Apparatus for reducing adverse restraining belt impact to apparel and restraining belt discomfort

Abstract

An apparatus for reducing adverse impact to apparel by restraining belts while providing comfort to the restraining belt user is provided. The apparatus comprises a cushion assemblage attached to a restraining belt, wherein the cushion portion thereof is positioned on the side of the restraining belt adjacent to the restraining belt wearer's body and contains a built-in bulge or protrusion under a curved surface adjacent to the restraining belt user's body which holds and smoothes the apparel while lifting the seat restraining away from the user's body thereby providing protection against the restraining belt causing wrinkling and/or abrasion or other contact damage to the user's apparel. Further this protection is provided by a device that may also provide enhanced personal comfort to the user.

Description

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 60/520,188 filed Nov. 14, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein relates to an apparatus for reducing adverse restraining belt impact to apparel and restraining belt discomfort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle restraining belts necessarily exert tension against the wearer's body in order to maintain the body in position in the event of an accident or other dangerous incident. Restraining belts prevent the wearer from being thrown about in an injurious manner. Unfortunately, the necessary tension of the restraining belt unavoidably creates uncomfortable pressure and abrasion against the body of the wearer. Other circumstances such as the aftermath of surgery can exacerbate the ordinary discomfort. In addition, damage or distress to the wearer's apparel may result when the apparel is pressed between the restraining belt and the wearer's body. Frequently the pressure of the restraining belt and the positioning of the wearer's clothing in relation to the restraining belt results in wrinkles being formed in the clothing. Other distress to apparel may include injury to jewelry and to decorative materials such as sequined designs, damage by abrasion to fine fabrics and furs, “pilling” of knit garments caused by the friction of restraining belts, for example.

Many people resist using vehicle restraining belts despite widespread restraining belt laws mandating their use and increasing penalties for failure to wear them. Significant numbers of people list discomfort and wrinkled clothing as specific reasons for not using restraining belts. For example, in an official survey of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, United States Department of Transportation, as many as 17% of vehicle drivers who chose not to wear restraining belts listed restraining belt wrinkles as one reason for their choice. The percentage of non restraining belt wearing drivers listing discomfort was as high as 66%. Although the percentage of vehicle drivers listing these complaints varies in this study according to category, these issues are listed across the board by people of all age groups, of all levels of education, of both sexes, of different races and by drivers and passengers alike. Given the enormous numbers of persons who ride in vehicles, any percentage at all of disgruntled vehicle occupants would indicate that a very large number of people are affected.

In addition, vehicle occupants who do wear restraining belts may be as unhappy about damage to apparel and discomfort caused by restraining belt pressure as those who do not. Those who do comply with the restraining belt laws and who wear restraining belts for safety or other reasons are captive to both problems. A search on the internet produces numerous items referring to driver and passenger dissatisfaction with the impact of restraining belt usage. These items are from sources as diverse as official leaflets, reports and surveys of government and public safety organizations, private automobile associations, automobile manufacturers, travel groups, radio, television and other news organizations, as well as chat room connections and entries from private clubs and individuals.

Devices have been proposed for improving restraining belt impact on body areas subjected to surgery or implantation of medical devices. (See U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,895, for example.) As U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,895 discloses, typically these devices provide a structure which creates a gap between the affiliated body part and the restraining belt. These devices typically provide no protection to apparel and in some cases exacerbate the wrinkling of garments due to their bulkiness.

Other devices have been proposed to enhance user comfort. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,786,080 discloses a bulky tubular device for cushioning the neck of a shoulder belt user from the belt. This device and similar known devices are quite bulky. This bulkiness displaces apparel due to the size of the device and the combination of this displacement and the bulkiness typically yield the end result of enhanced wrinkling of apparel. Further while bulky devices may relieve discomfort and/or abrasion damage due to the restraining belt rubbing or pressing against a user, the bulkiness may create other pressure, for example, that results in a different form of discomfort.

Thus a system is needed for minimizing restraining belt impact to a restraining belt user's apparel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a cushion assemblage for a restraining belt comprising:

a cushion including a first cushion portion having a convexly curved surface and a second cushion portion having a substantially flat surface, a base material fixedly contacting the cushion; and a fastener system in communication with the base material. The convexly curved surface of the first cushion portion protrudes in a direction substantially normal to the substantially flat surface of the second cushion portion. Further wherein when the cushion assemblage is contacted with the restraining belt, the fastener system secures the cushion assemblage to the restraining belt in a position wherein the substantially flat surface of the second cushion portion abuts the restraining belt and at least a portion of the convexly curved surface of the first cushion portion abuts a restraining belt user's body.

The fastener system may fixedly attach the cushion assemblage to the restraining belt, and/or the cushion assemblage may be positionally adjustable on the restraining belt. In an exemplary embodiment, the substantially flat surface of the second cushion portion may have a width less than or substantially equal to the width of the restraining belt and a length of about 7 inches or less, for example. Optionally, the cushion assemblage may further comprise a protective pad attached to the convexly curved surface of the first cushion portion.

In another embodiment the cushion assemblage for a restraining belt comprises a cushion including a first cushion portion having a convexly curved surface and a second cushion portion having a substantially flat surface, wherein the substantially flat surface of the second cushion portion has a notch. The notch has a width substantially equal to the width of the restraining belt. The convexly curved surface of the first cushion portion protrudes in a direction substantially normal to the substantially flat surface of the second cushion portion. The cushion assemblage may include an insert positioned in the notch. The insert may be constructed from a material selected from a molded material, a plastic, a rigid material, a semi-rigid material, a material with a slippery surface and a combination thereof.

The cushion assemblage may further comprise a base material fixedly contacting the cushion; and a fastener system in communication with the base material. When the cushion assemblage is contacted with the restraining belt, the fastener system secures the cushion assemblage to the restraining belt in a position such that the notch of the second cushion portion abuts the restraining belt and at least a portion of the convexly curved surface of the first cushion portion abuts a restraining belt user's body. The cushion assemblage may be positionally adjustable on the restraining belt. In an exemplary embodiment the substantially flat surface of the second cushion portion has a width greater than the width of the notch and a length of about 7 inches or less. The fastener system may fixedly attach the cushion assemblage to the restraining belt. Optionally, the cushion assemblage may further comprise a protective pad attached to the convexly curved surface of the first cushion portion.

In another exemplary embodiment the cushion assemblage for a restraining belt comprises a rod shaped cushion having a diameter of less than the width of the restraining belt and a length of about 7 inches or less; and a fastener system in communication with the rod shaped cushion. The fastener system may fixedly attach the cushion assemblage to the restraining belt, and the cushion assemblage may be positionally adjustable on the restraining belt. The cushion assemblage may further comprise a base material fixedly contacting the cushion.

The invention further includes a protection system for use with a restraining belt comprising at least one cushion assemblage described herein. The protection system may have at least one cushion assemblage fixedly attached to the restraining belt, and/or at least one cushion assemblage may be positionally adjustable on the restraining belt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Shows a side angle perspective view of a vehicle passenger wearing a shoulder restraining belt with a cushion assemblage with side extensions extended to permit adjustment of position;

FIG. 2 Shows a side angle perspective view showing the cushion assemblage secured into position;

FIG. 3 Shows an exterior surface of one embodiment of a cushion assemblage as it appears prior to being secured around the restraining belt;

FIG. 4 Shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment cushion assemblage;

FIG. 5 Shows an exemplary positioning of a protection system in use;

FIG. 6 Shows an exemplary positioning of a protection system in use;

FIG. 7 Shows an exemplary cushion assemblage having a notched surface;

FIG. 8 Shows an exemplary cushion assemblage having a notched surface; and

FIG. 9 Shows an exemplary cushion assemblage having a notched surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

An apparatus for reducing adverse restraining belt impact to apparel including wrinkling and other distress of apparel is provided. The device may also reduce personal discomfort caused by restraining belt use. In use the device of the invention is positioned between the side of the restraining belt adjacent the user's body and the user's body. In an exemplary embodiment the device is a cushion assemblage including a cushion portion having a convexly curved surface and a cushion portion having a substantially flat surface. The convexly curved surface bulges or protrudes in a direction substantially normal to the substantially flat surface. Typically, the bulge is aligned to be under the center of the convex curve. The curved surface may be elongated or conical or hemispherical in shape, for example. Further, the sides of the substantially flat cushion portion are preferably rounded to facilitate smoothing of apparel.

In use the substantially flat surface cushion portion is placed to abut the surface of the restraining belt adjacent the restraining belt user's body and at least a portion of the convexly curved surface abuts the body of the user. Thus the cushion is “sandwiched” between the restraining belt and the body and apparel of the restraining belt wearer so that a curved surface smoothes the clothing of the restraining belt wearer while lifting the restraining belt away from the wearer's body thereby reducing wrinkling, creasing and other apparel distress while softening the pressure of the restraining belt against the wearer's body and providing enhanced comfort to the wearer.

A single cushion assemblage may be used or multiple cushion assemblages may be used to form a protection system. The cushion assemblage may be selectively positionable to optimize apparel protection and/or to maximize comfort.

Further, it is desirable that the cushion be covered with a material compatible with clothing surfaces and/or which can minimize inadvertent bunching of clothing while positioning the cushion. Optionally, minimum traction requirements may be met with attached strips or pieces of non skid materials. Additional attached strips, padding or pieces of material (herein after referred to as protective pads) may be added or built in to areas of the curved surface or added to the material covering the curved surface in order to enhance the protective characteristics of a portion of the assemblage e.g. protect protrusions on underlying layers of clothing such as decorative pieces, underwires and the like which can rub against the assemblage and potentially cause wrinkles or other distress to attire, for example.

The term restraining belt includes but is not limited to the following terms and descriptions: vehicular seat belt, automobile seat belt assembly or system (e.g. a two point or three point or any other type of seat belt arrangement), passive belt type restraint system, shoulder belt, shoulder seat belt, shoulder harness, shoulder restraining strap, lap belt or strap, or other safety belt or harness type passive restraint. A typical seat belt system is generally deemed to include either an arrangement in which the diagonal shoulder strap and the transverse lap strap are separate and independent of each other or a system in which the shoulder and lap portions are interconnected and share an adjustable buckle which is releasably secured to a latch mechanism in use. A shoulder portion of a seat belt generally extends diagonally across the chest of the user and across his neck and shoulder. A lap belt is generally attached to the vehicle on one side, crosses the lap of the user and attaches on the other side of the user to an affixed latch. The invention may be used on either the lap or chest position or both. A seat belt may be retractable and/or it may be automatic. The term “restraining belt” also includes seat belts in airplanes or those used in other modes of transportation or for any other purpose.

The restraining belt front is the side of the restraining belt away from wearer's body. The restraining belt back is the side of the restraining belt adjacent to the wearer's body.

The term “restraining belt user”, “restraining belt wearer”, “belt wearer”, “wearer”, “user”, and “belt user” should be considered to be equivalent and refer to the individual restrained by the restraining belt.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a vehicle occupant 10 having a shoulder restraining belt 12. In use the restraining belt 12 extends diagonally across the chest of the occupant 10. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a protection system 13 with two cushion assemblages 11, 14 is positioned on the restraining belt 12 with the cushion 18 of the cushion assemblages 11,14 between the occupant 10 and the restraining belt 12. In this exemplary embodiment, the cushion components 11, 14 have side extensions 15 which pass over the front side 16 of the restraining belt 12 and join to secure the cushion assemblages 11,14 at the selected positions. Once side extensions 15 are joined, curved surface portions 19, 99 of cushion assemblages 11, 14 are positioned and secured in a direction abutting the body of the occupant 10. A second substantially flat surface portion 34, 94 of the cushion assemblages 11, 14 is positioned adjacent the back side of the restraining belt 12. Preferably one or more sides 92, 93 of the substantially flat portion are rounded to facilitate smoothing of apparel. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the curved surface portion 19 of the cushion components 14 curves in a convex direction outwardly from the substantially flat surface portion 34 and there is a bulge or protrusion between the substantially flat surface portion 34 and the center of the convexly curved surface portion 19. In the open or unsecured position the side extensions 15 reach outwardly from each side of the cushion component 14 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The sides 95 of the extensions 15 may be curved as shown in FIGS. 1-3 or substantially straight.

FIG. 2 shows the cushion components 11, 14 in a secured position with side extensions 15 secured over the front side 16 of restraining belt 12. As shown in FIG. 2 the side extensions connect on the front side 16 of the restraining belt 12 by fastening means 35 with the fastening means positioned such that in the fastened condition, the cushion assemblage 13 is secured in a selected position. The fastening system may permit selection or adjustment of position of the cushion assemblage. However, once engaged the fastening system should hold the cushion assemblage in a substantially fixed position until the user elects to adjust the cushion assemblage position. As one skilled in the art will appreciate any of a number of fastening means may be used such as, for example, buttons and loops, microloop and hook fasteners, ties, strings, snaps, zippers and the like or a combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment the cushion assemblage 33, is formed of a primary foundation material 21 to which is attached a secondary foundation material 22, which is sewn or otherwise securely attached to the primary foundation material 21 in such a manner as to enclose a central portion 30. The pieces of foundation materials 21 and 22 are shown as substantially rectangular in shape. One or both of the pieces of foundation material may be formed from a single piece of material or may be formed by combining one or more materials to create a foundation material. For example, laminated materials may be used or multiple pieces of material may be fastened together to create a piece of foundation material with desirable properties such as being amenable to shaping. A rectangular or square shape is convenient but alternative shapes may be used.

As shown in FIG. 4 both foundation materials 21 and 22 have a top edge 24, a bottom edge 25, two side edges 26, 27, an interior portion 28 and an exterior surface 29 respectively. In one embodiment, the materials 21, 22 are sized and/or positioned such that the side edges 26, 27 of the primary foundation material 21 extend beyond the side edges 226, 227 of the secondary foundation material 22. Optionally, it may be desirable that the width of the portion of the secondary piece of foundation material 22 forming one portion of the enclosed central portion 30 is greater than the width of the portion of the primary foundation material 21 forming the remainder of the enclosed central portion 30. One dimension of the enclosed central portion 30 preferably is about the width of a restraining belt.

Cushioning material is positioned in the enclosed central portion 30 forming cushion portion 69. Any form of cushioning material may be used including but not limited to solid foam rubber, foam rubber pieces, rubber, synthetic and natural fibers, fiber fill, seeds, pellets, inflatable bladders, balting or foam. Further, the cushioning material may be formed in a single piece or comprise multiple pieces. Preformed molded cushions or devices that inflate to yield a cushion may also be employed in the practice of the invention. This arrangement is exemplary of one method which facilitates forming a cushion portion with one curved surface and one substantially flat surface. As one skilled in the art will appreciate a cushion with one substantially flat surface portion and one curved surface portion may be formed in many ways and any method which yields a cushion of the indicated configuration may be employed in the practice of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the side edges 26, 27 of primary foundation material 21 on either side of the cushion assemblage 33 form at least a portion of side extensions 31, 32 which fold away from the cushion portion 69 to encircle the restraining belt 12 and hold the curved cushion surface portion 49 abutting the clothing and body of the belt wearer. The cushion portion 69 provides a soft, smooth interface between the wearer's body and clothing surface and the restraining belt 12. The side extensions 31, 32 as depicted are rectangular in shape but may be of many different configurations such as triangular, scalloped and the like. For example, the shape may be changed by simply adjusting the shape of the primary foundation material 21 on each side as desired. In some embodiments the secondary foundation material 22 may extend over part or all of the extensions 31, 32. In one exemplary embodiment the side extensions may consist solely of secondary foundation material and the primary foundation material may be shortened to serve as a connector between the two flaps of the secondary foundation material so as to enclose cushions, for example. In some embodiments decorative materials or devices may be attached to extensions 31, 32. Typically secondary foundation material 22 or other materials or devices attached to the primary foundation material are secured to the primary foundation material.

As shown in FIG. 4, in one exemplary embodiment, a portion of microloop and hook fastener material 70 may be mounted longitudinally on the exterior surface of the side edge 26 of one side extension 31 and a second strip of microloop and hook fastener means may be mounted on the interior surface of the side edge 27 of the second extension 32. When both side extensions 31, 32 are wrapped around the front side of a restraining belt 12 with one overlying the other, the microloop and hook fasteners engage each other, fasten together and secure the restraining belt assemblage 33 to the restraining belt 12 holding the curved surface portion of the cushion portion 69 in place facing the clothing and body of the occupant and the substantially flattened side of the cushion portion 69 against the back side of the restraining belt 12. This arrangement facilitates smoothing clothing and preventing wrinkles and creases while reducing uncomfortable restraining belt pressure against the body. Further, this arrangement provides for selectively positioning the cushion assemblage 33 at any of a variety of locations on a restraining belt and securing the cushion assemblage 33 thus positioned in the selected position. The microloop and hook fastener system is exemplary of a suitable fastener system. As one skilled in the art will appreciate many different kinds of fastener systems or combinations of fastener systems could be employed in the practice of the invention.

Typically, the side of the cushion portion which is opposite the curved surface portion of the cushion portion is substantially flat for fitting against the back side of the restraining belt to which it is adjacent. The cushion bulge or protrusion protrudes from the flat surface in the direction of the curved surface. In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the cushion portion follows the restraining belt across the chest of the wearer in a diagonal direction or across the lap of the wearer in a lateral direction. The length chosen for the pieces of foundation materials can vary according to the requirements of the intended wearer. Both the length of the cushion assembly and the size of the cushion portion can be customized to suit an individual user's needs. Cushion assemblages having a cushion in which the substantially flat cushion portion has a width less then or substantially equal to the width of the restraining belt and a length of about seven inches or less are convenient in many embodiments.

Optionally, the means of securing the cushion assemblage into the selected position can be decorative and appealing to the eye and can facilitate and encourage usage of the restraining belt. For example, additional appeal to the user can be achieved by monogramming the front flap of the cushion assembly or by appliquéing designs, school decals, or configuring the side extensions in novel configurations, etc.

Novel configurations may, for example, include configuring the side extensions of the cushion assembly to constitute a portion of a novelty Figure such as the legs of a stuffed animal. For example, a Koala bear could be used with its legs wrapped around and clinging to the front of a shoulder restraining belt with the body of the animal acting as the cushion adjacent to the chest and the head of the animal peeking around the side of the restraining belt. Alternatively, the cushion could be configured to represent a caterpillar. In this embodiment the side extensions of the cushion assembly could be divided into the many legs of a caterpillar and wrapped around the front of the restraining belt with the caterpillar's body acting as the curved cushion against the clothing of the wearer smoothing and holding the apparel to prevent wrinkles, creases and other distress.

In another embodiment of a cushion assemblage shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 notch 404 is provided in the substantially flat surface portion 402 of cushion assemblage 400. The notch has notch sides 406 and 408 and a notch base 410. The notch base 410 is substantially flat and is at least the width of the restraining belt 412. The notch 404 extends the entire length of one dimension of the substantially flat surface portion 402. As FIGS. 8 and 9 show one or more movable flaps 414 and 416 may be optionally added to facilitate securing the cushion assemblage 400 into position in use on the restraining belt 412. The flaps may further include a fastener system in some embodiments. Fastener systems as discussed elsewhere herein are suitable for use with the flaps.

The notch may be formed in any manner known to those skilled in the art including molding the cushion with a preformed notch, cutting a notch in a cushion, combining layers of material to form a notch or selectively positioning stuffing materials, or a combination thereof, for example.

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, many alternative design features are within the scope of the invention. For example, it is not necessary to construct the cushion assembly from two separate pieces of foundation material. In some embodiments, a preformed cushion of suitable shape and design, preferably having a flattened surface opposite a curved surface may be directly attached to the medial section of a foundation material. A suitable preformed cushion may even be directly attached to a restraining belt by any of a variety of connection means. The cushion assemblage or portions of the cushion assemblage may be formed by molding a suitable material such as a plastic or polymer in the desire configuration or may be formed by an inflatable device. In another embodiment the cushion assemblage may be constructed using a “clam shell” type of arrangement which can snap closed around the restraining belt.

In another embodiment of the invention, a preformed cushion shaped as a dome or rod may be covered with a material conforming to the shape of the cushion. Rod shaped cushion assemblages 600, 602, 604, 606, 608 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, rod shaped cushion assemblages 600, 602, 604, 606, 608 include a top side 641, a bottom side 642 and a circular cross section. In some embodiments it may be desirable to round the top side and/or bottom side to provide enhanced smoothing when abutting apparel. In one exemplary embodiment the assemblage may be attached to the restraining belt by an attachment mechanism such as a clip so as to permit the assemblage to rest vertically with respect to the wearer's body, for example as shown for cushion assemblage 600 in FIG. 5. The attachment mechanism permits adjustment of the assemblage in any one of a variety of angles with respect to the orientation of the restraining belt 612 facilitating selective positioning of the cushion assemblage 600 by the user.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 5, also shows cushion assemblages 602, 604 attached to a lap belt 670 by means of straps 644, 646. The straps may be affixed to the cushion components at the top of the cushion portion, bottom of the cushion portion, side of the cushion portion or any combination thereof. In use the straps 644, 646 are releasably engagable and in the engaged position secure the cushion assemblage as 602, 604 in a selected position. This arrangement holds the cushion components 602, 604 against the lap belt 670 while placing a curved surface against the apparel and body of the user. The use of clip or strap fasteners to attach the rod shaped cushion assemblages to the restraining belt is exemplary. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other types of fastener systems may be used in the practice of the invention. Further, a combination of fastener means may be used for a given cushion assemblage and/or a combination of fashioning mechanisms may be used if multiple cushion assemblages are used to protect a restraining belt user.

Alternatively, a restraining belt can be constructed with a cushion or curvature built into it as an integral part. In such an embodiment it may be desirable to use elastic or other inserts to facilitate adjustment to the individual user.

One or more cushion assemblages may be used to form a protection system. If two or more cushion assemblages are used, they may be either used separately as shown in FIG. 5, or joined together or partially joined together as shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6 two rod shaped cushion assemblages 606, 608 are partially joined at ends 660, 662. Such an arrangement forms a segmented double cushion assemblage hinged at the point of attachment. This arrangement allows the assemblage and/or a portion of the assemblage to be easily angled to follow the direction of a shoulder restraining belt as it bends around a torso, especially that of a female, for example. Alternatively, directions of orientation may be selected to accommodate the restraining belt wearer's garments and/or comfort. Selective positioning facilitates lifting the restraining belt away from the clothing so as to prevent wrinkles and discomfort caused by restraining belt pressure.

In another embodiment one or more cushion portions may be formed into an integral unit which may be curved. Such a curved assemblage may have a fixed, smooth curvature at an angle predetermined to be best suited for intended users. Alternatively, the integral unit can be designed to be adjustable in curvature by, for example, containing either an interior bendable wire arrangement to be flexed to a direction determined by the wearer or an exterior “Slinky” coil wire arrangement wrapped around the curved assemblage.

If multiple cushion assemblages are used, the individual cushion assemblages may be of the same design or different design and/or more than one type of fastener system may be employed to secure the cushion assemblages.

Many materials are appropriate for filling the cushion portion of the cushion assemblages such as solid foam rubber, foam rubber pieces, rubber, synthetic and natural fibers, fiber fill seeds, pellets, balting, etc. Alternatively, an inflatable bladder may be used. Optionally, the filling may further include components which can enhance the desirability to the user and encourage use, such as aromatherapy components, for example.

It is contemplated in some embodiments of the invention that the surfaces of the cushion assemblages which are adjacent to the restraining belt in an attached position will be of substantially slick material so that the selectively positionable cushion assemblage may slide easily along the restraining belt providing effortless positioning of the assemblage by the wearer, preventing the assemblage from hindering the restraining belt retraction process and also allowing the restraining belt to glide easily through the assemblage as the restraining belt moves so as to maintain the assemblage in a substantially stationary position against the apparel thereby avoiding catching or pulling. A surface of the cushion assemblage adjacent to the restraining belt in use can be constructed of such slippery material or a separate slippery material can be affixed to such surface. Fabrics such as satin, silk, nylon, smooth synthetic materials and other smooth, slippery and non abrasive fabrics can be used as well as some types of velvet, sheepskin, fur, fake fur, etc, which have at least one appropriately smooth surface. Alternatively, the surface may be formed of a plastic material. Other surfaces of the cushion assemblages which are not adjacent to the restraining belt can be constructed out of any of these above mentioned materials or any other materials which are amenable to being formed as described herein. It is preferable that the cushion be covered with a material compatible with clothing surfaces and/or which can minimize inadvertent bunching of clothing while positioning the cushion although minimum traction requirements may be met with attached strips or pieces of non skid materials. Padding or pieces of material may be added to further customize the shape or characteristics of the cushion's curved surface. For example, a protective pad may be added to the curved surface in order to lift a portion of the assemblage away from any protrusions on underlying layers of clothing such as decorative pieces, underwires and the like which can rub against the assemblage and potentially cause wrinkles or other distress to attire.

Fastening systems for securing the cushion assemblages into the selected position are preferably easily disengaged for quick and easy removal of the cushion assemblage when so desired by the vehicle occupant. Alternatively, a cushion assemblage can be fixedly attached to the restraining belt.

In some embodiments it is desirable that when disengaged the cushion assemblage is pliable, small and lightweight, making it easy to store and very portable. For example, of a size and material that can be carried in a handbag or pocket to be placed on the next restraining belt encountered. Alternatively, the assemblage can remain in a vehicle for use by the next occupant. Further it is desirable to use relatively inexpensive materials in constructing the assemblage to facilitate inexpensively producing the assemblages and equipping all belts in a vehicle with the assemblages. The assemblages can also be easily used on a plane where restraining belts are unavoidable and passengers, especially those traveling on business, wish to arrive at their destination unwrinkled.

All embodiments of the cushion assemblage described herein when secured to the restraining belt with the cushion member properly selectively positioned against the body of the wearer can protect the wearer's apparel from creases and wrinkles. Some embodiments provide the further advantage of reducing abrasion and “pilling” of fabric, protecting jewelry, decorative materials, fine fabrics and furs. Some embodiments provide the further advantage of lessening discomfort from the pressure of restraining belt use which is particularly useful after surgery or other injury to the torso. The apparatus of the invention is intended to encourage restraining belt use, a well known and important safety practice and address at least two of the reasons cited by individuals for objecting to wearing restraining belts.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, many variations are possible. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The foregoing descriptions are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Claims

1. A cushion assemblage for a restraining belt comprising:

a cushion including a first cushion portion having a convexly curved surface and a second cushion portion having a substantially flat surface, wherein the convexly curved surface of the first cushion portion protrudes in a direction substantially normal to the substantially flat surface of the second cushion portion;

a base material fixedly contacting the cushion; and

a fastener system in communication with the base material wherein when the cushion assemblage is contacted with the restraining belt, the fastener system secures the cushion assemblage to the restraining belt in a position wherein the substantially flat surface of the second cushion portion abuts the restraining belt and at least a portion of the convexly curved surface of the first cushion portion abuts a restraining belt user's body.

2. The cushion assemblage of claim 1 wherein the fastener system fixedly attaches the cushion assemblage to the restraining belt.

3. The cushion assemblage of claim 1 wherein the cushion assemblage is positionally adjustable on the restraining belt.

4. The cushion assemblage of claim 1 wherein the substantially flat surface of the second cushion portion has a width less than or substantially equal to the width of the restraining belt and a length of about 7 inches or less.

5. The cushion assemblage of claim 1 further comprising a protective pad attached to the convexly curved surface of the first cushion portion.

6. The cushion assemblage of claim 1 wherein the second cushion portion has at least one side which is rounded.

7. A cushion assemblage for a restraining belt comprising:

a cushion including a first cushion portion having a convexly curved surface and a second cushion portion having a substantially flat surface, wherein the convexly curved surface of the first cushion portion protrudes in a direction substantially normal to the substantially flat surface of the second cushion portion, and wherein the substantially flat surface of the second cushion portion has a notch, the notch having a width substantially equal to the width of the restraining belt.

8. The cushion assemblage of claim 7 further comprising an insert positioned in the notch wherein the insert is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of a molded material, a plastic, a rigid material, a semi-rigid material, a material with a slippery surface and a combination thereof.

9. The cushion assemblage of claim 7 or 8 further comprising a base material fixedly contacting the cushion; and a fastener system in communication with the base material wherein when the cushion assemblage is contacted with the restraining belt, the fastener system secures the cushion assemblage to the restraining belt in a position wherein the notch of the second cushion portion abuts the restraining belt and at least a portion of the convexly curved surface of the first cushion portion abuts a restraining belt user's body.

10. The cushion assemblage of claim 7 wherein the cushion assemblage is positionally adjustable on the restraining belt.

11. The cushion assemblage of claim 7 wherein the substantially flat surface of the second cushion portion has a width greater than the width of the notch and a length of about 7 inches or less.

12. The cushion assemblage of claim 7 wherein the fastener system fixedly attaches the cushion assemblage to the restraining belt.

13. The cushion assemblage of claim 7 further comprising a protective pad attached to the convexly curved surface of the first cushion portion.

14. A cushion assemblage for a restraining belt comprising:

a rod shaped cushion having a diameter less than the width of the restraining belt and a length of about 7 inches or less; and

a fastener system in communication with the rod shaped cushion.

15. The cushion assemblage of claim 14 wherein the fastener system fixedly attaches the cushion assemblage to the restraining belt.

16. The cushion assemblage of claim 14 wherein the cushion assemblage is positionally adjustable on the restraining belt.

17. The cushion assemblage of claim 14 further comprising a base material fixedly contacting the cushion.

18. An protection system for use with a restraining belt comprising:

at least one cushion assemblage of claims 1, 7 or 14 or a combination thereof.

19. The protection system of claim 18 wherein at least one cushion assemblage is fixedly attached to the restraining belt.

20. The protection system of claim 18 wherein at least one cushion assemblage is positionally adjustable on the restraining belt.