Restraining apparatus and method of installing a restraining apparatus

Abstract

There is disclosed an animal restraining apparatus (10, 150) for restraining an animal in a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a flat, elongate belt (28) adapted for attachment to a collar or harness worn by the animal. Mounting means (38, 152) is provided for securing the apparatus to an anchor in the motor vehicle being a headrest post or a baby seat anchor. A belt retraction device (12, 312) is provided for allowing the belt to be wound up thereon and unwound therefrom and to lock the belt from unwinding on sudden deceleration of the vehicle or rapid unwinding of the belt. The invention extends to a method of retrofitting an animal restraining apparatus in a motor vehicle. 20 25 20 24 65 07 A pr 2 02 5 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 4 6 5 0 7 A p r 2 0 2 5 1 / 4 24 1 / 4 26 28.2 10 18 20 12 14 46 + 46.1 Fig. 1 60 60.1 28.3 30 28.2 46.2 II 60.2 50 32 38 22 28 16 48 52 54 56 46.2 50 Fig. 2 16 38.2 42 38 38.1 44 40 44 38.2 Fig. 3 20 25 20 24 65 07 A pr 2 02 5 0 7 A p r 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 4 6 5 5 0 3 2 2 2 5 2 5 4 5 0 O N 3 8 7

Description

a second spool locking means adapted for locking the spool against rotation in the second rotational direction if the spool is caused to rotate in the second rotational direction at at least a predetermined rotational speed, wherein the first belt end is secured to the spool, at least a part of the belt is adapted to be wound onto the spool on rotation of the spool in the first rotational direction, the spool is adapted, if a part of the belt is wound onto the spool, to rotate in the second rotational direction to allow said part of the belt to unwind from the spool when the second belt end is pulled away from the belt retraction device. 2025202465   07 Apr 2025

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the animal restraining apparatus includes a frame, wherein the spool is mounted to the frame so as to be rotatable about the spool axis by rotating relative to the frame.

[0010] Preferably, the frame includes a housing for the spool.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spool is adapted, if a part of the belt is wound onto the spool, to rotate in the second rotational direction to allow said part of the belt to unwind from the spool when the second belt end is pulled away from the belt retraction device in a first extension direction having a horizontal component, and said part of the belt is adapted to unwind from the spool when the second belt end is pulled away from the belt retraction device in each of a plurality of second extension directions having horizontal components, the second extension directions being different to the first extension direction.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spool is mounted relative to the mounting means so as to be swivelable relative to the mounting means about a swivel axis.

[0013] Preferably, the frame is mounted relative to the mounting means by a swivel connector to enable the spool to be swivelable relative to the mounting means about a swivel axis.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting means includes a first mounting means part and a second mounting means part, wherein the second mounting means part is rotatably connected to the first mounting means part and defines a belt guiding aperture, wherein the second belt end is adapted to be pulled away from the belt retraction device in said first extension direction and in each of said plurality of second extension directions having horizontal components by means of the second mounting means part swivelling relative to the first mounting means part.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting means is adapted for releasable attachment to said anchor where the anchor includes a headrest of the motor vehicle.

[0016] Preferably, the headrest includes a head-restraining portion and at least one support post for supporting the head-restraining portion, wherein the mounting means is 2025202465   07 Apr 2025 adapted to define at least one support-post receiving aperture for receiving the at least one support post therethrough, in order to releasably attach the mounting means to the at least one support post.

[0017] Preferably, the headrest includes a pair of support posts spaced apart from each other, and the mounting means defines at least two support post receiving apertures, wherein at least one of the support post receiving apertures is elongate.

[0018] Preferably, the mounting means defines a plurality of round support post receiving apertures and an elongate support post receiving aperture.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting means includes two mounting means portions that are adapted to be moved relative to each other between a closed condition in which the two mounting means portions are abutted with each other to define said at least one support-post receiving aperture, and an open condition in which the two mounting means portions are at least partly separated from each other so as to define two separated parts of each of the at least one support-post receiving aperture, wherein the mounting means is adapted to be secured to the at least one support post by means of the two mounting means portions being moved from the open condition to the closed condition such that the at least one support post is held captive in the at least one support-post receiving aperture.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting means is adapted for releasable attachment to said anchor where the anchor is a baby seat restraining anchor fixed within the motor vehicle.

[0021] Preferably, the baby seat restraining anchor is disposed behind a backrest of the seat of the motor vehicle, and the baby seat restraining anchor and retraction device are both disposed below the top of the backrest, wherein the mounting means includes a guide portion adapted to guide a portion of the belt that extends from the belt retraction device, along a rear side of the backrest to at least the top of the backrest.

[0022] Preferably, said guide portion has a length which is adjustable in order to adapt the guide portion in relation to the height of the backrest.

[0023] Preferably, said guide portion includes a curved portion adapted to curve over the top of the backrest. 2025202465   07 Apr 2025

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting means is adapted for releasable attachment to said anchor where the anchor is a baby seat restraining anchor fixed within the motor vehicle, the baby seat restraining anchor being disposed behind a backrest of the seat of the motor vehicle, and the baby seat restraining anchor and retraction device both being disposed below the top of the backrest, the mounting means including a guide portion adapted to guide a portion of the belt that extends from the belt retraction device, along a rear side of the backrest to at least the top of the backrest, wherein the guide portion forms part of said first mounting means part.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the animal restraining apparatus includes a brake device adapted for applying a braking effect on at least one of the belt and the spool, to restrict rotational speed of the spool in said first rotational direction under said urging force.

[0026] Preferably, the brake device includes a brake element which is adapted to frictionally abut against the belt to apply said braking effect.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the securement clip device is adapted for releasably hooking onto said ring on a collar or harness worn by the animal.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing an animal restraining apparatus for restraining an animal in a motor vehicle, the method including: providing an animal restraining apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention or any preferred embodiment thereof; and releasably attaching the mounting means to said anchor so as to releasably attach the restraining apparatus to the motor vehicle.

[0029] Any reference to the prior art in this specification is not intended, and is not to be taken, as any admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or anywhere else. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 2025202465   07 Apr 2025

[0031] Figure 1 is schematic representation of a belt retraction device shown in section, and a mounting device of an animal restraining apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of detail II in Figure 1

[0033] Figure 3 is perspective view of the mounting device of Figure 1;

[0034] Figure 4 is a plan view of the mounting device of Figure 1;

[0035] Figure 5 is a front view of the mounting device of Figure 1;

[0036] Figure 6 is a plan view of the mounting device of Figure 1 showing the position of the belt retraction device of Figure 1 mounted thereon;

[0037] Figure 7 is a front view of a headrest mounted to a seat in a motor vehicle, to which headrest an animal restraining apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention is adapted to be releasably connected, and showing the mounting device of Figure 1;

[0038] Figure 8 is a plan view of a mounting device according to a different embodiment to that shown in Figures 3 to 5, in a closed condition;

[0039] Figure 9 is a plan view of the mounting device of Figure 8, in an open condition;

[0040] Figure 10 is a front view of the mounting device of Figure 8;

[0041] Figure 10a is an enlarged view of the part X-X in Figure 10;

[0042] Figure 11 is a schematic side view of seat of a motor vehicle with components of an animal restraining apparatus according to a different embodiment to that of Figure 1;

[0043] Figure 12 is plan view of a swivel element of the animal restraining apparatus of Figure 11;

[0044] Figure 13 is a schematic front view of a bear claw latch of the embodiment of the animal restraining apparatus of Figure 11; and

[0045] Figure 14 is a schematic front view of part of a guide bracket of the embodiment of the animal restraining apparatus of Figure 11. 2025202465   07 Apr 2025 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a restraining apparatus 10 for restraining an animal in a motor vehicle. The apparatus 10 includes a belt retraction device 12 having a housing 14 with a mounting portion 16, and a spool 18 which is rotatable on a spindle 20 that is secured relative to the housing 14.

[0047] The spool 18 is rotatable about a spindle axis 22, in a first rotational direction indicated by the arrow 24 and an opposite, second rotational direction indicated by the arrow 26. These directions are referred to by these reference numbers below.

[0048] Urging means (not shown) is provided for urging the spool 18 in the first rotational direction 24. Any suitable urging means can be provided as would be understood by a person skilled in the art, such as a coil spring (not shown) included as part of the belt retraction device 12.

[0049] The animal restraining apparatus 10 further includes an elongate, flat belt 28 having a first belt end 28.1 and a second belt end 28.2. The first belt and 28.1 is secured relative to a radially outer surface of the spool 18. Thus, when the spool 18 rotates in the first rotational direction 24, it is adapted to cause the belt 28 to be wound onto the spool.

[0050] The housing 14 defines an opening 30 with the belt 28 extending, from the spool 18 through that opening, with the belt terminating at the second belt and 28.2.

[0051] If a part of the belt 28 is wound up on the spool 18, and the second belt end 28.2 is pulled away from the belt retraction device 12, for example in the direction indicated by the arrow 32, the belt will cause the spool 18 to rotate in the second rotational direction 26 such that the part of the belt that is wound onto the spool will be unwound from the spool.

[0052] It will be appreciated that if the belt 28 is unwound from the spool 18 by pulling the second belt end 28.2 in a direction away from the belt retraction device 12, such pulling of the belt will be possible until the belt is fully unwound from the spool, at which point the securement between the first belt end 28.1 and the spool 18 will prevent further pulling of that second belt end away from the belt retraction device. That will determine the maximum extent to which the belt 28 can be pulled from the belt retraction device 12. 2025202465   07 Apr 2025

[0053] According to one preferred embodiment, the restraining apparatus 10 is, or is similar to, a conventional inertia-reel seat belt retractor of the type used in conventional passenger motor vehicles. According to another preferred embodiment, the restraining apparatus 10 is of a type that is less affected than such conventional seat belt retractors by the angle at which the second belt end 28.2 is pulled away from the belt retraction device 12 as the belt 28 is unwound from the spool 18. It may also be of a type that is smaller and less bulky than such a conventional inertia-reel seat belt retractor. Such an alternative restraining apparatus 10 may be, or be similar to, a suitable inertia-reel seat belt retractor of the type used in forklift trucks.

[0054] The animal restraining apparatus 10 further includes a mounting device 38. The mounting device 38 includes a first mounting portion 38.1 and a second mounting portion 38.2. These portions are at 90 degrees to each other as shown in Figures 3 and 4, so that the mounting device 38 is essentially of an "L" shape.

[0055] In the first mounting portion 38.1, there is an elongate aperture 40, and three round apertures 42. The second mounting portion 38.2 is provided with a single round aperture 44.

[0056] The animal restraining apparatus 10 is further provided with a brake element 46, in the form of a curved, thin plate. The brake element 46 has a braking zone 46.1 and an attachment zone 46.2. The attachment zone 46.2 has an aperture 48 therein.

[0057] The belt retraction device 12 and the braking element 46 are adapted to be mounted to the mounting device 38 by means of a connector such as a bolt 50 passing through the aperture 48 in the attachment zone 46.2 of the brake element 46, through an aperture 52 in the mounting portion 16 of the housing 14, and through the aperture 44 on the second mounting portion 38.2 of the mounting device 38. The bolt 50 is tightenable in place by means of a nut 54. It will be appreciated that as a result of this means of attachment of the belt retraction device 12 and braking element 46 to the mounting device 38, the belt retraction device 12 is able to swivel relative to the mounting device about a swivel axis 56 in swivel directions indicated by the arrows 58 in Figure 6. In that figure, the belt retraction device 12 is shown schematically in dashed lines.

[0058] As mentioned above, the urging means (not shown) is provided for urging the spool 18 in the first rotational direction 24. Also as mentioned, as the spool 18 rotates in 2025202465   07 Apr 2025 that direction, this causes the belt 28 to be wound on to the spool 18. Thus, the effect of this rotation is to retract the belt onto the spool 18 and into the housing 14. The braking element 46 is adapted to cause a braking effect on the retraction of the belt 28 by means of the braking zone 46.1 engaging frictionally with the belt as indicated in Figure 1, to slow down the speed of retraction of the belt.

[0059] Secured to the belt 28 at or adjacent to the second belt end 28.2 is a belt connector 60. In the embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 1, the belt connector 60 is in the form of a carabiner device, having a buckle loop 60.1, and a carabiner clip 60.2 connected to the buckle loop. The buckle loop 60.1 defines an aperture through which an end portion 28.3 of the belt 28, adjacent to the second belt end 28.2, is looped, with that end of the belt being stitched to a portion of the belt spaced from the second belt end as shown in Figure 1.

[0060] The restraining apparatus 10 can be used to secure an animal such as a pet in a motor vehicle. The restraining apparatus 10 is adapted to be retrofit in a vehicle by securing the apparatus, by means of the mounting device 38, on or to a predetermined type of anchor in the motor vehicle, for which the mounting device is adapted.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting device 38 as shown in Figures 3 to 6 is adapted for being secured to the motor vehicle by means of securing the mounting device to support posts 70 for supporting a head restraint 71 of a headrest 72, of a rear seat or of the front seat of the vehicle, the seat being generally designated 74.

[0062] To achieve this, it is necessary to remove the headrest 72 including its support posts 70 from holes 76 at the top of the rear of the seat 74 into which the posts extend for supporting the headrest, and then passing those posts through the elongate aperture 40 and one of the three round apertures 42 in the mounting device 38.

[0063] The elongate shape of the elongate aperture 40 can allow for the mounting device 38 to be secured to different headrests having different distances between the support posts 70 of the headrests. 2025202465   07 Apr 2025

[0064] Once the mounting device 38 has been attached to the support posts 70 in this manner, the headrest 72 can be returned to its normal position, by sliding the headrest and the posts downwards, with the post being inserted in the holes 76.

[0065] Once the headrest 72 is disposed at its lowermost position with the posts 70 fully accommodated within those holes 76 in the rear of the seat 74, the mounting device 38 will be sandwiched between the head restraint portion 71 of the headrest and the upper extremity of the seat, thereby securely retaining the mounting device in place.

[0066] Securing the mounting device 38 to the headrest 72 in this manner can be achieved while the belt retraction device 12 is mounted to the mounting device 38 by means of the bolt 50 and nut 54, or without the belt retraction device being mounted to the mounting device.

[0067] If the securing of the mounting device 38 to the headrest 72 is carried out without the belt retraction device 12 being secured to the mounting device, then once the mounting device has been secured to the headrest as described above, the belt retraction device can be mounted to the mounting device 38. This can be achieved by inserting the bolt 50 through the aperture 48 in the brake element 46, through the aperture 52 in the mounting portion 16 of the housing 14, and through the single aperture 44 in the second mounting portion 38.2 of the mounting device 38, and tightening the bolt in place with the nut 54.

[0068] Once the restraining apparatus 10 is secured to the headrest 72 as described above, it can be used to restrain an animal in the vehicle. This can be achieved by attaching the carabiner clip 60.2 to a loop of a collar or harness (not shown) worn by the animal.

[0069] This may involve pulling the carabiner clip 60.2 and hence the second belt end 28.2 away from the belt retraction device 12 in order to extend the belt 28 sufficiently to attach the carabiner clip to the animal. As the second belt end 28.2 is pulled in this manner, it causes the spool 18 to rotate in the second rotational direction 26 against the resistance force caused by the urging means that urges the spool to rotate in the first rotational direction 24. Thus, once the carabiner clip 60.2 is attached to the animal, the urging means can cause the spool 18 to rotate in the first rotational direction 24 to take up slack in the belt 28. 2025202465   07 Apr 2025

[0070] As mentioned above, the belt retraction device 12 is in the nature of an inertia reel seatbelt mechanism. It is provided with a first spool locking means (not shown) which is adapted for locking the spool 18 against rotation in the second rotational direction 26 if the belt retraction device is undergoing linear motion in a linear direction, for example when the motor vehicle is travelling along a road, and is then caused to decelerate at at least a predetermined deceleration rate, for example when the motor vehicle brakes sharply or is involved in a collision.

[0071] The predetermined deceleration rate is a function of the design of the belt retraction device 12. According to one example, the first spool locking means includes a locking mechanism (not shown) forming part of the belt retraction device 12, such as a pendulum-like element or assembly, for example a weighted element, which is caused to rotate or otherwise move on such deceleration of the vehicle and hence of the belt retraction device 12.

[0072] When a predetermined minimum rate of deceleration occurs, the locking mechanism moves sufficiently to bring an engagement element, forming part of the first spool locking means, into engagement with a first detent that is fixed in relation to the spool 18, to prevent the spool from rotating in the second rotational direction 26. The first detent may, for example, be one of a number of first detents forming part of a ratchet.

[0073] Therefore, when the vehicle and hence the belt retraction device 12 decelerates at a rate of at least the predetermined deceleration rate, and if the second belt end 28.2 is urged away from the belt retraction device 12 during such deceleration, for example in the direction 32, the engagement element of the locking mechanism will prevent the spool 18 from rotating in the second direction 26 and thereby prevent the second belt end from being pulled away from belt retraction device. If the belt 28 is attached to an animal by means of the belt connector 60, the locking of the spool 18 against rotation in the second rotational direction 26 will cause the animal to be restrained.

[0074] Once the pulling action on the belt 28 is released, and if the belt retraction device 12 is no longer undergoing deceleration at a rate of at least the predetermined deceleration rate, the locking mechanism of the belt retraction device disengages from the first detent so as to no longer prevent rotation of the spool 18 in the second rotational direction 26. In this case, the belt retraction device 12 will once again enable pulling of 2025202465   07 Apr 2025 the second belt end 28.2 away from the belt retraction device and the animal will therefore not be restrained against movement away from the belt retraction device, provided there is part of the belt 28 of sufficient length available to be unwound from the spool 18 to allow for such movement. Once the belt 28 is fully extended, no further movement of the of second belt end 28.2 away from the belt retraction device 12 will be possible, and this can limit the extent of movement of the animal away from the belt retraction device.

[0075] If the deceleration rate is lower than the predetermined rate, the movement of the locking mechanism will be insufficient to bring the engagement element into engagement with the detent, and the spool 18 will thus not be prevented from rotating in the second rotational direction 26.

[0076] The belt retraction device 12 is also provided with a second spool locking means (not shown), adapted for locking the spool 18 against rotation in the second rotational direction 26 if the spool is caused to rotate in that rotational direction at at least a predetermined rotational speed.

[0077] According to one example, the second spool locking means includes a centrifugal element or mechanism that is adapted to rotate with the spool 18, and to move or rotate, under centrifugal force, outwardly relative to the spool 18, so as to engage a second detent that does not rotate with the spool, in order to lock the spool against further rotation in the second rotational direction 26.

[0078] As described with reference to the first spool locking means, if the belt 28 is attached to an animal by means of the belt connector 60, the locking of the spool 18 against rotation in the second rotational direction 26 by the second spool locking means will cause the animal to be restrained by the belt connector and the belt 28.

[0079] Once the pulling action on the belt 28 is released, the centrifugal element or mechanism will disengage from the second detent to allow the spool 18 once again to rotate in the second rotational direction 26, and the animal will therefore not be restrained against movement away from the belt retraction device 12, provided there is part of the belt of sufficient length available to be unwound from the spool to allow for such movement as described above. 2025202465   07 Apr 2025

[0080] If the rotational speed of the spool 18 in the second rotational direction 26 is less than the predetermined rotational speed, the extent of movement or rotation of the centrifugal element or mechanism under centrifugal force will be insufficient for that element or mechanism to engage the second detent, so that the spool 18 is not locked against further rotation in the second rotational direction.

[0081] The ability of the belt retraction device 12 to swivel relative to the mounting device 38 about the swivel axis 56 in the swivel directions 58 can assist in allowing the belt retraction device to continue to function effectively whether the animal pulls the belt connector 60 and hence the second belt end 28.2 directly forwards relative to the belt retraction device as indicated by the arrow 57 in Figure 6, or laterally relative to that forward direction, as indicated by the arrows 59. If the belt retraction device 12 were not free to swivel in this manner, movement of the animal laterally relative to the forward direction 57, for example if the animal were to move sideways in the vehicle, could cause the belt 28 to become jammed in the belt retraction device 12, especially, but not only, in the opening 30 of the housing 14, which could render the belt retraction device 12 inoperative.

[0082] If the carabiner clip 60.2 is released from the animal’s collar or harness, then in the absence of the brake element 46, there would be a risk that the urging means could cause the belt 28 to be rapidly wound up and retracted on the spool 18, in turn causing the carabiner clip 60.2 to collide forcefully with the belt retraction device 12. This could cause damage to the belt retraction device 12, especially, but not only, to the housing 14. However, the frictional force exerted by the brake element 46 assists in causing a braking effect on the belt 28, thereby slowing down the speed of retraction of the belt and reducing the chance of such damage.

[0083] Referring to Figures 8, 9, 10 and 10a there is shown a mounting device 90 according to a different embodiment to that of the mounting device 38 shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. Features of the mounting device 90 corresponding to features of the mounting device 38 are identified by the same reference numbers except that these reference numbers in Figures 8 to 10 have the prefix “2”.

[0084] In the mounting device 90, the first mounting portion 238.1 and second mounting portion 238.2 are each formed by a respective first arm 92 and second arm 94. The first 2025202465   07 Apr 2025 and second arms 92, 94 are rotatably attached to each other by a hinge assembly 96. The hinge assembly 96 includes a first hinge portion 98 forming part of the first arm 92, the first hinge portion defining a first hinge aperture 100; a second hinge portion 102 forming part of the second arm 94, the second hinge portion defining a second hinge aperture 104 aligned with the first hinge aperture; and a hinge pin device 106, extending into each of the first and second hinge apertures.

[0085] The hinge pin device 106 includes a pin head 106.1 and a pin shaft 106.2, with a recessed groove 106.3 being defined in the pin shaft adjacent the end thereof distal from the pin head. The pin shaft 106.2 extends into each of the first and second hinge apertures 100, 104 to allow the first hinge portion 98 and hence the first arm 92, to rotate relative to the second hinge portion 102 and hence to the second arm 94, about a longitudinal axis of the pin shaft.

[0086] The hinge pin device 106 includes a circlip 106.4 which is adapted to be accommodated in the groove 106.3. The circlip 106.4, when accommodated in the groove 106.3, is for preventing the pin shaft 106.2 from being withdrawn from the hinge apertures 100, 104.

[0087] The first hinge portion 98 of the first arm 92 defines a circular recess 98.1 at one end of the hinge aperture 100 as shown in Figure 10a. The circular recess 98.1 is adapted to accommodate the pin head 106.1 so that when the pin device 106 is in place with the pin shaft 106.2 extending through the hinge apertures 100, 104, the top of the pin device 106 is substantially flush with the first arm 92.

[0088] The hinge assembly 96 enables the first arm 92 and second arm 94 to rotate relative to each other, between the closed condition as shown in Figure 8, and the open condition shown in Figure 10.

[0089] In the closed condition of Figure 8, the first and second arms 92, 94 are fully abutted against each other. In the open condition of Figure 9, first and second arms 92, 94 diverge apart from each other in a direction away from the hinge assembly 96, so that there is a gap 108 between the ends of the two arms remote from the hinge assembly.

[0090] As can be seen in Figure 9, when the mounting device 90 is in the open condition, the first arm 92 defines one part of the elongate aperture 240 and each of the three round 2025202465   07 Apr 2025 apertures 242, while the second arm 94 defines the remaining part of the elongate aperture and of each of the three round apertures. When the mounting device 90 is in the closed condition as shown in Figure 8, each of those apertures is shown as a fully defined aperture corresponding to the elongate aperture 40 and each of the three round apertures 42 of the mounting device 38.

[0091] The first arm 92 defines a threaded bolt aperture 110 and a bolt head recess 112, while second arm 94 defines a threaded bolt aperture 114. The bolt apertures 110, 114 are adapted for accommodating the threaded shaft 116.1 of a bolt 116 (see Figure 8), while the bolt head recess 112 is for accommodating the head 116.2 of the bolt.

[0092] Unlike the mounting device 38, the mounting device 90 is adapted to be secured to the support posts 70 of the headrest 72 without the need to remove the posts from holes 76 at the top of the rear of the seat 74. Rather, the first and second arms 92, 94 can be moved into the open condition as shown in Figure 9, and can then be moved, relative to the support posts 70, so that the support posts pass through the gap 108, until one of the support posts is aligned with one of the three round apertures 242 and the other of the support posts is aligned with the elongate aperture 240.

[0093] The first and second arms 92, 94 can then be moved into the closed condition as shown in Figure 8 so as to be secured in relation to the support posts 70.

[0094] The bolt 116 can then be screwed into the bolt apertures 110, 114 to fasten the first and second arms 92, 94 in the closed condition.

[0095] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, there are shown features of a restraining apparatus 150 according to another embodiment of the invention. Features of the restraining apparatus 150 corresponding to features of the restraining apparatus 10 are identified by the same reference numbers except that these reference numbers of Figures 11 and 12 have the prefix “3”.

[0096] The restraining apparatus 150, instead having a belt retraction device adapted to be secured by means of a mounting device to the support posts 70 of a headrest 72 of the motor vehicle as described above in relation to the restraining apparatus 10 and Figures 1 to 10, is adapted to be secured to a baby-seat securement anchor 164 of the motor vehicle, for example as described below. Where reference is made herein to a 2025202465   07 Apr 2025 baby-seat securement anchor, this includes reference to a child-seat securement anchor, baby bassinet securement anchor, or the like.

[0097] The restraining apparatus 150 includes a bear claw latch 152 for attachment to the securement anchor 164. With reference especially to Figure 13, the bear claw latch 152 includes a housing 152.01 having two attachment tab formations 152.02, each having, extending through it, a respective attachment aperture 152.03.

[0098] Fixed to the housing 152.01 is an anchor tab 152.04 having an anchor aperture 152.05.

[0099] A release actuator 152.06 is mounted to the housing 152.01 so as to be movable relative to the housing. The release actuator 152.06 includes an actuator aperture 152.07.

[0100] The bear claw latch 152 includes a spring 152.08, having one end hooked onto the actuator aperture 152.07, and an opposite end hooked onto the anchor aperture 152.05. The spring 152.08 draws the actuator aperture 152.07 towards the anchor aperture 152.05 so as to urge the release actuator 152.06 in a direction towards the anchor tab 152.04 as indicated by the arrow 153.

[0101] The bear claw latch 152 further includes a latch element 152.09 which is disposed at least partly within the housing 152.01 and is mounted to be rotatable relative to the housing by means of a latch pivot 152.10.

[0102] The latch element 152.09 defines a latch engagement formation 152.11, an actuation formation 152.12, and a recess formation 152.13 between the latch engagement formation and actuation formation.

[0103] A spring mechanism 152.14 urges the latch element 152.09 in a counter clockwise direction as shown by the arrow 157 in Figure 13, into the position in which that element is shown in the figure. In that position, an opening 152.15 is defined between the latch engagement formation 152.11 and an opposing surface 152.16 of the housing 152.01.

[0104] The bear claw latch 152 is attached to the baby-seat securement anchor 164 as follows. According to preferred embodiments, the baby-seat securement anchor 164 is in 2025202465   07 Apr 2025 the form of, or includes, a bar 164.1 which serves as a striker for engagement with the bear claw latch 152.

[0105] In order to engage the baby-seat securement anchor 164 with the bear claw latch 152, the latch is engaged with the securement anchor by inserting the bar 164.1 via the opening 152.15, into the recess formation 152.13, until the securement anchor engages the actuation formation 152.12.

[0106] Further urging of the bear claw latch 152 in relation to the securement anchor 164 causes the bar 164.1 to force the actuation formation 152.12 in a direction 152.16 as shown in Figure 13, thereby causing the latch element 152.09 to rotate in a clockwise direction as shown in that figure, from the non-securing position as shown to a securing position in which the latch engagement formation 152.11 is in the position as shown in dashed lines in Figure 13.

[0107] The bear claw latch 152 includes an internal mechanism (not shown) as would be understood by a person skilled in the art, which is adapted to lock the latch element 152.09 in the securing position.

[0108] When the latch element 152.09 is in the securing position, the latch engagement formation 152.11 fully or partly closes the opening 152.15 thereby preventing the bar 164.1 of the securement anchor 164 from being removed from the recess formation 152.13 via the opening. This, in turn, results in the rod 164.1 being held captive in the recess formation 152.13 and thus results in the bear claw latch 152 being secured to the securement anchor 164.

[0109] In order to release the bear claw latch 152 from the securement anchor 164, it is necessary to withdraw the bar 164.1 from the recess formation 152.13 via the opening 152.15. To achieve this, it is necessary to move the release actuator 152.06 in a direction away from the anchor tab 152.04 as indicated by the arrow 155. This movement is adapted to cause the internal mechanism of the bear claw latch 152 to release the latch element 152.09 so that it can return, under the force of the spring mechanism 152.14, to the non-securing position of the latch element as described above and as shown in Figure 13. 2025202465   07 Apr 2025

[0110] In this position, the latch engagement formation 152.09 does not close the opening 152.15 and therefore the bar 164.1 can be withdrawn from the recess formation 152.13 via the opening, so as to allow the bear claw latch 152 to be separated from the securement anchor 164.

[0111] In other embodiments (not shown), other forms of attachment may be used instead of the bear claw latch 152, including, for example, a bear claw latch of the different type.

[0112] According to one example of such other form of attachment, a bear claw latch may be used where, instead of having the latch engagement formation 152.09 disposed opposite the opposing surface 152.16 to define the opening 152.15, with the latch engagement formation being movable towards that opposing surface to close or partly close the opening to prevent the bar 164.1 from being withdrawn from the recess formation 152.13 via the opening, a latch element may be provided which itself serves to prevent the bar from being withdrawn from the recess formation via the opening. In this example, the latch element has a latch engagement formation which defines a substantially U-shaped rod receiving formation, the open end of which faces towards the recess formation. When the latch element is moved to its securing position in a similar manner to that of the latch element 152.09, if an attempt is made to withdraw the bar 164.1 from the recess formation via the opening, the bar will move into the U-shaped rod receiving formation, and be prevented from passing the latch engagement formation and being withdrawn from the bear claw latch.

[0113] According to another example of such other form of attachment, instead of having the latch engagement formation 152.09 disposed opposite the opposing surface 152.16 to define the opening 152.15, with the latch engagement formation being movable towards that opposing surface to close or partly close the opening to prevent the bar 164.1 from being withdrawn from the recess formation 152.13 via the opening, the bear claw latch has two rotatable latch elements. These elements are adapted to rotate simultaneously, but in opposite rotational directions to each other, between respective securing positions and respective non-securing positions. When the latch elements are in their non-securing positions, their latch engagement formations together define an opening between them and define between them a recess formation for receiving the bar 164.1 therein via the opening. The latch elements have formations corresponding to the 2025202465   07 Apr 2025 actuation formation 152.12. When these formations are engaged by the bar 164.1, the latch elements are adapted to be rotated from their non-securing positions to their securing positions. During this rotation, their latch engagement formations move towards each other to at least partly close the opening, to prevent the bar 164.1 from being withdrawn from the recess formation.

[0114] According to a preferred embodiment, the restraining apparatus 150 includes a latch attachment element 154, preferably in the form of an attachment plate as shown in Figure 11. The latch attachment element 154 is adapted to be fastened to the bear claw latch 152 by means of fastening bolts 156 (not shown) passing though attachment apertures 152.03 of the bear claw latch, and fastener apertures (not shown) in the latch attachment element 154.

[0115] The belt retraction device 312 of the restraining apparatus 150 is adapted to be mounted to the latch attachment element 154 by suitable connectors, such as bolts (not shown).

[0116] The restraining apparatus 150 includes an extendible guide bracket 162 which, according to a preferred embodiment as shown in Figure 11, is integral with the latch attachment element 154.

[0117] According to a preferred embodiment as illustrated schematically in Figure 14, the guide bracket 162 includes an upper portion 162.01 and a lower portion 162.02. The upper portion 162.01 includes a socket formation 162.03 defining an inner passage 162.04, which is adapted to receive an upper part 162.05 of the lower portion 162.01 as shown in Figure 14, for that upper part to be slidable in the passage, so that the lower portion 162.02 is slidable relative to the upper portion 162.01. This enables the overall length of the guide bracket 162 to be adjusted.

[0118] The upper part 162.05 of the lower portion 162.02 defines a series of holes 162.06 arranged longitudinally along the upper part. Mounted to the socket formation 162.03 is a locking lug 162.07 which passes through an aperture 162.08 in the socket formation, and which is urged by a spring 162.09 towards the upper part.

[0119] In other embodiments, different numbers of holes 162.06 are provided. 2025202465   07 Apr 2025

[0120] When any one of the holes 162.06 is brought into alignment with the locking lug 162.07 by sliding the upper part 162.05 of the lower portion 162.02 upwards or downwards within the inner passage 162.04, the spring 162.09 forces the lug to move partly into the aligned hole, thereby to lock the lower portion against further sliding motion relative to the socket formation 162.03 and hence relative to the upper portion 162.01.

[0121] The locking lug 162.07 can be disengaged from the particular hole 162.06 in which it is inserted by means of a suitable actuator 162.10 (shown schematically in Figure 14.

[0122] In different embodiments, different forms of actuator 162.10 may be used as would be understood by a person skilled in the art. For example, the actuator 162.10 may include a simple pullable knob; or be in the form of, or include, a lever where depressing one side of the lever causes an opposite side of the lever to force the lug from the hole; or involve a button and cam arrangement where the button includes a cam follower and the cam is attached to the lug 162.07 so that pressing the button causes the cam follower to ride along the cam to force the lug from the hole; etc.

[0123] The position of the lower portion 162.02 relative to the upper portion 162.01 can thus be adjusted to assist in achieving a desirable overall length of the guide bracket 162, which be based, for example, on the length of the back of the seat 74.

[0124] The guide bracket 162 can be used in a situation where the motor vehicle has a baby-seat securement anchor 164 located behind the seat 74 of the vehicle at a position below the top of the seat, as shown in Figure 11. According to one example, the babyseat securement anchor 164 is located behind the seat 74 in the boot (trunk) of the vehicle.

[0125] A far-upper portion 162.11 of the guide bracket 162 is curved, and is adapted to curve over the top of the seat 74, also as shown in Figure 11.

[0126] The restraining apparatus 150 includes a swivel element 166 rotatably mounted to the curved far-upper portion 162.11 of the guide bracket 162 by means of a swivel element bolt 168 (indicated as a dashed line) that passes though a first swivel aperture 170 in the swivel element 166 and a second swivel aperture 172 in the curved upper portion. 2025202465   07 Apr 2025

[0127] The swivel element 166 also defines a belt slot 174 which is adapted to have the belt 328 pass therethrough to guide the belt.

[0128] According to an embodiment, when the bear claw latch 152 is attached to the baby-seat securement anchor 164 and the latch attachment element 154 is fixed to the bear claw latch 152, the guide bracket 162 is adapted to extend along a rear surface of the seat 74 with the curved upper portion 162.11 extending over the top of the seat as shown in Figure 11.

[0129] The belt retraction device 312 of the restraining apparatus 150 is mounted on the latch attachment element 154, with the belt 328 extending from belt retraction device, upward along the guide bracket 162 over the top of the seat, and through the belt slot 174.

[0130] The ability of the swivel element 166 to rotate relative to the guide bracket 162 allows can assist in allowing the belt retraction device 312 to continue to function effectively whether the animal pulls the belt connector 360 and hence the second belt end 328.2 directly forwards relative to the top of the seat 374, or laterally, without causing the belt 328 to become jammed in the belt slot 174 which could render the restraining apparatus 150 inoperative.

[0131] The belt connector 360 of the restraining apparatus 150 is adapted to be used in the manner described above in relation to the belt connector 60 of the restraining apparatus 10.

[0132] Although the invention is described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not limited to those embodiments but may be embodied in other forms.

Claims

1. An animal restraining apparatus for restraining an animal in a motor vehicle, the apparatus including:a flat, elongate belt having a first belt end and a second belt end;a mounting means for releasably retrofitting the restraining apparatus to an anchor in an interior of the motor vehicle;a securement clip device attached to the belt at or adjacent to the second belt end, the securement clip being adapted for attachment to a ring on a collar or harness worn by the animal; anda belt retraction device havinga mounting portion adapted for mounting the belt retraction device to the mounting means,a spool which is rotatable relative to the mounting portion about a spool axis,urging means adapted for urging the spool in a first rotational direction about the spool axis, andat least one ofa first spool locking means adapted for locking the spool against rotation in a second rotational direction, opposite to the first rotational direction, if the belt retraction device, when undergoing linear motion, is caused to decelerate by at least a predetermined deceleration rate, anda second spool locking means adapted for locking the spool against rotation in the second rotational direction if the spool is caused to rotate in the second rotational direction at at least a predetermined rotational speed, whereinthe first belt end is secured to the spool,at least a part of the belt is adapted to be wound onto the spool on rotation of the spool in the first rotational direction,the spool is adapted, if a part of the belt is wound onto the spool, to rotate in the second rotational direction to allow said part of the belt to unwind from the spool when the second belt end is pulled away from the belt retraction device.2025202465   07 Apr 20252. An animal restraining apparatus according to claim 1 including a frame, wherein the spool is mounted to the frame so as to be rotatable about the spool axis by rotating relative to the frame.

3. An animal restraining apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the frame includes a housing for the spool.

4. An animal restraining apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spool is adapted, if a part of the belt is wound onto the spool, to rotate in the second rotational direction to allow said part of the belt to unwind from the spool when the second belt end is pulled away from the belt retraction device in a first extension direction having a horizontal component, andsaid part of the belt is adapted to unwind from the spool when the second belt end is pulled away from the belt retraction device in each of a plurality of second extension directions having horizontal components, the second extension directions being different to the first extension direction.

5. An animal restraining apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the spool is mounted relative to the mounting means so as to be swivelable relative to the mounting means about a swivel axis.

6. An animal restraining apparatus according to claim 4 when depending from claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the frame is mounted relative to the mounting means by a swivel connector to enable the spool to be swivelable relative to the mounting means about a swivel axis.

7. An animal restraining apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the mounting means includes a first mounting means part and a second mounting means part, wherein the second mounting means part is rotatably connected to the first mounting means part and defines a belt guiding aperture, wherein the second belt end is adapted to be pulled away from the belt retraction device said first extension direction and in each of said plurality of second extension directions having horizontal components by means of the second mounting means part swivelling relative to the first mounting means part.2025202465   07 Apr 20258. An animal restraining apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting means is adapted for releasable attachment to said anchor where the anchor includes a headrest of the motor vehicle.

9. An animal restraining apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the headrest includes a head-restraining portion and at least one support post for supporting the headrestraining portion, wherein the mounting means is adapted to define at least one supportpost receiving aperture for receiving the at least one support post therethrough, in order to releasably attach the mounting means to the at least one support post.

10. An animal restraining apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the headrest includes a pair of support posts spaced apart from each other, and the mounting means defines at least two support post receiving apertures, wherein at least one of the support post receiving apertures is elongate.

11. An animal restraining apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the mounting means defines a plurality of round support post receiving apertures and an elongate support post receiving aperture.

12. An animal restraining apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the mounting means includes two mounting means portions that are adapted to be moved relative to each other between a closed condition in which the two mounting means portions are abutted with each other to define said at least one support-post receiving aperture, and an open condition in which the two mounting means portions are at least partly separated from each other so as to define two separated parts of each of the at least one support-post receiving aperture, wherein the mounting means is adapted to be secured to the at least one support post by means of the two mounting means portions being moved from the open condition to the closed condition such that the at least one support post is held captive in the at least one support-post receiving aperture.

13. An animal restraining apparatus according to any one claims 1 to 4 or claim 7 wherein the mounting means is adapted for releasable attachment to said anchor where the anchor is a baby seat restraining anchor fixed within the motor vehicle.2025202465   07 Apr 202514. An animal restraining apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the baby seat restraining anchor is disposed behind a backrest of the seat of the motor vehicle, and the baby seat restraining anchor and retraction device are both disposed below the top of the backrest, wherein the mounting means includes a guide portion adapted to guide a portion of the belt that extends from the belt retraction device, along a rear side of the backrest to at least the top of the backrest.

15. An animal restraining apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said guide portion has a length which is adjustable in order to adapt the guide portion in relation to the height of the backrest.

16. An animal restraining apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15 wherein said guide portion includes a curved portion adapted to curve over the top of the backrest.

17. An animal restraining apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the mounting means is adapted for releasable attachment to said anchor where the anchor is a baby seat restraining anchor fixed within the motor vehicle, the baby seat restraining anchor being disposed behind a backrest of the seat of the motor vehicle, and the baby seat restraining anchor and retraction device both being disposed below the top of the backrest, the mounting means including a guide portion adapted to guide a portion of the belt that extends from the belt retraction device, along a rear side of the backrest to at least the top of the backrest, wherein the guide portion forms part of said first mounting means part.

18. An animal restraining apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including a brake device adapted for applying a braking effect on at least one of the belt and the spool, to restrict rotational speed of the spool in said first rotational direction under said urging force.

19. An animal restraining apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the brake device includes a brake element which is adapted to frictionally abut against the belt to apply said braking effect.2025202465   07 Apr 202520. A method of installing an animal restraining apparatus for restraining an animal in a motor vehicle, the method including:providing an animal restraining apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19; andreleasably attaching the mounting means to said anchor so as to releasably attach the restraining apparatus to the motor vehicle.

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