Restraint system for child support

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/498,735, filed Jun. 20, 2011, entitled “Restraint System for Child Support” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to a restraint system for a child support including a clip that selectively couples a restraint to a child support.

Child support structures, such as highchairs, support young children during feeding and other seated activities. A highchair positions a child comfortably at a higher elevation compared to that of a conventional adult seat. This higher positioning gives parents easier access to the child during activities such as feeding. However, the increased height also increases the chance of injury should a child fall from the highchair. To maintain the safety of the child, some highchairs include a restraint assembly or system. The restraint system may include a series of straps connected via buckles. A problem occurs when the straps decouple from the child support structure. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a restraint system for an infant support that prevents accidental decoupling of a restraining member from the child support structure. Additionally, it is desirable to prevent the sudden and unexpected tightening of the straps on a child restrained in the child support structure (such as that caused by a sibling pulling on the restraints from the back of the chair).

The present invention is directed toward a restraint system for an infant support. The restraint system includes a restraining member adapted to pass through an aperture formed into the infant support. The restraining member includes a stop member operable to selectively pass through the aperture. Specifically, the stop member is configured such that it passes through the aperture when oriented in a first position relative to the aperture (or when moved in a first direction through the aperture), but cannot pass through aperture when oriented in a second position relative to the aperture (or moved through the aperture in a second direction). With this configuration, the unintended separation of the restraint system from the infant support may be prevented.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a child support with a restraint system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates an isolated, perspective view of the seat of the child support of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate partial rear views of the child support shown in FIG. 1 , showing the seatback slots.

FIG. 3A illustrates a plan view of the restraint system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a close-up view of the restraint system of FIG. 3A , showing the connection of various restraining members to a central connector.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isolated view of a shoulder restraining member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrated side and perspective views, respectively, of a stop member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A-6C are drawings which illustrate the operation of the stop member in a first position or orientation (where the strap of the restraining member has been removed for clarity).

FIGS. 7A-7B are drawings which illustrate the operation of the stop member in a second position or orientation (where the strap of the restraining member has been removed for clarity).

FIGS. 7C-7D illustrate the operation of the stop member in the second position or orientation.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate the operation of the child support and the restraint system.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

The terms and phrases “support,” “support device,” “seating configuration,” “support assembly,” and “support structure” are used herein to refer to any frame or support that is configured to provide a support for an object. The phrases “infant support,” “infant support device,” and “infant support structure” are used herein to refer to any frame or support that can be used to support an infant or child in a stationary manner or in a moving manner. Similarly, the phrases “child support,” “child support device,” and “child support structure” are used herein to refer to any frame or support that can be used to support an infant or child in a stationary manner or in a moving manner. Some exemplary infant/child support structures are swings, bassinets, jumping devices, bouncers, high chairs, rockers, hammocks, infant seats, infant carriers, etc. The terms “child” and “infant” may be used interchangeably herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a child support 100 including a restraint system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The child support 100 includes a seat 110 , a support assembly 115 and legs 125 , configured such that support assembly 115 and legs 125 support seat 110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the support assembly 115 includes a support frame 130 and a plurality of support members or legs 125 extending downward from support frame 130 . Further details of the seat 110 and the support assembly 115 structure (which are exemplary structures) are provided in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/038,742, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The seat 110 may possess any shape and any suitable dimensions. Referring to FIG. 2A , the seat 110 includes a seat portion 205 and a seatback portion 210 extending distally (upward) from the seat portion proximate the rearward edge of the seat portion. The seatback portion 210 may be oriented at an angle with respect to the seat portion, e.g., such that the seatback portion inclines or declines with respect to the seat portion 205 , or may be oriented such that the back is oriented substantially orthogonal to the seat portion. The seat 110 may further include a leg rest portion 215 extending distally (downward) from the seat portion 205 proximate seat portion forward edge. The leg rest portion 215 may be oriented substantially orthogonal to the seat portion 205 .

In the embodiment illustrated, the seat 110 further includes a first side wall 220 A and a second side wall 220 B extending upward from the left and right lateral sides of the seat portion 205 , respectively. The side walls 220 A, 220 B define an arm rest 225 along their distal (upper) end. With this configuration, the seat portion 205 , the seatback portion 210 , the leg rest portion 215 , and the side walls 220 A, 220 B cooperate to define a seating area, receptacle, or bucket for a child, such as an infant or a toddler. In operation, when a child is positioned within the seat 110 (i.e., seated), the torso (back) of the child is supported by the seatback portion 210 and the legs of the child are supported by the leg rest portion 215 .

The seat 110 may be formed of any material suitable for its intended purpose. By way of example, the seat may be a unitary structure formed of molded plastic.

The seat 110 is adapted to receive a restraint system operable to secure a child within the seating area. In an embodiment, the seat 110 includes one or more apertures or slots formed into the seatback portion 210 . Each slot may extend from the forward seatback surface (i.e., the surface of the seatback facing the child) to the rear seatback surface, defining a passage permitting a restraining member to pass through the seatback portion 210 . Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C , the seatback portion 210 includes a plurality of shoulder restraint slots 250 disposed at predetermined locations proximate the upper section of the seatback portion (see FIGS. 2B and 2C ). Specifically, the seatback portion 210 includes a first shoulder restraint slot 250 A laterally spaced from a second shoulder restraint slot 250 B, as well as a third shoulder restraint slot 250 C laterally spaced from a fourth shoulder restraint slot 250 D. The first 250 A and second 250 B shoulder restraint slots are each oriented directly above the third 250 C and fourth 250 D shoulder restraint slots, respectively. As shown, each shoulder restraint slot 250 may be in the form of a generally elongated opening oriented substantially horizontal or a slight angle with respect to the supporting surface 120 .

The seatback portion 210 may further include one or more waist restraint slots 255 disposed along the lower section of the seatback portion 210 (i.e., disposed proximate the seat portion 205 ). As seen best in FIG. 2B , the seatback portion 210 includes a first waist restraint slot 255 A laterally spaced from a second waist restraint slot 255 B. Each waist restraint slot 255 A, 255 B may be a generally elongated opening oriented substantially vertically with respect to the supporting surface 120 (i.e., substantially orthogonal to the seat portion 205 ).

The seat portion 205 may further include restraint slots operable to receive other various restraints. For example, in addition or as an alternative to the waist restraint slots 255 formed in the seatback portion 210 , the seat portion 205 may include one or more waist restraint slots. In addition, the seat portion 205 may include a crotch restraint slot (not illustrated).

The restraint system 105 , which secures the infant within the seat/receptacle, includes at leas one restraining member configured to extend through a restraint slot formed within the child support 100 . In an embodiment, the restraint system 105 includes a series of restraining members that cooperate to secure a child within the seat 100 . Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A , the restraint system 105 includes a first or right shoulder restraining member 305 A, a second or left shoulder restraining member 305 B, a first waist restraining member 310 A, a second waist restraining member 310 B, and a crotch restraining member 315 . The shoulder restraining members 305 A, 305 B are configured to extend over the shoulders of a child positioned within the seat 110 , while the waist restraining members 310 A, 310 B are configured to wrap around the sides of the child (proximate the waist). Finally, the crotch restraining member 315 is configured to extend between the legs of the child, extending upward from seat portion 205 .

Restraining members 305 A, 305 B, 310 A, 310 B,and 315 each include a strap 320 (e.g., an elongated flap or ribbon) formed of natural or synthetic materials. By way of example, the strap 320 may be formed of leather, or may be a textile (formed of cloth/fabric), or may be any woven or nonwoven web formed of cotton (e.g., canvas), polyester, etc. Each strap 320 may be formed of any material and possess any dimensions suitable for its described purpose. Each strap 320 may possess uniform dimensions throughout its length, or may possess segments possessing differing dimensions. It should be understood, while elongated ribbons are illustrated, the straps 320 may possess other shapes (e.g., the strap may possess an oval cross section, a circular cross section, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 3B , the restraining members 305 A, 305 B, 310 A, 310 B, 315 further include one or more connectors disposed at predetermined locations along their corresponding strap 320 . In the illustrated embodiment, the straps 320 forming the shoulder restraining members 305 A, 305 B each includes a pass-through or loop connector 325 A, 325 B coupled to first strap end, and an eye fastener or clip 330 A, 330 B (seen in FIGS. 3A and 4 ) coupled to second strap end. Similarly, the strap 320 forming the waist restraining member 310 A, 310 B includes a buckle, such as male connector or clip 335 A, 335 B coupled to strap end. Each of the restraining members may couple to a fastener receiving portion, such as restraint connector 340 , which, in turn, is secured to crotch restraining member 315 . In operation, each pass-through connector 325 A, 325 B receives a buckle 335 A, 335 B, which, in turn, releasably couples to the restraint connector 340 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , each of the eye fasteners 330 A, 330 B disposed on the shoulder restraining members 305 A, 305 B has an opening formed therein that is sized to either receive a leg 125 therethrough, or to couple to a boss formed on the cross bar of the child support device ( FIG. 8A ). Coupling the eye fasteners 330 A, 330 B to a boss or the support assembly legs 125 prevents the shoulder restraining members 305 A, 305 B from hanging loosely or becoming detached from the child support 100 .

Each restraining member 305 A, 305 B, 310 A, 310 B, 315 may further include an adjustment buckle through which the length the strap 320 forming the restraining member can be adjusted. Specifically, the straps 320 forming shoulder restraining members 305 A, 305 B may be adjusted via shoulder adjustment mechanisms 345 A and 345 B, respectively. Similarly, the straps 320 forming waist restraining members 310 A, 310 B may be adjusted via waist adjustment mechanisms 350 A and 350 B, respectively. Finally, the strap 320 forming crotch restraining member 315 may be adjusted via crotch adjustment mechanism 355 .

FIG. 4 shows a shoulder restraining member 305 A, 305 B in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, each strap 320 forming the shoulder restraining member 305 A, 305 B includes a first or proximal strap portion 405 (including the pass-through connector 325 A, 325 B) and a second distal strap portion 410 (including the clip 330 A, 330 B). The distal strap portion 410 may possess dimensions that are the same as or that differ from the dimensions of the proximal strap portion 405 . By way of example, the proximal strap portion 405 may be wider in the transverse dimension than that of the distal strap portion 410 .

The shoulder restraining member 305 A, 305 B may further include a rigid or flexible sheath 415 disposed along the distal strap portion 410 . By way of example, the sheath 415 may be a rigid, hollow, generally cylindrical tube defining a central internal passage through which the strap 320 forming the distal portion 410 of shoulder restraining member 305 A, 305 B passes.

The shoulder restraining member 305 A, 305 B further includes a stop member or mechanism 500 operable to prevent the passage of the shoulder restraining member through the shoulder restraint slot 250 A- 250 D of the seat 110 . As seen best in FIG. 4 , the stop member 500 may disposed at an intermediate longitudinal position along the strap 320 . By way of example, the stop member 500 is configured such that passage of the stop member 500 is permitted through the shoulder restraint slot 250 A- 250 D when disposed in a first orientation, but passage through the shoulder restraint slot 250 A- 250 D is prevented when the stop member 500 is disposed in a second orientation.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a stop member 500 (also called a slot capture member) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the stop member 500 is a generally Y-shaped clip defined by a base 505 (the long leg of the Y) and a pair of opposed prongs or fingers 510 A, 510 B (the short legs of the Y). Each prong 510 A, 510 B possesses a generally smooth, slightly curved exterior surface 515 and an interior surface 520 that cooperates with the opposing prong to define the mouth of the clip. The prongs 510 A, 510 B extend angularly outward from the central, vertical axis of the base 505 . The prongs 510 A, 510 B are resilient, being disposed for movement from a normal or expanded position, to a collapsed or compressed position. In the compressed position, the prongs 510 A, 510 B are pivoted toward each other (e.g., pivoted inward until the interior surfaces 520 of the first and second prongs contact). The stop member 500 includes an internal passage through which the strap 320 passes. The stop member 500 may be fixed to a strap 320 (via a fastener 512 ) such that the orientation of the stop member 500 is maintained relative to the strap 320 .

With this configuration, the stop member 500 may pass through a shoulder restraint slot 250 when positioned in a first orientation with respect to the slot, but may be prevented from passing through a shoulder restraint slot 250 when positioned in a second orientation with respect to the slot. Generally referring to FIGS. 6A-C and 7 A-B, exemplary embodiments of the first and second orientations may be shown. Although stop members 500 may generally be coupled to, attached to or included with straps 320 , FIGS. 6A-C and 7 A-B have omitted straps 320 for clarity.

In a first orientation, as illustrated by FIGS. 6A-C , stop member 500 may be configured to pass through a restraint slot 250 . As seen in FIG. 6A , in a first orientation, the base 505 of stop member 500 is disposed proximate to shoulder restraint slots 250 A-D, such that base 505 may enter a restraint slot 250 A-D before prongs 510 A-B. As a stop member 500 oriented in a first configuration is drawn, pushed or otherwise moved towards restraint slot 250 , in accordance with directional arrow F 1 , prongs 510 A and 510 B are oriented in their normal, expanded position. However, once stop member 500 engages or enters a restraint slot 250 , as seen in FIG. 6B , the walls (the upper and lower walls) or sides of the shoulder restraint slot 250 A- 250 D may engage prongs 510 A and 510 B, causing prongs 510 A and 510 B to flex inward from their normal position to their compressed position (indicated by arrows C). When prongs 510 A, 510 B are in their compressed position, the stop member 500 may travel along or through shoulder restraint slot 250 A- 250 D in accordance with directional arrow F 1 . Once stop member 500 clears the shoulder restraint slot 250 A- 250 D, as seen in FIG. 6C , the resiliency of the prongs 510 A, 510 B causes them return to their normal, expanded position.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-B , once stop member 500 has been inserted through restraint slot 250 A- 250 D (as seen in FIGS. 6A-C ), stop member 500 may be in a second orientation. In the second orientation, the stop member 500 is positioned with prongs 510 A, 510 B disposed proximate to a shoulder restraint slot 250 A-D, such that prongs 510 A-B may engage restraint slot 250 A-D before base 505 when stop member 500 is moved towards restraint slot 250 A-D, such as in direction F 2 . In this second configuration, prongs 510 A and 510 B are oriented in their normal, expanded position, which may be wider than the restraint slot 250 A-D. Thus, stop member 500 may be prevented from entering or passing through restraint slot 250 A-D when in the second configuration.

More specifically, if a stop member 500 in a second orientation is drawn toward the slot 250 A- 250 D (indicated by arrow F 2 in FIGS. 7A-B and represented by the different locations of stop member 500 between FIGS. 7C and 7D ), such as by a sibling pulling on the shoulder straps from the rear of the seat, the prongs 510 A, 510 B interfere with the passage of the stop member 500 through the slot 250 A- 250 D. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7D , the stop member 500 becomes trapped or lodged against the external walls of restraint slot 250 A-D (i.e. stop member 500 may be pinned against seat 210 ). Consequently, the stop member 500 cannot pass back through the slot 250 A- 250 D unless the prongs 510 A, 510 B are manually compressed (e.g., by a parent).

Once compressed (or inverted to the first orientation), stop member 500 may be inserted through the shoulder restraint slot 250 A- 250 D and the restraining member 305 A, 305 B can be decoupled from the seat 110 . This configuration prevents accidental separation of the shoulder restraining members 305 A and 305 B from the seat 110 while permitting intentional (manual) separation of the restraining members 305 A and 305 B from the seat 110 . Further, restraining members 305 A and 305 B may be fully decoupled, separated, or otherwise removed from seat 110 , such as for cleaning, because pass-through connectors 325 A and 325 B may be sized to pass through each shoulder restraining slot 250 A- 250 D. Additionally, with this configuration, the accidental tightening of the shoulder straps on a restrained child by a sibling pulling on the straps from behind the seat is also prevented.

Stated another way, since the position of the stop member 500 is fixed with respect to the strap 320 , movement of the restraining member 305 A, 305 B (i.e., the strap) through the slot 250 A- 250 D in a first direction (in which the base 505 is the first part of stop member 500 to enter slot 250 A- 250 D) permits passage of the stop member therethrough. However, movement of the restraining member 305 A, 305 B, in a second, opposite direction, such that the prongs 510 A and 510 B are the first part of stop member 500 to enter slot 250 A- 250 D, causes the interference described above, preventing passage of the stop member 500 through the slot.

While stop members 500 are only shown on the shoulder restraining members 305 A, 305 B, it should be understood that a stop member may further be disposed on any of the waist or 310 A, 310 B crotch 315 restraining members.

The operation of the restraint system is explained with reference to FIGS. 8A-8C . The first clip 330 A (seen in FIG. 4 ) is disposed on the first shoulder restraining member 305 A and is secured to a boss located on crossbar 805 of the child support 100 . Similarly, the second clip 330 B (seen in FIG. 4 ) is disposed on the second shoulder restraining member 305 B and is secured to a boss located on the crossbar 805 of the child support 100 . The proximal portion 405 (seen in FIG. 4 ) of the first shoulder restraining member 305 A is axially inserted into the third shoulder restraint slot 250 C, with pass-through connector 325 A being inserted first, and the strap 320 being drawn through until the stop member 500 , which is secured to the strap 320 such that the base 505 enters the slot first, travels through the third slot 250 C due to compression of the prongs 510 A, 510 B (as described above) until the stop member is positioned in the second orientation on the child-receiving side of the seat 110 . Similarly, the second shoulder restraining member 305 B is axially inserted into the fourth shoulder restraint slot 250 D such that the pass-through connector 325 B is inserted first. The strap 320 of restraining member 305 B is drawn through the fourth slot 250 D until the stop member 500 coupled thereto is positioned in the second orientation, similarly to the stop member 500 of restraining member 305 A.

The remaining straps, 315 , 310 A, and 310 B, may be used in conjunction with or independently from shoulder straps 305 A and 305 B. However, the remaining straps are similarly drawn through corresponding slots when used to secure a child. More specifically, restraining members 310 A, 310 B are drawn through corresponding waist slots 255 A, 255 B while crotch restrain member may be drawn through seat 110 through a corresponding hole in seat portion 205 . Each of straps 310 A, 310 B, and 315 may be secured to seat 110 in any desirable manner, such as securing each strap within its corresponding slot. Further, each strap 310 A, 310 B, and 315 may include a stop member 500 if so desirable.

Once secured to seat 110 , the restraining members 305 A, 305 B, 310 A, 310 B, 315 are then wrapped around a child seated on the seat 110 . Specifically, the crotch restraint member 315 (including restraint connector 340 ) is drawn between the legs of the child. The shoulder restraining members 305 A, 305 B are drawn over the shoulders of the child, and disposed proximate the restraint connector 340 . The waist restraining members 310 A, 310 B, in turn, are wrapped around the waist of the child, fed through corresponding pass-through connectors 325 A, 325 B, and buckles 335 A and 335 B are connected to restraint connector 340 . Once connected, a child occupying the seat is secured to the seat 110 , preventing the child from accidentally falling out therefrom. To release the restraints, a parent may actuate a release between the restraint connector 340 , buckle 335 A and buckle 335 B. The release may be any desirable release suitable for achieving the described purpose and may release both or one buckle at the users discretion. Once released, waist restraining members 310 A, 310 B may be removed from pass-through connectors 325 A and 325 B, such that shoulder restraining members 305 A and 305 B are free to be removed, thus reversing the above process.

While the present invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the material forming the restraint system or portions thereof may be any suitable material for its described purpose.

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

For example, while a five-point restraint system is illustrated, the stop members may be utilized with three point restraints. In other embodiments the stop members may be secured to other restraining members of the restraint system. Thus, in alternative embodiments, the quantity of points of the restraint system can vary. For example, a three point restraint system can be used in the infant seat mode, the swing mode, and the toddler seat mode. In addition, a five point restraint system can be used in the high chair mode.