Multi-position pediatric immobilizer and transport device

Claim 2

A multiple position child restraint device which can be folded into substantially planar condition for storage and shipment, said restraint device comprising: a substantially planar back support member having a longitudinal length and upper and lower edges along that length and a rear surface; a substantially planar seat support member having front and rear edges and a rear face, said seat support member attached to said back support member adjacent said rear and lower edges, respectively, by a hinge assembly; a leg support member pivotally attached adjacent said front edge of said seat support member; means associated with said back support and seat support members for selectively locking said back support and seat support members against forward and rearward movement in one of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations, said leg support member and said seat support member being adapted to be oriented in a substantially coplanar relationship and be folded in an overlapping planar arrangement with said back support member with the rear face of said seat support member and the rear surface of said back support member in substantially face-to-face relationship without a need for structural reconfiguration; and a multiple strap restraint means for securing a child on said seat and back support members, said restraint means attached to said restraint device and comprising a pair of shoulder straps and a releasable buckle arrangement for selective connection with a crotch member strap on said restraint device.

Claim 3

The restraint device of claim 1, wherein said hinge assembly comprises one or more hinges and said means for selectively locking said back support and said seat members in a desired angular orientation comprises a locking bar which selectively interlocks with said one or more hinges connecting said back and seat members.

Claim 4

The restraint device of claim 3, wherein said hinge assembly comprises a pair of oppositely disposed hinges connecting said seat and back members, and wherein said locking bar slidably and selectively interlocks with aligned locking slots in at least one of said hinges to prevent further rotation thereof.

Claim 5

The restraint device of claim 1, further comprising means on said back support member for adjusting said shoulder straps along the longitudinal length to accommodate children of different sizes without disconnecting said strap restraint means, and wherein said adjusting means comprises a longitudinally reciprocable shoulder strap support overlying a portion of said back support member.

Claim 6

The restraint device of claim 4, wherein said shoulder strap support comprises a substantially planar adjustment plate having a pair of spaced harness slots through which said shoulder straps are individually supported, whereby longitudinal movement of said adjustment plate along said back support member correspondingly adjusts the position of said shoulder straps.

Claim 7

The restraint device of claim 4, further comprising means for securing said shoulder strap support in one of a plurality of predetermined longitudinal positions along said back support member.

Claim 8

The restraint device of claim 6, wherein said securing means comprises a guide slot and guide pin arrangement for maintaining said shoulder strap support in alignment during reciprocation along said back support member, and means for selectively locking said shoulder strap support in one of a plurality of longitudinal positions along said back support member.

Claim 9

The restraint device of claim 1, further comprising a pair of lateral support panels located along opposite longitudinal edges of said back support member, said panels being hingedly connected and rotatable relative to said back support member and lockable in a plurality of angular positions relative thereto.

Claim 10

The restraint device of claim 8, further comprising a pair of lateral support panels located along opposite longitudinal edges of said seat member, said panels being hingedly rotatable among a plurality of lockable angular positions relative to said seat member.

Claim 11

The restraint device of claim 9, further comprising a rear surface on said back support member and a rear face on said seat support member, wherein said lateral support panels are hingedly rotatable into a storage position which is substantially planar with said back support member and said seat support member, respectively.

Claim 12

The restraint device of claim 1, further comprising means for selectively fixing and maintaining said leg support member in one of a plurality of angular orientations relative to said seat member.

Claim 13

The restraint device of claim 1, further comprising means in said back support member for automatically adjusting the lateral spacing between said shoulder straps when said shoulder straps are longitudinally adjusted.

Claim 14

A multiple position child restraint device which can be folded into a relatively planar compact condition for storage and shipment, said restraint device comprising: a tubular frame defining a substantially planar and rectangular back support member having a longitudinal length, and front and rear surfaces, and upper and lower edges along that length, a substantially planar and rectangular seat support member having front and rear edges, and front and rear faces, and a leg support member pivotally attached adjacent said front edge of said seat support member; at least one hinge for hingedly attaching said seat support member to said back support member adjacent said lower and rear edges, respectively; means associated with said at least one hinge for selectively locking said back support and seat members in one of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations, said means comprising a locking bar which selectively interlocks with at least one hinge connecting said back and seat members, and means for enabling said back support member and said seat support member to be rotated relative to one another into an overlapping, substantially planar storage condition, wherein the rear surface of the back support member and corresponding rear face of said seat member are folded into substantially face-to-face relationship; a multiple strap restraint means for securing a child on said seat and back support members, said restraint means attached to said restraint device and comprising a pair of shoulder straps and a releasable buckle arrangement for selective connection with a crotch member strap on said restraint device; and a pair of lateral support panels located along opposite longitudinal edges of at least one of said back support and seat support members, said panels hingedly connected thereto and rotatable and lockable in a plurality of positions.

Claim 15

A multiple position child restraint device which can be folded into a relatively planar compact condition for storage and shipment, said restraint device comprising: a tubular frame defining a substantially planar and rectangular back support member having a longitudinal length, and front and rear surfaces, and upper and lower edges along that length, a substantially planar and rectangular seat support member having front and rear edges, and front and rear faces, and a leg support member pivotally attached adjacent said front edge of said seat support member; at least one hinge for hingedly attaching said seat support member to said back support member adjacent said lower and rear edges, respectively; means associated with said at least one hinge for selectively locking said back support and seat members in one of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations, said means comprising a locking bar which selectively interlocks with at least one hinge connecting said back and seat members, and means for enabling said back support member and said seat support member to be rotated relative to one another into an overlapping, substantially planar storage condition, wherein the rear surface of the back support member and corresponding rear face of said seat member are folded into substantially face-to-face relationship; a multiple strap restraint means for securing a child on said seat and back support members, said restraint means attached to said restraint device and comprising a pair of shoulder straps and a releasable buckle arrangement for selective connection with a crotch member strap on said restraint device; and a pair of lateral support panels located along opposite longitudinal edges of at least one of said back support and seat support members, said panels hingedly connected thereto and rotatable and lockable in a plurality of positions.

Claim 16

The restraint device of claim 13, further comprising means on said back support member for adjusting said shoulder straps along the longitudinal length to accommodate children of different sizes without disconnecting said strap restraint means from said device.

Claim 17

The restraint device of claim 12, further comprising means on said back support member for adjusting said shoulder straps along the longitudinal length to accommodate children of different sizes without disconnecting said strap restraint means, and wherein said adjusting means comprises a longitudinally reciprocable shoulder strap support overlying a portion of said back support member.

Claim 18

The restraint device of claim 15, further comprising means for securing said shoulder strap support in one of a plurality of predetermined longitudinal positions along said back support member.

Claim 19

The restraint device of claim 16, wherein said securing means comprises a guide slot and guide pin arrangement for maintaining said shoulder strap support in alignment during reciprocation along said back support member, and means for selectively locking said shoulder strap support in one of a plurality of longitudinal positions along said back support member.

Claim 20

The restraint device of claim 12, further including a shoulder strap support, and wherein said shoulder strap support comprises a substantially planar adjustment plate having a pair of spaced harness slots through which said shoulder straps are individually supported, whereby longitudinal movement of said adjustment plate along said back member correspondingly adjusts the position of said shoulder straps.

Claim 21

The restraint device of claim 18, further comprising a pair of longitudinally angled guide slots which automatically adjust the lateral distance between said shoulder straps when said adjustment plate is longitudinally moved.

Claim 22

The restraint device of claim 12, further comprising a pair of lateral support panels located along opposite longitudinal edges of both said seat and back support members.

Claim 23

The restraint device of claim 20, wherein said lateral support panels are hingedly rotatable into a storage position which is substantially planar with said back support member and said seat support member, respectively.

Claim 24

The restraint device of claim 13, further comprising means for selectively fixing and maintaining said leg support member in one of a plurality of angular orientations relative to said seat member.

Claim 25

A multiple position child restraint device for use with seats, stretchers, and other transport apparatuses, and which can be folded into a plurality of compacted conditions for storage and shipment, said restraint device comprising: a substantially planar back support member having a longitudinal length, and front and rear surfaces, and upper and lower edges along that length; a substantially planar seat support member having front and rear edges, and front and rear faces; a leg support member pivotally attached adjacent said front edge of said seat support member; at least one hinge for hingedly attaching said seat support member to said back support member adjacent said lower and rear edges, respectively; means associated with said at least one hinge for selectively locking said back support and seat members in one of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations, and means for enabling said back support member and said seat support member to be rotated relative to one another into an overlapping, substantially planar storage condition, wherein the rear surface of the back support member and the corresponding rear face of said respective back support members are folded into substantially face-to-face relationship; a multiple strap restraint means for securing a child on said seat and back support members, said restraint means attached to said restraint device and comprising a pair of laterally spaced shoulder straps and a releasable buckle arrangement for selective connection with a crotch member strap on said restraint device; means on said back support member for adjusting said shoulder straps along the longitudinal length to accommodate children of different sizes without disconnecting said strap restraint; a pair of lateral support panels located along opposite longitudinal edges of said back support member, said panels hingedly connected thereto and rotatable relative to said back support member and lockable into a plurality of angular positions relative thereto; and a pair of lateral support panels located along opposite longitudinal edges of said seat member, said seat panels being hingedly rotatable among a plurality of lockable angular positions relative to said seat member.

Claim 26

A multiple position child restraint device for use with seats, stretchers, and other transport apparatuses, and which can be folded into a plurality of compacted conditions for storage and shipment, said restraint device comprising: a substantially planar back support member having a longitudinal length, and front and rear surfaces, and upper and lower edges along that length; a substantially planar seat support member having front and rear edges, and front and rear faces; a leg support member pivotally attached adjacent said front edge of said seat support member; at least one hinge for hingedly attaching said seat support member to said back support member adjacent said lower and rear edges, respectively; means associated with said at least one hinge for selectively locking said back support and seat members in one of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations, and means for enabling said back support member and said seat support member to be rotated relative to one another into an overlapping, substantially planar storage condition, wherein the rear surface of the back support member and the corresponding rear face of said respective back support members are folded into substantially face-to-face relationship; a multiple strap restraint means for securing a child on said seat and back support members, said restraint means attached to said restraint device and comprising a pair of laterally spaced shoulder straps and a releasable buckle arrangement for selective connection with a crotch member strap on said restraint device; means on said back support member for adjusting said shoulder straps along the longitudinal length to accommodate children of different sizes without disconnecting said strap restraint; a pair of lateral support panels located along opposite longitudinal edges of said back support member, said panels hingedly connected thereto and rotatable relative to said back support member and lockable into a plurality of angular positions relative thereto; and a pair of lateral support panels located along opposite longitudinal edges of said seat member, said seat panels being hingedly rotatable among a plurality of lockable angular positions relative to said seat member.

Claim 27

The restraint device of claim 23, wherein said adjusting means comprises a longitudinally reciprocable shoulder strap support overlying a portion of said back support member.

Claim 28

The restraint device of claim 24, wherein said shoulder strap support comprises a substantially planar adjustment plate having a pair of spaced harness slots through which said shoulder straps are individually supported, whereby longitudinal movement of said adjustment plate along said back member correspondingly adjusts the position of said shoulder straps.

Claim 29

The restraint device of claim 25, wherein said back support member comprises a pair of longitudinally angled guide slots through which said shoulder straps extend, whereby the lateral space between said shoulder straps is automatically adjusted when said adjustment plate is moved longitudinally.

Claim 30

The restraint device of claim 22, wherein said lateral support panels are hingedly rotatable into a storage position which is substantially planar with said back support member and said seat support member, respectively.

Claim 31

A multiple position child restraint device which can be folded into substantially planar condition for storage and shipment, said restraint device comprising: a substantially planar back support member having a longitudinal length and upper and lower edges along that length; a substantially planar seat support member having front and rear edges, said seat support member attached to said back support member adjacent said rear and lower edges, respectively, by a hinge assembly; means associated with said back and seat support members for selectively locking said back support and seat support members in one of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations, including, particularly a planar condition for use in conjunction with beds, cots, stretchers, and the like without a need for structural reconfiguration; a multiple strap restraint means for securing a child on said seat and back support members, said restraint means attached to said restraint device and comprising a pair of shoulder straps and a releasable buckle arrangement for selective connection with a crotch member strap on said restraint device; and further comprising a rear surface on said back support member and a rear face on said seat support member, wherein said hinge assembly comprises a pair of selectively lockable rotating hinges, and wherein said hinges comprise means for enabling said seat and back support members to be rotated into overlapping, substantially planar storage condition, with said respective rear face of said seat support member and rear surface of said back support member in substantially face-to-face relationship.

Claim 32

A multiple position child restraint device which can be folded into substantially planar condition for storage and shipment, said restraint device comprising: a substantially planar back support member having a longitudinal length and upper and lower edges along that length; a substantially planar seat support member having front and rear edges, said seat support member attached to said back support member adjacent said rear and lower edges, respectively, by a hinge assembly; means associated with said back and seat support members for selectively locking said back support and seat support members in one of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations, including, particularly a planar condition for use in conjunction with beds, cots, stretchers, and the like without a need for structural reconfiguration; a multiple strap restraint means for securing a child on said seat and back support members, said restraint means attached to said restraint device and comprising a pair of shoulder straps and a releasable buckle arrangement for selective connection with a crotch member strap on said restraint device; and further comprising a rear surface on said back support member and a rear face on said seat support member, wherein said hinge assembly comprises a pair of selectively lockable rotating hinges, and wherein said hinges comprise means for enabling said seat and back support members to be rotated into overlapping, substantially planar storage condition, with said respective rear face of said seat support member and rear surface of said back support member in substantially face-to-face relationship.

Claim 33

A multiple position child restraint device which can be folded into a plurality of supine and seated positions, as well as into a longitudinally compacted substantially planar position for storage and shipment, said restraint device comprising: a substantially planar back support member having front and rear surfaces, a longitudinal length, and upper and lower edges spaced along said longitudinal length; a substantially planar seat support member having front and rear edges and front and rear faces; a rotatable hinge for hingedly attaching said rear edge of said seat support member adjacent said lower edge of said back support member to enable adjustment of angular orientation therebetween; a leg support member attached adjacent said front edge of said seat support member; means for selectively locking said back and seat support members into one of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations, said locking means interacting with said hinge to enable selective adjustment of said angular orientation; an adjustable multiple strap releasable restraint means for securing a child on said seat and back support members in use; and said hinge being located between said back and seat support members and substantially flush with said respective surfaces and faces thereof, whereby said back support member and said seat support member can be rotated relative to one another into an overlapping, substantially planar compacted storage condition with their respective rear surface and rear face elements in face-to-face relationship, without interference of protruding structure and without a need to structurally reconfigure the restraint device.

Claim 34

A multiple position child restraint device which can be folded into a plurality of supine and seated positions, as well as into a longitudinally compacted substantially planar position for storage and shipment, said restraint device comprising: a substantially planar back support member having front and rear surfaces, a longitudinal length, and upper and lower edges spaced along said longitudinal length; a substantially planar seat support member having front and rear edges and front and rear faces; a rotatable hinge for hingedly attaching said rear edge of said seat support member adjacent said lower edge of said back support member to enable adjustment of angular orientation therebetween; a leg support member attached adjacent said front edge of said seat support member; means for selectively locking said back and seat support members into one of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations, said locking means interacting with said hinge to enable selective adjustment of said angular orientation; an adjustable multiple strap releasable restraint means for securing a child on said seat and back support members in use; and said hinge being located between said back and seat support members and substantially flush with said respective surfaces and faces thereof, whereby said back support member and said seat support member can be rotated relative to one another into an overlapping, substantially planar compacted storage condition with their respective rear surface and rear face elements in face-to-face relationship, without interference of protruding structure and without a need to structurally reconfigure the restraint device.

Claim 35

The restraint device of claim 29, wherein said hinge enables relative rotation of said back and seat support members up to approximately 270° between a seated position where said seat and back support members are generally perpendicular to one another and said overlapping, substantially planar storage condition where said seat and back support members are generally parallel to one another.

Claim 36

A multiple position child restraint device which can be folded into a substantially planar condition for storage and shipment, said restraint device comprising: a substantially planar back support member having a longitudinal length and upper and lower edges along that length and a rear surface; a substantially planar seat support member having front and rear edges and a rear face, said seat support member attached to said back support member adjacent said rear and lower edges, respectively, by a hinge assembly; a locking device associated with said back support and seat support members which locks said back support and seat support members against forward and rearward movement in one of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations, said seat support member being adapted to be folded in an overlapping planar arrangement with said back support member with the rear face of said seat support member and the rear surface of said back support member in substantially face-to-face relationship without a need for structural reconfiguration; and a multiple strap restraint attached to said restraint device and comprising a pair of shoulder straps and a releasable buckle arrangement for selective connection with a crotch member strap on said restraint device.

Claim 37

A multiple position child restraint device which can be folded into a substantially planar condition for storage and shipment, said restraint device comprising: a substantially planar back support member having a longitudinal length and upper and lower edges along that length and a rear surface; a substantially planar seat support member having front and rear edges and a rear face, said seat support member attached to said back support member adjacent said rear and lower edges, respectively, by a hinge assembly; a locking device associated with said back support and seat support members which locks said back support and seat support members against forward and rearward movement in one of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations, said seat support member being adapted to be folded in an overlapping planar arrangement with said back support member with the rear face of said seat support member and the rear surface of said back support member in substantially face-to-face relationship without a need for structural reconfiguration; and a multiple strap restraint attached to said restraint device and comprising a pair of shoulder straps and a releasable buckle arrangement for selective connection with a crotch member strap on said restraint device.