Child restraint base

Abstract

The present invention discloses a child restraint base suitable for a child restraint carrier and a method for fixing the same to a vehicle. The child restraint base includes a base body, a first plate member, a second plate member, a fixing belt, and a third plate member. The base body is used for installing the child restraint carrier. The first plate member is disposed on the base body, and a first through groove is formed between the first plate member and the base body. The second plate member is disposed on the base body and spaced from the first plate member, and a second through groove is formed between the second plate member and the base body. The fixing belt is threaded through the first through groove and the second through groove and can slide between a use position and a storage position. The third plate member is disposed between the first plate member and the second plate member and can pivot between an open position and a closed position. The third plate member pivots to the closed position to tighten the fixing belt, thereby eliminating the slack of the fixing belt.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application of Mingmen Switzerland Co., Ltd. (application date: September 11, 2019, application number: 201910858682.2, invention title: "Child restraint base and its child restraint system"). Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a children's product, in particular to a child restraint base and its child restraint system. Background Art

[0003] A child restraint system (also known as a child safety seat) is specially designed to protect children from injury or death in a car accident. The lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system has become a preferred installation mechanism for installing a child restraint system with a total weight (including the weight of the child) less than 65 pounds (about 29.5 kg). When the total weight of the child restraint system and the child exceeds 65 pounds, or when the vehicle is not compatible with the LATCH system, the child restraint system can be installed using the vehicle's seat belt. However, when a user wants to install a child restraint system using the vehicle's seat belt, the securing strap of the LATCH system needs to be removed from the seat belt installation path and stored properly. Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved child restraint system that allows a user or caregiver to easily set up the securing strap or seat belt. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a child restraint base and its child restraint system that are easy to operate to solve the above problems.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention discloses a child restraint base suitable for a child restraint carrier, the child restraint base comprising a base body, a first plate, a second plate, a securing strap, and a third plate. The base body is used for installing the child restraint carrier. The first plate is disposed on the base body, and a first through slot is formed between the first plate and the base body. The second plate is disposed on the base body and spaced from the first plate, and a second through slot is formed between the second plate and the base body. The securing strap is threaded through the first through slot and the second through slot and is slidable between a use position and a storage position. The third plate is disposed between the first plate and the second plate and is pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The third plate pivots to the closed position to tighten the securing strap, thereby eliminating the slack of the securing strap.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the child restraint base further includes a first fixing hook, a second fixing hook, a first pocket structure, a second pocket structure, a first cover body and a second cover body. The first fixing hook and the second fixing hook are connected to the fixing belt. The first pocket structure and the second pocket structure are located at the outer edge of the base body. The first pocket structure is used to accommodate the first fixing hook and has a first top opening. The second pocket structure is used to accommodate the second fixing hook and has a second top opening. The first cover body covers the first top opening, and the second cover body covers the second top opening.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first convex rib protruding downward is formed on the first plate member, and a second convex rib protruding downward is formed on the second plate member. When the fixing belt moves toward the storage position, the first convex rib and the second convex rib guide the fixing belt downward away from the third plate member.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first stepped structure and a second stepped structure are formed on the base body. The protruding length of the lower part of the first stepped structure is less than the protruding length of the upper part of the first stepped structure. The protruding length of the lower part of the second stepped structure is less than the protruding length of the upper part of the second stepped structure. The first stepped structure and the second stepped structure are respectively covered by the first plate member and the second plate member. The first convex rib is located at the lower part corresponding to the first stepped structure, and the second convex rib is located at the lower part corresponding to the second stepped structure. The first through slot is formed between the first stepped structure and the first plate member, and the second through slot is formed between the second stepped structure and the second plate member.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a recess for accommodating the third plate member in the storage position is formed on the base body. When the third plate member pivots toward the closed position, the third plate member drives a part of the fixing belt into the recess to tighten the fixing belt, thereby eliminating the slack of the fixing belt.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the child restraint base further includes a first engaging member and a second engaging member. The first engaging member is disposed on the third plate member, and the second engaging member is disposed on the base body. When the third plate member is in the closed position, the first engaging member and the second engaging member engage with each other to prevent the third plate member from leaving the closed position.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the child restraint base further includes an elastic member installed between the third plate member and the base body. The elastic member is used to give the third plate member a potential energy to pivot toward the open position.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, first and second channels are formed on both side portions of the base body, and when the fixing strap is in the use position, the fixing strap can pass through the first and second channels to connect to a vehicle without being twisted.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the fixing strap is in the storage position, the seat belt of the vehicle can pass through the first and second channels without interfering with the fixing strap. When the seat belt of the vehicle passes through the first and second channels, the seat belt of the vehicle is laid on the first and second plate members without passing through the first and second through slots.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the seat belt of the vehicle passes through the first and second channels, the third plate member can pivot to the closed position to tighten the seat belt, thereby eliminating the slack of the seat belt.

[0015] To achieve the above object, the present invention also discloses a child restraint system, which includes a child restraint carrier and a child restraint base. The child restraint base includes a base body, a first plate member, a second plate member, a fixing strap, and a third plate member. The base body is used for installing the child restraint carrier. The first plate member is disposed on the base body, and a first through slot is formed between the first plate member and the base body. The second plate member is disposed on the base body and spaced from the first plate member, and a second through slot is formed between the second plate member and the base body. The fixing strap is passed through the first and second through slots and can slide between a use position and a storage position. The third plate member is disposed between the first and second plate members and can pivot between an open position and a closed position. The third plate member pivots to the closed position to tighten the fixing strap, thereby eliminating the slack of the fixing strap.

[0016] In summary, the present invention forms a first through slot and a second through slot for the fixing strap to slide through by using the first plate member, the second plate member and the base body. When the user wants to fix the child restraint base on the vehicle by using the fixing strap, the third plate member can be operated to pivot to the open position, and then the fixing strap can be operated to slide along the first through slot and the second through slot to the use position and pass through the first channel and the second channel, so as to connect the vehicle through the first fixing hook and the second fixing hook. Then, the third plate member can pivot from the open position to the closed position to tighten the fixing strap, thereby eliminating the slack of the fixing strap, and further achieving the purpose of fixing the child restraint base on the vehicle to restrict the movement of the child restraint base relative to the vehicle. When the user wants to fix the child restraint base on the vehicle by using the seat belt of the vehicle, the third plate member can be operated to pivot to the open position, and then the fixing strap can be operated to slide along the first through slot and the second through slot to the storage position, so as to allow the seat belt of the vehicle to pass through the first channel and the second channel without interfering with the fixing strap. When the seat belt of the vehicle passes through the first channel and the second channel, the seat belt of the vehicle is laid on the first plate member and the second plate member without passing through the first through slot and the second through slot. After the seat belt of the vehicle passing through the first channel and the second channel is fastened, the third plate member can pivot from the open position to the closed position to tighten the seat belt of the vehicle, thereby eliminating the slack of the seat belt of the vehicle, and further achieving the purpose of fixing the child restraint base on the vehicle to restrict the movement of the child restraint base relative to the vehicle. Therefore, the present invention has the advantage of simple operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic external view of a child restraint system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 FIG. is a schematic view of a child restraint base according to an embodiment of the present invention when the fixing strap is in the use position.

[0019] Figure 3 FIG. is a partial structural schematic view of a child restraint base according to an embodiment of the present invention when the fixing strap is in the storage position.

[0020] Figure 4 FIG. is another partial structural schematic view of a child restraint base according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 FIG. is a schematic view of a third plate member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 FIG. is a partial structural schematic view of a child restraint base according to an embodiment of the present invention when the seat belt of the vehicle is tightened by the third plate member.

[0023] Among them, the reference numerals are explained as follows:

[0024] 1 Child restraint system

[0025] 11 Child restraint base

[0026] 111 Base body

[0027] 1111 First channel

[0028] 1112 Second channel

[0029] 1113 First through slot

[0030] 1114 Second through slot

[0031] 1115 First stepped structure

[0032] 1116 Second stepped structure

[0033] 1117 Depression

[0034] 112 First plate

[0035] 113 Second plate

[0036] 1131 Second rib

[0037] 114 Fixing strap

[0038] 115 Third plate

[0039] 1151 Pivot shaft

[0040] 116 First fixing hook

[0041] 117 Second fixing hook

[0042] 118 First pocket structure

[0043] 1181, 1191 Top opening

[0044] 119 Second pocket structure

[0045] 11A First cover

[0046] 11B Second cover

[0047] 11C First engaging part

[0048] 11D Second engaging part

[0049] 11E Elastic member

[0050] 12 Child restraint carrier

[0051] R1 First pivoting direction

[0052] R2 Second pivoting direction Detailed implementation manners

[0053] The directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as: up, down, left, right, front or back, etc., are only references to the directions in the attached drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustration and not for limiting the present invention.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 , which is a schematic external view of the child restraint system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 1 shown, the child restraint system 1 includes a child restraint base 11 and a child restraint carrier 12. The child restraint carrier 12 can be a carrycot for a child to sit and hold safely and comfortably. The child restraint carrier 12 is detachably mounted on the child restraint base 11, and the child restraint base 11 is fixed on a transportation vehicle (not shown in the figure) to restrict the movement of the child restraint base 11 or the child restraint system 1 relative to the transportation vehicle in the event of a traffic accident, thereby effectively avoiding injury or death of the child. The child restraint carrier of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the child restraint carrier can also be a child car seat detachably mounted on the child restraint base.

[0055] Please refer to Figures 2 to 5 , Figure 2 , which is a schematic view of the child restraint base 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention when the fixing belt 114 is in the use position. Figure 3 , which is a partial structural schematic view of the child restraint base 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention when the fixing belt 114 is in the storage position. Figure 4 , which is another partial structural schematic view of the child restraint base 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 , which is a schematic view of the third plate member 115 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As Figures 2 to 5 shown, the child restraint base 11 includes a base body 111, a first plate member 112, a second plate member 113, a fixing belt 114, a third plate member 115, a first fixing hook 116, a second fixing hook 117, a first pocket structure 118, a second pocket structure 119, a first cover 11A and a second cover 11B. The base body 111 is used for mounting the child restraint carrier 12. First channels 1111 and second channels 1112 for the fixing belt 114 or the safety belt of the transportation vehicle to pass through are formed on both side portions of the base body 111. The first plate member 112 is disposed on the base body 111, and a first through slot 1113 is formed between the first plate member 112 and the base body 111. The second plate member 113 is disposed on the base body 111 and is spaced from the first plate member 112, and a second through slot 1114 is formed between the second plate member 113 and the base body 111.

[0056] The fixing strap 114 is threaded through the first through slot 1113 and the second through slot 1114 and can slide along the first through slot 1113 and the second through slot 1114 between the use position and the storage position. The third plate member 115 is disposed between the first plate member 112 and the second plate member 113 and can pivot relative to the base body 111 between an open position and a closed position to eliminate the slack of the fixing strap 114 or the seat belt of the vehicle. The first fixing hook 116 and the second fixing hook 117 are connected to both ends of the fixing strap 114 and are used to connect to the vehicle. The first pocket structure 118 and the second pocket structure 119 are located at the outer edge of the base body 111 and at the two front side portions of the base body 111. The first pocket structure 118 is used to accommodate the first fixing hook 116 when the fixing strap 114 is in the storage position and has a top opening 1181 for convenient use. The second pocket structure 119 is used to accommodate the second fixing hook 117 when the fixing strap 114 is in the storage position and has a top opening 1191 for convenient use. The first cover body 11A is pivotally connected to the base body 111 and is used to cover the top opening 1181 of the first pocket structure 118. The second cover body 11B is pivotally connected to the base body 111 and is used to cover the top opening 1191 of the second pocket structure 119.

[0057] Specifically, a first stepped structure 1115 and a second stepped structure 1116 are formed on the base body 111. The protruding length of the lower part of the first stepped structure 1115 is less than the protruding length of the upper part of the first stepped structure 1115. Preferably, the protruding length of the first stepped structure 1115 gradually decreases from top to bottom. The protruding length of the lower part of the second stepped structure 1116 is less than the protruding length of the upper part of the second stepped structure 1116. Preferably, the protruding length of the second stepped structure 1116 gradually decreases from top to bottom. The first stepped structure 1115 and the second stepped structure 1116 are respectively covered by the first plate member 112 and the second plate member 113. The first through slot 1113 is formed between the first stepped structure 1115 and the first plate member 112. The second through slot 1114 is formed between the second stepped structure 1116 and the second plate member 113. Furthermore, a first convex rib (not shown in the figure) protruding downward is formed on the first plate member 112. The first convex rib is located at the lower part corresponding to the first stepped structure 1115. A second convex rib 1131 protruding downward is formed on the second plate member 113. The second convex rib 1131 is located at the lower part corresponding to the second stepped structure 1116. When the fixing strap 114 moves toward the storage position, the first convex rib and the second convex rib 1131 guide the fixing strap 114 downward away from the third plate member 115. In other words, through the above settings, the fixing strap 114 located in the storage position is not tightened by the third plate member 115.

[0058] In addition, a recess 1117 is formed on the base body 111. The recess 1117 is located between the first stepped structure 1115 and the second stepped structure 1116 and is used to accommodate the third plate member 115 in the closed position. The third plate member 115 drives the fixing belt 114 or a seat belt portion of the vehicle into the recess 1117 to tighten the fixing belt 114 or the seat belt of the vehicle, thereby eliminating the slack of the fixing belt 114 or the seat belt of the vehicle. The child restraint base 11 further includes a first engaging member 11C and a second engaging member 11D. The first engaging member 113 is disposed on the third plate member 115, and the second engaging member 11D is disposed on the base body 111. When the third plate member 115 is in the closed position, the first engaging member 11C and the second engaging member 11D are engaged with each other to prevent the third plate member 115 from leaving the closed position. Preferably, the child restraint base 11 further includes an elastic member 11E installed between the third plate member 115 and the base body 111. The elastic member 11E is used to give the third plate member 115 a potential energy to pivot towards the open position.

[0059] As Figure 2 shown, when the user desires to fix the child restraint base 11 to the vehicle using the fixing belt 114, the third plate member 115 can be first operated to pivot about its pivot axis 1151 in the first pivot direction R1 to the open position. Then, the fixing belt 114 can slide along the first through groove 1113 and the second through groove 1114 to the use position and pass through the first channel 1111 and the second channel 1112 to connect to the vehicle through the first fixing hook 116 and the second fixing hook 117. Furthermore, the third plate member 115 can be operated to pivot about its pivot axis 1151 from the open position to the closed position in the second pivot direction R2 opposite to the first pivot direction R1 to tighten the fixing belt 114, thereby eliminating the slack of the fixing belt 114, and further achieving the purpose of fixing the child restraint base 11 to the vehicle to restrict the movement of the child restraint base 11 relative to the vehicle.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 which is a partial structural schematic diagram of the child restraint base 11 of the embodiment of the present invention when the seat belt 2 of the vehicle is tightened by the third plate member 115. As Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, when a user desires to fix the child restraint base 11 to a vehicle using the seat belt 2 of the vehicle, the third plate member 115 can be first operated to pivot about its pivot axis 1151 in the first pivot direction R1 to an open position. Subsequently, the fixing strap 114 can slide along the first slot 1113 and the second slot 1114 to a storage position, and the first fixing hook 116 and the second fixing hook 117 can be respectively received in the first pocket structure 118 and the second pocket structure 119. When the fixing strap 114 is in the storage position, the path of the fixing strap is away from and below the path of the seat belt of the vehicle. At this time, the user can pass the seat belt of the vehicle through the first channel 1111 and the second channel 1112 without interference with the fixing strap 114. It should be noted that when the seat belt of the vehicle passes through the first channel 1111 and the second channel 1112, the seat belt of the vehicle is laid on the first plate member 112 and the second plate member 113 and does not pass through the first slot 1113 and the second slot 1114. After the seat belt of the vehicle passing through the first channel 1111 and the second channel 1112 is fastened, the user can operate the third plate member 115 to pivot about its pivot axis 1151 from the open position to the closed position in the second pivot direction R2 to tighten the seat belt of the vehicle, thereby eliminating the slack of the seat belt of the vehicle, and further achieving the purpose of fixing the child restraint base 11 to the vehicle to restrict the movement of the child restraint base 11 relative to the vehicle.

[0061] Compared with the prior art, the present invention forms a first through groove and a second through groove for the fixing belt to slide through by using a first plate member, a second plate member and a base body. When a user desires to fix the child restraint base on a vehicle by using the fixing belt, the third plate member can be operated to pivot to an open position, and then the fixing belt can be operated to slide along the first through groove and the second through groove to a use position and pass through the first channel and the second channel, so as to connect the vehicle through the first fixing hook and the second fixing hook. Then, the third plate member can pivot from the open position to a closed position to tighten the fixing belt, thereby eliminating the slack of the fixing belt, and further achieving the purpose of fixing the child restraint base on the vehicle to restrict the movement of the child restraint base relative to the vehicle. When a user desires to fix the child restraint base on a vehicle by using the seat belt of the vehicle, the third plate member can be operated to pivot to an open position, and then the fixing belt can be operated to slide along the first through groove and the second through groove to a storage position, so as to allow the seat belt of the vehicle to pass through the first channel and the second channel without interfering with the fixing belt. When the seat belt of the vehicle passes through the first channel and the second channel, the seat belt of the vehicle is laid on the first plate member and the second plate member without passing through the first through groove and the second through groove. After the seat belt of the vehicle passing through the first channel and the second channel is fastened, the third plate member can pivot from the open position to a closed position to tighten the seat belt of the vehicle, thereby eliminating the slack of the seat belt of the vehicle, and further achieving the purpose of fixing the child restraint base on the vehicle to restrict the movement of the child restraint base relative to the vehicle. Therefore, the present invention has the advantage of simple operation.

[0062] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A child restraint base applicable to a child restraint vehicle, the child restraint base comprising: A base body for mounting the child restraint vehicle, the base body including a first pocket structure and a second pocket structure, the first pocket structure and the second pocket structure being located at the outer edge of the base body; A first plate member provided on the base body, a first through slot being formed between the first plate member and the base body; A second plate member provided on the base body and spaced apart from the first plate member, a second through slot being formed between the second plate member and the base body; A fixing strap passing through the first through slot and the second through slot, and including a first fixing hook attached to a first end of the fixing strap and a second fixing hook attached to a second end of the fixing strap, wherein the fixing strap is capable of sliding between a use position and a storage position along the first through slot and the second through slot, the first pocket structure being adapted to accommodate the first fixing hook when the fixing strap is in the storage position, and the second pocket structure being adapted to accommodate the second fixing hook when the fixing strap is in the storage position; Wherein, first channels and second channels for allowing the fixing strap or a seat belt of a vehicle to pass through are formed on both side portions of the base body, and when the fixing strap is in the storage position, the fixing strap is away from the path of the seat belt and located below the path of the seat belt, so that the seat belt will not interfere with the fixing strap when passing through the first channels and the second channels.

2. The child restraint base according to claim 1, wherein, The child restraint base includes a third plate member capable of pivoting between an open position and a closed position, the third plate member pivoting to the closed position to tension the fixing strap, thereby eliminating the slack of the fixing strap.

3. The child restraint base according to claim 2, wherein, The base body further includes a first step structure and a second step structure, each of the first step structure and the second step structure having an upper portion and a lower portion.

4. The child restraint base according to claim 3, wherein, The third plate member has a pivot axis located between the upper portion of the first step structure and the upper portion of the second step structure.

5. The child restraint base according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the first step structure and the second step structure has a varying height that gradually increases from the lower portion to the upper portion.

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