Chairs and seats – Body or occupant restraint or confinement – Safety belt or harness; e.g. – lap belt or shoulder harness
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-21
2001-11-27
Chen, Jose V. (Department: 3636)
Chairs and seats
Body or occupant restraint or confinement
Safety belt or harness; e.g., lap belt or shoulder harness
C297S488000, C297S468000, C297SDIG001
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322150
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to vehicle seat belt assemblies, which typically include a lap belt and a diagonally-extending shoulder strap. The invention more particularly relates to a device which encourages use of seat belt assemblies by pregnant women, and which also encourages correct positioning the lap belt below the enlarged abdomen of a pregnant women and over the pelvis.
The safety benefits of vehicle seat belt assemblies are well known, and their use is mandated by law in most jurisdictions. However, many pregnant women find the seat belt, particularly the lap belt, to be quite uncomfortable, and, for that reason, will avoid wearing the seat belt assembly, despite good reasons for doing so.
In addition, even when the seat belt assembly is worn, the lap belt tends to extend across the abdomen in an unsafe position, rather than across the pelvis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a seat belt lap pillow and positioner for use by pregnant women includes an attachment portion which can repeatedly be attached to and removed from the lap belt, and a cushioning element attached to the attachment portion at the relatively upper edge of the lap belt web for padding the relatively upper edge. Comfort is enhanced, thus encouraging seat belt use, and the lap belt is urged downwardly into proper positioning across the pelvis, and away from the abdomen.
Padding the upper edge in particular of the lap belt web has been found to increase seat belt comfort, thus encouraging use.
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