Padded Cushioning Device For Seatbelts

U.S. Patent : # 6,086,158
*click patent number for full text patent document

Inventor : Dorothy Zeoli

The present invention (patent #6,086,158) was designed to cushion the harsh mechanics of the seatbelt keeping in mind our most priceless possessions, our children.

The safety belt is a great invention and has saved many lives, but regardless of how great it is, it still hurts the tender stomachs of our children and also cuts into their tender necks causing discomfort. In many cases a child will remove their safety belt without your knowing, and we all know too well what can happen.
Padded Cushioning Device For Seatbelts

The Padded Cushioning Device was designed to work side by side with the safety belt to keep our children comfy and safe. My pillow is unlike other devices invented for the same purpose which are made of hard molded composition or polyurethane foam covered with vinyl or rolled sheepskin.

The Padded Cushioning Device is soft because it is made of polyester/cotton material and firmly filled with 100% polyfill. For sanitary reasons it is 100% wash and dry. Because the device is made of material, any design can be used from favorite animations to wild action heroes.

The present invention is great for the elderly with sensitive stomachs and necks. The pillow is great for just about anybody who needs to relax or catch a nap.

Invention Objects & Goals

to provide a padded cushioning device which can be used in conjunction with seat belts

to provide a padded cushioning device which can easily be attached to a shoulder or lap belt and will prevent the belt from irritating the skin around the abdomen and neck

to provide a device which will fill the gap created from ill-fitting seat belts

to provide a device that is simple and easy to use and low in cost to manufacture

Patent Drawings

The following pictures are meant to display possible physical characteristics of the present invention and are not to be taken in a limiting sense. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 padded cushioning device 40 rear face of casing

12 child 42 lower flap

14 car seat 44 first end of lower flap

16 seat belt 46 top seam edge of cushion

18 buckle of seat belt 48 hook fastening element

20 abdominal restraint strap 50 loop fastening element

22 chest restraint strap of seat belt 52 inner face of lower flap

24 cushion 54 second free end of lower flap

26 first releasably attaching means 56 upper flap

28 abdominal area of child 58 first end of upper flap

30 second releasably attaching means 60 hook fastening element

32 neck of child 62 loop fastening element

36 casing of cushion 64 inner face of upper flap

38 front face of casing 66 second free end of upper flap

patent drawing

FIGURE 1
Figure 1 is a perspecive view of a child strapped into a car seat by a seat belt with the present invention installed in place.

FIGURE 2
Figure 2 is a front view taken in the direction of arrow 2 in Figure 1 with parts broken away.

FIGURE 3
Figure 3 is a front view of the present invention per se with both the upper flap and lower flap closed upon the cushion.

patent drawing

FIGURE 4
Figure 4 is a front view similar to Figure 3 with the upper flap opened and the lower flap closed.

FIGURE 5
Figure 5 is a front view similar to Figure 4 with both the upper flap and lower flap opened.

FIGURE 6
Figure 6 is a side view taken in the direction of arrow 6 in Figure 5.