Seatbelt status indicator system

• US 7,528,709 B1
• Filed: 10/01/2007
• Issued: 05/05/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Norberto D. Maggiora
• Original Assignee: Norberto D. Maggiora
• Inventors: Maggiora, Norberto D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu; Daniel
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mortell; John F
• Application Number:
  US11/906,272
• Time in Patent Office: 582 Days
• Field of Search: 340/457.1, 340/468
• US Class Current: 340/457.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4816 for sensing locking of buckle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4875 on vehicle exterior
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/48 Control systems, alarms, or interlock systems, for the correct application of the belt or harness

Abstract

A light is positionable on a rear of a vehicle and a source of electrical potential. Electrical lines with a flasher couple the light and the source of electrical potential. A latchable seatbelt with a buckle and a seatbelt switch is coupled to the light and the source of electrical potential. The seatbelt switch constitutes an open electrical switch when not latched. The seatbelt switch constitutes a closed electrical switch when the seatbelt is latched. The seatbelt when latched functions with the source of potential to configure the light in a first continuously illuminated manner. The seatbelt when not latched functions to configure the light in a second flashing manner.

Claims

1. A seatbelt status indicator system comprising:

a light positionable on a vehicle and a source of electrical potential;

electrical lines coupling the light and the source of electrical potential;

two latchable seatbelts, each with a buckle and a seatbelt switch coupled to the light and the source of electrical potential;

the electrical lines including a positive electrical line coupling the source of potential with the light and a negative electrical line coupling the source of potential with the light and a crossing electrical line coupling the positive and the negative electrical lines and an intermediate electrical line in parallel with the positive and negative electrical lines coupling the positive and crossing lines with the light; and

a relay between the positive and crossing lines and a flasher circuit and a diode in series in the intermediate electrical line and with the two seatbelt switches in the crossing line.

2. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein each seatbelt switch constitutes a closed switch when the seatbelts are latched, the source of electrical potential and light being operable in association with the relay and flasher circuit and diode in combination with the seatbelt switches to thereby illuminate the light in a continuous manner when both seatbelt switches are latched and the vehicle is operating, and to thereby illuminate the light in a flashing manner when both seatbelt switches are not latched and the vehicle is operating, and to thereby not illuminate the light when the vehicle is not operating.

3. A seatbelt status indicator system for insuring the use of vehicle seatbelts in a safe, convenient and economical manner comprising, in combination:

a vehicle having an interior and an exterior with a front and a back;

a light centrally positioned on the exterior at the back of the vehicle;

a battery positioned within the interior adjacent to the front of the vehicle, the battery having an anode and a cathode operatively coupled with the light for providing a source of electrical potential to illuminate the light;

a positive electrical line coupling the cathode with the light and a negative electrical line coupling the anode with the light;

a relay in the positive electrical line at an intermediate extent of the positive electrical line with a crossing electrical line coupling the relay and the negative electrical line at an intermediate extent of the negative electrical line;

an intermediate electrical line in parallel with the positive and negative electrical lines and coupling the relay and the light, the intermediate electrical line including a flasher circuit and a diode in series along the intermediate electrical line; and

a latchable passenger seatbelt with a passenger seatbelt switch in the crossing electrical line and a latchable driver seatbelt with a driver seatbelt switch in the crossing electrical line, the passenger and driver seatbelt switches being in series along the crossing electrical line, each seatbelt switch constituting an open switch when the seatbelt is not latched, each seatbelt switch constituting a closed switch when the seatbelt is latched, each of the seatbelt switches also including a ground line for completing its circuit, the battery and light being operable in association with the relay and flasher circuit and diode in combination with the seatbelt switches to thereby illuminate the light in a continuous manner when both seatbelt switches are closed and the vehicle is operating, and to thereby illuminate the light in a flashing manner when both seatbelt switches are open and the vehicle is operating, and to thereby not illuminate the light when the vehicle is not operating.