Patent ID: 6278358
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A secondary warning system for alerting a vehicle occupant when a seat belt is unbuckled comprising:a control module for activating at least one output warning signal in response to receiving a plurality of predetermined control feedback input signals;an ignition switch connected to said control module for producing an input signal to said control module indicative of a state of a vehicle ignition between an off position and an on position;a seat belt sensor connected to said control module for producing an input signal to said control module indicative of a state of a vehicle seat belt between a buckled and unbuckled condition;a vehicle speed sensor connected to said control module for producing an input signal to said control module in response to said vehicle speed sensor measuring a predetermined threshold speed of the vehicle; anda seat belt indicator system connected to said control module for producing an output signal for triggering a primary seat belt indicator when the state of the vehicle ignition is in the on position and said seat belt sensor in said unbuckled condition for a first predetermined period of time and producing an output signal for triggering a secondary seat belt indicator in response to said control module receiving an input signal from said seat belt sensor in said unbuckled condition and an input signal from said vehicle speed sensor above said predetermined threshold after expiration of the first prcdetermined period of time, whereby the output signal triggers at least one of an audible and visible indicator to alert the occupant of the vehicle of said unbuckled condition of said vehicle seat belt.