On this day in 1955 Roger W. Griswold II et al, were granted the patent for Combination Shoulder and Lap Safety Belts. U.S. Patent No. 2,710,649.

This invention relates to combined shoulder and lap safety belts, for the dual restraint of occupants of seats.  While being broadly applicable to any restraint functions including dentist chairs, operating tables, litters, and the like, it pertains specifically to the restraint of occupants of seats such as those of vehicles in which due to sudden accelerations the occupants are subject to forces towards propulsion from the seats.