GB2459171A

GB2459171A - Head restraint for use with vehicle seats

Info

Publication number: GB2459171A
Application number: GB0904185A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eghosa Evbu Ugbolue; Ukadike Chris Ugbolue
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-04-14
Filing date: 2009-03-11
Publication date: 2009-10-21
Also published as: GB0806622D0; GB0904185D0

Abstract

A band or strap 4a worn by the user connects to an attachment member 5a on the front of a seat, for example a children's car seat 1a. The band detachably connects at the rear of the head, providing support for the user's head and neck. The attachment may use hook and loop type fasteners 3a. The band may be made of elastic material, or may have a fastener to close it around the user's head.

Description

Head Restraint The present invention relates to head restraints, particularly for infants and children when travelling so as to reduce or prevent head/neck tipping.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Restraint facilities already exist in vehicles most prominently in the form of seat belts.

These seat belts can be used to secure infant or toddler car seats as well as children sitting on booster seats. Though these standards meet health and safety criteria, the seat belts only support the upper body of the little passengers, thus negating the head and neck regions which potentially could result to severe head and neck injuries. Car seats and booster seats are a requirement for health and safety reasons, however at present, neither car seats nor booster seats provide any head and neck support to help reduce and ultimately prevent possible head and neck injuries such as whiplash and the like. Indeed, head and neck support mechanisms are critical and essential for comfort and in the prevention of head and neck injuries.

Designing and developing a head and neck support mechanism with all the attributes that go with ergonomics is difficult. Essentially, the design should not only safely support the head and neck but ensure the infant or child's head is maintained in an upright position in relation to their spinal column. To accomplish this is a major problem and as such a system must be discovered to address this dilemma. The head and neck support mechanism developed is simple yet different from previously designed head and neck supports. It is simply a head and neck tilting preventor designed to support and protect an infant or child's head and neck from motions resulting in front to back or side to side movements whilst asleep or due to sudden changes in a vehicles momentum or at worse in accidents.

Parents would have noted (unhappily) that while their little angels are strapped into their car seats they tend to fall asleep and their heads tend to fall forwards or lean sideways in unnatural and uncomfortable positions. In such positions, spontaneous head movements can occur resulting in the head being thrown around in an unsupported manner which eventually may result in serious injuries that can affect the soft tissues of the cervical spine (e.g. ligaments and intervertebral discs) and muscles. Due to the relatively delicate and weak nature of the neck of infants and children it is preferable the head and neck support mechanism specifically supports, prevents and protects the child's head when subjected to spontaneous movements.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a head restraint system comprising a first engaging member which, in use, is worn around a user's head and a second engaging member which is attached to a front surface of a vehicle seat so that at least a portion of the first engaging member at the rear of the user's head is in contact with and releasably secured to the second engaging member.

Preferably, the head restraint system is for use with a baby or small child however it is also applicable for use with disabled adults who have poor head/neck muscle control such as individuals suffering from muscular wasting diseases. Alternatively, it may be used with adults with pre-existing head/neck injuries to ensure that there is minimal head/neck movement during a journey.

Preferably, the head restraint system of the present invention is for use in a vehicle such as a car or coach or the like, however it may also be used in other forms of transport such as and without limitation a train or aeroplane or any other form of transport in which an individual may experience jolting movements.

Preferably the first engaging member comprises an adjustable band or strip which is capable of being secured about a user's head. The head and neck tilting preventor of the present invention may comprise an adjustable head band.

Preferably, the first engaging member may comprise an elastic or non-elastic material. In the instance of the first engaging member being formed of an elastic material, a user may simply expand the first engaging member so as to place it appropriately about the head region. In the instance of the first engaging member being made of a non-elastic material, the first engaging member additionally comprises a fastner portion. The fastener portion may be in the form of complimentary VelcroTM strips or it may be in the form of a snap fit female/male popper or the like, the fastner portion is provided so that the first engaging member may be placed appropriately about a user's head and secured thereabout.

Preferably first engaging member comprises an attachment region. The attachment region is provided so as to be substantially at the rear of the first engaging member when worn about a user's head, that is to say the attachment region is at the back of the user's head.

Preferably, the attachment region is in the form of a VelcroTM strip or it may be in the form of a snap fit female/male popper or the like.

Preferably, the second engaging member is provided attached to a vehicle seat.

Preferably, the second engaging member is provided on the seat at a position commensurate with the back of a user's head, that is to say in at least the upper third to a quarter of the seat back.

Preferably, the first and second engaging members are capable of being releasably secured together so that the first and second engaging members may be complimentary VelcroTM strips or female/male poppers or fastners or the like.

In use, a user wearing the first engaging member and sitting in the vehicle seat places the back of their head against the second engaging member associated with the seat so that the first and second engaging members are in contact with one another and are secured together on contact either by the complimentary VelcroTM strips or by female/male poppers or fastners or the like.

The present invention provides a head and neck tilting preventor, which can be used as restraint particularly but not exclusively for children, which attaches via fasteners with a head rest. Preferably, the second engaging means or head rest fastener can be sewn or fastened directly on to the head rest or head rest cover or head wrap with provisions for additional fasteners with the aim to prevent head and neck forward and/or sideways tipping when the child is sat in a standard car seat or booster seat.

Preferably the first and/or second engaging members are constructed of fabric that is water or damp proof.

The head and neck tilting preventor of the present invention may comprise fabric members that can attach via fasteners directly on to a head rest or head rest cover or head wrap and are child proof.

In one embodiment of the invention the second engaging member comprises VelcroTM and the head rest to which it is attached may have a VelcroTM pattern, or head rest pattern on the head rest cover or pattern on the head wrap can vary in aesthetics -geometric shape, size or form.

It will be appreciated that the seat as herein before described may be a standard vehicle seat or a child's car seat. In the instance of the seat being a standard car seat the second engaging member may be directly attached thereto or it may be provided integral therewith.

According to a second aspect of there is provided a kit comprising a first engaging member as herein before described and a second engaging member as herein before described that may be attached via attachment means to a vehicle seat.

Preferably the attachment means are provided as strings or ribbons or such like to that the second engaging means can be tied to a vehicle seat. The head and neck tilting preventor of the present invention can attach via fasteners both within and around the head rest of a passenger car seat or standard car seat.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Among the many objectives of the present invention this invention highlights at least one limitation to the use of previous head and neck supports designed for infants and children. Child safety is paramount and can be enhanced through this invention which is an improvement to the prior art. This invention provides a head and neck support for an infant or toddler seating in a standard car seat, as well as a child using a booster car seat. The head and neck support is comfortable and without any biomechanical concerns being raised regarding the positioning of the head and neck tilting preventor. As such the device is safe, economical, simple to use and effective.

It also may advantageously be fitted retrospectively to a standard car seat.

The head and neck tilting gear or kit comprises a tilting preventor, and a head rest cover (or wrap). The head and neck tilting preventor can be made as a head strap or head band that fastens on to the head rest. Essentially, the head strap can be made from any fabric or polymeric material with fasteners stitched or attached to both ends of the strap to ensure the child's head can securely be restrained. The head and neck tilting preventor may be attached to the standard car seat or booster seat or could be manufactured separately such that present car seat users can benefit from the invention. For newer car seats or booster seats the head and neck tilting preventor will be attached to the car seat, so that it secures the head in the head rest (which will comprise a series of fasteners). For car seats without the head and neck tilting preventor attachment, both the head and neck tilting preventor and head rest cover and I or wrap will be obtained as additional accessories. The head rest covers may be custom made to fit various head rest car seat models or rear passenger seat head rests for children using a booster seat. The head rest cover may be made from any fabric or polymeric material to fit over the head rest and secured with elasticated rims, fasteners or draw string. The head rest wrap will act as a universal cover designed to be compatible with various child car seats and rear passenger head rests. The head wrap will be attached by wrapping or tying the straps until secured around the head rest region of the car seat or rear passenger car seat. The strap ends may be made from VelcroTM attachments or any fasteners.

For car seats with an inbuilt head rest, the head and neck tilting preventor may be used with fastener mechanisms such as VelcroTM material or it may be sewn on to the head rest to ensure the head and neck tilting preventor is securely attached and supporting the child's head and neck.

The head band tilting preventor may also serve the same purpose as a head and neck tilting preventor. The head band tilting preventor consists of a head band which may be elasticated or made from any fabric or polymeric material. Fasteners may be attached to the back and sides of the head band to ensure the head and neck is securely stabilised and comfortably held in place when fastened to the head rest region of the car seat or rear passenger car seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a child seated in a standard car seat and secured with a head and neck tilting preventor.

FIG. 2 illustrates the standard car seat with VelcroTM fastener attachment head rest design options for the head and neck tilting preventor.

FIG. 3 shows the head and neck tilting preventor.

FIG. 4 shows the head band tilting preventor.

FIG. 5 shows the head rest cover with the attached VelcroTM fastener.

FIG. 6 shows the head rest wrap with provisions for fasteners.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The head and neck tilting preventor is in the form of a head band which, when worn, prevents the forward and side ways tipping of the head of a passenger in a seat with a back rest. The protection of the child's head and neck against injuries is pertinent and can be prevented or reduced using a head and neck safety support mechanism in the form of a tilting preventor.

Figure 1 shows an exemplary illustration of the head and neck tilting preventor first engaging member 4a, of the present invention, worn by a child seated in a standard car seat I a. This invention is designed to reduce the risk of stress and damage to the neck when a vehicle undergoes a front or side impact or when breaking suddenly. By front or side impact movement the vehicle occupants can undergo a forward or sideways change in motion and momentum, as the vehicle is struck in the front or side thereof. The standard car seat Ia has been proven to secure and protect the child occupant's mid body with the exception of the head and neck regions which are vital components of the body prone to severe injury. Thus, with this standard car seat set up where a strap runs from the shoulders to between the legs of the infant or child, it is inevitable that on impact the head and neck is bound to move in an uncontrollable manner that potentially can cause damage to the internal structures of the head and neck regions of the infant or child strapped in the standard car seat.

Furthermore, older children who use booster seats and seat belts may be exposed to the same predestined situation, where the upper body is restrained leaving the head and neck unrestrained and injury prone. Evidently, it is anticipated that child occupants who are awake will be less vulnerable when compared to children asleep.

One way to reduce the possibility of head and neck injury to infants or children vehicle occupants is to modify the standard car seats and rear passenger car seats.

This can be achieved through the introduction of the head and neck tilting preventor 4a, as a standard that is attached to all infant car seats and rear car seats. For existing standard car seats an attachable head and neck tilting preventor 4a, kit can be obtained independently and attached to the infant standard car seat or rear passenger car seat I head rest.

Essentially, the head and neck tilting preventor 4a, may be secured firmly using VelcroTM attachments 3a or any other fastener mechanism. In particular, the head and neck tilting preventor 4a may be attached directly to the second engaging member head rest 5a or to a head rest with a cover 2a.

As seen in Figure 2 any standard car seat may be fitted with a head rest 5a comprising a fastener mechanism primarily designed for the attachment of the head and neck tilting preventor 4a. The head rest 5a may be sewn directly on to the standard car seat or on to the head rest of the rear passenger seat. The head rest 5a may also be covered using a design compatible head rest cover 2a or a standard head rest cover with size adjustment capabilities. Majority of the head rests 5a are adjustable to ensure the child's head rests comfortably. This means irrespective of the seating height of the infant, toddler or child the head and neck will always be firmly secured against the head rest 5a or head rest cover 2a. The head rest 5a may be designed using different patterns provided the head and neck tilting preventor 4a can be securely fastened.

Referring now to Figure 3, the head and neck tilting preventor 4a can be available in standard sizes and/or with the option for head size adjustment. The head size adjustment will compensate for the large variability in head sizes across infants, toddlers, children and adults. Irrespective of whether head and neck tilting preventor 4a, is designed for an infant, toddler or child or adult with the added option of head size adjustments the structure of the support assembly will substantially be similar.

Specifically, both head and neck tilting preventors 4a comprise two elements the head and neck tilting protector fabric 6a and the head and neck tilting protector VelcroTM attachments 6b. The head and neck tilting protector fabric 6a may be made from any resilient polymeric material which may be style and colour patterned and / or waterproof. The head and neck tilting protector VelcroTM attachments 6b will comprise two VelcroTM fabric attachments stitched to each side of the head and neck tilting protector fabric 6a. The head and neck tilting protector VelcroTM attachments 6b will be approximately one-half the length of the head and neck tilting protector fabric 6a. However, the head and neck tilting protector VelcroTM attachments 6b lengths may vary and depend on head size. An option will also be available for head size adjustments. The head and neck tilting preventor may be made from any durable, flexible / elasticated, waterproof and / or hypoallergenic fabric or material with other fastener mechanisms other than VelcroTM. The head and neck tilting preventor 4a will be dependent on head rest style and may be permanently attached to the head rest and I or car seat with the option of detaching it from the head rest or car seat if need be.

Figure 4 illustrates the front 7a and back 7b of the head band tilting preventor. With respect to Figure 4, the head band tilting preventor 7a, 7b has similar attributes to the head and neck tilting preventor 4a. The head band tilting preventor 7a, 7b will ensure the head and neck of the infant, toddler or child is securely restrained and supported when a vehicle is subjected to spontaneous I sudden motion changes or at worse impact. The head band tilting preventor 7a, 7b may be in the form of an elasticated fabric material worn as a band around the head that can be made from any durable, flexible, waterproof and I or hypoallergenic fabric or material. The head band tilting preventor 7a, 7b may be composed of VelcroTM sewn to the back of the band which attaches to the VelcroTM head rest 5a or head rest cover 2a. Other fastener mechanisms aside VelcroTM such as snap or button fasteners or any other appropriate fastener may be used.

With reference to Figure 5, the head rest cover 2a is designed to be placed over the head rest 5a of a standard car seat or rear passenger car seat. The head rest cover 2a may be made from any durable, flexible I elasticated, waterproof and I or hypoallergenic fabric or material. The fabric or material is fitted on to the head rest and secured with elasticated rims. In place of elasticated rims, fasteners or a draw string may be used. The head rest 5a or head rest cover 2a may be padded for comfort. The resiliency thereof can be determined on a case by case basis to meet the required or desired needs of the infant or child seat occupant.

Referring to Figure 6, the head rest wrap 2b has similar features to the head rest cover 2a. The head rest wrap 2b is composed of VelcroTM and straps I fastener provisions 8a. The head rest wrap 2b may be secured by tying the fastener provision 8a. In place of using the fastener provisions 8a, VelcroTM attachments, buttons, snap fasteners or any other appropriate fastener may be used. Just like the head rest cover 2a, the head rest wrap 2b may be made from any durable, flexible I elasticated, waterproof and I or hypoallergenic fabric or material. The size and shape of the head rest wrap 2b will also depend on the design of the standard infant car seat head rest and car brand rear passenger head rest.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A head restraint system comprising a first engaging member which, in use, is worn around a user's head and a second engaging member which is attached to a front surface of a vehicle seat so that at least a portion of the first engaging member at the rear of the user's head is in contact with and releasably secured to the second engaging member on the vehicle seat.
2. A head restraint system according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle is selected from the group comprising car, coach, train and aircraft.
3. A head restraint system according to either preceding claim wherein the first engaging member comprises an adjustable band or strip which is capable of being secured about a user's head.
4. A head restraint system according to any preceding claim wherein the first engaging member comprises an elastic or non-elastic material.
5. A head restraint system according to claim 4 wherein in the instance of the first engaging member being formed of an elastic material, in use a user expands the first engaging member so as to place it appropriately about the head region.
6. A head restraint system according to claim 4 wherein in the instance of the first engaging member being formed of a non-elastic material, the first engaging member additionally comprises a fastner portion.
7. A head restraint system according to claim 6 wherein the fastener portion is either in the form of complimentary VelcroTM strips or is in the form of a snap fit female/male popper or fastner, so that the first engaging member is placed appropriately about a user's head and secured thereabout.
8. A head restraint system according to any preceding claim wherein the first engaging member comprises an attachment region.
9. A head restraint system according to claim 8 wherein the attachment region is provided so as to be substantially at the rear of the first engaging member when worn about a user's head so that the attachment region is at the back of the user's head.
10. A head restraint system according to either claim 8 or 9 wherein the attachment region is in the form of a VelcroTM strip or a snap fit female/male popper or fastner.
11. A head restraint system according to any preceding claim wherein the second engaging member is provided attached to or integral with a vehicle seat.
12. A head restraint system according to any preceding claim wherein the second engaging member is provided on the seat at a position commensurate with the back ofauser'shead.
13. A head restraint system according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second engaging members are capable of being releasably secured together and wherein the first and second engaging members are either complimentary VelcroTM strips or female/male poppers orfastners.
14. A head restraint system according to any preceding claim wherein the first and/or second engaging members are constructed of fabric that is water or damp proof.
15. A head restraint system according to any preceding claim wherein the second engaging member comprises VelcroTM and has a VelcroTM pattern that can vary in geometric shape and size.
16. A head restraint system according to any preceding claim wherein the seat is a standard car seat or booster seat or child's car seat
17. A kit comprising a first engaging member and a second engaging member according to any preceding claim and wherein the second engaging member further comprises attachment means for attaching it to a vehicle seat.
18. A head restraint system as shown substantially in the accompanying figures.