BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a security cover for a restraint buckle in an open exploded position and constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the security cover of FIG. 1, in an open position with a buckle assembly of a vehicle restraint inserted into the cover;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the security cover of FIGS. 1 and 2, in a closed position enclosing and securing the buckle assembly;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the security cover taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, showing the enclosed buckle assembly; and
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the security cover taken line along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to FIGS. 1-5 of the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally designates the security cover for a restraint buckle of the present invention. The security cover 10 includes a body 12 having an upper portion 14 and a lower portion 16 that define a cavity 18 therebetween to receive and enclose a buckle assembly 20 of a vehicle restraint 22. Each portion 14 and 16 is generally of a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration including a planar wall 24 forming top and bottom sides of the body 12 and depending sidewalls 26. The sidewalls 26 of the top portion 14 oppose the sidewalls of the bottom portion 16 and the sidewalls of the bottom portion are positioned to be received within the periphery of the sidewalls of the top portion. It should be appreciated that while the portions 14 and 16 are illustrated as separate, it is also possible the portions could be unitary. The depending sidewalls 26 define a first aperture 28 at one end and a second aperture 30 at an opposite end.
A transverse wall 32 depends from the planar wall 24 of the top portion 14 in a direction inwardly into the cavity 18 and separates the cavity into two compartments 34 and 36. The wall 32 includes a bifurcated portion having two spaced furcations 38 which define a passage between the first and second compartment 34 and 36. Alternatively, the wall 32 can be continuous and form an aperture which connects the first and second compartments 34 and 36 together. An opening or a recess is formed transversely across a portion of the wall 24 of the bottom portion 16 for receiving and securing a lower edge 42 of the wall 32.
With reference to FIG. 2, a buckle assembly 20 of a vehicle restraint is shown partially positioned with the cavity 18. The buckle assembly 20 includes a typical apertured tongue 48 attached to a first belt segment 54 and a typical receiver 52 attached to a second belt segment 50 and engagable with the tongue to attach the first and second belt segments together. The receiver 52 includes a typical button actuator 56 which is operable to release the tongue 48 from the receiver 52. Depending sidewalls 26 are formed with a latching means 46 to releasably secure the upper and lower portions together over the buckle assembly 20 to prevent access to the buckle assembly thereby preventing accidental or unauthorized access to the button actuator 56. The latching means 46 is designed to be difficult for a child or invalid adult to operate. The bottom portion 16 is formed with upwardly extending latch members 58 on opposed edges of wall 24 thereof. The depending sidewalls 26 of the top portion 14 are formed with outwardly extending loop-shaped catch members 60 positioned to engage the latch members 58. The latch and catch members 58 and 60 form a snap type latching mechanism.
With particular reference to FIGS. 3-5, the buckle assembly 20 of a vehicle restraint is shown positioned within the cavity 18 of the body 12. The receiver 52 is positioned in the cavity 18 within the area of the first compartment 34 with the second belt segment 50 extending outwardly of the cavity through the first aperture 28. The depending sidewalls 26 can be formed inwardly about the edges of the first aperture 28 to capture the receiver 52 within the cavity 18. The tongue 48 is positioned in the second compartment 36 with the action portion thereof extending into the first compartment 34 between the furcations 38 and engaged with the receiver 52 with the first belt segment 54 extending outward from the cavity through the second aperture 30. With the buckle assembly 20 retained within the cavity 18 and enclosed by the upper and lower portions 14 and 16, the button actuator is not accessible and cannot be purposely actuated or accidentally actuated ensuring the first and second belt segments 50 and 54 remain connected together.
In use, the receiver portion 52 of the buckle assembly 20 is positioned within the cavity 18 of the lower portion 16 with the second belt segment 50 extending outwardly from the cavity through first aperture 28. The upper portion 14 is attached to the lower portion 16 to enclose the receiver 52 within the first compartment 34 and secured to the lower portion with the latch means 46. The tongue 48, attached to the first belt segment 54, is then inserted through the second aperture 30 into the second compartment 36 with the operating portion of the tongue extending into the first compartment 34 between the furcations or aperture 38 and engaged with the receiver 52. The button actuator 56 is now inaccessible to accidental or unauthorized actuation. Alternatively, the tongue 48 can first be engaged with the receiver 52 and then the upper and lower portions 14 and 16 can be enclosed about the entire buckle assembly 20 such that the receiver and tongue are positioned within the first and second compartments 34 and 36 respectively with the dividing wall 32 being inserted between the receiver and the tongue so that the operation portion of the tongue is positioned between the furcations. To gain access to the button actuator 56, the upper portion 14 must be released from the lower portion 16 by simultaneously manipulating the latch members 58 to disengage from the catch members 60.
A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
Patent Application
20070289111
