Land vehicles – Wheeled – Attachment
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-14
2001-04-10
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Attachment
C280S807000, C180S271000, C297S478000, C297S480000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213512
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a seat belt apparatus and, more particularly, to an apparatus for tightening the webbing of a seat belt assembly around a vehicle occupant.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A conventional seat belt assembly includes a length of webbing which may be extended around a vehicle occupant to help restrain the occupant during a vehicle crash event. The seat belt assembly typically includes a retractor which winds part of the seat belt webbing around a spool. Seat belt assemblies generally allow for substantial movement of a belted passenger. This may result in the occupant being out of position during a vehicle crash event. The benefits from various other occupant protection devices, such as air bags and seat belt pretensioners, may be reduced if the occupant is out of position during their actuation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a system for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle. The system includes a sensor which is effective to sense a distance between the vehicle and an object adjacent to the vehicle, such as another vehicle. The sensor also is effective to provide a sensor signal indicative of the distance between the vehicle and the adjacent object. The system also includes a length of webbing extensible about a vehicle occupant. An actuatable mechanism is operatively connected with the webbing. The actuatable mechanism is operable to effect tightening of the webbing around the vehicle occupant upon the sensor signal indicating that the distance between the vehicle and the adjacent object is within a predetermined distance.
Another feature of the present invention is directed to a method for helping to protect a vehicle occupant. The method includes the step of determining a relative distance between the vehicle and an adjacent object. Upon determining that the relative distance between the vehicle and the adjacent object is within a predetermined distance, seat belt webbing of the vehicle is tightened around the vehicle occupant.
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Swann Lauren E.
Swann Patrick A.
Swann Timothy A.
Fischmann Bryan
Johnson Brian L.
Tarolli, Sundeim, Covell, Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
TRW Inc.
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