WO2016120650A1

WO2016120650A1 - Seat belt positioner

Info

Publication number: WO2016120650A1
Application number: PCT/HU2016/000007
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gábor VAS
Original assignee: Prince Oliver Bt.
Priority date: 2015-01-28
Filing date: 2016-01-22
Publication date: 2016-08-04
Also published as: HUP1500025A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat belt positioner especially to protect pregnant women and their foetuses in motor vehicles. It has a comfortable seat pad (1), fasteners (3) for fastening it to the seat of the motor vehicle and a seat belt holder (10). The invention is characterised in that at least one fastener (3) is fixed to the comfortable seat pad (1) for the purpose of fastening it to the seat. A receiving buckle (5) is fixed to the seat pad (1) on the front part of the seat pad (1) 5 to 15 cm from its edge through an inelastic material. The invention has a belt pull-down and holding device (6), which is a separate adjustable strap (8) made of an inelastic material, which can be adjusted to size, to the upper end of which a seat belt holder (10) is fixed. The adjustable strap (8) is passed through a counter buckle (7) and a loosening member (12), and a tensioning member (9) is fixed to the end of the adjustable strap (8). During use, the counter buckle (7) of the belt pull-down and holding device (6) is releasably connected to the receiving buckle (5) of the seat pad (1). The seat pad is preferably made of an air-permeable three-dimensional Airnet fabric and/or memory foam.

Description

SEAT BELT POSITIONER

The invention relates to a seat belt positioner especially to protect pregnant women and their foetuses in motor vehicles in order to fully protect the mother and her foetus in the event of any accident or crash without any injury caused by the belt.

The invention is applicable to any motor vehicle, is easy to use, and its use does not interfere with other people's comfort during travel.

A number of solutions are known to similar problems in practice. The best known in Europe are the seat belt positioning products of the Norwegian company BeSafe, which can also be found on the Internet. Other seat belt positioners are also known, even home-made, which are also available commercially, mainly online.

Their technical design is as follows:

The seat pad of the seat belt positioner is fixed to the seat back. The pregnant woman is sitting on this seat pad. The shoulder belt known as a factory accessory of the motor vehicle lies above the pregnant woman's abdomen, while the lap belt is pulled under the pregnant woman's abdomen usually by a rubberised strap fixed to the sitting surface of the seat pad. Thus, no part of the seat belt lies across the pregnant woman's abdomen.

Norwegian patent specification No 20121029 describes such a seat belt holding device, where the device also contains an adjustable pad, which is fastened by a clip-on system to the upper part of the seat. A seat belt holder is attached to the pad, which pulls down the lower diagonal part of the seat belt in the direction of the passenger's (pregnant woman's) lower abdominal area.

The disadvantage of this solution is that the rubber strap holding the lap belt is ageing over time, and as a result of the weather, a varying force and instability characterise its effect. During a possible crash, until the automatic control of the motor vehicle closing the belt is activated, these seat belt positioners flexibly follow the changed position of the body due to the rubberised strap instead of holding the belt down, under the pregnant women's abdomen, in a stable and continuous way. As the pregnancy progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult for pregnant women to use these seat belt positioners, because clipping the rubberised strap onto the lap belt becomes increasingly difficult and is almost impossible in the last month.

A further disadvantage of such designs is that certain models do not have the connectivity options to the ISOFIX system of the motor vehicle.

Another solution in the prior art is described in international patent application No WO2010ES70754, which also describes a seat belt adjusting device for pregnant women and for people suffering from abdominal problems, which is connected to the intersecting upper and lower belts. The device is to be attached to the passenger, which prevents the belt from being adjusted improperly, which could cause injury to passengers in case of an accident. The disadvantage of the invention is that the device has to be fixed to the passenger, which is not always possible and is not a convenient solution, e.g. if a winter coat is worn, and the device is not fastened to either the seat or a fixed point. Therefore, it does not provide a safe solution for the passenger. Furthermore, it cannot be used for everyone.

US patent application No US6322150 also represents the state of the art, which is also a device that can be attached to the lower lap belt of the car for more comfort, to support the use of seat belts and to correctly adjust the lap belt. The device contains a connector, which can be repeatedly connected to and disconnected from the lap belt, and a padded part, which is attached to the connector at a relatively upper portion of the lap belt.

This device is to pad the lap belt in order to better protect the area around the pelvis. It can be connected to the lap belt. Its disadvantage is that it cannot be adjusted and is not connected to the sitting surface, therefore, it cannot hold the lap belt in a fixed position. This does not meet our objectives.

As a company selling baby clothes and other baby products, we have contact with many expectant mothers and mothers with small children. Based on their accounts and also on our own recognition, the seat belt positioners in the above-mentioned practice do not fully meet the safety and comfort requirements. We aimed at the creation of a product that, unlike the known solutions, is provided with a functional TUV licence issued by the TUV Transport Science Institute.

By creating the invention, our objective was to make a seat belt positioner that ensures maximum safety for pregnant women and their foetuses in motor vehicles in such a way that it remains easy to handle until the last moment, while providing maximum comfort. Furthermore, it was also an objective, since the motor vehicle is also used by others than pregnant women, to ensure that the presence of a seat belt positioner is also comfortable for them, even without its full removal. Another objective was to ensure that the seat pad is comfortable even during several hours of travel, to make its installation simple, and to allow it to be connected to the ISOFIX system of the motor vehicle.

We have recognised that a belt pull-down and holding device should be made, which is separated from the seat pad and is provided with a special safety buckle solution, with which the device can be tensioned and loosened with a simple touch, thus the above-mentioned problems can be eliminated and a safe seat belt positioner can be created, which meets our objective.

We have recognised, furthermore, that if the seat belt positioning and holding device can be disconnected from the seat pad, then leaving it on the seat belt of the motor vehicle, it also becomes possible for other users to use the seat comfortably, because the locking mechanism does not prevent the normal use of the seat belt. When using the car again, pregnant women only have to fasten the locking mechanism on the seat belt and to adjust it to size with a simple touch to enjoy again the favourable property of the seat belt positioner. With this design, it becomes possible to hold the seat pad continuously on the seat of the motor vehicle, because this way it will not be disturbing to other persons either. We have recognised, furthermore, that in order to make the seat pad comfortable, the best solution is to make the seat pad of a three-dimensional breathable fabric and/or memory foam.

Therefore, the invention relates to a seat belt positioner especially to protect pregnant women and their foetuses in motor vehicles. Its seat pad, fasteners for fastening it to the seat of the motor vehicle and a seat belt holder are designed in such a way that at least one fastener is fixed to the comfortable seat pad for the purpose of fastening it to the seat. A receiving buckle is fixed on the front middle part of the upper surface of the seat pad 5 to 15 cm from its edge, to the seat pad through an inelastic material. The seat belt positioner has a separate belt pulldown and holding device, which is an adjustable strap made of an inelastic material, which can be adjusted to size, to the upper end of which a seat belt holder is fixed. The adjustable strap is passed through a counter buckle and, within the range of the counter buckle, a loosening member facilitating the loosening of the adjustable strap, and a tensioning member facilitating the tensioning and holding of the belt pull-down and holding device is fixed to the lower end of the adjustable strap. During use, the counter buckle of the belt pull-down and holding device is releasably connected to the receiving buckle of the seat pad.

In one form of the seat belt positioner in accordance with the invention, the seat pad has an ergonomic trapezoidal design.

In another form of the seat belt positioner in accordance with the invention, the seat pad is made of a spongy, air-permeable raw material, which is preferably a three-dimensional Airnet fabric or memory foam.

In the third form, the fastener of the seat pad is connected to a fastening strap with an adjustable length.

In the fourth form, the fastener is directly connected to the ISOFIX system of the motor vehicle through a connector.

In another form of the invention, the fastener is a metal or plastic ring, and the connector is a carabiner.

In another form of the invention, the belt holder of the belt pull-down and holding device is a seat belt pouch provided with a locking member.

In another form of the invention, the belt holder of the belt pull-down and holding device is a clamp, buckle, clip, etc.

In another form of the invention, the tensioning and loosening members performing the tensioning and loosening of the belt pull-down and holding device are plastic semi-rings allowing the convenient insertion of a finger.

The specific design of the seat belt holder in accordance with the invention is shown in the following figures:

Figure 1 shows a complete seat belt holder in perspective view.

Figure 2 shows the detailed design of the belt pull-down and holding device in perspective view.

Figure 3 shows the design of the belt pull-down and holding device of the seat belt holder in the tensioning phase.

Figure 4 shows the design of the belt pull-down and holding device of the seat belt holder in the loosening phase.

Figure 1 shows the seat pad (1 ) of the seat belt holder, which is made of a spongy, breathable fabric. Two fasteners (3), preferably rings, are fixed to the rear part of the seat pad coming into contact with the seat back. A fastener (4), preferably a carabiner, is connected to the ring, to which an adjustable fastening strap (2) is connected in a fixed manner. A receiving buckle (5) is fixed on the upper front part of the seat pad (1) about 10 cm from its edge to the seat pad (1) through an inelastic material in such a way that it does not allow the elongation or displacement of the latter. The figure shows the belt pull-down and holding device (6), which is not yet connected to the receiving buckle (5). The adjustable strap (8) of the belt pull-down and holding device (6) can be seen. A tensioning member (9) is fixed to one of its ends (lower end), which is a semi-ring allowing the convenient insertion of a finger. A belt holder (10) is also connected to the other end of the adjustable strap (8) in a fixed way, which is a seat belt pouch in this design, the locking member (1 1) of which is press studs in this design. The figure shows a counter buckle (7) passed through an adjustable strap (8) as well as a loosening member (12) also passed through within the range of the counter buckle (7), which is also a semi-ring allowing the insertion of a finger.

Figure 2 shows the detailed design of the belt pull-down and holding device (6) in perspective view, clearly showing its individual components. A belt holder (10) holding the seat belt of the motor vehicle is connected to the upper end of the adjustable strap (8), which is a seat belt pouch in this design, which encloses the seat belt with a locking member (1 1), i.e. press studs. The adjustable strap (8) is passed through a counter buckle (7) and a loosening member (12) in the middle of the counter buckle (7). A tensioning member (9) is fixed to the lower end of the adjustable strap (8).

Figure 3 shows the belt pull-down and holding device (6) of the seat belt holder in the tensioning phase.

It can be seen in the figure that the seat pad (1), the receiving buckle (5) fixed to it, and the belt pull-down and holding device (6), the counter buckle (7) of which the pregnant woman connects to the receiving buckle (5) after getting into the motor vehicle, then adjusts the length of the adjustable strap (8) according to her abdomen size with the tensioning member (9) at the end of the adjustable strap (8) so that the seat belt is placed under the pregnant woman's abdomen. By pulling the tensioning member (9) upwards, she tensions the adjustable strap (8), which is fixed at the given place.

Figure 4 shows the belt pull-down and holding device (6) of the seat belt holder in the loosening phase. The figure shows a seat pad (1), its receiving buckle (5) and the belt pull- down and holding device (6), the counter buckle (7) of which is connected to the receiving buckle (5). The tensioned adjustable strap (8) is released after the loosening member (12) at the counter buckle (7) of the adjustable strap (8) upon being taken hold of and pulled downwards, the belt pull-down and holding device (6) is loosened, thus allowing a new position to be set and the counter buckle (7) can be easily removed from the receiving buckle (5).

The operation of the invention is described below.

Before use, the seat pad (1) is fastened to the seat of the motor vehicle. One way to do so is, if the motor vehicle has an ISOFIX system, to connect two fasteners (3) of the seat pad (1) to the ISOFIX fastener through a connector (4).

If the motor vehicle does not have an ISOFIX system, the seat pad (1) is fastened to the rear seat back or the seat using a fastening strap (2). The seat pad (1) may remain on the seat until the pregnant woman needs to use the safe seat belt positioner. Due to its design, it does not prevent others either from using the seat of the motor vehicle even every day.

Also before its use, the belt holder (10) of the belt pull-down and holding device (6) is connected to the lap belt of the motor vehicle crossing the abdomen, which is a seat belt pouch in the figures shown. The belt pull-down and holding device (6) is fastened to the seat belt with the belt holder (10) with a locking member (1 1 ), preferably press studs. Its removal is not warranted until the pregnant woman needs to use the seat belt positioner. Even when not in use, this component is on the seat belt.

After the pregnant women gets into the car, she fastens the seat belt of the motor vehicle as usual, then takes hold of the belt pull-down and holding device (6) previously connected to the lap belt, connects its counter buckle (7) on the upper surface of the seat pad (1) to the receiving buckle (5) fixed on its front middle part 5 to 15 cm from its edge to the seat pad through an inelastic material, then taking hold of the tensioning member (9) of the belt pulldown and holding device (6) and pulling the adjustable strap (8) upwards, adjusts the adjustable strap (8) to the required size in such a way that the lap belt is positioned below the abdomen. All this is done with a simple touch. The seat belt positioner is ready for use.

If the trip is completed or another adjustment is required, it is released also with a simple touch. The tension is released by pulling the loosening member (12) of the belt pull-down and holding device (6) downwards, thus the counter buckle (7) can be easily removed from the receiving buckle (5). Technical advantages of the invention:

- greater security, because it holds the seat belt firmly;

- greater durability due to the components and raw materials used;

- it can be fastened to the ISOFIX system of the motor vehicle;

- more convenient use by pregnant women;

- convenient use also by other drivers or passengers without removing the belt positioning and holding device;

- simple use during second and subsequent use;

- the belt positioning and holding device on the seat belt and the seat pad are connected with a simple touch by means of a counter buckle and a receiving buckle;

- adjustment to size is done with a simple touch by pulling the tensioning member of the pull-down device upwards. The seat belt positioner is ready for use;

- the pull-down device is also released done with a simple touch by pulling the loosening member downwards;

- it is provided with a functional TljV licence issued by the TIJV Transport Science Institute.

Economic advantages of the invention:

- greater safety is provided for pregnant women and persons suffering from other abdominal diseases;

- the number of injuries are reduced;

- there is no need for hospital care;

- due to the long life of the seat positioner, it can be used for a second or third child, and can even be passed on to others.

Expected areas of application of the invention:

Protection of pregnant women and their foetuses in motor vehicles. It can also be used for other abdominal diseases.

Claims

1. Seat belt positioner especially to protect pregnant women and their foetuses in motor vehicles, which has a seat pad, fasteners (3) for fastening to the seat of the motor vehicle, and a seat belt holder (10) wherein at least one said fastener (3) is fixed to said comfortable seat pad (1) for the purpose of fastening it to the seat of the motor vehicle, said receiving buckle (5) is fixed to said seat pad (1) on the front middle part of the upper surface of said seat pad (1) 5 to 15 cm from its edge through an inelastic material, there is a separate belt pull-down and holding device (6), which is an adjustable strap (8) made of an inelastic material, which can be adjusted to size, to the upper end of which said seat belt holder (10) is fixed, said adjustable strap (8) is passed through said counter buckle (7) and, within the range of said counter buckle (7), said loosening member (12) facilitating the loosening of said adjustable strap (8), and to the lower end of said adjustable strap (8) said tensioning member (9) facilitating the tensioning and holding of said belt pull-down and holding device (6) is fixed, and during use said counter buckle (7) of said belt pull-down and holding device (6) is releasably connected to said receiving buckle (5) of said seat pad (1).

2. A seat belt positioner as claimed in claim 1 wherein said seat pad has an ergonomic trapezoidal design.

3. A seat belt positioner as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said seat pad (1) is made of a spongy, air-permeable material, preferably a three-dimensional Airnet fabric.

4. A seat belt positioner as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the sitting surface of said seat pad (1) is made of a memory foam.

5. A seat belt positioner as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein said fastener (3) of said seat pad (1) is connected to a fastening strap (2) with an adjustable length.

6. A seat belt positioner as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein said fastener (3) of said seat pad (1) is directly connected to the ISOFIX system of the motor vehicle through said connector (4).

7. A seat belt positioner as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein its said fastener (3) is a metal or plastic ring and said connector (4) is a carabiner.

8. A seat belt positioner as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein said belt holder (10) of said belt pull-down and holding device (6) is a seat belt pouch provided with said locking member (1 1).

9. A seat belt positioner as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein said belt holder (10) of said belt pull-down and holding device (6) is a clamp, buckle, clip, etc.

10. A seat belt positioner as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 wherein said tensioning member (9) and loosening member (12) performing the tensioning and loosening of the belt pull-down and holding device (6) are plastic semi-rings allowing the convenient insertion of a finger.

LIST OF TERMS

1. seat pad

2. fastening strap

3. fastener

4. connector

5. receiving buckle

6. belt pull-down and holding device

7. counter buckle

8. adjustable strap

9. tensioning member

10. belt holder

11. locking member

12. loosening member