US 11,124,152 B2 · Buckle assemblies for use with child seats and other personal restraint systems

Abstract

Buckle assemblies having electronic engagement indicating devices for use with child seats and other restraint systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a restraint system for use with a child seat can include first and second web connectors which each have a corresponding tongue, and a buckle assembly including a housing that encloses a latch configured to engage the tongues. The buckle assembly can further include a magnet operably coupled to the latch, and an electronic switch operably positioned in the housing. The latch is configured to move between a first latch position in which the latch is disengaged from the tongues, and a second latch position in which the latch is engaged with the tongues. Movement of the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position moves the magnet relative to the electronic switch. In some embodiments, the electronic switch can include a Hall effect sensor that outputs a signal in response to movement of the magnetic field that is indicative of the engagement status of the latch.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A restraint system, comprising:

at least one web connector having a tongue;
and
a buckle assembly including
a housing having an opening configured to receive the tongue;
a latch operably positioned in the housing, wherein the latch is configured to move between a first latch position in which the latch is disengaged from the tongue and a second latch position in which the latch is engaged with the tongue;
a magnet mounted to the latch, wherein movement of the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position moves the magnet from a first magnet position to a second magnet position;
and
an electronic switch operably positioned in the housing, wherein movement of the magnet from the first magnet position to the second magnet position changes an operational state of the electronic switch.

5 more elements

A restraint system for use with a child seat, the restraint system comprising:

a web configured to be operably coupled to the child seat;
a web connector operably coupled to the web, the web connector having a tongue;
and
a buckle assembly configured to be operably coupled to the child seat, the buckle assembly including
a housing;
a latch operably positioned in the housing, wherein the latch is configured to move between a first latch position in which the latch is disengaged from the tongue and a second latch position in which the latch is engaged with the tongue;
a magnet operably coupled to the latch, wherein movement of the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position moves the magnet from a first magnet position to a second magnet position;
and
an electronic switch operably positioned in the housing, wherein movement of the magnet from the first magnet position to the second magnet position changes an operational state of the electronic switch, and wherein the second magnet position is farther from the electronic switch than the first magnet position.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Buckle assemblies for use with child seats and other personal restraint systems

Life of this patent

Buckle assemblies for use with child seats and other personal restraint systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20