WO2012129613A1

WO2012129613A1 - Restraint system for a child safety seat

Info

Publication number: WO2012129613A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/000334
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Horsfall; Steven HORSFALL
Original assignee: Infa-Secure Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-03-31
Filing date: 2012-04-02
Publication date: 2012-10-04
Also published as: AU2012234921A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a restraint device (10) for a child safety scat (2). The restraint device (10) comprises a body (12) for receiving a lap belt (21) and a sash belt (22) of a vehicle seat bell system. The body (12) is configured to distribute the lap belt (21) and the sash belt (22) such that the lap belt (21 ) travels over a lap of the child and the sash belt (22) travels over a first shoulder of the child. A strap member (14) is attachable to the body (12) at a first end and is configured to extend from the body (12) to pass over a second shoulder of the child to be secured at a free end with respect to the child safety scat (2).

Description

RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR A CHILD SAFETY SEAT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2011901184, filed 31 March 2011, the entire contents of which arc incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a restraint device for use with a child safety seat.

BACKGROUND ART

The- use of child safety scats to accommodate infants and young children whilst travelling in a vehicle is a well established practice. Most countries have established various laws and regulations that dictate the manner in which infants and children are to be transported in vehicles, and the types of restraints that arc acceptable for such use. Most laws adopted for such purposes require the infant/child to be restrained in a dedicated and approved child safety scat that is anchored or otherwise secured to a rear seat of the vehicle. The child safety seat may include a dedicated harness that restrains the child in position within the seat, or the child safety seal may utilise the vehicle scat belt or a separate harness to restrain the child therein, depending upon the size and/or age of the child.

As such, there exist a variety of types of child safety seats that arc approved for use with children of a variety of ages and/or sizes. These types can be broadly characterised as follows. Type A scats typically refer to rear facing scats or capsules suitable for accommodating babies/infants up to around 6 months of age and/or 70 cm in length and up to 12 kg. Type B seals typically refer to forward facing seats used to accommodate toddlers and young children iron- approximately 6 months to 4 years, or from 8 - 18 kg. Type E seals typically refer to booster scats and booster cushions used to accommodate children between 4 - 8 years old, or approximately Irom 14 - 32 kg, and which are typically used in combination with the vehicle scat belt.

Whilst Type E or booster seals are designed for use with die vehicle seat belt there is a perception among parents and/or carers that the vehicle scat belt may not offer the safest means for securing the child within the scat. Whilst such a perception may not be based on any experimental fact, and in many instances may actually he contrary to industry safety findings, such a perception has led to the use of conventional Type C child harnesses in combination with a booster seat. Conventional Type C harnesses are often referred lo as 'ΪΤ' harnesses and connect at one end to the lap or lap/sash belt of the vehicle seat belt system and extend over the shoulders of the child to connect at the other end to a dedicated anchorage point on the vehicle.

Whilst the use of a Type C harness with Type E or booster seat may give a parent or guardian the perception that the child is safely restrained within the booster seat, industry tests have indicated that this may not be the case. As Type C harnesses are typically designed for use without a child safety scat, it is common for such Type C harness lo be incorrectly fitted when fitted in combination with a booster scat. This could be due to the shape or configuration of the booster seat and the inexperience of the parent or guardian fitting the harness to the scat, as well as a variety of other factors. Thus, incorrectly fitted Type C harnesses could result in the harness riding up on the child's torso in the event of an accident, or sudden changes in acceleration of the vehicle, thereby applying a significant force to the soft tissue area of the child which could cause damage to a child's internal organs in this region. Similarly, an incorrectly fitted Type C harness could increase the likelihood of 'submarining' occurring. 'Submarining' is a recognised situation where the harness rides up on the child such that in the event of an accident or sudden change in vehicle movement, the child slides under the lap or lap/sash belt so as to be no longer properly restrained in the vehicle.

Thus, there is a need to provide a device thai is dedicated for use with a child safely seat, such as a Type H booster seat, and which is simple to fit and use in a correct manner which may act to enhance the effectiveness of the vehicle seat bell in restraining the child within the safely seat.

The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products arc not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. Tn particular, the above prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one pari.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

The invention according to one or more aspects is as defined in the independent claims. Some optional and/or preferred features of the invention arc defined in the dependent claims Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided a restraint device for a child safely seat comprising:

a body for receiving a lap belt and a sash belt of a vehicle and configured to distribute the lap belt and the sash belt such thai the lap belt travels over a lap of the child and the sash bell travels over a first shoulder of the child; a strap member attachable to the body at a first end and configured to extend from said body to pass over a second shoulder of the child to be secured at a free end with respect to said child safety scat.

In an embodiment of the lirst aspect of the child safety seal, the body is a substantially ovale piece of flexible material. The ovate piece ofllexiblc material may comprise a first portion and a second portion configured to be folded such that they become superimposed to form a substantially semicircular closed body. One or more engagement members may be provided on the first and second portions to facilitate a releasabic connection between the first and second portions of the body such that the body can be placed in an open position for receiving the lap belt and the sash belt, and a closed position. The body may be padded to provide a soil surface against the child so as to improve comfort and to reduce the likelihood of injury to the child in instances where the child may be subject lo large forces, such as during an accident.

The body may include a first retaining member for receiving and locating in position the lap belt with respect to the body. In one form the first retaining member may be in the form of a strap attachable to the body that engages with the lap belt as the lap belt passes through the body. In another form, the first retaining member may be a pair of brackets located on opposing sides of the body through which the lap belt is received as it passes through the body. In an alternative embodiment, both the lap and the sash belts may pass through a loop or restraining means on the body. In this regard, the body may comprise a single portion only, such as the first portion.

The body may further include a second retaining member for receiving and locating in position the sash belt with respect to the body. In one form, the second retaining member may be in the form of a looped strap attachable to the body to engage with the sash belt so as to locate the sash belt in a desired position with respect to the body. The desired position may be a position relative to the body that directs the sash belt to pass over the shoulder of the child. In another form, the second retaining member may be in the form of a bracket in an upper central position of the body through which the sash belt is received as it passes through (he hody. the bracket may be located so as to position the sash belt to pass over the shoulder of the child.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the strap member is an elongate strap of webbing. The strap member may have an engagement means formed at the rice end thereof. In one form, the engagement means may be in the form of a closed loop that is configured to engage with a tether of the child safety seal. In another form, the closed loop may engage with a joiner buckle associated with a locating strap positioned behind the scat. The locating strap may be attached to a base of the child safely seat at a front region thereof. Alternatively the locating strap may be attached to the base of the child safety seat at a rear region thereof. In another form the engagement means is an engagement member thai engages with a complementary engagement member provided on the child safety seat. Ί -he locating strap may be attached to the rear of the child safety scat or headrest

According to a second aspect, there is provided a restraint device for a child safety scat comprising:

a body for receiving a lap belt of a vehicle such that the lap belt travels though said body and over a lap region of the child; and

a pair of strap members, each strap member attachable to the body at a lirst end and configured to extend from said body to pass over a shoulder of the child so as to be secured at a free end with respect to said child safety seal. in an embodiment of this aspect of the invention, each sirup member - is delachably connected to the body at the first end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be belter understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

Figure 1A is a front view of a restraint device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure IB is front view of a restraint device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the restraint device of Figure .1 assembled to a child safety seal with the restraint device in an open position;

Figure 3 is a front view of the restraint device of Figure 1 assembled to a child safety scat with the restraint device in a closed position;

Figure 4 is a rear view of the restraint device of Figure 1 assembled to the safety scat according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of Figure 4 showing the manner in which the strap member of the restraint device connects with the tether of the child safety seal;

Figure 6 is a rear view of the restraint device of Figure 1 assembled to the safely scat according to another embodiment of the present invention

Figure 7 is a rear view of the restraint device of Figure 1 assembled to the safety seat according to yet another embodiment of the present invention

Figure 8 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a restraint device of the present invention assembled lo a child safety scat with the restraint device in an open position;

Figure 9 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a restraint device of the present invention assembled to a child safety seal with the restraint device in an open position;

Figure 10 is a rear view of the restraint device of Figure 8 assembled to the safety seat according to an embodiment of (he present invention;

Figure 1 1 is a rear view of the restraint device of Figure 9 assembled to (he safely seal according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 12 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a restraint device of the present invention in use with a lap belt only scat bell;

Figure 13 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a restraint device of the present invention in use with a lap belt only scat belt;

Figure 14 is a rear view of the restraint device of Figure 13 assembled lo the safety seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 15 is a rear view of the restraint device of Figure 13 assembled to the safety seal according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

The present invention will be described below in relation to its application and use with a Type Π child safety seat in a vehicle. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention could be employed in use with a variety of different types of safety seats and still fall within the spirit of the present invention.

Two variations of a restraint device 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figures lA and IB.

The restraint device 10 comprises a body 12 in the form of a substantially ovate piece of flexible material having a pair of opposed portions 12a and 12b which can be folded over, such that the portions 12a and 12b become superimposed to form a substantially semicircular body 12 as is shown in Figure 3. To facilitate this, a plurality of engagement members 11, such as hook and loop fasteners, press studs or the like, arc arranged around the inner periphery of the body 12 to provide a means for connecting the portions 12a and 12b to ibrm the substantially semicircular body 12 of Figure 3. Tn this regard, Figures 1A and tB and Figure 2 show the body 12 in an open configuration whilst Figure 3 shows the body 12 in a closed configuration.

Ihc restraint device 10 further includes an adjustable strap member 14 that is attached at to the body 12 and has a free end at the other end thereof. Tn Figure 1A, the free end of the strap member 14 terminates in a loop 15, whilst in Figure IB the free end is not shown and may terminate in a buckle or similar device to facilitate connection in a manner to be discussed in more detail below.

In both of the embodiments of Figure 1A and Figure 1B, the strap member 14 is adjustable in length. In the embodiment of Figure 1A, the end of the strap member 14 that is attached to the body 12 is fixedly attached through adjuster 16a such that its length can be adjusted to a desired length for use, in a manner to be described in more detail below. In the arrangement shown in Figure IB, the end of the strap member 14 that is attached to the body 12 is detachably attached thereto through clip member 16b which engages with a corresponding buckle provided on the body 12. This arrangement enables the strap member 14 to be detached from the body 12 when required, as will be discussed in more detail below. A looped strap 17 is attached to the upper portion 12a of the body 12. The looped strap 17 is in the form of a short slrap of webbing configured to tbrm a closed loop. In another form, the looped strap 17 may be formed from two lengths of webbing rclcasably attached at their ends to form the closed loop through the use of a hook and loop fastener device, such as Velcro®, or any other similar attachment means. A second strap member 19 is also provided to extend from Ihe first portion 12a into the second portion 12b of the body 12. The second strap portion 19 is made iiom a webbing material and is attachable to the inner surface of the body 12 by way of a hook and loop fastener device, such as Velcro® or similar means.

Tn Figure 2. the manner in which the restraint device 10 of Figure 1A interacts with the child safety scat 2 and the vehicle seal belt is shown. Tn mis arrangement, the vehicle seal belt comprises a lap belt 21 and a sash belt 22. The lap belt 21 is threaded under the armrests 4 of the scat 2, so as to pass over the thighs of a child seated therein, in the manner as shown in Figure 2.

When in the open position as shown, the restraint device 10 receives the lap bell 21 by lifting the second strap member 19 to enable the lap belt 21 to pass under the second strap member 19 at which stage the second strap member 19 is reattached to the second portion 12b, by way of a VclcroQj) fastener, or Ihe like, to capture the lap belt 21 in position, in this arrangement, the lap belt 21 extends across the body 12 as shown in Figure 2. Tn an alternative arrangement, namely where the scat 2 docs not have handles 4, lap belt 21 may pass over the isidcs of the base of the seat and over and across the thighs of a child seated in the seat 2.

The sash belt 22 is also accommodated by the restraint device 10. In Ibis regard, the sash belt 22 is threaded through Ihe looped strap 17 so as to pass up and over the child's shoulder and through the sash slots or guides 5 provided in the headrest 3 of the scat 2 and back to the connection point on Ihe vehicle. Tn doing so, the looped slrap 17 captures the sash belt 22, thereby redirecting the path of the sash belt 22 such that it travels in a more vertical direction over the child's shoulders and through the sash guide 5. Tn an alternative arrangement, both lap bell 21 and sash belt 22 can pass through looped slrap 17. In such an alternative arrangement, second strap member 19 may be stitched in position against second portion 12b of Ihe body 12.

The strap member 14 of the restraint device 10 follows a similar path to the sash belt 22 discussed above. As is shown in Figures 2 and 3, the strap member 14 travels up and over the child's shoulders to pass through the slot or guide 5 provided in the headrest 3 of the seal 2.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, one embodiment showing the manner in which the free end of the strap member 14 is secured is shown. In this embodiment, the seat 2 has a tether 23 that attaches to an anchorage point on the vehicle in a conventional manner. The strap member 14 passes through the slot or guide 5 in the headrest 3 of the seat 2 so as to extend behind the scat 2. The loop IS is formed at the free end of the strap member 14 and prior to securing the tether 23 to the vehicle anchorage point; the tether 23 is threaded through the loop 15. Once the tether 23 is secured to the vehicle anchorage point by way of hook member 24, the tether 23 is tightened such that any slack present the tether 23 is removed through adjuster 25. In such an arrangement the strap member 14 attaches about the tether 23 at a central rear portion of the scat live sash belt 22 passes through the other guide or slot 5 provided on the other side of the headrest 3 to terminate back at the vehicle tensioning device. As such, any force that may be experienced on the restraint device 10 by the child in the event of an aecident or change in acceleration of the vehicle will be shared by the sash belt 22 and the strap member 14, with such forces present on the sash belt 22 being transferred back to the vehicle in the usual manner, whilst the forces present in slrap member 14 will be transferred through the strap member 14 to the tether 23 and back to the vehicle.

An alternative arrangement for securing the end of the strap member 14 of the restraint device 10 is shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, rather than the end of the strap, member 14 having a loop 15 lor attaching about the tether 23 as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the end of the strap member includes an engagement member 26, such as a rivet or similar engagement means, which engages with a complementary engagement member (not shown) provided on the rear surface of the headrest 3 of the scat 2. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 6, the end of the strap member 14 attaches to the rear surface of the headrest 3 of the seat 2. However, it will be appreciated that the end of the strap member 14 may alternatively attach to other regions of the seal and still fall within the spirit of the present invention.

In the arrangement as shown in Figure 6, the sash belt 22 of the scat belt system 20 of the vehicle travels from the body 12 of the restraint device 10, over the shoulder of the child and through the guide 5 to terminate in the seat belt tensioning device of the vehicle. The strap member 14 also passes from the body 12 uf the restraint device 10, and over the other shoulder of the child and through uie guide 5 on the other side of the head rest 3 to be secured to the back surface of Ihe headrest 3. In such an arrangement both the strap member 14 and the sash belt 22 act together to restrain the child within Ihe seat 2 with any forces being transferred by the sash belt 22 back to the vehicle and by the slrap member 14 to the seat 2. Alternatively sash bell 22 and strap member 14 may merely pass over the top of Che backrest of the scat, without having to pass through any guides 5 provided in a headrest. It will be appreciated that Tn an arrangement where the seal docs not have a headrest, additional sash guides may be attachable to the backrest portion of the seat to position the sash bell 22 and/or slrap member 14.

Referring to Figure 7, yet another embodiment is depicted showing how the free end of the strap member 14 of the present invention may be secured for use. In this embodiment the end of the strap member 14 terminates in a buckle member 27, such as a thrcc-bar-slide member. To facilitate anchorage of the buckle member 27 of the strap member 14 a pair of recesses 28 are formed in a central region of the stem portion of the headrest 3. The recesses 28 arc sufficiently sized to enable the buckle member 27 of the slrap member 14 to be threaded through both recesses when oriented in a first configuration, bul are configured to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the buckle member 27 when in a second configuration. In this regard, following passing the strap member 14 and the buckle member 27 through both recesses 28 the buckle member 27 is oriented in the second configuration, as shown, where it is flush against the rear surface of the headrest 3. Hence, any tension in the strap member 27 will be transferred from the buckle member 27 to the surface of the headrest 3. Alternatively, the recess may be a single recess where the strap member 14 passes through and is secured on the front surface of the headrest 3 by the buckle member 27.

In each of the embodiments discussed above in relation to Figures 1 - 7, the restraint device 10 is configured to be positioned over a child seated in the scat 2. Typically, the child is positioned within the scat 2 and the restraint device 10 is positioned on the child's lap, in the open position as depicted in Figure 2. The lap belt 21 and sash belt 22 of the vehicle seat belt system arc then passed trough the restraint device 10 in the manner as shown and discussed above, such that the lap belt passes over the upper region of the child's legs to be secured to the opposing seat belt clip (not shown) in a conventional manner. Simultaneously, the sash belt 22 is similarly passed through the loop 17 of the restraint device 10 and through the slot guide 5 of the seal en-route to the scat bell tensioning device within the chassis of the vehicle in a conventional manner. The free end of the strap member 14 of the restraint device is then passed over the child's other shoulder such that it extends through the other slot guide 5 of the seal lo be secured in a manner as described above, in relation to Figures 4 - 7. Following securing of the end of the strap member 14, the length of the strap member 14 is adjusted by way of adjuster 16 to remove any slack and to securely and comfortably restrain the child in position within the seat.

Referring to Figures 8 - 11, yet another embodiment of the restraint device 10 of the present invention is depicted.

Referring firstly to Figure 8, a front view of the device 10 is shown. As described above in relation to Figures 2 and 3, the device 10 comprises a body 12 in the form of a substantially, ovate piece of flexible material having a pair of opposed portions 12a and 12b which can be folded over such that the portions 12a and 12b become superimposed to form a substantially semicircular body 12, that extends over the hips and lower region of the child's body in use.

In the embodiment as shown in Figure 8, the portion 12a of the body 12 has a triangular insert 30 formed therein. The triangular insert 30 is depicted by dashed lines and is made from a semi-rigid but flexible planar material, such as a sheet of plastic. Kach end or corner of the triangular insert 30 has a bracket 32 formed therein, such that when the triangular insert 30 is embedded in the material of the body 12, the brackets 32 project from the material and arc exposed. The triangular insert 30 is positioned such that its base extends across the body 12 along the junction between the portions 12a and 12b, and the apex of the triangular insert is located in the upper central portion of the body 12.

In this arrangement, when fitting the restraint device 10 for use, the lap belt 21 and the sash belt 22 are each threaded under the armrest 4 and through the first bracket 32 in the manner as shown. The lap bell 21 and the sash belt 22 then diverge. The lap belt 21 continues along the base of the triangular insert 30 where it passes through the opposing bracket 32 to continue to pass under the opposing armrest 4 to terminate in the scat belt buckle (not shown) associated with the vehicle seat in the conventional manner.

The sash belt 22 passes from (he bracket 32 located on the base of the triangular insert to the bracket 32 located at the apex of the triangular insert. The sash belt 22 then passes from the bracket 32 over the child's shoulder and through the guide 5 formed in the seat en-route to the tensioning device provided in the chassis of the vehicle, in a conventional manner.

The strap member 14 of the restraint device 10 is configured as discussed above in relation to Figures ΙΛ and IB. in this regard, in a preferred embodiment, the end of the strap member 14 is preferably arranged as in Figure IB so as to be dctachably connected to the body 12 by way of clip 16b engaging wilh a buckle 13. Hence, following positioning of the lap belt 21 and the sash belt 22 in the restraint device 10, the strap member 14 then passes from the body 12 over the child's shoulders and through the guide 5 provided in the seat to the rear of the scat 2. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 8, the strap member 14 is threaded through the bracket 32 formed in the apex of the triangular insert 30. However, it will be appreciated thai this is not essential and in a preferred method the strap ember 14 docs not pass through the bracket 32 but rather extends over the shoulder ol the child, as in the arrangement shown in Figure 9.

As depicted in Fig. 10, the strap member 14 extends down the rear of the backrest of the seat 2 where it connects with a lower locating strap 36 by way of a joiner buckle 38. The lower locating strap 36 is a provided with the scat 2 and is attached to the scat by way of an adjuster 40 at the front of the base of the seat so as to extend under the scat and up the back of the scat when used. When the strap member 14 is connected to the lower locating strap 36 any slack in (he strap member 14 can be removed by tightening the lower locating strap through the adjuster 40 at the front of the seat 2 (sec Figure 8). This ensures that the strap member 14 is firmly secured across the body of the child.

A variation of the restraint device depicted in Figure 8 is shown in Figure 9. In Ibis variation rather than adjustment of the strap member 14 occurring by adjusting the length of the lower locating strap 36 at the adjustor 40 located at the front of the scat, the strap member 14 has an adjustor 16 located within the body

12, in a similar manner to that as shown in the embodiment as shown in Figure 1A and 2. Alternatively, the adjustor 16 could be positioned along the length of strap member 14 or lower locating strap 36 to allow adjustment of the length of the strap member 14 to suit a variety of different sized children. Similarly* the adjustment facility may be incorporated into a clip 16b that engages with a buckle

13, as is shown in Figure 8.

The manner in which the distal end ol^' the strap member 14 of the embodiment of Figure 9 is secured for use is shown in Figure 11. A locating strap 36 is attached to the base of the scat 2 at anchor point 42 and extends along the backrest of the scat in the manner as shown. A joiner buckle 38 is located at the free end of the strap 36 and provides a means lor connection with the free end of the strap member 14 in the manner as shown. In this regard, the strap member 14 is secured via the locating strap 36 to the base of the scat 2.

in all the above embodiments it will be appreciated that the strap member 14 could be connected directly to the upper anchor fitting of the restraint system.

The restraint device 10 of the present invention can also be employed to convert a vehicle with having a seat belt system with a lap belt only into a lap belt and sash belt arrangement. One embodiment of this is shown in Figure 12.

In this embodiment, the same reference numerals have been used to represent features consistent with the earlier embodiments. When the restraint dovice 10 is used in association with a single lap bell 21, the strap member 14 is configured to perform the role of a conventional sash belt, as shown. The lap belt 21 passes through the device in the manner as previously described, such thai it passes through brackets 32 located at the base of the triangular insert 30.

By providing strap member 14 with detachable clip member 16b, the lower end of the strap member 14 is able to be connected to the lap belt through connection of clip member 16b with a buckle 101, which may be positioned about the lap belt or connected to the vehicle seat belt buckle. In this regard, the strap member may pass over the child' s torso and shoulder to terminate at a free end which is connected lo an anchorage point on the vehicle or to the base or rear of the scat 2, in a manner as discussed above.

An alternative embodiment of the rcstrainl device 10 used to convert a single lap belt vehicle seat belt system into a lap/sash belt system is shown in Figures 13 - 15.

In this arrangement, the strap member 14 is in the form of a double strap member comprising two straps 14a and 14b. The lower ends of the straps 14a and 14b arc preferably detachably connected to the body 12 of the device 10 by way of clip member 16b, in the manner as discussed previously.

In the arrangement as shown in Figure 13, the lap belt 21 is passed through the body 12 such thai it passes through brackets 32, in the manner as discussed above. The straps 14a and 14b each pass over opposing sides of the child's torso and shoulders, to extend behind the scat 2.

As is shown in Figure 14, in one embodiment, the free ends of the straps 14a and 14b each connect at a joiner buckle 38 which is attached to a lower locating strap 36 that is attached to a lower region of the seat 2 by way of anchor point 42. In this arrangement the forces experience by the straps 14a and 14b are each transferred to the base of the seat 2. In an alternative embodiment as is shown in Figure 15, the straps 14a and 14b are a continuous length of webbing that passes around the stem of the headrest 3, through slots 5. In this embodiment the length of the strap can be adjusted accordingly to control the tension in the straps 14a, 14b. in each of the various embodiments of the invention described above, the strap member 14 passes through slots or guides 5 formed in the headrest of the scat 2. However, it will be appreciated that in seats 2 that do not employ a headrest and/or guide slots, the strap member 14 may merely pass directly over the backrest of the seat so as to extend behind the seal 2.

It will be appreciated that in each of the embodiments of the present invention as described above_:, the restraint device is conligured to cooperate with the lap and/or sash belt of the vehicle seat belt system to restrain a child within the child safety seat. The restraint device is part of the safety seal and does not require external vehicle anchorage connections and can be readily assembled for use. As the restraint device of the present invention is provided as an accessory to the vehicle safely seat, there is little likelihood of the restraint device being incorrectly installed as it is designed for use with a seat as its sole purpose.

Throughout the specification and claims the word "comprise" and its derivatives arc intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word "comprise" and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

Oricntational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the restraint device uppermost.

it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made lo (he methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A restraint device for a child safely seat comprising: a body for receiving a lap bell and a sash belt of a vehicle and configured to distribute the lap belt and the sash belt such that the lap belt travels over a lap of the child and the sash belt travels over a first shoulder of the child; a strap member attachable to the body at a first end and configured to extend from said body lo pass over a second shoulder of the child lo be secured at a free end with respect to said child safety scat.

2. Λ restraint device according lo claim 1, wherein said body is a piece of flexible material configured to at least partially extend over the torso of the child.

3. A restraint device according to claim 2, wherein the flexible material comprises a iirst portion and a second portion configured to be folded such that the first and second portions become superimposed to form a substantially closed body.

4. A restraint device according lo claim 3, wherein one or more engagement members are provided on the first and second portions to facilitate a rcleasable connection between the first and second portions of the body such that the body can be placed in an open position for receiving the lap belt and the sash belt, and a closed position.

5. A restraint device according to claim any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body includes a first retaining member for receiving and locating in position the lap bell with respect to the body.

6. Λ restraint device according to claim 5, wherein the first retaining member is in (he form of a strap attachable to the body that engages with the lap belt as the lap belt passes through the body.

7. A restraint device according to claim 5, wherein the first retaining member is a pair of brackets located on opposing sides of the body through which the lap belt is received as it passes through the body.

8. A restraint device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body further includes a second retaining member for receiving and locating in position the sash belt with respect to the body.

9. A restraint device according to claim 8, wherein (he second retaining member is in the form of a looped strap attachable lo the body to engage with the sash belt so as to locate the sash belt in a desired position with respect to the body.

10. A restraint device according to claim 9, wherein the desired position is a position relative to the body that directs the sash belt to pass over the shoulder of the child.

11. A restraint device according to claim 8, wherein the second retaining member is in the form of a bracket located in an upper central position of the body through which the sash belt is received as it passes through the body.

12. A restraint device according lo claim 1 1, wherein the bracket is located so as to position (he sash belt to pass over the shoulder of the child.

13. A restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the strap member is an elongate strap of webbing.

14. A restraint device according to claim 13, wherein the strap member has an engagement means formed at the free end thereof.

15. A restraint device according to claim 13, wherein the engagement means is in the form of a closed loop.

16. A restrain device according to claim 15, wherein the closed loop is configured to engage with a tether of the child safely seat.

17. A restraint device according lo claim 15, wherein the closed loop engages with a joiner buckle associated with a locating strap positioned behind the seat.

18. A restraint device according to claim 17, wherein the locating strap is attached to a base of the child safely seal at a front region thereof.

19. A restraint device according to claim 18, wherein the locating strap is adjustable in length to provide adjustment of the strap member.

20. A restraint device according to claim 17, wherein the locating strap is attached to the base of the child safety seat at a rear region thereof.

21. A restraint device according to claim 13, wherein the strap member may include an adjustment mechanism to adjust the length of the strap member.

22. A restraint device according to claim 13, wherein the engagement means is an engagement member that engages with a complementary engagement member provided on the child salely seat.

23. A restraint device according to claim 6, wherein the first retaining member also engages with the sash belt as the sash belt passes through the body.

24. A restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the strap member comprises an adjustment means for adjusting the length thereof.

25. A restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the strap member is detachably connected to the body at the first end.

26. A restraint device for a child safely seat comprising:

a body for receiving a lap belt of a vehicle such that the lap belt travels through said body and over a lap region of the child; and

a pair of strap members, each strap member attachable to the body at a first end and configured to extend irom said body to pass over a shoulder of the child so as to be secured at a free end with respect to said child safety scat.

27. A restraint device according to claim 26, wherein each strap member is detachably connected to the body at the first end.