Patent Publication Number: US-2004050608-A1

Title: Vehicle safety escape apparatus

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] The present Non-Provisional Patent Application relates to co-filed and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled BODYMOUNTABLE VEHICLE SAFETY ESCAPE APPARATUS by Souther, et al., filed on Sep. 13, 2002. 
    
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] The invention relates to safety systems and devices for vehicles, and, more particularly, the invention relates to safety systems and apparatuses for shattering glass to facilitate escape from a vehicle.  
       [0003] Problem Statement  
       [0004] Interpretation Considerations  
       [0005] This section describes the technical field in more detail, and discusses problems encountered in the technical field. This section does not describe prior art as defined for purposes of anticipation or obviousness under 35 U.S.C. section 102 or 35 U.S.C. section 103. Thus, nothing stated in the Statement of a Problem Addressed by This Invention is to be construed as prior art.  
       [0006] Discussion  
       [0007] Persons may become trapped in a vehicle due to a wide variety of circumstances. During flood conditions, sometimes a person will try to drive through water in a flooded street or depression without realizing how deep the water is or how fast a current is moving. Sometimes, due to poor driving or to poor road conditions, a person will drive a car into a body of water, such as a reservoir or a lake, thereby trapping the occupants of the vehicle inside. In yet other circumstances a vehicle occupant may be trapped inside a car during a wreck. Occasionally, vehicles in a wreck catch on fire and burn any occupants who are trapped inside. Whether due to fire, flood, or other trapping, vehicle occupants need a means for escape in the event they are trapped inside and face potential danger.  
       [0008] Unfortunately, doors are frequently jammed shut in emergency situations such as fires, floods, or wrecks. Therefore, an occupant of the vehicle cannot simply open a door and escape. In addition, since systems are often inoperative in such emergency situations, power windows cannot be opened. Furthermore, even if power systems do work or even if mechanical systems are operable, the windows are also frequently jammed shut or do not completely/sufficiently open.  
       [0009] When the doors and windows are both jammed in an emergency situation, it is necessary to shatter a window so that the occupants can escape. However, vehicle windows are constructed to be at least minimally shatter resistant. Thus, it is desirous to provide a vehicle window-shattering tool that is effective, easily reached, and easily handled in an emergency. The present invention provides such systems and devices.  
       [0010] Selected Overview of Selected Embodiments  
       [0011] The invention provides technical advantages as vehicle window-shattering systems and apparatuses. One window-shattering system generally includes a base system that couples to a seat belt, and an impact system that is able to shatter a vehicle window. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a base having an opening large enough to accommodate a seat belt web, and a tip coupled to the base. Preferably, the tip is sufficiently hard and shaped to enable the vehicle window shattering apparatus to shatter a pane of glass. Accordingly, the invention provides an accessible and effective window-shattering means that provides a vehicle occupant means to escape a vehicle in the event of an emergency.  
       [0012] Of course, other features and embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. After reading the specification, and the detailed description of the exemplary embodiment, these persons will recognize that similar results can be achieved in not dissimilar ways. Accordingly, the detailed description is provided as an example of the best mode of the invention and it should be understood that the invention is not limited by the detailed description. Accordingly, the invention should be read as being limited only by the claims.  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0013] Various aspects of the invention, as well as at least one embodiment, are better understood by reference to the following EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE. To better understand the invention, the EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE should be read in conjunction with the drawings, in which:  
     [0014]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the invention that is slidably-mounted to a seat belt web;  
     [0015]FIGS. 2 a - 2   c  show vehicle window-shattering apparatuses that are capable of being retroactively securely attached to an seat belt that is already installed in a vehicle; and  
     [0016]FIG. 3 illustrates the invention having a clasping assembly that enables the invention to be securely retrofitted to a web of a seatbelt;  
     [0017]FIGS. 4 a - 4   b  are views of a window-shattering apparatus that is installable via a snap-hinge; and  
     [0018]FIG. 5 provides one view of an alternative embodiment that incorporates a blade for slicing a seatbelt.  
    
    
     EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE  
     [0019] Introduction  
     [0020] The invention provides vehicle window-shattering systems and apparatuses. One window-shattering system generally includes a base system that couples to a seat belt, and an impact system that is able to shatter a vehicle window. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a base having an opening large enough to accommodate a seat belt, and a tip coupled to the base, the tip being of sufficient hardness and shape to enable the shattering of a pane of vehicle glass. Accordingly, the invention provides an easily-accessible and effective window-shattering means that provides a vehicle occupant means to escape a vehicle in the event of an emergency.  
     [0021] Interpretation Considerations  
     [0022] When reading this section (AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE, which describes an exemplary embodiment of the best mode of the invention, hereinafter “exemplary embodiment”), one should keep in mind several points. First, the following exemplary embodiment is what the inventor believes to be the best mode for practicing the invention at the time this patent was filed. Thus, since one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize from the following exemplary embodiment that substantially equivalent structures or substantially equivalent acts may be used to achieve the same results in exactly the same way, or to achieve the same results in a not dissimilar way, the following exemplary embodiment should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to one embodiment. Likewise, individual aspects (sometimes called species) of the invention are provided as examples, and, accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize from a following exemplary structure (or a following exemplary act) that a substantially equivalent structure or substantially equivalent act may be used to either achieve the same results in substantially the same way, or to achieve the same results in a not dissimilar way.  
     [0023] Accordingly, the discussion of a species (or a specific item) invokes the genus (the class of items) to which that species belongs as well as related species in that genus. Likewise, the recitation of a genus invokes the species known in the art. Furthermore, it is recognized that as technology develops, a number of additional alternatives to achieve an aspect of the invention may arise. Such advances are hereby incorporated within their respective genus, and should be recognized as being functionally equivalent or structurally equivalent to the aspect shown or described.  
     [0024] Second, the only essential aspects of the invention are identified by the claims. Thus, aspects of the invention, including elements, acts, functions, and relationships (shown or described) should not be interpreted as being essential unless they are explicitly described and identified as being essential. Third, a function or an act should be interpreted as incorporating all modes of doing that function or act, unless otherwise explicitly stated (for example, one recognizes that “tacking” may be done by nailing, stapling, gluing, hot gunning, riveting, etc., and so a use of the word tacking invokes stapling, gluing, etc., and all other modes of that word and similar words, such as “attaching”).  
     [0025] Fourth, unless explicitly stated otherwise, conjunctive words (such as “or”, “and”, “including”, or “comprising” for example) should be interpreted in the inclusive, not the exclusive, sense. Fifth, the words “means” and “step” are provided to facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of the invention and do not mean “means” or “step” as defined in 112, paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C., unless used as “means for functioning-” or “step” for -functioning-“ in the claims section.  
     [0026] Exemplary Devices and Systems  
     [0027] In one embodiment, the invention generally comprises a base that includes an opening, and a tip coupled to the base. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the invention that is mounted (yet slidably positionable) to a web  12  of a seat belt (or shoulder harness). The vehicle window-shattering apparatus (the apparatus)  10  has a base  16  that is generally cylindrical and elongated enough to accommodate the web  12  of a seat belt. In addition, the apparatus  10  includes a tip  18  that is enabled (via shape and hardness) to shatter a pane of a vehicle window (not shown). In one embodiment, the tip is generally a point, however, it should be understood that many shapes capable of shattering a window are readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and any shape capable of shattering a vehicle window is within the scope of the invention. In addition, the tip is made of material that is harder than a pane of glass, and is preferably a carbide-based material, such as carbide-steel. However, many materials capable of shattering a window are readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and any material capable of shattering a vehicle window is also within the scope of the invention.  
     [0028] The base  16  includes an opening  14  configured to attach to the web  12  of a seatbelt. In general, the opening  14  is slightly larger than the web  12 . Accordingly, the base  16  is securably coupled to the web  12 , meaning that the base  16  will not slide up or down the web  12  absent the application of some force—such as a user pulling the apparatus  10  up or down the web  12 . Of course, the base  16  may also be freely slidable along the web  12 . Accordingly, the apparatus  10  can slide from a position where it is disposed against a tongue  13  to a position proximate to the ceiling of the vehicle (not shown) sot that the apparatus  10  may be secured in a position where it will not interfere with a vehicle occupant.  
     [0029] There are many alternative embodiments for the base  16 . It can be made of metal, or any durable plastic/rubber material. In one embodiment, the base  16  may be a closed ring (having the appearance of an elongated “O”) such as the apparatus  202  of FIG. 2 a  having tip  204 . To attach a closed ring to a web  12 , the base  16  must be slid over the web  12  before the seat belt is completely attached in the car. Alternatively, the base  16  may be configured to attach to a web  12  of a seatbelt that is already installed in a vehicle to create a “retrofit” embodiment. For example, the base may include an open portion, so that the base has a generally “C” shape such as the apparatus  220  having an opening  225  as shown in FIG. 2 b  having tip  223 . Preferably, the base having the C shape surrounds the opening across at least 220 angular degrees. In another retrofit embodiment, the base  16  operates similar to a carabineer. Accordingly, a pivotable portion, such as a hinge  19 , is provided so that a swivel  17  can open and close to enable the base to be placed about the web  12 . Preferably, the pivotable portion  19  enables the swivel  17  to securably clasp the web  12  in a static position.  
     [0030] Preferably, the swivel  17  provides a clasp  21  in order to help hold the swivel  17  in a closed position. Optionally, a sleeve (not shown) can be slidable arranged over the swivel  17  as is known in the art of carabineers, so that the sleeve slides from a central position (which allows for opening and closing of the swivel  17 ) to cover position about the clasp  21  where the swivel  17  may be held in a closed position.  
     [0031]FIGS. 2 a - 2   c  provide optional side profiles of alternative embodiments of the invention. Preferably, the tip  18  is provided on either the first end or the second end. However, the location of the tip is unimportant to the invention as the invention could have any number of tips in any location chosen by a manufacturer. In addition, it should be understood that the invention is not limited by the side profile chosen. Thus, a side profile of an oval apparatus  210  as in FIG. 2 a , or a side profile resembling the letter “C” is provided by a C apparatus  220  where an apparatus may be retrofitted onto a web  12  of a seatbelt by threading the web  12  through the opening  225  of the C. FIG. 2 c  illustrates a side profile of a belt-clip apparatus  230  having a paper-clip type attaching means  235 , and incorporates a tip  232 .  
     [0032] Top profiles (looking at the invention head-on at the tip  18  in FIG. 1) may also vary. For example, a top profile for the apparatus  10  of FIG. 1 is generally cylindrical. However, it is understood that the invention is not limited to a particular top profile. Thus, a substantially planar top profile is used in one embodiment to increase the surface area of the base that is exposed to the web  12  of the seatbelt (when the planar surface is proximate to the web  12 ).  
     [0033] Yet additional alternative embodiments of the base are available, such as a weave-enabled embodiment  200  with base  216  that comprises three generally parallel portions illustrated in FIG. 3. The middle portion  222  of the three parallel portions is either removable, or hinged via a hinge-pin that is affixed to a base  216  and passes through the middle portion  222 . Thus, the base  216  can be mounted on an existing web  212  of a seat belt by setting the base  216  against the web  212  of the seat belt (without the middle portion  222  fixed into the base). Then, by placing the middle portion  222  into a lock position in the base  200  (via hinging and locking) while the web  212  of the seatbelt is “weaved” within the base as shown in FIG. 3, one statically fixes the base to the web  212  of the seatbelt. Alternatively, in a second embodiment (not shown), if the middle portion  222  is rigidly mounted, the web  212  of the seatbelt may be weaved through alternative gaps between the generally parallel portions. Of course, in yet additional alternative embodiments, the base  216  may comprise more than three parallel portions. In addition, a tip  218  may be incorporated in any effective location on the base  216 .  
     [0034]FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  illustrate still another alternative embodiment of the invention having a clasping assembly  425  that enables the invention to be securely retrofitted to a web of a seatbelt. The base  416  comprises a first clasp assembly  425 , and may include a second clasp assembly  426 . Each clasp assembly  425 ,  426  includes a male-member clasp-tip  429  that fits within a female-member clasp-socket  427 . The clasp-tip  429  comprises at least two oppositely disposed inclined-plane members  432  separated by a gap  435 . The inclined-plane member  432  may be squeezed closer to each other across the gap  435 , thereby decreasing the distance separating the inclined-plane members  432 , and allowing the inclined plane members  432  to fit within a flange  431  in the clasp-socket  427 . The flange  431  at the opening of the clasp-socket  427  is sized so that the clasp-tip  429  can enter the socket  427 , but cannot be easily withdrawn. Accordingly, to create a unified base  416 , the inclined-plane members  432  of the clasp-tip  429  are compressed together and inserted through the flange  431  and into the clasp-socket  427 .  
     [0035] Referring briefly to FIGS.  1 - 4 , one notes that a tip may be located at any position on a base. However, the tip is preferably in a position that allows a vehicle occupant easy access to impact a window to achieve window shattering or dicing (meaning that the generally sound and uniformly transparent state of the window is altered to a generally fractured state that enables a window to be easily (if only partially) removed from an automobile window seal). In addition, although only one tip is illustrated in each illustrated embodiment of the invention, it is appreciated that more than one tip may be provided on any base.  
     [0036] Furthermore, it is readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art mechanisms may be employed to mechanically hide a tip in a base, and then expose the tip for use. For example, it is known in the art to use a spring system to allow a tip to be stored out of view, and then to expose the tip upon activating of the spring system so that a window may be diced. In addition, telescoping tip systems are also adaptable to the invention.  
     [0037] Referring again to FIG. 1, the apparatus  10  may optionally provide a cap  20  for coving the tip  18 . By providing a cap  20  that covers the tip  18 , the tip will not inadvertently injure an occupant or their clothing, or damage property within the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the cap  20  is held to the base  16  via friction, however, a screw top closure, or any other suitable mechanism can provide equivalent functionality. In any event, it is preferable that the cap  20  be retained to the base  16  in so that it can be easily and quickly removed (in the event of an emergency). Accordingly, the cap  20  is preferably made of transparent material so that a passenger not familiar with the apparatus  10  may quickly understand and appreciate the purpose of the tip  18 .  
     [0038] Furthermore, it is understood that readily identifiable bases may make the invention more useful. For example, a base may be a bright neon color, may include lights and light emitting diodes (LEDs), or may provide a point-source identifiable audible sound to help a user locate the apparatus in the event of an emergency. It is understood that various readily identifiable means exist and will be developed for making bases more readily identifiable in the event of an emergency, and that these means are incorporated in the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.  
     [0039] Likewise, it is understood that means for cutting a seatbelt may also be desired in the invention, and may be incorporated in the invention. For example, a self-propelled cutting means or an attachment release means may be incorporated in the invention so that the seatbelt will release at about the same time that a window is diced.  
     [0040] Though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present application. The appended claims are to be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications.