Ford Motor Company's Tot-Guard Car Seat, 1973
Add to SetSummary
American car manufacturers developed child restraints designed for crash protection in the late 1960s. One of the first was Ford's Tot-Guard, seen in this photograph. The seatbelt secured the padded shield and seat. This early and effective restraint was not widely used, however. Only with more stringent regulations, public education, and mandated use would children safely ride in automobiles.
American car manufacturers developed child restraints designed for crash protection in the late 1960s. One of the first was Ford's Tot-Guard, seen in this photograph. The seatbelt secured the padded shield and seat. This early and effective restraint was not widely used, however. Only with more stringent regulations, public education, and mandated use would children safely ride in automobiles.
Artifact
Photographic print
Date Made
1973
Subject Date
1973
Keywords
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2011.10.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 8 in
Width: 10 in
Inscriptions
Typed on sheet adhered to back of image: IMMEDIATE RELEASE / GIVE YOUR CHILD A SAFER RIDE: Ford's Tot-Guard is designed to give your / child essential protection while riding in an automobile. The Tot-Guard is secured by the / conventional lap belt which is standard equipment in almost every automobile. Tot-Guard / surrounds a child's body and thighs and consists of three components: a five-and-a-half / pound hollow-molded polyethylene shield, a three-inch high polyethylene seat, and a / removable foam pad for the inside of the shield. Tot-Guard provides greater safety for the child in the event of an impact by vastly improved load distribution over the surface / of his body. Ford / Public Relations / Ford Parts Division / ... Livonia, Michigan ... / 10-11-1973 Handwritten in pencil on back lower right corner: 1974 Ford
Share Anywhere
Use this Artifact Card to share this great find with others. From historic images to vivid descriptions, a record of rich detail is bundled inside a single card.
