Underwater seat restraint apparatus

• US 5,481,764 A
• Filed: 06/28/1994
• Issued: 01/09/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Nelson, Robert K.
• Original Assignee: Nelson, Robert K.
• Inventors: Nelson, Robert K.
• Primary Examiner(s): PHILLIPS, CHARLES E
• Application Number:
  US08/267,882
• Time in Patent Office: 560 Days
• Field of Search: 4/571.1, 4/572.1, 4/578.1, 4/559, 4/579, 4/496, 4/504, 248/205.5, 248/205.6, 248/205.7, 248/205.8, 248/205.9, 248/206.2, 248/206.3, 297/464, 297/466, 297/468, 297/485, 128/870, 128/876, 128/877, 128/878, 128/882, 292/288
• US Class Current: 4/559
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 3/001 Accessories for baths, not provided for in other subgroups of group A47K3/00 bath lifting devices for sick persons and invalids A61G7/10; Insertions, e.g. for babies; Tubs suspended or inserted in baths; Security or alarm devices; Protecting linings or coverings; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting baths; Bath insulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/37 Restraining devices for the body or for body parts , e.g. slings; Restraining shirts handcuffs E05B75/00

Abstract

An apparatus for use in restraining movement of a bather within a bath or spa includes a seat belt including a pair of elongated, pliable straps, and a pair of suction cups for attaching a first end of each strap to a support surface of the bath or spa. A buckle is also provided for fastening the straps together at a point intermediate the first and second ends of each strap.

Release clips may also be provided for releasably connecting the suction cups to the straps so that the straps may be released from connection with the suction cups by manipulation of either the buckle or the clips.

Claims

1. A seat restraint apparatus for use in restraining movement of a bather within a bath or spa, wherein the bath or spa includes a support surface that is normally submerged in water during use, the apparatus comprising:

a seat belt including a pair of elongated, pliable straps, each having opposed first and second axial ends;

a buckle for fastening the straps together at a point intermediate the first and second ends of each strap, the buckle including a pair of buckle members, one member of said pair of buckle members being supported on each of the straps;

an attachment means for attaching the first axial end of each strap to the support surface, the attachment means including a pair of suction cups, one of said pair connected to the first end of each one of the straps by one of a pair of clips, and

each clip releasably connecting a suction cup to a strap so that it is possible to release the bather from the support surface by disconnection of said buckle members or disconnection of one of the clips from a respective suction cup.

2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the suction cups are formed of rubber or the like.

3. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the position of each buckle member is adjustable along the length of the strap on which it is supported.

4. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the straps are formed of a nylon or water resistant material.

5. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the buckle is formed of a thermoplastic resin.