Seat belt arrangement

Abstract

Seat belt assembly (10), comprising: a seat belt buckle (40) arranged to slide along a retractable webbing (30) for movement in a vehicle interior (14), wherein the seat belt buckle (40) has a housing (90) containing a locking mechanism (96) which releasably locks a seat belt tongue (50) to the seat belt buckle (40); and a light source (102, 104) arranged inside the housing (90), illuminating the vehicle interior (14) when the seat belt buckle (40) moves in the vehicle interior (14).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a seat belt assembly for use with a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a seat belt assembly having a buckle disposed on a seat belt webbing and including one or more light sources for illuminating certain portions of the vehicle interior, including a seat belt tongue for closing the seat belt assembly. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In a motor vehicle, the seat belt buckle is generally disposed on a seat belt attachment that is fixed in length relative to a vehicle seat. The seat belt buckle may be coupled to a vehicle floor, or it may be coupled to a frame portion of a vehicle seat. The fixed-length buckle in current seat belt restraint systems may be difficult to locate when a vehicle seat is moved about a vehicle seat track. Particularly when the vehicle seat is moved upward and / or forward, a fixed-length buckle may be difficult for the vehicle occupant to locate and lock. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a seat belt restraint system that can deliver advantages over conventional seat belt restraint system designs of the past.

[0003] Now referring to Fig. 1 shows a prior art seat belt assembly 1 comprising seat belt webbing parts 2a-2c, which is designed to be wound up within a retractor 4 arranged in a vehicle pillar trim 3. The seat belt assembly 1 is shown with a vehicle seat 5, which is most likely a passenger seat in the Fig. 1. A fixed-length fastener 6 includes a buckle 7 disposed at a distal end thereof. A tongue member 8 is operably coupled to the seat belt webbing 2a and is adapted to be received in the buckle 7 to secure a vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat 5. Referring now to Fig. 2 shows a similar vehicle seat 5a with the seat belt assembly 1 for use on the driver's side of a vehicle. Fig. 2, the seat belt assembly 1 comprises a standard tongue 8 and buckle 7 for restraining a vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat 5a. In both Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the tongue 8 is releasably locked in the lock 7 and is generally retained therein until the tongue 8 is released by the vehicle occupant, the tongue 8 with a release button 9 arranged on the lock 7, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, unlocking from the lock 7. As further in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a retractor 4 is positioned adjacent to the vehicle seat 5a and may be enclosed within a pillar trim or located externally on the pillar trim. Seatbelt webbing portion 2c is shown coupled to an anchor 4a; however, in certain known arrangements, this anchor 4a may be replaced by a second retractor, thereby providing a dual retractor system generally used with a fixed tongue assembly coupled to separate seatbelt webbing.In order to obtain greater value and benefit from a seat belt system, the present invention is designed to provide features that assist a vehicle occupant in simplifying the fastening or locking of the seat belt assembly, wherein the buckle and tongue are reversed from the general layout within the seat belt assembly, and each is provided with comfort features designed to enhance the vehicle occupant's experience of use.

[0004] US 2002 / 0 130 505 A1 discloses a seat belt restraint device. This seat belt restraint device can be attached to the seat belt tongue located on the retractable belt webbing. In this document, the seat belt tongue is located on the retractable belt webbing instead of the seat belt buckle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] One aspect of the present invention includes a seatbelt assembly with a seatbelt buckle slidably disposed along a retractable webbing. The seatbelt buckle is coupled to the retractable webbing for movement within a vehicle interior. The buckle includes a housing containing a locking mechanism that releasably locks a seatbelt tongue into the buckle. A light source is disposed within the housing, illuminating the vehicle interior as the seatbelt buckle moves within the vehicle interior.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention includes a seat belt assembly having a seat belt buckle disposed on a belt webbing between first and second portions thereof. The buckle has a housing containing a locking mechanism and a light source. The webbing defines an extendable connection between the buckle and a vehicle for movement within an interior of the vehicle. A seat belt tongue is operably coupled to the vehicle and configured to be releasably received within the locking mechanism of the buckle, the seat belt buckle and the seat belt tongue being associated with each other between locked and unlocked states, and further wherein the housing includes a push-button actuator configured to release the seat belt tongue from the locking mechanism when the seat belt buckle and the seat belt tongue are in the locked state.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention includes a seatbelt assembly having a seatbelt buckle mounted on a retractable webbing. The seatbelt buckle is configured for movement within a vehicle interior and includes a housing containing a locking mechanism. A light source for illuminating the vehicle interior is disposed within the housing. A telescopic seatbelt tongue is coupled to the vehicle and is movable between extended and retracted positions. The seatbelt tongue is configured to be releasably received within the locking mechanism of the buckle.

[0008] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will become apparent and understandable to one skilled in the art upon a closer examination of the following description, claims and appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the drawings is / are: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 perspective views of a vehicle seat with a seat belt arrangement according to the prior art; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a passenger seat disposed in a vehicle interior with a seat belt assembly in an unlocked state according to one embodiment; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the vehicle seat and the seat belt system from Fig. 3, wherein the seat belt assembly is in a locked condition with a vehicle occupant restrained in the vehicle seat; Fig. 5A is a side view of a telescopic seat belt tongue with an operating lever; Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the seat belt tongue of Fig. 5A, taken on line VB; Fig. 6A is a side view of a telescopic seat belt tongue designed for motorized actuation; Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the seat belt tongue of Fig. 6A, taken on line VIB; Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a seat belt assembly in an unlocked state; Fig. 7B is a perspective view of the seat belt assembly of Fig. 7A in a locked state; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the seat belt assembly of Fig. 3, showing how the seat belt buckle is used as a flashlight inside the vehicle interior and is attached to the vehicle via a belt strap; Fig. 9A is a bottom view of a seat belt buckle according to another embodiment; Fig. 9B is a bottom view of a seat belt buckle according to another embodiment; Fig. 9C is a plan view of a seat belt buckle according to another embodiment; Fig. 10A is a plan view of a seat belt buckle according to yet another embodiment; Fig. 10B is a side view of a seat belt buckle according to another embodiment; and Fig. 10C a plan view of the Fig. 10B shown seat belt buckle assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] For the purposes of this description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and terms derived therefrom shall refer to the invention as described in Fig. 3. It is to be understood, however, that the invention may take various alternative orientations unless expressly stated to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics are not to be considered limiting with respect to the embodiments disclosed herein unless expressly stated to the contrary in the claims.

[0011] Now referring to Fig. 3, reference numeral 10 generally designates a seat belt assembly such as is used with a vehicle seat 12 positioned within a vehicle interior 14 of a vehicle 15 on a passenger side thereof. The vehicle seat 12 generally includes a backrest 16 rotatably coupled to a seat member 18. The seat member 18 is slidably coupled to a vehicle floor 20 along a seat track assembly 22. The seat track assembly 22 is configured to allow the vehicle seat 12 to be adjusted in a forward and rearward direction within the vehicle interior 14. It will be understood that the vehicle seat 12 may be positioned in various locations throughout the vehicle interior 14 other than the illustrated position, such as in a driver's side location, a rear seat location, or a third-row seat location.However, it is also contemplated that the seat element 18 may not be coupled to a track assembly such as the seat track assembly 22 and may alternatively be rigidly coupled to the vehicle floor 20. The seat belt assembly 10 is designed to accommodate a variety of vehicle seats and retractor systems.

[0012] As in Fig. 3, the seat belt assembly 10 includes a webbing 30 coupled at one end to the vehicle seat 12 or the vehicle 15 and further coupled to a retractor 32 disposed within the B-pillar 34 of the vehicle 15. The retractor 32 may also be located outside the B-pillar 34 of the vehicle 15, and it is further contemplated that a separate webbing may be coupled to the vehicle seat 12 or the vehicle 15 using a second retractor in a dual retractor system. The B-pillar 34 is generally disposed between a front passenger door 36 and a rear passenger side door disposed in Fig. 3 is not shown. When coupled to the retractor 32, the webbing 30 is a retractable webbing, allowing a vehicle occupant to move a seat belt buckle 40 within the vehicle interior 14 to lock the seat belt assembly 10, as described below. Fig. 3, the webbing 30 is coupled to a retaining ring 38, also known in the industry as a D-ring or turn loop, which is adjustable vertically along the B-pillar 34 to accommodate different vehicle occupants. The seat belt buckle 40 is coupled to the webbing 30 and may be slidable along the webbing for adjustable movement therealong. The seat belt buckle 40 may also be fixed to portions of the webbing 30, such as in a dual retractor system. The seat belt assembly 10 of the present invention differs from known seat belt assemblies, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in that instead of a seat belt tongue, such as seat belt tongue 8, in the prior art representations of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the seat belt buckle 40 is coupled to the webbing 30. When coupled to the vehicle seat 12 or vehicle 15 and retractor 32, the webbing 30 defines an extendable connection to which the seat belt buckle 40 is either adjustably or fixedly coupled. In this manner, the seat belt buckle 40 can be moved through the vehicle interior 14 to lock the seat belt assembly 10, as well as to provide an interior lighting feature, as described further below.

[0013] How to continue in Fig. 3, the seat belt assembly 10 further includes a seat belt tongue 50 disposed on a seat belt tongue attachment 51 that is operably coupled to either the vehicle 15 or the vehicle seat 12 in the assembly. For the purposes of this disclosure, the seat belt tongue attachment 51 is described as being coupled to the vehicle 15, which may include coupling to the vehicle seat 12 for movement therewith. The seat belt tongue 50 includes a support portion 52 and an attachment portion 54. The attachment portion 54 is rotatably coupled to the vehicle 15 at pivot point P1. The attachment portion 54 and the support portion 52 are operably coupled to each other at a transmission portion 56 that provides a telescoping feature, as described further below.

[0014] Now referring to Fig. 4, a vehicle occupant VO is shown sitting in the vehicle seat 12, with the seat belt assembly 10 being fastened around the vehicle occupant VO. When the seat belt assembly 10 is in the fastened or locked state, as in Fig. 4 and Fig. 7B, the seat belt buckle 40 is connected to the seat belt tongue 50 (in Fig. 3) such that the vehicle occupant VO is securely buckled or restrained within the vehicle seat 12. In the locked state, the seat belt assembly 10 forms first and second portions 30a and 30b of the webbing 30. As shown, the first portion 30a lies across the torso and abdomen of the vehicle occupant VO, while the second portion 30b lies across the lap of the vehicle occupant VO. A third portion 30c of the webbing 30 is disposed within the B-pillar 34 of the vehicle 15 and is coupled to the retractor 32 such that the webbing 30 is a retractable webbing that tethers the seat belt buckle 40 to the vehicle 15.

[0015] Now referring to Fig. 5A shows an embodiment of a seat belt tongue attachment 51a, with a seat belt tongue 50 arranged on a support part 52, which is coupled to a transmission part 56 with a fastening part 54. The seat belt tongue attachment 51a of Fig. 5A further includes a hand lever 58 having a grip portion 60 configured to be used by a vehicle occupant to move the lever 58 in a direction indicated by arrow A. The lever 58 is further coupled to a cam gear 64 at mounting position 62. The cam gear 64 is rotatably coupled to the mounting portion 54 of the seat belt tongue attachment 51a at mounting position 66. The cam gear 64 includes a cam surface 68 configured to abut against a bumper 70 disposed on the transmission portion 56 of the seat belt tongue attachment 51a. Thus, when the lever 58 is moved by the vehicle occupant in the direction indicated by arrow A, the cam surface 68 of the cam gear 64 engages the abutment surface 70 of the transmission member 56 to telescopically move the seat belt tongue 50 in a generally upward and angular direction as indicated by arrow B.In this manner, the seat belt tongue attachment 51a is a telescopic seat belt tongue attachment in that the seat belt tongue 50 can move telescopically in the direction indicated by arrow B upon actuation of the lever 58 by the vehicle occupant. Therefore, the seat belt tongue attachment 51a includes attachment portion 54 received in the transmission portion 56 for providing a telescopic feature to the seat belt tongue 50, thereby making the seat belt tongue attachment 51a adjustable to allow greater access to the seat belt tongue 50 when a vehicle occupant wishes to fasten the seat belt assembly 10, as shown in FIG. Fig. 4. In addition, the attachment portion 54 of the seat belt tongue attachment 51 is rotatably connected to a vehicle seat or vehicle, such as vehicle seat 12 or vehicle 15, as shown in Fig. 4, coupled at pivot point P1 for rotational movement in the direction indicated by arrow C, thereby providing a further point for adjustment of the seat belt tongue attachment 51a.

[0016] Now referring to Fig. 5B shows a cross-section of the transmission part 56 with the fastening part 54 received therein. As in the cross-section of Fig. 5B, the transmission part 56 comprises an open channel 57 in which a guide element 55 is received to facilitate the movement of the transmission part 56 along a fastening part 54 in the direction indicated by arrow B in Fig. 5A. It is further contemplated that the cam drive 64 may be a driven cam drive for push-button actuation by the vehicle occupant.

[0017] Now referring to Fig. 6A, another embodiment of a seat belt tongue attachment 51b is shown, with a seat belt tongue 50 arranged on a support part 52, which is coupled to a fastening part 54 on a transmission part 56. The seat belt tongue attachment 51b further comprises a motor 80, which is coupled to a drive shaft 82, which in Fig. 6A in the form of a threaded element or worm drive. It is contemplated to receive the drive shaft 82 via a thread in the guide element 55 of the fastening part 54, as in Fig. 6B. In this manner, the guide member 55 acts as a sleeve for moving the seat belt tongue 50 up and out in the direction indicated by arrow B between extended and retracted positions. In particular, the motor 80, when actuated by a vehicle occupant, rotates the drive shaft 82, causing the seat belt tongue 51b to telescopically extend inwardly or outwardly, as indicated by arrow B. Therefore, the seat belt tongue attachment 51b is a powered seat belt tongue attachment, often referred to as a belt extender, which includes an attachment portion 54 received within the transmission portion 56 to provide a motor-driven telescoping feature for the seat belt tongue 50, thereby making the seat belt tongue attachment 51b adjustable to provide better access to the seat belt tongue 50 when a vehicle occupant wishes to fasten the seat belt assembly 10 in a manner as shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0018] Now referring to Fig. 6B, the transmission part 56 is shown with the fastening part 54 accommodated therein. As in the cross section of Fig. 6B, the transmission part 56 comprises an open channel 57 in which the guide element 55 is received to facilitate the movement of the transmission part 56 along a fastening part 54 in the direction indicated by arrow B in Fig. 6A. As stated above, the drive shaft 82 is threadably received within a channel 83 of the guide element 55. The Fig. 6B further includes a cover 84 for covering the motor 80 and drive shaft 82 in assembly.

[0019] Now referring to Fig. 7A, the seat belt assembly 10 is shown, wherein the seat belt buckle 40 is arranged between first and second parts 30a and 30b of the belt webbing 30. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7A, the first portion 30a of the webbing 30 includes a passageway 86 that houses a power supply 88 used to power the seat belt buckle 40, as described further below. It is contemplated that the webbing 30 may be comprised of synthetic yarns woven together in a manner to form a generally centrally located passageway, such as passageway 86. The power supply 88 is adapted to be received within the passageway 86 and may be in the form of one or more wires as required by the features of the seat belt assembly 10.

[0020] How to continue in Fig. 7A, the seat belt buckle 40 includes a housing 90 having a top 92 and a bottom 94. The housing 90 includes a locking mechanism 96 configured to releasably couple the seat belt tongue 50 to the seat belt buckle 40. The seat belt tongue 50 is received in a cavity portion 98 of the seat belt buckle 40, which is accessible from the bottom 94 of the seat belt buckle 40 and in Fig. 7A. The top surface 92 includes a push-button actuator 100, which is used to release the seat belt tongue 50 from the locking mechanism 96 of the seat belt buckle 40, as described below. Therefore, the seat belt assembly 10 is in the unlocked state UL, as shown in Fig. 7A. To lock the seat belt assembly 10, a user grasps the seat belt buckle 40, which is connected to the vehicle via the webbing 30, and pulls the retractable webbing 30 out as far as necessary to bring the seat belt buckle 40 into contact with the seat belt tongue 50. In this way, the seat belt buckle 40 and the seat belt tongue 50 are movable relative to each other between a locked state L ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 7B) and an unlocked state UL ( Fig. 7A). For maneuvering the seat belt buckle 40 under dimly lit conditions, the seat belt assembly 10 of the present invention includes an illumination feature to assist the vehicle occupant in locating the seat belt tongue 50, which is generally located adjacent a vehicle seat. The illumination feature, as shown in Fig. 7A, includes first and second light sources 102, 104 disposed generally near the underside 94 of the seat belt buckle 40. The light sources 102, 104 may be powered by the power supply 88 provided in the webbing 30, or they may be operated by a replaceable battery or power cell 91 disposed within the housing 90. The light sources 102, 104 are further controlled by a power switch 106 disposed along one side of the housing 90 of the seat belt buckle 40 to selectively provide power to the light sources 102, 104. It is contemplated that the power switch 106 may be a rubberized button that is depressed to power and illuminate the first and second light sources 102, 104 to provide a utility lighting feature to assist in donning the seat belt assembly 10.The power switch 106 may be a button that operates on demand, or it may be an on / off switch that is activated by a first press and deactivated by a second press. When the power switch 106 is disposed along the side of the housing 90 of the seat belt buckle 40, the user can easily turn on the first and second light sources 102, 104 by grasping the seat belt buckle 40 around the housing 90. Therefore, the power switch 106 is in a comfortable position for a vehicle occupant when the vehicle occupant is in the process of fastening the seat belt assembly 10.

[0021] It is contemplated that the first and second light sources 102, 104 may be light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide a bright light when the seat belt buckle 40 is maneuvered within the vehicle interior. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the seat belt tongue 50 may be a polished, chrome-plated element that is highly reflective and can be easily located using the first and second light sources 102, 104. While the Fig. While the embodiment shown in Figure 7A includes first and second light sources disposed on an underside 94 of the seatbelt buckle 40, it is contemplated that the seatbelt buckle 40 may include a single light source or multiple individual light sources, as dictated by design and function. Furthermore, it is noted that the second portion 30b of the webbing 30 may also include a passageway and power supply similar to the passageway 86 and power supply 88 in the first portion 30a of the webbing 30 to provide power to the first and second light sources 102, 104 of the seatbelt buckle 40.

[0022] Now referring to Fig. 7B, the seat belt assembly 10 is shown in the locked state L, with the seat belt tongue 50 received within the cavity 98 of the seat belt buckle 40 and locked to the locking mechanism 96 disposed within the housing 90. It is contemplated that the locking mechanism 96 may comprise any structure capable of cooperating with the seat belt tongue 50 to releasably lock the seat belt tongue 50 to the seat belt buckle 40. Furthermore, the push-button actuator 100 may have any shape capable of unlocking or releasing the seat belt tongue 50 from the locking mechanism 96. As shown in the locked state L, the seat belt assembly 10 allows the top surface 92 of the seat belt buckle 40 to be generally accessible to the vehicle occupant so that the push button actuator 100 can be easily reached and actuated to unlock the seat belt assembly 10.Furthermore, it is contemplated that the first and second light sources 102, 104 may be automatically programmed to turn off when the seat belt assembly 10 is in the locked state L. Therefore, it is contemplated that locking the seat belt tongue 50 to the seat belt buckle 40 may interrupt the power supply 88 for the first and second light sources 102, 104.

[0023] Now referring to Fig. 8, the seat belt assembly 10 is shown in the unlocked UL state, and the seat belt buckle 40 is further shown as movable within the vehicle interior 14. While the seat belt buckle 40 is movable within the vehicle interior 14, the seat belt buckle 40 remains tethered to the vehicle 15 via the retractable webbing 30. When moving freely in the unlocked UL state within the vehicle interior 14, the seat belt buckle 40 provides a utility lighting feature utilizing first and second light sources 102, 104 when powered via the webbing 30, as described above. In this manner, the seat belt buckle 40 defines a tethered flashlight for use by a vehicle occupant to search within the vehicle interior 14 under dimly lit conditions.Therefore, it is contemplated that a user may open the passenger side door 36, remove the seat belt buckle 40 from its retracted position on the B-pillar 34, and pull the seat belt buckle 40 into the vehicle interior 14 to illuminate specific portions thereof. As noted above, the user uses the power switch 106 to turn on the first and second light sources 102, 104 to assist in searching for an object within a vehicle interior 14. In this manner, the seat belt assembly 10 of the present invention provides a utility lighting feature within the seat belt buckle 40 that is accessible and readily connected to the vehicle 15 via the webbing 30. As noted, the illumination feature of the seat belt buckle 40 is also useful for assisting a vehicle occupant in locating the seat belt tongue 50 and securing the seat belt buckle 40 thereto.Therefore, and with the reverse configuration of the seat belt assembly 10 of the present invention, wherein the seat belt buckle 40 is coupled to the retractable webbing 30 and the seat belt tongue 50 is mounted in a more stationary, yet telescopic, position, the seat belt assembly 10 allows a lighting feature to be disposed within the housing 90 of the seat belt buckle 40 while utilizing the seat belt system components with which a vehicle occupant is generally familiar.

[0024] Now referring to Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B shows two representations of a seat belt buckle 40a, 40b on the underside 94 of the housing 90. In Fig. 9A, the seat belt buckle 40a includes first and second light sources 102a, 104a arranged on each side of a seat belt tongue receiving slot 110. As further shown in Fig. 9A, the power switch 106 is arranged on a lateral portion of the housing 90 to provide power and illuminate first and second light sources 102a, 104a. The seat belt tongue receiving slot 110 is configured to receive a seat belt tongue, such as seat belt tongue 50, in Fig. 7A, in the seat belt buckle 40 to accommodate the above, with reference to Fig. 7A described locking mechanism 96. In the Fig. 9B, the seatbelt buckle 40b includes a total of four LED light sources forming first and second light sources 102b, 104b. Again, as noted above, the seatbelt buckle 40 may include any number of light sources necessary to illuminate the vehicle interior using a tethered flashlight. As further shown in Fig. 9A and Fig. As shown in Figure 9B, the seat belt tongue receiving slot 110 is surrounded by a funnel feature 111 that completely surrounds the seat belt tongue receiving slot 110 and serves as a guide for penetrating a seat belt tongue into the seat belt tongue receiving slot 110. The funnel feature 111 may be configured to be made of a rigid, polymeric material.

[0025] Now referring to Fig. 9C, the seat belt buckle 40 is shown in plan view, showing the top surface 92. The push-button actuator 100 is shown with the inscription "Press" molded into a top surface 101 of the push-button actuator 100, instructing the vehicle occupant to press the push-button actuator 100 to release the seat belt buckle 40 from the seat belt tongue 50 by releasing the locking mechanism disposed within the housing 90 of the seat belt buckle 40. It is contemplated that the first and second light sources 102, 104, as shown in FIG. 7A, may continue to illuminate the push-button actuator and the inscription "Press" disposed on the top surface 101 of the push-button actuator 100 when the first and second light sources 102, 104 are activated by the power switch 106. If the seat belt buckle 40 is designed as in the embodiment of Fig. 9C, the seat belt buckle 40 provides an overall ergonomic advantage for a vehicle occupant when locking and unlocking the seat belt system. These advantages are made possible by the shape and size of the seat belt buckle 40, which is generally easier to hold and maneuver than a standard seat belt tongue coupled to a webbing. This is especially true for vehicle occupants with limited dexterity. Furthermore, the push-button actuator 100 used to release the seat belt buckle 40 from a locked state is more accessible than a conventional release button such as may be found on a standard seat belt system. This is particularly true in that the seat belt buckle 40 allows unrestricted access to the push-button actuator 100 due to the upper surface 101 disposed on the top surface 92 of the housing 90, as shown in Fig. 9C. In this way, access to the push-button actuator 100 for the vehicle occupant is not blocked by a locked seat belt tongue, as is generally found in a conventional system. Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, the seat belt tongue receiving slot 110 is centrally located within the housing 90 and further includes the funnel feature 111 for guiding the movement of the seat belt buckle 40 to properly receive the seat belt tongue in the seat belt tongue receiving slot 110.

[0026] With further reference to Fig. 9A-9C, another advantage of the present seat belt system is that the seat belt tongue receiving slot 110 is located on the underside 94 of the housing 90. In a typical seat belt assembly, the seat belt tongue receiving slot is located on a buckle that faces upward when connected to the vehicle, in a configuration similar to that shown in Fig. 2. With an upward-facing slot in a conventional system, contaminants such as food crumbs, spilled liquids, coins, or other debris can fall into the seat belt buckle at the receiving slot and are then very difficult to remove. With the seat belt buckle 40 of the present invention, it is difficult for debris to enter the seat belt buckle and interfere with any mechanism or light sources therein. Furthermore, should any debris enter the seat belt buckle 40 near the release button 100 located on the top surface 92 of the housing 90, that debris is likely to be ejected from the seat belt buckle 40 by gravity when the seat belt buckle 40 is oriented in the vertical deployment position.

[0027] Now referring to Fig. 10A, another embodiment of the seat belt buckle 40c is shown, including a housing 90 having a top surface 92 and a bottom surface 94. The bottom surface 94 includes a seat belt tongue receiving slot 110 with a light ring 103 disposed around the seat belt tongue receiving slot 110. The light ring 103 defines a light source for the seat belt buckle 40c, which can be used as a flashlight or as a light source for illuminating a seat belt tongue when a vehicle occupant wishes to fasten the seat belt assembly. As further shown in Fig. 10A, an emblem or badge 112 is disposed adjacent to the underside 94 of the seat belt buckle 40c. In the embodiment of Fig. 10A, the emblem ABCDE is used, but would likely correspond in placement to the model or manufacturer name or logo. Power switch 106c is disposed along a lateral portion of housing 90, which is used to illuminate light ring 103, which is further used to internally illuminate the adjacent emblem 112. It is contemplated that light ring 103 is a light guide that spreads light throughout light ring 103 and is further channeled to internally illuminate emblem 112 when power switch 106c is activated. At the opposite end of the housing 90 relative to the power switch 106c is a push-button actuator 100c, which is used to unlock a seat belt tongue from the locking mechanism disposed within the housing 90 of the seat belt buckle 40c in a manner similar to that described above with respect to push-button actuator 100. As further described in Fig. 10A, the seat belt buckle 40c is adjustably coupled to the webbing 30 received in the top 92 of the housing 90 of the seat belt buckle 40c.

[0028] Now referring to Fig. 10B shows a further representation of the seat belt buckle 40d, wherein the housing 90 is provided with a leather cover 91 comprising first and second sections 91a and 91b, respectively, which are sewn together at seam 91c, as in Fig. 10C. A push-button actuator 100d is shown arranged on one side of the housing 90, with a modernized design for use in unlocking the seat belt buckle 40d from a seat belt tongue, in a manner as described above. The bottom surface 94 includes a metallically coated tip 94a, with the light ring and slot arranged generally like the light ring and slot 103, 110 shown above and described with reference to FIG. Fig. 10A. In Fig.10C, the top surface 92 of seat belt buckle 40d includes an upper light ring 103a disposed around an upper slot 114 through which the webbing 30 is received to couple the seat belt buckle 40d to the webbing 30.

[0029] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any particular material. Other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.

[0030] For purposes of the present disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the direct or indirect interconnection of two components (electrical or mechanical). Such a connection may be stationary or movable. Such a connection may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members integrally molded as a single unitary body with each other or with the two components. Such a connection may be permanent or removable or detachable, unless otherwise specified.

Claims

[1] Seat belt assembly (10) comprising: a seat belt buckle (40) slidably disposed along a retractable belt webbing (30) for movement within a vehicle interior (14), the seat belt buckle (40) having a housing (90) containing a locking mechanism (96) that releasably locks a seat belt tongue (50) to the seat belt buckle (40); and a light source (102, 104) arranged within the housing (90) illuminating the vehicle interior (14) when the seat belt buckle (40) moves within the vehicle interior (14). [2] Seat belt assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the seat belt buckle (40) and the seat belt tongue (50) are movably associated with each other between locked and unlocked states. [3] Seat belt assembly (10) according to claim 2, comprising: a power cell (91) arranged within the housing (90) of the seat belt buckle (40) for providing power to the light source (102, 104). [4] Seat belt assembly (10) according to claim 3, comprising: a power switch (106) arranged on the housing (90) of the seat belt buckle (40) for selectively supplying power to the light source (102, 104). [5] The seat belt assembly (10) of claim 4, wherein the housing (90) includes a push-button actuator (100) disposed thereon for releasing the seat belt tongue (50) from the locking mechanism (96) when the seat belt buckle (40) and the seat belt tongue (50) are in the locked state. [6] The seat belt assembly (10) of claim 5, wherein the housing (90) includes a top surface (92) and a bottom surface (94), and further wherein the push button actuator (100) is disposed on the top surface (92) and the light source (102, 104) is disposed on the bottom surface (94). [7] Seat belt assembly (10) according to claim 6, comprising: a seat belt tongue receiving slot (110) arranged on the underside (94) of the housing (90). [8] The seat belt assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the light source (102, 104) comprises a plurality of individual light sources (102, 104). [9] Seat belt assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the seat belt tongue (50) is arranged on a telescopic seat belt tongue attachment (51). [10] The seat belt assembly (10) of claim 9, wherein the telescopic seat belt tongue attachment (51) is a powered seat belt tongue attachment (51) configured to move the seat belt tongue (50) between extended and retracted positions. [11] The seat belt assembly (10) of claim 9, wherein the telescopic seat belt tongue attachment (51) includes a lever (58) configured to move the seat belt tongue (50) between extended and retracted positions. [12] Seat belt assembly (10) comprising: a seat belt buckle (40) arranged on a belt webbing (30), the seat belt buckle (40) having a housing (90), a locking mechanism (96) and a light source (102, 104), wherein the belt webbing (30) defines an extendable connection between the seat belt buckle (40) and a vehicle (15) for movement within an interior (14) of the vehicle (15); and a seat belt tongue (50) operably coupled to the vehicle (15) and adapted to be releasably received in the locking mechanism (96) of the seat belt buckle (40), the seat belt buckle (40) and the seat belt tongue (50) being associated with each other between locked and unlocked states, and wherein the housing (90) further comprises a push-button actuator (100) configured to release the seat belt tongue (50) from the locking mechanism (96) when the seat belt buckle (40) and the seat belt tongue (50) are in the locked state. [13] Seat belt assembly (10) according to claim 12, comprising: a power cell (91) arranged within the housing (90) of the seat belt buckle (40) for providing power to the light source (102, 104). [14] Seat belt assembly (10) according to claim 13, comprising: a power switch (106) arranged on the housing (90) of the seat belt buckle (40) for operating the light source (102, 104). [15] Seat belt assembly (10) according to claim 13, comprising: a power supply arranged within the belt webbing (30) for operating the light source (102, 104) of the seat belt buckle (40). [16] Seat belt assembly (10) comprising: a seat belt buckle (40) arranged on a retractable belt webbing (30) for movement within a vehicle interior (14), the seat belt buckle (40) having a housing (90) containing a locking mechanism (96); one or more light sources (102, 104) arranged within the housing (90) for illuminating the vehicle interior (14); a telescopic seat belt tongue (50) coupled to the vehicle (15) and movable between extended and retracted positions, the seat belt tongue (50) being releasably received in the locking mechanism (96). [17] The seat belt assembly (10) of claim 16, wherein the seat belt buckle (40) and the seat belt tongue (50) are movably associated with each other between locked and unlocked states, and further wherein the housing (90) comprises a push button actuator (100) configured to release the seat belt tongue (50) from the locking mechanism (96) when the seat belt buckle (40) and the seat belt tongue (50) are in the locked state. [18] Seat belt assembly (10) according to claim 17, comprising: a power cell (91) arranged within the housing (90) of the seat belt buckle (40) for providing power to one or more light sources (102, 104). [19] Seat belt assembly (10) according to claim 18, comprising: a power switch (106) arranged on the housing (90) of the seat belt buckle (40) for selectively supplying power to the one or more light sources (102, 104).

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