Patent Publication Number: US-7909128-B1

Title: Safety apparatus for automobile

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a safety apparatus for an automobile. In particular, it relates to an apparatus for compelling seat belt usage by the occupants of an automobile. 
     Although seat belts are provided in all automobiles these days, many people do not fasten their seat belts when traveling. The failure to fasten seat belts on the part of the occupants greatly increases the risk of sustaining a serious injury, even fatal, if involved in a road accident. Many safety campaigns focus on trying to increase the seat belt usage by occupants in automobiles, both in the front seat and the back seat. However, it is well known that many people still do not comply with seat belt wearing requirements, thereby putting themselves and others at great risk. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a safety apparatus for an automobile, which mitigates the problems associated with the lack of seat belt usage by the occupants of automobiles. 
     According to the present invention, there is provided a safety apparatus for an automobile, the apparatus comprising at least one seat belt and a seat belt clasp; a sensor for detecting when the seat belt is engaged with the clasp; and a control unit operable to cause the automobile to function in a first mode when the sensor detects that the seat belt is in a first state, and in a second mode when the sensor detects that the seat belt is in a second state. 
     Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least one detector for detecting when a seat in the automobile is occupied. 
     Further preferably, the detector co-operates with the sensor so that, when the detector detects that the seat is occupied, the sensor is actuated to detect if the seat belt is in the first or second state. 
     Preferably, the control unit communicates with an ignition system of the automobile such that when the automobile is functioning in the first mode, the ignition system prevents the automobile from starting; and when the automobile is functioning in the second mode, the ignition system enables the automobile to be started. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The disclosure is generally directed to a safety apparatus for an automobile. An illustrative embodiment of the safety apparatus includes a control unit, which is connected to an ignition system of an automobile, a seat belt sensor which is connected to the control unit and a seat occupancy detector which is connected to the seat belt sensor. In the event that it senses an occupant in an automobile seat, the seat occupancy sensor transmits a signal to the seat belt sensor. In the event that it senses that the seat belt of the seat is fastened, the seat belt sensor transmits an activation signal to the control unit, which enables operation of the ignition system. In the event that it senses that the seat belt of the seat is not fastened, the seat belt sensor transmits an inactivation signal to the control unit, which does not enable operation of the ignition system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view, partially in section, of an interior of an automobile, with an illustrative embodiment of the safety apparatus installed in the automobile; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of an automobile, partially in section, more particularly illustrating a card-actuated automobile immobilization embodiment of the safety apparatus; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an automobile in which an illustrative embodiment of the safety apparatus is installed, more particularly illustrating illumination of a light emitter indicating a fastened state of all seatbelts in the automobile in operation of the safety apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating implementation of various phases of an illustrative embodiment of the safety apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating implementation of a first phase of an illustrative embodiment of the safety apparatus; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating implementation of a second phase of an illustrative embodiment of the safety apparatus; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram illustrating implementation of a third phase of an illustrative embodiment of the safety apparatus; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram illustrating implementation of a third A phase of an illustrative embodiment of the safety apparatus; and 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram illustrating implementation of a fourth phase of an illustrative embodiment of the safety apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-3  of the drawings, there is illustrated a safety apparatus  10  for an automobile  74 . The apparatus  10  is designed to prevent the automobile  74  from starting when any occupant (not shown) of the automobile  74  has not fastened his/her seat belt (not shown), as will be explained herein below. 
     The schematic layout of  FIG. 1  illustrates the potential occupancy of the automobile  74 . For purposes of illustration only,  FIG. 1  shows five seat occupancy detectors  16  and five seat belt sensors  18 . The three right-hand detector/sensor arrangements  16 ,  18  in  FIG. 1  corresponds to the three back seats in a conventional automobile  74 , whereas the remaining two left-hand detector/sensor arrangements  16 ,  18  correspond to the front passenger seat and the driver seat, respectively, of the automobile  74 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the safety apparatus  10  includes a control unit  12  which may be provided in any suitable location in the automobile  74 , such as in the dashboard  75  thereof, for example and without limitation. The seat occupancy detector  16  is electrically connected to the seat belt sensor  18  of each detector/sensor arrangement  16 ,  18 . The seat belt sensor  18 , in turn, is electrically connected to the control unit  12 . The seat belt sensor  18  is also connected to the seat belt fastening mechanism (not shown) of each corresponding seat belt (not shown) in the automobile  74  and is capable of determining whether the seat belt is in a fastened or an unfastened state, according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. 
     In use, the seat occupancy detector  16  of each detector/sensor arrangement  16 ,  18  is operable to detect whether or not each corresponding seat in the automobile  74  is occupied. The safety apparatus  10  shall now be described with respect to one of the detector/sensor arrangements,  16 ,  18  which is labeled  17  in  FIG. 1 . In the event that the seat occupancy detector  16  does not detect an occupant (not shown) sitting in the seat, the seat occupancy detector  16  does not send a signal to the associated seat belt sensor  18 . However, in the event that it does detect that an occupant is sitting in the seat, the seat occupancy detector  16  sends a signal to the associated seat belt sensor  18 , thereby actuating the seat belt sensor  18 . 
     Once actuated, the seat belt sensor  18  detects whether or not the respective seat belt fastening mechanism of the seat belt is engaged. When the seat belt (not shown) is in an unfastened state, the seat belt sensor  18  communicates a “no” signal to the control unit  12 , indicating that the seat belt is not fastened. The control unit  12  accordingly causes the automobile  74  to function in a first mode in which the automobile will not start. When the seat belt is in a fastened state, the sensor  18  communicates a “yes” signal to the control unit  12 , indicating that the seat belt is fastened. 
     In the event that the seat belt sensors  18  of all of the occupied seats in the automobile  74  generate a “yes” signal, the control unit  12  causes the automobile  74  to function in the second mode, thus enabling the automobile  74  to be started. In this manner, the seat occupancy detectors  16  and associated seat belt sensors  18  enable the seat belt usage of the occupants to affect whether or not the automobile  74  will start. Thus, the safety of the occupants is enhanced by the apparatus  10 . 
     Turning now to each of the components of the safety apparatus  10  in turn, the control unit  12  preferably comprises a microprocessor or the like. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the control unit  12  preferably communicates with an ignition system  14  of the automobile  74  to enable the control unit  12  to cause the automobile  74  to function in the first (non-start) mode or the second (start) mode. 
     Each of the seat occupancy detectors  16  preferably comprises a detecting device (not shown) which is actuated once it detects a certain weight, according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Each of the seat occupancy detectors  16  is therefore preferably located either within or just below the corresponding seat of the automobile  74 . Each seat belt sensor  18  may comprise any suitable type of conventional indicator, which would serve to indicate that the seat belt is fastened by means of engagement of the seat belt fastening mechanism. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 1 , the safety apparatus  10  may also comprise a light emitter  22  which is connected to the control unit  12 . The light emitter  22  may serve to either alert the driver to the fact that not all the seat belts are fastened, or, alternatively, it may be positioned on the dash board  75  to notify a to a police officer outside the automobile  74  that all the seat belts are actually fastened. 
     The safety apparatus  10  may also be constructed and adapted to deal with a situation in which an occupant unfastens his or her seat belt when the automobile  74  is in motion. An alarm  26  is provided which is designed to produce a “beeping” sound once the respective seat belt sensor  18  detects that the seat belt has been unfastened. This alarm  26  may be designed to produce a low-level sound which increases over time. If the seat belt is not re-fastened within a set time period (for example 90 seconds), the control unit  12  will have an effect on a fuel injection system  28  ( FIG. 2 ) of the automobile  74 . For example, the quantity of air supplied to the fuel injection system  28  may be reduced which, in turn, reduces the quantity of fuel supplied to the engine (not shown) of the automobile  74 . In this manner, the automobile  74  will slowly reduce in speed until the seat belt in question is re-fastened. It will be apparent that this mechanism (which is based on the operation of a conventional cruise control system), may be adapted in any way, and that any other suitable mechanism may be used. 
     It will be apparent that the apparatus  10  is not limited to the embodiment described herein. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the apparatus  10  may further comprise an anti-theft device slot  24  which is also connected to the control unit  12 . A magnetic coded slot card (not shown), for example, would be positioned with the slot  24  when the automobile  74  is in motion. When the automobile  74  is parked, the slot card would be removed from the slot  24 . This would have the same effect as if a “no” signal were sent from a seat belt sensor  18  to the control unit  12 , i.e., the automobile  74  would not start. In order to start the automobile  74 , the slot card would need to be re-inserted in the slot  24 . In this way, the slot  24 , and slot card would provide the apparatus  10  with a further security feature. 
     It will be appreciated that the various positions and configurations of the components of the safety apparatus  10  are not limited to those shown in the Figures. The lines connecting various components are used to merely indicate that the various components communicate with other components of the apparatus—a skilled person would appreciate that the present invention provides a wide variety of possible arrangements, while still falling within the scope of the invention. 
     It will be apparent that the number and nature of sensors  18 , detectors  16 , switches, control units  12  and the like, may be adapted to suit different situations and vehicles. It will also be apparent that although the preferred embodiment discloses a first mode wherein the automobile  74  is prevented from starting and a second mode wherein the automobile  74  can start, the safety apparatus  10  may be adapted such that the first mode permits a minimum automobile speed or engine output and the second mode permits maximum vehicle speed or engine output. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 4-9 , the control unit  12  may be adapted to operate the safety apparatus  10  in multiple phases which are designated phase  1 , phase  2 , phase  3 , phase  3 A and phase  4  in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , in phase  1 , responsive to the input from each detector/sensor arrangement  16 ,  18 , the control unit  12  operates the ignition system  14  in the first (non-start) mode or the second (start) mode depending on whether the occupants are wearing their seat belts. The control unit  12  may additionally illuminate the light emitter  22  that the occupants of the automobile  74  are wearing their seat belts. This may indicate to a police officer, for example, that the seat belts are fastened in the event that the automobile  74  is pulled over, as shown in  FIG. 3 . The anti-theft device slot  24 ; the alarm  26 ; and the fuel injection system  28  may additionally interface with the control unit  12  in the manner which was heretofore described with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , in phase  2 , the control unit  12  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) will have a video camera  30 , permanently installed, inside the vehicle which will register and store the driver&#39;s image, so that only the driver will have to perform the required tests. Having satisfied phase  1  conditions, an alcohol/drugs doping led with a beep sound  34  will indicate to the driver to carry out the test. The driver will now pull a tube  32  connected to the doping device  32 A out from the dash board  75  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) into which he/she will have to blow his/her breath. The tube  32  is covered by a hygienic plastic mouthpiece, which will be changed for each use. The doping device  32 A will measure and register the alcoholic level of the driver. The doping device  32 A consists of a measuring scale, which illuminates the result on the dash board  75  and at the same time sends a positive or negative message to the control unit  12  depending on whether the result is within or outside the legal limit. As a result, as in the case of the seat belts, the control unit  12  will cause the automobile  74  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) to function in the first (non-start) mode or the second (start) mode. 
     This device will also prevent the driver and passengers from drinking alcohol while driving. If anyone brings any drink to their mouth an aroma sensor  38  will establish the presence or otherwise of alcohol. In this case just as in the case of the seatbelts the control unit  12  will activate the acoustical sound  26  which will start to operate at low level and gradually will increase in volume up to the maximum decibel level which is innocuous yet disturbingly loud. This deterrent will force the driver to stop the car and to repeat the whole operation in order to set out again as the control unit  12  will have an effect on the fuel injection system  28  of the automobile  74 , slowing down the speed as indicated in phase  1 . 
     The device  32 A would also recognize narcotic drugs consumed by the driver. The mouthpiece attached to the tube  32  to measure the alcohol level would be covered by treated paper, which would have to be wet by the driver&#39;s saliva. The device  32 A will analyze the reaction of the saliva on the substances pre-placed in the treated paper to identify the eventual presence of drugs. Obviously the device  32 A is composed of two scales one for the alcohol and the other one for the drugs. All the operations for the departure of the vehicle as outlined in the case of the alcohol measurer would ensue. 
     When the automobile engine is switched off and the seat belt  16  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) is released all the values, which have been memorized, will be annulled and so the alcohol/drugs device  32 A and the video camera  30  will be ready for the next departure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7  in phase  3  the control unit  12  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) may interface with an aroma sensor  38  installed in the center of the roof which will detect any smell related to alcohol, any smoke emanating either from cigarettes or cannabis as well as the smell of ammunition so that guns and ammunition cannot be carried in the car. On detection of any of these by the aroma sensor  38 , the acoustical sound  26  will be activated by the control unit  12 . The control unit  12  will have an effect on the fuel injection system  28  of the automobile  74 , slowing down the speed as previously indicated. 
     The safety apparatus  10  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) may also be constructed to allow authorized transportation of weapons/ammunitions that are placed in a locked steel box in the boot of the car. This box could be connected to a device  54  as shown in  FIG. 6  that would electronically be locked for the duration of the journey by the control unit  12 . Once the guns are securely locked in the steel box  54  in the boot of the vehicle, the sensors  38  and the acoustical sound alarm  26  would still operate inside the cabin of the car to insure that none of the passengers is carrying an armament. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7  in phase  3  the control unit  12  will have a distortion radio frequency  40  that will impede mobile phone communications. To allow mobile phones communications a proper hands-free kit shall be present in the car. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7  in phase  3  the control unit  12  may interface with the external mirror on the driver&#39;s side which will have an infrared light receiver or a similar receiver to detect when another car is overtaking. In this case the control unit  12  will activate an acoustical-led  42  on the dash board  75  to alert the driver in the event he does not notice that he is being overtaken. In addition a led light  42 A inserted in the mirror will alert the driver during dark. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7  in phase  3  a sensor  52  within the wind screen/roof, will be able to detect traffic lights. The sensor  52  through the control unit  12  will transfer the information to a red light  52 A placed in the center of the back windscreen highlighting a pedestrian symbol to alert the car behind of the danger. The light will blink on/off until the car moves over the traffic light. 
     The control unit  12  may also be adapted to limit the speed of the car to a maximum speed of 140/150 Km per hour by interfacing with the fuel injection system  28  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Opening of Electronic Gates as shown in  FIG. 8  Phase  3 A a laser  56  inside the front lights will open a gate when the headlights are flashed in front of them. The laser  56  is connected to software  58  installed inside the slot  24 . The software will identify the code of the particular gate through a pre-programmed card inserted in the slot. The slot  24 , will therefore operate as an anti-theft device as well as opening electronic gates. It is possible to store the codes of any different gates in the card. On flashing the lights, the laser will identify the code of that particular gate, the processor will confirm and the gate will open. The flashing of the lights will open the gate at a distance when the car is in motion. 
     While driving on a motorway, drivers often forget to insert the 5 th  gear so that the car keeps moving on 4 th  gear resulting in greater fuel consumption. To eliminate this problem a red dot  60  as shown in  FIG. 9  Phase  4  placed in the center of the top of the gear stick, will communicate electrically with the gear box and will blink when the car is in 4 th  gear. This will alert the driver to insert 5 th  gear if appropriate, When the driver inserts 5 th  gear the dot will stop blinking and will remain red until the gear is changed again. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9  phase  4 , to avoid drivers being overcome by bouts of sleepiness, the video camera  30  will detect any eye movements, the direction of the sight line, the reaction time of eyelids, the head movements of the driver through an infrared system, which will be extremely discreet and always pointed at the driver face. The software installed in the control unit  12  will analyze these parameters and will detect when driver fatigue reaches a dangerous level. At this point it will activate a vibration to the driver seat  62  as shown in  FIG. 9 . If the video camera  30  identifies that the dangerous condition persists, it will activate the acoustical sound  26  at a progressively increasing intensity as well as a bright display  64  as shown in  FIG. 9  on the dash board  75  to alert the driver that he/she must now stop for a rest. 
     The control unit  12  to be construed as a ‘Black Box’ properly sealed with an official seal by the car manufacturer so that it can be opened in case of necessity only by the manufacturer&#39;s authorized mechanic. After the work is performed it shall be resealed. In other words all the devices must work to get the car on the road. There would be no possibility to hide or cover cameras, aroma sensor or any other device, nor to spray deodorants as the aroma sensor would only be able to detect the designated smells. 
     The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein, which may be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.