GB2073809A - Improvements in or relating to restraining belts - Google Patents
Improvements in or relating to restraining belts Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2073809A GB2073809A GB8012220A GB8012220A GB2073809A GB 2073809 A GB2073809 A GB 2073809A GB 8012220 A GB8012220 A GB 8012220A GB 8012220 A GB8012220 A GB 8012220A GB 2073809 A GB2073809 A GB 2073809A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- coupling device
- safety belt
- belt assembly
- predetermined temperature
- plate member
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
- B60R22/32—Devices for releasing in an emergency, e.g. after an accident ; Remote or automatic unbuckling devices
- B60R22/322—Devices for releasing in an emergency, e.g. after an accident ; Remote or automatic unbuckling devices using automatic actuating means
Abstract
A safety belt coupling device (10) has slots (13, 14) for attachment to two parts of a safety belt. The device is formed in two parts (11, 12) which engage one another by means of annular flanges (15, 16). The annular flanges (15, 16) are secured together by means of fusible material (20), for example a fusible metal, such that in normal operation the integrity of the device is maintained but that above a predetermined temperature the two parts of the device separate to release the safety belt. A spring (19) urges apart the two parts of the device to ensure release of the safety belt when the temperature rises above the predetermined temperature. Other examples of coupling devices released when a predetermined temperature is exceeded are disclosed. <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
Improvements in or relating to restraining belts
The invention relates to restraining or safety belts, for example seat belts for motor vehicles or aircraft.
A problem associated with seat belts which has given rise to a number of fatalities is that in the event of an accident in which a fire is caused, occupants of a vehicle have beén prevented from excaping by that fact that it was not possible to release their seat belts. Thus in some cases a passenger has been killed not by an accident itself, but by being held in a burning vehicle by a seat belt.
According to the invention there is provided a safety belt coupling device for connecting together two parts of a safety belt assembly, the coupling device comprising means for releasing the connection between the two parts of the safety belt assembly when the temperature of the device rises above a predetermined temperature.
The term "safety belt assembly" used herein refers to the safety belt itself, together with anchoring points and clasps. Thus the coupling device may conveniently have one part adapted to engage a female part of a safety belt clasp and a second part adapted to be engaged by the male part of a safety belt clasp. Such a device can be used to adapt existing safety belt assemblies simply by engaging the coupling device between the male and female parts of the existing seat belt clasp.
Alternatively, the coupling device may be used to connect two parts of the belt itself, or to connect a clasp to the belt, or to connect the belt to a mounting, or a mounting to a clasp.
The coupling device preferably comprises at least two parts and means for holding together the parts, the holding means being releasable when the temperature of the device rises above a predetermined temperature. The holding means preferably comprises load bearding means, and non-load bearing for retaining the load bearing means in position. The non-load bearing means is preferably releasable when the temperature of the device rises above a predetermined temperature.
Means may be provided for urging apart the two or more parts of the coupling device when the holding means is released, and the urging means may comprise a spring.
The predetermined temperature may be in the range 50 C to 1 20 C, and preferably in the range 70 C to 1 00 C.
The non-load bearing means may be a fusible connection, for example a fusible alloy or alternatively a suitable plastics material.
The invention further provides a restraining or safety belt comprising a coupling device according to the invention.
By way of example, six embodiments of a coupling device according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a coupling device;
Figure 2 is a sectional view along the lines 11II of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention;
Figure 4 is a sectional view along the lines IVIV of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a sectional side view of a third embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention;
Figure 6 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention;
Figure 7 is a sectional view along the lines VllVll of Figure 6;; Figure 8 is a sectional side view of a fifth embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention; and Figure 9 is a sectional plan view of a sixth embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention.
A first embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The coupling device, generally indicated at 10 comprises two load bearing parts 1 1 and 12 each formed with a respective slot 13, 14 for engagement by a safety or restraining belt, for example a vehicle or aircraft seat belt. It will be appreciated that the respective ends of the portions 11 and 12 can be of any desired shape and could, for example, be capable of-engaging the female part of a seat belt clasp or of being engaged by the male part of a seat belt clasp. Thus the coupling device 10 if suitably modified can be located in any part of a seat belt assembly.
The portion 1 1 has annular flange 15 and the portion 12 has an annular flange 16, the annular flange 15 being engagable within the annular flange 16. The portions 1 1 and 12 of the coupling device have curved portions 17, 18 respectively such that when the annular flanges 15 and 16 are mutually engaged, the slots 13 and 14 are coplanar.
A fusible alloy 20, for example Lipowitz alloy (melting point 70 C), Woods metal (melting point 73 C) Newtons alloy (melting point 95 C) or
Roses alloy (meriting point 1 00 C) is used to secure together the flanges 15 and 16 along their adjoining surfaces. It will be appreciated that there are other fusible alloys which could be used, although an alloy compatible with the material of the coupling device, commonly steel, is necessary.
Thus the two portions 1 1 and 12 of the coupling device 10 are secured together until the fusibie alloy is melted by a sufficient rise in temperature.
In order to ensure that when the fusible alloy has melted the portions 1 1 and 12 are separated, a spring 19 is compressed between the portions Ilandl2.
It will be appreciated that the load on the coupling device 10 from the safety belt engaging the slots 13 and 14 acts through the annular flanges 15 and 16 and imposes no tensile load on the fusible alloy 20 holding the portions 1 1 and 1 2 together.
A second embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention is shown in Figures 3 and 4. A pair of belt engagement plates 21,22 are formed with slots 23,23a respectively for engagement by a safety belt. Modification of the profiles of the portions 21 and 22 could enable the coupling device to be positioned in any part of the safety belt assembly. The plates 21 and 22 each have a circular hole therein, the holes being numbered 24,25 respectively. In the holes 24 and 25 are engaged pins 26,27 respectively, the pins 26, Z7 having reduced diameter end portions 28, 29 respectively.Retaining plates 30 and 31 each have a pair of holes formed therein which engage the reduced diameter end portions of the pins 26 and 27. A fusible material, such as one of the alloys described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, secures the plates 30 and 31 to the pins 26 and 27 where their surfaces contact in the region of the reduced diameter end portions 28,29 of the pins. Thus any load imposed on the coupling device by the seat belt passes from one beit engagement plate 21 to the other belt engagement plate 22 via the pin 26, the plates 30 and 31 and the pin 27. No tensile load is imposed on the fusible material.
In -order to ensure that the retaining plates 30 and 31 are removed when the fusible alloy has melted, a spring 32 is compressed between the plates 30 and 31, the spring 32 being located around annular flanges 33 and 34.
Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention. The coupling device comprises a pair of belt engagement plates 40,41 having slots 42,43 respectively for engagement by a belt. The plates 40 and 41 are each formed with a mutually engagable undulating profile and the arrangement is such that when the profiles are engaged the plates 40 and 41 lie in the same plane. Fusible material 44 such as that previously described is applied along the undulating profiles and secures the plates 40 and 41 together. Again it will be appreciated that tensile loads across the coupling device will be borne by the mutual engagement of undulating profile of the plates 40 and 41, not by the fusible material.When the fusible material melts, the plates 40 and 41 will be allowed to separate so that the belt is released.
A fourth embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention is shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this embodiment, two belt engagement plates 50 and 51 having belt engagement slots 52,53 respectively formed therein are secured together by a tongue member 54.
The plate 50 has a further slot 55 formed therein for engagement by the tongue 54 and the plate 51 has a further slot 56 also for engagement by the tongue 54. The tongue 54 is secured at each of its ends to the plate 51 by fusible material, such as the alloys hereinbefore described along the surface 57 and 58. Thus tensile load across the pin device caused by tension in the seat belt will be carried by the action of the plates 50 and 51 across the portion 59 of the tongue 54. It will be appreciated that this action will give rise to a moment tending to lift the tongue 54 away from the plate 51 and this will ensure that when the fusible material melts the belt is released.
Figure 8 shows a fifth embodiment of a coupling crevice according to the invention. The coupling device again has two plates 60,61 each with a belt engaging slot. The plate 60 has a hinge 62 to allow an end portion 63 to rotate. The plate 61 is formed with a hook portion 64.
Fusible material such as one of the alloys hereinbefore described is applied between the end portion 63 of the plate 60 and the hook portion 64 of the plate 61 to secure the two plates together.
Thus until the fusible material melts the coupling device is capable of taking loads across it caused by the tension in the safety belt but when the fusible material melts the hinge 62 allows the end portion 63 of the plate 62 to rotate and release the safety belt.
It is also possible for a coupling device according to the invention to use a thermo plastic material to allow release of the seat belt above a predetermined temperature. In Figure 9, a belt engagement plate 70 has a belt engagement slot 71 formed therein. A second belt engagement plate 72 extends from and is fixed to a housing 73, the plate 72 having a belt engagement slot 74 formed therein.
A pair of pivot pins 75,76 are secured in the housing 73 and levers 77,78 are mounted on the pins 75,76 respectively.
The belt plate 70 has a tongue 79 which is inserted in the housing 73 and has a pair of recesses 80,81 formed in it. One end 82 of the lever 77 engages the recess 80 of the tongue 79 and one end 83 of the lever 78 engages the recess 81 of the tongue 79 to retain the tongue 79 in the housing 73. Between the other ends of the levers 77 and 78 is positioned a block 84 of thermo plastic material so that with the block in a solid state the coupling device is capable of taking loads applied across it by a safety belt. However, when the thermo plastic material rises above a predetermined temperature, the material softens and allows the ends 82 and 83 of the levers 77 and 78 respectively to separate to allow the tongue 79 to be removed from the housing 73 and the belt assembly to separate. The block 84 is shouldered on either side to engage and be exposed through apertures in the sides of the housing 73 to ensure effective exposure to external heat. The block 84 can also be of a fusible metal such as that.hereinbefore described. To ensure that in these circumstances the tongue 79 is removed from the housing 73, and a retaining element 86 secured to the housing 73.
The advantage of these embodiments of the invention is that in the case of a crash followed by fire the wearer of the belt could release the belt in the ordinary way to get out of a vehicle or aircraft, but if injured or unconscious the belt would automatica!ly become undone by means of the release of the coupling device as a resuit of rise in temperature within the vehicle or aircraft. This increases significantly the possibility of rescuers being able to pull the victim to safety. While a fusible alloy has been referred to in relation to the first five embodiments of the invention, it is also possible that a number of adhesives might be suitable for the purpose of allowing thermo release of the coupling device.
Claims (23)
1. A safety belt assembly comprising a coupling device for connecting together two parts of the safety belt assembly, the coupling device comprising means for releasing the connection between the two parts of the safety belt assembly when the temperature of the device rises above a predetermined temperature.
2. A safety belt assembly as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the coupling device comprises at least two parts and means for holding together the parts, the holding means being releasable when the temperature of the device rises above the predetermined temperature.
3. A safety belt assembly as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the coupling device has one part adapted to engage a female part of a safety belt clasp and a second part adapted to be engaged by the male part of the safety belt clasp, the holding means holding together the two parts when the device is below the predetermined temperature.
4. A safety belt assembly as claimed in Claim 2 wherein one part of the coupling device is adapted to be engaged by one part of the belt and a second part of the coupling device is adapted to be engaged by a second part of the belt, the holding means holding together the parts when the device is below the predetermined temperature.
5. A safety belt assembly as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the coupling device is adapted to connect a clasp to the belt.
6. A safety belt assembly as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the coupling device is adapted to connect the belt to a mounting for the belt.
7. A safety belt assembly as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the coupling device is adapted to connect a mounting for the belt assembly to a belt clasp.
8. A safety belt assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 7 wherein the holding means comprises load bearing means and non-load bearing means for retaining the load bearing means in position.
9. A safety belt assembly as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the non-ioad bearing means is releasable when the temperature of the device rises above the predetermined temperature.
10. A safety belt assembly as claimed in Claim 9 comprising means for urging apart- engaged parts of the coupling device when the holding means is released.
11. A safety belt assembly as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the urging means comprises a spring.
12. A safety belt assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 8 to 11 wherein the non-load bearing means is a fusible connection.
13. A safety belt assembly as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the fusible connection is of a fusible alloy.
14. A safety belt assembly as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the fusible connection is of a plastics material.
15. A safety belt assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the predetermined temperature is in the range of 50 C to 120 C.
16. A safety belt assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the predetermined temperature is in the range of 70 C to 100 C.
17. A safety belt assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the coupling device comprises a pair of plate members, the first plate member having an annular flange extending perpendicularly therefrom, the second plate member having an annular spigot extending perpendicularly therefrom, the annular spigot being received within the annular flange and held therein by fusible connection means between adjoining surfaces thereof, and spring means disposed between the two plate members, the fusing of the fusible connection means when the temperature of the device rises above the predetermined temperature allowing the annular spigot to be released from engagement with the annular flange under the biasing action of the spring means, thereby uncoupling the device.
18. A safety belt assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the coupling device comprises a pair of plate members each having a hole therethrough, a pair of pins each extending through the hole in each plate member, a pair of retaining plates disposed either side of the plate members each having a pair of holes therein for receiving the ends of the pins, the pins being held within the holes in the retraining plates by fusible connection means between adjoining surfaces thereof, and spring means disposed between the two retaining plates, th'e fusing of the fusible connection means when the temperature of the device rises above the predetermined temperature allowing the retaining plates to relinquish connection with the pins under the biasing action of the spring means, thereby uncoupling the device.
19. A safety belt assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9 or 12 to 16 wherein the coupling device comprises a pair of plate members each having a profiled surface, the profiled surfaces of the plate members being mutually engaged and held together by fusible connection means between adjoining surfaces thereof, the two plate members releasing hold upon fusing of the fusible connection means when the temperature of the device rises above the predetermined temperature, thereby uncoupling the device.
20. A safety belt assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9 or 12 to 16 wherein the coupling device comprises a pair of plate members each having a slot therein, a tongue member extending from a point on the upper surface of the first plate member through the slot in the second plate member and through the slot in the first plate member to a point on the lower surface of the first plate member, the tongue member being attached to the first plate member at the two points by fusible connection means between adjoining surfaces thereof, the fusing of the fusible connection means when the temperature of the device rises above the predetermined temperature allowing the tongue member to be pivotally disengaged from the first plate member by the second plate member, thereby to uncouple the device.
21. A safety belt assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9 or 12 to 16 wherein the coupling device comprises a pair of plate members, the first plate member having a hinged end portion, the second plate member having a turned down lip at one end thereof, the hinged end portion of the first plate member being attached to the inside of the turned down lip of the second plate member by fusible connection means between adjacent surfaces thereof, the fusing of the fusible connection means when the temperature of the device rises above the predetermined temperature allowing the hinged end portion of the first plate member to pivotally disengage from the lip of the second plate member, thereby to uncouple the device.
22. A safety belt assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 16 wherein the coupling device comprises a plate member and a housing member, the housing member having a pair of pivotally mounted lever arms the first ends of which engage recesses in the plate member and the second ends of which are held apart by fusible connection means, and spring means disposed between the plate member and the housing member, the fusing of the fusible connection means when the temperature of the device rises above the predetermined temperature allowing the lever arms to release engagement with the plate member, the plate member being urged into disengagement from the housing member under the biasing action of the spring member, thereby uncoupling the device.
23. A safety belt assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 and 2 or Figures 3 and 4, or
Figure 5, or Figures 6 and 7, or Figure 8, or Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8012220A GB2073809B (en) | 1980-04-14 | 1980-04-14 | Restraining belts |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8012220A GB2073809B (en) | 1980-04-14 | 1980-04-14 | Restraining belts |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB2073809A true GB2073809A (en) | 1981-10-21 |
| GB2073809B GB2073809B (en) | 1984-02-08 |
Family
ID=10512771
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8012220A Expired GB2073809B (en) | 1980-04-14 | 1980-04-14 | Restraining belts |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2073809B (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RU2548954C1 (en) * | 2014-03-14 | 2015-04-20 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Ульяновский государственный технический университет" | Automotive safety device |
| RU2555246C1 (en) * | 2014-04-21 | 2015-07-10 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Ульяновский государственный технический университет" | Automotive safety belt |
| RU2555245C1 (en) * | 2014-03-14 | 2015-07-10 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Ульяновский государственный технический университет" | Automotive safety belt |
| RU2559667C1 (en) * | 2014-04-21 | 2015-08-10 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Ульяновский государственный технический университет" | Automotive safety belt |
| RU2558505C1 (en) * | 2014-04-21 | 2015-08-10 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Ульяновский государственный технический университет" | Automotive safety belt |
-
1980
- 1980-04-14 GB GB8012220A patent/GB2073809B/en not_active Expired
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RU2548954C1 (en) * | 2014-03-14 | 2015-04-20 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Ульяновский государственный технический университет" | Automotive safety device |
| RU2555245C1 (en) * | 2014-03-14 | 2015-07-10 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Ульяновский государственный технический университет" | Automotive safety belt |
| RU2555246C1 (en) * | 2014-04-21 | 2015-07-10 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Ульяновский государственный технический университет" | Automotive safety belt |
| RU2559667C1 (en) * | 2014-04-21 | 2015-08-10 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Ульяновский государственный технический университет" | Automotive safety belt |
| RU2558505C1 (en) * | 2014-04-21 | 2015-08-10 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Ульяновский государственный технический университет" | Automotive safety belt |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2073809B (en) | 1984-02-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 19930414 |