Apparatus and method to encourage seat belt use
First Claim
1. A method for encouraging use of a restraint device in a vehicle, comprising:
- detecting if a restraint device in a seat unit is attached to a receiving device; and
allowing a comfort unit to function normally if the restraint device of the seat unit is attached to the receiving device of the seat unit.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for encouraging seat belt use in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a control unit coupled to at least one seat unit and an entertainment unit. If sensors within one of the seat units detect that a seat is occupied and the user in the seat is not wearing a seat belt, the control unit may reduce the functionality of the entertainment unit. The entertainment unit may contain a CD player, radio, or any electronic device unnecessary for operation of the vehicle. The vehicle may not start if a seat unit is occupied and the user in the seat is not wearing a seat belt. In some embodiments of the invention, a temperature control unit may control the temperature within the vehicle if a user is not wearing a seat belt. A child seat unit is described to function with the seat belt encouragement system.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method for encouraging use of a restraint device in a vehicle, comprising:
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detecting if a restraint device in a seat unit is attached to a receiving device; and
allowing a comfort unit to function normally if the restraint device of the seat unit is attached to the receiving device of the seat unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for encouraging use of a restraint device in a vehicle, comprising:
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at least one seat unit;
a control unit coupled to the at least one seat unit; and
a comfort unit coupled to the control unit, wherein said control unit is capable of controlling the functionality of said comfort unit. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification