Patent ID: 6215395
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
Apparatus for monitoring seatbelt usage in a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has at least one seat, said apparatus comprising:at least one seatbelt having a first end and a second end and a separable connector therebetween, said separable connector having a separate, unfastened state and a fastened state, a switch operatively connected to said separable connector for producing unique outputs representative of said separated state and of said unseparated state, an occupancy sensor disposed to sense occupancy of the seat and to avoid responding to pressures less than those associated with human occupants;at least one first indicator located proximate said separable connector, at least one second indicator located proximate a driver of said vehicle, and at least one third indicator located proximate a rear portion of said vehicle and disposed to be visible from outside said vehicle, wherein said first indicator, said second indicator, and said third indicator are each operatively connected to said switch and to said occupancy sensor such that when said seatbelt is in a separated, unfastened state and the associated seat has a human occupant, each one of said first, second and third indicators produces an output.