Child Safety Belt Device

Abstract

A child safety restraint device is provided. The device is designed to secure infants or children to a seating structure, such as, but not limited to, a chair or highchair. The device comprises a body made from a fabric material that may also have internal padding secured by reinforced stitches. The body covers the midsection of the infant during use. The device also includes a strap equipped with fasteners that facilitate securing the device around an infant and an object the infant is sitting on to prevent falls. Additionally, the body features a pocket with an eyelet for attaching items like pacifiers, and the pocket allows the entire device to be folded for convenient storage and transport.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 642,903, which was filed on May 6, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of infant safety restraints. More specifically, the present invention relates to a child safety belt device that restrains a child while seated securing the upper body and / or midsection of the child while securing them to the seat. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.BACKGROUND

[0003] Most seat straps that are designed to secure children in their seats primarily focus on restraining them at the hip level. This method of securing, while effective in preventing lateral movements, does not adequately prevent children from falling forward or tipping over. As such, the upper body and midsection remain relatively unrestricted, which can lead to potential injuries or accidents, particularly if the child leans too far forward or the seat is subjected to sudden movements.

[0004] Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved child restraint device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a child safety belt device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a child safety belt device that better restrains the midsection and upper body of a child. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a child safety belt device that better restrains the midsection and upper body of a child while the child is seated.

[0005] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a child safety restraint device. The device is designed to secure infants or children to a seating structure, such as, but not limited to, a chair or highchair. The device comprises a body made from a fabric material that may also have internal padding secured by reinforced stitches. The body covers the midsection of the infant during use. The device also includes a strap equipped with fasteners that facilitate securing the device around an infant and an object the infant is sitting on to prevent falls. Additionally, the body features a pocket with an eyelet for attaching items like pacifiers, and the pocket allows the entire device to be folded for convenient storage and transport.

[0006] In this manner, the child safety restraint device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides an improved child restraint device. More specifically, the device better restrains the midsection and upper body of a child while the child is seated. Therefore, the device better stops a child from falling forward or tipping over than existing child restraint straps.SUMMARY

[0007] The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0008] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a child safety restraint device. The device is comprised of a body that covers the midsection of an infant / child while seated. The body is preferably made of a fabric material. The body may also be comprised of at least one interior padding secured in position within the body via at least one reinforced stitch.

[0009] The device is also comprised of at least one strap that runs through at least one opening of the body such that the first end of the strap is on one side of the body and the second end of the strap is on a second side of the body. The first end is comprised of at least one fastener, such as, but not limited to, a female buckle. The second end is comprised of a reciprocating fastener, that is preferably, but not limited to, a male buckle. The fasteners allow the device to be secured around an infant and around a chair or other structure / object such that the infant is held to the chair and cannot fall.

[0010] The body may also be comprised of at least one pocket. When the device is in use, the pocket can be used to store various items. When the device is not in use, the body and straps can be folded into the pocket such that the device can be conveniently stored and carried.

[0011] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of an opening and a strap positioned through the opening, the strap comprised of a first end comprised of a first fastener and a second end comprised of a second fastener. Then, the body can be placed around the midsection / upper body of a child who may be seated on an object such as, but not limited to, a person's lap, a chair, a highchair, a swing, etc. Next, both ends of the strap can be placed around the rear of the person, chair, highchair, swing, etc., and fastened to each other such that the body compresses the child towards the person, chair, highchair, swing, etc., to secure the child and prevent the child from falling or tipping over.

[0012] Accordingly, the child safety restraint device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved child restraint device. More specifically, the device better restrains the midsection and upper body of a child while the child is seated. Therefore, the device better stops a child from falling forward or tipping over than existing child restraint straps. In this manner, the child safety restraint device overcomes the limitations of existing child restraint straps known in the art.

[0013] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a child safety restraint device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a child safety restraint device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0018] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved child restraint device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a child safety belt device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a child safety belt device that better restrains the midsection and upper body of a child. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a child safety belt device that better restrains the midsection and upper body of a child while the child is seated.

[0019] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a child safety restraint device comprised of a body that covers the midsection of an infant / child while seated. The body is preferably made of a fabric material and may also be comprised of at least one interior padding secured in position within the body via at least one reinforced stitch.

[0020] The device is also comprised of at least one strap that runs through at least one opening of the body. In this manner, a first end of the strap is on one side of the body and the second end of the strap is on a second side of the body. The first end is comprised of at least one fastener, such as, but not limited to, a female buckle. The second end is comprised of a reciprocating fastener, that is preferably, but not limited to, a male buckle. The fasteners allow the device to be secured around an infant and around a chair or other structure / object such that the infant is held to the chair and cannot fall.

[0021] The body may also be comprised of at least one pocket. When the device is in use, the pocket can be used to store various items. When the device is not in use, the body and straps and be folded into the pocket such that the device can be conveniently stored and carried.

[0022] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of an opening and a strap positioned through the opening, the strap comprised of a first end comprised of a first fastener and a second end comprised of a second fastener. Then, the body can be placed around the midsection / upper body of a child who may be seated on an object such as, but not limited to, a person's lap, a chair, a highchair, a swing, etc. Next, both ends of the strap can be placed around the rear of the person, chair, highchair, swing, etc., and fastened to each other such that the body compresses the child towards the person, chair, highchair, swing, etc., to secure the child and prevent the child from falling or tipping over.

[0023] Accordingly, the child safety restraint device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved child restraint device. More specifically, the device better restrains the midsection and upper body of a child while the child is seated. Therefore, the device better stops a child from falling forward or tipping over than existing child restraint straps. In this manner, the child safety restraint device overcomes the limitations of existing child restraint straps known in the art.

[0024] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a child safety restraint device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of a body 110. The body 110 is preferably rectangular in shape but may be any shape that covers the midsection of an infant / child while seated. The body 110 is preferably made of a fabric material of any type. In one embodiment, the fabric material is waterproof. The body 110 may also be comprised of at least one interior padding 112. In one embodiment, multiple pads 112 are secured in position within the body 110 via at least one reinforced stitch 170.

[0025] The device 100 also comprised of at least one strap 120. The strap 120 may be made from any material. In one embodiment, the strap 120 is made of an elastic material to help the strap 120 fit around objects (as will be described more fully below). The strap 120 runs through at least one opening 114 of the body 110 such that the first end 130 of the strap 120 is on one side of the body 110 and the second end 140 of the strap 120 is on a second side of the body 110. The first end 130 is comprised of at least one fastener, such as, but not limited to, a female buckle. The second end 140 is comprised of a reciprocating fastener 142, which is preferably, but not limited to, a male buckle. The fasteners 132, 142 allow the device 100 to be secured around an infant and around a chair or other structure / object such that the infant is held to the chair and cannot fall.

[0026] In one embodiment, the length of the strap 120 is adjustable via at least one adjustment fastener 150. The adjustment fastener 150 may include, but is not limited to, a sliding buckle. In another embodiment, the strap 120 is of a fixed length.

[0027] The body 110 may also be comprised of at least one pocket 160. When the device 100 is in use, the pocket 160 can be used to store various items. In addition, the pocket 160 may be comprised of at least one eyelet 162 that receives a tethered pacifier, teething toy, etc. When the device 100 is not in use, the body 110 and straps 120 can be folded into the pocket 160 such that the device 100 can be conveniently stored and carried.

[0028] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 2. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110 comprised of an opening 114 and a strap 120 positioned through the opening 114, the strap 120 comprised of a first end 130 comprised of a first fastener 132 and a second end 140 comprised of a second fastener 142 [Step 202]. Then, the body 110 can be placed around the midsection / upper body of a child who may be seated on an object such as, but not limited to, a person's lap, a chair, a highchair, a swing, etc. [Step 204]. In an embodiment wherein the strap 120 is adjustable, the length of the strap 120 can be adjusted as needed [Step 206]. Next, both ends 130, 140 of the strap can be placed around the rear of the person, chair, highchair, swing, etc., and fastened to each other such that the body 110 compresses the child towards the person, chair, highchair, swing, etc., to secure the child and prevent the child from falling or tipping over [Step 208].

[0029] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “child safety restraint device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the child safety restraint device 100 of the present invention.

[0030] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the child safety restraint device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the child safety restraint device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the child safety restraint device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the child safety restraint device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the child safety restraint device 100 may be of any size, shape, and / or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and / or that suits the user's needs and / or preferences.

[0031] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0032] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A child safety restraint device comprising:a body comprised of an opening and a pocket; anda strap comprised of a first end comprised of a first fastener and a second end comprised of a second fastener.

2. The child safety restraint device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a padding.

3. The child safety restraint device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a reinforced stitch.

4. The child safety restraint device of claim 1, wherein the first fastener is comprised of a female buckle.

5. The child safety restraint device of claim 1, wherein the first fastener is comprised of a male buckle.

6. The child safety restraint device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a waterproof material.

7. The child safety restraint device of claim 1, wherein the strap is positioned through the opening.

8. A child safety restraint device comprising:a body comprised of an opening and a pocket comprised of an eyelet; anda strap comprised of a first end comprised of a first fastener and a second end comprised of a second fastener.

9. The child safety restraint device of claim 8, wherein the strap is adjustable in length.

10. The child safety restraint device of claim 9, wherein the strap is comprised of a sliding buckle.

11. The child safety restraint device of claim 8, wherein the body is comprised of a padding.

12. The child safety restraint device of claim 8, wherein the body is comprised of a reinforced stitch.

13. The child safety restraint device of claim 8, wherein the first fastener is comprised of a female buckle.

14. The child safety restraint device of claim 8, wherein the first fastener is comprised of a male buckle.

15. The child safety restraint device of claim 8, wherein the body is comprised of a waterproof material.

16. The child safety restraint device of claim 8, wherein the strap is positioned through the opening.

17. A method of using a child safety restraint device, the method comprising the following steps:providing a child safety restraint device comprised of a body comprised of an opening and a strap positioned through the opening, the strap comprised of a first end comprised of a first fastener and a second end comprised of a second fastener;placing the body around a midsection of a child who is seated on an object;placing the first end of the strap and the second end of the strap around a rear of the object and connecting the first fastener to the second fastener to secure the child to the object.

18. The method of using a child safety restraint device of claim 17, wherein the object is comprised of a person, a chair, a highchair, or a swing.

19. The method of using a child safety restraint device of claim 17, wherein the body is comprised of a padding.

20. The method of using a child safety restraint device of claim 17 further comprised of a step of adjusting a length of the strap.

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