eject the latch plate from the buckle when the latch button is depressed and the latch is disengage.
- the buckle latch When vertical forces, or forces with enough vertical component on a buckle, such as forces created by impacts to a bottom of a vehicle in a rollover, are sufficiently high enough, the buckle latch will release.
- the design of these buckles is such that release requires both a vertical (longitudinal) and horizontal (lateral) component in many cases because any vertically upward forces cause equally vertical downward inertial forces to the release button and related components, which causes them to move in a downward (release) direction due to their mass and acceleration relative to the buckle frame.
- the components of the release mechanism approach an elbow of the locking “L” slot, the locking pin or bar follows the path of the slot and releases the latch and the compression spring against which these inertia forces are acting, and ejects the latch plate.
- a latch plate weighs anywhere from approximately two (2) to five (5) ounces, depending on whether it is a slip, partial slip or slip lock latch plate.
- a weight (mass) of the release components of the buckle is a fraction of the latch plate weight.
- the dynamic problem with the end release buckles is that when there is an upward force or upward component of force acting on the buckle or a downward impulse from sudden tensile loading/unloading of seat belt webbing through the latch plate, the latch plate mass applies a downward inertia force or impulse that drives an unlatch mechanism downward toward an unlatch position, accelerating the unlatch mechanism masses downward and thus causing the latch to release. Any horizontal or lateral force acting on the buckle frame in an opposite direction of the unlatch direction compounds the unlatching due to acceleration forces acting on the buckle frame.
- the above modes of failure are inherent in virtually all conventional side and end release latching mechanisms of conventional vehicle restraint systems.
- the side release buckle systems are generally simpler and have fewer moving parts and thus are more economical to construct and to install, whereas the end release systems are more complex having multiple moving parts and are thus more expensive to manufacture.
- the present invention is directed to vehicle body restraint systems which include buckles for latching and restraining latch plates carried by seat or lap belts and safety harnesses.
- Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed.
- the embodiments are designed to prevent inertial release of safety restraint buckle or latching assemblies associated with vehicles by requiring intentional manual release of two equally resisted and oppositely oriented push button release mechanisms associated with the buckles such that release of latch plates from the buckles is only possible by the simultaneous manual movement of the oppositely oriented release mechanisms or buttons.
- Each locking mechanism utilizes equal and opposite locking forces against opposing lock release buttons such that if a force, or component of force, acts on a body of a buckle which is inline with an actuation direction of one of the release buttons, an equal and opposite force acts against the opposing release button thereby locking it into tighter engagement with the latch of the buckle assembly.
- the locking mechanism can not release by the application inertial forces to the buckle assembly.
- the release of the latch plate can only occur upon the deliberate and simultaneous manual application of force to the two opposing release buttons in opposite directions.
- the safety belt assembly of each of the restraint systems of the invention is provided with a latch plate which is insertable so as to be locked and retained within a buckle housing having internal latching components for engaging and preventing the removal of the latch plate until manually released.
- the buckle housings including an opening in which a latch plate is slidably received.
- Mounted interiorly of each buckle housing is at least one movable latch which is operable in a first position to engage within an opening in the latch plate to thereby prevent withdrawal of the latch plate until the at least one latch is moved from the opening in the latch plate.
- a single latch is movably mounted within the buckle housing against a resilient element or spring which normally urges the latch to its first or “locking” position.
- the latch includes a latch dog which is engageable with an edge defining the opening in the latch plate to thereby prevent withdrawal of the latch plate once it has been inserted within the buckle housing.
- the latch is operably connected to a pair of oppositely oriented release buttons which are mounted through opposite sides of the buckle housing. Each of the push or release buttons is engaged with a separate arm of the latch such that both arms of the latch must be engaged simultaneously by the oppositely oriented release buttons to urge the latch to a second or “release” position wherein the latch dog is free of the opening in the latch plate thus permitting the release of the latch plate from the buckle housing.
- a spring is mounted within the buckle housing so as to apply a constant force to the latch in the first locking direction such that, upon insertion of the latch plate within the buckle housing, the latch locking dog is urged into engagement with the latch plate as soon as the opening of the latch plate passes the latch dog of the latch.
- the buckle housing includes an internal frame component on which the opposing push buttons are guidingly engaged.
- the housing is also configured such that the push buttons are recessed relative thereto to thereby prevent accidental engagement with, and inadvertent actuation of, the buttons.
- a resilient element such as a spring, is mounted between each of the push buttons so as to apply an equal and opposite force urging each of the buttons to a first and outer locking position.
- the latch can not be moved to its second release position as one of the push buttons will be engaging an arm of the latch to prevent its movement from its first locked position. Further, the greater the force applied to one push button to move it to its release position, the greater the force applied to the opposite release button to retain it in its locked position.
- the latch plate is specially constructed so as to simultaneously urge each of the push buttons to their second release positions upon the insertion of the latch plate into the buckle housing.
- the latch plate includes a pair of forwardly spaced tangs having beveled edges which are engageable in slots in each of the push buttons so as to cam each push button to its second release position upon the insertion of the tangs until the opening in the latch plate is aligned to allow the latch dog of the latch to be resiliently urged within the opening to thereby lock the latch plate within the buckle housing.
- a pair of latches are mounted within the buckle housing on opposite sides of a channel in which the latch plate is slidingly received when inserted through the opening in one end of the buckle housing.
- Each of the latches is resiliently urged to a first locking position in which lock dogs associated with each latch are engageable within the opening in the latch plate with the oppositely oriented latch dogs being positioned generally side-by-side when the latches are in the first locked position.
- two push buttons are mounted through opposite sidewalls of the housing as with the first embodiment.
- Each push or release button includes an extended catch member which is generally unshaped and designed to engage a separate one of the latch plates so as to prevent movement of the latch plate from the first locking position to a second release position wherein the latch dogs associated with the latches are moved from the opening in the latch plate to thereby permit the withdrawal of the latch plate.
- Each push button further includes a beveled surface for engaging an opposing side of the latch associated therewith which side is also beveled, such that, upon movement of the push buttons from their first outer locking position inwardly to their second release position, the beveled surfaces will urge the adjacent latch to be moved to its second release position.
- a pair of springs are provided between each of the catch portions of the push buttons and the opposing push button. If force is applied to move either push button to its second release position, an opposite force is directed by the interconnecting spring or resilient element to urge the opposing push button outwardly with increased force so as to maintain the opposite push button in its first locked position. Therefore, only by the simultaneous application of force to each of the opposing push buttons to move them inwardly relative to the buckle housing can both latches be moved to their second release positions to permit the latch plate to be withdrawn from the buckle housing.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective illustrational view of a first embodiment of the present invention shown with the buckle housing removed and wherein the latch plate is connected to a conventional seat belt with the buckle being connected to a conventional anchor belt;
- FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the latch plate of the first embodiment detached from the buckle housing;
- FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing the latch plate of the embodiment of FIG. 1 connected to the frame of the buckle and with the housing removed;
- FIG. 4 is a view taken from the right side of the latch plate and buckle frame of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the latch plate and buckle frame of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the buckle frame and latch plate shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7 - 7 of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8 - 8 of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9 - 9 of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 3 showing the release push bottons in a first outer locking position
- FIG. 11 is a view taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 3 illustrating the release push buttons being simultaneously engaged to permit release of the latch plate from the buckle frame;
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12 - 12 of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 3 illustrating the movement of one push button toward a release position while the other push button is urged to a tighter locked position;
- FIG. 14 is a perspective illustrational view of a second embodiment of the present invention connected to a seat belt and anchor belt of a conventional vehicle wherein the buckle housing is shown surrounding the buckle frame and having opposite recesses in which the opposing push bottons are seated;
- FIG. 15 is an illustrational view similar to FIG. 14 except showing the latch plate of the second embodiment released from the buckle housing;
- FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the invention showing in dotted lines the recessed side walls of the buckle housing in which the push buttons are protectively seated;
- FIG. 17 is a right side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 ;
- FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 ;
- FIG. 19 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 ;
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20 - 20 of FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21 - 21 of FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22 - 22 of FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23 - 23 of FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional illustrational view taken along line 22 - 22 of FIG. 16 showing the simultaneous movement of the release push buttons from a first lock position to a second release position;
- FIG. 25 is an illustrational view taken along line 21 - 21 of FIG. 16 showing the latch plate released from the buckle housing;
- FIG. 26 is a view taken along line 22 - 22 of FIG. 16 showing how the push buttons cannot be accidentally engaged to a release position because they are recessed within the side walls of the buckle housing;
- FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27 - 27 of FIG. 26 but showing push button 225 being pushed in to release one latch thereby causing the opposite latch to be forced into tighter engagement with the latch plate to prevent its release.
- a first embodiment of non-inertial release restraint buckle of the present invention will be described as used with a seat belt restraint system of a vehicle.
- a restraint system includes a seat belt 50 in the form of a harness or lap belt which is mounted to a latch plate 51 for insertion into a buckle 48 .
- the buckle includes a housing 52 which is connected by way of a buckle housing frame member 53 to an anchor belt 54 which is normally connected to an anchor bracket which is bolted to a frame of the vehicle.
- the buckle housing 52 has been removed to show the inner workings of the buckle and latch plate in FIGS. 1 and 3 - 13 , however, the housing is shown in FIG. 2 with respect to the first embodiment and is also shown in all figures with respect to a second embodiment in FIGS. 14-27 . As is illustrated in FIG. 2 , to release the latch plate 51 from the buckle 48 , simultaneous forces must be applied to the opposing release push buttons 56 and 58 associated therewith.
- the latch plate 51 includes an opening 60 for purposes of receiving a locking or latching mechanism as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
- Forwardly of the opening 60 are a pair of spaced tangs 61 and 62 each having beveled inner surfaces 63 and 64 , respectively, see FIG. 7 , which taper inwardly from a front of the latch plate to an enlarged opening 67 between the tangs.
- the tangs form opposing locking catch hooks 65 and 66 which function to provide a secondary locking function when the latch plate is fully inserted within the buckle housing, as will be described.
- the opening 60 is spaced rearwardly of an inner edge 68 of the opening 67 .
- the latch plate 51 further includes a base portion 69 which is somewhat enlarged compared to the leading tang portion and which includes slots 70 for receiving the seat, lap or harness belt 50 .
- the buckle housing 52 has an opening 71 in one end thereof for receiving the latch plate.
- the opening communicates with opposing channels or passages 72 formed by the buckle frame member 53 in which the latch plate is slidingly received when inserted into the buckle housing.
- a lock or latch dog 76 is provided generally centrally of the latch, and extends outwardly from a plane of the base of the latch.
- the latch is movable from a first locking position, wherein in the latch dog is positioned so as to engage within the opening 60 of the latch plate, see FIGS. 1, 2 , 7 and 9 , to a second release position wherein the latch and latch dog 76 is pivoted away from the channels 72 to permit the insertion and withdrawal of the latch plate 51 , see FIG. 12 .
- Extending forwardly of the latch dog 76 are a pair of latch control arms 77 and 78 which are spaced on either side of the latch dog.
- the control arms are connected by a forward connector element 79 such that the arms 77 and 78 are rigidly secured relative to one another.
- the latch 74 is continuously urged to its first locking position by a leaf spring or other resilient element 80 , as is shown in FIG. 9 .
- a leaf spring or other resilient element 80 When the latch plate 51 is inserted within the channels 72 of the buckle housing 52 , the latch plate will engage the lock dog 76 and cam the latch 74 to its second release position. Once the opening 60 passes the leading edge of the lock dog 76 , the spring 80 will urge the latch dog into the opening 60 to thereby prevent withdrawal of the latch plate 51 with the latch dog 76 engaging an edge 81 at the forward portion of the opening 60 . This action provides a first and primary locking function for retaining the latch plate within the buckle.
- the frame generally includes a base portion 82 which is fixedly secured to a lower wall of the housing 52 .
- the frame includes a pair of side openings 83 and 84 formed in opposite sidewalls 85 and 86 thereof.
- the sidewalls 85 and 86 have inwardly extending flanges 87 and 88 associated therewith which extend inwardly of the housing and thereby define the channels 72 for guiding the latch plate within the buckle.
- the present embodiment of the invention utilizes the pair of oppositely oriented and opposing release push buttons 56 and 58 .
- the push buttons are slidably mounted on opposing tracks 89 , 90 and 91 , 92 defined in the flanges 87 and 88 , respectively, of the sidewalls of the frame so as to movable within the openings 83 and 84 in the sidewalls 85 and 86 of the buckle frame.
- Each of the push buttons 56 and 58 are generally similarly configured but are mirror images of one another.
- the push buttons include concave finger engaging outer surfaces 93 which extend generally flush with or slightly within recessed sidewall openings 94 and 95 of the housing 52 .
- the housing 52 and openings 94 and 95 are illustrated in dotted line in FIG. 3 .
- the recessed sidewalls of the buckle housing are better shown in FIGS. 14, 16 and 17 with respect to a second embodiment of the invention.
- the push buttons further include a pair of spaced closed slots 101 and 102 which are of a size to be slidingly received on the spaced guide tracks 89 , 90 and 91 , 92 .
- each push button also includes an open slot 104 , 105 which extends along a full length of the push button in which one of the tangs of the latch plate is slidingly received when the latch plate is inserted within the buckle housing.
- the push button 56 includes the slot or channel 104 for receiving the tang 61 of the latch plate.
- Push button 58 includes slot 106 for receiving tang 62 .
- each tang includes an inner beveled surface.
- Latch plate tang 61 includes a beveled surface 63 which engages against a side edge 106 defining one side of an opening into the slot 104 of the push button 56 .
- the latch plate tang 61 will engage within the slot 104 with the cam surface 63 thereof urging the push button inwardly of the housing by engagement with the wall or edge 106 , thus moving the push button 56 into the buckle housing.
- the hook 65 of the tang 61 engages within an opening 107 in an inner end wall of the push button 56 and thereby provide a secondary locking function to retain the latch plate in the buckle housing.
- the beveled portion 64 of the tang 62 engages a wall 108 of push button 58 as the latch plate is inserted within the buckle housing.
- Contact of the latch plate with push button 58 urges the button inwardly of the housing until the hooked end 66 of tang 62 seats in an opening 109 in an inner wall of push button 58 to thereby further lock the latch plate within the housing.
- the spring ensures that an equal and opposite force is applied to urge each of the push buttons to their first, outer locking position.
- the connection of the spring 110 further ensures that if a force is applied to one of the push buttons alone, to move the one push button from its first outer locking position to an inner release position, an increased force is applied by the compression of the spring 110 to urge the opposite push button more tightly into its first locking position.
- each push button has an opening 104 ′, 105 ′ along the full width thereof which communicate with the slots 104 , 105 , respectively, in which the arms 77 and 78 of the latch are received.
- each arm 77 and 78 is seated on pairs of outwardly extending catches or shoulders 121 and 122 of the push buttons 56 and 58 and thus, the latch can not be moved downwardly to its second unlocked or release position.
- each push button includes a 27 . beveled wall 124 , 125 opposing the catches 121 and 122 such that when the push buttons are urged inwardly of the buckle housing, toward their release position, see FIG.
- the arms of the latch are free of the catches so as to be engageable by the beveled surfaces 124 , 125 which thereby urge the latch arms to move the latch to its second release position against the influence of the spring 80 .
- the latch plate In the second position of the latch, the latch plate may be easily withdrawn from the buckle housing as the tangs and latch dog are simultaneously release from the push buttons and latch plate, respectively.
- a separate spring element may be utilized in association with the latch plate frame of the present invention in order to provide a discharge force for further facilitating the removal of the latch plate from the buckle housing. Examples of such ejection mechanisms are described in applicant's prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,539,595 issued Apr. 1, 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- each push button 56 and 58 supports a separate one of the arms 77 and 78 of the latch. Therefore, both push buttons must be moved to their release positions to release each of the arms 77 and 78 in order that the latch can be moved to its second or release position by a force of engagement of the beveled walls or surfaces 124 , 125 associated with the push buttons.
- the premature movement of either push button alone, as shown in FIG. 13 will only cause the catches 121 , 122 of the associated push button to release, one of the latch arms but will not release the opposing arm of the latch which is retained locked by the catches of the opposing push button.
- FIG. 13 The premature movement of either push button alone, as shown in FIG. 13 , will only cause the catches 121 , 122 of the associated push button to release, one of the latch arms but will not release the opposing arm of the latch which is retained locked by the catches of the opposing push button.
- push button 56 is engaged with an object “J” which applies a force to urge the push button to its release position wherein latch arm 77 is released from catches 121 .
- the spring 110 applies an increased force against push button 58 to maintain latch arm 78 locked within the catch 122 . Therefore, both push buttons must be moved inwardly of the buckle housing, simultaneously, as shown in FIG. 11 in order to cause a release of the latch plate.
- a guide block 126 is secured to the buckle frame 53 .
- the block includes a depending flange 127 which extends over a top portion of each push button as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 9 .
- the non-inertia release restraint buckle assembly 200 is shown as including a latch plate 201 which is connected to a conventional seat belt, lap belt or restraint harness 50 in a manner similar to that disclosed with respect to the first embodiment.
- the buckle assembly includes an outer frame member 202 having an opening 203 therein for receiving an anchoring strap 54 which is connected to a bracket or otherwise secured to the frame of a vehicle.
- the latch plate 201 includes an opening 205 for cooperating with a pair of latches 206 and 207 which are movably mounted at 208 and 209 within a buckle housing 210 .
- Each of the latches 206 and 207 includes at least one and preferably two spaced outwardly extending latch dogs 212 and 213 , respectively.
- the pairs of latch dogs are structured to fit in an interdigitated manner within the opening 205 in the latch plate when the latch plate is fully seated within the housing 210 . In this manner, both latches 206 and 207 must be moved from their first locking position, as shown in FIG. 21 , to a second release position, as shown in FIG.
- each of the latches 206 and 207 is normally urged to its first locked position, each is resiliently urged by a leaf or other resilient or spring element 215 and 216 , respectively, toward the locked position.
- the housing has an opening 220 at one end thereof which communicates with a channel 221 defined between the latches 206 and 207 in which the latch plate 201 is slidingly receivable when inserted within the housing 210 .
- the leading edge 222 thereof will engage cam like surfaces on the back of each latch dog thus pushing the latches 206 and 207 outwardly away from the channel 221 and permitting the latch plate to be fully inserted until such time as the latch dogs snap into engagement within the opening 205 in the latch plate to thereby lock the latch plate in position within the housing 210 .
- the present embodiment of the invention operates under the same laws of Newtonian Physics as the first embodiment in that, in order to release the latch plate 201 from the buckle housing 210 , force must be applied to two opposing release or push buttons 225 and 226 which are mounted to extend outwardly through two spaced recessed openings 227 and 228 in opposite sidewalls 229 and 230 of the buckle housing 210 .
- a pair of spaced springs 232 and 233 are mounted within the housing so as to be supported within seats 234 and 235 of the push buttons 225 and 226 , respectively.
- the opposite ends of the springs 232 and 233 are seated within seats 240 and 241 which are provided within generally u-shaped catches 242 and 243 of each of the opposite push buttons 225 and 226 , respectively.
- push button 225 has an extension portion 250 which integrally connects the push button to its inner unshaped catch 242 .
- the u-shaped catch engages a spaced or remote edge of the latch 206 to thereby retain the latch in its first or locked position.
- the latch 206 further includes a beveled or cam surface 251 which opposes a camming surface 252 of the push button 225 such that, when the push button 225 is pushed inwardly towards its second release position, the catch 243 will release one edge of the latch 206 and the camming surface 252 of the push button will move the latch, by engagement with its surface 251 , to its second release position.
- the latch 207 remains engaged with the latch plate unless the push button 226 is pushed inwardly to its second release position.
- Push button 226 also includes an extension portion 255 as shown in FIG. 26 which extends to its inner catch 243 .
- the push button also includes a beveled or camming surface 256 which is engageable with a beveled surface 257 associated with the latch 207 , see FIG. 24 .
- the catch 243 will release the latch 207 allowing the two cam surfaces to urge the latch 207 to its outer or second release position.
- the springs 233 and 232 will urge the push buttons to their outer or first locked position and the springs 215 and 216 will automatically cause the latches 206 and 207 to move to their first locking positions.
- the latches 206 and 207 will be cammed away from one another by the leading edge 222 of the latch plate engaging the cam surfaces of the lock or latch dogs 212 and 213 until such time as the latch dogs snap into the opening 205 to lock the latch plate within the housing. Thereafter, should any inadvertent force be applied to the buckle, its housing or elements causing an inadvertent depression of one of the push buttons, such inadvertent depression, which may be caused by movement of the belt buckle during an accident, will not effect a release of the latch plate.
- push button 225 is shown as being accidentally moved to its release position thereby releasing latch 206 from the catch 242 .
- the spring 232 when moved to this position, the spring 232 , see FIG. 20 , will apply an increased force on the opposing push button 226 thereby ensuring that the opposing push button is maintained in its locked or outer position preventing release of the catch 243 from latch 207 .
- the buckle housing 210 is specifically designed and configured to prevent accidental contact with the push buttons 225 and 226 which could lead to an inadvertent actuation of the buttons to move them toward their release positions.
- Each sidewall 229 and 230 is recessed inwardly as shown in dotted line in FIG. 16 at 260 and 261 , respectively, such that the openings 227 and 228 for the push buttons are recessed inwardly of the outer portions of the sidewalls.
- the outer engageable portions of each push button are thus slightly recessed relative to the outer portions of the sidewalls when in their outermost, first locking position, thereby preventing their accidental depression, as is illustrated in FIG. 26 . As shown in FIG.
Abstract
Vehicle body restraint systems including buckles for latching and retaining latch plates associated with safety belts wherein the buckles includes latching mechanisms having oppositely oriented release mechanisms which are operative in such a manner that any force applied to one release mechanism which would act to release a latch plate creates an increased force on the opposing release mechanism to retain the latch plate in a locked position. Release of the latch plates can only occur upon the simultaneous activation of the opposing release mechanisms by manual force applied in opposite directions.
Description
- This application is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 10/769,870, filed Feb. 3, 2004, entitled NON-INERTIAL SAFETY RESTRAINT BELT BUCKLE SYSTEMS, in the name of the same inventor, which is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 10/462,738, filed Jun. 17, 2003, entitled, NON-INERTIAL SAFETY RESTRAINT BELT BUCKLE SYSTEMS, in the name of the same inventor, now abandoned.
- This invention is generally directed to vehicle safety restraint systems including shoulder and lap-type seat belts and more particularly to such restraint systems which incorporate locking mechanisms for preventing release of latch plates from buckles of the restraint systems due to inertial forces created during vehicle accidents, such as in vehicle rollovers. The restraint systems can only be released by simultaneously manually maneuvering opposing release mechanisms in opposite directions.
- Body restraint systems including seat belts, lap belts, shoulder harnesses and the like have been credited with saving numerous lives which otherwise would have been lost in vehicular accidents. The positive benefits obtained due to body restraints systems has been so recognized that, in the United States, the use of seat belts is mandated in all states.
- Since their inception, there have been numerous innovative advances made to improve upon the safety and reliability of vehicle body restraint systems. Improvements have been made to the belt and belt materials, the manner in which the belt restraint systems are mounted within vehicles, the manner in which such restraint systems may be automatically adjusted to provide proper tension to suit not only safety standards but to also provide for a measure of passenger comfort and, further, to improve upon the security of the locking devices and belt buckles associated with such systems.
- Most conventional vehicle body restraint systems incorporate a belt which either crosses in front of the lap or diagonally across the body of the vehicle operator or passenger in such a manner as to not adversely interfere with a region of an individual's neck. Belts are retained by latching assemblies including belt buckles into which latch plates carried by the belts can be inserted so as to automatically become locked to the buckles which are normally anchored relative to vehicle frames.
- Conventional systems generally utilize two types of release mechanisms for allowing latch plates to be removed from buckle housings such that drivers and passengers can disembark vehicles. A first or side release system includes an operating release button which is generally resiliently urged outwardly at an angle which is perpendicular to an axis or line of insertion of the latch plate into a buckle housing. A second type of conventional release system is known as an end release system and includes an operating lever or button for releasing the latch plate from the buckle housing and which lever is mounted at an end of the buckle housing.
- Currently, virtually all types of latching mechanisms for body restraint systems in automotive vehicles are subject to premature release when subjected to at least one mode of inertial force which is created under various conditions resulting from collisions, rollovers and other types of loss of vehicle control. Side release latching assemblies or mechanisms, referred to as
Type 1 and Type 6 in the industry, will inertially release when subjected to lateral forces which are applied to a backside of a buckle during a vehicle collision or rollover. Such latching assemblies will also release by the release buttons being forceably engaged by an object in a vehicle accidently depressing the buttons during an accident, collision or rollover, thereby prematurely destroying the effectiveness of the restraint systems which can cause severe or deadly injury to persons using the systems. - By way of example, if a person's hip strikes the backside of a buckle frame, the interior latch will engage a latch plate of a seat belt and will release when the striking force level is sufficient to cause the inertia of the latch mass, relative to the acceleration and displacement of the buckle frame, to compress a leaf spring and unlatch the buckle.
- End type release latching systems will inertially release due to the mass of the release buttons associated therewith when taken into consideration the mass of movement of latch plates and the direction of rotational release of the latch plates when subjected to an upward or upward and lateral force opposite a locking direction of latch dogs associated with such mechanisms, especially during vehicle rollovers. This lateral mode of failure occurs when an occupant is more apt to be ejected from a vehicle and thus can result in severe bodily injury or death.
- An example of end release latching system for seat belts is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,358,879 to Magyar. The system uses a release button which is pushed down to release the latch plate as opposed to being pushed laterally as in the side release systems.
- Virtually all end release buckles, generally referred to as Type II buckles, operate using an over-the-center mechanism so the actual latch uses either a fairly weak compression spring or a leaf spring for a latching force. A so called “lock for the latch” is a rod or bar that follows an “L” shaped track where the lock bar moves laterally across the buckle frame in a direction of latch movement and then moves vertically along a leg of the “L” and behind the latch after the latch goes over-the-center to its latched position; thus supposedly locking the latch from moving laterally due to lateral forces acting on the buckle frame that would inertially move the latch laterally relative to the buckle frame.
- However, the end release buckles have a release button, release slider, lock bar (pin) latch and two compression springs, all of which have mass. One spring actuates the latch laterally and the other spring acts against the latch plate to keep a locking edge in contact with a latch surface or “dog” and applies an upward force against the release button. This spring also acts to eject the latch plate from the buckle when the latch button is depressed and the latch is disengage.
- When vertical forces, or forces with enough vertical component on a buckle, such as forces created by impacts to a bottom of a vehicle in a rollover, are sufficiently high enough, the buckle latch will release. The design of these buckles is such that release requires both a vertical (longitudinal) and horizontal (lateral) component in many cases because any vertically upward forces cause equally vertical downward inertial forces to the release button and related components, which causes them to move in a downward (release) direction due to their mass and acceleration relative to the buckle frame. When the components of the release mechanism approach an elbow of the locking “L” slot, the locking pin or bar follows the path of the slot and releases the latch and the compression spring against which these inertia forces are acting, and ejects the latch plate.
- The forces acting on a latch plate/buckle assembly that create inertia forces in a release direction come from various and foreseeable sources and directions and always follow Newton's Law. Some of these are:
- a) vertical to horizontal forces acting on a vehicle and thus a buckle assembly from impact to the ground during vehicle rollovers;
- b) vertical to horizontal forces acting on a vehicle and thus on a buckle assembly from impact to the vehicle from another vehicle, fixed object or other movable object within a path of the vehicle;
- c) vertical to horizontal forces acting on a buckle assembly by objects within a vehicle, such as occupants or loose objects;
- d) vertical to horizontal forces acting on a buckle assembly from it being driven into objects within a vehicle, such as a center console between a driver and a passenger or between vehicle occupants; and
- e) vertical to horizontal forces acting on a latch plate and release mechanism mass from impulses resulting from emergency management loop release as well as harness mounted air bags and the like where tension or a harness/lap belt webbing is suddenly tightened or released causing a large, near longitudinal impulse force into the buckle, latch plate and release mechanism mass sufficient to cause an acceleration of the mass of the release mechanism parts to develop an inertia force exceeding a release mechanism spring force acting against a release mechanism mass.
- A latch plate weighs anywhere from approximately two (2) to five (5) ounces, depending on whether it is a slip, partial slip or slip lock latch plate. A weight (mass) of the release components of the buckle (button, slider, locking pin, etc.) is a fraction of the latch plate weight.
- The dynamic problem with the end release buckles is that when there is an upward force or upward component of force acting on the buckle or a downward impulse from sudden tensile loading/unloading of seat belt webbing through the latch plate, the latch plate mass applies a downward inertia force or impulse that drives an unlatch mechanism downward toward an unlatch position, accelerating the unlatch mechanism masses downward and thus causing the latch to release. Any horizontal or lateral force acting on the buckle frame in an opposite direction of the unlatch direction compounds the unlatching due to acceleration forces acting on the buckle frame.
- The above modes of failure are inherent in virtually all conventional side and end release latching mechanisms of conventional vehicle restraint systems. The side release buckle systems are generally simpler and have fewer moving parts and thus are more economical to construct and to install, whereas the end release systems are more complex having multiple moving parts and are thus more expensive to manufacture.
- In view of the foregoing, there remains a need to further improve upon the reliability and effectiveness of vehicle body restraint safety belt systems to ensure that the latching mechanisms associated therewith cannot be accidently released during substantially any type of vehicular movement including vehicle rollovers caused during accidents, collisions or resulting from loss of control of a vehicle, such as by operator error or vehicle equipment failure. There is a further need to provide for improvements in vehicle body restraint systems which permit the latching assemblies to be more reliable and more economic to construct.
- The present invention is directed to vehicle body restraint systems which include buckles for latching and restraining latch plates carried by seat or lap belts and safety harnesses. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed. The embodiments are designed to prevent inertial release of safety restraint buckle or latching assemblies associated with vehicles by requiring intentional manual release of two equally resisted and oppositely oriented push button release mechanisms associated with the buckles such that release of latch plates from the buckles is only possible by the simultaneous manual movement of the oppositely oriented release mechanisms or buttons.
- Each locking mechanism utilizes equal and opposite locking forces against opposing lock release buttons such that if a force, or component of force, acts on a body of a buckle which is inline with an actuation direction of one of the release buttons, an equal and opposite force acts against the opposing release button thereby locking it into tighter engagement with the latch of the buckle assembly. Thus, the locking mechanism can not release by the application inertial forces to the buckle assembly. The release of the latch plate can only occur upon the deliberate and simultaneous manual application of force to the two opposing release buttons in opposite directions.
- The safety belt assembly of each of the restraint systems of the invention is provided with a latch plate which is insertable so as to be locked and retained within a buckle housing having internal latching components for engaging and preventing the removal of the latch plate until manually released. The buckle housings including an opening in which a latch plate is slidably received. Mounted interiorly of each buckle housing is at least one movable latch which is operable in a first position to engage within an opening in the latch plate to thereby prevent withdrawal of the latch plate until the at least one latch is moved from the opening in the latch plate.
- In a first embodiment of the invention, a single latch is movably mounted within the buckle housing against a resilient element or spring which normally urges the latch to its first or “locking” position. The latch includes a latch dog which is engageable with an edge defining the opening in the latch plate to thereby prevent withdrawal of the latch plate once it has been inserted within the buckle housing. The latch is operably connected to a pair of oppositely oriented release buttons which are mounted through opposite sides of the buckle housing. Each of the push or release buttons is engaged with a separate arm of the latch such that both arms of the latch must be engaged simultaneously by the oppositely oriented release buttons to urge the latch to a second or “release” position wherein the latch dog is free of the opening in the latch plate thus permitting the release of the latch plate from the buckle housing.
- As noted, a spring is mounted within the buckle housing so as to apply a constant force to the latch in the first locking direction such that, upon insertion of the latch plate within the buckle housing, the latch locking dog is urged into engagement with the latch plate as soon as the opening of the latch plate passes the latch dog of the latch.
- The buckle housing includes an internal frame component on which the opposing push buttons are guidingly engaged. The housing is also configured such that the push buttons are recessed relative thereto to thereby prevent accidental engagement with, and inadvertent actuation of, the buttons. A resilient element, such as a spring, is mounted between each of the push buttons so as to apply an equal and opposite force urging each of the buttons to a first and outer locking position. With this arrangement, when a force is applied to move one of the push buttons to a second release position wherein the push button is pushed inwardly of the housing, an opposite force is directed to the opposing push button thereby providing additional force to maintain the opposite push button in its first or locking position. Therefore, unless both push buttons are moved to their inner release positions simultaneously, the latch can not be moved to its second release position as one of the push buttons will be engaging an arm of the latch to prevent its movement from its first locked position. Further, the greater the force applied to one push button to move it to its release position, the greater the force applied to the opposite release button to retain it in its locked position.
- In the first embodiment, the latch plate is specially constructed so as to simultaneously urge each of the push buttons to their second release positions upon the insertion of the latch plate into the buckle housing. In this respect, the latch plate includes a pair of forwardly spaced tangs having beveled edges which are engageable in slots in each of the push buttons so as to cam each push button to its second release position upon the insertion of the tangs until the opening in the latch plate is aligned to allow the latch dog of the latch to be resiliently urged within the opening to thereby lock the latch plate within the buckle housing.
- In a second embodiment of the invention, a pair of latches are mounted within the buckle housing on opposite sides of a channel in which the latch plate is slidingly received when inserted through the opening in one end of the buckle housing. Each of the latches is resiliently urged to a first locking position in which lock dogs associated with each latch are engageable within the opening in the latch plate with the oppositely oriented latch dogs being positioned generally side-by-side when the latches are in the first locked position. Further, two push buttons are mounted through opposite sidewalls of the housing as with the first embodiment. Each push or release button includes an extended catch member which is generally unshaped and designed to engage a separate one of the latch plates so as to prevent movement of the latch plate from the first locking position to a second release position wherein the latch dogs associated with the latches are moved from the opening in the latch plate to thereby permit the withdrawal of the latch plate.
- Each push button further includes a beveled surface for engaging an opposing side of the latch associated therewith which side is also beveled, such that, upon movement of the push buttons from their first outer locking position inwardly to their second release position, the beveled surfaces will urge the adjacent latch to be moved to its second release position.
- In order to ensure that both push buttons must be moved to their second release positions simultaneously to release the latch plate from the buckle housing, a pair of springs are provided between each of the catch portions of the push buttons and the opposing push button. If force is applied to move either push button to its second release position, an opposite force is directed by the interconnecting spring or resilient element to urge the opposing push button outwardly with increased force so as to maintain the opposite push button in its first locked position. Therefore, only by the simultaneous application of force to each of the opposing push buttons to move them inwardly relative to the buckle housing can both latches be moved to their second release positions to permit the latch plate to be withdrawn from the buckle housing.
- It is the primary object of the present invention to provide safety restraint assemblies for vehicles which include buckle and latch plate mechanisms which can not be released by inertial forces applied to the components of the assemblies such as caused by vehicle accidents including rollovers.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide latching and locking mechanisms for seat belt restraint systems which follow Newtonian Laws of Physics to the effect that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, so that a latch plate can not be released relative to a buckle unless oppositely directed forces are applied to a pair of opposing push buttons associated with the restraint systems.
- It is also an object of the present invention to provide latching and locking mechanisms for seat belt restraint systems wherein the inadvertent or accidental application of force to one of a pair of release push buttons associated therewith can not cause the release of latch plates of the restraint systems and further wherein such accidentally application of force supplies a greater force to retain the other of the release buttons in a locked position.
- It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide non-inertial release restraint buckles for use in seat belt restraining systems of the type utilized in automotive vehicles and the like wherein the buckle latching assemblies can be structured from a minimal number of operative components to thereby reduce a risk of component failure while decreasing manufacturing costs of the restraint buckles.
- A better understanding of the invention will be had with respect to the embodiments disclosed and with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective illustrational view of a first embodiment of the present invention shown with the buckle housing removed and wherein the latch plate is connected to a conventional seat belt with the buckle being connected to a conventional anchor belt; -
FIG. 2 is a view similar toFIG. 1 showing the latch plate of the first embodiment detached from the buckle housing; -
FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing the latch plate of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 connected to the frame of the buckle and with the housing removed; -
FIG. 4 is a view taken from the right side of the latch plate and buckle frame ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the latch plate and buckle frame ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the buckle frame and latch plate shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 3 showing the release push bottons in a first outer locking position; -
FIG. 11 is a view taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 3 illustrating the release push buttons being simultaneously engaged to permit release of the latch plate from the buckle frame; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 3 illustrating the movement of one push button toward a release position while the other push button is urged to a tighter locked position; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective illustrational view of a second embodiment of the present invention connected to a seat belt and anchor belt of a conventional vehicle wherein the buckle housing is shown surrounding the buckle frame and having opposite recesses in which the opposing push bottons are seated; -
FIG. 15 is an illustrational view similar toFIG. 14 except showing the latch plate of the second embodiment released from the buckle housing; -
FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the invention showing in dotted lines the recessed side walls of the buckle housing in which the push buttons are protectively seated; -
FIG. 17 is a right side view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 19 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 ofFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 ofFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 ofFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 ofFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional illustrational view taken along line 22-22 ofFIG. 16 showing the simultaneous movement of the release push buttons from a first lock position to a second release position; -
FIG. 25 is an illustrational view taken along line 21-21 ofFIG. 16 showing the latch plate released from the buckle housing; -
FIG. 26 is a view taken along line 22-22 ofFIG. 16 showing how the push buttons cannot be accidentally engaged to a release position because they are recessed within the side walls of the buckle housing; and -
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 ofFIG. 26 but showingpush button 225 being pushed in to release one latch thereby causing the opposite latch to be forced into tighter engagement with the latch plate to prevent its release. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 1-13 of the drawing figures, a first embodiment of non-inertial release restraint buckle of the present invention will be described as used with a seat belt restraint system of a vehicle. Such a restraint system includes aseat belt 50 in the form of a harness or lap belt which is mounted to alatch plate 51 for insertion into abuckle 48. The buckle includes ahousing 52 which is connected by way of a bucklehousing frame member 53 to ananchor belt 54 which is normally connected to an anchor bracket which is bolted to a frame of the vehicle. - The
buckle housing 52 has been removed to show the inner workings of the buckle and latch plate inFIGS. 1 and 3 -13, however, the housing is shown inFIG. 2 with respect to the first embodiment and is also shown in all figures with respect to a second embodiment inFIGS. 14-27 . As is illustrated inFIG. 2 , to release thelatch plate 51 from thebuckle 48, simultaneous forces must be applied to the opposingrelease push buttons - In the first embodiment showing in
FIGS. 1-13 thelatch plate 51 includes anopening 60 for purposes of receiving a locking or latching mechanism as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. Forwardly of theopening 60 are a pair of spacedtangs inner surfaces FIG. 7 , which taper inwardly from a front of the latch plate to anenlarged opening 67 between the tangs. The tangs form opposing locking catch hooks 65 and 66 which function to provide a secondary locking function when the latch plate is fully inserted within the buckle housing, as will be described. It should be noted that theopening 60 is spaced rearwardly of aninner edge 68 of theopening 67. Thelatch plate 51 further includes abase portion 69 which is somewhat enlarged compared to the leading tang portion and which includesslots 70 for receiving the seat, lap or harnessbelt 50. - The
buckle housing 52 has anopening 71 in one end thereof for receiving the latch plate. The opening communicates with opposing channels orpassages 72 formed by thebuckle frame member 53 in which the latch plate is slidingly received when inserted into the buckle housing. - Mounted within the
housing 52 is asingle latch 74 which is movably mounted at itsbase 75 within alip 73 of the buckle frame, seeFIG. 8 . A lock or latchdog 76 is provided generally centrally of the latch, and extends outwardly from a plane of the base of the latch. The latch is movable from a first locking position, wherein in the latch dog is positioned so as to engage within theopening 60 of the latch plate, seeFIGS. 1, 2 , 7 and 9, to a second release position wherein the latch and latchdog 76 is pivoted away from thechannels 72 to permit the insertion and withdrawal of thelatch plate 51, seeFIG. 12 . Extending forwardly of thelatch dog 76 are a pair oflatch control arms forward connector element 79 such that thearms - The
latch 74 is continuously urged to its first locking position by a leaf spring or otherresilient element 80, as is shown inFIG. 9 . When thelatch plate 51 is inserted within thechannels 72 of thebuckle housing 52, the latch plate will engage thelock dog 76 and cam thelatch 74 to its second release position. Once the opening 60 passes the leading edge of thelock dog 76, thespring 80 will urge the latch dog into theopening 60 to thereby prevent withdrawal of thelatch plate 51 with thelatch dog 76 engaging anedge 81 at the forward portion of theopening 60. This action provides a first and primary locking function for retaining the latch plate within the buckle. - Also provided within the
housing 52 is a portion of thebuckle frame 53. The frame generally includes a base portion 82 which is fixedly secured to a lower wall of thehousing 52. The frame includes a pair ofside openings opposite sidewalls sidewalls flanges channels 72 for guiding the latch plate within the buckle. - To control the release of the
latch 74, the present embodiment of the invention utilizes the pair of oppositely oriented and opposingrelease push buttons tracks flanges openings sidewalls - Each of the
push buttons outer surfaces 93 which extend generally flush with or slightly within recessedsidewall openings housing 52. Thehousing 52 andopenings FIG. 3 . The recessed sidewalls of the buckle housing are better shown inFIGS. 14, 16 and 17 with respect to a second embodiment of the invention. The push buttons further include a pair of spacedclosed slots - With reference to
FIG. 7 , each push button also includes anopen slot push button 56 includes the slot orchannel 104 for receiving thetang 61 of the latch plate.Push button 58 includesslot 106 for receivingtang 62. As previously described, each tang includes an inner beveled surface.Latch plate tang 61 includes abeveled surface 63 which engages against aside edge 106 defining one side of an opening into theslot 104 of thepush button 56. In this manner, when the latch plate is inserted within thebuckle housing 52, thelatch plate tang 61 will engage within theslot 104 with thecam surface 63 thereof urging the push button inwardly of the housing by engagement with the wall oredge 106, thus moving thepush button 56 into the buckle housing. When the tang member is fully seated, thehook 65 of thetang 61 engages within anopening 107 in an inner end wall of thepush button 56 and thereby provide a secondary locking function to retain the latch plate in the buckle housing. In a like manner, thebeveled portion 64 of thetang 62 engages a wall 108 ofpush button 58 as the latch plate is inserted within the buckle housing. Contact of the latch plate withpush button 58 urges the button inwardly of the housing until thehooked end 66 oftang 62 seats in an opening 109 in an inner wall ofpush button 58 to thereby further lock the latch plate within the housing. - The seating of the latch plate tangs in the openings in the push buttons occurs simultaneously with the seating of the
latch dog 76 within theopening 60 in thelatch plate 51. Thus, there are three separate points of engagement of the latch plate with the components of the buckle. Further, proper alignment of the latch plate is assured by theedge 68 of the latch plate engaging the front face of the push buttons when in the locked position as shown inFIG. 7 . - The movement of the
push buttons FIGS. 7 and 10 , is accomplished by a spring or similarresilient element 110 which is mounted within recessedseats 111 and 112 formed in theinner walls spring 110 further ensures that if a force is applied to one of the push buttons alone, to move the one push button from its first outer locking position to an inner release position, an increased force is applied by the compression of thespring 110 to urge the opposite push button more tightly into its first locking position. It is this equal and opposite application of force, based upon Newtonian Laws of Physics, which makes the lock mechanism of the present invention failsafe and not subject to premature release by inertial forces which can be caused during vehicle accidents. More specifically, any force applied to one push button to release it, without an opposite force being applied to the opposing push button, can not result in the unlatching of thelatch 74 or a release of the latch plate tangs from both release push buttons. - To control the release of the
latch 74, each push button has anopening 104′, 105′ along the full width thereof which communicate with theslots arms FIG. 10 , when the latch is in its locked position, eacharm shoulders push buttons beveled wall catches FIG. 11 , the arms of the latch are free of the catches so as to be engageable by thebeveled surfaces spring 80. In the second position of the latch, the latch plate may be easily withdrawn from the buckle housing as the tangs and latch dog are simultaneously release from the push buttons and latch plate, respectively. - Although not specifically shown in the drawing figures, it is possible that a separate spring element may be utilized in association with the latch plate frame of the present invention in order to provide a discharge force for further facilitating the removal of the latch plate from the buckle housing. Examples of such ejection mechanisms are described in applicant's prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,539,595 issued Apr. 1, 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- From the foregoing description, it should be noted that each
push button arms arms FIG. 13 , will only cause thecatches FIG. 13 ,push button 56 is engaged with an object “J” which applies a force to urge the push button to its release position whereinlatch arm 77 is released from catches 121. However, thespring 110 applies an increased force againstpush button 58 to maintainlatch arm 78 locked within thecatch 122. Therefore, both push buttons must be moved inwardly of the buckle housing, simultaneously, as shown inFIG. 11 in order to cause a release of the latch plate. - To further guide the
push buttons guide block 126 is secured to thebuckle frame 53. The block includes a dependingflange 127 which extends over a top portion of each push button as shown inFIGS. 3, 4 and 9. - With particular reference to
FIGS. 14-27 , a second embodiment of the invention is disclosed in greater detail. In this embodiment, the non-inertia releaserestraint buckle assembly 200 is shown as including alatch plate 201 which is connected to a conventional seat belt, lap belt orrestraint harness 50 in a manner similar to that disclosed with respect to the first embodiment. Likewise, the buckle assembly includes anouter frame member 202 having anopening 203 therein for receiving an anchoringstrap 54 which is connected to a bracket or otherwise secured to the frame of a vehicle. - In this embodiment, the
latch plate 201 includes anopening 205 for cooperating with a pair oflatches buckle housing 210. Each of thelatches latch dogs opening 205 in the latch plate when the latch plate is fully seated within thehousing 210. In this manner, bothlatches FIG. 21 , to a second release position, as shown inFIG. 25 , in order to permit the insertion or removal of thelatch plate 201 from thebuckle housing 210. To ensure that each of thelatches spring element - As with the previous embodiment, the housing has an
opening 220 at one end thereof which communicates with achannel 221 defined between thelatches latch plate 201 is slidingly receivable when inserted within thehousing 210. As thelatch plate 201 is inserted within the housing, theleading edge 222 thereof will engage cam like surfaces on the back of each latch dog thus pushing thelatches channel 221 and permitting the latch plate to be fully inserted until such time as the latch dogs snap into engagement within theopening 205 in the latch plate to thereby lock the latch plate in position within thehousing 210. - The present embodiment of the invention operates under the same laws of Newtonian Physics as the first embodiment in that, in order to release the
latch plate 201 from thebuckle housing 210, force must be applied to two opposing release or pushbuttons openings opposite sidewalls buckle housing 210. - As opposed to using a single resilient or spring element between the push buttons as disclosed with respect to the previous embodiment, in the present embodiment, a pair of spaced
springs seats push buttons springs seats u-shaped catches opposite push buttons - With specific reference to
FIG. 22 ,push button 225 has anextension portion 250 which integrally connects the push button to its innerunshaped catch 242. The u-shaped catch engages a spaced or remote edge of thelatch 206 to thereby retain the latch in its first or locked position. Thelatch 206 further includes a beveled orcam surface 251 which opposes acamming surface 252 of thepush button 225 such that, when thepush button 225 is pushed inwardly towards its second release position, thecatch 243 will release one edge of thelatch 206 and thecamming surface 252 of the push button will move the latch, by engagement with itssurface 251, to its second release position. However, even if thelatch 206 is moved to its release position, thelatch 207 remains engaged with the latch plate unless thepush button 226 is pushed inwardly to its second release position. -
Push button 226 also includes an extension portion 255 as shown inFIG. 26 which extends to itsinner catch 243. The push button also includes a beveled orcamming surface 256 which is engageable with abeveled surface 257 associated with thelatch 207, seeFIG. 24 . In this manner, when thepush button 226 is pushed inwardly of thehousing 210, thecatch 243 will release thelatch 207 allowing the two cam surfaces to urge thelatch 207 to its outer or second release position. - As each of the
push buttons springs FIG. 24 , in order to effect a release of thelatch plate 201 from the buckle housing. As soon as the latch plate has been removed from the buckle housing and the push buttons released, thesprings springs latches - In the operation of the second embodiment, upon insertion of the
latch plate 201, thelatches leading edge 222 of the latch plate engaging the cam surfaces of the lock or latchdogs opening 205 to lock the latch plate within the housing. Thereafter, should any inadvertent force be applied to the buckle, its housing or elements causing an inadvertent depression of one of the push buttons, such inadvertent depression, which may be caused by movement of the belt buckle during an accident, will not effect a release of the latch plate. InFIG. 27 ,push button 225 is shown as being accidentally moved to its release position thereby releasinglatch 206 from thecatch 242. However, when moved to this position, thespring 232, seeFIG. 20 , will apply an increased force on the opposingpush button 226 thereby ensuring that the opposing push button is maintained in its locked or outer position preventing release of thecatch 243 fromlatch 207. - Only upon application of simultaneous forces to the opposing
latch buttons FIG. 24 , can thelatch plate 201 be released from its locked engagement with thelatches - With particular reference to
FIGS. 14, 16 17 and 26, thebuckle housing 210 is specifically designed and configured to prevent accidental contact with thepush buttons sidewall FIG. 16 at 260 and 261, respectively, such that theopenings FIG. 26 . As shown inFIG. 26 , should a sidewall of the buckle housing engage a surface of object “J”, the release buttons will not be depressed due to their inset position or mounting relative to the outer portions of the sidewalls. The same recessed features are provided for the buckle housing and push buttons of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-13 . - The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented to illustrate the principles of the invention and not to limit the invention to the particular embodiment illustrated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by all of the embodiments encompassed within the following claims and their equivalents.
Claims (3)
1. A method of providing a non-inertial safety restraint system for vehicles which system includes a latch plate having an opening therein, a buckle housing having an interior passageway for selectively receiving the latch plate and at least one latch member movable within the housing from a first locking position engaging an opening in the latch plate to retain the latch plate within the housing to a second position to permit insertion and removal of the latch plate relative to the interior passageway of the housing, and wherein a pair of oppositely oriented release push buttons are provided extending through openings is opposite sidewalls of the housing, the method including;
a) continuously urging the at least one latch to said first locking position thereof by resilient force,
b) moving the at least one latch from the first locking position thereof to the second release position thereof when the latch plate is being inserted within the housing and such that when the latch plate is fully inserted within the housing the at least one latch is moved to said first locking position thereof to prevent withdrawal of the latch plate from the buckle housing and
c) permitting release of the latch plate from the at least one latch only upon the simultaneous application of force to each of the push buttons to move said push buttons toward one another within the housing to thereby cause said at least one latch to be moved to said second release position thereof.
2. The method of claim 1 including the additional step of normally urging each of said oppositely oriented push buttons towards a first locking position to prevent the at least one latch from moving to the second release position by generally equal and oppositely oriented forces.
3. The method of claim 1 including the additional step of providing resilient means between each of said oppositely oriented push buttons such that any force applied toward one of said push buttons to move said one of said push buttons to release the at least one latch applies a force simultaneously to the other of said push buttons to urge the other of the push buttons to remain in a position to prevent the at least one latch from moving to the second release position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/402,841 US20060213040A1 (en) | 2003-06-17 | 2006-04-13 | Non-inertial release safety restraint belt buckle systems |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US46273803A | 2003-06-17 | 2003-06-17 | |
US10/769,870 US7073235B2 (en) | 2003-06-17 | 2004-02-03 | Non-inertial release safety restraint belt buckle systems |
US11/402,841 US20060213040A1 (en) | 2003-06-17 | 2006-04-13 | Non-inertial release safety restraint belt buckle systems |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/769,870 Division US7073235B2 (en) | 2003-06-17 | 2004-02-03 | Non-inertial release safety restraint belt buckle systems |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060213040A1 true US20060213040A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
Family
ID=33544115
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/769,870 Expired - Fee Related US7073235B2 (en) | 2003-06-17 | 2004-02-03 | Non-inertial release safety restraint belt buckle systems |
US11/402,841 Abandoned US20060213040A1 (en) | 2003-06-17 | 2006-04-13 | Non-inertial release safety restraint belt buckle systems |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/769,870 Expired - Fee Related US7073235B2 (en) | 2003-06-17 | 2004-02-03 | Non-inertial release safety restraint belt buckle systems |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US7073235B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004113120A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
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US20090094810A1 (en) * | 2007-10-12 | 2009-04-16 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Buckle-tongue arrangement for four point seat belt system |
US20110083304A1 (en) * | 2009-10-09 | 2011-04-14 | N.A.B. Co. LLC | Seatbelt locking device |
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ITTO20030683A1 (en) * | 2003-09-09 | 2005-03-10 | Belt & Buckle S R L | CONNECTION BUCKLE FOR SEAT BELTS, IN |
EP1728479B1 (en) * | 2005-06-01 | 2013-10-23 | Stryker Trauma SA | Quick-release guide for elements of a fixation system external to bone |
US7137178B1 (en) | 2005-09-13 | 2006-11-21 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Protective device for vehicle seat belt latch release |
CN201445021U (en) * | 2009-06-16 | 2010-05-05 | 东莞市怡丰锁业有限公司 | Insert buckle head and insert buckle |
US8678459B1 (en) | 2011-04-04 | 2014-03-25 | Joseph T. S. Win | Truck load protection apparatus |
US8550527B1 (en) | 2011-04-04 | 2013-10-08 | Joseph T. S. Win | Truck load protection assembly |
FR3010024A1 (en) * | 2013-09-05 | 2015-03-06 | Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa | VEHICLE TRIM, HAVING PROTUBERANCE FOR RETAINING OF SEAT BELT PADS CONTROLLED BY ONE PIECE |
GB201418296D0 (en) * | 2014-10-15 | 2014-11-26 | Crib Gogh Ltd | Fastening arrangement |
CN204663228U (en) * | 2014-12-12 | 2015-09-23 | 道尔青少年集团公司 | Water closet cover lock |
HK1206540A2 (en) | 2015-07-21 | 2016-01-08 | 精豐鈕扣有限公司 | Convenient buckle |
CN113796628A (en) * | 2016-11-08 | 2021-12-17 | 明门香港股份有限公司 | Buckle tool |
SE541797C2 (en) | 2017-11-30 | 2019-12-17 | Husqvarna Ab | Tool belt |
GB2585342B (en) * | 2019-04-15 | 2021-10-27 | Crib Gogh Ltd | A buckle and a torso-protection system |
CA3191089A1 (en) * | 2020-08-28 | 2022-03-03 | Scott V. Evans | Belt buckle |
USD981274S1 (en) * | 2021-04-26 | 2023-03-21 | Microtech Knives, Inc. | Buckle |
USD984312S1 (en) * | 2021-04-26 | 2023-04-25 | Microtech Knives, Inc. | Buckle |
USD980745S1 (en) * | 2021-04-26 | 2023-03-14 | Microtech Knives, Inc. | Buckle |
USD981275S1 (en) * | 2021-04-26 | 2023-03-21 | Microtech Knives, Inc. | Buckle |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2004113120A2 (en) | 2004-12-29 |
US20040255439A1 (en) | 2004-12-23 |
US7073235B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 |
WO2004113120A3 (en) | 2005-04-21 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |