U.S. patent application number 10/110348 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-24 for heat protective structure of nursery equipment, head protective pad, and infant safety seat for car.
Invention is credited to Kassai, Kenzou.
Application Number | 20020153753 10/110348 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26598914 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020153753 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kassai, Kenzou |
October 24, 2002 |
Heat protective structure of nursery equipment, head protective
pad, and infant safety seat for car
Abstract
There are provided a flexible pad (10A) in direct contact with
the head of a baby (100), enclosing the head top region and
temporal region of the head of the baby (100), an impact absorption
pad (20A) at an outer side of the flexible pad (10A), enclosing the
head top region and temporal region of the baby (100) likewise the
flexible pad (10A), and a fixture pad (30A) having a configuration
in which the outer circumferential plane is in accord with the
inner circumferential plane of a sidewall (1) so as to fill the gap
between the impact absorption pad (20A) and the sidewall (1). By
employing this structure, a child equipment that can guard the life
and brain of an infant can be provided based on the medical
standard of an infant.
Inventors: |
Kassai, Kenzou; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FASSE PATENT ATTORNEYS, P.A.
P.O. BOX 726
HAMPDEN
ME
04444-0726
US
|
Family ID: |
26598914 |
Appl. No.: |
10/110348 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2002 |
PCT Filed: |
July 30, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP01/06558 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/216.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/806 20180201;
B60N 2/26 20130101; A47D 15/008 20130101; B60N 2/2851 20130101;
B60N 2/2872 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/216.11 |
International
Class: |
B60N 002/42 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 31, 2000 |
JP |
2000-262612 |
Apr 6, 2001 |
JP |
2000-108865 |
Claims
1. A head guard structure of a child equipment to guard the head of
an infant (100) placed in the child equipment, comprising: an
impact absorption layer (20A) provided so as to sandwich a temporal
region of the head of said infant (100) from both sides to absorb
impact force applied to the temporal region of the head of the
infant (100) from a transverse direction of said child equipment,
and a fixture member (30A, 30B) to inhibit relative position
displacement between said impact absorption layer (20A) and said
child equipment in the lateral direction.
2. The head guard structure of a child equipment according to claim
1, wherein said fixture member (30A, 30B) is located at an outer
side in the lateral direction of said impact absorption layer
(20A), and formed of a material harder than the material of said
impact absorption layer (20A).
3. The head guard structure of a child equipment according to claim
1 or 2, wherein said fixture member (30A, 30B) is provided so as to
enclose the head of said infant (100) from the temporal region to
the head top.
4. The head guard structure of a child equipment according to any
of claims 1-3, wherein said impact absorption layer (20A) is
provided so as to enclose the head of said infant (100) from the
temporal region to the head top.
5. A head guard structure pad of a child equipment to guard the
head of an infant (100) placed in a child equipment, comprising: an
impact absorption layer (20A) provided at a head top side of said
infant (100) to absorb impact force applied to the head top of the
infant (100) from a vertical direction of said child equipment, and
a fixture member (30A, 30B) to inhibit relative position
displacement in a vertical direction between said impact absorption
layer (20A) and said child equipment.
6. The head guard structure of a child equipment according to claim
5, wherein said fixture member (30A, 30B) is located at an outer
side in the vertical direction of said impact absorption layer
(20A), and formed of a material harder than the material of said
impact absorption layer (20A).
7. The head guard structure of a child equipment according to any
of claims 1-6, wherein said fixture member (30A, 30B) has a
configuration filing a gap from said child equipment.
8. The head guard structure of a child equipment according to any
of claims 1-6, wherein said fixture member (30A, 30B) has a
configuration filling a gap from a corner portion of said child
equipment.
9. The head guard structure of a child equipment according to any
of claims 1-8, wherein said fixture member (30A, 30B) has a height
lower than the height of said impact absorption layer (20A).
10. The head guard structure of a child equipment according to any
of claims 1-9, wherein said impact absorption layer (20A) and said
fixture member (30A, 30B) have a cover applied thereon to form an
integral piece.
11. The head guard structure of a child equipment according to any
of claims 1-10, wherein said impact absorption layer (20A) has a
flexible pad layer (10A) provided at an inner side.
12. The head guard structure of a child equipment according to
claim 11, wherein said impact absorption layer (20A), said fixture
member (30A, 30B) and said flexible pad layer (10A) have a cover
applied thereon so that they form an integral piece.
13. The head guard structure of a child equipment according to any
of claims 1-12, wherein a protruding region (20C) protruding
inwards is provided at a region about an upper portion of said
impact absorption layer (20A).
14. The head guard structure of a child equipment according to any
of claims 1-13, wherein said impact absorption layer (20A) has an
upper portion provided so as to protrude above a top portion of a
sidewall (1) provided at said child equipment.
15. A head guard pad to guard the head of an infant (100) placed in
a child equipment, comprising: an impact absorption layer (20A)
provided so as to enclose the head of said infant (100) from a
temporal region to a head top region to absorb impact force applied
to the head of said infant (100), and a fixture member (30A, 30B)
arranged at an outer side of said impact absorption layer (20A),
and having a configuration filling a gap from said child
equipment.
16. A head guard pad to guard the head of an infant (100) placed in
a child equipment, comprising: an impact absorption layer (20A)
provided at a head top side of said infant (100) to absorb impact
force applied to the head of said infant (100), and a fixture
member (30A, 30B) arranged at an outer side of said impact
absorption layer (20A), and having a configuration filling a gap
from said child equipment.
17. The head guard pad according to claim 15 or 16, further
comprising a flexible pad (10A) at an inner side of said impact
absorption layer (20A).
18. The head guard pad according to any of claims 15-17, wherein
said flexible pad is provided so as to enclose a head region of
said infant upper than a position of the nose of said infant
(100).
19. The head guard pad according to any of claims 15-18, wherein a
protruding region (20C) protruding inwards is provided at a region
about an upper portion of said impact absorption layer (20A).
20. A vehicular child safety seat fixed to a seat of a vehicle,
including a seat unit (202) and a base unit (201) supporting said
seat unit (202), comprising: head guard means (40A) provided at
said seat unit (202) for guarding the head of an infant (100)
placed in said vehicular child safety seat, and position
displacement inhibit means provided between a bottom plane of said
base unit (201) and the seat of said vehicle for inhibiting
position displacement of said vehicular child safety seat with
respect to the seat of said vehicle, wherein said head guard means
(40A) comprises an impact absorption layer (20A) provided so as to
enclose the head of said infant (100) from a temporal region to a
head top region to absorb impact force applied to the head of said
infant (100), and a fixture member (30A, 30B) arranged at an outer
side of said impact absorption layer, having a configuration
filling a gap from said seat unit.
21. The vehicular child safety seat according to claim 20, wherein
said position displacement inhibit means (210) comprises a position
displacement inhibit member (210) provided so as to cover at least
a bottom plane of said base unit (201), a member whose friction
coefficient between said position displacement inhibit member and
said seat of the vehicle is greater than the friction coefficient
between a member forming the bottom plane of said base unit and the
seat of the vehicle being used for said position displacement
inhibit member (210).
22. A vehicular child safety seat fixed to a seat of a vehicle,
comprising: a seat unit (202), a base unit (201) supporting said
seat unit (202), an impact absorption member (20A) enclosing the
head of an infant (100) placed in said vehicular child safety seat
from a temporal region to a head top region of the head of said
infant (100), and position displacement inhibit means (210)
provided between a bottom plane of said base unit (201) and said
seat of the vehicle for inhibiting position displacement of said
vehicular child safety seat with respect to said seat of the
vehicle.
23. The vehicular child safety seat according to claim 22, wherein
a guard pad (10A) is provided at an inner side of said impact
absorption member.
24. A vehicular child safety seat fastened to a seat of a vehicle,
comprising position displacement inhibit means (210) provided
between a bottom plane of said base unit and said seat of the
vehicle for inhibiting position displacement of said vehicular
child safety seat with respect to said seat of the vehicle.
25. The vehicular child safety seat according to claim 24, wherein
said position displacement inhibit means (210) comprises a plane
portion (210a) located all over between a bottom plane of said base
unit (201) and said seat of the vehicle, and having a friction
coefficient greater than the friction coefficient between a member
forming the bottom plane of said base unit (201) and said seat of
the vehicle, and a side portion (210b) extending upright from an
edge of said plane portion (210a) so as to surround an outer
circumferential plane of said base unit (201).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to child equipments for
infants of the newborn baby period, the babyhood period, and during
the period of a toddler. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a structure of a child equipment that can protect the
life and brain of an infant.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The most important feature in a child equipment is the
superior capability of safety and comfortableness for the infant.
It is particularly critical to protect the life and brain of an
infant in the first several months of life whose brain is not yet
completely developed.
[0003] Although an infant is often thought to be a miniaturized
analogy with a grown up, the faculty for life is still immature.
There is a possibility that any application of a concept similar to
that for a grown up, if taken improperly, may produce harmful
aftereffects. For example, consider the case of an external impact
applied due to a car accident. Since a baby's head is relatively
heavy and the muscle of the neck supporting the head is weak, the
head of a baby is more susceptible to impact than other regions of
the body.
[0004] The skull, the cerebral blood vessel, the cervical spine and
the like are not yet mature from the standpoint of structure and
function. For example, consider the case of an infant before the
age of one year, particularly a baby in the first six months of
life. Although a baby of such age carried upright in one's arm may
be cradled gently up and down, a strong swing in the back and forth
direction or left and right direction may cause cerebral hemorrhage
to produce aftereffects or even result in death.
[0005] In child equipments such as child seats, baby cars, baby
carriers and the like, the provision of a structure that can
sufficiently guard the infant's life and brain is an extremely
important factor to truly protect an infant taking into
consideration the physiological attribute characteristics.
Disclosure of the Invention
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a child
equipment with a structure that can truly protect an infant,
particularly a head guard structure and head guard pad of a child
equipment that can guard the life and brain of an infant.
[0007] According to an aspect of a head guard structure of a child
equipment based on the present invention to achieve the above
object, a head guard structure of a child equipment to guard the
head of an infant who is placed in a child equipment is provided.
The head guard structure includes an impact absorption layer
provided so as to sandwich the temporal region of an infant's head
from both sides to absorb impact force applied to the temporal
region of the infant's head from the transverse direction of the
child equipment, and a fixture member to prevent relative position
displacement in the lateral direction between the impact absorption
layer and the child equipment.
[0008] Preferably in the present invention, the fixture member is
located at the lateral outer side of the impact absorption layer,
and is formed of a material harder than that of the impact
absorption layer. Also preferably, the fixture member is provided
so as to enclose the head of an infant from the temporal region to
the head top region.
[0009] Preferably, the impact absorption layer is provided so as to
enclose the head of the infant from the temporal region to the head
top region.
[0010] According to another aspect of a head guard structure of a
child equipment based on the present invention, the head guard
structure of a child equipment to guard the head of an infant
placed in the child equipment includes an impact absorption layer
provided at the head top side of an infant to absorb impact force
applied to the top of the head of the infant from a vertical
direction of the child equipment, and a fixture member to prevent
relative position displacement in the vertical direction between
the impact absorption layer and the child equipment.
[0011] Preferably in the above invention, the fixture member is
located at the vertical outer side of the impact absorption layer,
and is formed of a material harder than that of the impact
absorption layer. Preferably, the fixture member has a
configuration that fills the gap from the child equipment. Also
preferably, the fixture member has a configuration that fills the
gap at the corner of the child equipment. Also preferably, the
height of the fixture member is lower than the height of the impact
absorption layer. Also preferably, the impact absorption layer and
the fixture member have a cover thereon so as to form an integral
piece. Also preferably, a flexible pad layer is provided at the
inner side of the impact absorption layer. Also preferably, the
impact absorption layer, the fixture member, and the flexible pad
layer have a cover thereon so as to form an integral piece.
[0012] Also preferably, a protruding region protruding inwards is
provided at a region about the upper portion of the impact
absorption layer. Also preferably, the upper portion of the impact
absorption layer is provided so as to protrude above the upper
portion of the sidewall provided at the child equipment. Even in
the case where external force is applied on the head region of an
infant so as to bounce upwards from the receiving concave, the
above-described structure can reliably prevent the head region of
the infant from bouncing outwards since the head region of the
infant will abut against the protruding region.
[0013] According to an aspect of a head guard pad of the present
invention, the head guard pad to guard the head of an infant placed
in a child equipment includes an impact absorption layer provided
so as to enclose the head of an infant from the temporal region to
the head top region to absorb impact force applied to the head of
the infant, and a fixture member disposed at the outer side of the
impact absorption layer, having a configuration that fills the gap
from the child equipment.
[0014] According to another aspect of a head guard pad of the
present invention, the head guard pad to guard the head of an
infant placed in a child equipment includes an impact absorption
layer provided at the head top side of the infant to absorb impact
force applied to the head of the infant, and a fixture member
disposed at the outer side of the impact absorption layer, having a
configuration that fills the gap from the child equipment.
[0015] Preferably in the above-described invention, a flexible pad
is provided at the inner side of the impact absorption layer. Also
preferably, the flexible pad is provided so as to enclose the head
region of the infant above the area of the nose of the infant. By
such a structure, any discomfort when an infant turns his/her head
sideways can be eliminated.
[0016] Preferably in the above-described invention, a protruding
region that protrudes inwards is provided in the region about the
upper portion of the impact absorption layer. Even in the case
where external force is applied to the head region of an infant so
as to bounce out upwards from the receiving concave, such a
structure can reliably prevent the head region of the infant from
bouncing out since the head region of the input abuts against the
protruding region.
[0017] According to the head guard structure and head guard pad of
the child equipment of the present invention, a structure is
employed in which the fixture pad is configured so that the outer
circumferential plane is in accord with the inner circumferential
plane of the sidewall and the inner circumferential plane of the
fixture pad is in accord with the head of the infant so as to fill
the gap from the child equipment. Furthermore, an impact absorption
layer and a flexible pad are provided at the inner circumferential
plane. Therefore, even in the case where external source is applied
horizontally and vertically to the child equipment, the infant's
head will not receive impact since the head is enclosed by the
impact absorption layer and flexible pad.
[0018] The impact absorption layer and flexible pad will not move
horizontally or vertically by virtue of the fixture pad. Also,
since the outer circumferential plane of the fixture member has a
configuration in accord with the inner circumferential plane of the
child equipment, the fixture member will not move even in the case
where external force is applied obliquely. The impact absorption
layer and flexible pad will not move horizontally, and the infant's
head will not bounce up. As a result, the infant's head can be
protected securely. The life and brain of an infant can be guarded
without injuries to the skull, the cerebral blood vessel, the
cervical spine, and the like.
[0019] By setting the height of the fixture member lower than the
height of the impact absorption layer, the oppressive feeling from
the fixture member can be eliminated. Furthermore, the appearance
will become aesthetically more acceptable.
[0020] Any usage mode can be accommodated by employing a structure
in which the flexible pad, the impact absorption layer and the
fixture member are coupled to result in an integral piece
structure, or have the same cover provided thereon to result in an
integral piece structure, or a structure in which the flexible pad
is provided in a detachable manner so that only the flexible pad
can be removed, or a divisible structure in which the flexible pad,
the impact absorption layer and the fixture member are detachable
with respect to each other.
[0021] According to an aspect of a vehicular child safety seat of
the present invention, the vehicular child safety seat is fixed to
the seat of a vehicle, and includes a seat unit and a base unit
supporting the seat unit. The vehicular child safety seat includes
head guard means provided at the seat unit to guard the head of an
infant placed in the vehicular child safety seat, and a position
displacement inhibit means provided between the bottom plane of the
base unit and the seat of the vehicle to inhibit position
displacement of the vehicular child safety seat relative to the
seat of the vehicle. Also, the head guard means includes an impact
absorption layer provided to enclose the head of an infant from the
temporal region to the head top region to absorb impact applied to
the head of the infant, and a fixture member disposed at the other
side of the impact absorption layer, and having a configuration
that fills the gap from the seat.
[0022] In a preferable embodiment of the present invention, the
position displacement inhibit means includes a position
displacement inhibit member provided to cover at least the bottom
plane of the base unit. The position inhibit member is formed of a
material whose friction coefficient between the position
displacement inhibit member and the seat of the vehicle is greater
than the friction coefficient between the member forming the bottom
plane of the base unit and the seat of the vehicle.
[0023] According to a still further aspect of a vehicular child
safety seat of the present invention, the vehicular child safety
seat fixed to a seat of a vehicle includes a seat unit, a base unit
supporting the seat unit, an impact absorption member enclosing the
head of an infant placed on the vehicular child safety seat from
the temporal region of the head to the head top region to absorb
impact force applied to the head of the infant, and a position
displacement inhibit means provided between the bottom plane of the
base unit and the seat of the vehicle to inhibit position
displacement of the vehicular child safety seat in relation to the
seat of the vehicle. As a preferable embodiment of the
above-described invention, a guard pad is provided at the inner
side of the impact absorption member.
[0024] According to an aspect of a vehicular child safety seat of
the present invention, no impact, even in the case where an
external force is applied to the vehicular child safety seat in the
horizontal direction and the vertical direction, will be applied
since the head of the infant is enclosed by the impact absorption
layer and fixture member. By providing a position displacement
inhibit means for preventing position displacement of the vehicular
child safety seat in relation to the seat of the vehicle, the
impact to the infant's head caused by the shift of the vehicular
child safety seat per se can be avoided simultaneously.
[0025] Since the impact absorption layer and fixture member will
not be shifted, the impact absorption layer and fixture member will
not move sideways, and the infant's head will not bounce up. As a
result, the infant's head can be securely protected. The life and
brain of an infant can be protected without injuries to the skull,
cerebral blood vessel, cervical spine, and the like. The
above-described structure exhibits significant advantage when the
vehicular child safety seat is used in a bed position.
[0026] According to yet a further aspect of a vehicular child
safety seat of the present invention, the vehicular child safety
seat fixed to a seat of a vehicle includes a position displacement
inhibit means provided between the bottom plane of the base unit
and the seat of the vehicle for inhibiting position displacement of
the vehicular child safety seat in relation to the seat of the
vehicle.
[0027] Preferably in the above-described invention, the position
displacement inhibit means includes a plane portion located all
over between the bottom plane of the base unit and the seat of the
vehicle, having a friction coefficient greater than the friction
coefficient between the member forming the bottom plane of the base
unit and the seat of the vehicle, and a side plane portion that
stands upright from the edge of the plane portion so as to surround
the outer circumferential plane of the base unit.
[0028] By providing a position displacement inhibit means of this
vehicular child safety seat, application of an impact to an
infant's head caused by a movement of the vehicular child safety
seat can be avoided. The bouncing of the infant's head can be
prevented. As a result, the infant's head can be guarded securely.
The life and brain of an infant can be protected without injuries
to the skull, cerebral blood vessel, cervical spine, and the
like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a child equipment according to a
first embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the entirety of a head guard
pad 40A of the first embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the
arrow of line III-III in FIG. 2.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a structure of another mode
corresponding to the sectional view taken in the direction of the
arrow of line III-III in FIG. 2.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a child equipment according to
another mode of the first embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a child equipment according to a
second embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the entirety of a head guard
pad 40B of the second embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the
arrow of line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a head guard pad 40C
according to a third embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 10 is a plan view of head guard pad 40C of the third
embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a head guard pad 40D
according to a fourth embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 12 is a plan view of head guard pad 40D of the fourth
embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a head guard pad 40E
according to a fifth embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the
arrow of line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13.
[0043] FIG. 15 is a diagram of the entirety of a child seat 200
according to a sixth embodiment in a first usage state.
[0044] FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the
arrow of line XVI-XVI in FIG. 15.
[0045] FIG. 17 is a diagram of the entirety of child seat 200 of
the sixth embodiment in a second usage state.
[0046] FIG. 18 is a diagram of the entirety of child seat 200 of
the sixth embodiment in a third usage state.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0047] A head guard structure and head guard pad of a child
equipment to truly protect an infant, particularly a head guard
structure and head guard pad of respective child equipments
according to the present invention that can guard the life and
brain of an infant will be described hereinafter with reference to
the drawings. In practice, a safety belt (two-point harness type,
three-point harness type) to fasten an infant to the child
equipment is provided in the child equipment. However, illustration
thereof is not provided here since it does not affect the substance
of the present invention.
[0048] [First Embodiment]
[0049] A head guard structure and head guard pad of a child
equipment according to the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a child equipment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the entirety of a head guard pad
40A that will be described afterwards. FIG. 3 is a sectional view
taken in the direction of the arrow of line III-III in FIG. 2.
[0050] The child equipment of the present invention includes a
receiving concave 60 for receiving a baby 100. This receiving
concave includes a main unit 2 protecting baby 100 from the
backside, and a sidewall 1 protecting the side region of baby 100.
Baby 100 has his/her head protected by head guard pad 40A and
his/her body protected by a body pad 50 at the inner region of
receiving concave 60.
[0051] [Head Guard Pad 40A]
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, head guard pad 40A includes a
flexible pad 10A directly in contact with the head of baby 100,
enclosing the head top region of baby 100, provided to sandwich the
temporal region from both sides, an impact absorption pad 20A
functioning as an impact absorption layer at the outer side of
flexible pad 10A, covering the head top of baby 100 likewise
flexible pad 10A, and sandwiching the temporal region of the head
from both sides, and a fixture pad 30A whose outer circumferential
plane is in accord with the inner circumferential plane of sidewall
1 so as to fill the gap between impact absorption pad 20A and
sidewall 1, functioning as a fixture member to inhibit relative
position displacement in the horizontal direction and the vertical
direction between impact absorption pad 20A and main unit 1.
Flexible pad 10A and impact absorption 20A are provided with a head
occiput pads 10B and 20B, respectively, to protect the occipital
region of baby 100.
[0053] Since flexible pad 10A is brought into direct contact with
the head of baby 100, a soft-feeling material such as a sponge
member, cotton, and the like is preferable. In order to absorb
impact applied to the head of infant 100 caused by the quake of the
child equipment, impact absorption pad 20A preferably employs a
member that is effective to absorb impact such as urethane, a foam
material and the like. In order to prevent the head of infant 100
from flopping, particularly to prevent left and right swinging,
fixture pad 30A preferably employs a material that exhibits small
change in volume towards external force while having an impact
absorption effect such as polystyrene foam and the like of a
relatively hard material, in addition to the provision of impact
absorption pad 20A. Impact absorption pad 20A and fixture pad 20A
may be formed of the same member.
[0054] In order to prevent displacement among flexible pad 10A,
impact absorption pad 20A and fixture pad 30A, it is preferable to
provide a coupling member therebetween. Furthermore, in order to
prevent relative position displacement between fixture pad 30A and
the child equipment, it is preferable to provide a coupling member
therebetween.
[0055] [Function Advantage]
[0056] By employing a structure in which fixture pad 30A is
configured so that the outer circumferential plane is in accord
with the inner circumferential plane of sidewall and the inner
circumferential plane is in accord with the head of baby 100, and
impact of absorption pad 20A and flexible pad 10A are provided at
the inner side, no impact will be applied to baby 100, even when a
horizontal or vertical external force is applied to the child
equipment, since the head of baby 100 is enclosed by impact
absorption pad 20A and flexible pad 10A.
[0057] Impact absorption pad 20A and flexible pad 10A are supported
against horizontal and vertical movement by fixture pad 30A. Even
in the case where external force is applied from an oblique
direction, fixture pad 30A will not be displaced since the outer
circumferential plane of fixture pad 30A has a configuration in
accord with the inner circumferential plane of sidewall 1. Thus,
impact absorption pad 20A and flexible pad 10A is supported against
a lateral movement, and the head of baby 100 will not bounce. As a
result, the head of baby 100 can be guarded securely. The life and
brain of an infant can be protected without injuries to the skull,
the cerebral blood vessel cervical spine and the like.
[0058] As shown by the sectional structure of FIG. 3, the height of
fixture pad 30A from main unit 1 is set lower than the height of
impact absorption pad 20A from main unit 1 (H is the difference in
height therebetween). Therefore, the oppressive feeling from
fixture pad 30A is eliminated. Also, an esthetically more
acceptable appearance can be provided.
[0059] As shown in the sectional structure of FIG. 4, impact
absorption pad 20A is provided with a protruding region 20C that
protrudes inwards about the upper portion of impact absorption pad
20. Specifically, the thickness of impact absorption pad 20A is
greater at the upper area portion than at the other sidewall
portion. Such a provision of protruding region 20C can reliably
prevent the head region of an infant from bouncing out even when an
external force is applied that causes the head region of the infant
to bounce upwards from the receiving concave since the head region
of the infant will abut against protruding region 20C.
[0060] From the standpoint of obtaining the space that supports the
head region of an infant as well as more reliably preventing the
bounce of the head region, it is preferable that the top of impact
absorption pad 20A is provided to protrude upper than the top of
sidewall 1 of the child equipment (distance H1), as shown in FIG.
4. The reason thereof is set forth below. In the case where a child
seat, a baby car or the like is applied as the child equipment,
particularly when used in a seat position, it is preferable that
the height of sidewall 1 is lower from the standpoint of ensuring
the view of the infant because head guard pad 40A will not be used
since the body size of the infant is big enough. However, when used
in a bed position, the necessity of ensuring the view of the infant
is low since the user who requires the usage of head curve pad 40A
is generally a newborn baby or a baby during the first few months
of life. Therefore, it is preferable from the standpoint of safety
that the height of impact absorption pad 20A is higher than
sidewall 1.
[0061] Although an integral structure may be employed in which
flexible pad 10, impact absorption pad 20A and fixture pad 30A are
coupled to each other or enclosed by the same one cover, a
structure in which flexible pad 10A is provided in a detachable
manner can also be employed so that flexible pad 10A can be removed
when the infant has come to an older age. Also, a divisible
structure can be employed in which flexible pad 10, impact
absorption pad 20A and fixture pad 30A are respectively detachable
with each other.
[0062] In the present embodiment, impact absorption pad 20A and
fixture pad 30A are configured so as to enclose the head of baby
100 at the head top and the temporal region. In the case where only
the side swing of the head of baby 100 is of concern, impact
absorption pad 20A and fixture pad 30A may be configured so as to
sandwich the temporal region of baby 100.
[0063] In the case where flexible pad 10 is provided extending from
the head to the shoulder of baby 100 as shown in FIG. 1, flexible
pad 10 may come into contact with the nose and mouth of baby 100
when baby 100 turns his/her head sideways, resulting in discomfort
in the breathing of infant 100. In view of such a case, flexible
pad 10 can be formed so that the lower portion extends only from
the position corresponding to the nose of baby 100 to enclose only
the head region at the area above thereto, as shown in FIG. 5.
Accordingly, the discomfort when baby 100 turns his/her head
sideways can be eliminated.
[0064] [Second Embodiment]
[0065] A head guard structure and the head guard pad of a child
equipment according to a second embodiment will be described with
reference to FIGS. 6-8. The structure is basically similar to the
structure of the above-described first embodiment. Therefore, only
the difference will be described. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the
child equipment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the entirety of a
head guard pad 40B that will be described afterwards. FIG. 8 is a
sectional view taken in the direction of the arrow of line
VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.
[0066] According to the head guard structure and head guard pad of
a child equipment of the present embodiment, fixture pad 30B is
configured to enclose the head top and temporal region of the head
of baby 100 similar to flexible pad 10A and impact absorption pad
20A, instead of the configuration in which the outer
circumferential plane of fixture pad 30A is in accord with the
inner circumferential plane of sidewall 1. Fixture pad 30B can be
fastened to main unit 1.
[0067] In the above-described first embodiment, the outer
circumferential plane of fixture pad 30A is set along the inner
circumferential plane of sidewall 1 in order to prevent the sideway
swing of flexible pad 10A and impact absorption pad 20A. The
structure of fastening fixture pad 30B to main unit 1 can also
prevent the lateral swing of flexible pad 10A and impact absorption
pad 20A. Specifically, fixture belts 31 and 32 detachable with
respect to each other are provided at the bottom plane of fixture
pad 30B. Fixture belts 31 and 32 are passed through a hole for
fixture (not shown) provided in main unit 1 to be joined together.
Other well known techniques can be applied as to the structure of
fastening fixture pad 30B to main unit 1.
[0068] The position where fixture belts 31 and 32 is provided is
not limited to the one position at the center region of head guard
pad 40B (the state shown in FIG. 6). From the standpoint of
preventing rotation of head guard pad 40B, the belts can be
provided at each of the left and right regions (total of two sites)
of head guard pad 40B. As to the attachment of fixture belts 31 and
32 to the child equipment, a hole provided only for the purpose of
attachment in the main unit can be used instead of using the
already-existing shoulder belt hole.
[0069] [Function Advantage]
[0070] The function and advantage similar to those of the previous
first embodiment can be obtained by employing such a structure of
fixing fixture pad 30B to main unit 1.
[0071] As shown by the sectional structure of FIG. 8, the height of
fixture pad 30B from main unit 1 is set lower than the height of
impact absorption pad 20A from main unit 1 (difference in height
H). Likewise the first embodiment, the oppressive feeling given
from fixture pad 30B can be eliminated. Also, it can give an
esthetically more agreeable appearance. As to the configuration of
the upper portion of impact absorption pad 20A and the height of
impact absorption pad 20A with respect to sidewall 1 of the child
equipment, a structure similar to that of the previous first
embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4 can be employed.
Also, as to the position of the lower portion of flexible pad 10, a
structure similar to that of the previous first embodiment
described with reference to FIG. 5 can be employed.
[0072] Furthermore, although an integral structure in which
flexible pad 10, impact absorption pad 20A and fixture pad 30B are
coupled respectively or enclosed by the same one cover may be
employed similar to the first embodiment, a structure in which
flexible pad 10A is provided in a detachable manner may be employed
so that flexible pad 10A can be removed when the baby has grown.
Also, a divisible structure in which flexible pad 10, impact
absorption pad 20A and fixture pad 30B are detachable with respect
to each other can be employed.
[0073] In the present embodiment, impact absorption pad 20A and
fixture pad 30B are configured so as to cover the head top and
temporal region of the head of baby 100. In the case where only the
lateral movement of the head of baby 100 is of concern, impact
absorption pad 20A and fixture pad 30B may be configured so as to
sandwich the temporal region of baby 100.
[0074] [Third Embodiment]
[0075] A head guard structure and head guard pad of a child
equipment according to a third embodiment will be described with
reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Since the structure is basically
similar to the structure of the previous first and second
embodiments, only the difference will be described. FIG. 9 is a
perspective view of a head guard pad 40C that will be described
afterwards. FIG. 10 is a plan view of head guard pad 40C.
[0076] Head guard pad 40C of the present embodiment is configured
to fill the gap present at the corner region of the child
equipment.
[0077] [Function Advantage]
[0078] The function and advantage similar to those of the previous
first and second embodiments can be obtained even in the case where
head guard pad 40C having the configuration of the above fixture
pad 30C is employed.
[0079] Similar to the first and second embodiments, although an
integral structure in which flexible pad 10A, impact absorption pad
20A and fixture pad 30C are respectively coupled or enclosed by the
same one cover can be employed, a structure in which flexible pad
10A is provided in a detachable manner may be employed so that
flexible pad 10A can be removed when the baby has grown. Also, a
divisible structure in which flexible pad 10A, impact absorption
pad 20A and fixture pad 30C are detachable with respect to each
other can by employed.
[0080] [Fourth Embodiment]
[0081] A head guard structure of a child equipment and a structure
of a head guard pad according to a fourth embodiment will be
described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. Since the structure is
basically similar to that of the above first to third embodiments,
only the difference will be described. FIG. 11 is a perspective
view of a head guard pad 40D that will be described afterwards.
FIG. 12 is a plan view of head guard pad 40D.
[0082] Head guard pad 40D of the present embodiment is directed to
guarding the head top of a baby, employed in the case where the
temporal region of the head of a baby is protected sufficiently by
a temporal region guard member provided in the child equipment.
Impact absorption pad 20A is arranged at the head top side of the
baby so as to protect the head top of the baby. Also, a fixture pad
30D to fill the gap from the child equipment is configured to fill
only the gap at the corner of the child equipment.
[0083] [Function Advantage]
[0084] Usage of head guard pad 40D of the above-described
configuration provides the advantage that no impact will not be
applied, even when an external force in the vertical direction is
applied to the child equipment since flexible pad 10A and impact
absorption pad 20A are provided at the head top portion of baby
100. Impact absorption pad 20A and flexible pad 10A are supported
against the horizontal and vertical movements by fixture pad 30D.
Even in the case where external force is applied obliquely, head
guard pad 40D will not be displaced by virtue of fixture pad 30D.
Thus, impact absorption pad 20A and flexible pad 10A will not be
displaced laterally and vertically. The head of baby 100 will not
bounce up. As a result, the head of a baby 100 can be guarded
securely. The life and the brain of an infant can be protected
without injuries to the skull, cerebral blood vessel, cervical
spine, and the like.
[0085] Likewise the first to third embodiments, although an
integral structure in which flexible pad 10A, impact absorption pad
20A and fixture pad 30D are coupled to each other or enclosed by
the same one cover may be employed, a structure in which flexible
pad 10A is provided in a detachable manner may be employed so that
flexible pad 100A can be removed when the baby has grown. Also, a
divisible structure in which flexible pad 10A, impact absorption
pad 20A and fixture pad 30D are detachable with respect to each
other can be employed.
[0086] [Fifth Embodiment]
[0087] A head guard structure of a child equipment and the
structure of a head guard pad according to a fifth embodiment will
be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. Since the structure
is basically similar to the structure of the above first to fourth
embodiments, only the difference will be described. FIG. 13 is a
perspective view of a head guard pad 40E that will be described
afterwards. FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken in the direction of
the arrow of line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13.
[0088] The fixture pad provided in the head guard pad of each of
the above-described embodiments is suitable in the case where a
relatively large impact is applied to the child equipment. For
example, it is contemplated that a child seat used in a car is
taken as the child equipment. However, in the case of a baby
carrier or the like used indoors, it is assumed that an impact
force as a strong as that to a child seat will not be applied. In
this case, a hollow fixture pad 30E as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 can
be employed as the fixture pad. This fixture pad 30E has a profile
configuration similar to that of the first embodiment.
[0089] [Function Advantage]
[0090] The function and advantage similar to those of the first
embodiment can be obtained by the usage of head guard pad 40E of
the above configuration. Although flexible pad 10A is not shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14, flexible pad 10A can be employed similar to each
of the above embodiments. Although an integral structure in which
flexible pad 10A, impact absorption pad 20A and fixture pad 30E are
coupled to each other or enclosed by the same one cover can be
employed, a structure in which flexible pad 10A is provided in a
detachable manner may be employed so that flexible pad 10A is
removed when the baby has grown. Also, a divisible structure in
which flexible pad 10A, impact absorption pad 20A and fixture pad
30E are detachable with respect to each other can be employed.
[0091] In each of the above embodiments, a mechanism can be
employed in which the attaching position of the head guard pad with
respect to the child equipment can be altered according to the
development of the body height of the baby. Also, a structure of
the head guard pad per se that is extendible with respect to the
direction of the body height of the baby can be applied.
[0092] In each of the above embodiments, description is provided in
which the child equipment has a bed position, and an infant is laid
down therein. A similar function and advantage can be achieved even
when the child equipment takes a seat position.
[0093] The child equipment of each of the above embodiments is also
applicable to a child seat, a baby car, a baby carrier and the
like.
[0094] [Sixth Embodiment]
[0095] Referring to FIGS. 15-18, a child equipment according to a
sixth embodiment of the child equipment of the present embodiment
has a head guard structure applied to a child seat which is a
vehicular child safety seat as an example of the child equipment.
FIG. 15 shows the entirety of a child seat 200 in a first usage
state. FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the
arrow of line XVI-XVI in FIG. 15. FIGS. 17 and 18 show the entirety
of child seat 200 in a second usage state and third usage state,
respectively.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 15, child seat 200 includes a base unit
201, and a seat unit 202 supported rotatably with respect to base
unit 201. Seat unit 202 includes a seat bottom 202a and a backrest
202b. Backrest 202b is provided in a reclining manner with respect
to seat bottom 202a. The illustrated state corresponds to the state
where backrest 202b is most reclined, providing a bed position for
child seat 200. When backrest 202b is at the most upright position,
child seat 200 provides a seat position (not shown).
[0097] On the part of backrest 202b of seat unit 202, head guard
pad 40A described in the first embodiment is provided to guard the
head region of an infant from impact. At the inner side of head
guard pad 40A, flexible pad 50A provided to cover the head top of
the infant and sandwiching the temporal region of the head from
both sides is provided, forming direct contact with the infant's
head. Similar to the first embodiment, head guard pad 40A including
flexible pad 50A are provided with flexible pad 10A provided to
cover the head top of the infant and sandwiching the temporal
region from both sides, impact absorption pad 20A as an impact
absorption layer at the outer side of flexible pad 10A, covering
the head top of the baby and sandwiching the temporal region from
both sides, similar to flexible pad 10A, and fixture pad 30A having
an outer circumferential plane in accord with the inner
circumferential plane of backrest 20b so as to fill the gap between
impact absorption pad 20A and backrest 202b, functioning as a
fixture member to inhibit relative position displacement between
impact absorption pad 20A and backrest 202b in the horizontal
direction and vertical direction. The remaining basic structure is
similar to that of the above-described head guard pad 40A.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 16, a position displacement inhibit member
210 functioning as a position displacement inhibit means for
preventing position displacement between the bottom plane of base
201 and the seat of the vehicle is provided so as to cover the
bottom plane of a base unit 201 in the present embodiment.
[0099] This position displacement inhibit member 210 includes a
plane portion 210a covering the entire bottom plane of base unit
201, and a side portion 210b extending upright from plane portion
210a to surround the outer perimeter of base unit 201. Plane
portion 210a has the surface of a core 210c covered by a clad 210d.
Side portion 210b is formed by clad 210d. A cushion-like foam
material, for example AE polyethylene, is selected for core 210c.
For clad 210d, a non-slip material including polyester and vinyl
chloride resin is used. Clad 210d requires the property that the
friction coefficient between position displacement inhibit member
210 and the seat of the vehicle is greater than the friction
coefficient between the member forming the bottom plane of base
unit 201 and the seat of the vehicle.
[0100] [Function Advantage]
[0101] According to child seat 200 of the present embodiment, no
impact will be applied, even in the case where an external force in
the horizontal direction and the vertical direction is applied to
child seat 200 since the head of the infant is enclosed by head
guard pad 40A. Also, the provision of position displacement inhibit
member 210 to inhibit position displacement of child seat 200 with
respect to the seat of the vehicle also avoids the impact to the
infant's head caused by the movement of child seat 200 per se.
[0102] Since head guard pad 40A will not be shifted in child seat
200, head guard pad 40A will not move laterally. The head of the
infant will not bounce up. As a result, the infant's head can be
guarded securely. The life and brain of an infant can be guarded
without injuries to the skull, cerebral blood vessel, cervical
spine and the like.
[0103] By removing flexible pad 50A of head guard pad 40A according
to the growth of the infant, the mode shown in FIG. 17 can be
employed. Also, flexible pad 10A can be removed to employ the mode
shown in FIG. 18. Furthermore, impact absorption pad 20A and
fixture pad 30A can be provided in a detachable manner with respect
to child seat 200. It is also possible to form impact absorption
pad 20A and fixture pad 30A in an integral piece.
[0104] A similar function and advantage can be obtained by applying
the head guard pad shown in FIGS. 2-5 to child seat 200 including
position displacement inhibit member 210 of the present
embodiment.
[0105] From the standpoint of improving the permeability, a
structure in which a plurality of through holes are provided at
each pad of each of the above embodiments can be employed. Also, a
structure in which a trench is provided extending up and down,
vertically at the surface of the pad at the head side can also be
employed.
[0106] Although head guard pad 40A is no longer required when the
infant grows so that child seat 200 is always used in a seat
position, position displacement inhibit member 210 can still be
used. Since unnecessary movement of child seat 200 is eliminated
even when the grown infant uses child seat 200, the head of the
infant can be protected.
[0107] Each of the disclosed embodiment is only a way of example
and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The scope of the
present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by
the description above. All changes that fall within limits and
bounce of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds are
therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.
[0108] Industrial Applicability According to the child equipment of
the present invention, the fixture member will not be displaced
with respect to the child equipment. Therefore, the impact
absorption layer and flexible pad will not move laterally or
vertically. The head of an infant will not bounce up. As a result,
the infant's head can be protected securely. The life and brain of
an infant can be protected without injuries to the skull, cerebral
blood vessel, cervical spine, and the like. Therefore, the present
invention is applicable to all child equipments such as a child
seat, a baby car, a baby carrier, and the like.
* * * * *