Abstract:
A child car seat with electronic entertainment features is herein disclosed, comprising an integral sound system with pre-recorded sounds or music, and a pair of speakers embedded in the car seat near the child&#39;s head. Also, a plurality of flashing lights that can be synchronized with the music is provided along a perimeter region. Finally, a vibrating mechanism in the base of the seat may operate in a synchronous manner with the music or provide a soothing and comforting effect thereto the child to lull the child to sleep. The seat is capable of manual or automatic operation as selected using a front-mounted switch control panel or may be controlled remotely via a handheld wireless controller. The car seat is powered by connection to a cigarette lighter socket within the vehicle.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/192,498, filed Sep. 19, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to child car seats, and more particularly, to a battery-operated child car seat that protects a child and entertains and stimulates the child by integral electronic entertainment features. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For parents and others involved in raising children, nothing even comes close to the importance placed on ensuring the child&#39;s safety at all times, day and night. This notion is perhaps best demonstrated in the safety precautions taken while traveling in an automobile. By law, small children are to be placed in safety seats at all times while traveling in an automobile. Various types of child car seats and restraints exist to reduce the risk of injury to a child in the event of a vehicle accident or similar event which can occur while driving. While car seats provide the best safety for the child that technology can provide, these seats lack any entertainment or amusement for the child. In fact, the immobilization of the child may cause temper tantrums, crying, whining and the like, much to the dismay of the driver or fellow passengers. 
     Devices have attempted to provide entertainment and amusement to children while riding in a vehicle. These attempts can be seen by example is several U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,147,109, issued in the name of Jolly, which describes a car seat with an audible reproduction mechanism mounted within a base portion; 5,482,352, issued in the name of Leal et al., which describes a child seat with a compartment for carrying an audio source; 5,624,156, issued in the name of Leal et al., which describes a child safety seat with entertainment system having speakers and an audio source; and 7,039,207, issued in the name of Elrod et al., which describes an entertainment and pacification system for a car seat having speakers, audio sources, and an anti-noise audio system. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for child seats exist, particularly, U.S. Pat. Nos. D 483,576, issued in the name of Kassai et al.; D 487,640, issued in the name of Chen; and D 537,640, issued in the name of Spence et al. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these attempts fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each suffers from one or more of the disadvantages or deficiencies. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which infants and children placed in car seats can be provided with a means to entertain, amuse, and soothe them. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a child safety car seat provided with various electronic components which makes car travel enjoyable for both a child and thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provides for this need. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that reduces the stress on a driver or passengers of an automobile caused by a non-entertained and fussy child. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that provides various means of audible reproduction which sooth a child. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that provides visual stimulus to a restrained child. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that provides an integral means of vibration to sooth and comfort the child. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide the child car seat with various means of operational control and electrical power. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a durable, safe, and effective child restraint for use while traveling in automobiles. 
     To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a child car seat with entertaining electronic effects including sound, illumination, and vibration. The apparatus generally comprises a car seat assembly having a base portion and a seat portion, a pushbutton housing, a power adapter, a pair of speakers, a handle, a plurality of lights, a vibration means, a remote controller, and a wireless signal receiver. 
     In a preferred embodiment a feature of the present invention is a music system that provides playback of pre-recorded or externally received music through a pair of speakers embedded in a car seat backrest portion that is adjacent to an occupying child&#39;s head. 
     Another feature of the present invention is a plurality of flashing color lights arranged along outer edges that provide various flashing illuminated effects. 
     Another feature of the present invention is a vibrating mechanism located within a base portion of the seat that produces vibration effects, which sooths and comforts the child. 
     Another feature of the present invention is functional control provided manually by using front-mounted pushbuttons or using a wireless remote controller. 
     Another feature of the present invention is to provide electrical power via a cigarette lighter adapter, thereby utilizing the vehicle&#39;s 12-volt electrical system. 
     The present invention provides a method of utilizing the apparatus that provides young children multiple activities to amuse them with while traveling in an automobile providing a more enjoyable trip for them and the driver and other passengers. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a child car seat with enhanced features  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the child car seat with enhanced features  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of the child car seat with enhanced features  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is an electrical block diagram of the child car seat with enhanced features  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  child car seat with enhanced features 
               15  car seat assembly 
               20  base portion 
               21  seat belt tunnel 
               22  release clasp 
               23  pushbutton housing 
               24  pushbutton 
               26  power adapter 
               28  control module 
               30  seat portion 
               32  vibration means 
               34  vibration 
               35  release catch 
               38  first connector 
               39  second connector 
               40  shoulder strap 
               41  shoulder strap padding 
               42  strap latch 
               44  crotch strap 
               50  arm rest portion 
               60  backrest portion 
               61  foam filling 
               62  speaker 
               63  sound 
               70  handle 
               72  decorative indicia 
               80  light 
               81  illumination 
               95  child 
               100  remote controller 
               102  remote controller button 
               105  signal 
               110  signal receiver 
               115  interface port 
               120  seat belt 
               130  first rear latching feature 
               132  second rear latching feature 
               136  first front latching feature 
               138  second front latching feature 
               150  wiring 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a child car seat with enhanced features (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10  comprising entertaining electronic effects including sound  63 , illumination  81 , and vibration  34 . A music system provides playback of pre-recorded or externally received music  63  through a pair of speakers  62  embedded therein a car seat backrest portion  60  being adjacent thereto an occupying child&#39;s head  95 . A plurality of flashing color lights  80  arranged along outer edges provide various flashing illuminated effects  81 . A vibrating mechanism  32  located within a base portion  20  of the apparatus  10  produces vibration effects  34 , which sooths and comforts the child  95 . The features of the apparatus  10  are controlled manually using front-mounted pushbuttons  24  or from a distance using a wireless remote controller  100 . The apparatus  10  is powered via a cigarette lighter adapter  26 , thereby utilizing a vehicle&#39;s 12-volt electrical system. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a perspective view and a front view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a car seat assembly  15 , a pushbutton housing  23 , a power adapter  26 , a pair of speakers  62 , a handle  70 , a plurality of lights  80 , a remote controller  100 , and a wireless signal receiver  110 . 
     The apparatus  10  is depicted here comprising a two-piece unit comprising a hard plastic base portion  20  and a removably attached car seat assembly  15 . The base portion  20  provides attachment thereto a vehicle using an existing seatbelt  120 . The apparatus  10  further comprises standard and expected features being similar to those found on many popular car seat models such as, but not limited to: a seat belt tunnel  21 , a foam-filled  61  seat portion  30 , a pair of shoulder straps  40  having padded portions  41 , a strap latch  42 , a crotch strap  44 , a pair of arm rests  50 , a foam-filled  61  backrest portion  60 , and a carrying handle  70 . The seat portion  30  provides manual detachment means therefrom the base portion  20  via a release clasp  22  mechanism. The shoulder straps  40  are envisioned to be affixed securely thereto the seat  30  and back rest  60  portions via common strapping elements including a strap latch  42  and a restraining crotch strap  44  in an expected manner. The car seat assembly  15  is envisioned to be made using common plastic, vinyl, and fabric outer materials introduced in a variety of different colors and patterns, and an inner foam filling  61 . In use, the base portion  20  is secured thereto the vehicle via routing of an existing seatbelt  120  therethrough a seatbelt tunnel feature  21  being integrally-molded thereinto the base portion  20  as seen in  FIG. 1 . 
     The car seat assembly portion  15  further comprises particular enhancements designed to entertain and/or calm a child  95  while seated therein a vehicle. The base portion  20  further comprises an integral pushbutton housing  23  therealong a front surface providing a user manual control of the entertaining enhancements of the apparatus  10 . The pushbutton housing  23  is envisioned to comprise electronic components such as, but not limited to: a plurality of pushbuttons  24 , a remote controller signal receiver  110  and a software interface port  115 . The pushbuttons  24  comprise common momentary contact-closure devices providing various input signals thereto an internal control module  28  located therewithin the base portion  20  (see  FIG. 3 ). The pushbuttons  24  provide manual activation of various functions such as, but not limited to: ON/OFF switching, selection of various sleep and entertainment modes, different sound  63  and illumination effects  81 , menu and routine selection, selection of sounds and music  63 , volume control, illumination  81  brightness control, and the like. 
     The apparatus  10  receives electrical power via the power adapter  26 , thereby utilizing an available vehicle electrical system to produce said entertaining sounds  63 , illumination  81 , and vibrations  34 . The sounds and music  63  are to be locally broadcasted thereto the child  95  via a pair of common speakers  62 . Said sounds and music  34  are envisioned to comprise various pre-recorded sounds  63  such as, but not limited to: music, calming nature sounds, stories, nursery rhymes, animal sounds, and the like. Said sounds and music are to be received therefrom sound-generating microprocessor-based circuitry providing common memory and digital sound conversion functions and being integral thereto the aforementioned control module  28  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     The lights  80  provide an attractive visual illumination  81  effect to further entertain the child  95 . The lights  80  comprises a linear or random arrangement of variegated and colorful light bulbs located along forward facing surfaces and perimeter edge portions of the car seat assembly  15 . Said lights  80  comprise common illuminating devices such as light-emitting diodes (LED), incandescent bulbs, or other current illumination  81  technology. The lighting  80  and the sounds emitted therefrom the speakers  62  are to be capable of operating in either an independent manner or in a synchronous manner being responsive thereto each other so as to respond thereto certain sound elements  63  such as a musical beat, a musical rhythm, sound amplitude, and the like. The backrest portion  60  provides a pivoting attachment means thereto a “U”-shaped handle  70  which extends therefrom opposing outer side surfaces and extends laterally in front of the child  95  in a protective manner as well as pivoting upwardly to provide a grasping and carrying means. Said handle  70  further provides the child  95  with visually stimulating surface features such as colorful printed and/or molded decorative indicia  72  depicting symbols such as, but not limited to: animal figurines, cartoon characters, alphanumeric characters, and the like, being arranged along outer surfaces thereupon. 
     The seat portion  30  further comprises an internal motorized vibration means  32  being capable of conducting vibrations  34  having a variety of frequencies and corresponding amplitudes. The vibration means  32  is to be capable of also operating in a synchronous manner therewith the aforementioned sound and lighting portions of the apparatus  10  to enhance entertainment of the child  95 . Furthermore, the vibration means  32  may also be capable of providing a continuous vibration mode, thereby providing a soothing vibration  34  to comfort the child  95  and/or encourage the child  95  to sleep. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a section view of the apparatus  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  provides quick and easy loading and unloading of the child seat assembly  15  therefrom the base portion  20  by a user or care giver. The apparatus  10  comprises a release clasp  22 , a release catch  35 , a first rear latching feature  130 , a second rear latching feature  132 , a first front latching feature  136 , and a second front latching feature  138 . The latching features  130 ,  132 ,  136 ,  138  comprise geometrically matching pairs of plastic-molded interlocking and captivating stationary elements which are to be sequentially inserted thereinto each other and subsequently retained therein an engaged state via the spring-loaded release clasp  22  being engaged therein the release catch  35 . The release clasp  22  and release catch  35  are located therealong front surfaces of the car seat assembly  15  and base portions  20 , respectively. However, it is understood that the method utilized to latch the car seat assembly  15  thereto the base portion  20  is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other latching mechanisms, common in the industry, may be utilized without deviating from the basic concept, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  further provides a plurality of electrical connections therebetween the child seat assembly  15  and the base portion  20  via vertical mechanical engagement of a male first connector  38  and a female second connector  39 . Said connectors  38 ,  39  comprise multiple pin-out construction and male/female molded features. Furthermore, said connectors  38 ,  39  are arranged so as to be pre-aligned and engaged in a coincidental engaging motion therewith the aforementioned latching features  130 ,  132 ,  136 ,  138  when installing the child seat assembly  15  thereto the base portion  20 . Said connectors  38 ,  39  provide enabling electrical circuitry therefrom the internally mounted control module  28  located therewithin the base portion  20 , thereto the aforementioned vibration means  32 , speakers  62 , and lights  80  via common internal wiring  150  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an electrical block diagram of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  receives a 12-volt current therefrom a vehicle&#39;s 12-volt system via connection therewith a common cigarette lighter socket power adapter  26 . Said electric power is subsequently conducted thereto the control module  28  via internal wiring  150  within the base portion  20 . The control module  28  comprises a common plastic or metal electronic enclosure providing a protection and durable mounting means thereto internal electrical and electronic equipment and components such as, but not limited to: printed circuit boards, relays, memory chips, embedded software, sound processing circuitry, input/output signal processors, and the like. The control module  28  is in electrical communication therewith the pushbutton housing  23  which comprises a plurality of electronic input devices along an external surface including a plurality of pushbuttons  24 , a signal receiver  110 , and an interface port  115 . In use, the pushbuttons  24  are manually pressed by a user to provide selection and configuration of various sound  63  and illumination  81  functions of the apparatus  10  based upon active software and hardware configurations therewithin the control module  28 . The signal receiver  110  works in conjunction therewith a remote controller  100 , thereby providing a user alternate wireless activation of said sound and lighting functionality via a transmitted and received radio frequency (RF) or inferred (IR) signal  105 . The remote controller  100  comprises a plurality of remote controller buttons  102  along a front surface which emulate similar functions as the aforementioned pushbuttons  24 . The remote controller  100  is especially convenient in such cases as when the user is located at a distance therefrom the child  95  or while operating the vehicle. The control module  28  further provides a plurality of enabling electrical output signals via internal wiring  150 , being connected and conducted thereto the child seat assembly  15  therethrough the aforementioned first  38  and second  39  connectors. Said enabling electrical output signals are in turn in electrical communication therewith the aforementioned speakers  62 , lights  80 , and vibration means  32 . The control module  28  further comprises user configurable microprocessor-based software providing various sound  63 , vibration  34 , and illumination  81  effects designed to entertain and/or sooth the child  95  while he/she occupies the car seat assembly  15 . The pushbutton housing  23  is also envisioned to provide an external interface port  115  capable of establishing digital communication therebetween the control module  28  and various peripheral devices such as computers, MP3 players, and the like, thereby enabling downloading of data such as, but not limited to: music, sounds, stories, operational software, and the like. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: installing the base portion  20  of the apparatus  10  therewithin a vehicle in a forward-facing orientation by routing an existing vehicle seatbelt  120  therethrough the seatbelt tunnel feature  21  of the base portion  20 ; latching and tightening said vehicle seatbelt  120  in a normal manner; securing the child seat assembly  15  thereto the base portion  20 , if not previously installed, by initially engaging the rear latching features  130 ,  132 ; and engaging the front latching features  136 ,  138 , wherein the first connector  38  couples therewith the second connector  39 ; verifying that the spring-loaded release clasp  22  is latched securely thereto the release catch  35 ; loading and securing a child  95  thereinto the car seat assembly  15  by securing the shoulder straps  40 , strap latch  42 , and crotch strap  44  thereto said child  95  in a conventional manner; plugging the power adapter  26  thereinto a suitable 12-volt DC receptacle therewithin the vehicle; pressing the pushbuttons  24  to activate, configure, select, and activate desired sound  63 , illumination  81 , and vibration  34  effects of the apparatus  10 ; proceeding to drive the vehicle while utilizing the entertaining features of the apparatus  10 , thereto a destination in a normal manner; switching or reconfiguring the sound  63 , illumination  81 , and vibratory  34  effects of the apparatus  10  using the pushbuttons  24  or the remote controller  100  as desired; deactivating the apparatus  10  upon reaching one&#39;s destination, or until operation is once again needed using said push buttons  24 ; and, providing enjoyable and entertaining effects of the apparatus  10  thereto an occupying child  95  as well as experiencing improved operation of a vehicle by a care giver while utilizing the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.