Child restraint device

Abstract

A child restraint configured to be securable to and separable from a base mounted in a vehicle, the child restraint comprising a lighting device positioned on an exterior portion of the child restraint, the lighting device configured to operate in a first mode to illuminate a first area of the exterior of the child restraint, wherein in the event that the child restraint is not secured to the base and the child restraint is being moved, the lighting device will be activated in its first mode to illuminate the first area of the exterior of the child restraint for the purpose of aiding in the securing to the base, and wherein in the event that the child restraint is secured to the base, the first mode will be deactivated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a child restraint device for vehicles. In a particular form, the invention relates to a child restraint device with integrated lighting. Background Technology

[0002] Child restraint devices (including infant carriers) are configured to be installed within a vehicle and secured in place via vehicle seatbelts or alternative fasteners such as ISOFIX. Child restraint devices are sometimes configured to be secured to and detachable from a base that remains fixed in the vehicle via seatbelts or alternative fasteners. Many of these infant carriers are also configured to be secured directly to and detachable from a stroller, either directly or using an adapter that allows infant carriers and strollers manufactured by different companies to engage cooperatively.

[0003] Securing the baby carrier to the base and stroller can be complex and cumbersome, and especially daunting and stressful for first-time parents or users, requiring proper alignment of the latches and adapters with their respective sockets / receivers. This task becomes even more difficult in low-light conditions, or when one doesn't want to illuminate the vehicle to avoid disturbing or waking a sleeping child.

[0004] It was against this backdrop that this disclosure was developed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect, a child restraint device is provided, the child restraint device being configured to be secured to and detachable from a base installed in a vehicle, the child restraint device comprising: an illumination device positioned on an external portion of the child restraint device, configured to operate in a first mode to illuminate a first area external to the child restraint device; wherein, in the event that the child restraint device is not secured to the base and the child restraint device is moved, the illumination device is activated in its first mode to illuminate the first area external to the child restraint device for the purpose of aiding in securing it to the base, and wherein, when the child restraint device is secured to the base, the first mode is deactivated.

[0006] In one embodiment, the child restraint device further includes a motion sensor for detecting movement of the child restraint device.

[0007] In one form, the motion sensor is a tilt sensor.

[0008] In one embodiment, the child restraint device further includes a sensor for detecting whether the child restraint device has been secured to the base.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sensor for detecting whether the child restraint device has been secured to the base is in the form of a switch, which is actuated when the child restraint device is secured to the base.

[0010] In one embodiment, the child restraint device is also configured to be secured to and detachable from the stroller, wherein, in the event that the child restraint device is not secured to the stroller and is moved, the lighting device will be activated in its first mode to illuminate a first area outside the child restraint device for the purpose of assisting in securing it to the stroller, and wherein, in the event that the child restraint device is secured to the stroller, the first mode will be deactivated.

[0011] In one embodiment, the child restraint device further includes a sensor for detecting whether the child restraint device has been secured to the stroller.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sensor for detecting whether the child restraint device has been secured to the stroller is in the form of a switch, which is actuated when the child restraint device is secured to the stroller.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lighting device is further configured to operate in a second mode to illuminate a second area outside the child restraint device, wherein the lighting device is activated in its second mode when the child restraint device is secured to the stroller and the child restraint device is moved.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second region outside the child restraint device is the region in front of and behind the child restraint device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first region outside the child restraint device is the region below the child restraint device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the child restraint device further includes a sensor for detecting ambient light levels, wherein the lighting device will be deactivated if the ambient light level exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0017] In one form, the child restraint device is an infant vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Embodiments of the invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a child restraint device in the form of an infant vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 According to one embodiment, it is used for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the lighting system for an infant vehicle;

[0021] Figure 3 According to alternative embodiments, for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the lighting system for an infant vehicle;

[0022] Figure 4 It is installed on the base. Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of an infant vehicle;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a detailed view of the external light activated in the first "installation mode";

[0024] Figure 6 This is a detailed view of the external lights activated in the second "safety mode";

[0025] Figure 7 It is installed on the stroller Figure 1 A 3D image of an infant vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Now for reference Figures 1 to 7 The illustration shows a child restraint device in the form of an infant carrier 100, configured to be secured to and detachable from a base 200 mounted in a vehicle. The infant carrier 100 includes at least one lighting device 120 positioned on an external portion of the infant carrier 100, configured to operate in a first mode (or installation mode) to illuminate a first area (e.g., an area on the exterior of the infant carrier 100) of the child restraint device. Figure 5 (Best shown). The baby carrier 100 also includes a motion sensor 140 for detecting movement of the baby carrier 100 and a sensor 160 for detecting whether the baby carrier 100 has been secured to the base 200. If the baby carrier 100 is not secured to the base 200 and is moved, the lighting device 120 activates a first mode to illuminate a first area on the exterior of the baby carrier 100 for the purpose of aiding in securing it to the base 200. When the baby carrier 100 is secured to the base 200, the first mode is deactivated.

[0027] Although in the illustrated embodiment, the first region outside the child restraint device is the region below the child restraint device, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the size and orientation of the first region may differ, but still fall within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the first region may include the region directly below the infant vehicle, as well as the regions in front of and behind the infant vehicle and / or on the left and right sides.

[0028] The motion sensor 140 used to detect movement of the infant vehicle 100 takes the form of a tilt sensor 141. It should be understood that, in alternative embodiments, different types of motion sensors, such as accelerometers, infrared sensors, or occupant presence sensors, may be used.

[0029] The sensor 160 for detecting whether the infant carrier 100 has been secured to the base 200 is in the form of a first switch 161, which is actuated when the infant carrier 100 is secured to the base 200. The switch 161 may be positioned on or near the underside of the infant carrier 100 such that a portion of the base 200 will abut against and activate the switch 161 during the securing process.

[0030] The infant vehicle 100 also includes at least one sensor 150 for detecting ambient light levels, in the form of an ambient light sensor 151, wherein the lighting device will be deactivated if the ambient light level exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0031] The infant carrier 100 is also configured to be secured to and detached from the stroller 300, and includes a sensor 170 for detecting whether the infant carrier 100 is secured to the stroller 300. If the infant carrier 100 is not secured to the stroller 300 and is moved, the lighting device 120 will activate a first mode to illuminate the area below the infant carrier 100 to aid in securing it to the stroller 300. When the infant carrier 100 is secured to the stroller 300, the first mode will be deactivated.

[0032] The lighting device 120 is also configured to operate in a second mode (or safety mode) to illuminate a second area outside the baby carrier 100, wherein the lighting device 120 will activate the second mode to improve the visibility of the stroller 300 and the baby carrier 100 when the baby carrier 100 is fixed to the stroller 300.

[0033] Although in the illustrated embodiment, the second region outside the child restraint device is the area in front of and behind the child restraint device, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the size and orientation of the second region may differ, but still fall within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the second region may include the area in front of and behind the infant vehicle and / or the area on the left and right sides.

[0034] The sensor 170 for detecting whether the infant carrier 100 has been secured to the stroller 300 is in the form of a second switch 171, which is actuated when the infant carrier 100 is secured to the stroller. The second switch 171 may be positioned within or near the location where the stroller 300 is connected to the infant carrier 100, such that a portion of the stroller 300 will abut against and activate the switch 171 during the securing process.

[0035] Although in the described embodiments the sensor for detecting whether the infant carrier is secured to the base or stroller is in the form of a switch, it should be understood that alternative sensing arrangements may be employed and are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 As can be seen, the infant carrier 100 includes a main body 110 that provides a supporting surface for the occupant. The lighting device 120 takes the form of external lamp assemblies 121 disposed on both sides of the main body. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As schematically shown, the external light assembly 121 includes a housing 122, four light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 124a, 124b, a lens 123, and associated circuitry. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 122 forms part of a structure fixed to the side 112 of the body 110, provides a mounting location for a pull handle 113 for the infant carrier 100, and a receiving socket 114 for securing the infant carrier 100 directly or via an adapter to the stroller 300.

[0037] LEDs 124a and 124b are arranged in a row such that when operating in mounting mode, the two internal LEDs (mounting lights) 124a are activated, and when operating in safety mode, the two external LEDs (safety lights) 124b are activated. It should be understood that the mounting lights 124a are oriented downwards, and the safety lights 124b are oriented forwards and backwards respectively, in order to achieve the desired lighting effect.

[0038] Now for reference Figures 1 to 4 As can be seen, the infant carrier 100 also includes a pair of internal light assemblies 130 disposed on both sides of the main body 110. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As schematically shown, each internal lamp assembly 130 includes a housing 131, four LEDs 132, a lens 133, two user input devices in the form of up and down buttons 134 and 135, and associated circuitry.

[0039] The internal LEDs (internal lights) 132 are arranged in a row and oriented such that when activated, they are intended to illuminate the occupant of the infant vehicle 100. The internal lights 132 can be operated by means of the upper button 134, and the mounting lights 124a and safety lights 124b can be operated by means of the lower button 135, the operation of which will be described in further detail below.

[0040] It should be understood that the type, quantity, location, and orientation of the internal light 132, the mounting light 124a, and the safety light 124b may differ from those described, while still achieving the desired lighting effect.

[0041] There are several different ways to configure internal and external lighting assemblies, as well as associated switches and sensors, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The two alternative diagrams presented are shown in the figure.

[0042] refer to Figure 2 The lighting device can be seen to include two internal light assemblies 130, two external light assemblies 121, and a battery assembly 180. The battery assembly 180 includes a rechargeable battery 181 and a battery management system 182 disposed within a housing 193. In addition to the internal lights 132, the internal light assembly 130 may also include a charging port 136, an onboard microcontroller 137, and a battery status indicator 138. The internal light assembly 130 is then connected in parallel to the battery assembly 180. It can also be seen that in this arrangement, the first external light assembly 121 is connected to the battery assembly 180 and includes, in addition to the safety light 124a and the mounting light 124b, a tilt sensor 141, a light sensor 151, a second switch 171, and the microcontroller 127. It can also be seen that the second external light assembly 121 is then connected to the first light assembly 121. The first switch 161 is directly connected to the battery assembly 180.

[0043] refer to Figure 3 As can be seen, the lighting device may include two internal light assemblies 130, two external light assemblies 121, and an electronic control unit (ECU) 190 electronically connected to the two internal light assemblies 130 and the two external light assemblies 121. The ECU 190 is housed within a housing 193 that can be positioned below the infant carrier 100, and includes a rechargeable battery 191 and a battery management system 192, a tilt sensor 141, a speaker 194, a microcontroller 195, and associated circuitry for receiving and / or sending signals to the internal light assemblies 130 and the external light assemblies 121, as well as a first switch 161 and a second switch 171. In addition to the internal lights 132, the internal light assemblies 130 may also include a charging port 136 and an ambient light sensor 151. The internal light assemblies 130 and 121, as well as the first switch 161 and the second switch 171, are then each connected to the ECU 190. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a visual battery status indicator is provided, and Figure 3 A speaker 194 that can provide sound signals is provided.

[0044] It should be understood that these two arrangements offer an option where the interior and exterior lights are centrally controlled by the ECU190 (according to...). Figure 3 ), or it can be self-controlled as a standalone module powered solely by the battery casing 180 (according to Figure 2However, it should be understood that other configurations are also possible. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the child restraint device may be provided with only internal or external lights, or in another embodiment, the number of internal and external light assemblies may vary.

[0045] Although communication between the various components occurs via a cable link in the illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, communication may occur via fiber optics, infrared, or various wireless communication protocols such as wireless networks or Bluetooth.

[0046] An example of how to operate the internal light 132 will now be described. The internal light 132 is manually operated via any of the upper buttons 134. A brief press of any upper button 134 will turn on both sets of internal lights 132, while a further brief press within a predetermined time period of 10 seconds will increase the intensity of the lights. If a brief press is made after the predetermined time, the internal lights will turn off.

[0047] The interior light 132 also features an automatic shut-off function. Pressing and holding either upper button 134 at any intensity will activate the automatic shut-off timer. Once activated, a countdown will begin, and the interior light will automatically turn off after 2 minutes. Understandably, this function gives the operator ample time to ensure the child is safely secured in the vehicle, walks to the driver's seat, sits in the car, begins driving, and allows the light to automatically turn off.

[0048] An example of how to operate the external lights 124a and 124b will now be described. The default operating mode is automatic mode, in which the system will detect the darkness / brightness, movement / non-movement, and usage of the base or stroller, and activate / deactivate the lights accordingly.

[0049] Briefly pressing any of the lower buttons 135 will set the system to automatic mode. In bright environments, both the mounting light 124a and the safety light 124b remain off (or will be turned off when moving from a dark environment to a bright environment). When the infant carrier 100 is moved and the environment is dark, the mounting light 124a will turn on and the safety light 124b will remain off. If there is no movement after a predetermined period of time, the mounting light 124a will turn off again (timeout). When the infant carrier 100 is secured to the stroller 300 in the dark, the mounting light 124a will turn off and the safety light 124b will turn on. If there is no movement after a predetermined period of time, the safety light 124b will turn off (timeout). When the infant carrier 100 is separated from the stroller 300, the safety light 124b will turn off and the mounting light 124a will turn on. When the infant carrier 100 is secured to the base 200 in the vehicle in the dark, the mounting light 124a will turn off.

[0050] The system can also switch to manual operation mode. In automatic mode, a brief press of the lower button 135 activates manual mode, and both safety light 124a and mounting light 124b turn on (regardless of ambient light). A second brief press of the lower button 135 within a predetermined 10-second period turns safety light 124b on and mounting light 124a off. A third brief press of the lower button 135 within the predetermined 10-second period turns safety light 124b off and mounting light 124a on. A fourth brief press of the lower button 135 within the predetermined 10-second period returns to automatic mode. If in manual mode and the baby carrier 100 is released from the stroller 300 or base 200, it reverts to automatic mode. If in manual mode, a brief press of the lower button 135 after a predetermined 10-second period returns to automatic mode.

[0051] You can also completely turn off the external lights 124a and 124b, which is recommended for use when not in use for extended periods. This can be done by pressing and holding the button below.

[0052] In the embodiments shown and described, buttons located on the internal lighting assembly are used to operate both the internal and external lights. It should be understood that many other arrangements and operating modes can be applied, such as variations in the position or number of buttons. Alternatively, the lights can be operated via an "onboard" user interface such as a touchscreen. Furthermore, the lights can also be operated via an "external" user interface, such as an app on a connected smart device, a remote control, a voice control device, or integrated into a vehicle entertainment and control system.

[0053] In the embodiments shown and described, the infant vehicle 100 features an integrated lighting device; however, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, various components constituting the lighting device can be adapted to existing seats or infant vehicles. It should also be understood that the above disclosure is not necessarily limited to infant vehicles.

[0054] Although child restraint devices in the form of infant vehicles have been shown and described, it should be understood that all or at least some of the features described above may also be used on another type of child restraint device, such as a front-facing and / or rear-facing restraint device.

[0055] Throughout the specification and the subsequent claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the words “comprising” and “including” and variations thereof shall be understood to imply inclusion of the said integer or group of integers, but not to exclude any other integer or group of integers.

[0056] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not, and should not be construed as, an implicit admission of any kind that such prior art is part of common general knowledge.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand that the use of this invention is not limited to the specific applications described. The invention is also not limited to its preferred embodiments regarding the specific elements and / or features described or depicted herein. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the one or more embodiments disclosed, but is capable of various rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A child restraint device configured to be secured to and detachable from a base installed in a vehicle, the child restraint device comprising: An illuminator, positioned on an external portion of the child restraint device and configured to operate in a first mode, thereby illuminating a first area outside the child restraint device; Motion sensors used to detect the movement of the child restraint device; and Sensors used to detect whether the child restraint device has been fixed to the base; In the event that the child restraint device is not secured to the base and the child restraint device is moved, the illuminator will be activated in its first mode to illuminate the first area outside the child restraint device for the purpose of aiding in securing it to the base, and in the event that the child restraint device is secured to the base, the first mode will be deactivated. The illuminator is also configured to operate in a second mode, thereby illuminating a second area outside the child restraint device, and wherein the illuminator will be activated in its second mode when the child restraint device is secured to the stroller and when the child restraint device is moved. The second region outside the child restraint device refers to the area in front of and behind the child restraint device. The first area outside the child restraint device is the area below the child restraint device.

2. The child restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the movement sensor is a tilt sensor.

3. The child restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor for detecting whether the child restraint device has been fixed to the base is in the form of a switch, and the switch is actuated when the child restraint device is fixed to the base.

4. The child restraint device of claim 1, further configured to be attachable to and detachable from the stroller, wherein in the event that the child restraint device is not attached to the stroller and the child restraint device is moved, the illuminator will be activated in its first mode to illuminate the first area outside the child restraint device for the purpose of assisting in attachment to the stroller, and wherein in the event that the child restraint device is attached to the stroller, the first mode will be deactivated.

5. The child restraint device according to claim 4, wherein the child restraint device further comprises a sensor for detecting whether the child restraint device has been fixed to the stroller.

6. The child restraint device of claim 5, wherein the sensor for detecting whether the child restraint device has been secured to the stroller is in the form of a switch, and the switch is actuated when the child restraint device is secured to the stroller.

7. The child restraint device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the child restraint device further comprises a sensor for detecting ambient light levels, wherein, The illuminator will be deactivated if the ambient light level exceeds a predetermined amount.

8. The child restraint device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the child restraint device is an infant vehicle.

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