Restraint System

Abstract

In a preferred embodiment, a restraint system is described for restraining a standing occupant in a vehicle such as a plane or helicopter. The restraint system includes a webbing strap that winds and unwinds from a spool assembly. The spool assembly includes a trigger assembly that locks a spool from rotation, a manual release assembly for manually releasing the trigger assembly and lock, and an adjustable payout assembly that determines the maximum length that the webbing strap can be pulled out before stopping (i.e., the number of rotations of the spool). The trigger assembly can trigger the lock assembly from one or more sensors. Further, the trigger assembly can be arranged to automatically unlock after a triggering event, manually unlocked after a triggering event or a combination of the two for different sensors.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A restraint system for a standing occupant in a vehicle comprising:
 a framework mounted to an interior of a vehicle;   a spool disposed within said framework;   a strap coupled to said spool and connectable to an occupant harness; and   a trigger assembly disposed on said framework and coupled to said spool to lock said spool; said trigger assembly comprising a first plate and a second plate connected by a biasing member.   
     
     
         2 . The restraint system of  claim 1 , further comprising a trigger release assembly disposed on said framework and coupled to said trigger assembly to release said trigger assembly from a locked position that prevents movement of said spool to an unlocked position that allows movement of said spool 
     
     
         3 . The restraint system of  claim 1 , wherein said first plate and said second plate rotate with said spool. 
     
     
         4 . The restraint system of  claim 1 , wherein said first plate and said second plate are slidingly engaged to an axle. 
     
     
         5 . The restraint system of  claim 4 , wherein said trigger assembly is sensitive to a threshold of force on said spool and wherein a force below said threshold causes said trigger assembly to unlock by releasing tension on said strap and wherein a force above said threshold causes said trigger assembly to unlock by a user-actuated lever on said framework. 
     
     
         6 . The restraint system of  claim 1 , further comprising a payout assembly disposed on said framework and connected to said spool to limit rotation of said spool; and a user control disposed on said framework for adjusting said limit of said spool. 
     
     
         7 . A vehicle restraint system for an occupant of a vehicle comprising;
 a spool housing coupled inside a vehicle;   a spool disposed within said spool housing;   a strap coupled to said spool and connectable to an occupant harness; and,   a trigger assembly disposed on said housing and coupled to said spool for selectively stopping rotation of said spool;   wherein said trigger assembly is triggered by a first sensor mechanism sensitive to acceleration of said housing.   
     
     
         8 . The vehicle restraint system of  claim 7 , further comprising a trigger release assembly disposed on said housing and coupled to said trigger assembly to release said trigger assembly from a triggered position that prevents movement of said spool to an unlocked position that allows movement of said spool. 
     
     
         9 . The vehicle restraint system of  claim 8 , wherein said first sensor mechanism comprises a biased weight. 
     
     
         10 . The vehicle restraint system of  claim 9 , further comprising a second sensor mechanism sensitive to velocity of rotation of said spool wherein said second sensor mechanism comprises a first plate member and a second plate member connected by a biasing member; said first plate member and said second plate member expanding from each other to trigger said trigger assembly during a threshold of velocity of said spool. 
     
     
         11 . The vehicle restraint system of  claim 10 , further comprising a strap limit assembly disposed on said housing and connected to said spool to limit a length of extension of said strap; wherein said strap limit assembly further comprises a lead screw coupled to a first pawl member. 
     
     
         12 . The vehicle restraint system of  claim 11 , wherein said trigger assembly triggers a second pawl to contact a ratchet member. 
     
     
         13 . The vehicle restraint system of  claim 12 , wherein said lead screw is captured by said spool; said lead screw free to move along an axis of said spool.