Child vehicle seat having retractable coupling apparatus
A child vehicle seat includes a first shell portion defining a first aperture and a second aperture, and a second shell portion including a seat portion, the second shell portion being positioned in relation to the first shell portion so as to define a space therebetween. The child seat further includes a first strap extending within the space and out of the first aperture defined in the first shell portion, and a second strap extending within the space and out of the second aperture defined in the first shell portion. In addition, the child seat includes a first retractor assembly positioned within the space and configured to receive portions of the first strap, the first retractor assembly being operable to bias the first strap toward the first retractor assembly, and a second retractor assembly positioned within the space and configured to receive portions of the second strap, the second retractor assembly being operable to bias the second strap toward the second retractor assembly. Moreover, the child vehicle seat includes a first actuator positionable between (i) a first position in which the first actuator prevents payout of the first strap from the first retractor assembly, and (ii) a second position in which the first actuator allows payout of the first strap from the first retractor assembly, and a second actuator positionable between (i) a third position in which the second actuator prevents payout of the second strap from the second retractor assembly, and (ii) a fourth position in which the second actuator allows payout of the second strap from the second retractor assembly.
This application claims the benefit of both (i) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/619,182, filed Oct. 15, 2004, and (ii) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/718,458, filed Sep. 19, 2005. The disclosure of both of the above-identified provisional patent applications are hereby totally incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUNDThis invention relates to the field of child seats for motor vehicles.
Child seats for motor vehicles are widely used by operators of motor vehicles to protect children from harm in the event of an accident. Child seats generally include a plastic shell with a cushioned seat formed over the shell. A harness is provided on the seat to restrain the child and retain the child in the seat in the event of an accident. Harness systems typically include a shoulder harness with belts designed to extend over the shoulders of the child and a buckle harness with a crotch belt designed to extend between the legs of the child.
It is desirable to provide a coupling device configured to releasably couple a child vehicle seat to an anchor member of a vehicle. A challenge for designers of child vehicle seats having such a coupling device is to arrive at a design that is simple and convenient to use, easy to manufacture, and arranges components of the coupling device in an ergonomic and visually pleasing manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a child vehicle seat that includes a first shell portion defining an aperture therein, and a second shell portion including a seat portion, the second shell portion being positioned in relation to the first shell portion so as to define a space therebetween. The child vehicle seat also includes a strap extending within the space and out of the aperture defined in the first shell portion. Moreover, the child vehicle seat includes a retractor assembly positioned within the space and configured to receive portions of the strap in a wound configuration, the retractor assembly being operable to apply a bias to the strap to urge the strap toward the retractor assembly. Further, the child vehicle seat includes an actuator positionable between (i) a first position in which the actuator prevents payout of the strap from the retractor assembly, and (ii) a second position in which the actuator allows payout of the strap from the retractor assembly.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a child vehicle seat that includes a first shell portion defining a first aperture and a second aperture, and a second shell portion including a seat portion, the second shell portion being positioned in relation to the first shell portion so as to define a space therebetween. The child seat further includes a first strap extending within the space and out of the first aperture defined in the first shell portion, and a second strap extending within the space and out of the second aperture defined in the first shell portion. In addition, the child seat includes a first retractor assembly positioned within the space and configured to receive portions of the first strap, the first retractor assembly being operable to bias the first strap toward the first retractor assembly, and a second retractor assembly positioned within the space and configured to receive portions of the second strap, the second retractor assembly being operable to bias the second strap toward the second retractor assembly. Moreover, the child vehicle seat includes a first actuator positionable between (i) a first position in which the first actuator prevents payout of the first strap from the first retractor assembly, and (ii) a second position in which the first actuator allows payout of the first strap from the first retractor assembly, and a second actuator positionable between (i) a third position in which the second actuator prevents payout of the second strap from the second retractor assembly, and (ii) a fourth position in which the second actuator allows payout of the second strap from the second retractor assembly.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a child vehicle seat that includes a first shell portion defining an opening, and a second shell portion including a seat portion, the second shell portion being positioned in relation to the first shell portion so as to define a space therebetween. The child vehicle seat further includes a strap extending within the space and out of the opening defined in the first shell portion. In addition, the child vehicle seat includes a retractor assembly positioned within the space and configured to receive portions of the strap, the retractor assembly being operable to bias the first strap toward the retractor assembly. Moreover, the child vehicle seat includes a buckle connected to the strap and being configured to attach to a vehicle anchor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Overview
With general reference to
As shown in
Frame
With reference to
The frame 122 generally provides a strong skeletal structure for the child seat 100 to which all load bearing components on the child seat are attached. Because the frame 122 is comprised of a metal material, the frame provides a stable support that resists cracking and/or breaking. With this arrangement, force is directed away from the occupant of the child seat in the event of a crash.
Base Shell
With reference to
As shown in
The bottom portion 150 of the base shell 118 includes a generally flat portion designed to provide a surface for the base shell that rests upon the vehicle seat. The bottom portion 150 of the base shell is best seen in
The two rear heels 158 also blend into the bottom portion 150 of the base shell and provide additional support for the base shell when it is placed in the vehicle seat. The bottom portion 150 of the base shell 118 is cupped by the two side wings 162 which extend down from the back portion 152 and into the bottom portion 150 of the base shell. The short legs 132 of the frame 122 are located in the cupped bottom portion. As shown in
Foam Shell
With reference now to
As described above, the foam shell is positioned over the anterior sides of the frame 122 and base shell 118. The frame 122 is thus generally enclosed by a two-part shell which includes the base shell 118 on one side and the foam shell 120 on the other side. The foam shell 120 is secured to the frame 122 and/or base shell 118 using any of various fastening methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the foam shell 120 may be secured to the base and frame using hook and loop type fastener strips, such as those sold under the trademark VELCRO®, or nuts and bolts or other fasteners.
An exemplary fastener 360 which may be used to secure the foam headrest 102 to the headrest support 130 is shown in
Headrest Support
With reference to
As discussed above, the headrest is mounted directly on the headrest support 130. For example, fasteners 360, such as those shown in
The front face 182 of the headrest support 130 also includes two belt guides 186. The two belt guides 186 extend from the front face 182 and provide for passage of the harness straps 200 through the headrest support. The headrest 102 includes holes designed to allow the belt guides 186 to extend through the foam cushion of the headrest. As explained in further detail below, the belt guides 186 also properly position the harness straps at various vertical heights as the headrest support 130 and headrest 102 are moved to account for children of different sizes in the child seat 100. A slit 198 is also defined in the headrest support 130 to provide an additional passage from the front face 182 to the rear face 184. As explained in further detail below, the slit 198 is designed to receive the end of one of the harness belts, and secure it to the headrest support 130, thereby assisting in automatically adjusting the harness as the headrest support 130 and headrest 102 are moved.
Also included on the front face 182 of the headrest support 130, behind the headrest 102, is a panel adjustment mechanism 148. With reference to
According to the above arrangement, when a user pulls up the handle 142, the adjustment bar 144 slides upward and the angled surface 146 of an angled slot also moves upward. As the angled cam surface 146 slides upward, the knobs 194 on the pins 193 ride along the angled cam surface, forcing the pins 193 closer together, toward the center of the track. When the pins 193 are moved to the center of the track, the locking posts on the pins are removed from the holes 149 in the support bar 138. Accordingly, the headrest support 130 and connected headrest 102 are free to slide along the support bar 138. When the proper position for the headrest 102 is found, the user releases the handle 142 and the handle returns to a downward position. As the handle 142 returns to the downward position, the adjustment bar 144 and angled cam surface 146 also move downward, allowing the knobs 194 on the pins 193 in the track 191 to move further apart. The spring 192 then forces the pins apart, thereby forcing the locking posts into the holes 149 in the support bar 138 when the locking posts are properly aligned with the holes 149.
Headrest
With reference to
The headrest 102 includes a central portion 101 that is secured to the headrest support 130. The central portion 101 includes two shoulder harness slots 105 that are aligned with the harness guides 186, allowing straps to pass through the headrest support 130 and headrest 102. The central portion 101 of the headrest 102 is integral with two flexible sidewalls 103 having generally curved perimeters. Each sidewall 103 extends about 6 to 12 inches outward and away from the location where the central portion 101 is attached to the headrest support 130. Each sidewall 103 also curves around the base shell 118 as it extends away from the central portion 101. While the central portion 101 is securely fastened to the headrest support 130, the sidewalls 103 are free to bend in relation to the central portion 101. In particular, the sidewalls 103 of the headrest 102 are free to pivot near the point where the headrest 102 is fastened to the headrest support 130 and toward an occupant's head sitting in the child seat 100 in the event of an accident. This provides a significant amount of protection for the occupant of the seat 100 in the event of a side impact to the vehicle or a rollover. The dense foam material that forms the headrest 102 not only cradles the occupant's head in the event of an accident, but also serves as a cushion for sleeping.
Any number of different types of fasteners may be used to secure the headrest to the headrest support. For example, the fasteners 360 described above with two locking pieces 362, 364 may be used to secure the foam of the headrest 102 to the headrest support 130. Alternatively, loop and hook fastener material, such as VELCRO®, may be positioned on the back side of the headrest 102 and used to secure the headrest 102 to the headrest support 130. Low-density foam cushioning 124 may be attached to the headrest and headrest support to provide comfort padding for the back and head of the occupant of the child seat.
Seat Cover
As shown in
In one embodiment, the seat cover 108 is designed for removal from the foam shell 120 and base shell 118 without the need to remove any straps from the harness of the child seat 100. This embodiment is generally shown with reference to
Harness System
The harness system 110 is generally shown with reference to
Shoulder Harness System
With reference to
Referring now to
Buckle Harness System
Referring again to
Referring now to
Altogether, the disclosed harness system 110, including the shoulder harness system 201 and buckle harness system 211 provide means of adjusting the shoulder and crotch strap heights to better fit with ideal belt positioning for children of various ages. Together, the shoulder harness system 201 and the buckle harness system 211 provide an integrated child restraint system that can be adjusted to ideally restrain children of various weights and sizes. In one embodiment, the integrated child restraint system is designed for restraining children from 22-65 lbs. The restraint system includes a means to adjust shoulder belt heights while simultaneously positioning the crotch belt height and fore and aft position.
Central Belt Retractor
With reference to
As best shown in
Returning to
Rotation of the spool 306 in the clockwise direction, as noted by arrow 350 in
Connection to Vehicle Seat
Returning to FIGS. 1, 3-5, 13, 17 and 20 a system is provided for mounting the child seat 100 in a vehicle. In particular, vehicle connection straps 270 are provided that are connected to vehicle connection buckles 280. The connection straps are partially wound on retractable spools of retractors 290 (see
The vehicle connection straps 270 extend horizontally from the spools of the retractor 290 along the bottom portion of the base shell 118. At one of the cross members 128 of the frame 122, the straps 270 make a perpendicular turn and extend vertically along the base shell. Thereafter, the connection straps pass through 45° slots 282 in the base shell 118. The 45° slots 282 redirect the straps 270 in a generally horizontal direction such that the straps 270 extend sideways relative to the upright child seat 100. The straps terminate in connection buckles 280 operable to connect to anchors in the vehicle seat.
In addition to the above method for connecting the vehicle seat to an automobile, the vehicle seat may also be secured to an automobile by passing the shoulder belt of the automobile through the triangular shaped openings 168 in the posterior portion of the base shell 118 and frame 122. After passing the shoulder belt through the openings 168, the belts may be buckled to the shoulder belt anchors of the vehicle seat belt and tightened, thus securing the child seat 100 to the vehicle seat.
Proper Harness Position Indicators
The child seat 100 is equipped with both a clip position indicator and a shoulder slot position indicator. The clip location indicator 396 is provided on the clip itself. The clip position indicator 396 includes a design, icon, wording, or other indicia to show the proper position of the clip relative to the child. For example, as shown in
In an alternative embodiment shown in
Carrying Strap/Tether Combination
With reference to
Conveniently, the tether 500 may also serve as a carrying strap. To this end, the child seat 100 includes a tether clip connection slot 510 on the posterior side of the base shell 118. The tether clip connection slot 510 is dimensioned to receive the hook portion 504 of the tether clip. Adjacent to the tether clip connection slot is a buckle groove 512 dimensioned to receive the buckle portion 506 of the tether clip 502.
Instruction Manual Storage
With reference to
When the headrest cover 109 is properly positioned on the headrest 102, the pouch 530 is situated in front of the foam headrest 102 and behind the exterior surface of the headrest cover 109. Padding may be added between the pouch 530 and the headrest cover 109. The pouch 530 provides a convenient location for storage of the instruction manual, allowing a user of the seat 100 to quickly and conveniently access the instruction manual when needed. This convenient location for storage of the instruction manual also helps the user avoid losing the instruction manual.
Color Coded Parts and Instruction Manual
The instruction manual, seat labels, and various parts of the child seat 100 are all color coded to help the user identify and properly operate different parts on the seat. With reference to
As noted above, numerous text references in the instruction manual are highlighted in yellow to indicate to the reader that the text being read is in reference to the retractable harness system 110 of the seat 100. Likewise, numerous parts on the seat 100 are yellow to help the user easily identify and understand proper operation of the retractable harness system when reading about the retractable harness system in the manual. For example, with reference to
The child vehicle seat and restraint system disclosed herein is designed for use in any moving vehicle, including, without limitation, cars, vans, trucks, airplanes, etc. Although the present invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that other implementations and adaptations are possible. Moreover, there are advantages to individual advancements described herein that may be obtained without incorporating other aspects described above. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein.
Claims
1. A child vehicle seat, comprising:
- a first shell portion defining an aperture therein;
- a second shell portion including a seat portion, said second shell portion being positioned in relation to said first shell portion so as to define a space therebetween;
- a strap extending within said space and out of said aperture defined in said first shell portion;
- a retractor assembly positioned within said space and configured to receive portions of said strap in a wound configuration, said retractor assembly being operable to apply a bias to said strap to urge said strap toward said retractor assembly; and
- an actuator positionable between (i) a first position in which said actuator prevents payout of said strap from said retractor assembly, and (ii) a second position in which said actuator allows payout of said strap from said retractor assembly.
2. The child vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein:
- an access opening is defined between a first front portion of said first shell portion and second front portion of said second shell portion, and
- said actuator is positioned within said access opening.
3. The child vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein:
- said retractor assembly includes a spool and ratchet teeth formed on said spool, and
- said actuator includes a pawl configured to engage said ratchet teeth.
4. The child vehicle seat of claim 3, wherein:
- said pawl is engaged with said ratchet teeth when said actuator is positioned in said first position, and
- said pawl is spaced apart from said ratchet teeth when said actuator is positioned in said second position.
5. The child seat of claim 3, wherein:
- said actuator includes a lever that includes said pawl, and
- said lever is pivotable to cause said actuator to move between said first position and said second position.
6. The child vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein:
- said first shell portion includes an angled surface which defines in part said aperture,
- said angled surface is arranged at about 45° in relation to vertical, and
- said strap is positioned in contact with said angle surface when said strap extends out of said aperture.
7. The child vehicle seat of claim 1, further comprising a buckle configured to attach to a vehicle anchor, wherein:
- said strap includes a first end retained within said retractor assembly and a second end connected to said buckle.
8. The child vehicle seat of claim 7, wherein said buckle and said aperture are sized in relation to each other such that said buckle is prevented from advancing through said aperture.
9. The child vehicle seat of claim 8, wherein said buckle is located outside of said space defined between said first shell portion and said second shell portion.
10. A child vehicle seat, comprising:
- a first shell portion defining a first aperture and a second aperture;
- a second shell portion including a seat portion, said second shell portion being positioned in relation to said first shell portion so as to define a space therebetween;
- a first strap extending within said space and out of said first aperture defined in said first shell portion;
- a second strap extending within said space and out of said second aperture defined in said first shell portion;
- a first retractor assembly positioned within said space and configured to receive portions of said first strap, said first retractor assembly being operable to bias said first strap toward said first retractor assembly;
- a second retractor assembly positioned within said space and configured to receive portions of said second strap, said second retractor assembly being operable to bias said second strap toward said second retractor assembly;
- a first actuator positionable between (i) a first position in which said first actuator prevents payout of said first strap from said first retractor assembly, and (ii) a second position in which said first actuator allows payout of said first strap from said first retractor assembly; and
- a second actuator positionable between (i) a third position in which said second actuator prevents payout of said second strap from said second retractor assembly, and (ii) a fourth position in which said second actuator allows payout of said second strap from said second retractor assembly.
11. The child vehicle seat of claim 10, wherein:
- an access opening is defined between a first front portion of said first shell portion and second front portion of said second shell portion, and
- said first actuator and said second actuator are both positioned within said access opening.
12. The child vehicle seat of claim 10, wherein:
- said first retractor assembly includes a first spool and first ratchet teeth formed on said first spool,
- said second retractor assembly includes a second spool and second ratchet teeth formed on said second spool,
- said first actuator includes a first pawl configured to engage said first ratchet teeth, and
- said second actuator includes a second pawl configured to engage said second ratchet teeth.
13. The child vehicle seat of claim 12, wherein:
- said first pawl is engaged with said first ratchet teeth when said first actuator is positioned in said first position,
- said first pawl is spaced apart from said first ratchet teeth when said first actuator is positioned in said second position,
- said second pawl is engaged with said second ratchet teeth when said second actuator is positioned in said third position, and
- said second pawl is spaced apart from said second ratchet teeth when said second actuator is positioned in said fourth position.
14. The child seat of claim 12, wherein:
- said first actuator includes a first lever that includes said first pawl,
- said first lever is pivotable to cause said first actuator to move between said first position and said second position.
- said second actuator includes a second lever that includes said second pawl, and
- said second lever is pivotable to cause said second actuator to move between said third position and said fourth position.
15. The child vehicle seat of claim 10, wherein:
- said first shell portion includes a first angled surface which defines in part said first aperture and a second angled surface which defines in part said second aperture,
- both said first angled surface and said second angled surface are arranged at about 45° in relation to vertical,
- said first strap is positioned in contact with said first angle surface when said first strap extends out of said first aperture, and
- said second strap is positioned in contact with said second angle surface when said second strap extends out of said second aperture.
16. The child vehicle seat of claim 10, further comprising a first buckle and a second buckle, wherein:
- said first strap is connected to said first buckle, and
- said second strap is connected to said second buckle.
17. The child vehicle seat of claim 16, wherein:
- said first buckle and said first aperture are sized in relation to each other such that said first buckle is prevented from advancing through said first aperture, and
- said second buckle and said second aperture are sized in relation to each other such that said second buckle is prevented from advancing through said second aperture.
18. The child vehicle seat of claim 10, further comprising a connecting member extending between said first actuator and said second actuator, wherein:
- movement of said first actuator from said first position to said second position causes movement of said second actuator from said third position to said fourth position.
19. A child vehicle seat, comprising:
- a first shell portion defining an opening;
- a second shell portion including a seat portion, said second shell portion being positioned in relation to said first shell portion so as to define a space therebetween;
- a strap extending within said space and out of said opening defined in said first shell portion;
- a retractor assembly positioned within said space and configured to receive portions of said strap, said retractor assembly being operable to bias said first strap toward said retractor assembly; and
- a buckle connected to said strap and being configured to attach to a vehicle anchor.
20. The child vehicle seat of claim 19, further comprising an actuator positionable between (i) a first position in which said actuator prevents payout of said strap from said retractor assembly, and (ii) a second position in which said actuator allows payout of said strap from said retractor assembly.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 14, 2005
Publication Date: Apr 20, 2006
Inventors: Guy Dingman (Westfield, IN), Tom Woellert (Indianapolis, IN), Mike Ayette (Noblesville, IN)
Application Number: 11/251,248
International Classification: B60R 22/34 (20060101);