Patent ID: 6188312
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: B60K,G08B

Abstract:
An electrically controllable safety device for use by an occupant of a vehicle, the vehicle powered by a motor activatable by an electrical ignition system, the system having an ignition switch including an ignition pole electrically coupled with a power source and an ignition throw electrically coupled with a motor starting means, the device comprising:a manually activatable switch having a switch pole and a switch throw, the switch pole electrically coupled to the ignition throw;a changeover relay having two input terminals, a plurality of output terminals, an inductor, and a relay switch, a first input terminal externally electrically coupled to the ignition throw and internally electrically coupled to a relay pole of the relay switch, a second input terminal externally electrically coupled to the switch throw and internally electrically coupled to a first inductor end, a second inductor end internally electrically coupled to a first output terminal, the first output terminal externally coupled to ground;an electrical connection between the second input terminal and an active output terminal of the changeover relay; anda safety enhancer externally electrically coupled to the active output terminal;wherein turning the manually activatable switch on while the ignition switch is on instantaneously powers the inductor causing the relay switch to switch positions from a first position coupled to an inactive throw internally electrically coupled to an inactive output terminal to a second position coupled to an active throw internally electrically coupled to an active output terminal so that current from the electrical ignition system flows through the active output terminal and through the inductor to keep the inductor powered.