US20040239166A1 - Booster cushion - Google Patents
Booster cushion Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040239166A1 US20040239166A1 US10/767,553 US76755304A US2004239166A1 US 20040239166 A1 US20040239166 A1 US 20040239166A1 US 76755304 A US76755304 A US 76755304A US 2004239166 A1 US2004239166 A1 US 2004239166A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- booster cushion
- seat
- sitting surface
- sitting
- child
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/26—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
- B60N2/28—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
- B60N2/2866—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle booster cushions, e.g. to lift a child to allow proper use of the conventional safety belts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/26—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
- B60N2/28—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
- B60N2/2803—Adaptations for seat belts
- B60N2/2812—Adaptations for seat belts for securing the child to the child seat
Definitions
- the invention relates to a vehicular booster cushion for a permanent vehicle seat and being provided with a first sitting surface for accommodating an occupant and a first resting surface adapted to be positioned on said seat in a first position of said booster cushion, said first sitting surface extending generally along a plane which is at a first distance from said first resting surface.
- booster cushions are used, enabling the child to be seated slightly higher than the seat surface so that a permanent seat belt mounted in the vehicle can be used by the child.
- different sizes of the booster cushions must be used in order to provide the correct belt geometry for the child. More precisely, the aim is to lift the child to get the shoulder part of the seat belt correctly placed on the child's shoulder.
- the booster cushion is used so as to hold the lap part of the seat belt in a correct position. In this manner, a situation in which the child slides under the belt in a collision situation (so-called “submarining”) can be avoided.
- the latter function may be accomplished by means of belt guides, as shown in U.S. patent application no. US 2001/0000638 A1.
- a child safety seat arrangement is disclosed.
- the seat is of a convertible type which is first arranged to work as a cot, then as a safety seat provided with its own safety straps. Finally, it may be arranged to work as a booster cushion.
- the booster cushion described in GB 2256364 is however only suitable for a small child. As a child grows from 3-4 years of age to about 10 years of age, the booster cushion will have to be replaced in order to maintain correct belt geometry. This is obviously a disadvantage since it is costly to replace a booster cushion suitable for a small child with a new booster cushion as the child grows up.
- booster cushion of the type initially mentioned, in which the booster cushion is also provided with a second sitting surface for accommodating an occupant and a second resting surface adapted to be positioned on said seat in a second position of said booster cushion, said second sitting surface extending generally along a plane which is at a second distance from said second resting surface, and wherein said first distance and said second distance are different, so as to be used by occupants of different height.
- the same booster cushion can be used in a safe manner for children between the approximate age of 3-10 years, which is an advantage as regards the cost for the owner of the cushion.
- the invention is practical since it can be used by several children (of different height) for example in the same family.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a booster cushion according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 shows a child using said booster cushion.
- FIG. 3 a shows a front view of a booster cushion according to the invention, in a first position.
- FIG. 3 b shows a front view of the booster cushion of FIG. 3 a, but in a second position.
- FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a booster cushion equipped with belt guides.
- FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a booster cushion which is equipped with belt guides that are pivotally arranged.
- FIG. 6 shows a side view of the booster cushion shown in FIG. 5.
- FIG. 7 shows a front view of the booster cushion in FIG. 5.
- FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a booster cushion equipped with belt guides that are slidably arranged
- FIG. 9 shows a front view of the booster cushion in FIG. 8.
- FIG. 1 shows a booster cushion 1 which is intended for use in a vehicle, for example a private car, in order to provide the correct belt geometry for a child from the approximate age 3-4 years and up to approximately 10 years.
- FIG. 1 shows the booster cushion 1 according to the invention in its most general form, having a first, top sitting surface 2 and a second, bottom sitting surface 3 , which sitting surfaces are placed on opposite sides of the booster cushion 1 .
- the booster cushion 1 is also provided with two side sections 4 , 5 which are intented to rest against another surface, suitably in the form of a conventional vehicle seat.
- a vehicle seat is indicated by means of reference numeral 6 in FIG. 1.
- the present invention relies on the general principle that the booster cushion 1 can be placed in either one of two positions, i.e. a first position (shown in FIG. 1) using the first sitting surface 2 as an upper surface on which a user may sit, or a second position by simply turning the booster cushion 1 so that the second sitting surface 3 defines an upper surface on which a user may sit.
- a distance will be defined between the plane defined by the vehicle seat 6 and the first sitting surface 2 or second sitting surface 3 .
- the two surfaces 2 , 3 extend along two generally parallel planes which are also generally parallel to the plane defined by the upper surface of the vehicle seat 6 .
- the invention is based on the fact that said distances differ from each other, so that the same booster cushion 1 can be used for users of a first height when using the first sitting surface 2 as a top surface, and for users of a second height when using the second sitting surface 3 as a top surface.
- the choice of switching from using either the first or second sitting surface as a sitting surface is done by simply turning the booster cushion 1 upside down.
- FIG. 2 a child 7 is shown using said booster cushion 1 , which in turn is placed on a permanent vehicle seat 6 , for example the rear seat of a conventional car.
- the vehicle is provided with a conventional, permanently mounted vehicle seat belt 8 to be used by the child 7 sitting in the vehicle seat 6 .
- the seat belt 8 has a shoulder part 9 and a lap part 10 .
- the booster cushion 1 is arranged so that its first sitting surface 2 is used as an upper surface on which the child sits.
- the first sitting surface 2 defines a distance d 1 to the upper surface of the vehicle seat 6 which is suitable for raising the child 7 to a height which is necessary with respect to the position of the seat belt 8 .
- This means that the child 8 is now given the most optimal protection by means of the seat belt 8 .
- the booster cushion 1 could be used in an upside down position, i.e. a second operational position wherein the second sitting surface 3 would be used as a sitting surface for the child in question.
- FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show a preferred embodiment of the booster cushion 1 according to the invention in a first position and a second position, respectively.
- FIG. 3 a indicates that the booster cushion 1 is shaped in such a way that the above-mentioned first distance d 1 is defined with respect to the upper surface of the vehicle seat 6 .
- FIG. 3 b indicates that the booster cushion 1 is shaped so that a second distance d 2 is defined with respect to the upper surface of the vehicle seat 6 .
- a sitting height corresponding to the distance d 1 or d 2 is provided depending on which one of the sitting surfaces 2 , 3 that is positioned to face upwards.
- Two different vertical positions of the booster cushion 1 with respect to the mounting position of the seat belt of the vehicle are provided.
- the first distance d 1 is used, lifting the child to a first vertical position with respect to the mounting position of the seat belt of the vehicle.
- the booster cushion 1 is turned in such a way that the second sitting surface 3 is positioned to face upwards, as shown in FIG. 3 b.
- the second distance d 2 is used, lifting the child to a second vertical position with respect to the mounting positions of the seat belt of the vehicle.
- the second distance d 2 of the booster cushion is less than the first distance d 1 , which means that the position shown in FIG. 3 b is more suitable for taller children than the position shown in FIG. 3 a.
- the booster cushion 1 is designed in such a manner that it comprises the above-mentioned side sections 4 , 5 , i.e. a first side section 4 and a second side section 5 , which are positioned on each side of a central section defining the first sitting surface 2 and the second sitting surface 3 .
- the first side section 4 comprises a first resting surface 12 and a second resting surface 13 .
- the second side section 5 comprises a first resting surface 14 and a second resting surface 15 .
- the first resting surfaces 12 , 14 are intended to rest on the vehicle seat 6 when the cushion 1 is positioned as shown in FIG.
- the first distance d 1 corresponds to a distance between the first sitting surface 2 and the first resting surfaces 12 , 14 , in a direction generally perpendicular to the vehicle seat 6 surface
- the second distance d 2 corresponds to a distance between the second sitting surface 3 and the second resting surfaces 13 , 15 , also in a direction generally perpendicular to the vehicle seat 6 surface.
- the booster cushion 1 is equipped with two belt guide pairs 16 , 17 for receiving the lap part 10 (see also FIG. 2) of a seat belt.
- the lap part 10 is indicated with broken lines in FIG. 4.
- the booster cushion 1 comprises a first pair of belt guides 16 which are formed as hooks or similar protrusions, which are positioned on each one of the side sections 4 , 5 and are intended to be used when a person sits on the first sitting surface 2 .
- the booster cushion 1 also comprises a second pair of belt guides 17 being formed in the same manner as the first part of belt guides 16 and being intended to be used when the booster cushion 1 is turned upside down and a person sits on the second sitting surface 3 .
- the intention of the belt guides 16 , 17 is to guide the lap part 10 of the seat belt in a proper way, preventing the child sitting on the booster cushion 1 to slide under the lap part 10 of the seat belt in the event of a collision. In this manner, a high degree of safety is provided for the child.
- FIG. 5 A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5.
- the booster cushion 1 is provided with an alternative set of belt guides in the form of two pairs of slightly curved elements 18 , 19 which in this case are arranged on the sides of the booster cushion 1 and are pivotally arranged around an imaginary axis 20 extending generally transverse to the longitudinal direction of the booster cushion 1 .
- the curved elements 18 , 19 can be pivoted as indicated by means of an arrow in FIG. 5.
- the first pair of belt guides 18 that corresponds to the first sitting surface 2 that is facing upwards as seen in FIG. 5 is positioned correctly so that a lap part 10 of a seat belt can be positioned in a safe manner with reference to a child sitting on the booster cushion 1 .
- the second pair of belt guides 19 which belongs to the second sitting surface 3 that is facing downwards, has been positioned is such a way that it is resting on the surface of the vehicle seat (not shown in FIG. 5) at generally the same level as the first end surfaces 12 , 14 as shown in FIG. 3 a.
- the booster cushion 1 is turned in such a way that the second sitting surface 3 is positioned to face upwards (not shown)
- the first and second pair of belt guides 18 , 19 rotate around the axis 20 in such a way that the second pair of belt guides 19 that corresponds to the second sitting surface 3 is positioned correctly so as to receive said lap part 10 .
- the first pair of belt guides 18 which corresponds to the first sitting surface 2 that now is facing downwards, has been positioned in such a way that it is resting on the sitting surface of the vehicle seat, thus not interfering with the vertical thickness or sitting comfort of the booster cushion 1 .
- the belt guides 18 , 19 as shown in FIG. 5 can be adapted in a suitable way so as to receive the lap part 10 of the seat belt. In this manner, the seat belt can be used in a safe manner by an occupant using the booster cushion 1 .
- FIG. 6 shows a side view of the booster cushion 1 as shown in FIG. 5.
- the belt guides 18 , 19 are preferably interconnected so that the positioning of each lower belt guide 19 determines the position of the corresponding upper belt guide 18 . More precisely, when the booster cushion 1 is positioned on a vehicle seat 6 , the lower belt guide 19 will rest upon the surface of the vehicle seat 6 . Due to the fact that the belt guides 18 , 19 are pivotally arranged about the axis 20 , the upper belt guide 18 will be forced to an upper position in which a lap part 10 of a seat belt can be positioned inside the upper belt guide 18 as indicated by means of broken lines. In a corresponding manner, when the booster cushion 1 is turned upside down as described above, the belt guides 18 , 19 will be changed to the position which is indicated with reference numerals 18 ′, 19 ′, respectively, and broken lines.
- FIG. 7 a front view of the booster cushion in FIGS. 5 and 6 is shown.
- FIG. 7 teaches that the belt guides 18 , 19 are inclined in such a way that the adaptation to the child's size is not only in height, but in width as well.
- the booster cushion 1 is turned in such a way that the first sitting surface 2 is positioned to face upwards. The first vertical distance d 1 is thus used, lifting the child to a first vertical position with respect to the vehicle seat and the mounting positions of the seat belt of the vehicle.
- this position is suited for a smaller child than the position where the second distance d 2 is used. It is also evident that this position is not only suitable for a child that is smaller in height, but smaller in width as well due to the inclination of the belt guides 18 , 19 . With reference to FIG. 7, it can be noted that the distance between the upper portions of the first pair of belt guides 18 can be said to define a width w 1 therebetween.
- the cushion 1 In the operational position shown, the cushion 1 is suitable for a child of relatively small body size. This means that the belt guides 18 will be placed relatively closely to the user's body, so that the seat belt may give optimal protection.
- the cushion 1 is in its second operational position, i.e.
- each of the second pair of belt guides 19 ′ define a second width w 2 therebetween.
- the cushion 1 is suitable for a child having a larger body size, the second pair of belt guides 19 ′ being positioned relatively closely to the user's body.
- the booster cushion 1 comprises belt guides 21 , 22 which are slidably arranged. More precisely, the belt guides 21 , 22 are arranged on each side of the booster cushion 1 in a manner so that they may slide in a generally vertical direction as indicated by means of arrows in FIG. 8. This sliding motion is obtained by providing holding devices 23 , 24 mounted on each side of the booster cushion 1 .
- the first belt guides 21 which are used when the first sitting surface 2 is used protrude upwards in a manner so that they may receive the lap part 10 of a vehicle seat belt.
- the second pair of belt guides 22 which are used when the second sitting surface 3 is used, have been positioned is such a way that they are resting on the surface of the vehicle seat 6 .
- the booster cushion 1 is turned in such a way that the second sitting surface 3 is positioned to face upwards (not shown)
- the first and second pair of belt guides 21 , 22 slide in their holders 23 , 24 , respectively, in such a way that the second pair of belt guides 22 that corresponds to the second sitting surface 3 being used is facing upwards so as to receive the lap part 10 .
- the first pair of belt guides 21 which belongs to the first sitting surface 2 that now is facing downwards, has been positioned is such a way that it is resting on the sitting surface of the vehicle seat 6 .
- FIG. 9 a front view of the booster cushion 1 in FIG. 8 is shown.
- the belt guides 21 , 22 are inclined in such a way that the adaptation to the child's size is not only in height, but in width as well.
- This adaptation works in the same manner as described above for the booster cushion with belt guides that are pivotally arranged, as shown in FIG. 7.
- the principle shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, involving inclining belt guides defining a first width w 1 and a second width w 2 (see in particular FIG. 7) can be implemented also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.
- the invention is not limited to the embodiment described, but can be modified within the scope of the appended claims.
- the booster cushion described may also be used for adults which are too small for using the permanent seat belts of the vehicle.
- the present invention is not limited to use in vehicles such as private cars, but is also suitable for other types of vehicles, such as trucks and buses, and also aeroplanes.
Abstract
The invention relates to a a vehicular seat booster cushion (1) for a permanent vehicle seat (6) and being provided with a first sitting surface (2) for accommodating an occupant (7) and a first resting surface (12; 14) adapted to be positioned on said seat (6) in a first position of said booster cushion (1), said first sitting surface (2) extending generally along a plane which is at a first distance (d1) from said first resting surface (12; 14). The booster cushion (1) is also provided with a second sitting surface (3) for accommodating an occupant and a second resting surface (13; 15) adapted to be positioned on said seat (6) in a second position of said booster cushion (1), said second sitting surface (3) extending generally along a plane which is at a second distance (d2) from said second resting surface (13; 15), and wherein said first distance (d1) and said second distance (d2) are different, so as to be used by occupants (7) of different height. By means of the invention, a practical booster cushion which can be used in a safe manner for children between the approximate age of 3-10 years is provided.
Description
- The invention relates to a vehicular booster cushion for a permanent vehicle seat and being provided with a first sitting surface for accommodating an occupant and a first resting surface adapted to be positioned on said seat in a first position of said booster cushion, said first sitting surface extending generally along a plane which is at a first distance from said first resting surface.
- In the field of motor vehicles, there has been a steady development of various types of interior fittings and equipment for the safety and comfort of the occupants of a vehicle.
- Especially, concerning child safety, many types of safety seats and cots for children have been developed. Since a child grows quite quickly from birth to early teenage, many kinds of safety devices are necessary during this period. A newly born child does not sit upright in a chair, but is lying in a cot or cradle which is secured to a permanent vehicle seat when the child is transported in the vehicle. Various types of cots or cradles are available for this purpose.
- When the child's age has reached approximately 9 months, it can sit upright and special safety seats are used for children of this age. These safety seats are provided with their own safety straps or seat belts and are normally positioned in such a way that the child sitting in the seat has its back facing towards the direction of travel, i.e. the seat is secured to a permanent vehicle seat in such a way that the child sitting in the seat is facing the rear of the vehicle. In a manner which is previously known, the vehicle's permanent seat belt is used for mounting the child's safety seat to said permanent seat. Furthermore, it can be suitable to turn a safety seat of this type so that the child faces the forward direction of travel when the child is 3-4 years.
- When the child's age has reached approximately 4-5 years, the safety seats mentioned above are too small to accommodate the child in a safe and comfortable way. At this age, special booster cushions are used, enabling the child to be seated slightly higher than the seat surface so that a permanent seat belt mounted in the vehicle can be used by the child. As the child grows, different sizes of the booster cushions must be used in order to provide the correct belt geometry for the child. More precisely, the aim is to lift the child to get the shoulder part of the seat belt correctly placed on the child's shoulder. Also, the booster cushion is used so as to hold the lap part of the seat belt in a correct position. In this manner, a situation in which the child slides under the belt in a collision situation (so-called “submarining”) can be avoided. The latter function may be accomplished by means of belt guides, as shown in U.S. patent application no. US 2001/0000638 A1.
- Later, when the child has reached adult size, no kind of special equipment is needed, and the normal safety arrangements in the vehicle are sufficient.
- In the patent document GB 2256364 A, a child safety seat arrangement is disclosed. The seat is of a convertible type which is first arranged to work as a cot, then as a safety seat provided with its own safety straps. Finally, it may be arranged to work as a booster cushion.
- The booster cushion described in GB 2256364 is however only suitable for a small child. As a child grows from 3-4 years of age to about 10 years of age, the booster cushion will have to be replaced in order to maintain correct belt geometry. This is obviously a disadvantage since it is costly to replace a booster cushion suitable for a small child with a new booster cushion as the child grows up.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved booster cushion, which can be used in a safe manner by children of different sizes.
- The above-mentioned objects are accomplished by means of a booster cushion of the type initially mentioned, in which the booster cushion is also provided with a second sitting surface for accommodating an occupant and a second resting surface adapted to be positioned on said seat in a second position of said booster cushion, said second sitting surface extending generally along a plane which is at a second distance from said second resting surface, and wherein said first distance and said second distance are different, so as to be used by occupants of different height.
- By means of the invention, certain advantages are obtained. Firstly, it can be noted that the same booster cushion can be used in a safe manner for children between the approximate age of 3-10 years, which is an advantage as regards the cost for the owner of the cushion. Also, the invention is practical since it can be used by several children (of different height) for example in the same family.
- In the following text, the invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. These drawings are used for illustration only and do not in any way limit the scope of the invention. In the drawings:
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a booster cushion according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 shows a child using said booster cushion.
- FIG. 3a shows a front view of a booster cushion according to the invention, in a first position.
- FIG. 3b shows a front view of the booster cushion of FIG. 3a, but in a second position.
- FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a booster cushion equipped with belt guides.
- FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a booster cushion which is equipped with belt guides that are pivotally arranged.
- FIG. 6 shows a side view of the booster cushion shown in FIG. 5.
- FIG. 7 shows a front view of the booster cushion in FIG. 5.
- FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a booster cushion equipped with belt guides that are slidably arranged; and
- FIG. 9 shows a front view of the booster cushion in FIG. 8.
- In the following, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a
booster cushion 1 which is intended for use in a vehicle, for example a private car, in order to provide the correct belt geometry for a child from the approximate age 3-4 years and up to approximately 10 years. FIG. 1 shows thebooster cushion 1 according to the invention in its most general form, having a first,top sitting surface 2 and a second,bottom sitting surface 3, which sitting surfaces are placed on opposite sides of thebooster cushion 1. Thebooster cushion 1 is also provided with twoside sections reference numeral 6 in FIG. 1. - As will be described in greater detail below, the present invention relies on the general principle that the
booster cushion 1 can be placed in either one of two positions, i.e. a first position (shown in FIG. 1) using thefirst sitting surface 2 as an upper surface on which a user may sit, or a second position by simply turning thebooster cushion 1 so that thesecond sitting surface 3 defines an upper surface on which a user may sit. Depending on which position is chosen, a distance will be defined between the plane defined by thevehicle seat 6 and thefirst sitting surface 2 orsecond sitting surface 3. Also, the twosurfaces vehicle seat 6. - The invention is based on the fact that said distances differ from each other, so that the
same booster cushion 1 can be used for users of a first height when using thefirst sitting surface 2 as a top surface, and for users of a second height when using thesecond sitting surface 3 as a top surface. The choice of switching from using either the first or second sitting surface as a sitting surface is done by simply turning thebooster cushion 1 upside down. - In FIG. 2, a child7 is shown using said
booster cushion 1, which in turn is placed on apermanent vehicle seat 6, for example the rear seat of a conventional car. In a known manner, the vehicle is provided with a conventional, permanently mountedvehicle seat belt 8 to be used by the child 7 sitting in thevehicle seat 6. Theseat belt 8 has a shoulder part 9 and alap part 10. - As shown in FIG. 2, the
booster cushion 1 is arranged so that itsfirst sitting surface 2 is used as an upper surface on which the child sits. In this manner, the first sittingsurface 2 defines a distance d1 to the upper surface of thevehicle seat 6 which is suitable for raising the child 7 to a height which is necessary with respect to the position of theseat belt 8. This means that thechild 8 is now given the most optimal protection by means of theseat belt 8. - Assuming that the
booster cushion 1 was to be used by another, taller child, thebooster cushion 1 could be used in an upside down position, i.e. a second operational position wherein the second sittingsurface 3 would be used as a sitting surface for the child in question. This will now be explained in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3 b, which show a preferred embodiment of thebooster cushion 1 according to the invention in a first position and a second position, respectively. - FIG. 3a indicates that the
booster cushion 1 is shaped in such a way that the above-mentioned first distance d1 is defined with respect to the upper surface of thevehicle seat 6. In a similar manner, FIG. 3b indicates that thebooster cushion 1 is shaped so that a second distance d2 is defined with respect to the upper surface of thevehicle seat 6. In this manner, a option between a sitting height corresponding to the distance d1 or d2 is provided depending on which one of the sittingsurfaces booster cushion 1 with respect to the mounting position of the seat belt of the vehicle are provided. First, according to FIG. 3a, when the first sittingsurface 2 is positioned to face upwards, the first distance d1 is used, lifting the child to a first vertical position with respect to the mounting position of the seat belt of the vehicle. Furthermore, thebooster cushion 1 is turned in such a way that the second sittingsurface 3 is positioned to face upwards, as shown in FIG. 3b. Then the second distance d2 is used, lifting the child to a second vertical position with respect to the mounting positions of the seat belt of the vehicle. The second distance d2 of the booster cushion is less than the first distance d1, which means that the position shown in FIG. 3b is more suitable for taller children than the position shown in FIG. 3a. - With reference to FIG. 3a, the
booster cushion 1 is designed in such a manner that it comprises the above-mentionedside sections first side section 4 and asecond side section 5, which are positioned on each side of a central section defining the first sittingsurface 2 and the second sittingsurface 3. Thefirst side section 4 comprises afirst resting surface 12 and asecond resting surface 13. In a similar manner, thesecond side section 5 comprises afirst resting surface 14 and asecond resting surface 15. The first resting surfaces 12, 14 are intended to rest on thevehicle seat 6 when thecushion 1 is positioned as shown in FIG. 3a, whereas the second resting surfaces 13, 15 are intended to rest against thevehicle seat 6 when thecushion 1 is positioned as shown in FIG. 3b. This means that the first distance d1 corresponds to a distance between the first sittingsurface 2 and the first resting surfaces 12, 14, in a direction generally perpendicular to thevehicle seat 6 surface, whereas the second distance d2 corresponds to a distance between the second sittingsurface 3 and the second resting surfaces 13, 15, also in a direction generally perpendicular to thevehicle seat 6 surface. - In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the
booster cushion 1 is equipped with two belt guide pairs 16, 17 for receiving the lap part 10 (see also FIG. 2) of a seat belt. Thelap part 10 is indicated with broken lines in FIG. 4. More precisely, thebooster cushion 1 comprises a first pair of belt guides 16 which are formed as hooks or similar protrusions, which are positioned on each one of theside sections surface 2. Thebooster cushion 1 also comprises a second pair of belt guides 17 being formed in the same manner as the first part of belt guides 16 and being intended to be used when thebooster cushion 1 is turned upside down and a person sits on the second sittingsurface 3. The intention of the belt guides 16, 17 is to guide thelap part 10 of the seat belt in a proper way, preventing the child sitting on thebooster cushion 1 to slide under thelap part 10 of the seat belt in the event of a collision. In this manner, a high degree of safety is provided for the child. - A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the
booster cushion 1 is provided with an alternative set of belt guides in the form of two pairs of slightlycurved elements booster cushion 1 and are pivotally arranged around animaginary axis 20 extending generally transverse to the longitudinal direction of thebooster cushion 1. Thecurved elements surface 2 that is facing upwards as seen in FIG. 5 is positioned correctly so that alap part 10 of a seat belt can be positioned in a safe manner with reference to a child sitting on thebooster cushion 1. The second pair of belt guides 19, which belongs to the second sittingsurface 3 that is facing downwards, has been positioned is such a way that it is resting on the surface of the vehicle seat (not shown in FIG. 5) at generally the same level as the first end surfaces 12, 14 as shown in FIG. 3a. When thebooster cushion 1 is turned in such a way that the second sittingsurface 3 is positioned to face upwards (not shown), the first and second pair of belt guides 18, 19 rotate around theaxis 20 in such a way that the second pair of belt guides 19 that corresponds to the second sittingsurface 3 is positioned correctly so as to receive saidlap part 10. The first pair of belt guides 18, which corresponds to the first sittingsurface 2 that now is facing downwards, has been positioned in such a way that it is resting on the sitting surface of the vehicle seat, thus not interfering with the vertical thickness or sitting comfort of thebooster cushion 1. - It can consequently be noted that the belt guides18, 19 as shown in FIG. 5 can be adapted in a suitable way so as to receive the
lap part 10 of the seat belt. In this manner, the seat belt can be used in a safe manner by an occupant using thebooster cushion 1. - FIG. 6 shows a side view of the
booster cushion 1 as shown in FIG. 5. It can be noted that the belt guides 18, 19 are preferably interconnected so that the positioning of eachlower belt guide 19 determines the position of the correspondingupper belt guide 18. More precisely, when thebooster cushion 1 is positioned on avehicle seat 6, thelower belt guide 19 will rest upon the surface of thevehicle seat 6. Due to the fact that the belt guides 18, 19 are pivotally arranged about theaxis 20, theupper belt guide 18 will be forced to an upper position in which alap part 10 of a seat belt can be positioned inside theupper belt guide 18 as indicated by means of broken lines. In a corresponding manner, when thebooster cushion 1 is turned upside down as described above, the belt guides 18, 19 will be changed to the position which is indicated withreference numerals 18′, 19′, respectively, and broken lines. - In FIG. 7, a front view of the booster cushion in FIGS. 5 and 6 is shown. The full and broken lines as shown in FIG. 6, and which indicate the two positions of the belt guides18, 19, are also indicated in FIG. 7. Furthermore, FIG. 7 teaches that the belt guides 18, 19 are inclined in such a way that the adaptation to the child's size is not only in height, but in width as well. In FIG. 7, the
booster cushion 1 is turned in such a way that the first sittingsurface 2 is positioned to face upwards. The first vertical distance d1 is thus used, lifting the child to a first vertical position with respect to the vehicle seat and the mounting positions of the seat belt of the vehicle. As the first distance d1 is greater than the second distance d2, this position is suited for a smaller child than the position where the second distance d2 is used. It is also evident that this position is not only suitable for a child that is smaller in height, but smaller in width as well due to the inclination of the belt guides 18, 19. With reference to FIG. 7, it can be noted that the distance between the upper portions of the first pair of belt guides 18 can be said to define a width w1 therebetween. In the operational position shown, thecushion 1 is suitable for a child of relatively small body size. This means that the belt guides 18 will be placed relatively closely to the user's body, so that the seat belt may give optimal protection. When thecushion 1 is in its second operational position, i.e. with thecushion 1 being turned and the user sitting on the second sittingsurface 3, the end portions of each of the second pair of belt guides 19′ define a second width w2 therebetween. In such a second operational position, thecushion 1 is suitable for a child having a larger body size, the second pair of belt guides 19′ being positioned relatively closely to the user's body. - When the child grows and the booster cushion is turned (not shown) in order to use the second distance d2, which is suitable for a larger child, this position is not only adjusted for a child that is larger in height, but larger in width as well due to the inclination of the belt guides 18, 19.
- In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, the
booster cushion 1 comprises belt guides 21, 22 which are slidably arranged. More precisely, the belt guides 21, 22 are arranged on each side of thebooster cushion 1 in a manner so that they may slide in a generally vertical direction as indicated by means of arrows in FIG. 8. This sliding motion is obtained by providing holdingdevices booster cushion 1. Thus, the first belt guides 21 which are used when the first sittingsurface 2 is used protrude upwards in a manner so that they may receive thelap part 10 of a vehicle seat belt. The second pair of belt guides 22, which are used when the second sittingsurface 3 is used, have been positioned is such a way that they are resting on the surface of thevehicle seat 6. When thebooster cushion 1 is turned in such a way that the second sittingsurface 3 is positioned to face upwards (not shown), the first and second pair of belt guides 21, 22 slide in theirholders surface 3 being used is facing upwards so as to receive thelap part 10. The first pair of belt guides 21, which belongs to the first sittingsurface 2 that now is facing downwards, has been positioned is such a way that it is resting on the sitting surface of thevehicle seat 6. - In FIG. 9, a front view of the
booster cushion 1 in FIG. 8 is shown. Here it is shown that the belt guides 21, 22 are inclined in such a way that the adaptation to the child's size is not only in height, but in width as well. This adaptation works in the same manner as described above for the booster cushion with belt guides that are pivotally arranged, as shown in FIG. 7. The principle shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, involving inclining belt guides defining a first width w1 and a second width w2 (see in particular FIG. 7) can be implemented also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. - The invention is not limited to the embodiment described, but can be modified within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the booster cushion described may also be used for adults which are too small for using the permanent seat belts of the vehicle.
- Finally, the present invention is not limited to use in vehicles such as private cars, but is also suitable for other types of vehicles, such as trucks and buses, and also aeroplanes.
Claims (4)
1. A vehicular seat booster cushion (1) for a permanent vehicle seat (6) and being provided with a first sitting surface (2) for accommodating an occupant (7) and a first resting surface (12; 14) adapted to be positioned on said seat (6) in a first position of said booster cushion (1), said first sitting surface (2) extending generally along a plane which is at a first distance (d1) from said first resting surface (12; 14), characterized in that the booster cushion (1) is also provided with a second sitting surface (3) for accommodating an occupant and a second resting surface (13; 15) adapted to be positioned on said seat (6) in a second position of said booster cushion (1), said second sitting surface (3) extending generally along a plane which is at a second distance (d2) from said second resting surface (13; 15), and wherein said first distance (d1) and said second distance (d2) are different, so as to be used by occupants (7) of different height.
2. Booster cushion (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it is equipped with first belt guide means (16; 18; 21) for receiving a lap portion (10) of a seat belt (8) which is intended to be used when said occupant (7) sits on the first sitting surface (2), and second belt guide means (17; 19; 22) for receiving said lap portion (10) when said occupant (7) sits on the second sitting surface (3).
3. Booster cushion (1) according to claim 2 , characterized in that said first and second belt guide means (18; 19) are arranged to be pivotally fastened to the booster cushion (1), enabling said first belt guide means (18) to pivot into an operational position for receiving said lap portion (10) when said occupant (7) sits on the first sitting surface (2) and enabling said second belt guide means (19) to pivot into an operational position for receiving said lap portion (10) when said occupant (7) sits on the second sitting surface (3).
4. Booster cushion (1) according to claim 2 , characterized in that said first and second belt guide means (21, 22) are arranged to be slidably fastened to the booster cushion (1) enabling said first belt guide means (21) to slide in a generally vertical direction into a first operational position for receiving said lap portion (10) when said occupant (7) sits on the first sitting surface (2) and enabling said second belt guide means (22) to slide into a further operational position for receiving said lap portion (10) when said occupant (7) sits on the second sitting surface (3).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP03445017.1 | 2003-01-29 | ||
EP03445017A EP1442924B1 (en) | 2003-01-29 | 2003-01-29 | Booster cushion |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040239166A1 true US20040239166A1 (en) | 2004-12-02 |
Family
ID=32605515
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/767,553 Abandoned US20040239166A1 (en) | 2003-01-29 | 2004-01-29 | Booster cushion |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20040239166A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1442924B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60324889D1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150238025A1 (en) * | 2014-02-24 | 2015-08-27 | Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc. | Seat |
US9233630B2 (en) | 2013-03-05 | 2016-01-12 | Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc. | Belt-positioning booster seat for vehicles |
AU2018200251B2 (en) * | 2017-01-12 | 2019-03-14 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Child safety seat including a removable belt-positioning seat |
USD852564S1 (en) * | 2017-04-13 | 2019-07-02 | Dongguan Zhijie Automation Equipment Co., Ltd. | Headrest |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB0420413D0 (en) * | 2004-09-14 | 2004-10-20 | Barker Derrick | Improvements in or relating to child seats |
US7648209B2 (en) | 2006-03-01 | 2010-01-19 | Elisabeth Weinstein | Seat belt buckle positioning system |
GB2474438B (en) * | 2009-10-13 | 2016-09-28 | Cargo Seat Ltd | A booster seat device configured to provide a wheeled suitcase with a retractable handle and a retractable seat belt guide |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2108241A (en) * | 1936-11-12 | 1938-02-15 | Wallace Leta | Footstool |
US3547489A (en) * | 1968-11-04 | 1970-12-15 | Robert H Grieser | Safety seat |
US4521052A (en) * | 1982-09-20 | 1985-06-04 | Spalding & Evenflo Companies, Inc. | Booster seat |
US4867504A (en) * | 1988-03-01 | 1989-09-19 | The Vollrath Company, Inc. | Booster seat |
US6322143B2 (en) * | 1999-07-08 | 2001-11-27 | Aprica Kassai Kabushikikaisha | Vehicular child safety seat |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US63801A (en) | 1867-04-16 | James lbfebbe | ||
DE3020212C2 (en) * | 1980-05-28 | 1986-02-06 | Audi AG, 8070 Ingolstadt | Rear seat bench for a motor vehicle with a restraint device |
SE458517B (en) * | 1987-08-18 | 1989-04-10 | Akta Barnsaekerhet Ab | ADJUSTABLE CAR BELL PADS FOR CHILDREN |
GB2256364B (en) | 1991-05-29 | 1995-05-03 | Electrolux Klippan Ab | Improvements in or relating to a child safety-seat arrangement |
US5332286A (en) * | 1992-10-07 | 1994-07-26 | Atherton Jessica A | Booster seat apparatus |
SE504503C2 (en) * | 1994-12-07 | 1997-02-24 | Sven Erik Flyborg | Integrated child protection |
ITTO20010656A1 (en) * | 2001-07-06 | 2003-01-06 | Fiat Auto Spa | CHILD SEAT INTEGRATED IN THE REAR SEAT OF A VEHICLE. |
-
2003
- 2003-01-29 DE DE60324889T patent/DE60324889D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-01-29 EP EP03445017A patent/EP1442924B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-01-29 US US10/767,553 patent/US20040239166A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2108241A (en) * | 1936-11-12 | 1938-02-15 | Wallace Leta | Footstool |
US3547489A (en) * | 1968-11-04 | 1970-12-15 | Robert H Grieser | Safety seat |
US4521052A (en) * | 1982-09-20 | 1985-06-04 | Spalding & Evenflo Companies, Inc. | Booster seat |
US4867504A (en) * | 1988-03-01 | 1989-09-19 | The Vollrath Company, Inc. | Booster seat |
US6322143B2 (en) * | 1999-07-08 | 2001-11-27 | Aprica Kassai Kabushikikaisha | Vehicular child safety seat |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9233630B2 (en) | 2013-03-05 | 2016-01-12 | Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc. | Belt-positioning booster seat for vehicles |
US9789792B2 (en) | 2013-03-05 | 2017-10-17 | Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc. | Belt-positioning booster seat for vehicles |
US20150238025A1 (en) * | 2014-02-24 | 2015-08-27 | Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc. | Seat |
US9877594B2 (en) * | 2014-02-24 | 2018-01-30 | Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc. | Seat |
AU2018200251B2 (en) * | 2017-01-12 | 2019-03-14 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Child safety seat including a removable belt-positioning seat |
US10589643B2 (en) | 2017-01-12 | 2020-03-17 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Child safety seat including a removable belt-positioning seat |
USD852564S1 (en) * | 2017-04-13 | 2019-07-02 | Dongguan Zhijie Automation Equipment Co., Ltd. | Headrest |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1442924A1 (en) | 2004-08-04 |
DE60324889D1 (en) | 2009-01-08 |
EP1442924B1 (en) | 2008-11-26 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FORD MOTOR COMPANY, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KIHLBERG, RASMUS;ALMQVIST, LARS;REEL/FRAME:015601/0644;SIGNING DATES FROM 20040202 TO 20040203 Owner name: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FORD MOTOR COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:015601/0619 Effective date: 20040706 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |