초록 ▼

A locking seat belt buckle assembly is configured for placement and operation within a standard seat belt buckle and tongue. In one embodiment, the seat belt buckle includes a latch that engages the tongue and a latch release plate to disengage the latch from the tongue upon depression of the releas

A locking seat belt buckle assembly is configured for placement and operation within a standard seat belt buckle and tongue. In one embodiment, the seat belt buckle includes a latch that engages the tongue and a latch release plate to disengage the latch from the tongue upon depression of the release plate. The assembly includes a stop block that is movable by way of an actuator, such as a reversible micro-motor, to a position beneath the release plate to prevent depression of the latch plate. A pair of limit switches disconnect the motor from a power supply when contacted by the stop block at opposite ends of its travel. An indicator light is provided that is illuminated when the stop block is in position beneath the latch release plate. In one aspect, the motor is mounted within a housing with a spring disposed between the motor and the housing to bias the motor toward the release plate. In the event that the motor fails to retract the stop block from beneath the release plate, the stop block and motor can be manually pushed aside to compress the spring, thereby allowing depression of the release plate.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A locking seat belt buckle assembly, comprising:a tongue;a latch;locking means between said tongue and said latch to lock said tongue to said latch;latch release means for releasing said locking means to permit disengagement of said tongue from said latch, said latch release

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A locking seat belt buckle assembly, comprising:a tongue;a latch;locking means between said tongue and said latch to lock said tongue to said latch;latch release means for releasing said locking means to permit disengagement of said tongue from said latch, said latch release means including a release plate pivotably mounted to said chassis to be depressed from outside the seat belt buckle assembly to release said locking means;stop means operable on said latch release means to prevent operation of said latch release means; anda chassis for supporting said latch, said locking means, said latch release means and said stop means,wherein said stop means includes a stop block slidably disposed between said chassis and said release plate to move between a first position in which said stop block prevents depression of said release plate and a second position in which said stop block does not prevent depression of said release plate.