Jacket, Vest, Or Suit Restraint Patents (Class 297/465)
  • Patent number: 6863350
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a child restraint and a bag coupled to the child restraint. The bag is configured to receive the child restraint for transport and storage of the child restraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremiah McCulley, Therese A. Baker
  • Publication number: 20040227390
    Abstract: Apparatus for positioning an occupant of a vehicle in an area of a closeable roof hatch includes a carrier frame suspended within a vehicle below the roof hatch and including a vertical support portion and a horizontal standing area connected to the vertical support portion. A seat assembly for the occupant has a backrest which is guided by the vertical support portion for movement in a vertical direction between upper and lower end positions and is spring-biased to seek the upper end position. The seat assembly has a seating area, which is swingably mounted to a lower end of the backrest, and a coupling brace, which has one end swingably mounted to the seating area and another end swingably mounted to the standing area. Connected to the seat assembly is a seat belt for fastening the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: SCHROTH SAFETY PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventor: Carl-Jurgen Schroth
  • Patent number: 6811222
    Abstract: This invention discloses a chin and head support device or brace enabling the head to move at will while allowing a rest at the chin and while supporting the weight of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Cynthia K. Sumner
  • Patent number: 6793291
    Abstract: The Vehicle Body Armor Support System (V-BASS) significantly enhances the survivability of vehicle crewmembers and occupants in aircraft and ground vehicles from high velocity projectiles such as shrapnel or bullets at minimum weight burden on the vehicle occupants. Current heavy body armor systems weigh 20 to 40 pounds. The majority of this weight is carried on the vehicle occupant's torso and transferred through the occupant'spine to the seat. The Vehicle Body Armor Support System invention allows the direct transfer of the heavy body armor system's weight directly to the seat or other points in the vehicle without burdening the occupant. This invention is comprised of a vehicle platform; an occupant seat supported by the vehicle platform; an occupant armor component carried on the occupant designed in such a fashion to transfer the weight of the armored component from the occupant to the seat or other points in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Robert William Kocher
  • Publication number: 20040174063
    Abstract: The Vehicle Body Armor Support System (V-BASS) significantly enhances the survivability of vehicle crewmembers and occupants in aircraft and ground vehicles from high velocity projectiles such as shrapnel or bullets at minimum weight burden on the vehicle occupants. Current heavy body armor systems weigh 20 to 40 pounds. The majority of this weight is carried on the vehicle occupant's torso and transferred through the occupant's spine to the seat. The Vehicle Body Armor Support System invention allows the direct transfer of the heavy body armor system's weight directly to the seat or other points in the vehicle without burdening the occupant. This invention is comprised of a vehicle platform; an occupant seat supported by the vehicle platform; an occupant armor component carried on the occupant designed in such a fashion to transfer the weight of the armored component from the occupant to the seat or other points in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Robert William Kocher
  • Patent number: 6733398
    Abstract: An amusement device comprising at least one holder for a person and a securing device for detachably securing a person in the holder. The holder comprises at least a seat and a backrest. The securing device includes at least two straps, first ends of which are positioned near a part of the backrest remote from the seat and second ends of which are positioned near the seat. The straps are each fitted with a lock plate between said first and said second ends, which lock plates can be detachably locked together. The straps furthermore each include at least one spring element, wherein the straps can be moved towards the holder against spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Vekoma Technology B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Joseph Hubertus Clerx
  • Patent number: 6637377
    Abstract: An animal restraint system for a vehicle has a vest having leg holes for front legs of an animal. The vest is symmetrical about the leg holes allowing the vest to be rotated 180 degrees and placed on the animal in either orientation. The vest is removably couplable to a seat belt of the vehicle by a tether strap that has at least one loop through which the seat belt of the vehicle is passed through. The tether strap clips to a top strap of the vest that extends from one side of the vest to the other side of the vest across the back of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: BOS Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lobanoff, Ronald S. Gulette
  • Patent number: 6601916
    Abstract: A safety seat for children including a seat surface portion (10) is made in an air cushion structure expanding due to an injection of air. A back rest reclining portion (20) connected to the seat surface portion (10) is formed in a vest shape so as to fix the child the safety seat. An air cushion (23) is mounted to the back rest reclining portion (20). It is possible to fold up the seat surface portion (10) and the back rest reclining portion (20) by taking the air out. In spite of the flexible structure, which can be easily transferred and stored, it is possible to allow a child to sit at a high position and prevent a cooped-up feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kamiki
  • Patent number: 6513824
    Abstract: A combination lift mechanism and wheelchair which is used to lift a user confined to a wheelchair above the seat of the wheelchair for providing relief and healing from bedsores on the user's lower back and buttocks. A vest is mounted on first and second arm portions of the wheelchair as pivotal first and second assemblies. The user is secured to the vest having hinges and buckle fasteners disposed on the front and back of the lifting vest. Fluid conduits are also disposed within the vest for regulating peripheral body temperature of the user. An actuating mechanism is mounted within first and second support assemblies for selectively lifting or lowering a user a predetermined height for providing circulation, relief and healing from bedsores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Steven C. DuBose
  • Patent number: 6499149
    Abstract: A head and neck restraint device, worn by a driver when operating a high performance vehicle, which controls the driver's head from snapping forward and maintains the driver's head, neck and spine in general alignment in the event of a frontal crash. The device includes a pair of anchor straps that are worn along the back of the driver and have first end which connects to the driver's helmet by use of hooks and tethers, and second ends which extends between the driver's legs for connection to a seat belt assembly. A chest strap and a waist strap are attached to the anchor straps for keeping the anchor straps separated at a predetermined distance. When exiting the vehicle, the driver unlatches a standard vehicle seat belt assembly and the restraint device is simultaneously released from the vehicle. Since the restraint is neither rigid nor bulky, the driver can quickly exit the vehicle unrestricted by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Safety Solution, Inc.
    Inventor: Trevor P. Ashline
  • Patent number: 6449770
    Abstract: A restraining garment device for placing on a torso of a user. The device is for receiving a restraint belt of equipment such as strollers, highchairs, shopping carts, and car seats. The device includes a torso covering member that has a front panel portion and rear panel portion, neck aperture for receiving a head and neck of a user and a waist aperture for receiving a waist of a user. A pair of waist loop panels is mounted to and extends between the front and rear panel portions of the torso covering member defining a loop for selectively receiving a waist restraint belt. The device prevents a user from freeing themselves from the waist restraint belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventors: Nelly Taylor, Howard A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6364417
    Abstract: A safety harness having a chest strap received over a user's shoulders, a crotch strap received between a user's legs and selectively attachable to the chest strap, and a back panel received against a user's back, the back panel being interposed between the crotch strap and chest strap. The back panel is substantially the width of the user's shoulders and the height of the user's torso to evenly disperse and dissipate forces from sudden movements acted upon a user when the harness is secured to a vehicular seatbelt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Rick Owen Silverman
  • Patent number: 6343727
    Abstract: A garment to be worn by an adult for carrying an infant comprising a tubular carrier portion adapted to encircle the adult wearer from the shoulders to the waist with armholes being provided along sides of the garment to create a hands-free feature of the garment, a drawstring connected along the bottom of the garment to permit the garment to be pulled tight against the waist of the wearer, a second drawstring connected along the top edge of the garment, the rear portion of the garment being gathered, folded and vertically stitched to create a shorter vertical dimension of the garment in the rear as compared with the front, the front portion of the garment constituting a pouch in which a baby can rest, the top drawstring being adjustable for the comfort and safety of the baby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 6314578
    Abstract: The present invention relates to child protecting clothes for vehicles, used with a seat belt so as to protect a child sitting on a seat of an automobile from a shock of an accident. As compared with a related art child seat, the child protecting clothes have the following advantages. The protective clothes can be put on a child as the safety of the child is secured; manufactured at a low cost; and give the person wearing the clothes a certain degree of freedom of physical movement. A back member 10B of the protective clothes is formed double of an inner cloth portion 10B1 and an outer cloth portion 10B2. A seatbelt C can be inserted between the inner and outer cloth portions 10B1, 10B2 of the back member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Zenkoku Bousai Jigyo Kyogyo Kumiai
    Inventors: Mitsunori Masuda, Taku Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6254184
    Abstract: A harness or restraint system is provided that comprises a vest-like member designed to be used as a passive restraint system to protect a child passenger. The vest-like member encapsulates fully the front portion of a child car seat such that the child's torso is restrained, while providing openings that allow the free movement of the head and limbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: George Vlasios Kontos
  • Patent number: 6224154
    Abstract: An operable chair includes a seat which is pivotally connected to a support arm, the support arm being operably mounted on an upright frame for selective vertical movement along the frame. The seat is mounted for selective and adjustable tilting so that an operator may lean forward from the chair at a desired angle. A footrest is operably mounted to the upright support for selective vertical movement there along, independent of the seat. The footrest includes a foot platform which is selectively pivotable as well. A body restraining harness is provided for an operator seated in the seat, and includes an adjustable length cable connected to a bracket operably mounted on the upright support, to adjustably restrain the upper torso of a person seated in the seat, with the upper torso leaning forwardly over a desired work site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Stanley R. Stoki
  • Patent number: 6145932
    Abstract: A baby blanket adapted for use in a child car seat having a restraint system. The blanket has a receiving compartment located on its front surface, for receiving and holding the legs and torso of an infant or small child. The blanket comprises a front sheet and a rear sheet, sewn together to form the compartment. The rear sheet has three to five apertures located to permit the straps or restraining harnesses of a child car seat to pass through the rear sheet and buckle around the child. The front sheet is sewn to the rear sheet along three sides to form an open-topped compartment for receiving and holding the child. The front sheet may additionally have a recloseable opening for further aiding insertion of the child into the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventors: Paulette Hamel-Nyhus, Doreen Jean Hamel
  • Patent number: 6129383
    Abstract: The Vehicle Body Armor Support System (V-BASS) significantly enhances the survivability of vehicle crewmembers and occupants in aircraft and ground vehicles from high velocity projectiles such as shrapnel or bullets at minimum weight burden on the vehicle occupants. Current heavy body armor systems weigh 20 to 40 pounds. The majority of this weight is carried on the vehicle occupant's torso and transferred through the occupant's spine to the seat. The Vehicle Body Armor Support System invention allows the direct transfer of the heavy body armor system's weight directly to the seat without burdening the occupant. This invention is comprised of a vehicle platform; an occupant seat supported by the vehicle platform; an occupant armor component carried on the occupant and a support strut configured to be connected between the armored component and the occupant seat to transfer the weight of the armored component from the occupant to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Robert William Kocher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6082826
    Abstract: A patient support system for holding the torso and head of a user upright when sitting in a wheel chair or a chair to prevent the user from falling off of the wheel chair or chair. The patient support system includes a vest harness designed for wear on the torso of a patient user. The vest harness has a neck opening, a pair of shoulder straps, a pair of side regions and a lower edge defining a lower opening. The vest harness has breaks through each of the shoulder straps and slits through each of the side regions of vest harness to define separable front and back portions of the vest harness. The front and back portions are detachably coupled together at the breaks of each of the shoulder straps and along the slits of each of the side regions. A chair structure is provided having a backrest and a seat. The back portion of the vest harness is detachably attachable to the backrest of the chair structure to help hold a patient user upright in the chair structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Margaret Moreno
  • Patent number: 6042189
    Abstract: A restraint free wheelchair system is provided including a wheelchair having a pile fastener attached thereto. A piece of clothing is included with a pile fastener attached thereto for releasably securing to the pile fastener of the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Mary C. Wellman
  • Patent number: 6036260
    Abstract: A cover for a person in a seat, e.g. a child in a car seat, booster seat, stroller, or other seating arrangements, including a recessed notch to allow for proper covering of a child's shoulders, an extended tab to provide covering for the child's legs and feet, and two side wings allowing the cover to be secured to the seating arrangement. The cover is provided with fasteners to removably secure the cover to corresponding fasteners on the seating arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Sharon VL Mullen
    Inventor: Sharon VL Mullen
  • Patent number: 6009839
    Abstract: A child restraint harness system comprising a first harness assembly securable about the legs and shoulders of a child and including a semi rigid child seat frame having harness retention clips securable to a second harness assembly worn by an adult. The restraint harness is particularly suitable for restraining a child in the lap of an adult while riding in an airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Kevin M. Kohn
  • Patent number: 6007156
    Abstract: A method or an apparatus for helping a user rest and sleep while in a vertical sitting position on a seat by providing vertical and horizontal support to the user's upper body and head. The method comprises steps of providing and fitting one or more braces adaptable to the user's armpits, portion of his upper body and head; providing supporting frame and fastening means for the braces; adjusting the position of the braces to correspond to his height and size; and holding the braces continuously against the user's upper body and head, to provide continuous upward and horizontal support to the user against gravity. The apparatus comprises one or more braces with flexible structure adapted to the user's armpits, portion of his upper body and his head, and a supporting frame being integral with the seat with fasten means adjustable to the user's height and size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Gene Hsin Chang
  • Patent number: 5988742
    Abstract: A protective cover for an infant or child in a baby swing or infant carrier device such as a baby car seat, bicycle seat, or stroller. The cover has a top sheet and a bottom sheet formed by folding a single continuous sheet. The top and bottom sheet are removably connected by snaps or a zipper. The snaps are aligned and spaced an equal distance apart along the outer edges of the sheets, so the size of the enclosure can be adjusted by fastening the relevant snaps. The top sheet has an adjustable flap defining an opening for the baby's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas M. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5931539
    Abstract: A device to reduce weight or load on the spinal column for seats and the like that comprises two parts, the first being of two curved fins running from the edges of a chairback to adopt the anatomical form of the user's sides from the waist to the axillae, while the second is an elastic vest or corset covering the whole of the trunk from the waist to the axillae and shoulders. The vest secures at its top to the chairback by braces and fasteners or hooks. these braces secure to the back of an upward extension to the chairback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Manuel Munoz Saiz
  • Patent number: 5915789
    Abstract: A flexible and adjustable harness used by drivers of cranes and earth moving equipment is disclosed. In its preferred embodiment, the flexible and adjustable harness is used when it is necessary for a driver of a crane or an earth moving equipment to lean over to view objects such as loads and obstacles directly below his or her seat. The flexible and adjustable harness includes a flexible slip-on portion that easily slips onto the driver seat. The harness also includes a flexible right wrap and a flexible left wrap which enclose the driver's abdominal and chest areas and bear the weight of the driver when he or she leans over to view loads or obstacles under his or her seat. The flexible and adjustable harness also comprises left and right wrap elastic safety bands that add to the protection and safety provided by the left and right wraps. The flexible and adjustable harness further includes back side left and right safety bands to safely secure the harness' slip-on portion to the driver seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Francisco Ponce De Leon, III
  • Patent number: 5909927
    Abstract: An airplane passenger restraint system is provided that cooperates with an existing seat belt of an airplane seat where the seat belt has two straps which are releasably coupled together. The system includes a first dual strap assembly that can be coupled to one of the straps of the seat belt which has a first section of a first passenger strap and a first section of a second passenger strap. The first sections of the first and second passenger straps each have a first part of a coupling mechanism attached thereto. A second dual strap assembly is provided that can be coupled to the other of the straps of the seat belt, the second strap assembly having a second section of a first passenger strap and a second section of a second passenger strap. The second sections of the first and second passenger straps each have a second part of a coupling mechanism attached thereto which can be matingly coupled to the first parts of the coupling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Inventor: Charles A. Henshall
  • Patent number: 5829840
    Abstract: A safety assembly for a passenger seat in a vehicle such as an airplane is made up of a padded seat cover for fitting over the seat and a safety suit sandwiched between the seat cover and the seat cushions. The seat cover can be opened up by means of a closure member to make the suit accessible to the passenger. The suit is so constructed that the passenger may sit down upon it while donning it. The suit is formed to be adaptable to a wide variation in passenger size, and, when donned, affords flame and smoke protection for the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Patrick Todd Goeckel
    Inventor: Patrick Goeckel
  • Patent number: 5795030
    Abstract: A seat belt pad with a padded area for abdominal support. There are two basic embodiments one for two-point seat belts and the other for three-point seat belts. The two-point belt has an oval shaped pad that has seat belt fittings on both sides of the pad. The vehicle's seat belts can then be clipped to the fittings on the pad. In this way, the pad, which is considerably larger than an ordinary seat belt, protects the user's abdomen. The pad is designed to have equal or greater strength than ordinary seat belts. The three point-pad has two outer bands that fit over an ordinary three-point seat belt. The bands have VELCRO attaches to close the bands around the seat belts. A layer of mesh extends between the belts and is used to support the user's abdomen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Karl W. Becker
  • Patent number: 5733014
    Abstract: A restraint harness is disclosed for securing a passenger to a seat in a vehicle. The harness is particularly well adapted for transporting a passenger who is in a sitting position. The harness has a pair of lateral torso straps adapted to be placed around the torso of the passenger and fastened together. A pair of shoulder straps extend over the shoulders and intersect with the torso straps. A seat strap portion fastens to a seat back and fastens to the harness. An existing vehicle seat belt also fastens to the torso straps to secure the passenger to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: E-Z-On Products, Inc. of Florida
    Inventor: Connie Murray
  • Patent number: 5730498
    Abstract: A chest harness (10) includes a right harness piece (12) and a left harness piece (14). Right harness piece (12) includes an elongated right shoulder extension (16) and a lower torso portion (18). A narrow flap (20) is secured to the inside edge (22) of torso portion (18). On the inside face of flap (20) is secured a set of VELCRO type hooks (25) that cooperate with corresponding loops (27) on left harness piece (14). A first half (24) of a zipper (26) is secured to inside edge (22). Zipper (26) includes a handle (28), which is carried by zipper half (24). A draw cord or loop (29) is tied to handle (28). Draw cord (29) is longer than zipper (26), so that the draw cord can extend along the zipper and past the lower end of the zipper. Left harness piece (14) includes an elongated left shoulder extension (38) and a lower torso portion (40). Lower torso portion (40) includes a plastic backing plate (42) that is sufficiently wide to underlie the lower torso portion (18) of right harness piece (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Jay Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Wayne H. Hanson, Timothy R. Border, Evyln K. Gorsuch
  • Patent number: 5655817
    Abstract: An assembly for releasably restraining and protecting a child in a transport vehicle. The assembly comprises a contoured safety seat, secured to a standard vehicle seat, with a plurality of fasteners secured to each side of the seat. A torso enclosing suit is worn by the child occupying the seat. The suit has two pairs of fasteners attached near the arm openings and leg openings. The suit fasteners attached to corresponding fasteners in the seat sides securely restrain and protect the seat occupant in case of an vehicle accident. Also disclosed is a removable tray for the seat which deploys and inflates an air bag device in the event of an accident to further protect the seat occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph R. Nienow
  • Patent number: 5628548
    Abstract: A safety restraint system for vehicles such as airplanes, which includes a primary support harness having an upper support portion secured to an upper portion of an airline seat, a lower support portion secured to the upper support portion so that the lower support portion extends across the torso of an adult person seated in the airline seat, the system further including loops on the ends of the lower support portion for accepting the airline safety seat belt for securing the belt against the torso of the person on the seat. There is further included a secondary support harness having shoulder straps and a waist board for positioning upon a child seated on the adult's lap with second loops on the ends of the lower support portion for threading the waist belt therethrough sad engaging itself around the child so that the waist belt secures the child in place on the adult's lap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Marvin Lacoste
  • Patent number: 5562326
    Abstract: A device for restraining a person sitting in a seat, wherein the impact load of a person during an accident is substantially and evenly distributed over the anterior torso of the user's body for protection thereof. The device includes a torso cover which is connected to a seat using a plurality of attachments. Each attachment is connected to a release which manually actuates the simultaneous disconnection of each attachment, thereby allowing the person to quickly exit from the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Robert W. Stroud
  • Patent number: 5544363
    Abstract: A vest and harness combination is disclosed comprising a sleeveless vest formed of a fabric material for covering the shoulders, front and back of a wearer. A harness comprising two pairs of spaced webs is secured to said vest. The first pair of spaced webs is attached to and extends longitudinally along the front of said vest. The second pair of spaced webs is attached to said vest and extends laterally of said first pair of webs at least partially around the vest. The first pair of webs extends over the shoulders of said vest, criss crosses the back of said vest and is fastened to opposite sides thereof. The first pair of webs at the point of criss crossing is provided with a slotted ring-like frame through which each of the first pair of webs extends. One of the pair of webs is provided with a second slotted ring-like frame at a point midway of the back of the vest. The other of said second pair of webs is provided with a slotted buckle at one end and a clasp at its other end for engaging said buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventors: Patrick O. McCue, Nedward B. Dunnington
  • Patent number: 5540403
    Abstract: An airplane seat child safety harness comprising: a central buckle formed in a planar configuration and including a coupling device affixed to at least one of its ends, the buckle including at least one bore with a button positioned therein, the coupling devices adapted to couple with seat belt buckle inserts, at least one lower belt having two free ends, one free end being coupled to the central buckle, the lower belts adapted to be positioned through the legs and behind the back of a child; and at least two lap belts each having at least two free ends, one free end being coupled to the central buckle, at least two seat belt rings formed in a tubular configuration and adapted to be coupled with the end of a seat belt buckle, the second free end of the lap belts being coupled to the seat belt buckle rings, each of the belts including length adjustment devices, at least two shoulder straps each having at least one segment and including length adjustment devices, each shoulder strap having two free ends, one fr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Jeff W. Standley
  • Patent number: 5429418
    Abstract: A safety restraint system having a body component including a head opening for insertion over the head of a child and a belt which buckles around the lower rib cage of the child to secure the safety restraint system on the child. The safety restraint system can thus be secured to the child prior to the child entering the vehicle. A first strap member is secured to a lower portion of the body component. This first strap is wrapped over a vehicle lap belt until an engaging member having fabric hook elements engages fabric loop elements on a receiving member affixed to the body component.A second strap is affixed to the body component just below the head opening. This strap is folded downward over the vehicle shoulder belt until fabric hook elements engage fabric loop elements on the reverse side of the engaging member on the first strap. The second strap positions the shoulder belt away from the head and neck of the child. This provides a safer restraint as well as a more comfortable situation for the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Carol A. Lipper
    Inventors: Carol A. Lipper, Russell Simpson, Mark Joseph
  • Patent number: 5426801
    Abstract: A chair restraint for supporting a patient in a sitting position from a chair or the like includes an upper torso support member having an orthotic support panel readily removable therefrom. The orthotic support panel is made from a plastic which is readily deformable by a heat gun or the like such that it may be custom fit to surround the patient both from his back and sides to provide lateral support to the patient. The upper torso restraint member includes a pair of straps extending forwardly to wrap around the front of the patient to thereby secure the patient within the upper torso restraint member. A seat cushion member includes a flat panel stiffener to provide a firm base for the patient and an interior cushioning member which is inclined generally rearwardly to thereby cradle the patient within the restraint. A center divider member of cushioning material provides two separately defined areas for receiving the patient's legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Lake Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Klearman, Jeffrey J. Bierman, Lambert J. Pott, Glen E. Watson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5379725
    Abstract: A reinforced safety harness for a child or adult comprising a front vest which covers the front torso, a pair of criss-crossing back straps, a waist belt which encircles the front and back torso secured by an adjustable belt buckle, a reinforcing belt which extends from the belt buckle through reinforcing loops on the front and back of the harness about the torso, a tether belt which extends from the reinforcing belt to be attached to a person's wrist or a restraining element or to be attached to the harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventors: Linda K. Roberson, Cathy M. Egli, Suzanne M. McMillan, Keith J. Mackey
  • Patent number: 5301371
    Abstract: A safety vest to be used in a car and more particularly a safety vest to be worn by a child in a car; the safety vest comprises a vest portion and a plurality of safety belts being fixed inside the lamina of the vest portion; the front opening of the vest portion is furnished with buckle assemblies whereby the safety vest can be put securely on a child. The back of the vest has two slots, through which a car safety (or seat) belt is inserted so as to allow the safety vest fixedly mounted on car seat; since the car safety belt and the safety vest are assembled together, a larger restraining area can be formed and applied to a child, and in case of emergency or accident, the injury to a child would be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Wen-Chung Chao
  • Patent number: 5267352
    Abstract: An upper torso restraining device is disclosed for maintaining an individual in a seated position in a chair or similar by providing attachment and support of the upper torso. An external upper body garment with appearance similar to ordinary clothing is provided with side slits. An interior vest having straps extending from front crossover and crossunder portions is attached to the upper body garment along the upper edges of the interior vest. Straps from the crossunder portion pass through one side of the interior vest through interior slits and straps from the crossover portion pass through external loops located on the opposing side of the interior vest. The straps then pass through the side slits, and may be secured together behind an individual wearing the interior vest and upper body garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Pamlea A. Rodarmel
  • Patent number: 5243724
    Abstract: A multi-purpose baby wrap which converts to a blanket, a bunting, a pad or a carrier sling. The wrap comprises two major parts: a full sized baby blanket and a large, detachable, bifurcated pocket. The pocket covers the lower half of the blanket and is sized to fit children from birth to about two years, with the pocket covering the child's legs and torso up to the waist. A baby's diaper may be changed without removing the baby from the wrap by simply unfastening the bottom and sides of the pocket and lifting it to expose the lower half of the baby. For use of the wrap as a bunting, the baby is placed feet first in the pocket; the blanket is then rolled around the baby and secured snugly about his or her midriff with one or two short straps. With the blanket so secured, the apparatus in plan view presents the appearance of a rectangle. At each corner of this rectangle, a fastener is provided for attaching a pair of elongated straps to the wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Evelyn R. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5213366
    Abstract: A shield arrangement is arranged for receiving a seat belt, typically within a self-propelled vehicle. The shield structure is formed of shape retentent material having loop members to convex outer surface thereof to receive the safety belts to effect distribution of force during impact about a larger surface area of an individual's body. A modification of the invention includes reinforcing members, as well as indicator fluid, to indicate fatigue of the shield structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Ronald R. Sweger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5161258
    Abstract: A child is adapted to be zipped into a sleeveless vest which coacts with the lap and shoulder belts of a vehicle safety harness to restrain the child in the vehicle. The back side of the vest includes a generally horizontal loop for receiving the lap belt and further includes a vertically inclined loop for receiving the shoulder belt. Both loops are adapted to be opened and closed by zippers in order to enable the belts to be easily placed into and removed from the loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Lori A. Coltrain
  • Patent number: 5154487
    Abstract: A portable, customizable support apparatus for a patient's torso is provided for maintaining the patient in a substantially upright sitting position. The apparatus includes a left side member, a right side member and a back member and assemblies for securing the apparatus to the patient and to a seating unit. The support apparatus also includes a device for interconnecting the left and right side members at the front of the torso such that the left and right side members and back member substantially surround the patient's torso. The assembled apparatus can be used with most conventional chairs and seats, including geriatric chairs and wheelchairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Patricia G. Warburton
  • Patent number: 5148563
    Abstract: A chair restraint for supporting a patient in a sitting position from a chair or the like includes an upper torso support member having an orthotic support panel readily removable therefrom. The orthotic support panel is made from a plastic which is readily deformable by a heat gun or the like such that it may be custom fit to surround the patient both from his back and sides to provide lateral support to the patient. The upper torso restraint member includes a pair of straps extending forwardly to wrap around the front of the patient to thereby secure the patient within the upper torso restraint member. A seat cushion member includes a flat panel stiffener to provide a firm base for the patient and an interior cushioning member which is inclined generally rearwardly to thereby cradle the patient within the restraint. A center divider member of cushioning material provides two separately defined areas for receiving the patient's legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Lake Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Klearman, Jeffrey J. Bierman, Lambert J. Pott, Glen E. Watson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5080191
    Abstract: A harness for use by adults or children in learning certain sporting activities such as snow skiing is disclosed in two embodiments wherein handles are conveniently disposed for gripping by individuals helping a user of the harness. Anchors are also provided on the harness to releasably attach the harness to a sit ski and other anchors are provided to which tether lines can be attached for use by an individual assisting the user of the harness in snow skiing or the like. The harness is further provided with unique means for positively positioning the harness on a user for optimal control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: George S. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 5074588
    Abstract: A child safety restraint for a vehicle seat having a safety belt includes a stress plate having at least one safety belt slot for receiving the safety belt to secure the restraint to the seat, at least one harness slot and a harness for releasably securing a wearer's back to the stress plate, the harness including a pair of shoulder straps and a crotch strap secured at one end to the shoulder straps, the shoulder straps being configured to each pass through a respective harness slot in the plate so that the harness is slidably engaged on the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Fred Huspen
  • Patent number: 5042878
    Abstract: An invalid chair restraint for securing a patient in a chair (or wheelchair) in a substantially upright and seated position. The restraint includes a back portion which is releasably secured to the back of the chair with a securing strap that extends from opposite edges of the back portion. This back portion is integrally formed with a seat portion which is dimensioned for receiving the lower to mid torso of the patient. In this connection, the seat portion includes a section upon which the patient is seated, and a crotch strap that extends between the legs of the patient. A body securing element is releasably joined to the distal end of the crotch strap, with this body securing element embracing the patient for holding the torso of the patient in a desired and substantially upright posture. In the preferred embodiment, this body securing element is a pair of straps that pass over the shoulders of the patient and releasably engage the securing strap that embraces the back of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Elsie O. Collins
  • Patent number: 5031960
    Abstract: This invention relates to the protection of children riding in motor vehicles against injury otherwise possibly occurring. More particularly, this invention relates to a child restraint which both exercises the necessary restraint against uncontrolled movement of the child within the vehicle and permits freedom of movement among standing, sitting and lying postures for the child. The device functions by providing a vest for engaging the torso of a young person, a backrest for engaging the upright seat back of a seat in a vehicle, and coupling the vest and backboard through a pair of rodlike members defining generally vertical, parallel and spaced apart restraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Herman F. Day