Having Means Providing Easily Releasable Attachment To A Chair Or Seat Patents (Class 297/485)
  • Patent number: 10703330
    Abstract: A restraint harness for a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a seat having a structural support that is attached to a main support structure of the vehicle. The restraint harness includes a body constructed of a restraint material. The body is shaped to secure an occupant body. The restraint material is configured to withstand loads exerted upon the restraint harness by the occupant during operation of the vehicle. The restraint harness also includes an attachment portion that is configured to attach to the structural support of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Stephanie C. Radion, Sarah E. Smith, Samuel Derian, Wonhee M. Kim, Daniel W. Booth, Paul W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 9950265
    Abstract: The present invention provides a swing that is operable to promote attunement between a child and caretaker. The swing comprises two seats, one of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a caretaker, such as a parent, and another of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a child. The two seats are arranged so that the caretaker and the child can face one another and comfortably see each other's eyes. The two seats are also configured such that, during operation of the swing, both the caretaker and child share the experience of swinging. Thus, using the swing of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a caretaker and child may share the mutual enjoyment of the swinging action while maintaining eye contact with one another, resulting in attunement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV
  • Patent number: 9409500
    Abstract: An upper body support system helps stabilize and restrict undesirable movement by an upper body. The system either detachably connects to the mounting surface, or forms an integral unit with the mounting surface. In either case, a stretchable extension between the mounting surface and the upper body is formed with a flexible strap. The strap serves to connect a mount and an upper body garment, such as a hat. The strap has sufficient stretchability to allow for natural movements of the upper body. The mount forms a snug connection to a head support on the mounting surface. The upper body garment includes a garment fastener that detachably joins with a strap garment end. In this manner, the upper body garment can be interchanged for different sizes or indicia. The garment fastener can include a hook and loop fastener. A cover overlays the garment fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Marlon Bailey
  • Patent number: 9227527
    Abstract: An assisted rescue system to extract a seatbelt harnessed person from a vehicle. The system comprises a seatbelt harness and seat liner which together form a sling. The seatbelt harness is connected at anchor points with a releasable securing mechanism that is operable with a single release action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: 2040422 ONTARIO INC.
    Inventor: Karl Gerhard Pfister
  • Patent number: 9010863
    Abstract: An interchangeable passenger seat for a vehicle having a seat-mounting surface includes a base frame having at least one end member attachable to the seat-mounting surface of the vehicle, and at least one cross-member extending generally perpendicularly from the end member. At least one back frame is removably attachable to the base frame. An adaptor bracket is disposed around the cross-member. The adaptor bracket has a plurality of locating structure along the length of the adaptor bracket for selectively locating and attaching components of passenger restraint systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Conley, Brian J. Jacquay, Erik C Wilson
  • Patent number: 8973945
    Abstract: A retention harness for restraining a user within a vehicle. The harness includes a waist strap, a waist strap buckle assembly, two over the shoulder straps, a rear connector, and a forward connector. The waist strap is attachable to the waist strap buckle assembly. Each over the shoulder strap is attached to the waist strap buckle assembly. The two over the shoulder straps form an X on a user's back via a shoulder strap crossover plate, while each over the shoulder strap is adjustable via an adjustment slider. The rear connector is attached to the waist strap, and is attachable to retention hardware. The retention hardware is attachable to a bar attached to the vehicle. The forward connector is attached to the waist strap buckle assembly and attachable to forward retention hardware, the forward retention hardware attachable to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Peter Seidenberger, William Reason, Zachariah Thull, Patrick Dillon
  • Patent number: 8955914
    Abstract: A leg restraint is provided for side-seated vehicle occupants, such as aircraft passengers, and includes a leg-restraining member mounted in proximity to a side-facing vehicle seat and is selectively moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position and a retracted, non-leg interfering position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Pete C. Meister, Michael J. Farvet
  • Patent number: 8936314
    Abstract: A multi-purpose seat for a child includes a seat body, a protecting sheet, a shoulder strap and an encircle belt. The seat body has two upper straps respectively defined on two sides of the seat body. The protecting sheet has two upper buckles which are connected with the two upper straps respectively. The protecting sheet has two through holes for passing through two legs of a child respectively. Two ends of the shoulder strap are assembled on a rear side of the seat body and two ends of the encircle belt are assembled to the shoulder strap. Under this arrangement, a user carries the child sitting on the seat body by the shoulder strap; besides, the seat body is fixed on a car seat and the encircle belt is encircled the car seat, so that the child sits on the seat body securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventors: Ching-Chi Lai, Tang-Jen Lai
  • Publication number: 20140361596
    Abstract: A removable seat restraint apparatus intended to restrain a child on a variety of seats is provided. The apparatus may include an adjustable waist strap that fits snugly around the waist of the child and at least two connecting straps that are transversely attached at opposing end of the waist strap. The connecting straps may connect on the periphery of the seat to a support strap assembly which may be attached to one or more support structures such as a chair leg or pedestal. The length of the support straps may be adjustable to keep the waist centered on the seat when secured around the waist of the child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Farva Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Michael Margolius
  • Patent number: 8794709
    Abstract: A child restraint device may include, in one embodiment, a base member and a back member. The back member may be foldably attached to the base member such that the base member and the back member may be folded together. The child restraint device may also include at least one back member securing belt and at least one base member securing belt. Moreover, the child restraint device may include a restraint harness disposed between the base member and the back member. The restraint harness may include an adjustable shoulder portion attached to the back member and an adjustable lap portion attached to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Kennedy Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Raina Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8777323
    Abstract: Various embodiments of restraint harnesses for use in land, air, and sea vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, for example, a restraint harness can include a first shoulder web, a second shoulder web, and a torso web. A first end portion of the torso web can include a buckle that is configured to engage a connector at a second, opposite end portion of the torso web. The restraint harness can further include first and second portions of a stiffening material attached to first and second portions of the first and second shoulder webs, respectively. The stiffening material can form the first and second shoulder webs into preformed openings with inverted U-like shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Merrill, Michael J. Walton, Zulma Y. Estrada
  • Patent number: 8702177
    Abstract: The shoulder and waist harness for use with a wheelchair includes a horizontal belt that extends around both the torso of an occupant and a seat back of a wheelchair. A pair of shoulder straps attaches to a rear portion of the horizontal belt, and extend vertically up and over the seat back as well as shoulders of an occupant. A front end of each shoulder strap secures to a portion comprising a front cover located at a front portion of the restraining harness. The front cover being comprised of a front member and a rear member that include a nylon hook or loop strip so as to secure to one another. A shoulder strap and corresponding side of the horizontal belt is affixed to the front member, and an opposing shoulder strap and corresponding side are affixed to the rear member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Sherry L. Hogue
  • Patent number: 8690258
    Abstract: A guide structure of a vehicle seatbelt includes a belt guide. The belt guide is provided at one of a left corner and a right corner defined by a left side frame, a right side frame, and an upper frame. The one corner faces a belt pulled out from a seatbelt device. The left side frame and the right side frame extend vertically. The upper frame connects an upper end of the left side frame to an upper end of the right side frame. The belt guide protrudes upwardly with respect to the upper frame and forwardly with respect to the left side frame and the right side frame so that when the belt is placed on an occupant who sits on the seat, a portion of the belt that is placed on a shoulder of the occupant is guided by the belt guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomotake Kato, Yuichi Mashiko
  • Patent number: 8652081
    Abstract: A lumbar traction device that can alleviate lower back pain is provided. The device includes a harness or girdle that is fitted about the torso region of a patient and an adjustable support assembly in the form of adjustable legs that allow the degree of traction to be adjusted by the patient. The device is safe and easy to use by a patient without constant medical supervision and is particularly suitable for use in domestic or office environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Marcus Andrew Rawlings
  • Patent number: 8585152
    Abstract: A portable safety belt for use on a motor coach passenger seat is provided. The portable safety belt is formed of a single strap routed to form a closed loop for encircling a seatback and an open loop terminating at either end of the strap with a male and female buckle. The open loop is adapted as a lap belt for holding a passenger. A locking member disposed at a side of the closed loop provides interrelated adjustment of the open and closed loops to tighten the closed loop around the seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Blake J. McCauley, Charles H. Bedell
  • Patent number: 8371656
    Abstract: A portable safety belt for use on a motor coach passenger seat is provided. The portable safety belt is formed of a single strap routed to form a closed loop for encircling a seatback and an open loop terminating at either end of the strap with a male and female buckle. The open loop is adapted as a lap belt for holding a passenger. A locking member disposed at a side of the closed loop provides interrelated adjustment of the open and closed loops to tighten the closed loop around the seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Blake J. McCauley, Charles H. Bedell
  • Patent number: 8342608
    Abstract: A Velcro loop pad portion facing outwardly is fitted on the front surface of a back of a chair. A harness having straps extending over the top of the back of the chair secures the Velcro loop pad to the chair. A waist belt having a Velcro hook panel sewn to the waist belt with the Velcro hook panel facing outwardly adjacent the back of the user. The Velcro hook panel is adapted to cooperate with the Velcro loop pad to transfer weight of a user to the back of the chair while seated in the chair. The harness straps extending over the top of the back of the chair support the Velcro loop pad to keep the Velcro loop pad in place when being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Gerry Cook
  • Patent number: 8210617
    Abstract: A child restraint system (CRS) offers a safe, compact, configuration flexible, and easy to use restraint for a small child in a vehicle or aircraft. The child is secured in a five-point harness attached to a framework. The framework is in turn attached to latches secured to the vehicle or aircraft. The CRS may be configured in forward-facing or rearward-facing orientations depending on the size and age of the child. Further, the CRS harness may be equipped with a swaddle vest for securing especially young or small children that are too small for the standard five-point harness. Finally, the CRS harness may be attached to a headrest anchor that is situated between a seat and a corresponding headrest when no other suitable latches are available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Grandma Knows, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary L. Aaron, Albert G. Aaron
  • Patent number: 8196960
    Abstract: A three-point seat belt assembly for an occupant sitting in a seat of a motor vehicle is provided. The three-point seat belt assembly can include a seat belt web that has a shoulder harness portion and a knee portion. The shoulder harness portion extends across the occupant's torso and the knee portion extends across the occupant's knees. In addition, a guide member can be included that prevents the knee portion of the seat belt web from sliding up above the occupant's knees and sliding down towards the occupant's shins. A pretensioner can further be included and be attached to the seat belt web. The pretensioner can have a release force of between 5 and 6 kilonewtons which is an improvement over current limits of between 2 and 3 kilonewtons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Umesh N. Gandhi
  • Patent number: 8152236
    Abstract: A restraining apparatus for a child consists of a frame with a back; the back of the frame has parallel back rods which can be adjusted lengthwise and a bottom foldably attached to the back by lockable hinges. The back and the bottom each have a foundation rod further comprising a stop. The apparatus also has a cover for the frame. The cover has an upper portion containing a plurality of slots, and a plurality of straps which fit removably through the slots to adjust to the height of the child to be restrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Amanda Romero
  • Publication number: 20120025589
    Abstract: A safety seatbelt system for pregnant women comprising: a ballistic nylon webbing restraint harness having a profile providing an open abdominal area for accommodating a developing fetus within the pregnant passenger; an attachment strap having a male end and a female end that wraps around a posterior region of a seat in a vehicle; a D-ring bracket; a neck engaging portion, such that a chest of the pregnant passenger is suitably restrained from forward movement in the event of a collision; at least two threadable clips to provide side adjustment; and a back strap. The restraint harness has a top female end and a bottom female end along with a male end. The restraint harness provides attachment points on both bottom sides of the restraint harness such that the restraint harness can be removably affixed to the OEM seatbelt assembly in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Pete Calderon, JR.
  • Patent number: 8087694
    Abstract: An ATV safety roll bar system including a safety belt, a seat back, and a collapsible emergency shelter adapted to secure to the roll bar and ATV. The roll bar may prevent injury or death in cases of ATV rollover accidents or crashes by absorbing the brunt of the force from the rolling or falling ATV. The seat back may include a rope or strap laced between metal bars having a series of holes, the metal bars being integrated onto the roll bar. The safety belt may be attached to the roll bar at various points and may be configurable to meet the preference of the ATV operator. The system may include a seat belt retractor to secure the operator on the ATV. The system may include rollover stop bars that extend in response to near rollover conditions. The system may include a tilt sensor and alarm warning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Jerry and Nadejda Johnson
    Inventors: Jerry Johnson, Nadejda Johnson
  • Patent number: 8038214
    Abstract: A child restraint having a juvenile vehicle seat, a harness for securing a juvenile to the juvenile vehicle seat, and a harness-positioning system for positioning the harness in an open juvenile-receiving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis J. Brandl, Todd C. Midkiff
  • Patent number: 8020931
    Abstract: A seat cushion having a seat pad with a channel therein, the channel having a web with apertures for drainage of water away from the seat pad. The web provides a channel area on top of the web and a channel area below the web for egress of water. In one embodiment, the seat cushion is secured to a tree stand frame by straps and has a dual-section back portion that secures to a tree via a fastener at the top thereof. The dual-section back portion folds together to form a single planar construct and also folds to the seat pad portion, again to form a single planar package of collapsed ‘Z’ shape for transport or storage. In an alternate embodiment, the seat cushion, optionally with or without a back portion, is secured to a boat seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: George L. Frady
  • Patent number: 8007046
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for helping a user rest and sleep while in an upright sitting position on a seat by providing vertical and horizontal support to the user's upper body and head. The method consists of providing a seat add-on and fitting an adjustable vest that can cling to the seat add-on at varying heights and relieve the load on the lower part of the spine, putting some of it on the armpits and some on the back ribs, and of providing a head support cushion that enables the neck to relax while sustaining the head and neck in a vertical position. The seat add-on, the vest and the cushion in combination continuously support the seated user's upper body and head vertically and horizontally, to assist the user to rest and sleep in the vertical sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Rothschild
  • Patent number: 7997658
    Abstract: A restraint system is disclosed for securing a passenger to a seat in a motor vehicle. The restraint system is composed of a four point restraint belt removably attached to a vehicle seat having a plurality of vertical straps and attachment mechanisms for connecting said straps across the passenger's chest and lap. Each of the vertical straps has a first end removably attached to latches located in the front of the seat back and a second end removably attached to a latch located behind the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Louis D DeLellis, John E Schambre, Michael O Forker
  • Patent number: 7997657
    Abstract: An assembly to attach a belt buckle (12) to a vehicle, especially to a vehicle body part (16), has an attachment fitting (14) which is fixed in place directly at the belt buckle (12), is made in one piece, and is movable together with the belt buckle (12), the attachment fitting (14) being adapted to assume an initial position, an attachment member (22) and a spring member (28) which urges the attachment fitting (14) that is movable relative to the vehicle into the initial position. The attachment member (22) fixes the attachment fitting (14) in place directly at the vehicle body part (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Haas, Ralf Knoedl
  • Patent number: 7971908
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat of a vehicle, a safety belt, and a guide assembly. The seat includes a seat back and an attachment feature that is operatively connected to the seat back. The safety belt includes webbing that is configured to extend in a generally diagonal direction across the seat back. The guide assembly includes a clip, a cord, an attachment mechanism, and a breakaway mechanism. The clip is configured for operative attachment to the webbing of the safety belt. The cord operatively extends from the clip. The attachment mechanism is operatively connected to the cord. The attachment mechanism is configured for selective attachment to the attachment feature of the seat back. The breakaway mechanism operatively interconnects the cord and the clip and is configured to separate such that the cord pulls free from the clip upon the application of a force to the clip or the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Carol C. Hathaway, Thomas M. DiMambro, Alfred A. Jefferson, Steven G. Corrion, Thomas Tilly, Leslie A. Sajovec
  • Patent number: 7926881
    Abstract: A support braces and secures an infant or small child in a seated position. A rigid padded upright back is flanked by a pair of rigid padded side wings. A belt encircles the back and wings drawing the wings toward the back to surround the child. The wings reach just under the armpits of the small child providing support to the torso and allowing even those children not old enough to sit up on their own to attain a seated position. A padded strap, attached to the bottom of the upright back runs between the child's legs and is also secured with the belt. When secured to a high chair by the belt, the support braces the child in a seated position and prevents the child from slipping from the high chair or from climbing out of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Neva Youreman
  • Patent number: 7922254
    Abstract: A prisoner seat security device includes a retractable strap which attaches to a prisoner, preferably by a restraint device on the prisoner, such as hand-cuffs. As the prisoner sits in the seat, the strap retracts. The officer can then lock the retraction mechanism so that the strap will not extend and the prisoner is held in place. When it is desired for the prisoner to get out of the chair, the lock is released, allowing the prisoner to stand and the strap to be disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Keith D. Squires, Omar L. Issa
  • Patent number: 7891741
    Abstract: A Criss-Cross harness system with a single strap mechanism that can be threaded through guides formed along a seat to allow restraint of an infant in a seat. The strap can be held behind the seat by a quick release mechanism that can also be disengaged by pressing a single button or squeezing two handles/paddles together. When a passenger attempts to pull on the strap to remove the area of the body held down, the entire strap mechanism gets re-tightened, thereby holding the securely in the seat. The Criss-Cross harness system can be used with a high chair, a stroller, a swing, a race car, airplane cockpit, amusement park ride, wheel chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Albert Helmut Lienr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7878587
    Abstract: A washable seat liner for use in high chairs and grocery carts. The liner comprises a bottom panel, a back panel, left and right side panels, and a front panel. A wide body belt is attached to the inside of the back panel that encircles the child's torso like a cummerbund helping to keep the child upright and centered. The body belt includes two overlapping straps with hook-and-loop fasteners. A secondary, child-resistant connector overlies the body belt and prevents the child from releasing the body belt. A crotch connecter on the front of the liner attaches to the crotch bar on the chair or cart. This prevents the bottom of the liner from being pulled up inadvertently when the child is lifted out of the seat. A back flap wraps around the back of the seat. Side flaps have convenient pockets, and a front flap doubles as a crumb catcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Publication number: 20100301594
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat of a vehicle, a safety belt, and a guide assembly. The seat includes a seat back and an attachment feature that is operatively connected to the seat back. The safety belt includes webbing that is configured to extend in a generally diagonal direction across the seat back. The guide assembly includes a clip, a cord, an attachment mechanism, and a breakaway mechanism. The clip is configured for operative attachment to the webbing of the safety belt. The cord operatively extends from the clip. The attachment mechanism is operatively connected to the cord. The attachment mechanism is configured for selective attachment to the attachment feature of the seat back. The breakaway mechanism operatively interconnects the cord and the clip and is configured to separate such that the cord pulls free from the clip upon the application of a force to the clip or the cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATION, INC.
    Inventors: Carol C. Hathaway, Thomas M. DiMambro, Alfred A. Jefferson, Steven G. Corrion, Thomas Tilly, Leslie A. Sajovec
  • Patent number: 7832807
    Abstract: A restraining strap assembly for restraining a person in a wheelchair which is made up of two cooperating securement strap assemblies, namely a chair securement strap assembly that is secured to the wheelchair seat and a person securement strap assembly that can be removably interconnected with the chair securement strap assembly as is used to prevent inadvertent separation of the person's legs. The chair securement strap assembly includes a pair of elongated, spaced apart strap segments that circumscribe and are connected to the seat of the wheelchair. The person securement strap assembly which is releasably connected to the chair securement strap assembly can be easily positioned by the handicapped person about his or her legs in a manner to keep the legs together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Nina Shickle
  • Patent number: 7766422
    Abstract: A device and method is provided for retaining cargo within a vehicle passenger compartment including a retaining portion and a vehicle seat having a lower seat portion, an upper back portion, and a frame. The retaining portion comprises a strap or mat which is operatively attached at one end to a front portion of the vehicle seat, while the other end is accessible within a bite line formed between the mating seat and back portions. The retaining portion is connectable to a front portion of the vehicle seat by means of either an open-ended hook or a snap-hook and an anchor, or by a snap fastener, the retaining portion being configured to secure cargo with respect to one of the seat portions. The device also includes a retractor mechanism such as a spring and spool operable to retract the retaining portion into the bite line for stowage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Edwards, Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall, Kurt A. Galazka
  • Publication number: 20100171359
    Abstract: A portable safety belt for use on a motor coach passenger seat is provided. The portable safety belt is formed of a single strap routed to form a closed loop for encircling a seatback and an open loop terminating at either end of the strap with a male and female buckle. The open loop is adapted as a lap belt for holding a passenger. A locking member disposed at a side of the closed loop provides interrelated adjustment of the open and closed loops to tighten the closed loop around the seatback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Blake J. McCauley, Charles H. Bedell
  • Patent number: 7722105
    Abstract: An article includes a cover member, which can reversibly slide between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The article includes at least one track member disposed on one or opposing sides of the cover member. The article includes at least one support structure adapted to be received by the at least one track member in a sliding relation. The article includes at least one vertical support structure disposed in a fixed position relative to the cover member and adapted to mate with a bottom surface of the cover member in a vertically supporting relation. The article includes at least one mechanical stop limiting the range of motion of the cover member in an opening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Alex Shellhammer
  • Patent number: 7717216
    Abstract: This patent discloses a system to release a seatbelt in a vehicle automatically. The system may include a seatbelt sensor, mishap sensors, a controller, and a guillotine unit. The controller may communicate signals with the seatbelt sensor and mishap sensors and the guillotine unit may receive signals from the controller. The guillotine unit may include a webbing guide, a gas chamber having a supply of pressurized gas, and a gas supply line connected between the webbing guide and the gas chamber. The webbing guide may include spring biased piston and a blade attached to the piston at a positioned above a seatbelt webbing of the seatbelt. On receiving a cut signal from the controller, pressurized gas from the gas chamber may be released to cause the piston to move the blade through the seatbelt webbing to slice through seatbelt webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Roelof Van Rooyen
  • Patent number: 7708342
    Abstract: A body-conforming booster cushion seat having a malleable filler material so as to permit the cushion to conform to the body shape of a user when the user is seated thereon. The booster cushion seat includes a strap for securing the cushion to the chair, and the height of the cushion may be adjusted by adjusting the tension on the strap. The bottom of the cushion is provided with a textured base to prevent slipping when the textured base contacts a corresponding surface, and a safety belt is included to secure a juvenile user in place on the booster cushion seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 7703803
    Abstract: A safety restraint system for a vehicle includes a safety net stored in a wall mounted cartridge wherein a guiding bar, securable in a locking mechanism, steers the safety net away from the wall and provides a secured space around a bunk. The safety net is secured adjacent to the bunk using a locking bar. The safety net may be provided with one or several safety belts at least partly attached to the safety net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Tomas Ekberg, Niklas Thuresson
  • Patent number: 7699402
    Abstract: A restraint system is disclosed for securing a passenger to a seat in a motor vehicle. The restraint system is composed of a restraint belt removably attached to a vehicle seat having a plurality of vertical straps and an attachment mechanism for connecting said straps across the passenger's chest. Each of the vertical straps has a first end removably attached to a lap belt and a second end removably attached to a latch located behind the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Louis D DeLellis, John E Schambre, Michael O Forker
  • Patent number: 7673945
    Abstract: This invention relates to a harness for securing a person to a supporting structure. The harness includes a pair of straps each having a first and second end, a back portion, a front portion, and a chest portion. The first end is looped over the front portion of each strap and attached to the front portion to form a first loop. The first loop is attached near each second end of both straps. A coupler is near the second end and spaced from where the coupler is attached to the straps. The coupler is separable and may be separated to allow said straps to be separated at the chest portion. The harness goes over both shoulders of a toddler, behind the back and the coupler fastens across the toddler's chest. This prevents a toddler from standing up when wearing the harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventors: Sheila M. Riffel, Warren N. Smith
  • Patent number: 7658449
    Abstract: Child restraint for a vehicle with a rectangular flexible sheet, a pair of attachment rings, a mating device, a seatbelt mating device, and a rigidifying strip. The attachment rings are attached to one edge of the flexible sheet so that the rings align with the back seat center and either right or left female seatbelt buckles found in most passenger cars. The seatbelt mating device capable of structurally uniting the right and left shoulder harnesses in the middle of the backrest in cars without center shoulder harnesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Dave Burns
  • Patent number: 7651169
    Abstract: A strap retainer comprising a flexible elongated member is formed in a partially closed loop. The elongated member may have an approximately straight segment near one end, and an L-shaped restraining member is positioned on the elongated member adjacent to the straight segment. The strap fastener has an un-locked, open position, and a locked, closed position, such that when in the locked, closed position the elongate member forms a closed loop. When a webbing strap passes through the strap fastener in its unlocked, open position, the strap may be placed between the L-shaped restraining member and the straight segment, whereby the L-shaped restraining member inhibits the strap from moving longitudinally along the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: French Components Corporation
    Inventor: Donald P. Collins
  • Publication number: 20090250946
    Abstract: Latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchor members and other attachment points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A multi-pivot latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an ejector movably coupled to a frame. In some embodiments, a biasing member holds the latch in a first or open position prior to attachment to an anchor member. When the anchor member presses against the ejector, the latch pivots from the first or open position to a second position about a first pivot point, and then from the second position to a third or fully closed position about a second pivot point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: AmSafe Commercial Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Buckingham, Mark E. Main
  • Patent number: 7591510
    Abstract: A seatbelt for a child in a child seat provides a broad range of adjustment by configuring a belt to be threaded through an adjustment cleat with a loose end. The seatbelt adjustment range can be increased by supplying adjustments on two sides of a claspable belt. A sleeve surrounds a portion of the belt to reduce the size of any free loops. The seatbelt retainers can be placed close to one another so that a snug fit for the child in the child seat can be obtained with the seatbelt. The seatbelt configuration provides a secure, simple to manipulate adjustment mechanism that fits a wide range of children for a variety of child seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Safe-Strap Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Giampavolo
  • Patent number: 7578561
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a child seat comprised of a seat structure and a child restraint system that allows a restraint to be easily removed from the seat structure and cleaned separately and away from the child seat. The restraint system includes a restraint and a restraint release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Canna, Brian S. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7578746
    Abstract: A swing covering accessory. The accessory is used to cover an outdoor infant/toddler swing and is designed to be placed into the swing and around the outside of it, providing both entertainment and sanitary purposes for infants and toddlers using the swing. The accessory is sized and shaped to wrap completely around a swing seat and also has separate pieces that are designed to cover the rods at the top of the swing seat and the pair of handles that are within reach of an infant or toddler using the swing seat. The swing covering accessory also has at least one external pocket for holding infant/toddler toys such as a rattler, a teether, squeak toy, or similar items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Felicia D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7574975
    Abstract: A pet seat for carrying a pet in a vehicle in which the pet is secured in the pet seat and the pet seat is secured in the vehicle against the vehicle seat and the vehicle seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Nancy Kline
  • Patent number: 7571961
    Abstract: A portable infant booster seat having an upright back support, foldable sidewalls, a flexible front wall and an upwardly extendible cushioned seat member that supports an infant in an elevated seated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Gold Bug, Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine Gold, Lynn Rosen