Back-connected Patents (Class 297/254)
  • Patent number: 12036902
    Abstract: An infant car seat system includes an infant car seat with an integrated anchor system to conveniently secure the infant car seat to a vehicle seat, without using a detachable vehicle installation base and without using a vehicle seat belt. The anchor system is coupled to the infant car seat at one or more mechanical constraining points positioned based on the center of gravity of the infant car seat and respective anchor points at which the anchor system engages with vehicle lower anchors. The anchor system may be a rigid anchor system or a belted anchor system, and the system may include one or more of a release actuator for a quick disconnect mechanism, an adjustment foot to accommodate different vehicle seats and ensure a tight fit, and/or one or more storage compartments to store parts of the anchor system when unused. Such features render the infant car seat system particularly useful for ride-hailing and ridesharing services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Kyle S. Mason, Nathaniel W. Keebler, Curtis Hartenstine, Bruce Williams, Brad Bickley
  • Patent number: 11772519
    Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system includes a vehicle, a plurality of seating assemblies positioned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle and defining an arrangement, a plurality of actuators that effect movement of various components of the plurality of seating assemblies, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. Specific examples of pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements are disclosed, as well as the ability to customize the arrangement. Additionally, exemplary methods are disclosed that illustrate transitions between a variety of the pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marcos Silva Kondrad, Patrick Maloney, Kevin Mozurkewich, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Jerry R. Brown
  • Patent number: 11479153
    Abstract: The invention relates to a child seat for attaching to a motor vehicle seat, comprising a first anchor for anchoring the child seat and/or a seat unit of the child seat, and a second anchor for anchoring the child seat and/or the seat unit of the child seat, wherein the first anchor forms an upper anchor and the second anchor forms a lower anchor or the first anchor forms a lower anchor and the second anchor forms an upper anchor, wherein the first anchor is designed such that it can adopt at least one first and a second configuration, wherein, when the first anchor assumes the first configuration, an anchoring of the second anchor is blocked by the first anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: CYBEX GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Peleska
  • Patent number: 11389010
    Abstract: A shell for an infant seat comprises a carbon fiber structure reinforced by one or more reinforcing members of a material other than carbon fiber forming a shell shaped to accommodate an infant. The one or more reinforcing members is located on the concave side of the structure, e.g. between the structure and the infant. The structure and the one or more reinforcing members are fixed to each other so as to prevent relative movement between them in use. The reinforcing members may be made from plastic and may be overmolded or glued on the carbon fiber structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: BabyArk LTD
    Inventors: Anan Hasan, Oren Goor, Shy Mindel
  • Patent number: 11376998
    Abstract: A fastening apparatus for a child seat on a vehicle seat in a motor vehicle has a fastening element for fastening a child seat holding belt, in particular a top-tether fastening element, and a deflecting element for the child's seat holding belt. The fastening element is arranged in a region of a seating position of the vehicle seat. The fastening element is fastened in front of a front side of a backrest of the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Geissler, Uemit Kilincsoy
  • Patent number: 9878263
    Abstract: A system and method for actuating controlled stimulation of a patient in a confined medical position helps sooth and entertain a patient receiving medical treatment while resting on a support member, like a dental chair. The system provides a support member, and integrates at least one air actuated animated member, such as a mobile or figurine, proximal to the support member, to enable animated motion by the animated member through pressurized air. Pressurized air causes the animated members to articulate in animated, colorful movements. Audio signals are also generated by the animated member in response to the pressurized air. The animated member can be a mobile or a cartoon character with joints, axes, and limbs that move when engaged by pressurized air. The patient or caregiver control distribution of the pressurized air by manipulating a foot valve and an arm valve to control the animated members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Mark Twichell
  • Patent number: 9808097
    Abstract: The toddler stadium chair is adapted for use with bleacher or stadium seats. The toddler stadium chair is secured to a bleacher or stadium seat using a first plurality of straps. The toddler stadium chair is provisioned with a second plurality of straps that are used to secure the toddler into the toddler stadium chair after it has been secured to the bleacher or stadium seat. The toddler stadium chair comprises a seat, a first plurality of straps, and a second plurality of straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventors: Nancy Whitt, James Cawley
  • Patent number: 9428143
    Abstract: A seat assembly is disclosed, and includes a seat having opposing sides, a back support, and a seat pan. The seat assembly also includes at least two harness straps extending in a generally vertical direction between the back support and the seat pan. The harness straps both have a lower portion and ends, where the ends of the harness straps are secured to the seat pan. An insert may be located within each of the harness straps. The inserts may extend in a generally upward direction away from the seat pan. The inserts are each a spring biased element that exerts a biasing force on a respective harness strap to urge the lower portion of the respective harness strap towards one of the opposing sides of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: RECARO CHILD SAFETY LLC
    Inventor: Chad Allen Sparling
  • Patent number: 9365145
    Abstract: A foot rest device for a child installed in a child car seat fixed to a seat or bench of a vehicle passenger compartment, includes an upright to be installed in a vertical median plane of the child car seat, a rotation-proof bar and a foot rest bar each transverse to the upright, elements for securing the device to the child car seat, and the upright having at its bottom end a foot for resting on the floor of the passenger compartment, the rotation-proof and foot rest bars being fixed in their middles substantially at right angles to the upright so that each forms two lateral parts symmetrical about the median plane, and the rotation-proof and foot rest bars being in vertical planes offset from one another, the rotation-proof bar being set back from the foot rest bar when the device is installed, with reference to a forward travel direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Isabelle Millasseau
  • Patent number: 9061611
    Abstract: Apparatus for securing a child safety seat and for impact dispersal. A tether system secures the child safety seat to the LATCH anchors in a vehicle. The tether tightening system attached to a frame tightens the tethers after they are snugged to the vehicle, thereby ensuring the safety seat is secured. In one embodiment, a screw-type adjustment allows for fully tightening the tethers after they are snugged up with a locking device. The child safety seat is attached to the frame with a hydraulic impact dispersal system connected to a platform that pivots. The force of an impact applies a rotational force to the platform. The energy from the impact is dispersed by the application of the platform's rotational force to a hydraulic cylinder that has a fluid connection to a dispersal valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventor: Phillip W. Love
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8931838
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, having a seat part, a rest and retaining elements for securing a child seat which is placed on the seat part of the vehicle seat, wherein the child seat can be connected to at least a first retaining element by means of at least one connector in its lower region and can be connected to at least a second retaining element by means of at least one retaining belt in its upper region, and wherein the rest has a rest frame and a cushion which is held by the rest frame, the second retaining element simultaneously supports the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Lars Kramm
  • Patent number: 8905478
    Abstract: A safety seat configured for installation in a vehicle may include a seat shell that includes a bottom, a back, and first and second sides. The safety seat may also include a seat support configured to extend at least partially adjacent to the first side of the seat shell. A second seat support may extend at least partially adjacent to the second side. The bottom of the safety seat may be located between the seat supports. The safety seat may include attachment straps that are each attached at a first end to a fixed location within the vehicle and attached at a second end to a bend of the seat support that is configured to define an attachment point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Britax Child Safety, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Curtis Strong
  • Patent number: 8672403
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a child seat for rearward-facing use in a vehicle. It comprises a back portion and a squab portion. The back portion comprises a force-receiving assembly, located at the shoulder region, which is of a more rigid material than a main portion of the back portion, the main portion being of a light-weight material. The force-receiving assembly comprises a first portion arranged at the first side of the back portion providing an anchor point for a shoulder portion of a child safety belt arrangement. The force-receiving assembly further comprises a second portion arranged at the second side of the back portion providing an anchor point for a child seat fixation means. The disclosure further relates to a child seat arrangement, a kit of parts and a vehicle comprising the child seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Kolita Mendis, Björn Wessman, Robert Johnston, Andreas Zinn, Larry Abele, Maria Hansson, Lotta Jakobsson, Thomas Broberg, Christian Guse, Stefan Berge
  • Patent number: 8556350
    Abstract: A tether bracket assembly for securing a connector of a child seat is used in conjunction with a seat assembly having an U-shaped seat back frame. The U-shaped seat back frame includes a top horizontal cylindrical bar. The tether bracket assembly includes a mounting bracket having a concave surface which includes a curvature complementary to the cylindrical bar of the seat back frame, the concave surface being affixed to an underside of the cylindrical bar. The tether bracket assembly further includes an elongated tether bracket having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is operatively attached to the mounting bracket. The second end is adapted to engage with a connector of a child seat to secure the child seat to the seat assembly. The elongated tether bracket projects generally upward beyond the top horizontal cylindrical bar of the seat back frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter James Moegling, Todd Rupert Muck, Robert Joseph Hazlewood, Masroor Fahim
  • Patent number: 8534701
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a support structure and support structure attachment within a vehicle adjacent a vehicle seat. The support structure including a bolster having an external surface wherein the bolster has a cavity recessed behind the external surface wherein the cavity originates and opens to the external surface, an airbag mounted within the cavity, and an elongated bracket mounted to the bolster operable to secure the bolster and airbag assembly to the vehicle. The elongated bracket of the bolster attaches to a child restraint system existing within the vehicle while simultaneously securing the airbag within the cavity of the bolster. A trim piece having a weakened seam covers the cavity and the external surface of the bolster thereby covering the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yi-Ru Chen Sosnowski, Vikas Bhatia, Shelley Bridget Szalay
  • Publication number: 20130214571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cradle (10) for a chair (1), where the chair comprises a chair back (11) having at least one element having an upper end or edge (12), characterized in that the cradle comprises at least one hooking means (122) in the rear portion of the cradle which enables the cradle to be hooked over the upper end or edge of the chair back elements(s), said cradle also being capable of standing alone on a base, such as a floor, when it is not hooked onto the chair back and, in both cases, is used as a cradle or a seat for a baby or small child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicants: PETER OPSVIK AS, STOKKE AS
    Inventors: Peter Opsvik, Ingegjerd Eidsvik
  • Patent number: 8496293
    Abstract: A child restraint in accordance with the present disclosure includes a juvenile seat and a child-restraint harness coupled to the juvenile seat. The child-restraint harness includes a crotch belt. A seat-back tether strap is also included in the child restraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Gaudreau, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130169013
    Abstract: A restraining device according to the invention for a child's safety seat provided to be fixed in a vehicle by at least one top tether, wherein the at least one top tether comprises at least one first loop that is provided to be pushed over a crossbar, is characterised in that the at least one top tether comprises a second loop provided to be pushed over restraining means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: BRITAX ROMER KINDERSICHERHEIT GMBH
    Inventor: BRITAX ROMER KINDERSICHERHEIT GMBH
  • Patent number: 8313142
    Abstract: A child safety seat assembly comprises a base including a plurality of protruding sidewalls, and a seat movably assembled with the base including a plurality of anchoring slots adapted to retain a portion of a safety belt, wherein seat is movably adjustable between an erected position and a reclined position relative to the base. Some of the anchoring slots can be selectively obstructed by the sidewalls of the base when the seat is adjusted to a different inclination relative to the base. As a result, erroneous operations for securing the seat assembly with a safety belt can be prevented, and the seat assembly can be safer in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Xiao-Hong Xiao
  • Patent number: 8282160
    Abstract: A combination pivoting armrest and seatback assembly incorporated into a vehicle including a base secured to the vehicle and exhibiting an extending edge profile. A sector is pivotally secured to the base, with a first cam pivotally secured to the sector and contacting a first edge location of the base when the sector is in an upright position. A second cam is also pivotally secured to the sector in inter-engaging fashion with the first cam such that, upon the first cam being rotated out of contact with the base and the sector rotating to a forward dump position, the second cam subsequently contacts a second edge location of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tavis Lutzka, Stephen Bruck
  • Patent number: 8246115
    Abstract: An infant chair designed to attach and secure to the rear of a seat functions as a conventional baby seat and has a soft fabric-based seat. The chair comprises a pair of adjustable handles that extend over the seating surface. The base of the chair also comprises a pair of adjustable legs to support the seat against the back cushion portion of the seat. The handles allow the infant chair to be placed upon a seat more safely than existing models. To make the chair more appealing to the infant, the chair comprises an animal motif with the handles being the upper arms of an animal and the lower base supports being the legs of an animal. The chair further has an integral vibrating mechanism and permanently attached toys to help amuse the infant while in the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Lina Loyer, Patrick Loyer
  • Patent number: 8235463
    Abstract: A system and method to tether a child seat to a vehicle seat is disclosed. The child seat has a latch strap engaging with a lower back of the child seat and a top tether strap coupled to a top of the child seat. An adapter plate is provided which has first, second, and third apertures with the first and second apertures receiving first and second connectors coupled to first and second ends of the latch strap and the third aperture receiving a third connector coupled to the top tether strap. The latch strap ends are threaded through the seat bight and coupled to first and second apertures of the adapter plate. The top tether strap connector is coupled to the third aperture. Each strap has a cinch, which is adjusted to tighten the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Stiyer, Robin J. Stiyer, Brian Robert Spahn
  • Patent number: 8141950
    Abstract: A lower anchor connection system for securing the child seat to vehicle anchor bites. A single retractor includes a web extendable therefrom connected to a strap having at its opposite ends couplings for lockingly engaging the anchor bights. A release button on the retractor when depressed allows the retractor web to be withdrawn holding the couplings adjacent the child seat in a stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: IMMI
    Inventor: Jason Boyer
  • Patent number: 8113584
    Abstract: A vehicle safety restraint system comprises a portable base having a mounting assembly and a restraint assembly. The portable base may be a booster seat. The mounting assembly mounts the base the base to the seat of a vehicle and the restraint assembly restrains an occupant of the base. The mounting assembly may wrap around at least a portion of the vehicle seat to mount the booster seat to the vehicle. The restraint assembly may comprise a five-point or a four-point restraint and may include a lateral support assembly. The restraint assembly may further include a torso support assembly. A method of mounting a portable base to a vehicle seat is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Boyle, Michael A. Wiseman, Thomas P. Woellert, James T. Anthony
  • 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: 7854476
    Abstract: A baby seat includes a seat shell equipped with a folding stand and straps for fastening to an adult chair, a seat back shell having two smoothly arched top protrusions at the top side to show the configuration of the head of an animal, two armrests connected between the seat back shell and the seat shell and a soft seat cushion configured to exhibit the configuration of an animal and divided into a seat back portion that carries a design and a seat portion, the seat cushion having a sleeve extended from the top side thereof for sleeving onto the seat back shell and two flexible tie cords respectively affixed to two opposite lateral sides thereof with stitches for insertion through insertion slots on the seat shell to tie the seat cushion to the seat shell, the sleeve having two curved portions fitting the smoothly arched top protrusions of the seat back shell to enhance positioning stability of the seat cushion on the seat back shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Cheh-Kang Liu
  • Publication number: 20100244517
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing the head and/or torso of a child by way of a belt securing system is provided. Adjustable head and torso supporting portions can be attached to the seat of a lightweight vehicle, such as a bike trailer, or an airplane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel W. Britton, Andreas Gehlen
  • Patent number: 7789462
    Abstract: The invention is a lower anchorage system to be used with a child restraint in a motor vehicle. The lower anchorage system has a trim assembly that attaches to an anchorage bar that in turn is affixed to an anchorage support. The trim assembly includes a trim apparatus that fits within an anchorage box. Both the anchorage box and the trim apparatus engage to the anchorage bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Mickey E. Glover, Mike E. Woods, Robert L. Douglas
  • Patent number: 7770969
    Abstract: A vehicle safety restraint system comprises a portable base having a mounting assembly and a restraint assembly. The portable base may be a booster seat. The mounting assembly mounts the base the base to the seat of a vehicle and the restraint assembly restrains an occupant of the base. The mounting assembly may wrap around at least a portion of the vehicle seat to mount the booster seat to the vehicle. The restraint assembly may comprise a five-point or a four-point restraint and may include a lateral support assembly. The restraint assembly may further include a torso support assembly. A method of mounting a portable base to a vehicle seat is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Boyle, Michael A. Wiseman, Thomas P. Woellert, James T. Anthony
  • Publication number: 20100181809
    Abstract: A portable seat for a pet for cooperating with the vehicle seat may include a seatback to cooperate with the back of the vehicle seat. a seat bottom to cooperate with the bottom of the vehicle seat, a pair of opposing seat sides to extend from the seat bottom and the seatback, and a pivotable animal retention tray which may pivot with respect to the opposing seat sides. The portable animal seat may include a top cover section to cover a top surface of the seatback, and the portable animal seat may include a back cover section to cover a front surface of the seatback. The portable animal seat may include a seat cover section in order to cover a top surface of the seat bottom, and the seatback may include a mechanical release. The seatback may include a detachable strap assembly to cooperate with the mechanical release, and the detachable strap assembly may include a expandable and retractable strap which operates in response to the mechanical release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Trina Jones
  • Patent number: 7618093
    Abstract: A securing mechanism of the base of safety car seat is provided to be connected to both sides of the rear end of the base of safety car seat to make the safety car seat secure at a joint provided on the car seat. The securing mechanism includes a snatching block, a releasing block, and a prop-up block wherein the snatching block is pivotally inserted in the joint at the car seat for limiting the base from separating from the joint. When it comes to releasing the securing mechanism, one can hold the releasing portion to move along the guided slot, thus push the releasing block to turn. Consequently, by making use of the resilience of the second resilient element, the prop-up end of the prop-up block is capable of pushing the joint out of the limiting portion making the securing mechanism separate from the joint of the car seat. Therefore, the securing mechanism is easy to operate and is capable of achieving the effect of being convenient in operation and having safety function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Link Treasure Limited
    Inventor: Hou Hung-Chung
  • Patent number: 7575275
    Abstract: A seat cushion includes a cushioned bottom portion and a back portion. The back portion is flexibly connected to the bottom portion. An attachment mechanism is provided to attach the bottom portion to a bleacher. A constraint element restrains the back portion for rotating beyond a desired angle with respect to the cushioned bottom portion. The back portion does not include any rigid cross members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Integrated Stadium Seating, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy Jones
  • Patent number: 7552969
    Abstract: A child safety seat arrangement is disclosed wherein the child is secured to the safety seat by a harness. The harness is then secured with respect to the vehicle by a mounting arrangement that is independent of any seat shell. Preferably, there is also a seat shell that is itself secured with respect to the vehicle. Also disclosed is a child safety seat arrangement having a seat shell with apertures through which a harness can be passed. The harness preferably includes a main harness strap which is looped behind the seat shell, through a pair of apertures therein, to provide two shoulder straps to extend over a child's shoulders. The disclosure includes multiple pairs of apertures to allow for adjustment of the height of the shoulder straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Britax Childcare Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Wieslaw Maciejczyk
  • Patent number: 7533935
    Abstract: A child vehicle seat is suitable for being placed on a vehicle seat provided with a headrest. The headrest is connected to the vehicle seat by means of at least two uprights. The child vehicle seat at least comprises a backrest and means for connecting said backrest to said headrest in use. Said means can be connected to the two uprights in use. The means comprise at least one hook-shaped element which is movable with respect to the backrest, wherein the headrest can remain connected to the vehicle seat in use while said means are being connected to and disconnected from the two uprights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Mostert
  • Patent number: 7530635
    Abstract: An application for a foldable child safety seat includes a foldable sheet for supporting the child and a set of straps for removably fastening the head area of the foldable sheet around a first anchoring object such as an airplane tray table. Another set of straps are provided for removably fastening the foot area of the foldable sheet around a second anchoring object such as a parent and a system is provided for restraining the child into the foldable sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Kadie M. Schramek-Flye
  • Patent number: 7517017
    Abstract: Simple and rigid attachment of a child seat to a vehicle seat that is not degraded by the seat's cushioning is provided by a head rest fixture and two latch anchor fixtures combined by an operationally rigid frame structure. The frame structure has horizontal and vertical telescopically adjustable and lockable features to fit the system to varying dimensions of vehicle seats, head rests and child seat latch anchors. The child seat may be attached to the system via an object connecting structure that is combined with the frame structure via an in between damping element. The damping element opposes vehicle vibration eventually induced via the latch anchors on the operationally rigid frame from reaching the child seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Janusz Liberkowski
  • Patent number: 7488038
    Abstract: A portable restraint system mountable to a vehicle seat may comprise a booster seat, a restraint harness mounted to the booster seat and a mounting harness coupled to the restraint harness. The restraint harness may be configured to restrain a passenger positioned on the booster seat. The mounting harness may have a connector attached thereto configured to releasably engage an anchorage of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Boyle, Julia D. King, Thomas Mashino
  • Patent number: 7458635
    Abstract: A vehicle seat arrangement includes a child seat which is mounted in a rearward facing configuration to a backrest of an adult seat such that the backrest of another adult seat at least partially supports the backrest of the child seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kolita Mendis, John Downs, Benny Sommerfeld, Blair Taylor
  • Patent number: 7427104
    Abstract: A child seat for a vehicle seat with a protruding vehicle head rest includes a seat bottom for being supported on the vehicle seat, and a seat back carried by the seat bottom for providing back support to an occupant of the child seat. A recess is disposed in an upper end of the seat back and is positioned and adapted to receive the vehicle head rest and allow the vehicle head rest to protrude therethrough. Optionally, a supplemental head rest may be provided which is releasably securable in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Britax Child Safety, Inc.
    Inventor: Said Nakhla
  • Patent number: 7390064
    Abstract: A juvenile restraint system includes a juvenile seat and a tether coupled at one end to the juvenile seat and at an opposite end to an anchor provided in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: William Horton, Stephen Oltman, Eugene Balensiefer, Richard Glover
  • Patent number: 7374246
    Abstract: The present invention is a cushion. The cushion has a seat cushion and a back cushion that are attached with an attachment element. The cushion is intended to provide comfort to a patron using a stadium seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Integrated Stadium Seating
    Inventor: Troy Jones
  • Patent number: 7347494
    Abstract: A vehicle safety restraint system comprises a portable base having a mounting assembly and a restraint assembly. The portable base may be a booster seat. The mounting assembly mounts the base to the seat of a vehicle and the restraint assembly restrains an occupant of the base. The mounting assembly may wrap around at least a portion of the vehicle seat to mount the booster seat to the vehicle. The restraint assembly may comprise a five-point or a four-point restraint and may include a lateral support assembly. The restraint assembly may further include a torso support assembly. A method of mounting a portable base to a vehicle seat is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Boyle, Michael A. Wiseman, Thomas P. Woellert, James T. Anthony
  • Patent number: 7338120
    Abstract: A device for attaching a child safety seat has a frame defining a slot engageable by a fixed catch; and a lever which rotates, about an axis of rotation, from a release position to a lock position to retain the catch inside the slot. The frame guides a control member, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the lever, between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to the slot; a spring pushes the control member into the withdrawn position, and a cam transmission rotates the lever into the release position as the control member is pushed into the forward position in opposition to the spring; and the lever is fixed radially with respect to its axis of rotation, and is retained in the release position by a pin, carried by the control member, engaging a seat on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: SABELT S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Gastaldi
  • Patent number: 7328947
    Abstract: A vehicle seat backrest suitable for allowing the attachment of a child seat, the backrest comprising a rigid structure and an anchoring system comprising an anchor rod to permit to a coupling member belonging to the child seat to be anchored on the anchor rod via the rear face of the rigid structure. The anchoring system comprises a rigid plate comprising retainer suitable for retaining the anchor rod by abutment contact when the coupling member of the child seat exerts forces on the said anchor rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Alain Laporte, Stephan Fomperine, Augusto Da Costa
  • Patent number: 7322648
    Abstract: A child seat is constructed such that when the child seat is set facing the rear of the car on a car seat, the child seat is securely fixed on the seat. A handle surrounding the front of a sitting occupant is provided in a seat back portion of the child seat, and a tether extends from the handle. When the child seat is set on a car seat so that it faces the rear of the car, the tether is pulled toward the rear of the car. A hook on the tip portion of the tether is latched onto a tether anchor of the car behind the car seat, and the rear panel and the handle are joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Nakagawa, Masayuki Sakumoto
  • Patent number: 7278684
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting an add-on passenger restraint system to a vehicle seat is provided. The apparatus comprises a retractor affixed to the add-on passenger restraint system. An extension member extends between the retractor and a coupling member. The coupling member is configured to engage an anchorage attached to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald C. Boyle
  • Patent number: 7252343
    Abstract: A demonstration seat assembly includes a frame on which a demonstration vehicle seat is supported, and a plurality of seat belt assemblies and child seat securing structures. The seat belt assemblies include a lap belt assembly, a lap/shoulder belt assembly, and a plurality of anchorage points adapted to receive tethers or a fixed anchoring latch assembly provided by one or more types of child safety seats. The lap belt assembly includes an emergency locking retractor that is secured to the frame on a first side of the vehicle seat, while the lap/shoulder belt assembly includes a switchable locking retractor that is secured to an upstanding support bar provided by the frame on the first side of the vehicle seat. The anchorage points include first and second lateral anchorage points that are accessible on a front side of the demonstration vehicle seat at a location between the seat cushion and seat back, as well as a center anchorage point that is accessible at a rear side of the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lee Pence
  • Patent number: 7104605
    Abstract: The present invention is a cushion. The cushion has a seat cushion and a back cushion that are attached with an attachment element. The cushion is intended to provide comfort to a patron using a stadium seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Integrated Stadium Seating
    Inventor: Troy Jones
  • Patent number: 7044548
    Abstract: A latch system adapted for use with a child vehicle seat has a securing belt, latches which are disposed at each end of the securing belt, and a connection member. The latches are adapted for connection to anchor points rigidly connected to the vehicle. The connection member has a loop portion through which the securing belt is slidably disposed and a connection portion adapted for permanent connection to the child vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua O. Mullen, Robert C. Barrett