NL2014089A

NL2014089A - Comfortable child seat.

Info

Publication number: NL2014089A
Application number: NL2014089A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Angenent Mark
Original assignee: Duux Int B V
Priority date: 2015-01-07
Filing date: 2015-01-07
Publication date: 2016-09-23
Also published as: NL2014089B1

Description

Comfortable child seat

Field of the invention

The present invention is in the field of a comfortable child seat.

Background of the invention

Child seats may be used indoors and in cars. A child seat provides a comfortable and safe seat to a child, preferably in a supine position or slightly upward position. It is not uncommon for a child to sleep in a child seat in a supine position.

Within the context of the present application the term "child" may refer to a baby or infant, a toddler, and small child, i.e. in the age of less than a month to six years. Similarly, the child seat may be a baby seat, an infant car seat, a travel seat for children, etc. A child seated for some time in a child seat can experience bed sore and the like. Also as a consequence at an older age the child can develop problems due to the prolonged time in a child seat, such as hip problems. US 8,058,983 Bl, US 2014/266662 A1 and WO 2006/133002 A2 comprise an occupancy detection of a child seat for a car. All these solutions work with a presence switch for detecting the presence of a child. In combination with means for detecting the presence of a driver in the car or for detecting use of the car. Such a child seat is used to prevent a child to be left in the car, when the car is not used or occupied by another driver. A disadvantage is that the occupancy detection does not measure the amount of time a child is in the seat and force exercised by the child on the seat. Therefore the occupancy detection is not suitable for preventing bed sore or worse for the child.

Therefore there still is a need for an improved child seat, which overcome one or more of the above disadvantages, without jeopardizing functionality and advantages.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides an improvement over the prior art child seats. The child seat according to the present invention of claim 1 provides such improvements.

In a first aspect of the invention a child seat comprises a shell and a lining on the inside of the shell providing a seating surface for a child, wherein the child seat comprises at least one pressure sensor for measuring the pressure exercised on the seating surface by the child. Likewise the present child seat may relate to a baby bouncer, a baby carrier, a baby bed, a baby box, in so far as these have substantially a similar seating surface.

In the context of the present application a child suitable for a child seat according to the invention is a child in the age of 0-6, preferably 0-3, more preferably 0-2. A child using the child seat is most likely limited in its verbal expression ability to express bed sore or emerging of bed sore as is common with young children.

In the context of the present application a lining is providing some measure of comfort to the child in the form of suspension like a matrass and/or thermal isolation. The lining is preferably replaceable, such as for cleaning purposes. The lining may contain all of the elements mentioned throughout the description, it may contain some of the elements, or none of the elements. The lining may be applicable in the present child seat, and likewise in a baby bouncer, a baby bed, and a box, etc. The applicability of the present liner is considered to extent further, in so far as any surface being in contact with a child, and the child being in an upright or laying position or a supine position or slightly upward position, could be provided with the present lining. In other words a relatively large degree of design is present.

In the context of the present application a shell is a stiffer part of a child seat able to carry at least the weight of a child seated in the child seat without buckling.

On the other hand the shell might still provide some flexing with a seated child for some comfort.

In the context of the present application a pressure sensor provides an analogue or digital value corresponding to a certain pressure exercised on the sensor. A presence switch is to be understood as providing an indication if an object is placed or present on the switch, without providing any indication of the exercised pressure.

The effect of the at least one pressure sensor is that the force exercised on the sensor is measured. By measuring the force exercised over time an estimation can be made of the chance of the child seated on bed sore or any other physical problems that might occur over time. So both time and pressure may be taken into account for determining such a chance. If this chance becomes too high, for example above a certain predefined threshold, the child should preferably be lifted from the child seat. As such preferably also a timer or clock is provided. It is noted that real life experiments have identified that a perception of time a child is in a seat often is less than a fraction of the real time a child is in the seat, e.g. a perception of an hour whereas the child was seated for three hours.

The effect provides the advantage that bed sore or any other physical problem might be prevented.

Thereby the present invention provides a solution to one or more of the above mentioned problems.

Advantages of the present description are detailed throughout the description.

Detailed description of the invention

In an exemplary embodiment of the child seat the at least one pressure sensor is capable of measuring an exercised pressure by the child on the child seat over time. This provides the advantage of integrating the exercised pressure over time for a more accurate prediction of the occurrence of physical problems of the child and/or the moment in time the child needs to be taken out of the child seat.

In an exemplary embodiment the child seat comprises at least one inflatable air chamber arranged below the seating surface. The effect of the air chamber is the spreading of pressure exercised by a seated child over the seating surface. Another effect of the air chamber is that the child is provided with an improved suspension. The advantage of both effects is that the moment in time the child needs to be lifted from the child seat to minimize the chance on bed sore is delayed.

In an exemplary embodiment the child seat comprises air pressure control means controlling air pressure in the at least one air chamber. This provides the advantage of adapting the air chamber pressure, delaying the moment in time the child needs to be lifted from the child seat.

In an exemplary embodiment of the child seat the at least one pressure sensor provides input to control air pressure of the at least one air chamber by the air pressure control means. This provides the advantage of adapting the air chamber pressure to the exercised pressure, delaying the moment in time the child needs to be lifted from the child seat.

In an exemplary embodiment of the child seat the at least one pressure sensor and the at least one air chamber are integrated. In a further exemplary embodiment the pressure sensor measures the air pressure inside the air chamber. This provides the advantage of measuring the air pressure in the air chamber as well as the pressure exercised on the air chamber by the seated child. If the amount of air in the air chamber is varied the variation of the air pressure indicates if the amount of air is elastically expanding the air chamber together with suspending the seated child or just suspending the seated child.

In an exemplary embodiment the child seat comprises temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the seating surface. This provides the advantage of providing the seated child with warmed and cooling further delaying the moment in time the child needs to be lifted from the child seat.

In an exemplary embodiment the child seat comprises a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the direct environment. If for instance a temperature in a car exceeds a certain value, or is considered too high over a typically predefined period of time the sensor provides a signal. The signal can be send to a further device, such as the interface below. The signal may also activate an alarm, such as an audio alarm, and a visual alarm. As such a risk of a child being in a too hot or too cold environment too long is decreased.

The temperature control means are preferably controlling the air temperature of the air in the air chamber. This provides the advantage of integration. A further advantage is that air is a good conductor advantageously spreading the temperature controlling effect over the seating surface .

In an exemplary embodiment the child seat comprises an interface coupled to the at least one pressure sensor, wherein the interface presents information of at least one of a group of a pressure exercised on the child seat, a time a child is seated in the child seat, a chance of bed sore for a child seated in the child seat and an integration of pressure over time for a child seated in the child seat. The interface provides an advantageous way of communicating the chance of the occurrence of a physical problem to befall the seated child. The interface might comprise audio, visual or tactual means for communicating or presenting the information. The interface communicates preferably with a human.

In an exemplary embodiment the child seat comprises two or more pressure sensors and/or two or more air chambers. This provides the advantage of improved monitoring, suspension, supporting and/or controlling of spread of exercised pressure on a seating surface of the child seat.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the child seat at least one pressure sensor is arranged to each air chamber. This provides the advantage of monitoring the pressure at a localized location of a seating surface of the child seat.

In an even further exemplary embodiment the child seat with the multiple air chambers comprises multiple air pressure control means for having different air pressures in different air chambers. This provides the advantage of controlling the pressure at a localized location of the seating surface.

In an exemplary embodiment the child seat comprises a handle bar for carrying the child seat. This provides the advantage of simplified carrying of the seated child.

In an exemplary embodiment the child seat comprises means for coupling the child seat with a car belt. This provides the advantage of being able to safely transporting a child seat in a car.

In another aspect of the invention a lining for use in a child seat comprises a seating surface for a child, wherein the lining comprises at least one pressure sensor for measuring the pressure exercised on the seating surface by the child.

The effect of the at least one pressure sensor is that the force exercised on the sensor is measured preferably when placed as lining in a child seat, preferably according to the invention. By measuring the force exercised an estimation can be made of the chance of the child seated on bed sore or any other physical problems that might occur over time. If this chance becomes too high, for example above a certain predefined threshold, the child should be lifted from the child seat comprising the lining.

The effect provides the advantage that bed sore or any other physical problem might be prevented with a child seat comprising such a lining.

In an exemplary embodiment the lining comprises coupling means for coupling the lining with a child seat, wherein the coupling means couple the pressure sensor to the child seat. This provides the advantage of coupling the pressure sensor to functions of the child seat.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the lining the coupling means are decoupleable from the child seat. This provides the advantage of having the pressure sensor simply replaced by a different lining.

In another aspect of the invention a lining for use in a child seat comprising a seating surface for a child, wherein the lining comprises at least one air chamber arranged below the seating surface.

The effect of the air chamber is the spreading of pressure exercised by a seated child over the seating surface of the lining when used in a child seat preferably according to the invention. Another effect of the air chamber is that the child is provided with an improved suspension. The advantage of both effects is that the moment in time the child needs to be lifted from the child seat is delayed.

In an exemplary embodiment the lining comprises coupling means for coupling the lining with a child seat, wherein the coupling means couple the air chamber to the child seat. This provides the advantage of coupling the air chamber to functions of the child seat.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the lining the coupling means are decoupleable from the child seat. This provides the advantage of having the air chamber simply replaced by a different lining.

Any element or combination of elements providing an effect and advantage for a child seat as stated above can be combined with a lining suitable for a child seat, preferably as defined above, to provide a lining with the same effect and advantage.

In another aspect of the invention a device has communication means for communicating with a child seat according to the invention, wherein the device is capable of presenting information of at least one of a group of a pressure exercised on the child seat, a time a child is seated in the child seat, a chance of bed sore for a child seated in the child seat, and an integration of pressure over time for a child seated in the child seat.

The communication means can be either wired or wireless. In case of wired one of the following communication protocols might be chosen: Ethernet, USB, Firewire, shielded twisted pair or unshielded twisted pair and Modbus. In case of wireless one of the following wireless communication protocols might be chosen: Bluetooth, ZigBee, UWB, WiFi, GSM and HART.

The device might be a telephone, a smartphone, a navigational device preferably in a car, a tablet and a laptop .

An alternative added function is to have occupancy detection on the device. This provides the advantage that if the device is a mobile device, the mobile device is most likely taken from a car, while the child in the seat might be forgotten. In this case the mobile device might alert the carrier of the device of the occupied child seat. In addition, or as an alternative, an indicator, such as a LED-light, may be activated.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will hereinafter be further explained with reference to the drawing of several figures which are exemplary and explanatory of nature and are not limiting the scope of the invention. To the person skilled in the art it will be clear that many variants are conceivable falling within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 shows a child seat in perspective view.

Figure 2 shows a lining in perspective view.

Figure 3 shows a device for communication in perspective view.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments/drawings

Figure 1 shows a child seat 1 in perspective view.

The child seat comprises a shell 2 and a handle bar 8. The child seat further comprises a lining 3, preferably interchangeable, comprising a seating surface 4. The child seat further comprises pressure sensors 5 and air chambers 6. The pressure sensors and air chambers are preferably integrated in the shell or lining.

Figure 2 shows a lining 3 in perspective view. The lining comprises a seating surface 4 having pressure sensors 5 and air chambers 6 arranged to the seating surface. The lining further comprises an interface 7 coupled to the lining to control the air pressure in the air chambers and to present information concerning the exercised pressure in the lining preferably over time.

The lining further comprises flaps 9 providing an angled profile, such as a hooked profile, to the lining for improved fitting in the form of a shell of a child seat. These flaps could also be provided with air chambers for improved comfort and preventing bed sores.

Figure 3 shows a device 10 for communication in perspective view. The device comprises at least communication means for communicating information between the device and a child seat according to the present invention or a lining according to the present invention.

List of reference numerals 1 child seat 2 shell 3 lining 4 seating surface 5 pressure sensor 6 air chamber 7 interface 8 handle bar 9 flaps 10 device

Claims

A child's seat (1) comprising a shell (2) and a covering (3) on the inside of the shell for providing a seat (4) for a child, characterized in that the child's chair has at least one pressure sensor (5) ) for measuring pressure exerted on the seat by the child.

A child's seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one pressure sensor is able to measure a pressure exerted by the child on the seat during the time.

A child's seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the child's seat comprises at least one inflatable chamber (6) arranged below the seat surface.

A child's seat according to claim 3, characterized in that the child's seat comprises air pressure control means for controlling air pressure in the at least one air chamber.

A highchair according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one pressure sensor provides input data for controlling air pressure of the at least one air chamber by means of the air pressure control means.

A child's chair according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one pressure sensor and the at least one air chamber are integrated.

A child's seat according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the child's seat comprises temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the seat surface.

A child's chair according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the cover is interchangeable.

A child's seat according to any of claims 1-8, characterized in that the child's seat comprises an interface (7) which is coupled to the at least one pressure sensor, the interface displaying information from at least one of a group of a pressure , which is exercised on the high chair, a period of time that a child sits in the high chair, a chance of lying through for a child who sits in the high chair and an integration of pressure over time for a child who sits in the high chair.

10. Upholstery for use in a child's seat comprising a seat for a child, characterized in that the cover comprises at least one pressure sensor for measuring the pressure exerted on the seat by the child, and at least one air chamber is arranged under the seat.

11. Upholstery according to claim 10, characterized in that the upholstery comprises coupling means for coupling the upholstery to a child's seat according to one of claims 1-9, wherein the coupling means, in the case of claim 10, the at least one dr. uk sensor or, in the case of claim 11, coupling the at least one air chamber with the high chair.

Device (10) with communication means for communicating with a child's seat according to one of claims 1-9 or covering according to one of claims 10-11, wherein the device is capable of presenting information from at least one of a group a pressure exerted on the highchair, a period of time that a child sits in the highchair, a chance of sagging for a child sitting in the highchair and an integration of pressure over time for a child sitting in the highchair.