Company Filing History:
2 out of 429 
1 out of 7 
1 out of 3,002 
Years Active: 1993-2002
Title: Howard James Foster: Innovator in Seat Belt Technology
Introduction
Howard James Foster is a notable inventor based in Carlisle, GB, recognized for his contributions to automotive safety through innovative seat belt retractor designs. With a total of four patents to his name, Foster has made significant strides in enhancing the functionality and safety of seat belts in vehicles.
Latest Patents
Foster's latest patents include advanced designs for seat belt retractors. One of his inventions features a rotatable spool mounted in a frame, equipped with a primary locking mechanism that arrests the rotation of the spool. This design incorporates a load-absorbing mechanism that activates at a predetermined load, effectively absorbing a portion of the spool locking load. The mechanism utilizes a serrated or roughened texture on the frame's inward-facing edge, which cooperates with a smooth surfaced spool bearing face to increase friction and resist rotation under load. Another patent describes a seat belt retractor with a spool that has seat belt webbing wound around it, featuring a toothed ratchet wheel and a crash sensor. This design includes a pivotable locking pawl that engages with the ratchet wheel to lock the spool against rotation in response to crash sensor activation, along with a pretensioner that rapidly rewinds the webbing onto the spool.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Howard James Foster has worked with reputable companies such as Breed Automotive Technology, Inc. and Bsrd Limited. His work has focused on developing innovative safety mechanisms that enhance the reliability and effectiveness of seat belts in vehicles.
Collaborations
Foster has collaborated with notable individuals in the field, including Ian Alexander Gordon and Martin Palliser. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of automotive safety technologies.
Conclusion
Howard James Foster's innovative work in seat belt technology has significantly impacted automotive safety. His patents reflect a commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of seat belts, ultimately contributing to safer driving experiences.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.