Safety system with window breaker for a vehicle, vehicle provided therewith and method therefor

• US 8,869,927 B2
• Filed: 01/27/2011
• Issued: 10/28/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Adriaan Ids Stork, A.S. Oosterhuis Beheer B.V., DE Beer International Holding B.V.
• Original Assignee: A.S. Oosterhuis Beheer B.V., DE Beer International Holding B.V.
• Inventors: Oosterhuis, Antoon Siefko, De Beer, Mark, De Beer, Rene, Stork, Adriaan Ids
• Primary Examiner(s): Dickson, Paul N
• Assistant Examiner(s): Freedman, Laura
• Application Number:
  US13/638,486
• Publication Number:
  US 20130146381A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,370 Days
• Field of Search: 303/58, 303/61, 303/66, 303/67, 180/271, 180/274, 180/282
• US Class Current: 180/271
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 1/20 Accessories, e.g. wind deflectors, blinds antiglare provisions B60J3/00; wind deflectors associated with roof openings B60J7/22; removable external protective coverings for windows or windscreens B60J11/08 ; aerodynamical spoiler for vehicles B62D35/00; heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas H05B3/84
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0016 Fall in water
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0027 Post collision measures, e.g. notifying emergency services
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0136 responsive to actual contact with an obstacle , e.g. to vehicle deformation, bumper displacement or bumper velocity relative to the vehicle monitoring crash strength in combination with passenger seat detection B60R21/01558
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/017 including arrangements for providing electric power to safety arrangements or their actuating means, e.g. to pyrotechnic fuses or electro-mechanic valves

Abstract

A safety system for a vehicle, a vehicle provided therewith and a method for breaking a window. The safety system comprises a window breaker comprising a drive system and a pin driven by the drive system for breaking a window. A water sensor is operatively connected to the drive system for control thereof.

Claims

1. Safety system for a vehicle, comprising:

a window breaker comprising;

a drive system; and

a pin driven by the drive system for breaking a window;

wherein the drive system comprises an explosive charge, and

activating means operatively connected to the drive system for control thereof, wherein the activating means comprise a water sensor for controlling the drive system therewith, and

wherein the window breaker is positioned close to a window of the vehicle such that the pin breaks the window through activation of the system, wherein the window breaker is integrated in a door or wall of the vehicle, and wherein the pin is directed at a peripheral side of the window.

2. Safety system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water sensor is accommodated in a separate housing.

3. Safety system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water sensor is accommodated in a housing which is provided with openings such that, if the housing is situated in water, the housing is filled within a determined period of time.

4. Safety system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water sensor is embodied such that the water sensor activates the drive system if the sensor is substantially wholly enveloped by water.

5. Safety system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the water sensor comprises at least two detection elements.

6. Safety system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a capacitor for energy supply.

7. Safety system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activating means control the drive system with a predetermined time delay.

8. Safety system as claimed in claim 1, comprising signalling means controlled by the activating means for the purpose of generating a warning signal.

9. Safety system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an operating means for manual switch-on and switch-off of the activating means.

10. Safety system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pin of the window breaker moves reciprocally in continuously repetitive manner during use.

11. Safety system as claimed in claim 1, comprising safety means controlled by the activating means and from the group consisting of:

automatic alerting of emergency services;

means for transmitting a GPS position;

automatic seatbelt release means; and

oxygen supply.

12. Method for breaking a window, comprising of providing a safety system as claimed in claim 1.