Side impact safety seat

Abstract

A safety seat for a vehicle includes a rigid frame having a concave shape to accommodate a person, and a headrest shaped to accommodate a head of the person. The headrest has two headrest side panels elastically connected to the rigid frame. A horizontally arranged rod is located behind the rigid frame and is pushed by an external side impact. A vertically arranged rod is adjacent to the horizontally arranged rod, which is vertically pushed by the movement of the horizontally arranged rod and moves the two headrest side panels to a closed position on the side of the head.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 930,008, filed on November 4, 2019, entitled “SAFETY SEAT PROTECTING FROM SIDE IMPACT,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0003] Technical field and background technology

[0004] In some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention relates to a safety seat for a vehicle, and more particularly but not exclusively, to a mechanism for absorbing the energy of a side impact and / or closing a headrest to support the head.

[0005] Most existing car safety seats and safety mechanisms are designed to protect against front and rear impacts, such as headrests, seat belts or airbags. However, a side impact with a vehicle, such as when another vehicle is crossing an intersection, can be just as harmful to the occupants as a front or rear impact. The need for side impact protection is relatively new, having only recently been mandated in updated European child regulations, for example, and not in U.S. regulations. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a safety seat for a vehicle is provided. The safety seat includes a rigid frame having a concave shape to accommodate a person and a headrest shaped to accommodate a person's head. The headrest has two headrest side panels elastically connected to the rigid frame. A horizontally arranged rod is located at the rear of the rigid frame and is pushed by an external side impact. A vertically arranged rod adjacent to the horizontally arranged rod is vertically pushed by the movement of the horizontally arranged rod and moves the two headrest side panels to a closed position on the side of the head.

[0007] Optionally, the safety seat also includes two separation rods, each of which is connected between the upper end of the vertically arranged rod and the rear side of one of the two headrest side panels, so that the vertical movement of the vertically arranged rod causes the two separation rods to move to push the rear side of each of the two headrest side panels outward, thereby moving the front side of each of the two headrest side panels inward to a closed position on the side of the head.

[0008] Optionally, the horizontally disposed rod is at least substantially pushed laterally by an outer impact.

[0009] Optionally, the horizontally arranged rod has a top groove; the vertically arranged rod has a bottom edge, which is inserted into the top groove of the horizontally arranged rod. When the horizontally arranged rod moves laterally, the surface of the bottom edge slides over the surface of the top groove, thereby pushing the vertically arranged rod upward.

[0010] Optionally, the horizontally arranged rod has a sharp edge, and the vertically arranged rod has at least one side groove adjacent to the sharp edge. When the horizontally arranged rod moves laterally, the sharp edge is inserted into the side groove and pushes the vertically arranged rod to move vertically.

[0011] Optionally, the safety seat further comprises a locking mechanism for holding the headrest side panel in a closed position.

[0012] Optionally, the horizontally arranged rod includes a shock absorbing mechanism for absorbing external side impact energy.

[0013] More optionally, the shock absorbing mechanism comprises a deformable element, which is deformed when the horizontally arranged rod is moved due to an external side impact.

[0014] More optionally, the deformable element is selected from the group consisting of: a slender spiral, a crushable column, a rolling ring tube, an inverted tube, a cutting shock absorber, a slit shock absorber, a tube-mold absorber, a rolling absorber, a flat tube absorber, a belt bend absorber, a rod bend absorber, a line bend absorber, a line through plate absorber, a deformable connecting rod absorber, an extended tube / belt / cable absorber, a tube flare, a closed coiled cable absorber, a rod through mold absorber, a hydraulic absorber, and a pneumatic absorber.

[0015] More optionally, the deformable element comprises a tube having a wide portion and a narrow portion for accommodating a push rod, and when the push rod is pushed into the narrow portion, the narrow portion is widened.

[0016] More optionally, the shock absorbing mechanism comprises at least one safety tooth, which breaks when the horizontally arranged rod is pushed by an external side impact and the vertically arranged rod is fully pushed.

[0017] Optionally, the horizontally disposed rod comprises at least one arm extending laterally from at least one side of the rigid frame.

[0018] More optionally, when the safety seat side is not mounted beside the vehicle door, the at least one arm is folded.

[0019] More optionally, the at least one support arm includes an extension element, wherein the extension element is in a retracted state when the safety seat is not installed in the vehicle, and the extension element is in an extended state when the safety seat is installed in the vehicle.

[0020] More optionally, the extension element comprises a tube portion and a rod portion, when the safety seat is not installed in a vehicle, the rod portion is inserted into the tube portion, and when the safety seat is installed in a vehicle, at least part of the rod portion is withdrawn from the tube portion.

[0021] More optionally, the at least one arm includes a latch, wherein the latch prevents the extension member from sliding into the retracted state when the safety seat is installed in a vehicle.

[0022] Optionally, an outer end of one of the at least one support arm is close to the inner side of the vehicle door.

[0023] Optionally, the rigid frame is mounted on a base. The base includes: a horizontal tube cavity located at the bottom back thereof; a horizontal rod located in the horizontal tube cavity so that the base can slide laterally on the horizontal rod due to external side impact; at least two connecting locks on each end of the horizontal rod for connecting to the anchor of the vehicle; and a shock absorbing mechanism connected between the horizontal tube cavity and the horizontal rod to absorb the energy of the external side impact.

[0024] Optionally, the rigid frame is mounted on a base. The base comprises: at least one horizontal bar located behind its bottom; at least two connecting buckles on each end of the at least one horizontal bar for attachment to an anchor of the vehicle; at least two deformable elements connected between the at least one horizontal bar and the at least two connecting buckles for absorbing the energy of an external side impact by deformation.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a method for closing a headrest side panel of a safety seat for a vehicle is provided. The method comprises: moving a horizontally arranged rod behind a rigid frame by an external side impact, the rigid frame being shaped like a concave shape to accommodate a person; vertically pushing a vertically arranged rod adjacent to the horizontally arranged rod by the movement of the horizontally arranged rod; and moving two headrest side panels flexibly connected to the rigid frame to a closed position at the side of the head by the movement of the vertically arranged rod.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a safety seat for a vehicle is provided. The safety seat comprises: a rigid frame having a concave shape to accommodate a person; a headrest having a shape to accommodate a head of the person, the headrest having a headrest seat connected to the rigid frame and two headrest side panels flexibly connected to the headrest seat; an impact detector configured to detect an impact on a vehicle; and a closing mechanism, when the impact detector detects an impact on the vehicle, the closing mechanism is triggered to move the two headrest side panels inwardly to a closed position on the side of the head.

[0027] Optionally, the impact detector comprises a weight which is moved by the impact.

[0028] Optionally, the impact detector comprises an acceleration sensor.

[0029] Optionally, the impact detector comprises a chemical reaction in an explosion chamber which is triggered by a mechanical impact to the explosion chamber.

[0030] Optionally, the closing mechanism includes two separation rods, each of which pushes the rear side of one of the two headrest side panels outwardly, thereby moving the front side of each of the two headrest side panels inwardly to a closed position on the side of the head.

[0031] More optionally, the closing mechanism comprises a motor for moving the two separation rods.

[0032] Optionally, the closing mechanism includes a spring, which is released to pull the rear side of each of the two headrest side panels outward, thereby moving the front side of each of the two headrest side panels inward to a closed position on the side of the head.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a safety seat for a vehicle is provided, wherein the safety seat comprises a rigid frame, which is concave in shape to accommodate a person; at least one arm, which extends laterally from at least one side of the rigid frame; and a deformable element, which is connected between the at least one arm and the rigid frame, and when the at least one arm is pushed by an external side impact, the deformable element is deformed, thereby absorbing the energy of the external side impact.

[0034] Optionally, the safety seat also includes: a headrest, which is shaped to accommodate a head of the person, and has a headrest seat connected to the rigid frame and two headrest side panels flexibly connected to the headrest back panel; and a closing mechanism, when the at least one arm is pushed by an external side impact, the closing mechanism is triggered by the at least one arm to move the two headrest side panels inwardly to a closed position on the side of the head.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a safety seat for a vehicle is provided. The safety seat comprises: a rigid frame, which is concave to accommodate one person; a horizontal tube cavity, which is located behind the bottom of the rigid frame; a horizontal rod, which is located in the horizontal tube cavity, so that the rigid frame can slide laterally on the horizontal rod when it is hit by an external impact; at least two connecting buckles, which are located at each end of the horizontal rod, for connecting to an anchor of the vehicle; and a shock absorbing mechanism, which is connected between the horizontal tube cavity and the horizontal rod, to absorb the energy of the external impact.

[0036] Optionally, the shock absorbing mechanism includes a large surface area of ​​the horizontal rod that contacts the surface of the horizontal lumen to generate high friction between the horizontal rod and the horizontal lumen.

[0037] Optionally, the shock absorbing mechanism includes a deformable element connected between the horizontal rod and the horizontal tube cavity. When the rigid frame is hit from the outside, the deformable element deforms to absorb the energy of the outside impact.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a safety seat for a vehicle is provided, the safety seat comprising: a rigid frame, concave in shape to accommodate a person; at least one horizontal bar, located behind the bottom of the rigid frame; at least two connecting buckles, located at each end of the at least one horizontal bar, for attachment to an anchor of the vehicle; and at least two deformable elements, connected between the at least one horizontal bar and the at least two connecting buckles, for absorbing the energy of an external side impact by deformation.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to the methods and materials described herein may be used in the implementation or testing of embodiments of the present invention, exemplary methods and / or materials are also described below. In the event of a conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, shall prevail. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Some embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of example only. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is emphasized that the details shown are exemplary and are for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, the description in conjunction with the drawings will make it apparent to those skilled in the art how to implement the embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] In the attached figure:

[0042] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of an infant safety seat for a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary rigid frame and the forces transmitted upon impact according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2B It is a diagram showing some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2A Schematic diagram of an exemplary simulated deformation of a rigid frame;

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary rigid headrest according to some embodiments of the present invention and a minimum deformation that occurs when a load is applied to the headrest;

[0046] Figure 4 According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 A top view of a baby safety seat for a vehicle;

[0047] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 5D is a schematic top view of an infant safety seat for a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 6 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a method for closing a headrest side panel and absorbing side impact energy according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0049] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a diagram of an exemplary infant safety seat for a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0050] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B are a side view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of another exemplary infant safety seat for a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0051] Fig. 9A is a schematic diagram of a vehicle safety seat with a bottom shock absorbing mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0052] Fig. 9B According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig. 9A A schematic diagram of the bottom shock absorbing mechanism shown in ;

[0053] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B They are respectively top views of a safety seat base for a vehicle having a bottom shock absorbing mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention before and after a side impact;

[0054] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig. 10A and 10B a diagram of the rear of the child seat base; and

[0055] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig. 10A and 10B Illustration of the bottom shock absorbing mechanism of the safety seat base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention relates to a safety seat for a vehicle, and more particularly but not exclusively, to a mechanism for absorbing the energy of a side impact and / or closing a headrest to support the head.

[0057] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a safety seat is provided, for example for infants or children, but may also be used for adults. The safety seat includes a rigid frame, a mechanism for absorbing side impact energy, and a headrest with flaps for side head protection. The seat may also include a mechanism for closing the headrest side panels in response to a side impact to protect the passenger's head. This mechanism, when implemented, limits the movement of the head and reduces the momentum, force and / or speed with which the head can move. As described below, closing the headrest side panels can be accomplished by transferring some of the side impact energy to engage the mechanism of the headrest panels.

[0058] The safety seat may include one or more side arms that receive impact energy from a vehicle door and transfer it to a horizontally disposed rod located behind or to the side of the rigid frame, which is moved by the impact energy. For example, energy can be transferred through linear motion, a four-bar mechanism, and / or other methods to transfer dynamic motion. A shock absorbing mechanism (such as a deformable element described below) absorbs the impact energy and prevents at least a portion of it from hitting the rigid frame and the passenger. The shock absorbing mechanism may be located, for example, between the arm and the horizontally disposed rod, or may be a part of the horizontally disposed rod.

[0059] Optionally, a vertically disposed rod is adjacent to the horizontally disposed rod. The vertically disposed rod is pushed vertically upward or downward by movement of the horizontally disposed rod, thereby causing the two headrest side panels to move to a closed position to the side of the head. As described below, the two headrest side panels may also be closed in response to a side impact by other mechanisms. The movement of the vertically disposed rod may also engage a locking mechanism for the headrest side panels to maintain the headrest side panels in the closed position.

[0060] Optionally, a bottom shock absorbing mechanism between the rigid frame and the buckle that attaches the safety seat to the vehicle further absorbs the impact energy. For example, the rigid frame can slide on a horizontal bar (e.g., linear, four-bar or other mechanism) connected to the buckle in a way that high friction absorbs some of the energy.

[0061] Protection against side impacts can be described in terms of various stages of energy flow: absorption of energy by the shock-absorbing mechanism of the horizontally arranged rods; energy flow around the passenger's body in a rigid body structure, with the rigidity of the headrest preventing breakage and / or deformation; closing of the headrest side panels to secure the passenger's head and optionally reduce shear forces; and absorption of residual energy, for example by a bottom shock-absorbing mechanism.

[0062] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the construction details and arrangements of the components and / or methods described in the following description and / or illustrated in the drawings and / or embodiments in its application. The present invention can have other embodiments or can be practiced or implemented in various ways.

[0063] Now refer to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an infant safety seat for a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0064] The safety seat 100 includes a rigid frame 101 that is concave in shape to accommodate an infant. Other embodiments may include a rigid frame shaped to accommodate a child or an adult. The rigid frame 101 can be made of a rigid material, such as plastic, steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and / or other materials designed to withstand high forces so that it does not break or suffer plastic deformation during an impact. The structure protects the infant and transfers forces around. The rigid frame 101 can be mounted on a safety seat base (not shown) having a separate shock absorbing mechanism for absorbing the energy of an external side impact to the safety seat base. Such embodiments of the safety seat base are combined with 9A to 12B The safety seat base may also include any other shock absorbing mechanism that is or may become known.

[0065] Figure 2A An exemplary rigid frame is shown according to some embodiments of the present invention and the forces transmitted upon impact are represented by the lateral arrows. Figure 2B Some embodiments of the present invention are shown Figure 2A 1. Simulated deformation of an exemplary rigid frame. The deformation is represented by seven exemplary regions 111-117, ranging from region 111 of near zero deformation to region 117 of maximum deformation. A maximum deformation of 12 mm was measured at region 117.

[0066] The safety seat 100 may also include at least one arm extending laterally from at least one side of the rigid frame 101. Optionally, the safety seat 100 includes two arms 102 and 103, each arm extending laterally from one side of the rigid frame 101. The arms 102 and 103 may be connected to the rigid frame 101 by hinges. When the safety seat 100 is not installed in a vehicle (in storage), or when the safety seat 100 is not installed next to a vehicle door, the arms 102 and 103 are folded, for example, by hinges. When the safety seat 100 is installed near a vehicle door, the outer end of one arm 102 is positioned to face the inner side of the vehicle door. In this case, the arm 103 that does not face the door is folded. This means that when the safety seat 100 is installed next to a door, the arm 102 should be opened and extended to a position closer to the door. In the event of a car collision with a side door adjacent to the safety seat 100, the arm 102 prevents the safety seat 100 from tilting toward the door and causing a large impact force on the baby's head, and transfers the impact energy to the rigid frame 101 and away from the baby's body, as described below.

[0067] Optionally, the arms 102 and 103 include a shock absorbing mechanism that absorbs the energy of an external side impact, as described below. The shock absorbing mechanism may include, for example, a deformable element connected between the arm 102 and the rigid frame 101, and when the arm 102 is hit by an external impact, the deformable element plastically deforms to absorb the energy of the external impact. In a side impact collision where a car or an object collides with a side door close to the safety seat 100, the shock absorbing mechanism absorbs some of the impact energy, for example by plastic deformation, thereby further protecting the baby.

[0068] The safety seat 100 also includes a headrest 104 that is shaped to accommodate a person's head. The headrest 104 has a structure designed to withstand strong forces. The headrest 104 can be made of a rigid material, such as plastic, steel, aluminum, fiberglass and / or carbon fiber. This means that the headrest 104 will not move and / or deform significantly during an impact, or will not move at all, and prevents the head from moving (lateral and rotational movement) due to a side impact. This is different from a flexible headrest that does not prevent the head from moving and twisting significantly, thereby increasing the risk of injury.

[0069] Figure 3 An exemplary rigid headrest according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown, along with the minimum deformation that occurs when a load is applied to the headrest. The deformation is represented by five exemplary regions 121-125, ranging from region 121 of near zero deformation to region 125 of maximum deformation. The vast majority of the headrest falls within region 121 and experiences near zero deformation, and only a small portion of the headrest is located within region 125.

[0070] Reference Figure 4 , which is according to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 A top view of a baby safety seat for a car.

[0071] Optionally, the headrest 104 includes a soft layer 105, such as foam, covering the inner surface of the headrest 104. Such a material may absorb some of the impact energy and reduce the acceleration transmitted to the head. This can be done, for example, using a compressible material such as polyurethane foam, a deformable material such as Styrofoam, and / or a combination thereof, for example by laminating different materials.

[0072] Optionally, the headrest 104 includes two headrest side panels 106, which are flexibly connected to the rigid frame 101, such as Figure 1 As shown. The direction of the headrest side panels 106 can be changed relative to the rigid frame 101. This means that the headrest side panels 106 have an open position, in which the headrest side panels 106 are farther away from the baby's head, and the headrest side panels 106 have a closed position, in which the front parts of the two headrest side panels 106 are close to each other and close to the side of the baby's head. In the closed position, the headrest side panels 106 protect the baby's head and prevent it from being pushed due to a side impact. Reducing the movement of the head in a side impact accident can reduce internal injuries to the brain.

[0073] The headrest side panels 106 move to the closed position in response to a side impact to the safety seat 100. This can be accomplished by any type of mechanism. Optionally, this is accomplished by a mechanism that transfers some of the side impact energy to close the headrest side panels 103.

[0074] Optionally, the headrest 104 comprises a horizontally arranged rod 107, located behind the rigid frame 101, to be pushed by an external side impact, optionally at least substantially laterally.

[0075] Optionally, the headrest 104 further includes a vertically disposed rod 108 adjacent to the horizontally disposed rod 107 , which is pushed vertically (upward or downward) by the movement of the horizontally disposed rod 107 .

[0076] Optionally, this is accomplished by a top groove of the horizontally disposed rod 107 pushing a bottom edge of the vertically disposed rod 108. This can be accomplished by grooves with gradual slopes on both sides and having separate gradual slopes on the tip of the vertically disposed rod 108. For example, a triangular groove 109, and a bottom triangular edge 110 inserted into the top triangular groove 109. When the horizontally disposed rod 107 moves laterally, the surface of the bottom triangular edge 110 slides on the surface of the top triangular groove 109, thereby pushing the vertically disposed rod 108 upward. This can also be accomplished, for example, by moving the vertically disposed rod 108 or twisting it in a spiral motion. Any mechanism that can convert horizontal motion into vertical motion can be used, such as a camshaft, another rod with an angle, a slider, and / or a pin that releases a lever onto a spring.

[0077] The vertically disposed rod 108 moves the two headrest side panels to a closed position to the side of the head.

[0078] Optionally, this is accomplished by two separation rods 109, each of which is connected between an upper end of the vertically arranged rod 108 and the rear side of one of the two headrest side panels 106, so that the upward movement of the vertically arranged rod 106 moves the two separation rods 109 to push the rear side of each headrest side panel 106 outward, thereby moving the front side of each of the two headrest side panels 106 inward to the closed position on the side of the head.

[0079] Optionally, when the height of the headrest 104 is adjusted to different heights of infants, the vertically disposed rod 108 may have a plurality of grooves to engage with the horizontally disposed rod 107 and / or engage with the two separation rods 109 .

[0080] Optionally and alternatively, closing the two headrest side panels 106 in response to a side impact may be accomplished directly or indirectly in any other manner, such as mechanically or electronically. Optionally, the safety seat 100 includes an impact detector that detects a vehicle impact, and a closing mechanism that is triggered to move the headrest side panels 106 inwardly to a closed position when the impact detector detects a vehicle impact.

[0081] The impact detector may include, for example, a weight moved by the impact, an acceleration sensor, a chemical reaction in the explosion chamber triggered by a mechanical impact to the explosion chamber, and / or any other detection mechanism.

[0082] The closing mechanism may include, for example, a spring that is released to pull the rear side of each headrest side panel 106 outward, a motor that moves the two release levers, and / or any other closing mechanism.

[0083] Optionally, when the two headrest side panels 106 are in the closed position, a locking mechanism holds the headrest side panels 106 in the closed position. The locking mechanism may include, for example, any pin, tooth, ratchet mechanism and / or any one-way mechanism. The movement of the vertically disposed rod 108 may engage with the locking mechanism, for example, through the operation of a spring.

[0084] Reference Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 5D , which is a schematic top view of an infant safety seat for a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present invention. The mechanism in this example combines the closing and shock absorption of the headrest side panels, operating one after the other.

[0085] Also refer to Figure 6 , which is a flow chart schematically illustrating a method for closing a headrest side panel and absorbing side impact energy according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] First, if Figure 5A As shown, the safety seat is not installed in a vehicle. The horizontally arranged rod 501 includes an arm that can extend laterally from one side of the rigid frame 500. When the safety seat is not installed in the vehicle, the arm is folded. For example, the arm includes an extension element, and when the safety seat is not installed in the vehicle, the extension element is in a retracted state, and when the safety seat is installed in the vehicle, the extension element is in an expanded state. The extension element can be a member that contacts the vehicle door and is the first element of the seat to receive impact energy. The extension element can include, for example, a tube 502 and a rod 503, and when the safety seat is not installed in the vehicle, the rod 503 is inserted into the tube 502. Alternatively, the extension element can include any telescopic, sliding and / or guiding mechanism.

[0087] The horizontally arranged rod 501 also includes a shock absorbing mechanism that can absorb the energy of external side impact. Optionally, the shock absorbing mechanism includes a deformable element 504 that deforms when at least one arm moves due to an external side impact. The shock absorbing mechanism can also be based on other methods, such as compressed gas or other materials, or high friction. The damping mechanism may include a plastically deformable damping element, such as an elongated spiral, a crushable column, a rolling torus, an inversion tube, a cutting damper, a slotted damper, a tube-and-die absorber, a rolling absorber, a flat tube absorber, a strap bender absorber, a rod bender absorber, a wire bender absorber, a wire-through-platen absorber, a deformable link absorber, an extended tube / belt / cable absorber, a tube flaring, a housed coiled cable absorber, a bar-through-die absorber, a hydraulic absorber, a pneumatic absorber and / or a combination thereof.

[0088] Optionally, the deformable element 504 includes a tube having a wide portion accommodating a push rod (in this example, the push rod is the tube portion 502 of the arm) and a narrow portion widened by the push rod when the push rod is pushed. In the narrow portion, the deformable element may also include, for example, a tube filled with a plastic material, a tube filled with ribs destroyed by the push rod, and / or any other material that deforms under force.

[0089] Then, if Figure 5B and Figure 6As shown in step 601, the safety seat is installed in a vehicle. When the safety seat is installed in the vehicle, the rod portion 503 of the support arm is at least partially withdrawn from the tube portion 502. Optionally, the support arm includes a lock 505, which prevents the rod portion from sliding into the tube portion when the safety seat is installed in the vehicle. Unless the lock 505 is opened, the rod portion cannot slide back into the tube portion. In this state, the outer end of the support arm is located near the inside of the vehicle door. Optionally, the outer end of the support arm is connected to an arm cover 506, which is also attached to the rigid frame 500 and is opened when the safety seat is installed in the vehicle.

[0090] Then, if Figure 5C and Figure 6 As shown in step 602, the horizontally arranged rod 501 is hit from the side. The rod portion 503 is hit by the door, pushing the tube portion 502. The tube portion 502 is held by the safety teeth 507 (at least one safety tooth) to prevent it from being further inserted into the deformable element 504. Therefore, the tube portion 502 pushes the deformable element 504 through the safety teeth 507.

[0091] Then, if Figure 5C and Figure 6 As shown in step 603, the horizontally arranged rod 501 pushes a vertically arranged rod 508 upward. Optionally, the horizontally arranged rod 501 has a sharp edge, and the vertically arranged rod 508 has at least one side groove 509, which is close to the sharp edge of the horizontally arranged rod 501. When the horizontally arranged rod 501 moves laterally, the sharp edge is inserted into the side groove 509 and pushes the vertically arranged rod 508 to move upward or downward. The vertically arranged rod 508 may include a plurality of teeth, so that it can be adjusted according to different heights of babies.

[0092] Then, if Figure 5C and Figure 6 As shown in step 604, the vertically arranged rod 508 moves the two headrest side panels 510 to a closed position at the side of the head. Optionally, a locking mechanism can hold the headrest side panels 510 in the closed position. The movement of the vertically arranged rod 508 engages with the side panel locks of the headrest side panels 510, such as by the operation of a spring.

[0093] Then, if Figure 5D and Figure 6As shown in step 605 of the embodiment, the deformable element 504 absorbs the impact energy. When the vertically arranged rod 508 is fully pushed upward or downward and the two headrest side panels 510 are in the closed position, the safety teeth 507 are broken by the impact force. The safety teeth 507 control the amount of energy (or movement) from the impact, which is used to close the headrest side panels 510. Therefore, the safety teeth 507 help control the operation sequence: first the vertically arranged rod 508 is pushed, and then the safety teeth 507 break to start absorbing energy by the deformable element 504. This is adjusted so that the vertically arranged rod 508 is not broken by the force. Then, when the tube 502 is released from the safety teeth 507, the tube 502 is pushed into the deformable element 504 by the remaining impact energy. When the tube 502 is pushed into the narrow portion, the narrow portion of the deformable element 504 is widened by the tube 502.

[0094] Reference Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , which is a diagram of an exemplary infant safety seat for a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present invention. The figure shows a rigid frame 700, an arm 701 and an arm cover 702, a deformable element 703, a horizontally arranged rod 704, a vertically arranged rod 705 and a headrest side panel 706.

[0095] Reference Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , which are a side view and a cross-sectional view of another exemplary infant safety seat for a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present invention. The drawings show a rigid frame 800, an arm 801 and an arm cover 802, a tube 803 including a deformable element (not shown), a piston 804, a vertically disposed rod 805, and a headrest side plate 806. The mechanism operates in a similar manner to the above-described mechanism.

[0096] Reference Fig. 9A , which is a schematic diagram of a safety seat for a vehicle having a bottom shock absorbing mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 9B , which is according to some embodiments of the present invention Fig. 9A Schematic diagram of the bottom shock absorbing mechanism shown in .

[0097] The rigid frame 900 is optionally attached to a base 901, which includes a horizontal tubular cavity 902 located behind the bottom of the rigid frame. A horizontal rod 903 is positioned in the horizontal tubular cavity 902. Due to external side impacts, the rigid frame can slide laterally on the horizontal rod 903 (together with the base 901). At least two connecting locks 904 are located at each end of the horizontal rod. The connecting locks 904 are used to mount to the anchors of the vehicle. For example, these can be International Standards Organisation FIX (Isofix) standard locks. A shock absorbing mechanism is connected between the horizontal tubular cavity 902 and the horizontal rod 903. The shock absorbing mechanism absorbs the energy of external side impacts and prevents the energy from being completely transferred to the rigid frame 900.

[0098] Optionally, the shock absorbing mechanism includes a large surface area of ​​the horizontal rod 903 that contacts the surface of the horizontal lumen 902 to generate high friction between the horizontal rod and the horizontal lumen.

[0099] Optionally, the shock absorbing mechanism includes a deformable element connected between the horizontal rod 903 and the horizontal tubular cavity 902, which is deformed when the rigid frame is hit from the outside, thereby absorbing the energy of the outside impact.

[0100] Optionally, the shock absorbing mechanism comprises a deformable element connected between one or more horizontal rods and the connecting lock.

[0101] Reference Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B , which are top views of a safety seat base for a vehicle having a bottom shock absorbing mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention before and after a side impact. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B , which are respectively according to some embodiments of the present invention Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Figure 1 shows the rear of the child seat base. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B , which are respectively according to some embodiments of the present invention Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Illustration of the bottom shock absorbing mechanism of the safety seat base.

[0102] At least two connection buckles 1001, such as Isofix standard buckles, are used to attach the seat base to the vehicle's anchors. One or more horizontal bars 1002 are located between the connection buckles 1001. The horizontal bars 1002 are connected to the connection buckles 1001 via deformable elements 1003. During a side impact, the deformable elements 1003 absorb energy by deforming. This prevents the seat base and a seat body attached to the seat base from fully moving together with the end of the connection buckle 1001 attached to the vehicle.

[0103] The description of various embodiments of the present invention is presented for the purpose of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used herein are selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or technical improvements to technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable other persons of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0104] It is expected that many related safety seats will be developed during the validity period of the patent of this application; and the scope of the term safety seat is intended to include all these new technologies derived (a priori).

[0105] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "having," and their conjugations mean "including but not limited to." This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of.

[0106] The term "essentially consisting of" means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and / or steps and / or, but only if the additional ingredients and / or steps do not substantially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

[0107] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including combinations thereof.

[0108] As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and / or to exclude the incorporation of features of other embodiments.

[0109] The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments.” Any particular embodiment of the present invention may include a number of “optional” features, unless such features conflict.

[0110] Throughout this application, various embodiments of the present invention may be presented in the form of a range. It should be understood that the description in the form of a range is only for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as a hard limitation on the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be considered that the range description has specifically disclosed all possible sub-ranges and single values ​​within the range. For example, it should be considered that the range description from 1 to 6 has specifically disclosed sub-ranges, such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., as well as single numbers within the numbered range, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, regardless of the range.

[0111] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is intended to include any cited numeral (fractional or integer) within the indicated range. The terms "range between a first indicated numeral and a second indicated numeral," and "range from a first indicated numeral to a second indicated numeral" are interchangeable herein and refer to including the first indicated numeral and the second indicated numeral, and all decimals and integers therebetween.

[0112] It is understood that certain features of the present invention, which for clarity are described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the present invention, which for brevity are described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately, or in any suitable subcombination, or in any other described embodiment applicable to the present invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment does not function without those elements.

[0113] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with its specific embodiments, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended to include all alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0114] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The extent is as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated and incorporated herein by reference. In addition, any reference cited or indicated should not be construed as admitting that these references can be used as prior art of the present invention. The title part in this application is used to make this specification easy to understand in this article, and should not be construed as a necessary limitation. In addition, any priority document of the application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A safety seat for a vehicle, characterized in that: The safety seat comprises: a rigid frame, concave in shape to accommodate one person; a headrest shaped to accommodate a head of the person, the headrest having two headrest side panels flexibly connected to the rigid frame; a horizontally disposed rod, located behind the rigid frame, which is pushed by an external impact; and a vertically disposed rod adjacent to the horizontally disposed rod, which is vertically pushed by the movement of the horizontally disposed rod; Two separation rods, each separation rod is connected between an upper end of the vertically arranged rod and the rear side of one of the two headrest side panels, so that the vertical movement of the vertically arranged rod causes the two separation rods to move to push the rear side of each of the two headrest side panels outward, thereby causing the front side of each of the two headrest side panels to move inward to a closed position on the side of the head.

2. The safety seat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer impact at least substantially pushes the horizontally disposed rod laterally.

3. The safety seat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The horizontally disposed rod includes a top groove; The vertically disposed rod includes a bottom edge that is inserted into the top groove of the horizontally disposed rod; and When the horizontally disposed rod moves laterally, a surface of the bottom edge slides on a surface of the top groove, thereby pushing the vertically disposed rod upward.

4. The safety seat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The horizontally disposed rod includes a pointed edge; The vertically disposed rod includes at least one side groove adjacent to the pointed edge; and When the horizontally arranged rod moves laterally, the pointed edge is engaged in the side groove and pushes the vertically arranged rod to move vertically.

5. The safety seat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The safety seat also includes a locking mechanism for holding the two headrest side panels in a closed position.

6. The safety seat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The horizontally disposed rod includes a shock absorbing mechanism to absorb the energy of an external side impact.

7. The safety seat according to claim 6, characterized in that: The shock absorbing mechanism includes a deformable element, which is deformed when the horizontally arranged rod is moved by an external side impact.

8. The safety seat according to claim 7, characterized in that: The deformable element is selected from the group consisting of: a slender spiral, a crushable column, a rolling ring tube, an inverted tube, a cutting shock absorber, a slit shock absorber, a tube-mold absorber, a rolling absorber, a flat tube absorber, a belt bend absorber, a rod bend absorber, a line bend absorber, a line through plate absorber, a deformable connecting rod absorber, an extended tube / belt / cable absorber, a tube flare, a closed coiled cable absorber, a rod through mold absorber, a hydraulic absorber, and a pneumatic absorber.

9. The safety seat according to claim 7, characterized in that: The deformable element includes a tube having a wide portion and a narrow portion for accommodating a push rod. When the push rod is pushed into the narrow portion, the narrow portion is widened.

10. The safety seat according to claim 6, characterized in that: The shock absorbing mechanism includes at least one safety tooth, which breaks when the horizontally arranged rod is pushed by an external side impact and the vertically arranged rod is fully pushed.

11. The safety seat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The horizontally disposed rod includes at least one arm extending laterally from at least one side of the rigid frame.

12. The safety seat according to claim 11, characterized in that: When the safety seat side is not installed near the vehicle door, the at least one arm is folded.

13. The safety seat according to claim 11, characterized in that: The at least one support arm includes an extension element, wherein the extension element is in a retracted state when the safety seat is not installed in the vehicle and the extension element is in an extended state when the safety seat is installed in the vehicle.

14. The safety seat according to claim 12, characterized in that: The extension element includes a tube and a rod. When the safety seat is not installed in a vehicle, the rod is inserted into the tube, and when the safety seat is installed in a vehicle, at least part of the rod is withdrawn from the tube.

15. The safety seat according to claim 12, characterized in that: The at least one arm includes a latch that prevents the extension member from sliding into the retracted state when the safety seat is installed in a vehicle.

16. The safety seat according to claim 11, characterized in that: An outer end of one of the at least one support arm is located beside an inner side of the vehicle door.

17. The safety seat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rigid frame is mounted on a base, wherein the base comprises: a horizontal lumen located behind its base; a horizontal rod located in the horizontal lumen so that the base slides laterally on the horizontal rod due to external side impact; at least two attachment catches, on each end of the horizontal bar, for attachment to an anchor of a vehicle; and A shock absorbing mechanism is connected between the horizontal tube cavity and the horizontal rod to absorb the energy of the external impact.

18. The safety seat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rigid frame is mounted on a base, and the base comprises: at least one horizontal bar located behind its base; at least two connecting buckles, on each end of the at least one horizontal rod, for attachment to an anchor of a vehicle; and At least two deformable elements are connected between the at least one horizontal rod and the at least two connecting locks, and absorb the energy of external side impact through deformation.

19. A method for closing a headrest side panel of a safety seat for a vehicle, characterized in that: The method comprises: Moving a horizontally disposed rod behind a rigid frame having a concave shape to accommodate a person by external side impact; By moving the horizontally disposed rod, a vertically disposed rod adjacent to the horizontally disposed rod is vertically pushed to move two separation rods, each of which is connected between an upper end of the vertically disposed rod and a rear side of one of the two headrest side panels; The vertical movement of the vertically arranged rod moves the two separation rods to push the rear side of each of the two headrest side panels outward, thereby moving the front side of each of the two headrest side panels inward to a closed position on the side of the head.

20. A safety seat for a vehicle, characterized in that: The safety seat comprises: a rigid frame, concave in shape to accommodate one person; a push rod extending laterally from at least one side of the rigid frame; and a deformable element connected between the push rod and the rigid frame, wherein when the push rod is pushed by an external side impact, the deformable element deforms to absorb the energy of the external side impact; Wherein, the deformable element comprises a tube having a wide portion and a narrow portion for accommodating the push rod, and when the push rod is pushed into the narrow portion, the narrow portion is widened.

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