US007229132B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7,229,132 B2

Meeker et al. (45) Date of Patent: *Jun. 12, 2007
(54) FOLDABLE BOOSTER CAR SEAT 4,818,023 A 4, 1989 Griesemer .................. 297/483
4,854,639 A 8/1989 Burleigh et al.
(75) Inventors: Paul Meeker, Hiram, OH (US); 4,986,600 A 1/1991 Leblanc et al. ............. 297.238
William R. Gibson, Kent, OH (US) 5,018,788 A * 5/1991 Cedergreen ....... ... 297,378.1
rsr rr 5,158,337 A 10/1992 Leggett .. ... 297/250
(73) Assignee: Meeker R & D, Inc., Hiram, OH (US) 5,169,174. A 12/1992 Gray ................ ... 280/808
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 5, 190,344. A 3/1993 Anderson et al. ............. 297/17
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 5,366,271 A 1 1/1994 Johnston et al. ............ 297/250
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. 5,378,038 A * 1/1995 Koyanagi et al. ...... 297/256.13
5,395,154 A * 3/1995 Wang ......................... 297,130
This patent is Subject to a terminal dis- 5,413.401 A * 5, 1995 Koyanagi - - - - - - - - - ... 297,250.1
claimer. 5,460,426 A * 10/1995 Tribelsky et al. ............. 297/17
5,472,236 A 12/1995 Gray .......................... 280/808
(21) Appl. No.: 10/259,097 5,496,092 A * 3/1996 Williams et al. ......... 297/25O1
5,551,751 A 9, 1996 Sedlack et al. ............. 297/256
(22) Filed: Sep. 27, 2002 5,564,780 A 10/1996 Presser et al. .............. 297.238
O O 5,580,125 A * 12/1996 Alger ...................... 297/25O1
(65) Prior Publication Data 5,658,047 A * 8/1997 Ratza et al. ........... 297,378.14
US 2004/0061366 A1 Apr. 1, 2004 5,678,887 A * 10/1997 Sher ........................ 297/25O1
(51) Int. Cl.
A47D L/10 (2006.01)
B6ON 2/00 (2006.01) (Continued)
(52) U.S. Cl. ................ 297/250.1; 297/255; 297/378.1;
297/378.12 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(58) Field of Classification Search ............. 297/250.1, DE 4137599 5, 1993
297/255, 256.1, 17,378.1, 378.12, 378.14,
297/331
See application file for complete search history.
(56) References Cited (Continued)
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS Primary Examiner Peter M. Cuomo
Assistant Examiner Sarah B. McPartlin
2.461,367 A 2, 1949 Bonk .......................... 155/79 (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Buckingham, Doolittle &
2,508,822 A 5/1950 Goldberg. ... 155/10 Burroughs LLP. Louis F. Wagner
2,548,016 A 4/1951 Goldberg. ... 155/79
2,634,794. A 4, 1953 Young ..... 155.79 (57) ABSTRACT
2.924,266 A 2, 1960 Goldbert ...................... 155/79
4,079,992 A * 3/1978 Thrift et al. .... ... 297,183.5
4,251,100 A 2, 1981 Rolandelli ................... 296,63 The invention relates generally to a foldable or collapsible
4,540,216 A * 9/1985 Hassel, Sr. .................. 297.238 juvenile car seat.
4,570,510 A 2f1986 Babak et al.
4,640,550 A 2/1987 Hakansson .................. 297/483
4,746,166 A 5, 1988 Sadan ......................... 297/17 44 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
 US 7,229,132 B2
Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 6,196,629 B1 3/2001 Onishi et al. ............... 297/256

6,336,682 B1 1/2002 Rosko ........................ 297/483
D387.934 S * 12/1997 Bear ........................... D6,598 6,491,348 B1 12/2002 Kain
5,722,731 A 3/1998 Chang .. 297/473 6,592, 183 B2 7/2003 Kain .......................... 297/253
5,733,004 A 3, 1998 Celestina-Krevh et al. . 297/250 6,685,266 B2 * 2/2004 James et al. . 297/25O1
5,769,495 A 6, 1998 Vairinen 2002/0033632 A1 3/2002 Gibson et al. .............. 297/483
5,785.383 A 7/1998 Otero ......................... 297/255 2002fO190547 A1 12/2002 Kain
5,803.543 A 9, 1998 Hartmann 2003/0067198 A1* 4/2003 Treen et al. ............. 297/25O1
5,820,221 A * 10/1998 Greaves et al. ........ 297.378.14 2003/0090.134 A1 5/2003 James et al.
5,845,967 A 12, 1998 Kane et al. ................. 297/250 2004/0084938 A1* 5/2004 Tomas et al. ............ 297/25O1
5,964,502 A 10/1999 Stephens .... 297/250
5.997,098 A 12/1999 Coffeen ... 297,483 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
6,015, 190 A 1/2000 Wend. ...... 297.378.1
6,079,780 A 6/2000 Bapst ... 297/250 WO WO O2,06091 1, 2002
6,155,638 A 12/2000 Bapst ... 297/250
6,189,973 B1* 2/2001 Wu ......................... 297 378.1 * cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Jun. 12, 2007 Sheet 1 of 10 US 7,229,132 B2
U.S. Patent Jun. 12, 2007 Sheet 2 of 10 US 7,229,132 B2
U.S. Patent Jun. 12, 2007 Sheet 3 of 10 US 7,229,132 B2
U.S. Patent Jun. 12, 2007 Sheet 4 of 10 US 7,229,132 B2
U.S. Patent Jun. 12, 2007 Sheet S of 10 US 7,229,132 B2
U.S. Patent Jun. 12, 2007 Sheet 6 of 10 US 7,229,132 B2
U.S. Patent Jun. 12, 2007 Sheet 7 of 10 US 7,229,132 B2

FIG. 7
U.S. Patent Jun. 12, 2007 Sheet 8 of 10 US 7,229,132 B2
U.S. Patent Jun. 12, 2007 Sheet 9 of 10 US 7,229,132 B2

FIG. 11
U.S. Patent Jun. 12, 2007 Sheet 10 of 10 US 7,229,132 B2

FIG. 14
 US 7,229,132 B2
1. 2
FOLDABLE BOOSTER CAR SEAT This folding booster is comprised of two main molded
components, the seat and back sections. They are joined at
TECHNICAL FIELD a main pivot directly behind and slightly above the lap belt
recesses. This pivot allows the back and seat sections to fold
The invention relates generally to a folding belt position toward each other, permitting the seat to be transported more
ing juvenile booster car seat that folds compactly for easy easily than a non-folding seat because of the Smaller size.
transportation, thereby reducing shipping costs as well as This reduction in size requires a package roughly half the
physical space requirements at the retail level. size of a typical non-folding seat, which is very beneficial
for packaging and freight cost savings as well as minimizing
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 10 retail shelf space at the consumer store location.
Two spring-biased latches located on each side of the back
Passenger restraint systems in automobiles are generally section, just above the main pivot maintain the back and seat
well suited to properly restrain adults but not well suited to in a folded or unfolded position. The latches engage recesses
properly restrain children. Accordingly, vehicle restraint molded into hubs on the seat section that are configured
systems must be Supplemented by devices such as booster 15 concentrically around the hub and the main pivot. The
seats, which may be broadly defined as a seat that relies latches and Surrounding structure are shaped such that the
primarily on the vehicle's lap and shoulder belts to retain the user must grip the latch and the Surrounding area of the seat
seat in the vehicle and to restrain the child’s torso. These back section at the same time. Squeezing the latch com
seats include a seat portion to elevate the child above the presses the spring and disengages the hub. Both latches must
vehicle's seating surface to a position in which the vehicle's be disengaged at the same time to release the hubs which
shoulder belt is better positioned on the child and which rotate freely as long as the latches are depressed. Since the
properly positions the vehicle lap belt on the child’s torso, act of releasing the hubs involves gripping the seat and
and may also include a back portion. A common construc latches simultaneously, folding is very easy as the user
tion technique for booster seats with backs is to mold the already has a grip on the seatback and can readily maneuver
seat and back portions from rigid plastic and cover them 25 it.
with a cushion or pad. As the seat back folds toward the seating Surface, the
Known booster seat designs suffer from several draw latches engage, via the springs, different recesses in the
backs. First, the large L-shaped bodies tend to be relatively hubs, holding the seat in its folded position. To unfold the
expensive and difficult to mold in one piece, especially if the seat to the usable position, both latches must be depressed
seat includes wings and a lap belt path. Additionally, these 30 simultaneously and the seat and back sections can be rotated
booster seat designs suffer from a large size which is difficult away from each other to their original position.
to ship, store, package for manufacturers, and difficult to When the seat is in the folded position, it can stand on its
store and transport for consumers. own and be carried like a suitcase with a handle molded into
The manufacturing expense associated with a rigid the top of the seatback. Alternatively, the carrier can grip the
molded body derives from the complex molding process 35
folded seat under the front bottom edge of the seat section
required. One solution is to mold the seat as a plurality of or with the folded seat turned on its side, under either
separate, less complex, pieces and assemble the separate armrest portion of the seat section.
pieces into a rigid whole. Unfortunately, molding the seat as In one aspect of the present invention, the foldability of
separate pieces requires additional tooling to mold the the car seat permits ease of transportation, economical
separate pieces and adds assembly steps, both of which add 40
packaging, shipping and low retail shelf space requirements
to the cost of manufacture. Thus, the savings due to less and consumer benefits from the standpoint of ease of trans
complex molding is offset by increased manufacturing and porting the car seat from location to location.
assembly costs and the seat is still large and bulky. These and other objects of the present invention will
Therefore, what has been lacking in the industry is an easy become more readily apparent from a reading of the fol
to manufacture L-shaped car seat which is easily collapsed 45
lowing detailed description taken in conjunction with the
or foldable from an L-shaped position to a more compact accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals
position for ease of transportation and storage, yet which can indicate similar parts, and with further reference to the
be similarly, easily unfolded to its L-shaped use position. appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 50
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The general configuration for a belt-positioning booster The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
car seat is typically a molded plastic seat with a back and a arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will
seating Surface. These Surfaces have adjacent side walls that be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in
help contain and protect the child occupant. Slots or recesses 55
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and
on both sides of the seat in the occupants' hip area receive wherein:
the lap belt portion of an auto belt restraint. Hooks or slots FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a foldable car seat;
on both sides of the seat on the head/shoulder area receive
the shoulder belt portion of the auto restraint in multiple FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the foldable car seat
height positions. The booster seat positions the auto belts to 60 of FIG. 1;
properly restrain the small occupant. The shoulder belt is FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the car seat of FIG.
especially important and the clips or slots on the shoulder 1 in a collapsed position;
area of the booster, when used properly, guide the belt across FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the cars seat of FIG.
the occupants shoulder and not on the head or neck. The lap 1 in a collapsed position;
belt is equally important and the slots in the hip area guide 65 FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the car seat of FIG. 1
the lap belt across the bony pelvis, not the soft abdomen shown in a collapsed position with the latch mechanism
aca. shown in cross-section;
 US 7,229,132 B2
3 4
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the car seat of FIG. 5 defining a slot 36 into which a shoulder belt (not shown)
shown in an open position with the latch mechanism shown may be inserted to as to properly be located upon an
in cross-section; occupant seated in the car seat. Optionally, shoulder belt
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an alternative guiding device may be configured so as to permit vertical
embodiment of the invention showing a bottom mounted 5 axial sliding movement on seat back sides 16. Additionally,
latch release; the lap belt is guided and positioned appropriately on a
FIG. 7a is a perspective view of an alternative embodi user's pelvic area by recessed areas 66 on either side of seat
ment of a hinge connecting the two portions of the car seat; member 12.
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of FIG. 7 in partial Seat member 12 further comprises a curvilinear seat
cut-away showing the bottom mounted latch release; 10 bottom 20, a pair of raised bottom sides 22, each side
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodi generally being hollow and having an exterior side 50, a
ment of the invention showing a top mounted latch release front top side 22, a lowered or recessed rear top side 66, an
in partial cut-away; interior side 64, a front 26 and a rear 52. At the base of seat
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an alternative member 12 is a pair of front leg members 30 and a pair of
embodiment of the invention showing a top mounted latch 15 rear leg members 28, each of the rear leg members having
release which uses a rocker arm; a back member 46 for physical contact with a surface for
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an alternative standing when seat member 12 is rotated into a collapsed
embodiment of the invention showing a button release latch; position in conjunction with base 150 of seat member 14
FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the button illustrated in FIG. 5. Seat member 12 optionally has a
release latch of FIG. 11 taken along line A A: recessed and cut-out portion 48.
FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the button Each seat back side 16 of seat back member 14 addition
release latch of FIG. 12 taken along line B. B; ally has a rotatable latch handle 42 pivotable about latch
FIG. 14 is side elevational view of an alternative embodi handle pivot pin 40 which is biased by biasing means 152 in
ment of the invention showing a button release latch posi a normally outward position. Positioned within yoke 56 is
tionable into one of two different locations; 25 yoke insertion member 44, which is typically a notched or
FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the button slotted wheel, having at least one, preferably at least two
release latch of FIG. 14 taken along line A A.; and defined engagement slots 80, 82 for mating insertion of a
FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the release male insertion member 68 affixed to one end of latch handle
latch positionable into one of two different locations of FIG. 42 when the handle is in the non-retracted position. Com
14. 30 pressive counterclockwise movement of latch handle 42
about latch pivot pin 40 into side frame recess 70 releases
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE the male insertion member 68 from one of mating slots 80
INVENTION or 82 and permits free rotational movement of seat member
12, or back member 14 depending on the reference location,
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are 35 bout main pivot pin 38. Releasing clockwise movement of
for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiment of the latch handle 42 re-engages male insertion member 68 into
invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, mating slots 80 or 82. It is understood that in the embodi
FIGS. 1 through 6 show one embodiment of this invention ment where only one slot is within insertion member 44, that
wherein depression of a pair of pivotable handles selectively slot 80 is the essential slot. While a slotted arrangement has
permit pivotable rotational movement from a first position 40 been described, it is envisioned that serrated gear and pawl
into a second position, thereby collapsing or folding the car arrangement is within the scope of this invention.
seat. The car seat 10 has a back member 14 and a seat In order to further minimize space requirements of car
member 12, the two members pivotally connected by main seat 10, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the curvilinear shape of front
pivot pin 38. Back member 14 further comprises a seat back top side 22 is essentially duplicated by the curvilinear shape
18, with reinforcing ribs 148 on a back side, a pair of raised 45 of top side 60 of seat back 14.
seat back sides 16, a slightly raised top ledge 24 and a seat FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of this invention
back bottom edge 54. Each seat back side 16 is generally wherein a top-mounted latch release is illustrated in contrast
hollow having an exterior side 62, a top side 60 and an to the rear-mounted latch release shown in FIGS. 1–6. In this
interior side 61, said hollow interior being generally con embodiment, a pair of elongated handles 76 are positioned
tiguous with top ledge 24. Optionally, a plurality of ribs 146 50 within the hollow wells of back seat sides 16, each of said
are interspersed between the interior 61 and exterior 62 sides handles in connected engagement with each other via con
for additional structural integrity. In this embodiment, each necting top segment 94. Each of the handles is downwardly
seat back side 16 has a yoke portion 56 for accommodating biased by spring 74 in contact with internal ledge 72.
pivotal rotational movement of a yoke insertion member 44 Upward longitudinal axial compression effected by upward
and permitting top side portion 66 of seat member raised 55 movement of top segment 94, handle tip 78 is retracted from
side portion 50 to be positioned in close proximity to raised its fully extended engagement position so as to permit
seat back sides 16 by clockwise rotational movement of seat pivotal counterclockwise rotational movement of back
member 12 toward back member 14. Phrased alternatively, member 14 toward seat member 12 with subsequent rein
and equivalently, the rotational movement may be thought of sertion of handle tip 78 into mating recess 82. While
as counterclockwise if back member 14 is rotated toward 60 elongated handles 76 are shown in the figure, it is equally
seat member 12. applicable that these handles could be replaced by cables
Each seat back side 16 has a seat belt guiding device 32 which would extend from the release handle 94 down each
affixed to an upper portion of exterior side 62. Each guiding side of the back to two small spring biased plungers that
device has a pair of inwardly facing hook-like members 58 engage the slots on the seat. The plungers are released by
at opposed ends of the device defining at least one slot. 65 pulling the handle in an upward direction.
Optionally and preferably, the device will have at least one FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of this inven
T-shaped member 34 between said hook-like members for tion wherein a top-mounted latch release is illustrated which
 US 7,229,132 B2
5 6
utilizes a rocker arm arrangement. In this embodiment, Depression of button 140 which is outwardly biased by
upward longitudinal axial movement of elongated handle 76 spring 142, permits counterclockwise rotational movement
effects counterclockwise rotational movement about pivot of back member 14 toward seat member 12. While two
pin 40 by physical contact with a slightly beveled projection openings, 136 and 138 are illustrated, it is recognized that it
86 on rocker arm 84, thereby retracting a second projection 5 is only critical that there be an open position hole 136,
88 and permitting counterclockwise rotational movement of although it is preferred that the collapsed position hole 138
back member 14 toward seat member 12 with subsequent be present.
reinsertion of second projection 88 into mating recess 82 In manufacture, the car seat 10 is typically made of
through the biasing force effected by spring 90 coupled plastic, preferably polyolefin, more preferably rubber modi
downward longitudinal axial movement of elongated handle 10 fied polypropylene and covered with a fabric, typically
member 76 by release of top segment 94. As described with including a foamed backing material for the occupant. A
reference to FIG. 9, it is equally applicable that the handle non-exhaustive list of possible plastics would include poly
member could be replaced by cables and the dual notch olefins, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyurethanes, poly
arrangement could be replaced by a single notch arrange alkylene terephthalates, polysulfones, polyimides, polyphe
ment described previously. In yet another embodiment, the 15 nylene ethers, styrenic polymers, polycarbonates, acrylic
rocker arm is pivotally connected to handle 76 via pivot pin polymers, polyamides, polyacetals, halide containing poly
152 illustrated in FIG. 10a. mers and polyolefin homopolymers and copolymers. Addi
FIGS. 7-8 illustrate still yet another embodiment of this tionally included would be mixtures of different polymers,
invention wherein a bottom-mounted latch release is illus Such as polyphenylene ether/styrenic resin blends, polyvi
trated which once again utilizes a rocker arm arrangement. nylchloride/ABS or other impact modified polymers, such as
In this embodiment, upward movement of a first end 96 of methacrylonitrile containing ABS, and polyester/ABS or
rocker arm 104 effects downward movement of projection polyester plus some other impact modifier may also be used.
108 on a second end of the rocker arm, thereby disengaging Such polymers are available commercially or may be made
from contact with mating slot 112 in slotted yoke insertion by means well known in the art.
wheel 100, thereby permitting counterclockwise rotational 25 More specifically, polymers of monoolefins and diolefins,
movement of back member 14 toward seat member 12 with for example would include polypropylene, polyisobutylene,
Subsequent reinsertion of projection 108 into mating recess polybutene-1, polymethylpentene-1, polyisoprene or polyb
110 by the biasing force effected by spring 102 on rocker utadiene, as well as polymers of cycloolefins, for instance of
arm 104. It is noted that in this embodiment, the yoke arms cyclopentene or norbornene, polyethylene (which optionally
96 and yoke insertion member 100 are essentially the 30 can be crosslinked), for example high density polyethylene
opposite from that described for the embodiment shown in (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low
FIGS. 1–6, thereby illustrating the interchangeability of this density polyethylene (LLDPE) may be used. Mixtures of
arrangement. It is once again recognized that the two notch these polymers, for example mixtures of polypropylene with
arrangement may be interchangeably replaced with the one polyisobutylene, polypropylene with polyethylene (for
notch arrangement discussed previously. It is also easily 35 example PP/HDPE), may also be used. Also useful are
recognized that the yoke arrangement is also interchange copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins with each other or
able with the non-yoke arrangement illustrated in FIG. 7a, with other vinyl monomers, such as, for example, ethylene?
and that this arrangement is applicable to all of the embodi propylene, LLDPE and its mixtures with LDPE, propylene/
ments shown in FIGS. 1-16. butene-1, ethylene/hexene, ethylene/ethylpentene, ethylene/
FIGS. 11-13 illustrate one embodiment of a push-button 40 heptene, ethylene/octene, propylene/butadiene, isobutylene?
release latch 112. Concentric to the pivot axis of the main isoprene, ethylene/alkyl acrylates, ethylene/alkyl
pivot hinge 120, each pivot hinge or rivet having a head 126 methacrylates, ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVA) or ethylene/
and a retaining flange 124, is a relatively large button 112 acrylic acid copolymers (EAA) and their salts (ionomers)
which protrudes outwardly from either exterior side 62 of and terpolymers of ethylene with propylene and a diene,
seat back sides 16. Each button is generally circular with at 45 Such as hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene or ethylidene-nor
least one, preferably a pair of laterally-extending wings 132 bornene; as well as mixtures of Such copolymers and their
to retain the button within the housing, each button being mixtures with polymers mentioned above, for example
outwardly biased due to spring 114 within the housing. To polypropylene/ethylene-propylene copolymers, LDPE/
release the seat member 12 from back member 14, each EVA, LDPE/EAA, LLDPE/EVA and LLDPE/EAA.
button must be depressed against the spring bias, thereby 50 Thermoplastic polymers may also include styrenic poly
releasing the interlocking details which consist of at least mers, such as polystyrene, poly-(p-methylstyrene), poly-(C-
one, preferably a pair of protrusions 134 in mating recep methylstyrene), copolymers of styrene or alpha.-methylsty
tacles 128. When sufficient rotational movement has been rene with dienes or acrylic derivatives. Such as, for example,
achieved that seat member 12 is adjacent back member 14, styrene/butadiene, styrene/acrylonitrile, styrene/alkyl meth
the depressive force is removed and the seat and back 55 acrylate, Styrene/maleic anhydride, styrenefbutadiene/ethyl
members are retained in their collapsed position due to the acrylate, styrenefacrylonitrile/methacrylate; mixtures of
interfacing of the newly positioned protrusions 134 in mat high impact strength from Styrene copolymers and another
ing receptacle 130. It is recognized that in this arrangement, polymer, such as, for example, from a polyacrylate, a diene
it is minimally required that the at lest one laterally extend polymer or an ethylene/propylene?diene terpolymer; and
ing wing 132 be capable of mating with at least one mating 60 block copolymers of styrene, Such as, for example, styrene?
receptacle 128, and that the incorporation of additional butadiene/styrene, styrenefisoprene?styrene, styrene/ethyl
wings and mating receptacles are optional. ene/butylene?styrene or styrene/ethylene/propylene?styrene.
FIGS. 14-16 illustrate yet another embodiment of a Styrenic polymers may additionally or alternatively include
push-button release latch 140 retained in place by wings graft copolymers of styrene or a-methylstyrene Such as, for
144. In this configuration, push-button 140 is illustrated to 65 example, styrene on polybutadiene, styrene on polybutadi
be capable of insertion into either open position hole 136 or ene-styrene or polybutadiene-acrylonitrile; styrene and acry
collapsed position hole 138 by rotation about main pivot 38. lonitrile (or methacrylonitrile) on polybutadiene; styrene
 US 7,229,132 B2
7 8
and maleic anhydride or maleimide on polybutadiene; Sty polyamide-6, polyamide-6/6, polyamide-6/10, polyamide-6/
rene, acrylonitrile and maleic anhydride or maleimide on 9, polyamide-6/12, polyamide-4/6, polyamide-11, polya
polybutadiene; styrene, acrylonitrile and methyl methacry mide-12, aromatic polyamides obtained by condensation of
late on polybutadiene, styrene and alkyl acrylates or meth m-Xylene, diamine and adipic acid; polyamides prepared
acrylates on polybutadiene, Styrene and acrylonitrile on from hexamethylene diamine and isophthalic and/or tereph
ethylene/propylene?diene terpolymers, styrene and acryloni thalic acid and optionally an elastomer as modifier, for
trile on polyacrylates or polymethacrylates, styrene and example, poly-2,4,4-trimethylhexamethylene terephthala
acrylonitrile on acrylate/butadiene copolymers, as well as mide or poly-m-phenylene isophthalamide may be useful.
mixtures of with the styrenic copolymers indicated above. Further copolymers of the aforementioned polyamides with
Nitrile polymers are also useful in the polymer composi 10 polyolefins, olefin copolymers, ionomers or chemically
tion of the invention. These include homopolymers and bonded or grafted elastomers; or with polyethers, such as for
copolymers of acrylonitrile and its analogs such as meth instance, with polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol or
acrylonitrile, such as polyacrylonitrile, acrylonitrile/butadi polytetramethylene glycols, and polyamides or copolya
ene polymers, acrylonitrile/alkyl acrylate polymers, acry mides modified with EPDM or ABS may be used.
lonitrile/alkyl methacrylate/butadiene polymers, 15 This invention has been described in detail with reference
acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS), and ABS which to specific embodiments thereof, including the respective
includes methacrylonitrile. best modes for carrying out each embodiment. It shall be
Polymers based on acrylic acids, include acrylic acid, understood that these illustrations are by way of example
methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate acid and ethacrylic and not by way of limitation. Accordingly, the scope and
acid and esters thereof may also be used. Such polymers content of the present invention are to be defined only by the
include polymethylmethacrylate, and ABS-type graft terms of the appended claims.
copolymers wherein all or part of the acrylonitrile-type What is claimed is:
monomer has been replaced by an acrylic acid ester or an 1. A transportable collapsible car seat for use with a
acrylic acid amide. Polymers including other acrylic-type passenger restraint system comprising a shoulder belt and a
monomers, such as acrolein, methacrolein, acrylamide and 25
lap belt which comprises:
methacrylamide may also be used. (a) a plastic seat back member having a top and a bottom
Halogen-containing polymers may also be useful. These and a pair of raised curvilinear sides, each seat back
include resins such as polychloroprene, epichlorohydrin member side having a curvilinear profile from said top
homopolymers and copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, polyvi to said bottom, each side having a shoulder belt posi
nyl bromide, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene chloride, 30
tioning member for use with said shoulder belt of said
chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated polypropylene, fluori restraint system toward a top of said side;
nated polyvinylidene, brominated polyethylene, chlorinated (b) a plastic seat member having a front and a back and
rubber, vinyl chloride-vinylacetate copolymer, vinyl chlo
ride-ethylene copolymer, vinyl chloride-propylene copoly a pair of raised curvilinear sides, each member side
mer, vinyl chloride-styrene copolymer, vinyl chloride-isobu 35 having a curvilinear profile from said front to said back;
tylene copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride (c) a means for selectively positioning and securing said
copolymer, vinyl chloride-styrene-maleic anhydride terco seat member from an essentially L-shaped first position
polymer, vinyl chloride-styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, to a second essentially collapsed position wherein said
vinyl chloride-isoprene copolymer, vinyl chloride-chlori top of said seat member is adjacent to said front of said
nated propylene copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinylidene chlo 40 back member and wherein said curvilinear profile of
ride-vinyl acetate tercopolymer, vinyl chloride-acrylic acid said raised curvilinear sides of said seat member are
ester copolymers, vinyl chloride-maleic acid ester copoly essentially in inverse relationship when adjacent to said
mers, vinyl chloride-methacrylic acid ester copolymers, curvilinear profile of said raised curvilinear sides of
vinyl chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer and internally plasti said back member in said second collapsed position, a
lateral distance between said sides of both said seat
cized polyvinyl chloride. 45
Other useful thermoplastic polymers include homopoly member and said back member being about the same;
mers and copolymers of cyclic ethers, such as polyalkylene (d) a means on said seat member for positioning said lap
glycols, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide or copoly belt of said restraint system across the bony pelvis of an
mers thereof with bis-glycidyl ethers; polyacetals, such as occupant; and
polyoxymethylene and those polyoxymethylene with con 50 (e) a pivot means connecting said seat back member with
tain ethylene oxide as a comonomer, polyacetals modified said seat member, said pivot means positioned Such that
with thermoplastic polyurethanes, acrylates or methacry when said collapsible car seat is in said second essen
lonitrile containing ABS. polyphenylene oxides and Sulfides, tially collapsed position, said bottom of said seat back
and mixtures of polyphenylene oxides with polystyrene or member and said back of said seat member are essen
polyamides; polycarbonates and polyester-carbonates; 55 tially in a horizontal plane permitting said collapsible
polysulfones, polyetherSulfones and polyetherketones; and car seat to be in an essentially vertical upright position.
polyesters which are derived from dicarboxylic acid and 2. The seat of claim 1 wherein:
diols and/or from hydroxycarboxylic acids or the corre (a) said lap belt positioning means is an indentation
sponding lactones, such as polyethylene terephthalate, poly member in each of said curvilinear sides at a back of
butylene terephthalate, poly-1,4-dimethyliol-cyclohexane 60 said seat member.
terephthalate, poly-2.2.4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane 3. The seat of claim 2 wherein said shoulder belt posi
terephthalate and polyhydroxybenzoates as well as block tioning member further comprises
copolyetheresters derived from polyethers having hydroxyl (a) at least one inwardly facing hook-shaped member.
end groups. 4. The seat of claim 3 wherein said shoulder belt posi
Polyamides and copolyamides which are derived from 65 tioning member further comprises
diamines and dicarboxylic acids and/or from aminocarboxy (a) at least one T-shaped member between at least two
lic acids or the corresponding lactams, such as polyamide-4, inwardly facing hook-shaped members.
 US 7,229,132 B2
10
5. The seat of claim 1 wherein said means for selectively (b) said button member has at least two laterally extend
positioning comprises ing male projections for insertion into each of said at
(a) a yoke having two arms and an aperture disposed least two indentations.
through each arm of said yoke; 17. The seat of claim 16 wherein
(b) an insertion member having an aperture disposed (a) said at least two indentations are spaced at between
therein and dimensioned to fit within said arms of said about 45–135° with respect to each other.
yoke, said insertion member having at least one inden 18. The seat of claim 17 wherein
tation about a periphery of said insertion member, and (a) said at least two indentations are spaced at between
(c) a means for selectively engaging said at least one about 75–105° with respect to each other.
indentation. 10 19. The seat of claim 1 wherein said means for selectively
6. The seat of claim 5 wherein positioning comprises
(a) said insertion member has at least two indentations, (a) a yoke having two arms and an aperture disposed
and through each arm of said yoke and at least one addi
(b) said means for selectively engaging is a means for tional aperture in an exterior arm of said yoke;
Selectively engaging said at least two indentations. 15 (b) an insertion member having an aperture disposed
7. The seat of claim 5 wherein said means for selectively therein and dimensioned to fit within said arms of said
engaging comprises yoke, said insertion member having an outwardly
(a) a pivotable outwardly biased handle having a male biased button dimensioned to fit into said at least one
projection for insertion into at least one indentation. additional aperture; and
8. The seat of claim 7 wherein (c) a means for selectively engaging said at least one
(a) said insertion member has at least two indentations, additional aperture.
and 20. The seat of claim 19 wherein
(b) said pivotable outwardly biased handle has a male (a) said exterior arm of said yoke has at least two
projection for insertion into each of said at least two additional apertures disposed therein; and
indentations. 25 (b) said means for selectively engaging comprises posi
9. The seat of claim 5 wherein said means for selectively tioning of said button between said at least two addi
engaging comprises tional apertures.
(a) a downwardly biased handle extending to a top of said 21. A transportable collapsible car seat for use with a
seat member having a male projection for insertion into passenger restraint system comprising a shoulder belt and a
at least one indentation. 30 lap belt which comprises:
10. The seat of claim 9 wherein (a) a plastic seat back member having a top and a bottom
(a) said insertion member has at least two indentations, and a pair of raised curvilinear sides, each seat back
and member side having a curvilinear profile from said top
(b) said handle has a male projection for insertion into to said bottom, each side having a shoulder belt posi
each of at least two indentations. 35 tioning member for use with said shoulder belt of said
11. The seat of claim 5 wherein said means for selectively restraint system toward a top of said side;
engaging comprises (b) a plastic seat member having a front and a back and
(a) a handle extending to a top of said seat member; and a pair of raised curvilinear sides, each member side
(b) an outwardly biased rocker arm having having a curvilinear profile from said front to said back;
(i) one male projection for insertion into at least one 40 (c) a means for selectively positioning and securing said
indentation on one end of the rocker arm; and seat member from an essentially L-shaped first position
(ii) one male projection for interfacing with a projec to a second essentially collapsed position wherein said
tion on said handle. top of said seat member is adjacent to said front of said
12. The seat of claim 11 wherein back member and wherein said curvilinear profile of
45 said raised curvilinear sides of said seat member are
(a) said insertion member has at least two indentations, essentially in inverse relationship when adjacent to said
and
(b) said one male projection is insertable into each of said curvilinear profile of said raised curvilinear sides of
at least two indentations. said back member in said second collapsed position, a
lateral distance between said sides of both said seat
13. The seat of claim 5 wherein said means for selectively 50 member and said back member being about the same;
engaging comprises and
(a) a downwardly biased rocker arm at a bottom of said (d) a means for selectively engaging said means for
seat member having a male projection for insertion into positioning:
at least one indentation. (e) a means on said seat member for positioning said lap
14. The seat of claim 13 wherein 55 belt of said restraint system across the bony pelvis of an
(a) said insertion member has at least two indentations, occupant; and
and (f) a pivot means connecting said seat back member with
(b) said male projection is insertable into each of said at said seat member, said pivot means positioned Such that
least two indentations. when said collapsible car seat is in said second essen
15. The seat of claim 5 wherein said means for selectively 60 tially collapsed position, said bottom of said seat back
engaging comprises member and said back of said seat member are essen
(a) an outwardly biased button member having at least tially in a horizontal plane permitting said collapsible
one laterally extending male projection for insertion car seat to be in an essentially vertical upright position.
into said at least one indentation. 22. The seat of claim 21 wherein:
16. The seat of claim 15 wherein 65 (a) said lap belt positioning means is an indentation
(a) said insertion member has at least two indentations, member in each of said curvilinear sides at a back of
and said seat member.
 US 7,229,132 B2
11 12
23. The seat of claim 22 wherein said shoulder belt 35. The seat of claim 34 wherein
positioning member further comprises (a) said at least two indentations are spaced at between
(a) at least one inwardly facing hook-shaped member. about 75–105° with respect to each other.
24. The seat of claim 23 wherein said shoulder belt 36. The seat of claim 21 wherein said means for selec
positioning member further comprises 5 tively positioning comprises
(a) at least one T-shaped member between at least two (a) a yoke having an aperture disposed through each arm
inwardly facing hook-shaped members. of said yoke and at least one additional aperture in an
25. The seat of claim 21 wherein said means for selec exterior arm of said yoke;
tively positioning comprises (b) an insertion member having an aperture disposed
(a) a yoke having an aperture disposed through each arm 10 therein and dimensioned to fit within said arms of said
of said yoke; and yoke, said insertion member having an outwardly
(b) an insertion member having an aperture disposed biased button dimensioned to fit into said at least one
therein and dimensioned to fit within said arms of said additional aperture; and
yoke, said insertion member having at least one inden (c) a means for selectively engaging said at least one
tation disposed about a periphery of said insertion 15 additional aperture.
member. 37. The seat of claim 36 wherein
26. The seat of claim 25 wherein said means for selec (a) said exterior arm of said yoke has at least two
tively engaging comprises additional apertures disposed therein; and
(a) a pivotable outwardly biased handle having a male (b) said means for selectively engaging comprises posi
projection for insertion into said at least one indenta tioning of said button between said at least two addi
tion. tional apertures.
27. The seat of claim 26 wherein 38. The seat of claim 21 wherein said means for selec
(a) said insertion member has at least two indentations, tively positioning comprises
and (a) a yoke having an aperture disposed through each arm
(b) said pivotable outwardly baised handle has a male 25 of said yoke; and
projection for insertion into each of said at least two (b) an essentially circular gear having a plurality of teeth
indentations. and an aperture therein, said gear dimensioned to fit
28. The seat of claim 25 wherein said means for selec within said arms of said yoke.
tively engaging comprises 39. The seat of claim 21 wherein said means for selec
(a) a handle extending to a top of said seat member; and 30 tively engaging comprises
(b) an outwardly biased rocker arm having (a) a gear having teeth; and
(i) one male projection for insertion into at least one (b) a pivotable outwardly biased handle having a pawl to
indentation on one end of the rocker arm; and interface with said teeth of said gear.
(ii) one male projection for interfacing with a projec 40. The seat of claim 39 wherein said means for selec
tion on said handle. 35 tively engaging comprises
29. The seat of claim 28 wherein (a) a downwardly biased handle extending to a top of said
(a) said insertion member has at least two indentations seat member having pawl interface with said teeth of
and said gear.
(b) said one male projection is insertable into each of said 41. The seat of claim 39 wherein said means for selec
at least two indentations. 40
tively engaging comprises
30. The seat of claim 25 wherein said means for selec
tively engaging comprises (a) a handle extending to a top of said seat member, and
(a) a downwardly biased rocker arm at a bottom of said (b) an outwardly biased rocker arm wherein
seat member having a male projection for insertion into (i) a said pawl interfaces with said teeth of said gear on
said at least one indentation. 45
one end of the rocker arm and
31. The seat of claim 30 wherein (ii) one male projection for interfacing with a projec
tion on said handle.
(a) said insertion member has at least two indentations, 42. The seat of claim 39 wherein said means for selec
and
(b) said male projection is insertable into each of said at tively engaging comprises
least two indentations. 50 (a) a downwardly biased rocker arm at a bottom of said
32. The seat of claim 25 wherein said means for selec seat member wherein said pawl interfaces with said
tively engaging comprises teeth of said gear.
(a) an outwardly biased button member having at least 43. The seat of claim 39 wherein said means for selec
one laterally extending male projections for insertion tively engaging comprises
into said at least one indentation. 55 (a) a downwardly biased handle extending to a top of said
33. The seat of claim 32 wherein seat member having a male projection for insertion into
(a) said insertion member has at least two indentations, said at least one indentation.
and 44. The seat of claim 43 wherein
(b) said button member has at least two laterally extend (a) said insertion member has at least two indentations,
ing male projections for insertion into each of said at 60 and
least two indentations. (b) said downwardly biased handle has a male projection
34. The seat of claim 33 wherein for insertion into each of said at least two indentations.
(a) said at least two indentations are spaced at between
about 45–135° with respect to each other.
 UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO. : 7.229,132 B2 Page 1 of 3

APPLICATIONNO. : 10/259097
DATED : June 12, 2007
INVENTOR(S) : Paul Meeker and William R. Gibson
It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is
hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 6, line 64, DELETE “a-methylstyrene and substituting therefore

--O-methylstyrene --
Claim 40, Column 12, line 37 INSERT the word --said-- between “having and "pawl".
Delete Drawing sheet 6, and replace with drawing sheet 6. (attached)
Delete Drawing sheet 7, and replace with drawing sheet 7. (attached)

Signed and Sealed this

Fourth Day of December, 2007

WDJ
JON. W. DUDAS
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
 Page 2 of 3

U.S. Patent Jun. 12, 2007 Sheet 6 of 10 7,229,132 B2

 Page 3 of 3

U.S. Patent Jun. 12, 2007 Sheet 6 of 10 7,229,132 B2

FIG 11