GB1478323A - Infant restraining device for use in vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

1478323 Infant bed for vehicles WINGARD Ltd 30 Aug 1974 38009/74 Heading A4J [Also in Division A5] The arrangements for securing an infants cot or bed in a vehicle are such that under rapid deceleration the cot pivots to the position shown in Fig. 5, whereby the impact forces on an infant may be spread over a large body area and whereby the head and body are both supported. In the Fig. 5 embodiment the cot is retained by a vehicle seat belt, e.g. the lap strap, 44 passing round the cot body. The guides 48, 50 ensure that in the normal position of the cot the path taken by the strap 44 passes above the centre of mass O of the cot with a child in it. The curved portion 34 ensures easy rotation on impact. In the Fig. 6 embodiment (not shown) each end of the cot is provided with a pivotally mounted stirrup, the retaining strap being threaded through a slot in each stirrup. The points of pivotal attachment of the stirrups are above the centre of mass of the system so as to ensure clockwise rotation of the cot upon sudden deceleration. In a modification Fig. 11 (not shown) the stirrups 94 are secured at two points to the cot, at least the lowermost of the arms of the stirrups being rendered extensible, e.g. by concertina folds. Thus on impact the lower arms stretch to allow rotation of the cot while absorbing some of the force. A modified stirrup Fig. 12 (not shown) is rendered deformable by thinning of one of the arms. In a further embodiment the cot comprises an elementary frame secured to the vehicle via a strap engaging pivotally mounted stirrups in the manner of the (Fig. 6) embodiment. The child containing portion is composed of a hammock like cradle of flexible material suspended from rods extending along the front and rear top edges of the frame. Thus not only can the framework rotate upon impact, but the cradle will swing within the frame. If desired the cradle can incorporate pleats which are released under impact to absorb some of the force. The cot per se may comprise a rigid, e.g. plastics, shell with internal padding and reinforcing end plates for attachment of the stirrups &c. The shell may be reinforced by an internal rigid frame of rods.