AU2007100591A4

AU2007100591A4 - Mirror Support Assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2007100591A4
Application number: AU2007100591A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kimberly Breece
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-06-25
Filing date: 2007-06-25
Publication date: 2007-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2015-06-25

Description

MIRROR SUPPORT ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates generally to mirrors and particularly to carried in the back seat of an automobile or other vehicle to view a rear facing infant.

Background Art.

Devices of the general type as the present invention are available.

United States Patent No. 6,030,085 to Learn et al describes one such article. This patent also includes an excellent summary of the state of the prior art and the previous attempts to overcome problems in the prior art. Following is an excerpt from the Background Art section of that document verbatim.

"The prior art includes various types of mirror assemblies for viewing a rear facing infant in the back seat of the automobile. For example, Harris U.S. Pat.

No. 4,902,118 dated Feb. 20, 1990 teaches a planar mirror carried in a wedgeshaped support assembly and attached to the rear seat by straps and buckles that extend around the rear back seat. The Harris patent has several drawbacks, including the rather lengthy straps that must be utilized to support the mirror assembly to the rear seat. Such straps can be dangerous to infants should they become loose. A secondary drawback is that the planar mirror has a limited field of reflecting the image of the infant's face.

The Erickson U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,956 dated Mar. 29, 1988 shows another safety system fbr viewing infants in the rear seat utilizing a mirror assembly carried by the rear windshield. A disadvantage of the Erickson device is that the mirror occupies a considerable portion of the field of view through the rear windshield and increases the driver's "blind spot." Furthermore, the Erickson system includes a mirror which is rigidly attached to the back windshield and is not capable of being used on an article of furniture.

The Nolan-Brown U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,321 dated Feb. 8, 1994 teaches an observation mirror suspended from the top of the rear seat. The primary drawback of this device is that it utilizes a large metallic safety pin to attach the mirror to the seat. The large safety pin represents a serious threat to the infant should the mirror and/or safety pin become dislodged and should the infant be able to grasp the safety pin.

The Cossey U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,572 dated Oct. 27, 1987 teaches an adjustable mirror mounted above the rear seat incorporating a cumbersome and complex mounting mechanism that extends over the top of the back seat. This design includes the primary drawback of partially obstructing the driver's view through the back windshield and increases the driver's "blind spot. "A second disadvantage is that this patent teaches a rather cumbersome and relatively heavy support mechanism for the mirror. It will be clearly understood that, ifa prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is directed to a mirror support assembly, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a mirror support assembly to be mounted relative to an automobile seat, the assembly including: a. a shaped novelty having a front side and a back side, b. a mirror mounted relative to the front side of said shaped novelty, c. an anchor means connected to said novelty adapted to extend about at least a portion of the seat relative to which the assembly is mounted, and d. an anchor strap connected to said novelty and adapted to extend about at least a portion of the seat relative to which the assembly is mounted from an opposed direction to the anchor means wherein the anchor means and the anchor strap are adapted to engage at least a portion of each other to assist with securing the novelty in position relative to the seat.

The assembly of the present invention provides visibility of a rear facing infant without increasing the "blind spot" of the driver looking through the rear view mirror of the automobile. This provides additional peace of mind for parents and others that the child is well. In use, when the assembly is correctly positioned and oriented, a front seated driver or passenger can manipulate the rear view mirror of the vehicle to view the infant using the reflection of the rear view mirror and the mirror on the novelty.

Additionally, when the infant is old enough to face forwardly in a car seat, the present invention can be mounted to the back of the front seat and utilized to entertain the infant.

Importantly, the invention can be used in situations other than automobiles such as on armchairs to provide entertainment and the ability to supervise a child more easily.

The present invention includes a shaped novelty having a front side and a back side. Normally the front side of the novelty will face the front of the vehicle when used with a rear facing seat or capsule. The back side of the novelty will typically be located adjacent the seat or headrest associated with the seat relative to which the novelty is secured in use.

The novelty will preferably be as lightweight as possible in order that it not utilise heavy duty or cumbersome attachment mechanisms. Further, the novelty can be of any shape but will normally have the shape of an article which is attention catching for an infant or child. For example, a stuffed toy, children's story character or animal novelty may preferably be provided. Additionally, a three dimensional novelty may be preferred although a two dimensional novelty may be provided.

In its configuration as a toy or children's character, the novelty will normally have a body portion and likely a head portion (although this configuration is not necessary nor likely for some toys or animals). The mirror used according to the invention is normally mounted relative to a larger portion which will normally be the body portion. The head portion and the body portion will typically be attached to each other at a seam or similar and will therefore be pivotally mounted to each other so that the head and body can articulate relative to each other.

The preferred shapes will likely include teddy bears, animals such as fish and butterflies and characters such as Pooh Bear or Buzz Lightyear The material use in construction of the novelty will preferably be a fabric or similar and most preferably, will be non-toxic, non flammable material.

The invention also includes a mirror mounted relative to the front side of said shaped novelty. According to the most preferred embodiment, the mirror or mirrored surface will have a convex shape as this will preferably result in the reflective surface being able to reflect a greater array of directions than a normal planar mirror.

The mirror is preferably mounted more or less permanently to the novelty. The mirror may be mounted relative to any portion of the novelty but as stated above, the mirror will normally mounted relative to the body portion of the novelty as this allows the maximisation of the size of the mirror.

The mirror can have a shaped periphery to match the shape of the novelty or portion of the novelty to which it is attached, but the mirror will normally be substantially circular in shape. The edge(s) of the mirror will preferably be covered with a soft border in order to prevent accidental injury to the infant, child or other user. The mirror will typically be manufactured of plastic with a reflective coating applied thereto in order to reduce weight and the possibility of breakage of the mirror, for example during a vehicular or other accident.

The invention also includes an anchor means connected to said novelty adapted to extend about at least a portion of the seat relative to which the assembly is mounted. The anchor means will preferably connect or otherwise be secured to the rear side of the novelty. The anchor means may be or include a weight.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the anchor means will be rectangular in shape and may include a hollow body portion manufactured by joining a pair of correspondingly shaped portions about their edges. The hollow portion will normally be substantially flat but may be adapted to receive a removable weight. The anchor means will normally have body portion with a pair of end edges, a pair of side edges and a pair of surfaces, one upper and one lower when in use.

Normally, a first end edge of the anchor means is connected to the rear side of the novelty such that at least a part of the body portion of the anchor means can overlie at least a part of the seat or headrest.

Preferably, the first end edge of the anchor means is attached relative to a pivot point of the novelty such as between the head and body portions. Further, there is preferably an opening formed at the connection by attaching only each lateral side of the end edge of the anchor means to the novelty. This opening can typically be used to receive straps or similar to assist with securing the assembly to the seat or headrest.

O

The anchor means will also typically be provided with one or more fastener portions or mechanisms, normally on one of the surfaces and preferably on both.

The anchor means can be used to engage with other means to secure the assembly relative to the seat or headrest but importantly, the anchor means may Oalso be capable of being used by itself, normally in its weighted configuration, to Omaintain the assembly in position by draping the weighted body portion of the anchor means over a portion of the seat or headrest.

Normally the anchor means will extend up and over the seat or headrest but it is anticipated that it may extend sideways about a portion of the seat of headrest or even down and under the seat portion or headrest in some circumstances.

There may be an optional support strap provided having a first end which is connected such as by sewing to the rear side of the body of the novelty below the centre of mirror. The first end of support strap may be attached to the rear side at points as high as the centre of mirror. If the attachment of first end is made above the centre of mirror, the mirror will typically not articulate as well as when the attachment point is below the centre of mirror. The support strap typically extends upwardly and may have an upper portion which is connected to the back side of an upper portion of the novelty by adjustable support strap connection means. The support strap may attach to the anchor means or the anchor means may be provided as an upper portion of the support strap.

The invention further includes an anchor strap connected to said novelty and adapted to extend about at least a portion of the seat relative to which the assembly is mounted from an opposed direction to the anchor means.

The anchor strap is also typically attached to the back side of the novelty. Preferably, an end of the anchor strap is attached adjacent the connection point for the anchor means or the optional support strap. The anchor strap will typically extend about the portion of the seat or headrest in a direction opposed to the anchor means.

The anchor strap is preferably provided with at least one fastener portion or mechanism to engage with that fastener portion(s) or mechanism(s) provided on the anchor means.

The fastener portion or mechanism can be of any type although Velcro or similar is preferred. Buttons, clip fasteners or similar may alternatively be used.

The anchor strap can extend around the seat or headrest portion and through the opening provided at the connection of the anchor means and then to the fastener portion or mechanism on the surface of the anchor means in order to attach the assembly. Preferably, the fastener portion on the anchor strap will engage the fastener provided on the underside of the anchor means and thus the anchor means can overlie and cover most of the anchor strap.

In addition to the above, the assembly of the present invention may be provided with at least one and normally a pair of loop means through which the attachment straps of the infant seat or capsule may extend to assist with the stabilisation of the novelty and mirror. Loop means may be provided on either lateral side of the novelty. Also, the loop means may be provided but not used depending upon the location of the anchor points for the infant seat or capsule and the height at which the anchor straps for the seat/capsule pass the seat.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in use.

Figure 2 is a detailed view of an attachment mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a close-up view of a preferred form of the present invention mounted in position relative to a vehicle seat.

Figure 4 is a further detailed view of an attachment mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a detailed view of an seat belt attachment mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a detailed view of the seat belt attachment mechanism illustrated in Figure 5 with a seat belt attached.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.

According to a preferred embodiment, a mirror support assembly particularly adapted for use in a vehicle is provided.

The mirror support 10 as illustrated in the Figures is mounted relative to an automobile seat 11 and particularly to the headrest 12 associated with the seat 11. The operation of the device is illustrated in Figure 1. In use, when the device is correctly positioned and oriented, a front seated driver 13 can manipulate the rear view mirror 14 of the vehicle to view an infant 15 in a rear facing seat or capsule 16 using the reflection of the rear view mirror 14 and the mirror 17 on the device 10. The device provides visibility of the rear facing infant 15 without increasing the "blind spot" of the driver 13 looking through the rear view mirror 14.

As illustrated particularly well in Figure 3, the device 10 includes a shaped novelty 18 having a front side and a back side, with a mirror 17 mounted relative to the front side of the novelty 18. An anchor means 19 is connected to novelty 18 and extends about the headrest 12 of the seat 11 relative to which the device is mounted. An anchor strap 20 is connected to the novelty 18 and extends about the headrest of the seat relative to which the device 10 is mounted from an opposite direction to the anchor means 19. The anchor means 19 and the anchor strap engage a part of each other to assist with securing the novelty 18 in position relative to the seat I 1.

The novelty 18 can be of any shape but normally has the shape of a stuffed toy, children's story character or animal novelty. The novelty 18 has a body portion 22 and a head portion 21 (although this configuration is not necessary nor likely for some toys or animals). The mirror 17 used according to the invention is mounted relative to the larger portion which will normally be the body portion as illustrated. The head portion 21 and the body portion 22 are attached to each other at a seam 23 and are pivotally mounted to each other so that the head 21 and body 22 can articulate relative to each other.

O

The invention also includes a convex mirror 17 mounted relative to the front side of said shaped novelty 18 so that the reflective surface is able to reflect a greater array of directions than a normal planar mirror.

rThe mirror 17 is mounted more or less permanently to the novelty and is substantially circular in shape. The edge of the mirror 17 is covered with a soft C border 24 in order to prevent accidental injury to the infant, child or other user.

OAccording to a particularly preferred embodiment, the anchor means 19 is rectangular in shape and includes a hollow body portion manufactured by joining a pair of correspondingly shaped portions about their edges. The hollow portion is substantially flat but can be adapted to receive a removable weight. The anchor means 19 has body portion with a pair of end edges, a pair of side edges and a pair of surfaces, one upper and one lower when in use. As illustrated, a first end edge of the anchor means 19 is connected to the rear side of the novelty such that at least a part of the body portion of the anchor means 19 can overlie the headrest 12.

As illustrated in Figure 5 in particular, the first end edge of the anchor means 19 is attached relative to the seam 23 of the novelty 18 between the head and body portions.

The anchor means 19 is provided with one or more Velcro fastener portions 25. Normally the anchor means 19 extends up and over the headrest 12.

The invention further includes an anchor strap 20 connected to the novelty 18 and adapted to extend about the headrest 12 from an opposed direction to the anchor means 19.

The anchor strap 20 is also attached to the back side of the novelty 18.

The anchor strap 20 is also provided with at least one Velcro fastener portion 26 to engage with the fastener portion 25 provided on the anchor means 19.

The fastener portion 26 on the anchor strap 20 engages the fastener provided on the underside of the anchor means 19 and thus the anchor means 19 can overlie and cover most of the anchor strap In addition to the above, the device is provided with a pair of loops 27 through which the attachment straps 28 of the infant seat 16 or capsule extend to assist with the stabilisation of the novelty 18 and mirror 17. Loop means may be are provided on either lateral side of the novelty 18.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A mirror support assembly to be mounted relative to a seat, the assembly including: a. a shaped novelty having a front side and a back side, b. a mirror mounted relative to the front side of said shaped novelty, c. an anchor means connected to said novelty adapted to extend about at least a portion of the seat relative to which the assembly is mounted, and d. an anchor strap connected to said novelty and adapted to extend about at least a portion of the seat relative to which the assembly is mounted from an opposed direction to the anchor means wherein the anchor means and the anchor strap are adapted to engage at least a portion of each other to assist with securing the novelty in position relative to the seat.

2. A mirror support assembly according to claim 1 wherein the novelty is located adjacent a headrest associated with the seat relative to which the novelty is secured in use.

3. A mirror support assembly according to claim 1 wherein the mirror is at least partially convex in shape.

4. A mirror support assembly according to claim 1 wherein the anchor means includes a weight which holds the assembly in position relative to a seat without further attachment by draping the anchor means over a portion of a seat or headrest. A mirror support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims used relative to an automobile seat or headrest to view a child in a rear facing seat/capsule.