Seatbelt usage indicator
First Claim
1. A seatbelt use indicator in combination with a vehicle having a plurality of seatbelts sized and positioned to maintain at least one passenger in a predetermined location, said indicator comprising:
- a means for monitoring said plurality of seatbelts to determine a properly fastened state or an improperly fastened state within each of said seatbelts;
a means for generating signals operatively linked to said means for monitoring, said means for generating signals adapted to produce a first signal indicative of an operational state within said means for monitoring and a simultaneous second signal indicative of said properly fastened or improperly fastened states within said seatbelts;
said first signal being illumination having a first color;
said second signal being illumination having a second color when each of said seatbelts is in a properly fastened state, and said second signal being illumination having a third color when at least one of said seatbelts is in an improperly fastened state; and
an indicator assembly operatively associated with said means for generating signals, said indicator assembly being adapted to produce diagnostic illumination having a color determined by said first and second signals, said diagnostic illumination being discernable from inside said vehicle and from outside said vehicle;
whereby said color of said diagnostic illumination indicates to individuals inside said vehicle and outside said vehicle whether said means for monitoring is operating and whether said seatbelts are in a properly fastened state or an improperly fastened state.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of indicating seatbelt usage to observers outside a vehicle. The method employs buckle assemblies, pressure switches, and belt position sensors to send information diagnostic information to a processor. The processor includes control electronics that analyzes the diagnostic information and sends display instructions to an indicator assembly. The indicator assembly is directs easily-discernable visual output to a conspicuous location on the monitored car. The method provides information that is recognizable regardless even if the monitored vehicle is in motion.
79 Citations
4 Claims
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1. A seatbelt use indicator in combination with a vehicle having a plurality of seatbelts sized and positioned to maintain at least one passenger in a predetermined location, said indicator comprising:
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a means for monitoring said plurality of seatbelts to determine a properly fastened state or an improperly fastened state within each of said seatbelts; a means for generating signals operatively linked to said means for monitoring, said means for generating signals adapted to produce a first signal indicative of an operational state within said means for monitoring and a simultaneous second signal indicative of said properly fastened or improperly fastened states within said seatbelts;
said first signal being illumination having a first color;
said second signal being illumination having a second color when each of said seatbelts is in a properly fastened state, and said second signal being illumination having a third color when at least one of said seatbelts is in an improperly fastened state; andan indicator assembly operatively associated with said means for generating signals, said indicator assembly being adapted to produce diagnostic illumination having a color determined by said first and second signals, said diagnostic illumination being discernable from inside said vehicle and from outside said vehicle; whereby said color of said diagnostic illumination indicates to individuals inside said vehicle and outside said vehicle whether said means for monitoring is operating and whether said seatbelts are in a properly fastened state or an improperly fastened state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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Specification