U.S. patent application number 13/536659 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-29 for rear-facing child vehicle restraint system.
Invention is credited to Albert Glenn AARON, Mary L. Aaron.
Application Number | 20120299349 13/536659 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41062237 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120299349 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aaron; Mary L. ; et
al. |
November 29, 2012 |
REAR-FACING CHILD VEHICLE RESTRAINT SYSTEM
Abstract
A child restraint system offers a safe, compact, configuration
flexible, and easy to use restraint for a small child in a vehicle.
The child is secured in a five-point harness attached to a
framework of straps with hooks or other attachment hardware. The
framework is in turn attached to manufacturer latches secured to
the vehicle via the attachment hardware. The system may be
configured in forward-facing or rearward-facing orientations
depending on the size and age of the child.
Inventors: |
Aaron; Mary L.; (Denver,
CO) ; AARON; Albert Glenn; (Denver, CO) |
Family ID: |
41062237 |
Appl. No.: |
13/536659 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12434386 |
May 1, 2009 |
8210617 |
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13536659 |
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11636777 |
Dec 12, 2006 |
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12434386 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/253 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 22/105 20130101;
B60N 2/2833 20130101; B60R 22/14 20130101; B60N 2/2866
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/253 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/26 20060101
B60N002/26 |
Claims
1. A rear-facing child restraint system comprising a framework
having a first longitudinal strap with longitudinal ends; an
adjustment device moveably attached to the first longitudinal strap
to adjust a length of the first longitudinal strap; a first
attachment device affixed to a first longitudinal end of the first
longitudinal strap for direct selective attachment to an attachment
structure of a vehicle on or behind a rear seatback of a vehicle;
two outer longitudinal straps spaced apart from the first
longitudinal strap and having forward ends; two or more lateral
straps affixed directly to the first longitudinal strap and the two
outer longitudinal straps; a back support affixed to the first
longitudinal strap, the two outer longitudinal straps, and to two
or more of the two or more lateral straps; a child restraint
harness connected to the framework and configured to restrain a
body of a child from substantial movement within the child
restraint harness; two crevice straps, each with a first end and a
second end, wherein the first ends are directly connected to the
framework, the child restraint harness, or both, and second
attachment devices affixed to each second longitudinal end of the
crevice straps; wherein the framework is divided into a back
support section and a seatback section that are configured to form
an angle of not more than 70 degrees with respect to each other;
when the back support section is positioned over a rear seat
cushion of the vehicle, the seatback section is positioned against
a rear seatback of the vehicle; the second attachment devices on
the crevice straps are configured for direct selective attachment
to respective attachment structures of the vehicle located in a
crevice between the rear seatback and the rear seat cushion of the
vehicle; and the forward ends of the two outer longitudinal straps
extend from the back support section and are configured for direct
selective attachment to respective attachment structures of the
vehicle beneath a front seat of the vehicle.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/434,386 filed 1 May 2009 entitled "Child
restraint system," now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,617, which is a is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/636,777
filed 12 Dec. 2006 entitled "Child harness restraint," now
abandoned, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The technology described herein relates to vehicle restraint
systems for children.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Manufacturers of motor vehicle components and accessories
sold in the U.S.A. must conform and certify compliance with Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) issued through the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). FMVSS 213 contains
requirements for child restraint systems used in motor vehicles and
aircraft. FMVSS 213 defines a Child Restraint System (CRS) as any
device, except Type I or Type II seat belts, designed for use in a
motor vehicle or aircraft (collectively hereinafter a "vehicle") to
restrain, seat, or position children who weigh 66.1 lbs. or less.
Further, various state laws and regulations have been enacted that
require the use of certain types of CRSs such as rear-facing infant
car seats, forward-facing infant car seats, and booster seats when
restraining children of certain weights and/or ages.
[0004] The American Academy of Pediatrics has advised the medical
profession that over thirty percent of infants are either too small
or too large for a standard child car seat. As a result, these
children are at increased risk for apnea, bradycarda, and oxygen
desaturation when restrained in a standard child car seat while
being transported in a vehicle as required by FMVSS 213 and the
various state laws and regulations.
[0005] Over ten million rigid child car seats have been recalled
with various problems that may compromise the safety of the
restrained child. Further, it takes over thirty hours of training
to be qualified to install a rigid infant car seat correctly. In
addition, it often takes at least one hour for even a qualified
person to properly install a rigid infant car seat in a vehicle. As
a result, over ninety percent of child car seats are installed
incorrectly due to a lack of installation training, a lack time to
correctly install the child car seat, and/or the incompatibility of
numerous vehicle mounting locations and seat configurations with
the present hard shell CRSs.
[0006] Further, many hard shell CRSs are installed using OEM
seatbelts. More specifically, a lap belt secures a bottom portion
of the hard shell CRS and a shoulder belt secures an upper portion
of the hard shell CRS. However, the single shoulder belt's diagonal
orientation fails to prevent the back of the hard shell CRS from
shifting with respect to the vehicle seat when the vehicle comes to
an abrupt stop.
[0007] Additional concerns with the present hard shell CRSs include
the weight and portability of the child car seats. These child car
seats are often bulky and may weigh up to 18 lbs. Further, such
child car seats may be difficult to carry and install due to their
size and/or weight. Still further, individuals such as the elderly
and other persons with limited physical strength may be unable to
lift and carry bulky and/or heavy child car seats.
[0008] The average weight of a hard seat CRS is approximately 18
lbs. Therefore, taking into account the weight of the CRS, the
maximum weight of a restrained child is reduced significantly. In
the event of an accident, a lighter CRS allows standard automotive
child restraint latches to survive faster crash speeds and/or a
heavier restrained child. Further, the presence of a heavy hard
shell seat creates an increased possibility that in the event of an
accident, the seat may break loose and become airborne, potentially
causing injuries.
[0009] The information included in this Background section of the
specification, including any references cited herein and any
description or discussion thereof, is included for technical
reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by
which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be
bound.
SUMMARY
[0010] A vehicle child restraint system (CRS) for forward and/or
rear facing installations is presently disclosed. The CRS may
include various features to restrict the movement of the restrained
child and adjust the orientation of the CRS, for example, a swaddle
vest, a booster seat, body containment bumper, head guard, and a
vehicle headrest anchor. The CRS may also utilize the vehicle
manufacturer installed tether latches, if available, for
installation.
[0011] The CRS described herein avoids the use of a hard shell seat
and provides safe and effective restraint for children of various
sizes and ages. The CRS may encompass forward and/or rear facing
configurations that allow children of various sizes and ages to be
comfortably protected without jeopardizing their safety. One
implementation of the CRS is quickly and easily installed by a user
without technical training. Another implementation of the CRS
weighs less than a standard child car seat, thus allowing the CRS
to restrain a heavier child without exceeding the capacity of the
manufacturer installed child restraint latches. Yet another
implementation of the CRS meets all applicable requirements of the
NHTSA 49 CFR 571 standards.
[0012] In one implementation, a rear-facing child restraint system
has a framework of straps, a back support, and a child restraint
harness. The framework may have a first longitudinal strap with
longitudinal ends. An adjustment device may be moveably attached to
the first longitudinal strap to adjust a length of the first
longitudinal strap. A first attachment device may be affixed to a
first longitudinal end of the first longitudinal strap for direct
selective attachment to an attachment structure of a vehicle on or
behind a rear seatback of a vehicle. Two outer longitudinal straps
may be spaced apart from the first longitudinal strap and have
forward ends. Two or more lateral straps may be affixed directly to
the first longitudinal strap and the two outer longitudinal straps.
The back support may be affixed to the first longitudinal strap,
the two outer longitudinal straps, and to two or more of the two or
more lateral straps. The child restraint harness may be connected
to the framework and configured to restrain a body of a child from
substantial movement within the child restraint harness. Two
crevice straps, each with a first end and a second end, may also be
provided. The first ends may be directly connected to the
framework, the child restraint harness, or both. Second attachment
devices may be affixed to each second longitudinal end of the
crevice straps. The framework may be divided into a back support
section and a seatback section that are configured to form an angle
of not more than 70 degrees with respect to each other. When the
back support section is positioned over a rear seat cushion of the
vehicle, the seatback section is positioned against a rear seatback
of the vehicle. The second attachment devices on the crevice straps
may be configured for direct selective attachment to respective
attachment structures of the vehicle located in a crevice between
the rear seatback and the rear seat cushion of the vehicle. The
forward ends of the two outer longitudinal straps may extend from
the back support section and may be configured for direct selective
attachment to respective attachment structures of the vehicle
beneath a front seat of the vehicle.
[0013] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details,
utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in
the claims is provided in the following written description of
various embodiments of the invention and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1A is a front view of an example CRS incorporating an
auxiliary strap in a front-facing configuration.
[0015] FIG. 1B is a front view of an example CRS with a detachable
auxiliary strap in a front-facing configuration.
[0016] FIG. 1C is a front view of an example CRS with an integrated
harness in a front-facing configuration.
[0017] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of an example CRS attached to a
seatback of a vehicle.
[0018] FIG. 2B is an isometric view of an example framework
attached to a seatback of a vehicle.
[0019] FIG. 2C is an isometric view of an example framework and
back support attached to a seatback of a vehicle.
[0020] FIG. 2D is an isometric view of an example five-point
harness to be used in conjunction with a framework to make up a
CRS.
[0021] FIG. 2E is an isometric view of an example longitudinal
strap, shoulder strap and hip strap configured as one continuous
strap to be used with a CRS.
[0022] FIG. 2F is a partial front view of an example five-point
harness to be used with a CRS.
[0023] FIG. 3A is an elevation view of an example front-facing CRS
incorporating a booster seat positioned on top of a vehicle
seat.
[0024] FIG. 3B is an isometric view of an example booster seat to
be used in conjunction with a front-facing CRS.
[0025] FIG. 4A is a top view of an example CRS incorporating an
auxiliary strap in a rear-facing configuration.
[0026] FIG. 4B is a top view of an example CRS without an auxiliary
strap in a rear-facing configuration.
[0027] FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a first example rear-facing
CRS adapted to attach to front and rear seats of a vehicle.
[0028] FIG. 5B is an elevation view of a second example rear-facing
CRS adapted to attach to front and rear seats of a vehicle.
[0029] FIG. 5C is a front view of an auxiliary strap for attaching
a CRS to a floorboard anchor point on a vehicle.
[0030] FIG. 6A is a left side elevation view of an example
front-facing swaddle vest to be used in conjunction with a CRS.
[0031] FIG. 6B is a left side elevation view of an example
rear-facing swaddle vest to be used in conjunction with a CRS.
[0032] FIG. 6C is a front elevation view of an example swaddle vest
to be used in conjunction with a CRS.
[0033] FIG. 6D is a front elevation view of an example swaddle vest
with attached shoulder straps to be used in conjunction with a
CRS.
[0034] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an example headrest anchor to
be used in conjunction with a CRS.
[0035] FIG. 8A is an isometric view of an example body containment
bumper to be used in conjunction with a CRS.
[0036] FIG. 8B is an isometric view of a first example head guard
to be used in conjunction with a CRS.
[0037] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a second example head guard
to be used in conjunction with a CRS.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] A child restraint system (CRS) used to safely secure a child
in a motor vehicle or aircraft (collectively hereinafter a
"vehicle") is disclosed herein. The CRS may be forward-facing,
rear-facing, or both depending on the user's configuration of the
CRS and applicable laws and regulations. The CRS may include a
framework of straps and/or belts configured to secure a harness
containing a child to a vehicle seat. Further, the CRS may include
reinforced mesh, foam, and/or padding that spans a distance between
the straps and/or belts of the framework to enhance the support and
restraint of a child secured in the harness.
[0039] One implementation of the harness utilizes five-points of
contact (e.g. left shoulder, right shoulder, left waist or hip,
right waist or hip, and groin) to secure the child in either a
forward-facing or rear-facing configuration. Another implementation
of the harness utilizes two or three of the five-points of contact
to secure the child. The CRS may include a secondary fabric harness
or swaddle vest designed to adapt the CRS to restrain a smaller
child. The swaddle vest may be configured to encompass a portion of
the child's body and, when not attached to the CRS, the swaddle
vest may be equipped with adjustable shoulder straps that a care
provider can use to transport the child to and from the
vehicle.
[0040] Another implementation of the CRS incorporates a padded back
support configured to provide an additional comfort level and help
the child to maintain a desired position. Further, a forward-facing
implementation of the CRS may incorporate a booster seat formed
from an upholstered, foam cushion. The booster seat can adapt the
forward-facing CRS to properly fit a smaller child by increasing a
height of the smaller child relative to the CRS. The booster seat
can be used in conjunction with the CRS until the child is large
enough to utilize the CRS safely and comfortably without the
booster seat. As a result, the CRS is suitable for use with
children of all ages, including infants and toddlers.
[0041] A CRS may also incorporate a headrest anchor. The headrest
anchor can be secured between a top of a vehicle seat and a
corresponding seat headrest. The head rest posts extend through
holes in the headrest anchor and into head rest apertures.
Alternatively, the headrest anchor may be strapped to the vehicle's
front seat or headrest. The CRS restraint hardware, adjusters,
hooks, buckles, harness clips, rings, strapping, belting, and any
other components used in the fabrication, assembly, and/or use of
the CRS may meet various domestic and international safety
standards for CRSs used in vehicles.
[0042] FIG. 1A is a front view of an example CRS 100 with an
auxiliary strap 104 in a front-facing configuration. The CRS 100
includes at least two longitudinal straps 108 configured to attach
the CRS 100 to a vehicle seat. The longitudinal straps 108 run
generally vertically, but may gradually come closer together at one
end of the CRS 100 depending upon the location of the attachment
points on the vehicle seat. The CRS 100 depicted in FIG. 1A also
includes an optional auxiliary strap 104 to further attach the CRS
100 to the vehicle seat. Depending upon the number and
configuration of the attachment points on or near the vehicle seat,
auxiliary straps 104 may be used.
[0043] Further, the lengths of the auxiliary strap 104 and
longitudinal straps 108 can be varied through the use of adjustors
112. Rings 116, hooks 120, clips, and/or other attachment devices
are utilized at the ends of the auxiliary strap 104 and
longitudinal straps 108 to attach the CRS 100 to attachment points
on the vehicle, hereinafter latches. While, two lateral support
straps 124 are shown connecting the auxiliary strap 104 and
longitudinal straps 108 together, additional lateral support straps
124 may be used. In combination, the auxiliary strap 104,
longitudinal straps 108, and lateral support straps 124 form a
framework 146 to which a back support 128 may be attached.
[0044] The back support 128 may include padding (e.g., foam,
batting, and gel), covering (e.g., vinyl-coated polyester, nylon
mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement (e.g.
vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and reinforced
fabric). In the implementation of FIG. 1A, the back support 128
extends horizontally across the entire width of the CRS 100 and
vertically from the top horizontal support strap 124 to the bottom
horizontal support strap 124. Alternate implementations of the CRS
100 include various number and arrangements of the longitudinal
straps 108, lateral support straps 124, and auxiliary strap 104.
Further, in alternative implementations the back support 128 spans
only a portion of the framework 146.
[0045] The CRS 100 of FIG. 1A also includes a harness 132 attached
to framework 146 for securing a child in the CRS 100. The harness
132 shown in FIG. 1A is a five-point harness, however, other
implementations of a harness 132 attached to the framework 146 are
contemplated (e.g., three point and two point harnesses). The
five-point harness 132 of FIG. 1A has two shoulder straps 136, a
hip strap 140, and a groin strap 144. The hip strap 140 extends
from the framework 146 behind the child's hips and the two ends of
the hip strap 140 are configured to wrap around the child's hips
and come together in front and at the center of the child's waist
or groin. The shoulder straps 136 extend from the framework 146
behind the child's shoulder blades and are configured to wrap over
the top of the child's shoulders and come together in the same
location as the ends of the hip strap 140. The groin strap 144
extends from the framework 146 behind the child's buttocks, between
the child's legs, and in front of the child's pelvic region ending
at the same location as the ends of the hip strap 140 and the
shoulder straps 136. A buckle 148, or other engagement structure,
is attached to the end of the groin strap 144 and is configured to
selectively attach to clasps 150 at the ends of the hip strap 140,
and shoulder straps 136 in front and at the center of the child's
waist or groin. The size of the five-point harness 132 may be
adjustable depending upon the size of the framework 146 and the
child contained within the five-point harness 132.
[0046] The CRS 100 of FIG. 1A may have example dimensions as
follows. In various implementations, the overall length (a) of CRS
100 is approximately 22 inches. Further, the distance (e) the
longitudinal straps 108 extend above the back support 128 is
approximately 12 inches and the distance (b) the longitudinal
straps 108 extend below the back support 128 is approximately 5
inches. The distance (d) the auxiliary strap 104 extends above the
back support 128 is approximately 8 inches. The dimensions of the
longitudinal straps 108 and/or auxiliary strap 104 may vary
considerably due to the adjustor 112 varying the length of the
longitudinal straps 108 and/or auxiliary strap 104. The height (c)
of back support 128 is approximately 9 inches while the width of
the back support 128 may narrow along with the longitudinal straps
108. The width at the bottom (g) of the back support 128 is
approximately 10 inches while the width at the top (f) is
approximately 8 inches. These example dimensions are for purposes
of illustration only and other dimensions may also be used without
departing from the spirit and scope of the CRS 100 disclosed
herein.
[0047] FIG. 1B illustrates an alternate implementation of a CRS 100
in a front-facing configuration with a detachable auxiliary strap
104. Similar to the CRS 100 shown in FIG. 1A, the CRS 100 in FIG.
1B is equipped with a framework 146, a back support 128, and a
five-point harness 132. Dissimilar to the CRS 100 in FIG. 1A, the
longitudinal straps 108 of the framework 146 in FIG. 1B run
completely vertically and do not come closer together at one end of
the CRS 100. Further, the CRS 100 depicted in FIG. 1B utilizes
hooks 120 or clips rather than rings 116 at both ends of the two
longitudinal straps 108.
[0048] The detachable auxiliary strap 104 in FIG. 1B may be
equipped with hooks 120, clips, and/or other attachment devices at
the ends and an adjustor 112 integrated into the body of the
auxiliary strap 104 to vary its length. The auxiliary strap 104 may
be attached in a variety of locations on the CRS 100 depending upon
the location of the corresponding latches in the vehicle.
[0049] FIG. 1C is a front view of an example CRS 100 with an
integrated harness in a front-facing configuration. Similar to the
CRS 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the CRS 100 in FIG. 1C is
equipped with a five-point harness as described with respect to
FIG. 1A including longitudinal straps 108 that form shoulder straps
136 and hip straps 140 with clasps 150 thereon, and a groin strap
144 with a buckle 140 to which the clasps 150 attach. In the
implementation of FIG. 1C, the shoulder straps 136, hip strap 140,
and groin strap 144 are integral portions or sections of the
longitudinal straps 108 rather than merely being attached to a
framework which includes longitudinal straps 108. Thus, in the
configuration of FIG. 1C, the harness is integrated into the
framework to form the CRS 100 rather than being merely attached to
the framework to form the CRS 100.
[0050] More specifically, the CRS 100 includes at least three
longitudinal straps 108 configured to attach the CRS 100 to a
vehicle seat and restrain a child. The longitudinal straps 108 run
generally vertically, but may gradually come closer together at one
end of the CRS 100 depending upon the location of latches on the
vehicle. The outer two longitudinal straps 108 extend along a
length of the CRS 100 behind a restrained child's back and wrap
around a lateral support strap 124 located near the top of the CRS
100.
[0051] Once each longitudinal strap 108 wraps around the lateral
support strap 124, the longitudinal straps 108 either become
shoulder straps 136 or shoulder straps 136 are attached to the ends
of each longitudinal strap 108. While not shown in FIG. 1C, the
shoulder straps 136 wrap over and around the child's shoulders and
are attached to a buckle located near the child's groin (see FIG.
2E).
[0052] Also not shown in FIG. 1C, hip straps 140 extend out of the
buckle located near the child's groin toward hooks 120 configured
to secure the CRS 100 to a vehicle latches. In one implementation,
the hip straps 140 are connected to the buckle separately from the
shoulder straps 136. In another implementation, the hip straps 140
are attached to the ends of each shoulder strap 136. In yet another
implementation, the hip straps extend seamlessly from each shoulder
strap 136 (see FIG. 2F).
[0053] In the implementation shown in FIG. 1C, the hip straps 140
extend through slots in hooks 120 and then continue seamlessly as
longitudinal straps 108. In other implementations, the hip straps
140 are connected to the hooks 120 separately from the longitudinal
straps 108. In a still further implementation, the hip straps 140
are attached to the ends of each longitudinal strap 108. Therefore,
in some implementations, the combination of each outer longitudinal
strap 108, shoulder strap 136, and groin strap 140 forms a
continuous loop of strapping (see FIG. 2E).
[0054] Further, the middle longitudinal strap 108 attaches to a
vehicle latch via a ring 116, hook 120, clip, and/or other
attachment device. The middle longitudinal strap 108 then extends
along the length of the CRS 100 behind the child's back. As the
middle longitudinal strap 108 emerges from a bottom of the CRS 100,
the middle longitudinal strap 108 becomes groin strap 144 that
extends between the child's legs and in front of the child's groin.
While not shown in FIG. 1C, the groin strap may end with a buckle
adapted to attach the shoulder straps 136, hip straps 140, and the
groin strap 144 together in front of the child's groin.
[0055] The CRS 100 depicted in FIG. 1C also includes optional
auxiliary straps 104 to further strengthen the CRS 100. Two
auxiliary straps 104 immediately adjacent one another are shown
running longitudinally on top of the middle longitudinal strap 108
in FIG. 1C. Further, two additional auxiliary straps 104 are shown
oriented at an angle connecting the outer longitudinal straps 108
to the middle longitudinal strap 108. The auxiliary straps 104
reinforce the strength of the CRS 100. In other implementations, a
greater or fewer quantity of auxiliary straps 104 may be used in
various configurations to strengthen the CRS 100.
[0056] Further, length of the longitudinal straps 108, lateral
support strap 124, shoulder straps 136, hip straps 140, and/or
groin strap 144 can be varied through the use of adjustors (not
shown). Rings, hooks, clips, and/or other attachment devices are
utilized at the ends of the longitudinal straps 108 to attach the
CRS 100 to the vehicle latches.
[0057] In combination, the auxiliary straps 104, longitudinal
straps 108, and lateral support strap 124 form a framework to which
a back support (not shown) as described above in FIG. 1A may be
attached. In the implementation of FIG. 1C, the back support
extends horizontally across the entire width of the CRS 100 and
vertically from the top horizontal support strap 124 to the bottom
of the CRS 100. Alternate implementations of the CRS 100 include
various number and arrangements of the longitudinal straps 108,
lateral support straps 124, and auxiliary straps 104. Further, in
alternative implementations the back support 128 spans only a
portion of the framework.
[0058] The CRS 100 of FIG. 1C may have example dimensions as
follows. In various implementations, the height (c) of back support
is approximately 14 inches and the distance (e) the back support
extends above the lateral support strap 124 is approximately 2
inches. The width at the top (f) of the back support is
approximately 7 inches while the width may progressively widen
toward the bottom of the CRS 100. The width at the bottom (g) of
the back support is approximately 10 inches. These example
dimensions are for purposes of illustration only and other
dimensions may also be used without departing from the spirit and
scope of the CRS 100 disclosed herein.
[0059] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of an example CRS 100 attached
to a seatback 252 of a vehicle. Similar to the CRS 100 depicted in
FIGS. 1A-1C, the CRS 200 of FIG. 2A includes a framework 246, a
back support 228, and a five-point harness 232. Further, the CRS
200 is configured to rest against the vehicle seatback 252 and free
ends of the framework 246 are configured to selectively attach to
latches 250 fixed to the vehicle, thereby securing the CRS 200 to
the vehicle seatback 252. The latches 250 may be located anywhere
in the vehicle accessible from the seatback 252 (e.g., top of the
seatback 252, vehicle floorboard, vehicle roof, and seat
frame).
[0060] FIG. 2B is an isometric view of an example framework 246
attached to a seatback 252 of a vehicle. As discussed above with
respect to FIGS. 1A-1C, the framework 246 includes at least two
longitudinal straps 208 and one or more lateral support straps 224.
The degree of adjustability of an associated five-point harness is
dependant upon the number and location of the longitudinal support
straps 208 and the lateral support straps 224. In the
implementation depicted in FIG. 2B, there are three lateral support
straps 224. The ends of the longitudinal straps 208 have attachment
devices (e.g., rings, hooks, and clips) that are configured to
selectively attach to latches 250 fixed to the vehicle.
[0061] FIG. 2C is an isometric view of an example framework 246 and
back support 228 attached to a seatback 252 of a vehicle. As
discussed above with respect to FIG. 1A, the back support 228 may
be attached to the framework 246 and extends horizontally across
the entire width of the CRS 100 and vertically from the top
horizontal support strap 224 to the bottom horizontal support strap
224 in some implementations.
[0062] FIG. 2D is an isometric view of an example five-point
harness 232 to be used in conjunction with a framework to make up a
CRS. As discussed above, the five-point harness 232 includes two
shoulder straps 236, a hip strap 240, and a groin strap 244 that
are affixed together except in front and at the center of the
child's waist or groin, where they meet and are selectively
attached together with a buckle 248.
[0063] FIG. 2E is an isometric view of an example longitudinal
strap 208, shoulder strap 236 and hip strap 240 configured as one
continuous strap 259 to be used with a CRS. Similar to the
implementation shown in FIG. 1C, the straps shown in FIG. 2E are
configured as a continuous strap 259, however, other
implementations may have separate longitudinal straps 208, shoulder
straps 236, and/or hip straps 240 attached to the ends of one
another to form the strap shown in FIG. 2E.
[0064] One end of the shoulder strap 236 begins with an adjustor
212 that is adapted to receive an opposite free end of the
continuous strap 259 and adjust the size of a loop formed by the
continuous strap 259 fed into the adjustor 212. The shoulder strap
236 proceeds upward along a restrained child's abdomen and chest
and wraps over the child's shoulders. Then the shoulder strap 236
becomes the longitudinal strap 208 and extends behind the child's
back downward toward the bottom of the CRS. As the longitudinal
strap 208 extends from the bottom of the CRS, it is fed through a
hook 220 that is adapted to attach the CRS to a vehicle latch. When
the longitudinal strap emerges from the hook 220, it becomes the
hip strap 240 that then wraps around the front of the child's hips
and the free end is adapted to be fed into the adjustor 212 so that
the size of the loop formed by the continuous strap 259 may be
adjusted for the child's size and orientation of an associated
vehicle latch.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 2E, a male portion of a buckle 250 is
located on the continuous strap 259 between the hip strap 240 and
shoulder strap 236 and the male portion of the buckle 250 is
adapted to attach to a female portion of the buckle 248 attached to
a groin strap (see e.g., FIG. 2F). In some implementations, the
male portion of the buckle 250 is fixed to one location on the
continuous strap 259. In other implementations, the male portion of
the buckle 250 is slideably attached to the continuous strap 259
and may be moved to a desired location on the continuous strap 259.
Further, the adjustor 212 may be located in various positions on
the continuous strap 259 as desired. Finally, an optional chest
buckle 257 is adapted to selectively secure the shoulder strap 236
to another shoulder strap 236 across the child's chest.
[0066] FIG. 2F is a partial front view of an example five-point
harness 232 to be used with a CRS. In this implementation, shoulder
straps 236 extending over a restrained child's shoulders and chest
continue through separate male portions of a buckle 250 and emerge
from the male portions of the buckle 250 as hip straps 240 that
wrap around the child's hips or waist. Groin strap 244 extends
between the child's legs in front of his/her groin and ends with a
female portion of the buckle 248. The male portions of the buckle
250 are adapted to selectively attach to the female portion of the
buckle 248. Further, adjustors 212 located on the shoulder straps
236, hip straps 240, and/or groin strap 244 are adapted to adjust
the length of the shoulder straps 236, hip straps 240, and/or groin
strap 244 to securely fit the restrained child.
[0067] FIG. 3A is an elevation view of an example front-facing CRS
300 incorporating a booster seat 364 positioned on top of a vehicle
seat. The CRS 300 is equipped with an optional booster 364, mounted
on top of a seat bottom 358 and adjacent to a seatback 352, to
elevate a smaller child to a height appropriate for safe use of the
CRS 300. A front seatback 360 is shown to illustrate the position
of the CRS 300 when installed on a rear vehicle seat.
[0068] FIG. 3B is an isometric view of an example booster seat 364
to be used in conjunction with a front-facing CRS 300. The booster
seat 362 is positioned on top of a seat bottom and in some
implementations is equipped with a positioning strap 355 that is
attached to the sides of the booster seat 362 and wraps around the
rear of the booster seat 362. Longitudinal straps 308 extend from
hooks 320 that are attached to latches on the vehicle (not shown in
FIG. 3) through a seat crevasse 354 between a seatback and the seat
bottom. The longitudinal straps 308 further extend between the
positioning strap 355 and a rear of the booster seat 362 and are
attached to a framework of the CRS 300. Further, the CRS 300 is
secured by extending a longitudinal strap 308 from the top of the
framework to another vehicle latch.
[0069] The positioning strap 355 prevents the booster seat 364 from
substantial lateral movement thus ensuring that the booster seat
364 remains in front of the CRS 300 during use. Further, the
positioning strap 355 may allow the booster seat 364 to slide
vertically so that the booster seat 364 remains positioned directly
adjacent a top of the seat bottom while the CRS 300 is adjusted
vertically through the use of one or more adjustors.
[0070] FIG. 4A is a top view of an example CRS 400 incorporating an
auxiliary strap 404 in a rear-facing configuration. The CRS 400
includes two longitudinal straps 408 with attachment devices
configured to attach the CRS 400 to vehicle latches. The
longitudinal straps 408 run generally parallel from one end of the
CRS 400 to the other end of the CRS 400. The CRS 400 also includes
an optional auxiliary strap 404 to further attach the CRS 400 to
the latches. Anchor points 465 are also utilized to attach the CRS
400 to the latches. Depending upon the number and configuration of
the latches, or other attachment points on the vehicle, one or more
auxiliary straps 404 may be used. Further, hooks 420 and/or other
attachment devices are utilized at the ends of the auxiliary strap
404 and longitudinal straps 408 to attach the CRS 400 to the
latches. Lateral support straps 424 connect the auxiliary strap 404
and longitudinal straps 408 together.
[0071] In combination, the auxiliary strap 404, longitudinal straps
408, and lateral support straps 424 form a framework 446 to which a
back support 428 may be attached. The back support 428 may include
padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel), covering (e.g., nylon mesh,
cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement (e.g. vertical
and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and reinforced fabric). In
the implementation of FIG. 4A, the back support 428 extends
horizontally across the entire width of the CRS 400 and vertically
from the top lateral support strap 424 to the bottom lateral
support strap 424. In other implementations, the back support 428
spans only a portion of the framework 446.
[0072] The CRS 400 also includes a five-point harness 432 made up
of shoulder straps 436 with adjustors 412, a hip strap 440, and a
groin strap 444 with a buckle 448. The harness 432 is attached to
the auxiliary strap 404, longitudinal straps 408, and/or lateral
support straps 424 for securing the child in the CRS 400. An
example five-point harness 432 is described in detail with respect
to FIG. 1A.
[0073] FIG. 4B is a top view of an example CRS 400 in a rear-facing
configuration. Similar to the implementation of FIG. 4A, the CRS
400 of FIG. 4B, includes a framework 446 made up of longitudinal
straps 408, lateral support straps 424, and auxiliary straps 404. A
back support may be attached to the framework. Further, the CRS 400
of FIG. 4B includes two outer longitudinal straps 408 adapted to
attach to a front vehicle seat, front vehicle seat frame, or to
latches near a front vehicle seat. The outer longitudinal straps
408 extend into the framework of the CRS 400 and unlike the
implementation of FIG. 4A, the outer longitudinal straps 408 of CRS
400 of FIG. 4B terminate within the framework at one end of
auxiliary straps 404. The auxiliary straps 404 carry the load of
the outer longitudinal straps 408 to a central longitudinal strap
408 that extends from a lateral support strap 124 out of the
framework and is selectively attached to a vehicle latch located on
or behind a rear seat back. One or more additional lateral support
straps 124 may be utilized to laterally strengthen the CRS 400. In
the CRS 400 shown in FIG. 4B, there are four lateral support straps
424.
[0074] The CRS 400 of FIG. 4B also includes a five-point harness
432 made up of shoulder straps 436, a hip strap 440, and a groin
strap 444. The harness 432 is attached to longitudinal straps 408
and/or lateral support straps 424 for securing a child in the CRS
400. An example five-point harness 432 is described in detail with
respect to FIG. 1A.
[0075] The CRS 400 of FIG. 4B may have example dimensions as
follows. In various implementations, the height (c) of the back
support is approximately 34 inches. The width at the top (f) of the
back support is approximately 13 inches while the width may
progressively widen, narrow, or remain the same toward the bottom
of the CRS 400. These example dimensions are for purposes of
illustration only and other dimensions may also be used without
departing from the spirit and scope of the CRS 400 disclosed
herein.
[0076] FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a first example rear-facing
CRS 500 adapted to attach to front and rear seats of a vehicle.
Similar to the implementation depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the CRS
harness 500 in FIG. 5 includes a framework 546, a back support 528,
and a five-point harness 532. In a rear facing configuration, the
framework 546 utilizes a set of longitudinal straps 508 and a set
of crevice straps 570 to attach the CRS 500 to the vehicle. The
first ends of the crevice straps 570 are attached to points along
the length of the longitudinal straps 508, i.e. anchor points 566.
The second set of free ends of the crevice straps 570 are
selectively attached to latches or other attachment points in a
crevice 554 between a rear seatback 552 and the rear seat bottom of
the vehicle. The first set of free ends of the longitudinal straps
508 are selectively attached to latches fixed to the front seatback
560, the front seatback frame, and/or latches installed near the
front seatback. The second set of free ends of the longitudinal
straps 508 are selectively attached to latches fixed on or behind
the rear seat back 556 of the vehicle.
[0077] The resulting fully supported five-point harness 532 is
positioned so that the child is safely suspended between the front
seatback 560 and rear seatback 552 of the vehicle, in a partially
reclining position, facing rearward. Additionally, the position of
the crevice straps 570 is adjustable by selecting one of a variety
of available anchor points 566. Further, the size of the five-point
harness 532 is adjustable by selecting one of a variety of
available groin strap slots 567. The size selection of the
five-point harness 532 and orientation selection of the anchor
points 566 depends on the size of the child to be restrained and
the size and orientation of the front and rear seats of the
vehicle.
[0078] FIG. 5B is an elevation view of a second example CRS 500
adapted to attach to front and rear seats of a vehicle. A framework
546 of CRS 500 is suspended between a front seat and a rear seat of
a vehicle by at least three points of contact with the vehicle; a
point of contact near a front seatback 508, a point of contact
behind a rear seatback 552, and a point of contact in the crevice
between the rear seatback 552 and a rear seat bottom 558.
[0079] Longitudinal straps 508 extend between a front seatback 508
and a rear seatback 552. First ends of the longitudinal straps 508
connect to the front seatback, front seat frame, and/or latches
near the front seat via hooks 520 to create the first point of
contact. In the implementation shown in FIG. 5B, the longitudinal
straps 508 wrap over the top and extend down the front of the front
seatback 508. The longitudinal straps 508 continue through a
crevice between the front seatback 508 and the front seat bottom
and end in hooks 520 that may connect to the seat frame or latches
in the vehicle floorboard, for example.
[0080] Hooks 520 on second ends of the longitudinal straps 508
connect to latches behind the rear seatback 552 to create the
second point of contact. The latches behind the rear seatback 552
may be located on the floorboard or ceiling, for example. Crevice
straps 570 extend from a middle of the longitudinal straps 508,
pulling the longitudinal straps 508 downward toward the rear
vehicle seat. The crevice straps 570 are attached to latches
located in a crevice between the rear seatback 552 and the rear
seat bottom 558 via hooks 520 resulting in the third point of
contact.
[0081] Adjustors 512 may be located on one or more of the
longitudinal straps 508 and/or crevice straps 570 to adjust the
size and/or orientation of the framework 512. One criterion may be
that the angle of the longitudinal straps 508 where the child's
back is located may not exceed 70 degrees of angle with respect to
the horizontal.
[0082] FIG. 5C is a front view of an auxiliary strap 504 for
attaching a CRS to a floorboard anchor point on a vehicle. In one
implementation, a CRS harness having two or more longitudinal
straps 508 needs to be connected to a single latch located on the
vehicle. Here, the auxiliary strap 504 for reducing two
longitudinal straps 508 to one attachment point for a vehicle latch
is shown. Further, the auxiliary strap 504 may be equipped with one
or more adjustors 512 for adjusting the length of the auxiliary
strap 504 to fit the vehicle. Also, the auxiliary strap 504 may be
used to attach the CRS to a front vehicle seat frame by wrapping
around the frame (sometimes referred to as a Swedish
connection).
[0083] FIG. 6A is a left side elevation view of an example
front-facing swaddle vest 600 to be used in conjunction with a CRS.
The swaddle vest 600 is a separate harness that is attachable to a
framework of the CRS when required for use by a smaller child. The
swaddle vest 600 includes a front half 668 and a rear half 672 that
in combination encompasses a lower portion of the child's body. The
front half 668 and the rear half 672 are merged together at the
base of the swaddle vest 600 and are selectively attached together
near the middle of the swaddle vest 600 via a buckle 676. The
child's legs extend though openings between the front half 668 and
the rear half 672. The front half 668 of the swaddle vest 600 may
extend upwardly to support the child's chest. Any unwanted upward
extension of the swaddle vest 600 may be folded over in front of
the child's chest. The swaddle vest 600 is equipped with belt loops
680 around the middle of the swaddle vest 600 and at the top of the
swaddle vest 600 and a ring 684 at the base of the swaddle vest 600
to secure the swaddle vest 600 to the framework.
[0084] FIG. 6B is a left side elevation view of an example
rear-facing swaddle vest 600 to be used in conjunction with a CRS.
When utilized in a rear-facing configuration, the child is turned
around to face the opposite direction in the swaddle vest 600.
Accordingly, the front half 668 of the swaddle vest 600 may be
unfolded and extended upwardly to support the child's back, neck,
and/or head rather than the child's chest as in the front-facing
configuration of FIG. 6A.
[0085] FIG. 6C is a front elevation view of an example swaddle vest
600 to be used in conjunction with a CRS. The front half 668 of the
swaddle vest 600 is equipped with belt loops 680 running
horizontally across a width of the swaddle vest 600 generally in
the middle and near the top of the swaddle vest 600. The belt loops
680 are configured for attaching the swaddle vest 600 to a
framework of the CRS and optionally for attaching shoulder straps
686 (shown in FIG. 6D).
[0086] FIG. 6D is a front elevation view of an example swaddle vest
600 with attached shoulder straps 686 to be used in conjunction
with a CRS. The swaddle vest 600 may be used as a child carrier
when equipped with shoulder straps 686. The shoulder straps 686 are
equipped with hooks 620 that are selectively attached to a ring 684
at the base of the swaddle vest 600. The shoulder straps 686 extend
upwardly through belt loops 680 in the middle and near the top of
the swaddle vest 600 as depicted in FIG. 6C. The shoulder straps
686 then wrap around the shoulders of a child care provider
carrying the child in the swaddle vest 600 and continue to extend
downwardly in front of the child care provider's chest where they
end with hooks 620 that may be selectively attached to the swaddle
vest 600, thus securing the swaddle vest 600 to the child care
provider. The shoulder straps 686 may be equipped with adjustors
612 to vary the length of the shoulder straps 686 in accordance
with the size of the child care provider.
[0087] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an example headrest anchor
700 to be used in conjunction with a CRS. The headrest anchor 700
comprises a plate, generally made of metal or other structural
material, fitted between a top surface of a vehicle seat and a
bottom surface of a corresponding seat headrest 788. The headrest
anchor 700 is secured by inserting headrest posts 790, typically
protruding from the bottom surface of the headrest 788, through
bracket apertures 792 in the headrest anchor 700. The headrest
posts 790 are then fully inserted in apertures typically found in
the top of the corresponding vehicle seat. Consequently, the
headrest anchor 700 is prohibited from substantial lateral movement
by the bracket apertures 792 and the clamping effect of positioning
the headrest anchor 700 directly between the top surface of the
vehicle seat and the bottom surface of the seat headrest 788
prevents substantial vertical movement. The position and number of
the bracket apertures 792 may vary according to the specific model
of vehicle seat. Further, the headrest anchor 700 may include
multiple sets of bracket apertures 792 designed for multiple models
of vehicle seats. The headrest anchor 700 also includes a CRS
aperture 794 for attaching the CRS to the headrest anchor 700.
[0088] While discussion of attaching a CRS to a vehicle typically
references use of manufacturer installed vehicle latches designed
to secure CRSs, other modes of attaching the CRS to the vehicle are
contemplated herein. When a vehicle is fairly old, from a foreign
country, or not designed for on-road use, the vehicle may not be
equipped with manufacturer installed latches. In that case, a user
may secure the CRS to user installed latches on the vehicle's
interior floorboard, ceiling, or body panels. Further, the user may
secure the CRS to vehicle seats and/or seat frames. Still further,
the user may utilize the headrest anchor 700 shown in FIG. 7. Any
and all of these methods of attachment may be used in place of the
latches referenced throughout this disclosure.
[0089] FIG. 8A is an isometric view of an example body containment
bumper 800 to be used in conjunction with a CRS. The bumper 800 is
configured to be permanently or selectively attached to a back
support and/or framework of a CRS. Various implementations of a
selective attachment include, but are not limited to hook-and-loop,
buttons, clasps, snaps, and buckles. The bumper 800 extends above
the framework to partially surround a restrained child. This
configuration helps prevent the child from shifting within the CRS
and cushions any shifting that the child experiences caused by an
abrupt change in motion of the vehicle. The bumper 800 may be
constructed of padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel), covering
(e.g., nylon mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement
(e.g. vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and
reinforced fabric) as long as the bumper 800 is soft enough to
cushion the child's movements and rigid enough to prevent excessive
child movements.
[0090] While the size and shape of the bumper 800 may vary
considerably in various implementations, the bumper 800 of FIG. 8A
is horseshoe shaped with a rectangular cross-section. The bumper
800 is approximately 19 inches long and 13 inches wide. The
rectangular cross section is approximately 1.5 inches wide by 3
inches tall.
[0091] FIG. 8B is an isometric view of a first example head guard
810 to be used in conjunction with a CRS. In addition to or in lieu
of a body containment bumper 800, the CRS may utilize a head guard
810. The head guard 810 is smaller than the bumper 800 and is
designed to cushion and prevent excessive movement of the
restrained child's head rather than the child's entire body. In
some implementations, the head guard 810 is designed to fit inside
the bumper 800 so that both the bumper 800 and the head guard 810
may be used simultaneously in a CRS. In other implementations, the
bumper 800 or head guard 810 may be used alone in a CRS.
[0092] Similar to the bumper 800, the head guard 810 is configured
to be permanently or selectively attached to a back support and/or
framework of the CRS. Various implementations of a selective
attachment include, but are not limited to hook-and-loop, buttons,
clasps, snaps, and buckles. Further, the head guard 810 may be
constructed of padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel), covering
(e.g., nylon mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement
(e.g. vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and
reinforced fabric) as long as the head guard 810 is soft enough to
cushion the child's head movements and rigid enough to prevent
excessive head movements.
[0093] While the size and shape of the head guard 810 may vary
considerably in various implementations, the head guard 810 of FIG.
8B is horseshoe shaped with a rectangular cross-section and adapted
to fit inside the bumper 800 of FIG. 8A. Consequently, the bumper
800 is approximately 10 inches wide and may be any length less than
the 19 inch length of the bumper 800. The rectangular cross section
of the head guard 810 is also approximately 1.5 inches wide by 3
inches tall.
[0094] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a second example head guard
900 to be used in conjunction with a CRS. In the implementation of
FIG. 9, the head guard 900 includes a flat cushion 968 with curved
bolsters 970 on each side. The flat cushion 968 is adapted to rest
on a framework and/or back support of the CRS where a restrained
child's head is placed. The bolsters 970 extend on each side of the
child's head to prevent excessive movement of the child's head
and/or cushion movement of the child's head.
[0095] Similar to the bumper 800 and head guard 810, head guard 900
is configured to be permanently or selectively attached to a back
support and/or framework of the CRS. Various implementations of a
selective attachment include, but are not limited to hook-and-loop,
buttons, clasps, snaps, and buckles. Further, the head guard 900
may be constructed of padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel),
covering (e.g., nylon mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or
reinforcement (e.g. vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard,
and reinforced fabric) as long as the head guard 900 is soft enough
to cushion the child's head movements and rigid enough to prevent
excessive head movements.
[0096] In the implementation shown in FIG. 9, the head guard 900
utilizes a sleeve 972 adapted to receive a head guard strap 974
attached to the CRS framework and/or back support. The head guard
strap 974 may also be a longitudinal strap. This configuration
allows the head guard 974 to be easily repositioned longitudinally
to a desired eight appropriate to guard the restrained child's
head.
[0097] All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper,
lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front,
back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial,
axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for
identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the
present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as
to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Connection
references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to
be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a
collection of elements and relative movement between elements
unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not
necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in
fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for
purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order
and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may
vary.
[0098] The above specification, examples and data provide a
complete description of the structure and use of exemplary
embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although
various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described
above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to
one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could
make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without
departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Other
embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all
matter contained in the above description and shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of
particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or
structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of
the invention as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *