Intermediate child seat

Abstract

The intermediate car seat is easier to use and carry. It is more comfortable than previous models, adjustable per size of child, and is machine-washable, unlike current boosters that are available.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to an intermediate child seat which is a booster seat designed for children age's three to eight years of age. The seat is made of lightweight materials (fabric and foam) for use in most automobiles.

BACKGROUND

[0002] I was inspired to design this seat to solve my problems with the current booster seats I was trying to use for my six year-old son. Current models didn't fit my son and I have found that most are designed for children who are smaller. Once he outgrew the harness in the seat, it didn't fit him or the auto correctly for use as a seatbelt guide. The booster only seats were simply not wide enough to accommodate his hips and did nothing to position the shoulder restraint of the vehicles. Not to mention that they didn't fit all of the cars correctly. Current booster seats are constructed of hard plastic shells with a thin padding. This is very uncomfortable for my son on long trips, or when he falls asleep in the car. Another problem with booster seats that are available now is that they are not really portable, due to their irregular shape, size and weight. The intermediate child seat is made to fit almost any child three to eight years old in a comfortable manner, while positioning the auto seatbelts correctly on the child. It is designed to be easy to transport from one auto to another, being collapsible and lightweight makes it easy for parents to carry when moving it or when traveling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1 is a flat frontal view that depicts the seat laid open as if it were on the floor. It shows the opening for the headrest adjustable shoulder strap (left or right side, and height). It also shows Velcro closures, padding and the handle.

[0004] FIG. 2 shows a view of the seat as if it were positioned over a vehicles seat.

[0005] FIG. 3 shows the seat in folded manner, which you would use to carry it.

[0006] FIG. 4 shows the seat folded with the Velcro exposed to show the handle and the closure strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The intermediate child seat is very easy to use. This is a lightweight booster seat for children three to eight years old. Unlike current booster seats that have a hard plastic shell that does not always fit the car or the child, this is a soft fabric booster. It is not a child restraint, simply a seat to boost children into the proper position so that the auto safety belts fit correctly on the child with adjustable shoulder belt positioning loops that can be moved up or down for height adjustment from right to left for use on either side of the car.

[0008] The seat back is fabric with two-inch foam supports on each side. There is excess fabric that hangs over the seat back. If your car has a removable headrest, take it off, position the opening in the fabric over the seat so that the headrest can be put back in correctly. If there is no headrest, simply put the excess fabric over the back of the seat.

[0009] The seat is lightweight foam four inches thick encased in fabric with a handle on the center of the front edge.

[0010] The purpose of the seat is to lift the child up so that the lap belt fits over the hips (not around the stomach).

[0011] When you need to remove the foam there is a Velcro opening on the back edge of the seat so it can be easily laundered.

[0012] If you need to transport the seat, you just fold the back over the seat bottom. The hole for the headrest conveniently fits over the handle and the excess fabric on the seat back Velcro's over the bottom to secure it.

[0013] To use the seat, install it in your vehicle, place your child in the seat, adjust the height of the shoulder loop to position the auto's shoulder belt across your child's shoulder then snap the loop into place. Buckle the auto seat belt and you're ready to go.

[0014] My booster seat was manufactured completely in my home. I made my pattern from newspaper and sewed all the fabric on my sewing machine with supplies I purchased locally.

Claims

1. I claim as my invention a portable, lightweight booster seat for children ages three to eight year old to help ensure proper positioning of automobile seat belts.