Prisoner escape seat belt detection and alert system

• US 6,819,233 B2
• Filed: 08/13/2001
• Issued: 11/16/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Alan L. Beaty
• Original Assignee: Alan L. Beaty
• Inventors: Beaty, Alan L.
• Primary Examiner(s): GOINS, DAVETTA WOODS
• Application Number:
  US09/928,327
• Publication Number:
  US 20030038717A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,191 Days
• Field of Search: 340/457.1, 340/457, 340/459, 340/438, 340/47, 340/686.1, 340/687, 180/271, 180/268, 180/286, 128/869, 128/878, 128/876, 297/482, 297/483, 297/801.1, 200/61.58 B, 280/801.1
• US Class Current: 340/457.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/003 for restraining detainees
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4816 for sensing locking of buckle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4866 Displaying or indicating arrangements thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/48 Control systems, alarms, or interlock systems, for the correct application of the belt or harness

Abstract

An alarm device which automatically activates a patrol car horn, siren, emergency lights, and/or voice annunciator on a public address loud speaker upon the unauthorized release of a seat belt by a detainee. A relay and control switch are installed in conjunction with the existing seat belt switch circuit underneath a patrol car seat such that they are undetectable by an occupant. After the seat belt is engaged by an officer, the officer may activate a control switch to arm the alarm. Subsequently, if the detainee releases the seat belt, the relay is activated which provides power to the patrol car horn, siren, or lights. This not only warns the officer, who may be outside and far away from the patrol car, but also may startle the would-be escapee. The alarm may be employed in a front passenger seat, as well as in either rear passenger seat.

Claims

1. A detainee escape detection device for use in a law enforcement vehicle, said vehicle having a driver'"'"'s seat, said device comprising:

at least one passenger seat having a passenger seat belt, said passenger seat belt having an integral sensor switch which provides an electrical path from a control wire to vehicle chassis ground when and only when said seat beat is unbuckled;

a relay having an actuating coil with a first coil terminal and a second coil terminal, a normally open switch which is closed by energizing said actuating coil, said switch having a first switch pole and a second switch pole;

a first electrical connection between said passenger seat belt sensor switch and said first coil terminal;

a second electrical connection between a vehicle battery voltage source and said second coil terminal;

a third electrical connection between a vehicle battery voltage source and said first switch pole;

an external audible alerting means selected from the group of a horn, a siren, and a voice annunciator with a public address loudspeaker; and

a fourth electrical connection between said vehicle alert means and said second switch pole such that when said passenger seat belt is unbuckled, an electrical path is immediately provided from the vehicle battery voltage source through said actuating coil to vehicle chassis ground, thereby actuating the relay switch to a closed position and providing an electrical path from the vehicle battery voltage source to said external audible alert means such that said alert means is activated immediately.

2. The device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a driver-operable control switch disposed in between said vehicle battery voltage source and said second coil terminal such that opening of the control switch breaks the possible electrical path through the relay coil thereby disabling the device, said control switch being physically located and concealed within reach of said driver seat.

3. The device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising standard electrical connectors on said first coil terminal, second coil terminal, first relay switch pole, and second relay switch pole such that the device is readily installable on a pre-existing wiring harness of a vehicle, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing and difficulty of installation of the device.

4. The device as set forth in claim 2 further comprising standard electrical connectors on said first coil terminal, operator control switch, first relay switch pole, and second relay switch pole such that the device is readily installable on a pre-existing wiring harness of a vehicle, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing and difficulty of installation of the device.

5. A method of providing an escape alarm in a law enforcement vehicle, said law enforcement vehicle having a driver'"'"'s seat, said method comprising the steps of:

providing at least one passenger seat with a passenger seat belt, said passenger seat belt having an integral sensor switch which provides an electrical path from a control wire to vehicle chassis ground when and only when said seat beat is unbuckled;

providing an external audible alerting means selected from the group of a horn, a siren, and a voice annunciator coupled to a public address loudspeaker;

providing a relay control means for directing an electrical signal to said vehicle alert means communicative with said passenger seat belt sensor; and

directing an electrical signal to activate said external audible alert means immediately responsive to detection of an unbuckled status of said seat belt via said sensor such that said alert means is immediately activated.

6. The method as set forth in claim 5 further comprising the step of installing said relay control means under said passenger seat.

7. The method as set forth in claim 5 further comprising the step of providing a driver-operable disable switch which disables the step of directing an electrical signal to activate the external audible alert means, said disable switch being disposed and concealed within reach of said driver seat.