U.S. patent application number 12/093945 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-10 for neck roll for baby seats.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hamax AS. Invention is credited to Einar Stubberud.
Application Number | 20090222990 12/093945 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37084854 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090222990 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stubberud; Einar |
September 10, 2009 |
NECK ROLL FOR BABY SEATS
Abstract
When carrying babies or small children in motor vehicles or on
bicycles, many people install and use a baby or child's seat (3)
for the increased safety of the baby or child, and the peace of
mind this brings. Typically, such baby seats (3) are provided with
a three point, "Y" shaped, harness (2) for securing the baby in
position. Whilst such a harness (2) means that the baby or small
child is secure in the seat (3), the effects of acceleration and
deceleration as well as movement left and right of the vehicle are
not addressed. In order to improve the ride comfort to the baby, in
addition to supporting the neck and head, a neck roll (1) is
proposed which can be fitted to any three point harness (2) or baby
seat (3). This neck roll (1) both stops the baby's head from
rocking left and right during travel, as well as giving support
during acceleration of the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Stubberud; Einar; (Moss,
NO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
Hamax AS
Krakeroy
NO
|
Family ID: |
37084854 |
Appl. No.: |
12/093945 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
November 24, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB05/03533 |
371 Date: |
October 1, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/644 ;
5/636 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2002/2896 20130101;
B60N 2/2851 20130101; B60N 2/882 20180201 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/644 ;
5/636 |
International
Class: |
A47C 16/00 20060101
A47C016/00; A47C 7/38 20060101 A47C007/38; A47C 7/18 20060101
A47C007/18 |
Claims
1. A neck roll for supporting the neck and head of a baby or child,
wherein: the neck roll is shaped with a middle section, which has
two projecting arms at each end, these arms are offset at an angle
to the middle section, so as to form a generally "U" or "C"-shaped
configuration to the roll, the neck roll being adapted such that
when the head and neck of the baby or child rests on the middle
section, the two projecting arms are located either side of the
head; a plurality of fastening mechanisms are provided attached to
the neck roll, which are adapted to secure the roll in an
appropriate position for accepting the baby or child's head.
2. The neck roll of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of
straps which have one end removably attachable to the fastening
mechanism of the neck roll, and a second fastening mechanism
attached to the second end of each of the straps.
3. A neck roll for supporting the neck and head of a baby or child,
wherein: the neck roll is shaped with a middle section, which has
two projecting arms at each end, these arms are offset at an angle
to the middle section, so as to form a generally "U" or "C"-shaped
configuration to the roll, the neck roll being adapted such that
when the head and neck of the baby or child rests on the middle
section, the two projecting arms are located either side of the
head; a plurality of straps are provided attached to the neck roll
with fastening mechanisms attached to the free end of the strap,
the fastening mechanisms being adapted to secure the roll in an
appropriate position for accepting the baby, or child's head.
4. The neck roll of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of fastening
mechanisms are adapted so as to be attachable to the upper straps
of a three point, or "Y"-shaped harness.
5. The neck roll of claim l, wherein: the plurality of fastening
mechanisms are adapted so as to be attachable to straps or fixing
points provided on a baby or child's seat.
6. The neck roll of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of fastening
mechanisms comprise textile or plastic loops, in particular rigid
plastic loops.
7. The neck roll of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of fastening
mechanisms comprise clips.
8. The neck roll of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of fastening
mechanisms comprise simple loops, which are integrally formed with
the neck roll out of the same material as the external surface.
9. The neck roll of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of fastening
mechanisms are attached to the neck roll at or close to its upper
forward side, as viewed when positioned around the neck of the baby
or child.
10. The neck roll of claim 1, wherein: the neck roll is comprised
of an inflatable cushion made from a plastic sheet, textile sheet,
a laminate of plastic and textile or the like, and is provided with
a valve.
11. The neck roll of claim 1, wherein: the neck roll is comprised
of a high density foam or foam-like substance.
12. The neck roll of claim 3, wherein: the fastening mechanisms are
adapted so as to be attachable to the upper straps of a three
point, or "Y"-shaped harness.
13. The neck roll of claim 3, wherein: the fastening mechanisms are
adapted so as to be attachable to straps or fixing points provided
on a baby or child's seat.
14. The neck roll of claim 3, wherein: the fastening mechanisms
comprise textile or plastic loops, in particular rigid plastic
loops.
15. The neck roll of claim 3, wherein: the fastening mechanisms
comprise clips.
16. The neck roll of claim 3, wherein: the fastening mechanisms
comprise simple loops, which are integrally formed with the neck
roll out of the same material as the external surface.
17. The neck roll of claim 3, wherein: the fastening mechanisms are
attached to the neck roll at or close to its upper forward side, as
viewed when positioned around the neck of the baby or child.
Description
[0001] The current invention relates to a neck roll or cushion for
integrating with a child's seat, and for supporting the head and
neck of a child.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Child or baby seats, hereinafter referred to simply as baby
seats, are used in a variety of different environments, to provide
a safe and secure method of carrying a baby or child. Baby seats
can be provided for integration with the affixed seats in a motor
vehicle, as these are typically not designed with the safe
transportation of babies and children in mind. Additionally,
bicycles and motorcycles can be provided with carriers and the
like, to which baby seats can be attached. The main method of
securing a child within these seats, is by means of a three point
harness. Such a harness typically has a "Y" shaped configuration,
with two upper straps being attached to the seat and positioned
either side of the child or baby's head, with the third being
attached and positioned between the legs of the child.
[0003] Whilst the above configuration is excellent for carrying
babies and children safely, the harness is essentially designed
with securing the passenger to the seat. What is not considered by
such a design, is the comfort of the baby or child in the seat.
When a baby or child is carried in a car on a motorbike or on a
cycle, there are considerable acceleration and deceleration effects
from the travelling: as the vehicle stops and starts, the baby is
forced back and forth within the carrying seat. Further, when the
vehicle travels around corners or changes lane, the child is moved
left and right as a result of inertia. Such induced motion on the
baby or child, does not often effect its main body, as this is held
within the harness, but is often quite significant to the child's
head. Such motion is particularly bad for babies and small
children, as their necks are quite weak which can lead to excessive
head movement.
[0004] It is an object of the current invention, therefore, to
provide a neck support for a child or baby, which can be integrated
with any three point "Y" harness. It is desirable that such a
support can be readily attached to any such harness, so that it
could be used in any environment where a harness is fitted. It is a
further object of the invention, to provide a neck support for a
child or baby, which can be integrated with a baby seat attached to
either a motorbike or cycle, or contained within a motor
vehicle.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,152 discloses a cushioning device, which
is designed to be attached to the two straps of a harness for a
child's seat. This device is intended to provide the child with a
soft, cushioned surface either side of its head, and to stop the
potential rubbing and discomfort that could arise from the harness
straps. U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,037 is directed toward a headrest
designed to reduce the sideways motion of an infant's head during
motion of the vehicle. Two projecting cushions are provided which
are designed to be positioned either side of the baby or child's
head. GB 2 198 341, describes an inflatable cushion which is
designed to be worn by passengers of motor vehicles, and is
intended to support their chins if they fall asleep and stop their
heads from falling too far forward.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The above detailed problems are solved by the neck roll
according to claim 1, with the dependent claims thereof giving
preferred embodiments to the invention.
[0007] A neck roll for supporting the neck and head of a baby or
child, is provided, wherein: the neck roll is shaped with a middle
section, which has two projecting arms at each end. These arms are
offset at an angle to the middle section, so as to form a generally
"U" or "C"-shaped configuration to the roll. The neck roll is
adapted, such that when the head and neck of the baby or child
rests on the middle section, the two projecting arms are located
either side of the head. Additionally, a plurality of fastening
mechanisms are provided attached to the neck roll. These are
adapted to secure the roll in an appropriate position for accepting
the baby or child's head.
[0008] A further embodiment is given by the neck roll according to
claim 3, with the dependent claims thereof giving preferred
embodiments to the invention. This differs from the neck roll
according to claim 1, in that there are provided a plurality of
straps attached to the neck roll. These straps have fastening
mechanisms attached to their free end, with these fastening
mechanisms being adapted to secure the roll in an appropriate
position for accepting the baby or child's head.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a neck roll which is attached
to the straps of a three point harness in a baby seat.
[0010] FIG. 2 details a second embodiment of the neck roll, wherein
straps are provided for attachment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0011] With reference to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a neck roll (1)
for attachment to a three point, or "Y"-shaped, harness (2) of a
baby seat (3) can be seen. Obviously, the neck roll (1) can be
attached to any three point harness (2), and this need not be
attached to a baby's seat (3). As can be seen from the figure, the
neck roll (1) is shaped to include a middle section (4), which has
two projecting arms (5) located at either end of this middle
section (4). These arms (5) are integral to the middle section (4)
and are offset at an angle, such that they reach round either side
of a baby's head when the middle section (4) is positioned behind
the head in support of the neck. In other words: the neck roll (1)
is in a general "U" or "C" shape, with a longer flatter middle
section (4) between the arms (5). Such a specific shape is not only
directed to providing the baby's head with side support for vehicle
motion in a side to side direction, but is also intended to provide
specific neck support to help take the weight of the baby or
child's head, whilst also providing support for acceleration
induced motion.
[0012] The neck roll (1), as shown in FIG. 1, is pictured as being
positioned behind the two upper straps in the harness (2).
Obviously, depending upon the harness (2), and in particular where
the two straps are affixed in relation to the baby's head, it is
possible for the roll (1) to be positioned in front of the two
straps.
[0013] The neck roll (1) according to FIG. 1, has two fastening
mechanisms (6), seen in the figure as simple loops. This is not
intended as a limitation, and indeed any number of fastening
mechanisms (6) can be provided as appropriate. These loops are
provided for the straps of the harness (2) to be threaded through,
thereby securing the neck roll (1) to the harness (2). It is
possible for these fastening mechanisms (6) to be attached in a
position, more toward the front side of the neck roll (1), as
viewed when the neck roll (1) is in position around the baby or
child's head. Such a provision, means that the roll (1) will tend
not to be rotated from its desired position by the straps of the
harness (2), but will be able to lie flat against the back of the
baby seat (3) or wherever the neck roll (1) is fitted.
[0014] Clearly the provision of simple loops for fastening, allows
the roll (1) some leeway in its actual position along the length of
the harness straps. The loops can either be formed from the same
material making up the roll (1), or could be provided as textile or
rigid plastic loops which are attached or integrated with the neck
roll (1). Other fastening mechanisms (6) are also envisaged as
being possible for attaching the roll (1) to the harness (2). Such
mechanisms could, for example, comprise: an open plastic loop,
which is permanently fixed to the roll (1), but which can be hooked
onto the harness strap, thereby giving a more readily removable
neck roll (1). A modification to this, would be to provide an "S"
shaped fixing mechanism (6), wherein the harness strap is designed
to pass under the upper and lower sections of the "S", and over the
middle section; or vice versa. This mechanism (6) would, again, be
permanently fixed to the roll (1), and provide a readily attachable
and detachable neck roll (1). Further, it would lead to the roll
(1) being more firmly positioned at one point along the strap, as
the increased frictional contact would tend to hold it in place. A
further fixing mechanism (6), could be in the form of a clip,
whereby the strap of the harness (6) is tightly held between the
two arms of the gripper. Again, this would lead to a readily
removable roll (1), but one that could be more securely fixed to a
position on the strap.
[0015] Whilst the above neck roll (1) embodiment has been disclosed
as being used for attaching to the straps making up the three point
harness (2), it is clear that the roll (1) need not be attached to
this. If the neck roll (1) were to be used in conjunction with a
baby's seat (3), it would be possible for it to be attached to
straps which were provided on the seat (3) itself, which could be
being used for another purpose, or could in fact be provided for
the specific attachment of a neck roll (1). Certain designs of
seats (3), may provide the harness (2) in such a position that it
is impractical to attach the roll (1) to it, and so these extra
straps could be used for attachment. Should no specific straps
exists, it would be possible to integrate the neck roll (1) with
straps which could be attached to the seat (3) in a permanent or
removable manner.
[0016] A second embodiment of the neck roll (1), is shown in FIG.
2. In this particular embodiment, the fastening mechanisms (6),
which can include any of the examples given in relation to
embodiment 1, are attached to the end of fixing straps (7). These
straps (7) are shown permanently attached to the neck roll (1),
although it is clear that they could be provided as separate straps
and affixed to the fixing mechanism (6) of the neck roll (1)
according to embodiment 1, in order to increase the flexibility of
the design. Furthermore, it is envisaged the straps (7) can be
adjusted in length, by means of any standard mechanism known in the
art for achieving such. Whilst two straps are shown, this is not
intended as a limitation, and indeed any number of straps (7) can
be provided as appropriate.
[0017] As with the first embodiment, the fastening mechanisms (6)
at the end of the straps (7) are intended for attachment either to
a section of the three point harness (2), or to some fastening
point provided on the baby seat (3). Clearly, if this roll (1) is
not being used with a baby seat (3), for example it is provided for
a child's use in a vehicle, the fastening mechanisms (6) could be
used to attach the roll (1) to any appropriate straps or fixing
points.
[0018] As a further option, the two sets of fastening mechanisms
(6), that is: those attached directly to the neck roll (1) or to
straps (7) attached to the neck roll (1), could readily be combined
to provide a neck roll (1) with four fastening mechanisms (6). This
could be useful if the roll (1) were required to be fastened both
to a three point harness (2), via the directly attached mechanisms
(6), and to the baby seat (3) or other fixing points, via the
mechanisms (6) at the end of the straps (7).
[0019] As can be seen in the figures, the neck roll (1) can be
formed as an inflatable cushion so that when not in used it can be
deflated for easy storage. A valve (8) is provided, such that a
user can inflate the cushion using their own breath; and when not
is use, they can open the valve and let the air out. Furthermore,
the valve is intended to be insertable into the body of the cushion
when inflated, as it well known in the art, so as to hide it from
view and also to stop the child or baby from playing with it.
[0020] The inflatable neck roll (1) is made from PVC or the like
and can either be formed as a single fully formed roll (1), or it
can be made up from two separate halves which are then joined
together by any appropriate method known in the art. The valve (8)
is affixed in an air tight manner at an appropriate place, to allow
the user to easily inflate and deflate the roll (1). The material
from which the roll (1) is made, can be chosen such that its
external side has a soft fabric like feel, such as velour or felt
or the like, to improve the comfort to the child or baby using the
roll (1). Alternatively, instead of providing the roll (1) with a
soft external surface, it could be provided with a removable fabric
cover. Such a cover could be made of any appropriately soft fabric
to be comfortable to the child, as well as providing the advantage
of being washable when it gets dirty from use. Clearly, it is also
possible to provide a cover for use with a roll (1) which has a
soft exterior surface.
[0021] Whilst the neck roll (1) has been described above as being
inflatable, so as to allow for ready storage when not in use, it is
equally possible for the roll (1) to be manufactured from a high
density foam or foam-like material. Such a material could be any
which will provide a comfortable feel, as well as supporting
action, to the roll (1). In order to protect the foam or other
material from wear, a durable yet comfortable cover is provided. As
with the previous air filled roll (1), such a cover could be made
removable, so as to allow for ready cleaning. It is intended that
the foam be used as a substitute filling in place of the air as in
the above; as such, all of the previous discussion covering the
fastening mechanisms (6), straps (7) and the like, are considered
as being applicable to the foam filled roll (1) as readily as the
air filled.
[0022] Whilst various features and embodiments of the invention are
described above, they can readily be combined with each other
resulting in further embodiments of the invention.
* * * * *