Patent ID: 8127409

Claim:
A safety belt release mechanism, comprising: a first safety belt portion; a first latch component extending from the first safety belt portion and including a receptacle therein; a second safety belt portion; a second latch component extending from the second safety belt portion, the first and second latch components being selectively and directly connected to one another, the first and second latch components each having a latch pin passage disposed therethrough, the latch pin passages being aligned concentrically with one another when the first and second latch components are connected to one another, wherein the second latch component comprises a tongue selectively latching in the receptacle of the first latch component; and an automated, water-activated sensor and actuator unit attached directly to the first latch component, wherein the sensor and actuator unit comprises: a housing having a first end defined by the first latch component, a second end opposite the first end, and a wall defining an interior chamber between the first end and the second end, the wall having at least one passage extending therethrough; a water-soluble material disposed within the interior chamber of the housing adjacent the second end thereof; a spring disposed within the interior chamber of the housing adjacent the first end thereof; a plunger disposed within the housing between the spring and the water-soluble material; and a latch pin extending from the plunger, the latch pin selectively extending from the first end of the housing.