Safety device for use by drivers of motor cars and the like

摘要

433,173. Safety device for aircraft. GALLI, L. C., 25, Broadway, Dunedin, New Zealand. Dec. 17, 1934, No. 36111. Convention date, July 17. [Class 4] [See also Groups XXXI, XXXIV, XXXVII, and XXXVIII] A safety device for motor vehicles or aircraft comprises a switch normally held in inoperative position by lateral pressure of the driver's leg, this switch when released being returned by a spring to a position in which electric circuits are completed to operate means for rousing or restoring the driver to consciousness. The switch, when released, may also energize audible and visual warning signals. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 3 applied to a motor vehicle, the switch comprises movable contacts 10, 11 adapted to engage alternatively with fixed contacts 12, 13, the switch plunger 2 having a crutch 17 against which the driver's leg is adapted to press. In the position shown, the switch has been released, the contacts 11, 13 have been separated thus breaking the ignition circuit, and the contacts 10, 12 are closed, completing circuits from a battery 22 to a horn 26, a bell or buzzer 27, warning lamps 28 inside and outside the vehicle, and a solenoid 29 or electric motor which applies the brakes. Circuits may also be completed to devices (not shown), for discharging within the vehicle a gas or vapour designed to counteract the effect of CO or other stupefying gas, a ventilating fan being also provided. 23 is a handoperated switch closed whenever the vehicle is is use. The safety device may be put out of action by moving a switch 24 from contact 24b to 24a, the ignition circuit being then completed directly through the switch 24. In the case of aircraft the safety device does not affect the ignition circuit and the braking arrangement is omitted. The switch is adjustably mounted on a door or bracket at the side of the driver, and the springs of the driver's seat may be stiffer at the side nearer the switch so as to tend to move the driver's leg away from the switch. The adjustable mounting for the switch may comprise a fixed plate with a spiral or other cam slot, the switch being secured by wing-nuts in any desired position in the slot.