U.S. patent application number 10/767553 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for booster cushion.
Invention is credited to Almqvist, Lars, Kihlberg, Rasmus.
Application Number | 20040239166 10/767553 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32605515 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040239166 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kihlberg, Rasmus ; et
al. |
December 2, 2004 |
Booster cushion
Abstract
The invention relates to a a vehicular seat booster cushion (1)
for a permanent vehicle seat (6) and being provided with a first
sitting surface (2) for accommodating an occupant (7) and a first
resting surface (12; 14) adapted to be positioned on said seat (6)
in a first position of said booster cushion (1), said first sitting
surface (2) extending generally along a plane which is at a first
distance (d.sub.1) from said first resting surface (12; 14). The
booster cushion (1) is also provided with a second sitting surface
(3) for accommodating an occupant and a second resting surface (13;
15) adapted to be positioned on said seat (6) in a second position
of said booster cushion (1), said second sitting surface (3)
extending generally along a plane which is at a second distance
(d.sub.2) from said second resting surface (13; 15), and wherein
said first distance (d.sub.1) and said second distance (d.sub.2)
are different, so as to be used by occupants (7) of different
height. By means of the invention, a practical booster cushion
which can be used in a safe manner for children between the
approximate age of 3-10 years is provided.
Inventors: |
Kihlberg, Rasmus; (Goteborg,
SE) ; Almqvist, Lars; (Billdal, SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
SUITE 600 - PARKLANE TOWERS EAST
ONE PARKLANE BLVD.
DEARBORN
MI
48126
US
|
Family ID: |
32605515 |
Appl. No.: |
10/767553 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/250.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/2866 20130101;
B60N 2/2812 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/250.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 001/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 29, 2003 |
EP |
03445017.1 |
Claims
1. A vehicular seat booster cushion (1) for a permanent vehicle
seat (6) and being provided with a first sitting surface (2) for
accommodating an occupant (7) and a first resting surface (12; 14)
adapted to be positioned on said seat (6) in a first position of
said booster cushion (1), said first sitting surface (2) extending
generally along a plane which is at a first distance (d.sub.1) from
said first resting surface (12; 14), characterized in that the
booster cushion (1) is also provided with a second sitting surface
(3) for accommodating an occupant and a second resting surface (13;
15) adapted to be positioned on said seat (6) in a second position
of said booster cushion (1), said second sitting surface (3)
extending generally along a plane which is at a second distance
(d.sub.2) from said second resting surface (13; 15), and wherein
said first distance (d.sub.1) and said second distance (d.sub.2)
are different, so as to be used by occupants (7) of different
height.
2. Booster cushion (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that
it is equipped with first belt guide means (16; 18; 21) for
receiving a lap portion (10) of a seat belt (8) which is intended
to be used when said occupant (7) sits on the first sitting surface
(2), and second belt guide means (17; 19; 22) for receiving said
lap portion (10) when said occupant (7) sits on the second sitting
surface (3).
3. Booster cushion (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that
said first and second belt guide means (18; 19) are arranged to be
pivotally fastened to the booster cushion (1), enabling said first
belt guide means (18) to pivot into an operational position for
receiving said lap portion (10) when said occupant (7) sits on the
first sitting surface (2) and enabling said second belt guide means
(19) to pivot into an operational position for receiving said lap
portion (10) when said occupant (7) sits on the second sitting
surface (3).
4. Booster cushion (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that
said first and second belt guide means (21, 22) are arranged to be
slidably fastened to the booster cushion (1) enabling said first
belt guide means (21) to slide in a generally vertical direction
into a first operational position for receiving said lap portion
(10) when said occupant (7) sits on the first sitting surface (2)
and enabling said second belt guide means (22) to slide into a
further operational position for receiving said lap portion (10)
when said occupant (7) sits on the second sitting surface (3).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to a vehicular booster cushion for a
permanent vehicle seat and being provided with a first sitting
surface for accommodating an occupant and a first resting surface
adapted to be positioned on said seat in a first position of said
booster cushion, said first sitting surface extending generally
along a plane which is at a first distance from said first resting
surface.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In the field of motor vehicles, there has been a steady
development of various types of interior fittings and equipment for
the safety and comfort of the occupants of a vehicle.
[0003] Especially, concerning child safety, many types of safety
seats and cots for children have been developed. Since a child
grows quite quickly from birth to early teenage, many kinds of
safety devices are necessary during this period. A newly born child
does not sit upright in a chair, but is lying in a cot or cradle
which is secured to a permanent vehicle seat when the child is
transported in the vehicle. Various types of cots or cradles are
available for this purpose.
[0004] When the child's age has reached approximately 9 months, it
can sit upright and special safety seats are used for children of
this age. These safety seats are provided with their own safety
straps or seat belts and are normally positioned in such a way that
the child sitting in the seat has its back facing towards the
direction of travel, i.e. the seat is secured to a permanent
vehicle seat in such a way that the child sitting in the seat is
facing the rear of the vehicle. In a manner which is previously
known, the vehicle's permanent seat belt is used for mounting the
child's safety seat to said permanent seat. Furthermore, it can be
suitable to turn a safety seat of this type so that the child faces
the forward direction of travel when the child is 3-4 years.
[0005] When the child's age has reached approximately 4-5 years,
the safety seats mentioned above are too small to accommodate the
child in a safe and comfortable way. At this age, special booster
cushions are used, enabling the child to be seated slightly higher
than the seat surface so that a permanent seat belt mounted in the
vehicle can be used by the child. As the child grows, different
sizes of the booster cushions must be used in order to provide the
correct belt geometry for the child. More precisely, the aim is to
lift the child to get the shoulder part of the seat belt correctly
placed on the child's shoulder. Also, the booster cushion is used
so as to hold the lap part of the seat belt in a correct position.
In this manner, a situation in which the child slides under the
belt in a collision situation (so-called "submarining") can be
avoided. The latter function may be accomplished by means of belt
guides, as shown in U.S. patent application no. US 2001/0000638
A1.
[0006] Later, when the child has reached adult size, no kind of
special equipment is needed, and the normal safety arrangements in
the vehicle are sufficient.
[0007] In the patent document GB 2256364 A, a child safety seat
arrangement is disclosed. The seat is of a convertible type which
is first arranged to work as a cot, then as a safety seat provided
with its own safety straps. Finally, it may be arranged to work as
a booster cushion.
[0008] The booster cushion described in GB 2256364 is however only
suitable for a small child. As a child grows from 3-4 years of age
to about 10 years of age, the booster cushion will have to be
replaced in order to maintain correct belt geometry. This is
obviously a disadvantage since it is costly to replace a booster
cushion suitable for a small child with a new booster cushion as
the child grows up.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved booster cushion, which can be used in a safe manner by
children of different sizes.
[0010] The above-mentioned objects are accomplished by means of a
booster cushion of the type initially mentioned, in which the
booster cushion is also provided with a second sitting surface for
accommodating an occupant and a second resting surface adapted to
be positioned on said seat in a second position of said booster
cushion, said second sitting surface extending generally along a
plane which is at a second distance from said second resting
surface, and wherein said first distance and said second distance
are different, so as to be used by occupants of different
height.
[0011] By means of the invention, certain advantages are obtained.
Firstly, it can be noted that the same booster cushion can be used
in a safe manner for children between the approximate age of 3-10
years, which is an advantage as regards the cost for the owner of
the cushion. Also, the invention is practical since it can be used
by several children (of different height) for example in the same
family.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] In the following text, the invention will be described in
detail with reference to the attached drawings. These drawings are
used for illustration only and do not in any way limit the scope of
the invention. In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a booster
cushion according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a child using said booster cushion.
[0015] FIG. 3a shows a front view of a booster cushion according to
the invention, in a first position.
[0016] FIG. 3b shows a front view of the booster cushion of FIG.
3a, but in a second position.
[0017] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a booster
cushion equipped with belt guides.
[0018] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a booster
cushion which is equipped with belt guides that are pivotally
arranged.
[0019] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the booster cushion shown in
FIG. 5.
[0020] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the booster cushion in FIG.
5.
[0021] FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a booster
cushion equipped with belt guides that are slidably arranged;
and
[0022] FIG. 9 shows a front view of the booster cushion in FIG.
8.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] In the following, an embodiment of the present invention
will be described in detail. With reference to FIG. 1, there is
shown a booster cushion 1 which is intended for use in a vehicle,
for example a private car, in order to provide the correct belt
geometry for a child from the approximate age 3-4 years and up to
approximately 10 years. FIG. 1 shows the booster cushion 1
according to the invention in its most general form, having a
first, top sitting surface 2 and a second, bottom sitting surface
3, which sitting surfaces are placed on opposite sides of the
booster cushion 1. The booster cushion 1 is also provided with two
side sections 4, 5 which are intented to rest against another
surface, suitably in the form of a conventional vehicle seat. Such
a vehicle seat is indicated by means of reference numeral 6 in FIG.
1.
[0024] As will be described in greater detail below, the present
invention relies on the general principle that the booster cushion
1 can be placed in either one of two positions, i.e. a first
position (shown in FIG. 1) using the first sitting surface 2 as an
upper surface on which a user may sit, or a second position by
simply turning the booster cushion 1 so that the second sitting
surface 3 defines an upper surface on which a user may sit.
Depending on which position is chosen, a distance will be defined
between the plane defined by the vehicle seat 6 and the first
sitting surface 2 or second sitting surface 3. Also, the two
surfaces 2, 3 extend along two generally parallel planes which are
also generally parallel to the plane defined by the upper surface
of the vehicle seat 6.
[0025] The invention is based on the fact that said distances
differ from each other, so that the same booster cushion 1 can be
used for users of a first height when using the first sitting
surface 2 as a top surface, and for users of a second height when
using the second sitting surface 3 as a top surface. The choice of
switching from using either the first or second sitting surface as
a sitting surface is done by simply turning the booster cushion 1
upside down.
[0026] In FIG. 2, a child 7 is shown using said booster cushion 1,
which in turn is placed on a permanent vehicle seat 6, for example
the rear seat of a conventional car. In a known manner, the vehicle
is provided with a conventional, permanently mounted vehicle seat
belt 8 to be used by the child 7 sitting in the vehicle seat 6. The
seat belt 8 has a shoulder part 9 and a lap part 10.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the booster cushion 1 is arranged so
that its first sitting surface 2 is used as an upper surface on
which the child sits. In this manner, the first sitting surface 2
defines a distance d.sub.1 to the upper surface of the vehicle seat
6 which is suitable for raising the child 7 to a height which is
necessary with respect to the position of the seat belt 8. This
means that the child 8 is now given the most optimal protection by
means of the seat belt 8.
[0028] Assuming that the booster cushion 1 was to be used by
another, taller child, the booster cushion 1 could be used in an
upside down position, i.e. a second operational position wherein
the second sitting surface 3 would be used as a sitting surface for
the child in question. This will now be explained in greater detail
with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b, which show a preferred
embodiment of the booster cushion 1 according to the invention in a
first position and a second position, respectively.
[0029] FIG. 3a indicates that the booster cushion 1 is shaped in
such a way that the above-mentioned first distance d.sub.1 is
defined with respect to the upper surface of the vehicle seat 6. In
a similar manner, FIG. 3b indicates that the booster cushion 1 is
shaped so that a second distance d.sub.2 is defined with respect to
the upper surface of the vehicle seat 6. In this manner, a option
between a sitting height corresponding to the distance d.sub.1 or
d.sub.2 is provided depending on which one of the sitting surfaces
2, 3 that is positioned to face upwards. Two different vertical
positions of the booster cushion 1 with respect to the mounting
position of the seat belt of the vehicle are provided. First,
according to FIG. 3a, when the first sitting surface 2 is
positioned to face upwards, the first distance d.sub.1 is used,
lifting the child to a first vertical position with respect to the
mounting position of the seat belt of the vehicle. Furthermore, the
booster cushion 1 is turned in such a way that the second sitting
surface 3 is positioned to face upwards, as shown in FIG. 3b. Then
the second distance d.sub.2 is used, lifting the child to a second
vertical position with respect to the mounting positions of the
seat belt of the vehicle. The second distance d.sub.2 of the
booster cushion is less than the first distance d.sub.1, which
means that the position shown in FIG. 3b is more suitable for
taller children than the position shown in FIG. 3a.
[0030] With reference to FIG. 3a, the booster cushion 1 is designed
in such a manner that it comprises the above-mentioned side
sections 4, 5, i.e. a first side section 4 and a second side
section 5, which are positioned on each side of a central section
defining the first sitting surface 2 and the second sitting surface
3. The first side section 4 comprises a first resting surface 12
and a second resting surface 13. In a similar manner, the second
side section 5 comprises a first resting surface 14 and a second
resting surface 15. The first resting surfaces 12, 14 are intended
to rest on the vehicle seat 6 when the cushion 1 is positioned as
shown in FIG. 3a, whereas the second resting surfaces 13, 15 are
intended to rest against the vehicle seat 6 when the cushion 1 is
positioned as shown in FIG. 3b. This means that the first distance
d.sub.1 corresponds to a distance between the first sitting surface
2 and the first resting surfaces 12, 14, in a direction generally
perpendicular to the vehicle seat 6 surface, whereas the second
distance d.sub.2 corresponds to a distance between the second
sitting surface 3 and the second resting surfaces 13, 15, also in a
direction generally perpendicular to the vehicle seat 6
surface.
[0031] In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the booster
cushion 1 is equipped with two belt guide pairs 16, 17 for
receiving the lap part 10 (see also FIG. 2) of a seat belt. The lap
part 10 is indicated with broken lines in FIG. 4. More precisely,
the booster cushion 1 comprises a first pair of belt guides 16
which are formed as hooks or similar protrusions, which are
positioned on each one of the side sections 4, 5 and are intended
to be used when a person sits on the first sitting surface 2. The
booster cushion 1 also comprises a second pair of belt guides 17
being formed in the same manner as the first part of belt guides 16
and being intended to be used when the booster cushion 1 is turned
upside down and a person sits on the second sitting surface 3. The
intention of the belt guides 16, 17 is to guide the lap part 10 of
the seat belt in a proper way, preventing the child sitting on the
booster cushion 1 to slide under the lap part 10 of the seat belt
in the event of a collision. In this manner, a high degree of
safety is provided for the child.
[0032] A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5. In
this embodiment, the booster cushion 1 is provided with an
alternative set of belt guides in the form of two pairs of slightly
curved elements 18, 19 which in this case are arranged on the sides
of the booster cushion 1 and are pivotally arranged around an
imaginary axis 20 extending generally transverse to the
longitudinal direction of the booster cushion 1. The curved
elements 18, 19 can be pivoted as indicated by means of an arrow in
FIG. 5. Thus, the first pair of belt guides 18 that corresponds to
the first sitting surface 2 that is facing upwards as seen in FIG.
5 is positioned correctly so that a lap part 10 of a seat belt can
be positioned in a safe manner with reference to a child sitting on
the booster cushion 1. The second pair of belt guides 19, which
belongs to the second sitting surface 3 that is facing downwards,
has been positioned is such a way that it is resting on the surface
of the vehicle seat (not shown in FIG. 5) at generally the same
level as the first end surfaces 12, 14 as shown in FIG. 3a. When
the booster cushion 1 is turned in such a way that the second
sitting surface 3 is positioned to face upwards (not shown), the
first and second pair of belt guides 18, 19 rotate around the axis
20 in such a way that the second pair of belt guides 19 that
corresponds to the second sitting surface 3 is positioned correctly
so as to receive said lap part 10. The first pair of belt guides
18, which corresponds to the first sitting surface 2 that now is
facing downwards, has been positioned in such a way that it is
resting on the sitting surface of the vehicle seat, thus not
interfering with the vertical thickness or sitting comfort of the
booster cushion 1.
[0033] It can consequently be noted that the belt guides 18, 19 as
shown in FIG. 5 can be adapted in a suitable way so as to receive
the lap part 10 of the seat belt. In this manner, the seat belt can
be used in a safe manner by an occupant using the booster cushion
1.
[0034] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the booster cushion 1 as shown
in FIG. 5. It can be noted that the belt guides 18, 19 are
preferably interconnected so that the positioning of each lower
belt guide 19 determines the position of the corresponding upper
belt guide 18. More precisely, when the booster cushion 1 is
positioned on a vehicle seat 6, the lower belt guide 19 will rest
upon the surface of the vehicle seat 6. Due to the fact that the
belt guides 18, 19 are pivotally arranged about the axis 20, the
upper belt guide 18 will be forced to an upper position in which a
lap part 10 of a seat belt can be positioned inside the upper belt
guide 18 as indicated by means of broken lines. In a corresponding
manner, when the booster cushion 1 is turned upside down as
described above, the belt guides 18, 19 will be changed to the
position which is indicated with reference numerals 18', 19',
respectively, and broken lines.
[0035] In FIG. 7, a front view of the booster cushion in FIGS. 5
and 6 is shown. The full and broken lines as shown in FIG. 6, and
which indicate the two positions of the belt guides 18, 19, are
also indicated in FIG. 7. Furthermore, FIG. 7 teaches that the belt
guides 18, 19 are inclined in such a way that the adaptation to the
child's size is not only in height, but in width as well. In FIG.
7, the booster cushion 1 is turned in such a way that the first
sitting surface 2 is positioned to face upwards. The first vertical
distance d.sub.1 is thus used, lifting the child to a first
vertical position with respect to the vehicle seat and the mounting
positions of the seat belt of the vehicle. As the first distance
d.sub.1 is greater than the second distance d.sub.2, this position
is suited for a smaller child than the position where the second
distance d.sub.2 is used. It is also evident that this position is
not only suitable for a child that is smaller in height, but
smaller in width as well due to the inclination of the belt guides
18, 19. With reference to FIG. 7, it can be noted that the distance
between the upper portions of the first pair of belt guides 18 can
be said to define a width w.sub.1 therebetween. In the operational
position shown, the cushion 1 is suitable for a child of relatively
small body size. This means that the belt guides 18 will be placed
relatively closely to the user's body, so that the seat belt may
give optimal protection. When the cushion 1 is in its second
operational position, i.e. with the cushion 1 being turned and the
user sitting on the second sitting surface 3, the end portions of
each of the second pair of belt guides 19' define a second width
w.sub.2 therebetween. In such a second operational position, the
cushion 1 is suitable for a child having a larger body size, the
second pair of belt guides 19' being positioned relatively closely
to the user's body.
[0036] When the child grows and the booster cushion is turned (not
shown) in order to use the second distance d.sub.2, which is
suitable for a larger child, this position is not only adjusted for
a child that is larger in height, but larger in width as well due
to the inclination of the belt guides 18, 19.
[0037] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, the booster cushion
1 comprises belt guides 21, 22 which are slidably arranged. More
precisely, the belt guides 21, 22 are arranged on each side of the
booster cushion 1 in a manner so that they may slide in a generally
vertical direction as indicated by means of arrows in FIG. 8. This
sliding motion is obtained by providing holding devices 23, 24
mounted on each side of the booster cushion 1. Thus, the first belt
guides 21 which are used when the first sitting surface 2 is used
protrude upwards in a manner so that they may receive the lap part
10 of a vehicle seat belt. The second pair of belt guides 22, which
are used when the second sitting surface 3 is used, have been
positioned is such a way that they are resting on the surface of
the vehicle seat 6. When the booster cushion 1 is turned in such a
way that the second sitting surface 3 is positioned to face upwards
(not shown), the first and second pair of belt guides 21, 22 slide
in their holders 23, 24, respectively, in such a way that the
second pair of belt guides 22 that corresponds to the second
sitting surface 3 being used is facing upwards so as to receive the
lap part 10. The first pair of belt guides 21, which belongs to the
first sitting surface 2 that now is facing downwards, has been
positioned is such a way that it is resting on the sitting surface
of the vehicle seat 6.
[0038] In FIG. 9, a front view of the booster cushion 1 in FIG. 8
is shown. Here it is shown that the belt guides 21, 22 are inclined
in such a way that the adaptation to the child's size is not only
in height, but in width as well. This adaptation works in the same
manner as described above for the booster cushion with belt guides
that are pivotally arranged, as shown in FIG. 7. The principle
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, involving inclining belt guides defining a
first width w.sub.1 and a second width w.sub.2 (see in particular
FIG. 7) can be implemented also in the embodiment shown in FIG.
4.
[0039] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described,
but can be modified within the scope of the appended claims. For
example, the booster cushion described may also be used for adults
which are too small for using the permanent seat belts of the
vehicle.
[0040] Finally, the present invention is not limited to use in
vehicles such as private cars, but is also suitable for other types
of vehicles, such as trucks and buses, and also aeroplanes.
* * * * *