Patent Publication Number: US-2012025589-A1

Title: Safety seatbelt system for pregnant women

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/369,827, filed Aug. 2, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of seatbelt harnesses and more specifically relates to a seatbelt harness for use on pregnant women to prevent the death or injury to unborn fetuses during vehicular accidents. 
     2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     A seatbelt, sometimes called a safety belt, is a safety harness designed to secure the occupant of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result from a collision or a sudden stop. As part of an overall automobile passive safety system, seat belts are intended to reduce injuries by stopping the wearer from hitting hard interior elements of the vehicle, or other passengers (the so-called second impact), are in the correct position for the airbag to deploy and prevent the passenger from being thrown into the windshield or from the vehicle. Seat belts also absorb energy by being designed to stretch during sudden deceleration, so that there is less speed differential between the passenger&#39;s body and their vehicle interior, and also to spread the loading of impact on the passenger&#39;s body. There are many short-comings in current seatbelt systems. 
     Pregnancy is the carrying of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, inside the womb of a female. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets. Childbirth usually occurs about 38 weeks after conception; in women who have a menstrual cycle length of four weeks, this is approximately 40 weeks from the last normal menstrual period (LNMP). During this time expectant mothers may be travelling using seatbelts, causing potential danger to the developing fetus. 
     Individuals should always wear a seatbelt, even while pregnant. However, wearing a lap belt across one&#39;s pregnant stomach can be dangerous. In the event of an accident, the lap belt could potentially cause severe harm to the unborn child. The belt is often positioned directly over the top of the baby, and in a collision can cause trauma to the child. Death is even a possibility depending on the severity of the accident and the position of the lap belt. Pregnant women are often uncomfortable with the idea of not wearing a seatbelt, but also want to protect their child from seatbelt trauma. A more efficient seatbelt option is needed. 
     Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,354; Pub. Nos. 2002/0140279; 2005/0110316; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,005,865; 6,935,700; 4,610,463; and 5,915,789. This prior art is representative of seatbelts. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
     Ideally, a safety seatbelt system for pregnant women should be safe, user-friendly, easy to install and yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable safety seatbelt system for pregnant women that protects unborn fetuses in the event of a vehicular accident. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known seatbelt harness art, the present invention provides a novel safety seatbelt system for pregnant women. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a safety seatbelt usable by pregnant women that protects unborn fetuses in the event of a vehicular accident. 
     The present invention, safety seatbelt system for pregnant women as disclosed herein preferably comprises: a ballistic nylon webbing restraint harness having a profile providing an open abdominal area for accommodating a developing fetus within the pregnant passenger; an attachment strap having a male end and a female end that wraps around a posterior region of a seat in a vehicle; a D-ring bracket; a neck engaging portion, such that a chest of the pregnant passenger is suitably restrained from forward movement in the event of a collision; and at least two threadable clips to provide side adjustment. The harness has a top female end and a bottom female end along with a male end for suitable attachment. 
     Further, the restraint harness preferably comprises a back strap. The restraint harness provides attachment points on both bottom sides of the restraint harness such that the restraint harness can be removably affixed to the OEM (original equipment manufacture) seatbelt assembly in the vehicle. As a result the restraint harness provides at least three attachment points to the OEM seatbelt assembly in the vehicle. 
     The profile providing an open abdominal area comprises an approximately 10-inch by 4-inch lower abdominal elastic strap, circumventing the developing fetus. The profile of the restraint harness is given a larger surface area of contact with the pregnant passenger, thereby directing force around where the developing fetus is growing to provide a safety zone for the fetus. The abdominal area for accommodating a developing fetus is circular substantially contour molding around a perimeter of the developing fetus thereby circumventing the fetus and directing the impact forces to other locations. The restraint harness further comprises a 2-inch webbing back strap to distribute forces/stresses incurred by the safety harness over an increased surface area also providing comfort to the pregnant passenger. 
     The D-ring bracket located on the restraint harness permits the restraint harness to be adjustable and accommodate a relative size of the developing fetus within the confines of the mother. The restraint harness further preferably comprises a neck engaging portion such that a chest of the pregnant passenger is suitably restrained from forward movement in the event of a collision. The neck engaging portion comprises a V-profile within preferred embodiments. 
     A kit is also embodied herein for the safety seatbelt for pregnant women system comprising: a restraint harness; at least one attachment strap; and a set of user instructions for installation and use. 
     In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use is disclosed herein preferably comprising: step one, placing a restraint harness over a head of a pregnant passenger; step two, removeably-attaching a female end of the restraint harness to a male end of an OEM seatbelt assembly in a vehicle; step three, removeably-attaching a bottom female end to the male end of the attachment strap; step four, wrapping the attachment strap around a posterior region of a seat; step five, removeably-attaching the female end of the attachment strap to a male end on the restraint harness; step six, adjusting the restraint harness around a periphery of a developing fetus within the pregnant passenger; and step seven, adjusting the restraint harness via a D-ring bracket to a user-preferred tightness thereby securing the pregnant passenger (and the unborn fetus) safely into the seat of the vehicle. 
     The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a safety seatbelt system for pregnant women. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, safety seatbelt system for pregnant women, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a safety seatbelt system for pregnant women in an ‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows another perspective view illustrating the safety seatbelt system for pregnant women in the ‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a front perspective view illustrating a restraint harness removeably-attached to a pregnant passenger of the safety seatbelt system for pregnant women according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  shows a side perspective view illustrating the restraint harness removeably-attached to the pregnant passenger of the safety seatbelt system for pregnant women according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  shows another side perspective view illustrating the restraint harness removeably-attached to the pregnant passenger of the safety seatbelt system for pregnant women according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  shows a back perspective view illustrating the restraint harness removeably-attached to the pregnant passenger of the safety seatbelt system for pregnant women according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  shows a front perspective view illustrating the restraint harness of the safety seatbelt system for pregnant women according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  shows another perspective view illustrating the restraint harness and the attachment strap of the safety seatbelt system for pregnant women according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view illustrating the restraint harness removably-coupleable to an OEM seatbelt assembly of the safety seatbelt system for pregnant women according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the safety seatbelt system for pregnant women according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to field of seatbelt harnesses and more specifically relates to a seatbelt harness for use on pregnant women to prevent the death or injury of unborn fetuses in vehicular accidents. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-2  showing perspective views of safety seatbelt system for pregnant women  100  in ‘in-use’ condition  106  and ‘in-use’ condition  206  according to embodiments of the present invention. Safety seatbelt system for pregnant women  100  preferably comprises an attachment for existing (OEM) vehicle seatbelts that may be designed to prevent the death or injury of unborn fetuses in car accidents. Pregnant passenger  150  may use this novel safety device in their vehicles to provide supplemental protection to the stomach area in the event of an accident. Furthermore, safety seatbelt system for pregnant women  100  improves upon the traditional lap belt by dispensing forces of impact, which can limit harm to the fetus (and expectant mother) during a collision. 
     Safety seatbelt system for pregnant women  100  preferably comprises restraint harness  110 . Restraint harness  110  preferably includes profile providing open abdominal area  114  for accommodating a developing fetus within pregnant passenger  150 . Restraint harness  110  preferably comprises webbing. The webbing may be of the type  1680  ballistic nylon webbing. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other webbing configurations or types of nylon, various suitable fabrics, etc., may be sufficient. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-4B  showing perspective views illustrating restraint harness  110  removeably-attached to pregnant passenger  150  of safety seatbelt system for pregnant women  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Profile providing an open abdominal area  114  of restraint harness  110  preferably circumvents the developing fetus. Circumvention of the developing fetus is accomplished by the profile providing an open abdominal area  114  for accommodating the developing fetus being circular, substantially contour molding (conforming to the shape) around a perimeter of the developing fetus. Additionally profile provides open abdominal area  114  preferably comprises about a 20-inch circumference when in a non-use condition. 
     A primary benefit of having circumvention of the developing fetus when safety seatbelt system for pregnant women  100  is in in-use condition  106  or in-use condition  206 , on pregnant passenger  150  is that restraint harness  110  restraint harness is given a larger surface area of contact with pregnant passenger  150  thereby directing force around where the developing fetus is growing to provide a safety zone for the developing fetus as shown best in  FIG. 2 . 
     As mentioned previously, profile provides open abdominal area  114  and may further comprise an approximately 10-inch by about 4-inch lower abdominal elastic strap  118 . Lower abdominal elastic strap  118  preferably provides greater ‘give’ when the developing fetus of pregnant passenger  150  begins to mature and reaches the later stages of pregnancy by providing less pressure on the lower abdomen of pregnant passenger  150 . 
     Located on an upper half of profile, providing an open abdominal area  114  on restraint harness  110 , may be two adjusters  126  to provide slight loosening and tightening of upper half of the profile providing an open abdominal area  114  on restraint harness  110  by pulling a strap threaded through adjuster(s)  126  tighter or looser. Located on a lower half of profile providing an open abdominal area  114  on restraint harness  110  may be at least two threadable clips  128  to provide side adjustment for a growing fetus especially during the last trimester of a pregnancy as shown best in  FIGS. 3A-4A . Threadable clips  128  may be used in conjunction with a hook and loop fastener system (or other suitable fastening means). Strap(s)  124  comprising both a hook portion and a loop portion may be threaded through threadable clips  128  to a user-chosen desired level of tightness and then removeably-fastened with the hook and loop portion of strap  124  mating to provide a user-adjustable fastening system. 
     Restraint harness  110  further comprises neck engaging portion  130 , such that a chest portion of pregnant passenger  150  is suitably restrained from forward movement in the event of a collision. Neck engaging portion  130  preferably comprises a V-profile (may comprise a U-shape or other in alternate embodiments) having a left neck engaging strap  132  and right neck engaging strap  134  as shown best in  FIG. 3A . Neck engaging portion  130  may comprise a hook and loop fastening system. The hook and loop fastening system includes an approximately 3-inch long hook portion located on the top of each V-profile strap with an approximately 6-inch loop portion on the lower end of both left neck engaging strap  132  and right neck engaging strap  134 . Neck engaging portion  130  preferably further comprises D-ring bracket(s)  136 . D-ring bracket(s)  136  may be located on both left neck engaging strap  132  and right neck engaging strap  134  to allow the hook and loop portion of left neck engaging strap  132  and right neck engaging strap  134  to mate thereby fastening neck engaging portion onto pregnant passenger  150 . A benefit of using D-ring bracket  136  is to permit restraint harness  110  to be adjustable around a chest and shoulder region of pregnant passenger  150  and accommodate a relative size of the developing fetus. 
     Restraint harness further comprises back strap  140 . Back strap  140  may include a 2-inch webbing strap to preferably distribute tension caused by resistance to forward movement by restraint harness over an increased surface area thereby also providing comfort (and safety) to pregnant passenger  150  as shown in  FIG. 4B . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A-6  showing perspective views illustrating restraint harness  110  of safety seatbelt system for pregnant women  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Restraint harness  110  provides attachment points on both bottom sides of restraint harness  110  such that said restraint harness  110  can be removably affixed to OEM seatbelt assembly  600  in the vehicle. OEM seatbelt assembly  600  may absorb energy by being designed to stretch during virtually any sudden deceleration, so that there is less velocity differential between the vehicle interior, and also to spread the loading of impact on body of pregnant passenger  150 . 
     Additionally, restraint harness  110  preferably provides at least three attachment points to OEM seatbelt assembly  600  in the vehicle. Safety seatbelt for pregnant women system  100  further comprises attachment strap  550 . Attachment strap  550  has male end  554  and female end  558  that preferably wrap around a posterior region of a seat (bucket or bench) in a vehicle as shown in  FIG. 6B . Restraint harness  110  preferably comprises top female end  500 , bottom female end  510 , and male end  520 . Top female end  500  is preferably removably-attachable to male end  610  of OEM seatbelt assembly  600  in a vehicle. Bottom female end  510  is preferably removably-attachable to male end  554  of attachment strap  550  and then wrapped around a posterior region of a vehicle seat and then female end  558  of attachment strap  550  is removably-attached to male end  520  on restraint harness  110  thereby securing pregnant passenger  150  safely into the seat of the vehicle. 
     Safety seatbelt system for pregnant women  100  according to embodiments of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-6  may comprise kit  640 . Kit  640  may comprise the following parts: restraint harness  110 ; at least one attachment strap  550 ; and a set of user instructions for installation and use. 
     Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different anchoring combinations, parts may be sold separately. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , showing flowchart  750  illustrating method of use  700  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-6 . A method of using (at least herein enabling method of use  700 ) safety seatbelt system for pregnant women  100  may comprise the steps of: step one  701  placing restraint harness  110  over a head of pregnant passenger  150 ; step two  602  removeably-attaching top female end  500  of restraint harness  110  to male end  610  of OEM seatbelt assembly  600  in a vehicle; step three  603  removeably-attaching bottom female end  510  to male end  554  of attachment strap  550 ; step four  604  wrapping attachment strap  550  around a posterior region of a seat; step five  605  removeably-attaching female end  558  of attachment strap  550  to male end  520  on restraint harness  110 ; step six  606  adjusting restraint harness  110  around a periphery of a developing fetus with pregnant passenger  150 ; and step seven  607  adjusting restraint harness  110  via a D-ring bracket(s)  136  to a user-preferred tightness thereby securing pregnant passenger  150  safely into the seat of the vehicle. 
     It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.