GB2261591A

GB2261591A - An accessory belt for a vehicle seat belt assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2261591A
Application number: GB9224461A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Noel Rayner Goldsmith
Original assignee: Electrolux Klippan Ltd
Current assignee: Electrolux Klippan Ltd
Priority date: 1991-11-21
Filing date: 1992-11-23
Publication date: 1993-05-26
Also published as: GB9224461D0

Abstract

The accessory belt 20, in use, extends between the adult diagonal seat belt 16 and a lower anchorage 11 or 13 so as to deflect the diagonal bed to make it suitable for use by a child. The belt 20 includes a belt web having a lower attachment means 30 connectible to an anchorage and its upper end has a combined attachment and adjustment buckle 31 attachable to the diagonal belt and adjustable to vary the length of the belt 20. The combined buckle 31 has a pair of centrally-divided fingers as shown whereby it can be readily attached to the diagonal belt, and also has a pair of spaced locking bars (40, 41, Figs 9 to 11) one of which is provided with locking teeth (42) to thereby engage with the end of the belt 20 threaded between the bars. A sheath 33 is retained in position by teeth (39) provided on side portions (38) of the buckle. <IMAGE>

Description

Seat Belt Assemblv This invention relates to a seat belt assembly and to an attachment for a conventional seat belt to create such assembly.

Most vehicles are provided with seat belts, on their passenger seats which are suitable to restrain an adult. Older children can use such belts quite comfortably and safely, but for younger children there are problems. For very young children special child seats are provided which attach to the basic vehicle seat.

These are quite satisfactory, but they do mean that at least one seat of the vehicle is more or less permanently taken up by the child seat and cannot be easily used by any other person. For this reason, once a child is old enough to be removed from a specific child seat, it would be advantageous if the normal vehicle seat belts could be used.

The main problem with a conventional seat belt in relation to a young child is in relation to the shoulder or diagonal strap.

The conventional adult lap strap can, when following its normal function happily contract a little further and serve exactly the same function and engage exactly the same parts of the anatomy of a young child. The diagonal strap is, however, more problematical. Because the child is smaller than an adult, the diagonal strap which extends from its upper anchorage or deflector to the usual common lap/diagonal releasable anchorage, tends to cross the central line of a child round about the head or neck. This is not only potentially dangerous if the belt has to function in an emergency, but can be uncomfortable for the child.

It is, therefore, desirable if the angle of the diagonal belt, that is to say its effective upper anchorage point, can be moved.

Several prior specifications have dealt with this problem. US patents 4 243 266 and 4 289 352 provide an adjustable attachment point for a diagonal belt by having a separate belt along which a buckle slides to provide such movable anchorage. Such a separate anchor belt adds to the cost of the seat belt and requires more work in fitting. This solution is only applicable when seat belts are being fitted in the first instance and cannot be fitted without the expense of an entire installation. British patent 2 208 468 also addresses this problem but again uses a separate anchor strap to achieve movement of the effective upper anchor position downwards from the adult suitable position to the child suitable position. Again a separate anchorage strap and installation are necessary.British application 8906084.2, describes an accessory for a conventional lap/diagonal adult seat belt which can be used, (optionally in combination with a child cushion) to alter the height of the upper attachment point to suit the occupant of the seat. The attachment described in this application is in the form of an accessory strap which at one end can be attached to the adult diagonal strap, at a position along its length which can be decided by the user and at its other end is connected to a common floor anchorage, extending in use, behind the child. The accessory strap has, at its upper (in use) end, a buckle whereby it can be attached to the adult diagonal without any disconnection, the buckle being able to slid along the belt but, once positioned, cannot readily slide on its own.Adjacent that buckle is a second adjusting buckle whereby the length of the accessory strap can be altered to suit the child concerned. Specification 2 208 468A (particularly in figure 4 thereof) clearly illustrates a problem which arises with the accessory strap described above. The accessory strap extends behind the child and the attachment and adjustment buckles are disposed in a generally wedge-shaped space defined between the child's shoulder and the seat. The child leans against the rest of the accessory strap. As the adjustment buckle has to be spaced from the attachment buckle it can form an uncomfortable projection when in position between the back of the child and the seat.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a seat belt assembly and an accessory strap wherein the above described disadvantage is reduced or minimised.

The invention provides a seat belt assembly including a belt which extends from an upper anchorage on one side of a seat to a lower anchorage on the same side of a seat, a sliding connector being provided on the belt and capable of releasable connection to a common lower anchorage on the opposite side of the seat, the part of the belt between the upper anchorage and the common anchorage being an adult diagonal belt strap and the portion of the belt between the two lower anchorages constituting an adult lap strap, wherein there is provided an accessory belt which at one end has means whereby it can be attached to one of said lower anchorages and at its other end has a single combined adjustment and attachment buckle whereby it can be connected to the adult diagonal strap in a selected position thereof, the length of the accessory belt can be varied.

Attachment of the accessory belt to the common buckle can be by wrapping around part of the buckle.

Desirably, the arrangement is such that applying tension to the accessory belt in use locks the belt to the buckle, but applying tension to a free end of the belt extending from the buckle allows the length of the accessory belt to be reduced.

Desirably the arrangement is such that pivoting of the buckle relative to the accessory belt direction can move it to a position where the buckle releases the accessory belt whose length can then be increased.

By use of selected ones of these functions the position and length of the accessory belt can be altered, in situ, to suit the user.

The invention includes, of course, an accessory belt for use, with a existing conventional adult seat belt to convert it into a belt assembly according to the invention and including an at one end an attachment for connection to a lower anchorage and at its other end a common buckle providing means whereby the accessory belt can be attached to an adult diagonal strap and also whereby its length can be varied in situ.

The first (lower) end of the accessory belt can be attached to the lower anchorage on the one side of the seat if so desired.

However, such a connection usually requires modification of the actual anchorage and therefore may not be applicable in all cases. In most cases, the nature of the common anchorage is such that a simple strap around it can form a suitable anchorage for the accessory belt. Attachment to a neck of the common anchorage is particularly simple and suitable.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein; Figure 1 is a schematic front view illustrating a conventional seat belt arrangement used by a child; Figure 2 is a view similar to figure 1 showing an assembly of the invention; Figure 3 is a view similar to figure 2 but showing a modification; Figure 4 is a front perspective view illustrating the figure 2 position but with a child's cushion in position; Figure 5 is a side view of a child in a seat using the assembly of the invention; Figure 6 is a fragmentary cross sectional view illustrating an accessory of a known system; Figure 7 is a comparable view illustrating the accessory and assembly of the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred accessory belt of the invention; Figure 9 is a top elevation of a common buckle of the accessory;; Figure 10 is an end view of the buckle; Figures llA to llD are cross sectional views of the buckle in various positions relative to the accessory belt.

Referring now to figures 1 to 3, it will be seen that in a conventional seat belt arrangement (10) a single length of belt extends from a lower lap anchorage (11) on one side of a seat to a sliding connector (12) which can detachably connect with a common anchorage (13) on the sides of the seat, and from the sliding connector (12) to an upper anchorage (14). The portion of the belt from anchorage (11) to anchorage (13) is known as the lap strap (15) and the portion of the belt from the connector (12) to the anchorage (14) is known as an adult diagonal strap (16). Incidentally it should be mentioned here that the upper anchorage (14), although it is effectively an "anchorage' may simply be, as illustrated, a deflector when the belt travels to an inertia reel or like storage unit (17) which may be floor or wall mounted as desired.

Figure 1 illustrates how the adult diagonal strap (16) tends to lie across the neck or head of a child (17) using the arrangement, even though the child is supported by a cushion (18).

Figure 2 shows how using the arrangement of the invention the disadvantage is eliminated. The accessory belt in the invention (not visible in Figure 2) extends behind the child and connects with the strap (16) at the position (19) to deflect these adult diagonal strap leftwards so as to extend across the chest of the child.

Figure 3 illustrates a second possibility where the accessory belt (20) extends from the diagonal strap (16) to the lap anchorage (11). This again has a desired effect of diverting the diagonal strap (16) from its figure 1 position to a position more comfortable for a child or small user. This, however, may be less desirable as the lap anchorage (11) does not easily lend itself to attachment of the accessory belt without using tools. It is preferred to use the common anchorage (13) whereby attachment can easily be made to its narrow neck (21).

In Figure 3 and 4 the position of the adult diagonal (16) is shown in dotted lines. It will be easily appreciated how such an undeflected adult diagonal can be dangerous and uncomfortable in use.

Figure 5 also illustrates how accessory belt (20) attached to the adult diagonal (16) at the position (19) draws that adult diagonal into the wedge shaped gap (22) (Figure 6) between the seat (23) and the child's shoulder (24). In the prior art arrangement, connection to the diagonal (16) was by means of an attachment buckle (25). Adjustment of the length was by means of an adjustment buckle (26). As the adjustment buckle (26) was spaced from the buckle (25), it will be seen that the adjustment buckle (26) forms a lump which can be uncomfortable. Padding in the form of a resilient fabric sleeve can be provided, but is not entirely satisfactory.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a preferred accessory belt (20) of the invention. At one end (which in use will be its lower end) the belt (20) has an attachment (27) which has a loop (30) which can be disposed around a neck (21) of a conventional common seat belt anchorage. The loop (30) is part of the attachment (27) which has a buckle (29). Attached to the neck (21) the strap providing loop (30) can be left in position by operation of the buckle (29). The accessory belt (20) can then be removed, for example when a child is not using the seat.

At its other end the belt (20) is provided with a common attachment and adjusting buckle (31). The belt (20) passes round the buckle (31) (to be later described) and finishes in a free end portion (32) which can be used in the adjustment of the length of the accessory belt (20). Portions of the belt (20) and free end (32) are covered, adjacent buckle (31) by a sheath (33).

This can be attached to the buckle (31). Sheath (33) performs a slight padding function, but mainly serves to hold the belt (20) and the free end portion (32) adjacent to each other to as to enhance the function of the buckle (31).

The buckle (31) has an attachment portion and an adjustment portion. The attachment portion comprises a body (30) which includes three bars (35, 36, 37) which extend transversely of the direction of the adult diagonal strap (16). The central bar is generally T-shaped in cross section having a ridge (47) extending downwards (in the use condition). Bar (36) is continuous, but bars (35,37) have central gaps so that each can be described as being constituted by a pair of opposed fingers (35A and 37A). The gaps between the respective pairs of fingers (35A and 37A) are sufficiently wide to enable strap (16) to be introduced after folding and to prevent the buckle being pulled from the strap (16) by downward tension as shown in figure 11A. This enables the accessory belt to be attached to the adult diagonal (16) without modification of the existing adult seat belt.

The threading of the belt (16) between the bars (35, 36 and 37) is such as to ensure that when the belt (16) is relatively slack the buckle (31) can be moved along it to a decided position.

When, however, there is tension in the belt (16) the position of the buckle (31) is fixed. This prevents the buckle moving along the strap (16) when in use.

Extending from the body (34) an adjustment portion includes a pair of lateral webs (38). On the outer sides the lateral webs (38) can have teeth (39) to retain the sheath (33). At their ends remote from the body (34) the webs (38) are bridged by an anchor bar (40). Spaced inwardly and to one side thereof is a reversal bar (41).Anchor bar (40) has a plurality of integrally moulded teeth (42) which present their sharp edges downwards in figure 11. The upper end of the belt (20) passes around the reversal bar (41) and back down on the toothed side of the anchor bar (40).

Thus, the free end portion (32) is sandwiched between a portion of the belt (20) and the teeth (42). The free end (32) extends downwardly as shown in Figure 11B.

When the belt is relatively slack the portion (32) is not forced against the teeth (42) and therefore the belt can be either lengthened or shortened. When, however, the belt (20) is under tension (figure 11C) the belt (20) forces the free end portion (32) against the teeth (42) preventing it moving upwards in the drawing. The position which the belt attains in use prevents it becoming inadvertently slackened.

Figure 11D illustrates how it is possible to release the belt (32) simply by tilting the buckle (31) to a relatively small angle. This angle is sufficient to remove the teeth (42) from the surface of the free end (32) and allow sliding in either direction.

Thus, the belt can easily be freed simply by tilting the buckle (38) if it has been overtighted during the adjustment process without the need to release the connector (12).

Referring now to figure 7, it will be seen that the buckle (31) is of significantly less overall length than the combination of the buckles (25 and 26) and forms only a small triangular object which can be easily accommodated within the wedge shape gap (22) between the seat (23) and the user's/child's shoulder (24).

The accessory belt of the invention can, therefore, be used in combination with a pre-existing and conventional adult seat belt arrangement to provide an assembly which can be used by a child or a smaller person to provide a simple convenient safe and easily adjustable belt. The belt is comfortable to use in that it does not form any bulky obstruction behind the user's back and yet can be readily detached, either by use of buckle (29) or by sliding of the buckle (31) relative to strap (16) when an adult needs to use the seat belt.

The invention is not limited to the precise details of the foregoing and variations can be made thereto. For example, the arrangement shown on the left in Figure 8 for attachment to the common anchorage (21) can be replaced with any convenient attachment means such as a snap link, a hook or the like.

Further, the design of the buckle (31) can itself be changed providing the attachment and adjustment functions are retained.

The accessory belt can be attached to either lower anchorage.

Many other variations are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A seat belt assembly including a belt which extends from an upper anchorage on one side of a seat to a lower anchorage on the same side of a seat, a sliding connector being provided on the belt and capable of releasable connection to a common lower anchorage on the opposite side of the seat, the part of the belt between the upper anchorage and the common anchorage being an adult diagonal belt strap and the portion of the belt between the lower anchorages constituting an adult lap strap, wherein there is provided an accessory belt which at one end has means whereby it can be attached to one of said lower anchorages and at its other end has a single combined adjustment and attachment buckle whereby it can be connected to the adult diagonal strap in a selected position thereof, the length of the accessory belt can be varied.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein attachment of the accessory belt to the common buckle is by wrapping around part of the buckle.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the arrangement is such that applying tension to the accessory belt in use locks the belt to the buckle, but applying tension to a free end of the belt extending from the buckle allows the length of the accessory belt to be reduced.

4. An assembly as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the arrangement is such that pivoting of the buckle relative to the accessory belt direction can move it to a position where the buckle releases the accessory belt whose length can then be increased.

5. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the buckle has an attachment portion and an adjustment portion.

6. A buckle as claimed in claim 5 wherein the attachment portion has three parts with two slots defined between a central one of the bar and the other two bars, each of the other bars being constituted by a pair of opposed fingers so as to have a central gap, said gaps being sufficiently wide to enable the buckle to be engaged with the strap on the existing seat belt.

7. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 or 6 wherein said slots are sufficiently wide so that when a seat belt is threaded there through the buckle can be moved to a desired position along the belt, but is restrained against involuntary movement along the belt.

8. An assembly as claimed in claim 5, 6 or 7 wherein an adjustment portion of the buckle includes an anchor bar and a spaced reversal bar, at the bottom end of the accessory belt around the reversal bar and being sandwiched between the operative run of the belt and the anchor bar.

9. An assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the anchor bar has teeth which ' are directed, in use, in a downwards direction.

10. An assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the arrangement of the teeth is such that when in use tension in the accessory belt urges the free end of the belt against the teeth and prevents increase in the length of the belt, but tilting of the belt about axis transverse to the belt direction can release the teeth from the belt allowing the belt length to be increased.

11. A seat belt assembly substantially as described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

12. An accessory belt for use with a existing conventional adult seat belt to convert it into a belt assembly according to the invention and including at one end an attachment for connection to a lower anchorage and at its other end a common buckle providing means whereby the accessory belt can be attached to an adult diagonal strap and also whereby its length can be varied in situ.

13. A belt as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first (lower) end of the accessory belt is attachable to the lower anchorage on the one side of the seat if so desired.

14. An accessory belt as claimed in claim 12 wherein the accessory belt is adapted to be attached to a lower common anchorage.

15. An accessory belt as claimed in claim 12, 13 or 14 wherein the common buckle has an attachment portion and an adjustment portion.

16. An accessory belt as claimed in claim 15 wherein said attachment portion includes three parallel bars defining two slots between them, the central bar being continuous and the other two bars each being composed of a pair of opposed fingers so as to have a central gap to allow the buckle to be attached to an adult seat belt without threading.

17. An accessory belt as claimed in claim 15 or 16 wherein said adjustment portion includes a reversal bar and an anchor bar.

18. An accessory belt as claimed in claim 17 wherein the anchor bar has teeth, directed, in use, downwardly, the arrangement being such that in use the free end of the accessory belt locks the web in position, tilting of the buckle about an axis transverse of the web direction withdrawing the teeth from the belt to allow belt length to be increased.

19. An accessory belt substantially as described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.