Patent ID: 6357091
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: B60R,Y10T

Abstract:
Apparatus comprising:a lockable element and a buckle for receiving and locking said lockable element in said buckle, said buckle comprising: a base defining a passage into which the lockable element is insertable in a first direction; a latch moveable to lock said lockable element against movement in said passage; a sensor for sensing a magnetic field, said sensor providing an output signal, the magnitude of which is dependent upon the flux density of a magnetic field acting on said sensor; and a magnet that is movable from a first position to a second position when said lockable element is inserted into said passage, said magnet creating a magnetic field of a first flux density acting on said sensor to cause said sensor to provide a first output signal when said magnet is in said first position; said magnet creating a magnetic field of a second flux density that acts on said sensor, different than said first flux density, when said magnet is in said second position to cause said sensor to provide a second output signal different than said first output signal; said magnet having an interference fit with one of said lockable element and said buckle, said one of said lockable element and said buckle including a first surface defining a shaped recess with a first length, said magnet having a second surface with a second length larger than said first length, said first and second surfaces being in abutting engagement and providing said interference fit.