ADJUSTABLE CAR SEAT ADAPTER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an adjustable car seat adapter for the transport of children or pets in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When transporting small children or pets in a vehicle generally a specialized car seat is used for a number of reasons:

1. To secure them during the ride and prevent them from being harmed as a result of sudden velocity changes or especially in case of a collision.

2. To confine them and prevent them from getting in the way of the driver or other passengers.

3. To protect the car seat from dirt or other damage that could be inflicted by the child or pet.

4. To improve their position during the ride, for example to raise them up so that they can see out of the window or to keep them away from specific objects during the ride, for example out of reach of the ashtray.

One problem with car seats is that they assume a specific position or finite number of specific positions relative to the passenger seat of the vehicle. Thus in many cases different car seats may be required to support different sized users or users with different positional preferences. In some cases two or more types of car seats may be required if it is desired to position the user in two different positions on different occasions, for example to allow a child to look out the window in some cases and to be prevented from looking out of the window in other cases,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of an embodiment of the invention, relates to an adjustable device that is attachable to the passenger seat of a vehicle. The device includes a platform for accommodating a car seat or incorporates a car seat. Optionally, the car seat is adapted to be used to transport a child or ¹ pet. The device is adjustable along one or more axes relative to the passenger seat of the vehicle, for example it can be adjusted by going up/down, right/left, in/out relative to the passenger seat. The device allows adjusting the car seat or platform along a continuous range along the adjustable axis.

In some embodiments of the invention, the device is controlled by controls that are positioned on the device. Alternatively or additionally, the device uses a remote control, which may be connected by a wire or may be wireless, for example using RF or infrared.

In some embodiments of the invention, the device is battery powered. Alternatively or additionally, the device may be powered by power from the vehicle, for example by drawing power from the cigarette lighter of a car.

In some embodiments of the invention, the device is programmable and optionally includes a memory, for example to remember multiple positions, which are selectable from the device control.

In some embodiments of the invention, the device may include sensors to detect various conditions in the car, for example temperature, CO ₂ level, motion, engine status, or weight on the platform. Optionally, the device is programmed to take actions responsive to the sensed conditions, for example if the device remains activated with a child seated in the car seat and the conditions in the vehicle become unsuitable the device will activate an alarm, open the car windows, turn on the air-conditioner, call the vehicle owner or dial other telephone numbers.

There is thus provided in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an adjustable device for positioning a portable car seat over the passenger seat of a vehicle, comprising:

a base for positioning the device on the passenger seat of the vehicle; a platform for placing a portable car seat onto it; a mechanism that couples the platform to the base and allows the control of the position of the platform relative to the base; wherein the position of the platform is adjustable over a continuous range over its direction of motion.

Optionally, the car seat is adapted to securely accommodate children, pets or equipment during motion of the vehicle. Ih an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mechanism is adapted to move the platform along a single axis. Optionally, the mechanism is adapted to move the platform along multiple axes. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device is attached to the passenger seat to prevent it from moving as a result of the motion of the vehicle. Optionally, the portable car seat is an integral part of the platform. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the portable car seat is attachable to the platform. Optionally, the device further comprises a cover, and a hinge that connects the cover to the base. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device can be folded up into the base and covered by the cover to form a suitcase like portable device. Optionally, the mechanism includes two arms that are controlled to raise and lower the platform relative to the base. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mechanism includes a threaded rod to move the platform right and left relative to the base. Optionally, the device includes an internal battery to power the device. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device draws power from the vehicle. Optionally, the mechanism is controlled manually. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device includes a control panel to control the mechanism. Optionally, the control panel includes indicators to provide feedback. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device includes a wireless remote control to control the mechanism. Optionally, the device includes springs attaching the platform to the base. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device includes sensors. Optionally, the sensors sense conditions selected from the group consisting of temperature,

CO^ level, Oxygen level, weight, motion, or engine status. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device is adapted to provide instructions to the vehicle responsive to the measurements of the sensor. Optionally, the device is adapted to provide notification to specific people regarding the status sensed by the sensors, In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device is adapted to perform specific motion by receiving direct commands that specify the exact motion required. Optionally, the device is adapted to perform specific motion by receiving indirect commands that specify a program of motion to perform. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device is adapted to perform a specific motion continuously.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and better appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. Identical structures, elements or parts, which appear in more than one figure, are generally labeled with the same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear, wherein:

Fig. IA is a schematic illustration of a side view of an adjustable device deployed on the passenger seat of a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. IB is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an adjustable device deployed on the passenger seat of a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1C is a schematic illustration of an adjustable device folded up for carrying, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of an adjustable device deployed on the passenger seat of a vehicle and incorporating a child car seat, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 3 is a remote control for controlling an adjustable device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. IA is a schematic illustration of a side view of an adjustable device 100 deployed on a passenger seat 110 of a vehicle, and Fig, 1C is a schematic illustration of adjustable device 100 folded up to form a transportable suitcase 105 for carrying adjustable device 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, adjustable device 100 is provided with a platform 140 that extends out of suitcase 105 to control the position of an enclosure 150 for transporting children, pets or other items. The suitcase includes a cover 130 and a base 120 connected together with a hinge 145. Optionally, adjustable device 100 is deployed by placing suitcase 105 on passenger seat 110 of the vehicle and opening suitcase 105 such that cover 130 is parallel to the back of the passenger seat 110 while base 120 is parallel to the seat of passenger seat 110. Optionally, device 100 is secured to passenger seat 110 using one or more straps 115 that are fastened around passenger seat 110 to prevent adjustable device 100 from moving relative to passenger seat 110 during motion of the vehicle. The straps may be used to carry suitcase 105 when adjustable device 100 is folded up. In some embodiments of the invention, adjustable device 100 is held in place by securing it with the seat belt of the vehicle.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, platform 140 is designed with one or more degrees of freedom, for example wherein platform 140 is free to move up and down, right and left or in and out. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a motor 165 controls two arms 160 which are raised and lowered together responsive to user instructions to lift platform 140. In some embodiments of the invention, other mechanisms as known in the art can be used to raise and lower platform 140. Optionally, when preparing adjustable device 100 to be carried to another vehicle platform 140 is lowered into base 120.

In some embodiments of the invention, adjustable device 100 includes a rod 170 located in base 120. Optionally, platform 140 is coupled to rod 170 (e.g.

via arms 160 and motor 165), so that it can move right and left relative to base 120 along rod 170. In some embodiments of the invention, rod 170 is threaded so that platform 140 will move forward and back along rod 170 xesponsive to rotation of the rod. Optionally, motor 165 or a different motor is controlled to move platform 140 back, and forth along the rod according to instructions from the user.

In some embodiments of the invention, the rod may be controllably moved forward and back in base 120 to additionally enable motion of platform 140 forward and back relative to passenger chair 110. Alternatively, rod 170 may be rotated 90° to provide motion of platform 140 forward and back instead of right and left. Alternatively, other mechanisms may be used to provide motion in any direction.

Fig. IB is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of adjustable device 100 deployed on passenger seat 110 of a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, an encasement 150 is attached above platform 140 to hold objects or pets on platform 140 during motion of the vehicle, for example to hold a movie camera or a dog. In some embodiments of the invention, encasement 150 can hold an animal confined in a cage or restricted by a leash or straps. Optionally, encasement 150 may be foldable so that it can be folded down onto platform 140 to fit into suitcase 105. Alternatively or additionally, encasement 150 may be detachable so that it can be removed and transferred separately from adjustable device 100.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, adjustable device 100 includes a battery 135 to power the device. Alternatively or additionally, adjustable device 100 includes a cable 155 with a connector that plugs into a power source provided by the vehicle, for example a cigarette lighter, to power the device. In some embodiments of the invention, adjustable device 100 can be operated manually without requiring power, for example by rotating a dial 190 to raise and lower platform 140 and/or rotating a dial 180 to move platform 140 right and left along rod 170.

In some embodiments of the invention, platform 140 is connected with springs 195 to base 120 to enhance stability, for example by connecting a spring 195 between each corner of platform 140 to each corner of base 120. Optionally, an elastic curtain is used to cover the motion mechanism so that it is not visible during everyday use. In some embodiments of the invention, platform 140 is connected to base 120 with walls similar to a bellows, so that they can cover the mechanism used to control platform 140 and can stretch when platform 140 is moved relative to base 120.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, adjustable device 100 includes a control panel 185 for entering commands such as to raise or lower platform 140, or to provide any other instructions to adjustable device 100. Optionally, control panel 185 may include indicators, for example visible indicators such as Leds or an LCD panel, audio indicators such as a speaker, or any other type of indicator to provide feedback to a person using adjustable device 100. Optionally, indications may designate that a specific position was reached or that an error state occurred (e.g. battery low), or any other indication.

In some embodiments of the invention, adjustable device 100 includes one or more sensors 175 to sense various conditions in the vehicle, for example:

1. The temperature in the vehicle - to determine if a reasonable temperature exists for a child or pet;

2. The CO ₂ level or Oxygen level in the vehicle - to determine if a child or pet can remain healthy in the existing conditions.

3. A weight sensor to determine the weight applied to platform 140.

4. A motion sensor to determine if adjustable device 100 is accelerating or decelerating.

5. An engine status sensor, which determines if the engine is on or off, for example based on the provision of power from the cigarette lighter.

6. Other indicators.

Optionally, adjustable device 100 may use the conditions determined by sensors 175 to make logical deductions and take actions, for example to open a

window or provide other instructions to the vehicle if the temperature or CO ₂ level is abnormal and adjustable device 100 determines that a child or pet is deployed on platform 140. Optionally, providing instructions to the vehicle may require installation of a dedicated interface in the vehicle to allow adjustable device 100 to provide instructions to the vehicle. Optionally, instructions may be provided wirelessly or by connecting a wire between adjustable device 100 and the vehicle. In some embodiments of the invention, adjustable device 100 includes a mobile telephone or a wireless transmitter (e.g. in control panel 185) to convey messages to the owner of the vehicle or to other services, for example if a child is forgotten in the car on a hot day adjustable device 100 will call one or more preprogrammed telephone numbers to notify them to come and release the child. In some embodiments of the invention, adjustable device 100 includes a GPS to determine the coordinates of its location and convey them over the telephone.

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of adjustable device 100 deployed on the passenger seat of a vehicle and incorporating a child car seat 210, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention- In some embodiments of the invention, adjustable device 100 is adapted to accommodate standard children car seats. Alternatively, adjustable device 100 may be provided with a specially designed car seat 210 to optimally fit platform 140. Optionally, a strap 220 is used to couple car seat 210 to platform 140.

In some embodiments of the invention, adjustable device 100 is rigid and does not fold up to form suitcase 105. optionally, adjustable device 100 may be provided with encasement 150, car seat 210 or other additions, wherein these additions are not intended to be removed when transferring adjustable device 100 from vehicle to vehicle or when storing adjustable device 100 when it is not in use- Fig. 3 is a remote control 300 for controlling adjustable device 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, remote control 300 is used to control the position of adjustable device 100 or to program, it. Optionally, remote control 300 may be used instead

or in addition to using dials 180, 190 or control panel 185 to control adjustable device ,100. In some embodiments of the invention, remote, control 300 may communicate with adjustable device 100 using RF signals, IR signals, audio signals or any other wireless method.

In some embodiments of the invention, the user of adjustable device 100 provides direct commands, for example move right/left, move up/down, move in/out. Alternatively or additionally, adjustable device 100 may be programmed to move to specific positions or perform a specific program of motion responsive to a single command or single command sequence (e.g. a one or two digit number pressed on remote control 300), for example one sequence may cause adjustable device 100 to move a child car seat 2,10 to its maximum upward position and as close to the door of the vehicle as possible so that a parent can easily put their child into the car seat, Then the parent can select that adjustable device 100 will move the child further into the vehicle and downward to a pre-selected position. In some embodiments of the invention, adjustable device 100 may be programmed with pre-selected position settings for multiple children or pets. Optionally, each setting may be selected by a specific code sequence so that the user is not required to re-adjust the position every time a child or pet is deployed. In some embodiments of the invention, some selections may be dynamic, for example to continuously raise and lower platform 140 or continuously move platform 140 right and left, for example to rock a baby to sleep.

It should be appreciated that the above described methods and apparatus may be varied in many ways, including omitting or adding steps, changing the order of steps and the type of devices used. It should be appreciated that different features may be combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features shown above in a particular embodiment are necessary in every embodiment of the invention. Further combinations of the above features are also considered to be within the scope of some embodiments of the invention.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims, which follow.