Restraint seat and hoist

Abstract

The invention provides a restraint and transfer device for restraining a seated passenger, such as a child, for transport in a vehicle and for mechanically lifting the passenger in and out of the vehicle. A mounting frame is secured to a passenger seat of the vehicle with standard lap and shoulder seat belts. A cushioned transfer seat insert is used to seat the passenger in a suitably adapted wheelchair, during lifting in and out of the vehicle, and within the vehicle securely mounted to the frame. As a result, the passenger remains seated in a rigid supporting transfer seat insert. The passenger is not subjected to physical handling and the risk of injury to the caregiver and passenger is reduced during transfer. Releasable body postural positioning belts secure the passenger to the insert and the configuration of insert cushions, supports and postural belts can be flexibly adapted to suit the needs of each individual passenger. Mounting mechanisms on the frame and insert releasably mount and secure the insert to the frame. Restraint belts secure the passenger to the frame sufficiently to satisfy crash survival requirements. Suspension mechanisms attach to the lateral sides of the insert back and insert seat for suspending the insert and passenger seated therein from the vehicle roof top surface during lifting between a standby position outside the vehicle and a mounted position on the frame within the vehicle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.