Patent ID: 6186545
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An improved passenger safety restraint for vehicles having a column of at least two seats, each said seat defined by a frame, and each pair of said seats having a front seat and a rear seat, said vehicles configured to travel along a geometric plane, comprising:a pair of hinge assemblies, each said assembly comprising a shaft pivotally attached to said front seat to rotate about a fixed axis, and further comprising indexing means for providing indexed stops in the rotation of said shaft;a restraint bar attached to said shaft for restraining a passenger seated in said rear seat, said restraint bar further comprising a U-shaped bar, comprising:a center section having ends;a pair of arms, each said arm extending from one said end and terminating in a hinge adapter; andan adjustable thigh pad attached over said center section;sensing means for sensing acceleration to the vehicle along the vehicle's driving plane and further sensing when said vehicle is tilting; andlocking means for preventing said shaft from rotating, said locking means responsive to said sensing means.