Patent Abstract:
An attachable tension reducing seat belt device to reduce web tension on the neck, shoulder and chest of motor vehicle occupants or other restraint system webs to slightly reduce tension created by a refraction device preventing a minimal portion of web from being pulled through a web guide by a retractor. Additionally, the device is designed to be either temporarily mounted through easy clip on and removal function which allows the seat belt to be refracted after each use, as is typical, or semi-permanently mounted with the use of a seat belt tongue hooking system which allows the seat belt to remain un-retracted after each use.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods for adjusting tension in restraint systems. In particular, the invention is directed to a device, system and method for adjusting the tension in a seat belt system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Motor vehicle safety seat belt systems are designed for restraining an occupant to minimize physical harm in the event of a collision or wreck. Automobiles and trucks, for example, typically are a two piece design: a much longer single web forming both the lap area belt and shoulder area belt and a shorter web anchored to the vehicle floor. The longer web typically carries a tongue connector that can slide between the lap area and shoulder area of the longer web. The shorter web anchored to the vehicle floor typically carries a buckle connector. The tongue connector and buckle connector are interlocked to create a singular restraining safety system. Further, the longer web passes through a D-ring pillar guide, which acts as a web guide, on its way to the refractor which stores excess web. The retractor generally has a constant pulling force designed to retract the web and take up slack on the longer web in the shoulder area and the lap area once the tongue connector has been attached to the buckle. Although conventional retractors allow the web to pay out as the seat occupant moves around, the web maintains a certain amount of tension in the neck, shoulder and chest area during use due to the web being spring-loaded. This tension results in pressure on the neck, shoulder and/or chest of the occupant which can result in discomfort and irritation to the user which can lead to added stress, distractions and irritability of motor vehicle safety seat belt system users and a decrease in motor vehicle safety. 
         [0003]    It would be therefore be beneficial to provide a device, system and/or method of adjusting the tension on the seat belt or other restraint to allow for the comfort and safety of the user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a device for adjusting tension in seat belts and other restraint systems. The device allows for reduced tension from the retractor which in turn promotes greater comfort, user ease of motion and increased safety due to less annoying distractions caused by the motor vehicle safety seat belt system. Long distant driving, such as long haul truck drivers and persons taking long trips, will gain greater comfort and less stress as a result of the lessened tension in the neck, shoulder and chest area during use of motor vehicle safety seat belt systems. Additionally, users, such as business persons and travelling salespersons, can also gain a benefit of less wrinkling and abrasion to finer clothing due to the lessened tension of the seat belt against clothing. While this device is designed to provide a more comfortable, stress-reducing way to utilize motor vehicle safety seat belt systems, this device still allows the shoulder harness seat belt to function as intended without compromising safety. 
         [0005]    An object of the present invention is to provide a seat belt relief device that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. Another object of the present invention is to provide a seat belt relief device that is simple to use. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a seat belt relief device for a seat belt having a shoulder harness utilized by a driver. 
         [0006]    An embodiment is directed to a device for adjusting tension of a restraint. The device includes a base member, a web engaging portion and clips. The base member has a top surface and an oppositely facing bottom surface. Side walls and end walls extend between the top surface and the bottom surface. The web engaging portion extends from the bottom surface in a direction away from the top surface. The clips are attached to and extend from the bottom surface. Respective clips are positioned on either side of the web engaging portion, between the web engaging portion and respective side walls. Wherein the web engaging portion frictionally engages webbing of the restraint to prevent or inhibit the movement of the device in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the restraint. 
         [0007]    An embodiment is directed to a tension relief device to adjust tension in a seat belt of a vehicle. The tension relief device includes a base member which has a top surface and an oppositely facing bottom surface. Side walls and end walls extend between the top surface and the bottom surface. A web engaging portion extends from the bottom surface in a direction away from the top surface. The base member has a bottom wall which is spaced from the bottom surface of the base member. Clips are attached to and extend from the bottom surface. Respective clips are positioned on either side of the web engaging portion, between the web engaging portion and respective side walls. A hanging mechanism is positioned on the base member to cooperate with a tongue of the seat belt. The bottom wall of the web engaging portion extends a first distance from the bottom surface of the base member. The clips extend a second distance from the bottom surface of the base member. The first distance being greater than the second distance. Wherein the web engaging portion frictionally engage webbing of the seat belt to prevent or inhibit the movement of the device in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the seat belt webbing. 
         [0008]    An embodiment is directed to a method of attaching a tension reducing seat belt device to a webbing of a seat belt, the method included: sliding the tension reducing seat belt device onto the webbing of the seat belt, maintaining the tension reducing seat belt device on the webbing of the seat belt, inhibiting movement of the tension reducing seat belt device in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the webbing of the seat belt by frictionally engaging the webbing of the seat belt with a web engaging portion of the tension reducing seat belt device to provide a friction resistance and preventing a pullback tension of a retractor of the seat belt from exceeding the friction resistance of the tension reducing seat belt device. Wherein the seat belt webbing is prevented from being fully retracted, permitting slack in the webbing of the seat belt against the user. In various embodiments, the method also includes hanging a tongue of the seat belt on the tension reducing seat belt device when the seat belt is not in use. 
         [0009]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative vehicle seat with personal restraint system, such as a seat belt, with an illustrative tension reducing device of the present invention attached to the seat belt. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the tension reducing device of  FIG. 1  positioned proximate a seat belt holding member. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an end view of the tension reducing device of  FIG. 1  with the seat belt positioned therein. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the tension reducing device of  FIG. 1  removed from the seat belt. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of the tension reducing device of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the tension reducing device of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is an end view of the tension reducing device of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the tension reducing device of  FIG. 1  positioned proximate a seat belt holding member, a tongue of the seat belt positioned is proximate the tension reducing device and is maintained in position relative thereto. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is an end view of a first alternate illustrative tension reducing device. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is an end view of a second alternate illustrative tension reducing device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. In the drawings, the relative sizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for clarity. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such preferred embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features, the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto. 
         [0021]    The tension reducing device, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 10 , is applicable to any type of web restraint system where a less than completely tight restraint is desired whether for personal or material restraint. The illustrative embodiments shown and described in this application are directed to the use of the tension reducing device in personal vehicles such as automobiles, trucks or any other vehicle where a personal restraint system is employed. However, the tension reducing device may be used in other applications without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0022]    Motor vehicle safety seat belt systems currently in use are designed with the purpose of allowing sufficient web slack to be fed from the retractor to permit the user to place the web across the neck, shoulder, chest and lap to create a safe holding unit in case of abrupt stopping or accident while in a vehicle. Unfortunately, once the seat belt web has been secured properly, the pullback tension from the seat belt web can create a confining tightness across the shoulder and chest which can be both irritating and cause discomfort. For those who are shorter in height, the seat belt web can be more of a distraction and irritation about the neck area also. These irritations and discomforts can create a more stressful and distracting vehicle experience which can lead to safety issues related to greater fatigue, general distractions from the road and added irritability. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a vehicle seat  10  and personal restraint system  12  (for example a seat belt) are shown. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the personal restraint system  12  includes a restraint or seat belt webbing  14  which extends from a retractor  16  through and passes through a restraint or seat belt holding member or d-link  18  which is attached or bolted to the vehicle&#39;s door post  20 . A section  22  of the seat belt webbing  14 , referred to as the shoulder belt, extends from the seat belt holding member  18  across a user&#39;s neck, shoulder and chest (not shown). The seat belt webbing  14  then passes through the floating seat belt tongue  24 . A second section  26  extends from the floating seat belt tongue  24  across the user&#39;s lap (not shown) and is attached or bolted to the floor by securing mechanism  28 . When in use, the seat belt tongue  24  is pushed into or engages a locking buckle  30  which is also attached bolted to the vehicle floor by strap  32  and mechanism  34 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , an illustrative embodiment of a tension reducing seat belt device  40  according to the present invention is placed on the user side of the seat belt holding member  18  to prevent the full retraction of the seat belt webbing  14  by the retractor  16 , as will be more fully described. While the device  40  is referred to as a tension reducing seat belt device, the device  40  may also be referred to as a tension relief device, a device for adjusting tension and/or a device for increasing the comfort of the user. 
         [0024]    As best shown in  FIGS. 4 through 7 , the tension reducing seat belt device  40  includes a top surface  42  and an oppositely facing bottom surface  44 . Side walls  46  and end walls  48  extend between the top surface  46  and the bottom surface  48  to form a base member  50 . However, other configurations of the base member  50  may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0025]    A hanging mechanism  52  is positioned on the top surface  42  of the base member  50  and extends in a direction away from the bottom surface  44 . In the embodiment shown, the hanging mechanism  52  is magnetic, but other types of hanging mechanisms  52  can be used, such as, but not limited to, the hook shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0026]    A web engaging portion  54  extends from the bottom surface  44  in a direction away from the top surface  42 . In the embodiment shown, the web engaging portion  54  extends across the entire width of the bottom surface  44  from one end wall  48  to the other end wall  48 . However, other configurations of the web engaging portion  54  may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The web engaging portion  54  may be integrally formed with the base member  50  or may be a separate piece which is attached to the base member  50  using known methods of attachment, such as, but not limited to, glue. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the web engaging portion  54  may be made from material which has a non-slip surface, such as, but not limited to, rubber. However, other materials can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0027]    Clips  56  are attached to and extend from the bottom surface  44 . The clips  56  each have a mounted arm  58 , which is attached to the bottom surface  44 , and a resilient arm  60  which is able to be resiliently deformed about the mounted arm  58  and a U-shaped connection  62  between the mounted arm  58  and the resilient arm  60 . The clips  56  are positioned on either side of the web engaging portion  54  between the web engaging portion  54  and respective side walls  46 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 through 7 , the clips  56  extend across essentially the entire width of the bottom surface  44  but are offset from the end walls  48 . However, other configurations of the clips  56  may be provided, such as, but not limited to, the clips  56  shown in  FIG. 10  which extend beyond one of the end walls  48 . As best shown in  FIG. 3 , a bottom wall  55  of the web engaging portion  54  extends a distance X from the bottom surface  44  which is greater than the distance Y that the clips  56  extend from the bottom surface  44 . 
         [0028]    In use, the tension reducing seat belt device  40  is inserted on the section  22  of the seat belt webbing  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As the tension reducing seat belt device  40  is moved into engagement with the webbing  14 , the webbing  14  is moved into engagement with the clips  56 . The resilient arms  60  are able to be resiliently deformed away from the mounted arms  58  to provide sufficient space between the arms  58 ,  60  to facilitate the insertion of the webbing  14  into the clips  56 . As the tension reducing seat belt device  40  is moved into engagement with the webbing  14 , the webbing  14  also engages the web engaging portion  54 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . With the tension reducing seat belt device  40  fully inserted on the webbing  14 , the resilient arms  60  return toward there unstressed position to hold the tension reducing seat belt device  40  securely onto the webbing  14 . The webbing  14  extends over the web engaging portion  54  and is bent into the clips  56 . The cooperation of the webbing  14  with the web engaging portion  54  creates a frictional engagement between the webbing  14  and the web engaging portion  54 . The interaction of the webbing  14  with the clips  56  and the web engaging portion  54  creates sufficient resistance to prevent the unwanted movement of the tension reducing seat belt device  40  relative to the webbing  14 . 
         [0029]    In use, the tension reducing seat belt device  40  prevents the retractor  16  from pulling the personnel restraint system  12  tightly against the user&#39;s neck, shoulder and chest to offer sufficient relief to create a comfortable fit while maintaining the integrity and safety of the personal restraint system  12 . This prevents a portion of seat belt webbing  14  from being pulled through the holding member  18  by the retractor  16 . 
         [0030]    The tension reducing seat belt device  40  of the present invention provides a minimal relaxation from the pullback tension from the retractor  16 , thereby creating a more comfortable, relaxed driving experience by greatly reducing the afore mentioned difficulties. The use of the tension reducing seat belt device  40  does not interfere or reduce the effectiveness or safety of the personnel restraint system  12 . 
         [0031]    Once the user has completed buckling the personnel restraint system  12 , the user may slide the tension reducing seat belt device  40  onto the set belt webbing  14  to create a minimal amount of slack against the seat belt holding member  18 . Alternatively, the tension reducing seat belt device  40  may be already attached to the personnel restraint system  12  from a previous use. For example, the attachment of the tension reducing seat belt device  40  is secured to the seat belt webbing  14  such that upon retraction of the seat belt webbing  14 , the tension reducing seat belt device  40  engages the seat belt holding member  18  approximately one inch prior to the full retraction of the slot  14  caused by the retractor  16 . Consequently, one inch of additional slack is provided in the seat belt webbing  14 . This additional one inch of slack allows a user in a vehicle to gain greater comfort with no compromise to the user&#39;s safety. 
         [0032]    As stated, the tension reducing seat belt device  40  is designed for both singular event usage and semi-permanent installation. This allows the user to leave the tension reducing seat belt device  40  attached to the seat belt webbing  14  for recurrent use by the user or the tension reducing seat belt device  40  can easily be slid off the seat belt webbing  14  after each vehicle usage. As the tension reducing seat belt device  40  is maintained on the seat belt webbing  14  by the clips  56 , the tension reducing seat belt device  40  can be easily installed and removed from the seat belt webbing  14 . This allows flexibility of use for the user as well as convenience. 
         [0033]    When applied to the seat belt webbing  14 , the web engaging portion  54  and the clips  56  cooperate to position the seat belt webbing  14  in the position best shown in  FIG. 3 . In this position, the web engaging portion  54  cooperates with the seat belt webbing  14  to prevent or inhibit the movement of the tension reducing seat belt device  40  in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the seat belt webbing  14 . The web engaging portion  54  prevents the seat belt webbing  14  from extending in a straight line between the clips  56 . Instead, as the bottom wall  55  of the web engaging portion  54  extends from the bottom surface  44  a greater distance than the clips  56 , the seat belt webbing  14  is curved or snakes through the through the clips  56  and the web engaging portion  54 . Consequently, as tension is applied to the seat belt webbing  14  along the longitudinal axis, the seat belt webbing  14  engages the web engaging portion  54 . This engagement between the seat belt webbing  14  and the web engaging portion  54  causes the friction to be applied by the web engaging portion  54  to the seat belt webbing  14 , thereby preventing or inhibiting the movement of the tension reducing seat belt device  40  in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the seat belt webbing  14 . The frictional forces supplied are sufficient to overcome the pullback tension from the retractor  16 . Stated differently, the addition of the web engaging portion  54  provides a greater degree of linear resistance against the seat belt webbing  14  to prevent the pullback tension from the retractor  16  to exceed the friction resistance of the tension reducing seat belt device  40  and thereby holds the seat belt webbing  14  in a consistent location, which is not fully retracted, permitting a minimal slack in the seat belt webbing  14  against the user. The tension reducing seat belt device  40  prevents the seat belt webbing  14  from being fully retractable. 
         [0034]    The hanging mechanism  52  facilitates the tension reducing seat belt device  40  to remain attached to the seat belt webbing  14  when the personnel restraint system  12  is not being used. In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the hanging mechanism  52  is mounted on the top surface  42  of the tension reducing seat belt device  40 . When the personnel restraint system  12  is not being used, the user detaches the seat belt tongue  24  from the seat belt locking buckle  30  and hangs the seat belt tongue  24  on the hanging mechanism  52  of the tension reducing seat belt device  40 , allowing the user to exit the vehicle without being tangled with the personnel restraint system  12 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the hanging mechanism  52  is magnetic and cooperates with the metal seat belt tongue  24 . The magnetic pull of the magnetic hanging mechanism  52  maintains the seat belt tongue  24  is removable engagement therewith. Alternatively, the hanging mechanism  52  may be a hook, as shown in  FIG. 9 , or other mechanism which cooperates with the seat belt tongue  24  to removably maintain the seat belt tongue  24  is position relative to the hanging mechanism  52 , 
         [0035]    The use of the hanging mechanism  52  facilitates the semi-permanent installation of the tension reducing seat belt device  40  on the seat belt webbing  14 . The semi-permanent installation of the tension reducing seat belt device  40  on the seat belt webbing  14  reduces wear and tear on both the tension reducing seat belt device  40  and the seat belt webbing  14 , as there is minimal user installation and removal of the tension reducing seat belt device  40 . 
         [0036]    The use of the tension reducing seat belt device  40  and the hanging mechanism  52  allows the seat belt webbing  14  of the personnel restraint system  12  to be maintained or preset in the desired position when not in use. Consequently, when the user enters the vehicle and applies the personnel restraint system  12 , the tension reducing seat belt device  40  and the seat belt webbing  14  are properly adjusted according the user&#39;s preference. 
         [0037]    As the seat belt tongue  24  is maintained in position relative to the hanging mechanism  52  when not in use, the seat belt webbing  14  is held off the floor, thereby allowing the seat belt webbing  14  to be kept clean. In addition, as the semi-permanent installation of the tension reducing seat belt device  40  on the seat belt webbing  14  prevents the full traction of the seat belt webbing  14  into the retractor  16 , the seat belt webbing  14  is exposed to less wear and tear or frictional rubbing by being tracked through and over the edges of the belt holding member  18 . 
         [0038]    In the embodiment shown, the tension reducing seat belt device  40  has no moving parts and is a bonded, singular unit composed of highly durable components which greatly reduce wear and tear and increase longevity of use the tension reducing seat belt device  40 . 
         [0039]    Several illustrative figures are provided to describe the general design intended to accomplish the function and purpose of the tension reducing seat belt device. Although the figures presented are representative of the basic design to accomplish the purpose of the tension reducing seat belt device, they are in no way definitive of the possible specific designs nor configurations which are proposed with this application. Consequently, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The details, dimensions, angles and features shown in the figures are for illustrative purpose and, as such, do not exclude other dimensions, angles and features design of the tension reducing seat belt device which are supported by the claims as set forth in this application. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials and components and otherwise used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1