GB2464986A - Vehicle seat fitted with a seat belt - Google Patents

Vehicle seat fitted with a seat belt Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2464986A
GB2464986A GB0820106A GB0820106A GB2464986A GB 2464986 A GB2464986 A GB 2464986A GB 0820106 A GB0820106 A GB 0820106A GB 0820106 A GB0820106 A GB 0820106A GB 2464986 A GB2464986 A GB 2464986A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
strap
anchorage device
seat
vehicle seat
anchorage
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
Application number
GB0820106A
Other versions
GB2464986B (en
GB0820106D0 (en
Inventor
Jason Kimberley
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rescroft Ltd
Original Assignee
Rescroft Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rescroft Ltd filed Critical Rescroft Ltd
Priority to GB0820106A priority Critical patent/GB2464986B/en
Publication of GB0820106D0 publication Critical patent/GB0820106D0/en
Publication of GB2464986A publication Critical patent/GB2464986A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2464986B publication Critical patent/GB2464986B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/68—Seat frames
    • B60N2/688—Particular seat belt attachment and guiding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/245—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for handicapped persons
    • 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
    • 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
    • B60R22/18—Anchoring devices
    • B60R22/26—Anchoring devices secured to the seat
    • 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
    • B60R22/34—Belt retractors, e.g. reels
    • B60R22/347—Belt retractors, e.g. reels with means for permanently locking the retractor during the wearing of the belt
    • 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
    • B60R22/02—Semi-passive restraint systems, e.g. systems applied or removed automatically but not both ; Manual restraint systems
    • B60R22/023—Three-point seat belt systems comprising two side lower and one side upper anchoring devices
    • B60R2022/026—Three-point seat belt systems comprising two side lower and one side upper anchoring devices at least two ends of the belt being retractable after use

Abstract

A vehicle seat fitted with a seat belt comprising a strap 13 connected to a first anchorage device 14 and a second anchorage device 20 located on a first side of the seat. The strap 13 is provided with a fastening member 15 which is slidably mounted on the strap and engages with a socket provided on a third anchorage device 16 located on a second side of the seat. The first and second anchorage is provided with a retractor comprising a storage means for storing a length of strap 13 which is paid out on application of a predetermined tension and a bias means for drawing in a length of strap 13 when not under tension. The second anchorage device is further provided with a locking means 25 for preventing the strap being drawn out therefrom.

Description

Title: Vehicle Seat Fitted with Seat Belt
Description of lnvention
This invention relates to a vehicle seat fitted with a seat belt, in particular for use in minibuses, coaches, ambulances and the like.
In recent years, following a number of accidents involving minibuses, coaches and the like, it has become the norm to provide seat belts in such vehicles, and in some countries has become compulsory to do so.
Most vehicle seat belts are three point belts, which have a lap strap going 1 5 across the wearer's lap and a shoulder strap going diagonally across the wearer's body and over one shoulder, the two parts being formed from one continuous piece of strap/webbing. The three points referred to in the name of the belt are the three anchorage points/devices, one positioned at either side of the lap of the user, and one positioned adjacent one shoulder of the user.
Unfortunately, a seat belt that fits and retains a normally proportioned adult securely will not, usually, fit and retain a passenger who is large, e.g. if they are clinically obese. Clinically obese people (including bariatric patients) in need of hospital care are typically transported to and from hospitals and surgeries in public and welfare vehicles. Because "standard" seat belts are not large enough, these people cannot be afforded the use of standard safety equipment by virtue of their size. This raises issues with insurance companies and possible litigation should an accident occur.
The present invention therefore seeks to address this problem.
According to a second aspect of the invention, we provide a vehicle seat fitted with a seat belt, the seat having a squab and a cushion pad, and the seat belt having:-a strap connected to first and second anchorage devices positioned to a first side of the seat; and a fastening member slidably positioned on the strap for receipt in a socket providing a third anchorage device positioned to a second side of the seat, such that in use the seat belt provides a tap strap and a shoulder strap, wherein the first anchorage device includes storage means for storing a length of the strap, the storage means providing for paying out of the strap therefrom when the strap is subjected to a predetermined tension, and including biasing means for causing the strap to be drawn in to the anchorage device when the strap is relieved of said tension, wherein the second anchorage device includes storage means for storing a length of the strap, the storage means providing for paying out of the strap therefrom when the strap is subjected to a predetermined tension, and including biasing means for causing the strap to be drawn in to the anchorage device when the strap is relieved of said tension, and wherein the second anchorage device includes locking means for preventing strap from being paid out therefrom.
The locking means may prevent strap from being paid out from the second anchorage device until deactivated by a user.
The second anchorage device may include a housing supporting a reel around which the strap is stored, wherein the locking means prevents rotation of the reel.
The first anchorage device may be positioned towards an upper region of the vehicle seat, and the second anchorage device may be positioned towards a lower region of the vehicle seat.
Alternatively, the first anchorage device may be positioned towards a lower region of the vehicle seat, and the second anchorage device may be positioned towards an upper region of the vehicle seat.
According to a second aspect of the invention, we provide a seat belt having:-a strap connected to first and second anchorage devices which in use are positioned to a first side of a vehicLe seat; and a fastening member slidably positioned on the strap for receipt in a socket providing a third anchorage device which in use is positioned to a second side of the seat, such that in use the seat belt provides a lap strap and a shoulder strap, wherein the first anchorage device includes storage means for storing a length of the strap, the storage means providing for paying out of the strap therefrom when the strap is subjected to a predetermined tension, and including biasing means for causing the strap to be drawn in to the anchorage device when the strap is relieved of said tension, wherein the second anchorage device includes storage means for storing a length of the strap, the storage means providing for paying out of the strap therefrom when the strap is subjected to a predetermined tension, and including biasing means for causing the strap to be drawn in to the anchorage device when the strap is relieved of said tension, and wherein the second anchorage device includes locking means for preventing strap from being paid out therefrom.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:-Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat with a seat belt according to the invention; Figure 2 is a further perspective view of a vehicle seat with a seat belt according to the invention; Figure 3 is a side view of a vehicle seat with a seat belt according to the invention; Figure 4 is a side view of an anchorage device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5 is an end view of an anchorage device in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of an anchorage device in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to figures 1 to 3, these show a vehicle seat 10 in accordance with the present invention. The vehicle seat 10 has a main frame 12, which is L-shaped in side view (see figure 3) and includes a cushion part 12a and a squab (or back part) 12k.
The seat belt includes a strap or webbing 13 which is connected at one end to first anchorage device 14 which is positioned inside the structure of the seat and towards a left-hand side thereof (i.e. to the left-hand side of a user when they are sat on the seat 10). The strap 13 extends upwardly from the anchorage device 14, through an aperture 17 in the frame 12 (and squab 12b) and then downwardly towards the cushion 12.
The other end of the strap 13 is connected to a second anchorage device 20 which itself is connected via a bracket 23 to the frame 12 near a location where the cushion 12a and squab 12b abut each other (in this example adjacent the left-hand hip of a user when they are sat on the seat 10). The device 20 will be discussed in greater detail later.
The seat belt also includes a fastening member 1 5 which is slidably positioned on the strap 13. The fastener I S is receivable in a socket 16 (which provides a third anchorage device) which is connected to a right-hand side of the seat 10 (i.e. opposite the device 20). In use, the seat belt provides a lap strap (extending between the devices 20 and 16) and a shoulder strap (extending between the devices 16 and 14).
The first anchorage device 14 includes storage means, in the form of a housing for storing a length of the strap 13. In this example, the device 14 includes a reel (not shown) onto which the strap 13 is wound. The reel provides for paying out of the strap 13 from the device 14 when the strap 13 is subjected to a predetermined tension (i.e. when pulled on by a user). The device 14 also includes biasing means, e.g. a spring, for causing the strap 13 to be drawn in to the device 14 and around the reel, when the strap is relieved of said tension (i.e. when a user releases the strap 13).
Referring to figures 3 to 6, the second anchorage device 20 also includes storage means (again a reel) for storing a length of the strap 13, and biasing means (again not shown) for causing the strap 13 to be drawn in to the device when the strap 13 is relieved of tension. However, the device 20 differs from the device 14 in that it includes locking means for preventing strap 13 from being paid out of the device 20. In the present example, the locking means is positioned inside the housing 22 of the device 20 and includes a pad(s) which engage the reel in the device 20 to inhibit the reel from rotating, thus ensuring that the strap 13 cannot be paid out from the device 20, when pulled on by a user. The device 20 also includes a lever 24 which, when pressed by a user, disengages the locking means from the reel, thus permitting the reel to rotate, and for strap 13 to be paid out.
Finally, the device 20 also includes a mechanism for manually tightening the strap 13. This is provided in the form of a user-operable knob 25, which when rotated, rotates the reel to draw the strap 13 into the device 20. This mechanism is not an essential element of the invention, but provides for additional adjustment of the length of the strap 13.
The seat belt operates as follows. A user first sits on the cushion 12a, with his/her back resting against the squab 12k. The user then grasps the fastening member 1 5 and draws it across their body towards the socket 16.
As the user pulls the fastening member 15 towards the socket 16, strap 13 is paid out from the device 14. If the user is a normally proportioned adult, they should be able to move the fastening member 15 so as to engage it fully in the socket 16, thus securing the user safely in the seat 10.
If, however, the user is larger than a normally proportioned adult, e.g. if they were clinically obese, it may not be possible for the user (or someone else assisting them) to fully engage the fastening member 15 in the socket 16. The present invention solves this problem by the provision of the device 20 and its locking means. The user (or someone else assisting them) pulls the fastening member 15 towards the socket 16 until all available strap 13 has been paid out from the device 14. The user (or someone else assisting them) then presses the Lever 24 so as to disengage the locking means from the reel in the housing 22. Once the lever 24 has been depressed the required amount, and the user (or someone else assisting them) pulls further on the fastening member 15, more strap 13 is paid out from the device 20, thus permitting the user (or someone else assisting them) to fully engage the fastening member 15 in the socket 16. It is necessary for the user to keep the lever 24 depressed whilst drawing additional strap 13 from the device 20.
Once the fastening member 15 has been fully engaged in the socket 16 the user (or someone else assisting them) should keep the lever 24 until all unused strap 13 has been drawn into the device 20 by its biasing means.
Once this is achieved, the user (or someone else assisting them) releases the lever 24, which then engages the locking means to as to locking the strap 13 relative to the device 20. If, once the lever 24 has been released, it is necessary for residual slack in the strap 13 to be taken up, the user (or someone else assisting them) can rotate the knob 25 so as to draw small amounts of strap 13 into the device 20.
It should be appreciated, of course, that the positioning of the devices 14 and could be reversed. In other words, the device 20 (including the locking means) could be positioned inside the structure of the seat 10 with the device 14 being positioned near the cushion 12a. In addition, although the seat belt shown in the figures is "right-handed", it could be configured for "left-handed" use by moving the devices 14, 16 and 20 to the respective opposite sides of the seat 12.
It should be appreciated, also, that although the seat belt is shown as integral with a vehicle seat, it is not necessary for the seat belt to be provided in this way. It could be provided as a retro-fit for an existing seat. In addition, it is not necessary for all three devices 14, 16, 20 to be connected directly to the seat 12 -one or each could be connected to a structure of the vehicle in which the seat has been installed.
When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.
S
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separateLy, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims (9)

  1. CLAIMS1. A vehicle seat fitted with a seat belt, the seat having a squab and a cushion part, and the seat belt having:-a strap connected to first and second anchorage devices positioned to a first side of the seat; and a fastening member slidably positioned on the strap for receipt in a socket providing a third anchorage device positioned to a second side of the seat, such that in use the seat belt provides a lap strap and a shoulder strap, wherein the first anchorage device includes storage means for storing a length of the strap, the storage means providing for paying out of the strap therefrom when the strap is subjected to a predetermined tension, and including biasing means for causing the strap to be drawn in to the anchorage device when the strap is relieved of said tension, wherein the second anchorage device includes storage means for storing a length of the strap, the storage means providing for paying out of the strap therefrom when the strap is subjected to a predetermined tension, and including biasing means for causing the strap to be drawn in to the anchorage device when the strap is relieved of said tension, and wherein the second anchorage device includes locking means for preventing strap from being paid out therefrom.
  2. 2. A vehicle seat according to claim 1 wherein the locking means prevents strap from being paid out from the second anchorage device until deactivated by a user.
  3. 3. A vehicle seat according to any preceding claim wherein the second anchorage device includes a housing supporting a reel around which the strap is stored, wherein the locking means prevents rotation of the reel.
  4. 4. A vehicle seat according to any preceding claim wherein the first anchorage device is positioned towards an upper region of the vehicle seat, and the second anchorage device is positioned towards a lower region of the vehicle seat.
  5. 5. A vehicle seat according to any one of claims I to 3 wherein the first anchorage device is positioned towards a lower region of the vehicle seat, and the second anchorage device is positioned towards an upper region of the vehicle seat.
  6. 6. A seat belt having:-a strap connected to first and second anchorage devices which in use are positioned to a first side of a vehicle seat; and a fastening member slidably positioned on the strap for receipt in a socket providing a third anchorage device which in use is positioned to a second side of the seat, such that in use the seat belt provides a lap strap and a shoulder strap, wherein the first anchorage device includes storage means for storing a length of the strap, the storage means providing for paying out of the strap therefrom when the strap is subjected to a predetermined tension, and including biasing means for causing the strap to be drawn in to the anchorage device when the strap is relieved of said tension, wherein the second anchorage device includes storage means for storing a length of the strap, and biasing means for causing the strap to be drawn in to the anchorage device when the strap is relieved of said tension, and wherein the second anchorage device includes locking means for preventing strap from being paid out therefrom.
  7. 7. A vehicle seat substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
  8. 8. A seat belt substantially as hereiribefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
  9. 9. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
GB0820106A 2008-11-03 2008-11-03 Vehicle seat fitted with seat belt Expired - Fee Related GB2464986B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0820106A GB2464986B (en) 2008-11-03 2008-11-03 Vehicle seat fitted with seat belt

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0820106A GB2464986B (en) 2008-11-03 2008-11-03 Vehicle seat fitted with seat belt

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0820106D0 GB0820106D0 (en) 2008-12-10
GB2464986A true GB2464986A (en) 2010-05-05
GB2464986B GB2464986B (en) 2013-02-13

Family

ID=40138239

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0820106A Expired - Fee Related GB2464986B (en) 2008-11-03 2008-11-03 Vehicle seat fitted with seat belt

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2464986B (en)

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4234209A (en) * 1977-11-14 1980-11-18 Nsk-Warner K.K. Seat belt
US4427164A (en) * 1982-06-21 1984-01-24 The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company Cinch lock for safety belt retractors
US5492285A (en) * 1993-05-20 1996-02-20 Hamrick; Marcia L. Medical stretcher having retractable straps
US5611604A (en) * 1995-11-14 1997-03-18 Alliedsignal Inc. Safety restraint system having a variable angle web guide opening
US20020067035A1 (en) * 1999-04-03 2002-06-06 Ernst-Wilhelm Ritters Seat belt configuration having individual belt retractors for the shoulder belt and the lap belt
US6585289B1 (en) * 1998-06-18 2003-07-01 Universal Propulsion Company, Inc. Belt system with inflatable section within an outer belt section and method of restraint
US20030177621A1 (en) * 2002-03-20 2003-09-25 Schneider David W. Breakaway latch plate
DE10317715A1 (en) * 2003-04-17 2004-08-19 Autoliv Development Ab Safety belt arrangement for automatic fastening has fitting guided into forward position allowing access with door open and into rear position, which causes belt to be applied, with door closed
US20050046267A1 (en) * 2003-08-09 2005-03-03 Burckhard Becker Integrated seat of an automotive vehicle
US20050073187A1 (en) * 2003-10-07 2005-04-07 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. Four-point seat belt system with buckle-lowering belts

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4234209A (en) * 1977-11-14 1980-11-18 Nsk-Warner K.K. Seat belt
US4427164A (en) * 1982-06-21 1984-01-24 The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company Cinch lock for safety belt retractors
US5492285A (en) * 1993-05-20 1996-02-20 Hamrick; Marcia L. Medical stretcher having retractable straps
US5611604A (en) * 1995-11-14 1997-03-18 Alliedsignal Inc. Safety restraint system having a variable angle web guide opening
US6585289B1 (en) * 1998-06-18 2003-07-01 Universal Propulsion Company, Inc. Belt system with inflatable section within an outer belt section and method of restraint
US20020067035A1 (en) * 1999-04-03 2002-06-06 Ernst-Wilhelm Ritters Seat belt configuration having individual belt retractors for the shoulder belt and the lap belt
US20030177621A1 (en) * 2002-03-20 2003-09-25 Schneider David W. Breakaway latch plate
DE10317715A1 (en) * 2003-04-17 2004-08-19 Autoliv Development Ab Safety belt arrangement for automatic fastening has fitting guided into forward position allowing access with door open and into rear position, which causes belt to be applied, with door closed
US20050046267A1 (en) * 2003-08-09 2005-03-03 Burckhard Becker Integrated seat of an automotive vehicle
US20050073187A1 (en) * 2003-10-07 2005-04-07 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. Four-point seat belt system with buckle-lowering belts

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2464986B (en) 2013-02-13
GB0820106D0 (en) 2008-12-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9688167B2 (en) Child safety seat
US8911188B1 (en) Double folding seat for a vehicle
US7481399B2 (en) Position securing system for restraining an occupant in land and aeronautical vehicles
US5839789A (en) Belt tensioner for child safety seat
AU689017B2 (en) Integrated child seat with automatic child size accommodation
US7513532B1 (en) Device to adjust tension in a shoulder belt
EP3579805B1 (en) A fastening device for detachably fastening of an object to a vehicle floor
US9561777B2 (en) Safe belt
JPH09511721A (en) Embedded children's seat with seatbelt retractor assembly
US9782309B2 (en) Personal mobility vehicle restraint
US9016608B2 (en) Bi-directional locking retractor
US3679228A (en) Restraint apparatus
US20050166370A1 (en) Law enforcement vehicular suspect restraint device and associated method of use
US11904740B2 (en) Child safety assembly
GB2464986A (en) Vehicle seat fitted with a seat belt
GB1577951A (en) Safety belt
US20140271019A1 (en) Personal mobility vehicle restraint
EP1394003A3 (en) Restraining system
GB2200529A (en) Improvements relating to vehicle seat belts
EP1606206B1 (en) A containment device
JPH07323816A (en) Belt length adjuster
JP3916434B2 (en) Locking device of fixing device
JP2567049Y2 (en) Child seat
CA2573331C (en) Integrated child seat with seat belt retractor assembly
JP2005324766A (en) Seat belt device provided with baggage tightening function

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20201103