PERSONAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR USE IN RECREATIONAL UTILITY VEHICLES AND OTHER VEHICLES
First Claim
1. A personal restraint system for securing an occupant in a recreational utility vehicle (RUV), comprising:
- a web configured to extend around the occupant;
a locking retractor having a motorized spool operably coupled to the web;
a control module electrically coupled to the locking retractor; and
a sensor electrically coupled to the control module, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a dynamic characteristic of the RUV and provide a first signal to the control module based on the detected characteristic, wherein the control module is configured to respond to the first signal by providing a second signal to the locking retractor, and wherein the locking retractor is configured to respond to the second signal by adjusting tension in the web.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Personal restraint systems for use in recreational utility vehicles (RUVs) are disclosed herein. A personal restraint system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a web configured to extend around an occupant and a locking retractor having a motorized spool. A control module is electrically coupled to the locking retractor and the motorized spool is operably coupled to the web. A sensor is electrically coupled to the control module and is configured to detect dynamic characteristics of the RUV. In one embodiment, the sensor detects acceleration events that indicate a level of ride quality and the locking retractor adjusts the tension in the web based on the level of ride quality.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A personal restraint system for securing an occupant in a recreational utility vehicle (RUV), comprising:
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a web configured to extend around the occupant; a locking retractor having a motorized spool operably coupled to the web; a control module electrically coupled to the locking retractor; and a sensor electrically coupled to the control module, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a dynamic characteristic of the RUV and provide a first signal to the control module based on the detected characteristic, wherein the control module is configured to respond to the first signal by providing a second signal to the locking retractor, and wherein the locking retractor is configured to respond to the second signal by adjusting tension in the web. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A personal restraint system for securing an occupant in a recreational utility vehicle (RUV), comprising:
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a web having a first end portion fixedly attached to the RUV via an anchor mount, the web configured to extend around the occupant; an electronic emergency locking retractor operably coupled to the web, the electronic emergency locking retractor including a motorized spool configured to retrieve a first portion of the web to increase a tension in the web and to pay out a second portion of the web to decrease the tension in the web; and a solenoid locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the electronic emergency locking retractor; and a sensor for detecting an operating parameter of the RUV and providing a corresponding signal to control the operation of the motorized spool and the solenoid locking mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for adjusting tension in a web securing an occupant in a recreational utility vehicle (RUV), the method comprising:
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coupling the web to an electronic web retractor; electronically sensing at least one operational parameter of the RUV during normal operation of the RUV; and controlling operation of the web retractor to adjust tension in the web based on the sensed parameter. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification