Abstract:
A vehicle safety release system effecting an automated release and having, inter alia, a seatbelt, an integrated circuit (control unit), a power source, a transmitter, and a collision detection sensor, is contemplated. The safety release system also contemplates a manual release built to work in tandem with the system&#39;s automated release. The safety release system may be operated by both a manual input and the input from one or more collision detection sensors. When a push button is depressed a signal is sent to the control unit to release the seatbelt. Aspects of embodiments of the invention also contemplate access to the seatbelt&#39;s base latch to enable removal, if needed.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This patent application is a continuation-in-part application to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/170,421 entitled “Seatbelt Safety Release” which in turn claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/759,271 filed Jan. 31, 2013, entitled, “Seatbelt Safety Release”, the contents of which are herein incorporated in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention pertains to the field of automotive safety devices, and more specifically to the field of seatbelt release devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    All vehicles in the world have a main focus on safety. The most important and useful of all automotive safety devices is the common seat belt. Designed to restrain both drivers and passengers during a crash, seat belts are found in the vast majority of cars, buses and trucks on the road. During a crash, properly fastened safety belts distribute the forces of rapid deceleration over larger and stronger parts of a person&#39;s body, such as hips, chest and shoulders. Stretching slightly to slow the body down and increase stopping distance, a properly buckled seat belt is crucial to the well-being of those involved in minor fender benders and severe automobile crashes alike. 
         [0004]    Although wearing a contemporary seat belt (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) when traveling in a car, van or truck is a key factor in surviving an accident and is in fact, mandatory in most states, these safety implements present a drawback. In the event of an impact, there are times that the seat belt turns the motorist into a virtual prisoner. Impossible to release, the seat belt traps the occupants of the vehicle, making it difficult for them to escape the wrecked car and for rescue personnel to free them. It is an extremely scary, and potentially deadly, scenario when one is trapped in a burning vehicle or submerged in water and is unable to get to safety because of being trapped by a seat belt. Many lives, after vehicle collisions, are in danger by being stuck in the safety belt. A matter of seconds after a collision are crucial; people could be stuck by a crushed car, or knocked out from the impact being unable to release the safety belt. Having it automated allows for one less way of being trapped. If someone has to pull them out it can takes time; being already released gives precious seconds in a life or death situation. 
         [0000]    The prior art has put forth several designs for seatbelt release devices. Among these are: 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,911 to Lawrence A. North describes a seat belt buckle emergency release system that is electrically actuated after the vehicle has come to rest. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,162,715 to George Coulonbe describes an automatic releasing seat belt. Upon impact, the sensors operate a timer which disposes the solenoid into an activated condition releasing all of the belt mechanisms electrically coupled to it. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,738 to Shigeichi Shimizu describes an automatic seat belt unlocking device mechanically configured with a lock box structure, a mounting structure and a releasable device which is operably connected between the mounting structure and the locking lever. 
         [0008]    None of these prior art references describe the present invention. As such, there is a need for an automated safety belt release in case of a collision. Saving time on one step could mean life or death. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved seatbelt release device. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention contemplate the device having, inter alia, an Integrated Circuit (or control unit), a power source, and a signal receiver/transmitter. The device may also be configured to work with a number of collision detection sensors, which, when a collision occurs, transmit a signal to a control unit which will release the seatbelt safety release device. In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, this may take place after a set delay for the seatbelt safety release device to do its intended job. The invention may also have a manual release button that works by sending a signal from a push button to the control unit to release the safety belt immediately. There may also be access to the built in release latch in case of a need to remove the invention. 
         [0010]    The present invention, hereinafter referred as the Seatbelt Q—Release, or Seatbelt Safety Release Device is an electronic assembly that disengages the seat belt lock following an impact. The need for the Seatbelt Safety Release Device is necessary for everyone in a vehicle, as it helps not only the passengers but the rescue personnel as well. Having to reach or cut the safety belt, not everyone has the training or the tools, after an accident can be complicated. Having it already released makes it easier and faster to rescue the persons in need. Imagine someone driving into the water, in the panic they have to release the safety belt, having it already release saves them precious time and potentially their lives. 
         [0011]    The Seatbelt Safety Release device may be installed directly into a seatbelt locking bay, and, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, be equipped or configured to automatically release the belt shortly after impact. The Seatbelt safety release device, as contemplated herein, will ensure quick release of seatbelts after a vehicle or car accident. The device may be programmed, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, using Bluetooth connectivity for the sensors that are installed on the car. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a number of sensors may be installed in parts of the vehicle such as the front and rear inside bumpers of the vehicle. Additional sensors can be installed on the under carriage sides of the vehicle as well. The seatbelt safety release device may then be manually attached to seatbelt tongue of the interior seatbelts while the belt buckle locks into the bottom of the seatbelt safety release device by way of an interior tongue located within the seatbelt safety release device. Once the occupants of the car lock their seatbelts in place the seatbelt safety release device is ready to receive transmissions. If the car experiences any impact in the area where the sensors are installed a signal is sent from the sensors upon impact to the seatbelt safety release device. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, this may take place within 15 seconds. The time for response is flexible and can be programmed into the seatbelt safety release device. The signal transmission, notifying the device of the collision or impact, may be sent from the sensors to the device via the frequency that will activate a motor and release the seatbelt safety release device automatically. If the car does not experience any collision or impact then the device can be manually released using a push button. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B  illustrate elevational angled perspective views of a seatbelt safety release device as mounted in an automobile showing a diagnostic module, and sensors located within the automobile according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates an elevational angled perspective view of a seatbelt safety release device as mounted in an automobile showing a radio frequency (RF) emitter within the automobile and in operation according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates an elevational front view of a seatbelt safety release device as mounted in an automobile showing the seat belt buckle attachment and adapter according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  illustrates an exploded view of a seatbelt safety release device as mounted on a seat belt buckle according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a view of a seatbelt safety release device in relation to a seat belt tongue and a seat belt buckle according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4C  illustrates top, isometric and right views of a seatbelt safety release device according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a regular seatbelt assembly in use. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a seatbelt safety release device as mounted on a seat buckle showing some of its internal components in shadow according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates an interior view of a seatbelt safety release device showing some of its internal components according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates a circuit diagram of a transmitter of a seatbelt safety release device according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  illustrates a receiver circuit diagram of a seatbelt safety release device according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  illustrates a control diagram for a seatbelt safety release device according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1A through 2 , perspective views of a seatbelt safety release device  10  and other components in use are shown according to aspects of embodiments of the present invention. Here, a system of sensor(s)  20  are shown located within the vehicle and configured to detect a collision. Impact or collision, is detected by sensors  20 , which are meant or configured to detect the impact and send a signal by means of diagnostic module  22  to the device  10 . This action is achieved via a transmitting and receiving system, which constitutes the Seatbelt Safety Release device  10 . 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-4C, 6 &amp; 7 , different views of seatbelt safety release device  10  are shown according to aspects of embodiments of the present invention. Seatbelt Safety Release device  10 , shown in  FIG. 4A &amp; 4C , may be installed directly into the seatbelt locking bay  12 , and may, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, be equipped to automatically release the belt five seconds after impact. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, seatbelt safety release device  10  may also include or may be configured to connect with adapter piece  32  which may be used to connect with any size of seatbelt tongue  14  on one end and latch  36  of seatbelt safety release device  10  on the other end (via seatbelt locking mechanism  16 ). In the case of a collision, the device will operate to disconnect from adapter piece  32  by unlocking latch  36  and/or ejecting adapter piece  32  from its connection with device  10 . 
         [0026]    Seatbelt safety release device  10 , shown in  FIG. 7 , may include an electronic unit featuring a transmitter, frequency generator, amplifier, internal antenna, and electrical/electronic components with respective circuitry encased within a durable plastic housing  24 . Also enclosed within the plastic housing  24  is battery  26  that powers the unit. The receiver may utilize a tuned frequency, and may include a receiver circuit, and replaceable battery. When a crash occurs, transmitter unit or diagnostic module  22  generates and transmits a signal. The companion receiving unit or signal receiver ( 48 ) contained within device  10  is tuned to the specific frequency generated by the transmitter unit or diagnostic module  22 . Upon reception of the signal generated by the transmitter unit  22 , the circuitry in the receiver generate an ‘enable’ signal to a logic device an ‘AND’ integrated circuit chip or comparable, which applies a voltage level to the seatbelt lock, causing the system to be activated. This action, activates solenoid  30 , which in turn, disengages the lock, by activating springs  34  which push out the latch, freeing the motorist from the seat belt. 
         [0027]      FIG. 6  shows an alternative embodiment wherein the solenoid  30  is positioned in device  10  in different position than that shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0028]    The Seatbelt Safety Release Device stands to save many lives, regardless of the severity of the accident. Facilitating a motorist&#39;s own escape as well as easing the efforts of professional rescue personnel, the product of the current invention proves an ideal addition to any vehicle, whether car, truck, van, RV, SUV, bus, and airplane. 
         [0029]    Seatbelt Safety Release Device/system  10  is an improvement on the seatbelt technology of today. Seatbelt Safety Release Device/system  10  contemplates automation of the seat belt release process in an emergency. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, Seatbelt Safety Release Device/system  10  may be configured to work in tandem with a manual release pushbutton  42 . 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8 &amp; 9 , different circuit diagrams of certain components of seatbelt safety release device  10  are shown according to aspects of embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0031]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, seatbelt safety release device  10  may also include a small Integrated circuit  40  as shown in  FIG. 8 . Integrated circuit  40  may include one or more processor(s) (not shown) which would be responsible for the implementation and control of the operations of seatbelt safety release device  10 . In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the processor of integrated circuit  40  may be programed to work with a system of collision detection sensors  20  located throughout the vehicle. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, sensors  20  may operate with a dedicated integrated circuit located within diagnostic module  22  which may be in communication with the transmitter(s) of diagnostic module  22 . In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the transmitter(s) of diagnostic module  22  may be wirelessly connected to integrated circuit  40 . Collision sensors  20  are configured to send a signal to transmitter  50  of diagnostic module  22  when a collision is detected ( FIG. 9 ). In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, sensor(s)  20  may directly send a signal, indicating a collision, to integrated circuit  40 . 
         [0032]    Integrated circuit  40  may also be in communication with manual push button  42 , another element of seatbelt safety release device  10 . In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, integrated circuit  40  may also include signal receiver  48  which may be in communication with transmitter  50  for receiving signals sent from diagnostic module  22  (or directly from collision sensor(s)  20 ) upon collision. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, integrated circuit  40  may be configured to drive or trigger servo motor  46  which then moves latch  36  (of seatbelt locking mechanism  16 ) which frees seatbelt safety release device tongue  38 . The user is then released from the seatbelt and is able to exit the vehicle. In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, servo motor  46  may be used to move latch  36  onto seatbelt safety release device tongue  38  when a user first deploys seatbelt safety release device  10  upon entering the vehicle. 
         [0033]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, seatbelt safety release device  10  may be fitted over the normal buckle latch of a vehicle&#39;s seatbelt system as shown in  FIG. 6 . A removable panel will be there for if it needs to be placed; seatbelt safety release device  10  may be secured as a permanent replacement (until such time as it is built into vehicles as stock parts). 
         [0034]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, transmitter  50 , upon receipt of signal(s) from collision sensor(s)  20 , sends a signal to receiver  48 . Signal receiver  48  then notifies integrated circuit  40  to trigger servo motor  40  to release the latch  36  of seatbelt locking mechanism  16  from the seat belt tongue  14 . 
         [0035]    In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, tongue  38  of seatbelt safety release device  10  may be disengaged from seatbelt locking bay  12  when the collision signal is received by integrated circuit  40 . In yet another aspect, both tongue  38  and latch  36  of seatbelt safety release device  10  may be disengaged from seat belt tongue  14  and seatbelt locking bay  12  when a collision signal is received by integrated circuit  40 . 
         [0036]    In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, seatbelt safety release device  10  may have a built in time delay to make sure the seatbelt does its job, then when the delay is over the seatbelt will be released. Manual release button  42  is there to tell the motor to release the latch on the seat belt; it will work just like it normally does. 
         [0037]    Operation of integrated circuit  40  (and thus release of the seatbelt) may be based on two Inputs—one from manual pushbutton  42  (whereby a user manually depresses pushbutton  42  which triggers a signal to servo motor  46  to release latch  36 ), and the other from receiver  48 , which notifies integrated circuit  40  of a collision. With this system in place it can be all the seatbelts in the car can have a Q Release on them, and the transmitters will send the signal to all the receivers so all will work at the same time. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 10  a control diagram for seatbelt safety release device  10  is shown according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. Here, integrated circuit or control unit  40  may receive a signal input signifying a collision or impact from either of push button  42  or sensor(s)  20 . This may also occur in a case of non-impact where the driver or user my just want to exit the vehicle and depresses push button  42 . The signal would activate control unit  40  to trigger servo motor  46  to activate seatbelt locking mechanism  16  to move latch  36 , thereby unlocking or uncoupling latch  36  from seatbelt tongue  14 . Seatbelt locking mechanism  16  may also be activated by servo motor  46  to unlock seatbelt safety release tongue  38  from seatbelt locking bay  12 . In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention where adapter piece  32  is used, the signal would activate control unit  40  to trigger servo motor  46  to activate seatbelt locking mechanism  16  to move latch  36 , thereby unlocking or uncoupling latch  36  from adapter piece  32 . 
         [0039]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to delay activation of servo motor  46  upon receipt of a signal from sensor(s)  20 . In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, this delay may be 10-15 seconds. The delay times may be programmed into the chip or control unit  40 . 
         [0040]    Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.