Abstract:
A passenger reminder system for reminding a driver-caregiver, upon exiting a vehicle, that a passenger remains in the vehicle. Embodiments of the passenger reminder system generally comprise one or more straps or other barriers used to connect a driver&#39;s seat belt to the interior of the driver side front door. When the driver&#39;s door is open, the strap of the passenger reminder system extends from the seat belt to the interior of the driver&#39;s door, impeding the driver-caregiver from exiting the car. This hindrance reminds the driver-caregiver that another passenger is onboard and prompts the removal of the passenger.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a passenger reminder system. In particular, the invention relates to a passenger reminder system to prevent a caregiver from leaving an incapacitated passenger within a vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    When an incapacitated passenger is left unattended in a vehicle, grave consequences may result. The temperature in a parked vehicle in the summertime may exceed 140° F. Of particular significance is the possibility of leaving young children in a vehicle, because a child is more vulnerable to temperature extremes. In 2010 alone, more than 30 deaths occurred in the United States due to hyperthermia (heat stroke) of children left in vehicles. More than 400 such deaths have occurred over the past 12 years, about half of which were caused by the unintentional leaving of a child in a vehicle by a caregiver. Caregivers who have experienced this tragic situation frequently report they were simply too distracted or busy to realize that the child was still in the vehicle. 
         [0003]    In addition to hyperthermia and hypothermia (the opposite of hyperthermia, involving extreme cold temperatures), a passenger left unattended in a vehicle may be exposed to other threats. For example, a stranger may attempt to kidnap the passenger. The passenger may also suffer serious emotional trauma after being left unattended inside the vehicle. Thus, there is a need for a passenger reminder system to help caregivers remember to remove a passenger from a vehicle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for reminding a driver-caregiver, upon exiting a vehicle, that an incapacitated passenger is still in the vehicle. The passenger may be a child, an incapacitated adult, a pet or the like that should not be left alone in the vehicle. As utilized herein, the term “automobile” includes any vehicle capable of carrying passengers and may be used herein interchangeably with the term “vehicle.” A particularly significant application of this invention is child safety, because some children are not capable of getting out of vehicles on their own. Embodiments of the passenger reminder system generally comprise one or more straps or other barriers used to connect a driver&#39;s seat belt to the interior of the driver side front door. When the driver&#39;s door is open, the strap of the passenger reminder system extends from the seat belt to the interior of the driver&#39;s door, impeding the driver-caregiver from exiting the vehicle. This hindrance from exiting the vehicle reminds the driver-caregiver that another passenger is onboard and prompts the removal of the passenger. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, the passenger reminder system may comprise one or more straps of a length sufficient to extend from the seat belt to the driver&#39;s door. The one or more straps connect to the seat belt at a first end, and to the driver&#39;s door at a second end. The first end may be mounted to the seat belt by various means for mounting. The first end may also comprise a housing for containing the strap in a coiled state, the housing in some embodiments comprising a reel for coiling the strap, means for withdrawing the strap from the housing, and an opening at one end of the housing to allow a free end of the strap to be withdrawn from the housing. 
         [0006]    The second end of the strap may comprise means for coupling the strap to the interior of the door on the driver side. One or more connecting means may attach to the interior of the driver side door by means of stitching, adhesive loop, or other means. The one or more connecting means may further connect to the means for coupling, effectively binding the second end of the strap to the driver side front door. The strap may be of sufficient length to be connected to the connection means when the door is in an open position. 
         [0007]    One of the embodiments of this invention may include a system wherein the second end of the strap is affixed to the interior of the door by a means for securing of sufficient width to insert between the driver&#39;s door and a window within the driver side front door. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment of the system, the strap may comprise two detachable sections, a first section and a second section, with mating members that allow the two sections of the strap to be attached to one another. In this embodiment, the first end of the strap may connect to the seat belt by means for mounting, and the second end of the strap may connect to the interior of the driver side front door by one or more connecting means. 
         [0009]    Methods for installing embodiments of the present invention comprises assembling one or more straps, the strap having a length sufficient to extend from the seat belt to the driver&#39;s door, the strap connectable to the seat belt and the driver&#39;s door; installing a means for securing the strap to the interior of the driver&#39;s door; and mounting a first end of the strap onto the driver&#39;s seat belt. 
         [0010]    The apparatus and methods may further comprise adding a visual or audible reminder to the strap to remind the vehicle driver-caregiver to remove the passenger. 
         [0011]    Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a posterior view of a vehicle&#39;s driver seat, seat belt, steering wheel, door, and window, with a strap positioned according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a strap according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a strap having two detachable sections and two mating members according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a housing for containing the strap in a coiled state according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a vehicle&#39;s seat, seat belt, door, and window, with a strap having a means for mounting the strap onto the door, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5   a  is a perspective view of a strap having a connecting means according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a vehicle&#39;s seat, seat belt, door, and window, with a strap having a means for securing the strap to the driver&#39;s side door according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    The present invention relates to a system for reminding a caregiver about an incapacitated passenger in a vehicle. The passenger may be a child, an incapacitated adult, a pet or the like that should not be left alone in the vehicle. As utilized herein, the term “automobile” includes any vehicle capable of carrying passengers and may be used herein interchangeably with the term “vehicle.” The passenger reminder system prompts the caregiver to remember to remove the passenger before leaving the vehicle. Since a child is the most frequently vulnerable passenger, the claims refer to a child reminder system. However, the term “child” includes any other incapacitated passenger and is herein used interchangeably with the term “passenger.” 
         [0020]    Generally, the passenger reminder system comprises one or more straps that, when engaged, form a barrier between the seat belt worn by the caregiver and the interior side of the driver&#39;s door. Therefore, when the driver-caregiver opens the car door, the one or more straps prevent the driver-caregiver from exiting. It is this barrier that prompts the driver-caregiver to remember to remove the passenger before leaving the vehicle. Specific design details of this invention have been provided for illustration, but should not be considered limiting. Readers of skill in the art will recognize that many variations of these illustrative embodiments may be implemented consistent with the scope of the invention as described by the appended claims. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the passenger reminder system  10 , and  FIG. 2  illustrates a strap  20 . In  FIG. 1 , the driver&#39;s seat  8  is seen from a posterior perspective, with the position of the fastened seat belt  11  indicated. The driver&#39;s side door  12 , driver&#39;s window  15 , and steering wheel  5  are shown. In this embodiment, the system comprises one strap  20 , having a first end  22  and a second end  24 . Additional straps may be used. Also, a cord, rope, string, strip of cloth, or any flexible elongated barrier may be used in place of the strap  20  to prevent the driver-caregiver from exiting. In one embodiment, the strap  20  may be of a width of approximately between one inch and two inches, but the width of the strap  20  may vary in other embodiments. The strap  20  may comprise any material suitable for use as straps in a vehicle and may be expandable or elastic to ensure convenience and comfort for the user. The strap  20  or other barrier may be of a length sufficient to extend from the seat belt  11  to the driver&#39;s side door  12 . 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, the strap  20  comprises a sufficient length to extend from the driver&#39;s seat belt  11 , when latched, to the interior of the driver side front door  13 , when the door is open. 
         [0023]    The first end  22  of the strap  20  may comprise means for mounting  25  the strap  20  onto the seat belt  11 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In various embodiments, the means for mounting  25  may comprise an adhesive loop that attaches the first end  22  to the seat belt  11 . As utilized herein, an adhesive loop means a loop created by sweeping the first end  22  around the seat belt  11 , forming a loop, and adhering the swept portion of the first end  22  to an unswept portion of the first end  22  or the strap  20 . In other embodiments, the means for mounting  25  may be at least one connector characterized as mechanical, chemical, or nonmechanical and nonchemical, and combinations thereof. Examples of such connectors include a buckle system, a grommet, a snap, a clip, a clamp, a hasp, a clasp, a knot, a set of magnets, a temporary adhesive, Velcro®, a hook and eye system, a nut and bolt system, and the like presently known in the art, and combinations thereof. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, the first end  22  of the strap  20  may be modified to further comprise a housing  50  for containing the strap  20  in a coiled state, illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The housing  50  may be attached to the seat belt  11  by a means for fastening  58 , comprising at least one connector characterized as mechanical, chemical, or nonmechanical and nonchemical, and combinations thereof. Examples of such connectors include a buckle system, a grommet, a snap, a clip, a clamp, a hasp, a clasp, a knot, a set of magnets, a temporary adhesive. Velcro®, a hook and eye system, a nut and bolt system, and the like presently known in the art, and combinations thereof. The housing  50  may comprise a reel  54  within the housing  50  for coiling the strap  20 , and a spring  56  for maintaining tension on the reel  54  to keep the strap  20  in the wound state when not in use. The spring  56  may be attached to the reel  54  such that when the reel  54  spins with the force of withdrawing the free end of the strap  20 , the spring  56  becomes uncoiled. In this state, the spring  56  will generate a sufficient tension on the reel  54  to cause the strap  20  to automatically recoil into the housing  50  around the reel  54  when no force is applied by a user, or when the free end of the strap  20  is not secured in use. In this embodiment, the “free end” of the strap  20  refers to the portion of the strap  20  that protrudes outside the housing  50  when the strap  20  is in a wound state, which in turn is the portion of the strap  20  nearest its second end  24 . 
         [0025]    Referring again to  FIG. 4 , an opening  52  at one end of the housing  50  may be used to allow the strap  20  to be withdrawn from or recoiled into the housing  50 , under tension applied by either the driver-caregiver or the spring  56 , respectively. As used herein, the term “opening” refers to a hole, gap, crack, slit, or clearance of any kind. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the opening is situated near one end of a narrow face of the housing  50 , but the opening may be situated medially along one face of the housing  50 , or at any other location on the housing surface appropriate to permit winding and passage of the strap  20 . The opening  50  may be of a diameter of sufficient width to allow the free end of the strap  20  to be withdrawn through the opening  52 , but narrow enough to prevent the free end from being pulled completely inside the housing  50 . The housing  50  may be of a dimension (width and volume) sufficient to contain the majority of the strap  20  when in a wound state. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment (not shown), the housing  50  may further comprise a button. In this embodiment, the button may apply force to the strap  20  within the housing  50  or to the reel  54 . This force may prevent the strap  20  from winding around the reel  54  until the force is removed. Alternatively, the force may be removed by pressing the button. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, the system may comprise means for coupling  28  the second end  24  of the strap  20  to one or more connecting means  40  adapted to be attached to the interior of the driver side front door  13 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Thus, the one or more connecting means  40  may be attached both to the driver side front door  12  at one end, and to the means for coupling  28  at the other end, in various embodiments.  FIGS. 5 and 5   a  illustrate a side and perspective view, respectively, of the driver&#39;s seat  8 , seat belt  11 , driver side front door  12 , and window  15 . 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the one or more connecting means  40  may be attached to the interior of the driver side front door  13  by stitching  42  into the material covering the surface of the door, illustrated in  FIG. 5   a . In another embodiment, the one or more connecting means  40  may be attached to an extension of the interior of the driver side front door  13 . In a further embodiment, Velcro® may be used to attach the one or more connecting means  40  to the interior of the driver side front door  13 . In yet other embodiments, the one or more connecting means  40  may be attached to the driver side front door  12  using at least one connector characterized as mechanical, chemical, or nonmechanical and nonchemical, and combinations thereof. Examples of such connectors include a buckle system, a grommet, a snap, a clip, a clamp, a hasp, a clasp, a knot, a set of magnets, a temporary adhesive, Velcro®, a hook and eye system, a nut and bolt system, and the like presently known in the art, and combinations thereof. 
         [0029]    The means for coupling  28  may comprise an adhesive loop that loops through the one or more connecting means  40 . In other embodiments, the means for coupling  28  comprises at least one connector characterized as mechanical, chemical, or nonmechanical and nonchemical, and combinations thereof. Examples of such connectors include a buckle system, a grommet, a snap, a clip, a clamp, a hasp, a clasp, a knot, a set of magnets, a temporary adhesive, Velcro®, a hook and eye system, a nut and bolt system, and the like presently known in the art, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, thus, the one or more connecting means  40  and the means for coupling  28  comprise compatible means for attaching to one another. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the second end  24  of the strap  20  may comprise a means for securing  29  the strap  20  to the driver side front door  12 , the means for securing  29  being a width sufficient to insert between the driver side front door  12  and the window  15 . In this embodiment, the driver-caregiver can insert the means for securing  29  into the space between the door  12  and the window  15  after latching the seat belt  11 , and serve the purpose of attaching the strap  20  to the driver side front door  12 . 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, the means for securing  29  may be similar to the size and rigidity of a plastic credit card. The means for securing  29  may also comprise a material having the material property of elasticity sufficient to insert the means for securing  29  into the space between the door  12  and the window  15  without compromising the purpose and function of the means for securing  29 . For example, the means for securing  29  may comprise an elastomer. In other embodiments, the means for securing  29  may comprise a wedge and may be connected to the second end  24  of the strap  20  by at least one connector characterized as mechanical, chemical, or nonmechanical and nonchemical, and combinations thereof. Examples of such connectors include a buckle system, a grommet, a snap, a clip, a clamp, a hasp, a clasp, a knot, a set of magnets, a temporary adhesive, Velcro®, a hook and eye system, a nut and boll system, and the like presently known in the art, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the wedge may be detachable. For example, the wedge may be perforated with a small opening, said opening reinforced with a metal grommet insert. A thin, short string or cord may be passed through this opening of the wedge and fastened using at least one connector characterized as mechanical, chemical, or nonmechanical and nonchemical, and combinations thereof. Examples of such connectors include a buckle system, a grommet, a snap, a clip, a clamp, a hasp, a clasp, a knot, a set of magnets, a temporary adhesive, Velcro®, a hook and eye system, a nut and bolt system, and the like presently known in the art, and combinations thereof. The opposing end of the string or cord may be similarly attached to the second end  24  of the strap  20 . In another preferred embodiment, the second end  24  of the strap  20  may be directly connected to the wedge. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the strap  20  may comprise two detachable sections, a first section  32  and a second section  36 , with a first mating member  34  and a second mating member  38 , to allow the two detachable sections to be attached to each other. In this embodiment, the first mating member  34  may be opposite the first end of the strap  22 , and the second mating member  38  may be opposite the second end of the strap  24 . The first end of the strap  22  and the second end of the strap  24  may, in some embodiments, remain attached to the seat belt  11  and the interior of driver side front door  13 , respectively, allowing the driver-caregiver to “clip-in” to the system  10  by simply connecting the two detachable sections. The first mating member  34  and the second mating member  38  may be adapted to comprise means for mating the two detachable sections,  32  and  36 . Said means for mating may comprise at least one connector characterized as mechanical, chemical, or nonmechanical and nonchemical, and combinations thereof. Examples of such connectors include a buckle system, a grommet, a snap, a clip, a clamp, a hasp, a clasp, a knot, a set of magnets, a temporary adhesive, Velcro®, a hook and eye system, a nut and bolt system, and the like presently known in the art, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the means for mating may be a buckle system. In another embodiment, the means for mating may be a variation of the familiar hook and ring commonly used to attach dog leashes to dog collars. 
         [0033]    In various embodiments comprising two detachable sections, the first end  22  of the strap  20  may comprise means for mounting  25  to the seat belt  11 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2  and described previously. The second end  24  of the strap  20  may comprise one or more means for coupling  28  to one or more connection means  40  attached to the interior of the driver&#39;s side door  13 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  5 ,  5   a , and  6 , and described previously. The second end  24  of the strap  20  may be adapted to comprise a means for securing  29  that, in one embodiment, may be detachable. The means for securing  29  may have a width sufficient to insert between the driver side front door  12  and the window  15 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6  and described previously. 
         [0034]    Methods for installing embodiments of the present invention comprise assembling one or more straps  20  having a length sufficient to extend from the seat belt  11  to the driver&#39;s door  12 , the strap  20  connectable to the seat belt  11  and the driver&#39;s door  12 . The methods further comprise installing a means for securing  29  the strap to the interior of the driver&#39;s door  13 . In one embodiment, installing the means for securing  29  comprises installing a connecting means  40 , the connecting means  40  engaging a second end  24  of the strap  20  when in use. In another embodiment, installing the means for securing  29  comprises installing a wedge positioned at the second end  24  of the strap  20 , the wedge comprising a width sufficient to wedge between the driver&#39;s door  12  and a window  15  within the driver&#39;s door  12 . Installing the means for securing  29  may also comprise, in another embodiment, a card positioned at the second end  24  of the strap  20 , the card configured to be insertable between the driver&#39;s door  12  and the window  15  of the driver&#39;s door  12 . In some embodiments, the methods further comprise mounting a first end  22  of the strap  20  onto the driver&#39;s seat belt  11 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method further comprises mounting a housing  50  for the strap  20  to the first end of the strap  20 . 
         [0035]    Another embodiment of the present invention (not shown) comprises adding a visual or audible reminder to the strap to remind the driver of the vehicle to remove the passenger. In one embodiment, this reminder may comprise an electronic audible alarm or light, which sounds or blinks, respectively, when the one or more straps  20  is disconnected from either the seat belt  11  or the connecting means  40  attached to the driver side front door  12 . Alternatively, in a system in which the one or more straps  20  comprises two sections, a first section  32  and a second section  36 , an electronic audible alarm or blinking light could be attached near the location where the first mating member  34  of the first section  32  and the second mating member  38  of the second section  36  attach to one another. When the mating members are disengaged from one another, the electronic audible alarm or blinking light could be activated. 
         [0036]    The inventive concepts disclosed herein are capable of many other embodiments while remaining within the scope of the present invention. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to said person with ordinary skill in the art. For example, some variations may include modifications of the type of material used for the one or more straps  20 ; the exact dimensions of the one or more straps  20 ; the device used as a means for mounting  25 , means for coupling  28 , means for securing  29 , the attachment of the first mating member  34  to the second mating member  38 , and the connecting means  40 . The fastening mechanism is therefore not considered exhaustive and several substitutions and combinations could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the caregiver is described as the vehicle driver, but may also be a fellow passenger in either the front seat or rear seat of the vehicle. The passenger may be a child located in the rear seat of the vehicle, but may also be an incapacitated adult, or a pet. To the extent that such modifications fall within the scope of the present invention, they are intended to be covered by this patent.