Child car seats with locking mechanism

Abstract

This document discloses a child car seat configured to be installed in an associated vehicle using the vehicle's seatbelt. The child car seat includes a housing and a locking mechanism comprising a first arm movable between (a) an unlocked position and (b) a locked position, in which the first arm is not configured to tension the associated vehicle's seatbelt, and in the locked position, the first arm is configured to tension the associated vehicle's seatbelt. A second arm is configured to engage the first arm and actuate the first arm from the unlocked position to the locked position to tension the associated vehicle's seatbelt.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Patent Application 17 / 003,046 (filed August 26, 2020) "Belt Lock Off Mechanism for Child Car Seat", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for any and all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to automobile seats for motor vehicles. More particularly, this disclosure relates to automobile seats that include a locking mechanism to increase tension on the seat belts when the automobile seat is installed in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] In the United States, child car seats are legally required and recommended for children of certain ages or sizes. Many types of car seats are available for purchase. Child car seats typically consist of a plastic shell with a padded seat formed on top. The vehicle's seatbelts (e.g., the lap belts present in the vehicle) are usually used to securely install and position the child car seat in the vehicle. Safety is the most important consideration in this area, and proper installation is crucial to ensuring correct performance. Installing a child car seat using the vehicle's existing seatbelts (e.g., the lap belts) can be difficult because considerable force is required to fully tension the seatbelt, which can be challenging for many users.

[0005] It is desirable to provide a child car seat with a locking mechanism configured to tension (or assist in tensioning) the vehicle's seatbelt. Specifically, it is desirable to provide a locking mechanism that enhances the mechanical advantage of the system by using leverage to assist the user in moving the locking mechanism into a locked (i.e., tensioned) position. More specifically, it is desirable to design the locking mechanism to reduce the amount of force required by the user to close the locking mechanism into the locked and tensioned positions, thereby overcoming certain deficiencies present in currently available devices. Such a locking mechanism would further ideally reduce the likelihood of inappropriate, unsafe, or otherwise undesirable installations (e.g., under-tensioned seatbelt installations). Summary of the Invention

[0006] The automobile seat disclosed herein is configured for installation in an associated vehicle. As is known in the art, the automobile seat can be installed in a vehicle using the vehicle's seat belts (e.g., existing lap belts). The automobile seat may include a seat bucket, a base, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be designed to tension the vehicle's seat belts. Tensing the seat belts generally ensures the proper installation and placement of the automobile seat in the vehicle.

[0007] The locking mechanism may preferably comprise a first arm (e.g., a belt engagement arm) and a second arm (e.g., a lever arm), the first arm being designed to directly engage and tension the seatbelt, and the second arm being designed to engage and push the first arm into the position where the first arm is engaged and the seatbelt is tensioned. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be provided with a single arm designed to directly engage and tension the seatbelt. In some applications, the use of a second arm is desirable because the second arm may be desirablely designed to function when closing the first arm (i.e., moving the first arm into the locked position where the first arm tensions the seatbelt). As those skilled in the art will understand, the second arm can enhance the mechanical advantage of the system by using leverage to help move the first arm into the locked position. This advantageously reduces the magnitude of the force that would otherwise require the user to directly apply to the first arm to close it in the locked and tensioned position, and also advantageously reduces the possibility of inappropriate, unsafe, or otherwise undesirable installation.

[0008] Based on the foregoing, exemplary embodiments of a child car seat are disclosed herein. According to a specific embodiment of this disclosure, an exemplary child car seat includes: a seat back supported on a base; and a belt locking mechanism configured to tension an associated vehicle's seatbelt. The base may include a belt path configured to receive the associated vehicle's seatbelt along it. The belt locking mechanism may include a first arm pivotally connected to the base on a first side of the belt path. The first arm is movable to a locked position in which it is configured to tension the associated vehicle's seatbelt. Specifically, the first arm may be movable between (a) an unlocked position and (b) a locked position in which it is not configured to tension the associated vehicle's seatbelt, and in the locked position in which it is configured to tension the associated vehicle's seatbelt. In addition to the first arm, the belt locking mechanism may further include a second arm configured to engage with the first arm and push the first arm into the locked position to tension the associated vehicle's seatbelt. Specifically, the second arm may be configured to engage with the first arm and push the first arm from the unlocked position to the locked position in order to tension the seat belt of the associated vehicle.

[0009] In some configurations, the second arm is slidably and pivotally connected to the base on a second side of the belt path opposite to the first side of the belt path. The second arm can slide into and out of the base between a stored position and an engaged position. The second arm can slide into and out of the base in a direction substantially perpendicular to the belt path. The belt path may have a longitudinal axis extending thereal. The belt path may be defined between the first and second arms. Each of the first and second arms can pivot substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the belt path. The vehicle seat may include an interlock configured such that when the first arm is in the locked position (i.e., when the first arm tensions the seatbelt), the second arm is released (i.e., has free movement) and can slide back into the base.

[0010] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first arm may include at least one engagement feature. The second arm may include at least one receiving feature. The receiving feature of the second arm may be shaped to be complementary to the engagement feature of the first arm. The receiving feature of the second arm may be configured to engage the engagement feature of the first arm and actuate the first arm to a locked position to tension the seatbelt. In some configurations, the engagement feature of the first arm may include a plurality of protrusions projecting outward from opposite sides of the first arm. In some configurations, the receiving feature of the second arm may include a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions may project outward from a lower portion of the second arm. Each of the protrusions may define a receiving surface configured to receive a corresponding one of the engagement features (e.g., protrusions) of the first arm.

[0011] According to specific embodiments of this disclosure, the car seat can be configured as a rotatable car seat. Specifically, the seat backrest can be rotatable relative to the base. In embodiments of rotatable car seats, when installed in an associated vehicle, the base of the car seat is typically held stationary, and only the seat backrest can be configured to rotate relative to the base. The locking mechanism (or at least a portion or some components thereof) can be curved to operate fully with the rotatable car seat of this disclosure.

[0012] In some configurations, the first arm may include an actuator. The actuator of the first arm may be configured to move the first arm from the locked position to the unlocked position in order to remove tension from the seatbelt. In a particular embodiment, the actuator may be a spring-actuated button. The spring-actuated button may be configured to bias (e.g., hold) the first arm in the locked position until the spring-actuated button is actuated (e.g., by sliding to overcome a spring biasing force). The actuator may be configured such that when the first arm is closed, the first arm automatically locks into the locked position and cannot be moved back to the unlocked position without actuation of the actuator (e.g., by sliding the actuator).

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the base may include a recessed portion. The recessed portion may be defined between the first arm and the second arm. Specifically, the path portion between the first arm and the second arm may define the recessed portion. When the first arm is in the locked position, at least a portion of the seatbelt may be received within the recessed portion. When the first arm is in the locked position, at least a portion of the first arm may also be received within the recessed portion. When the first arm moves to the locked position and the seatbelt is tensioned, the seatbelt may be pressed into the recessed portion.

[0014] According to a specific embodiment of this disclosure, the first arm may include opposing upper and lower portions. The second arm may also include opposing upper and lower portions. When the first arm is in the locked position, the lower portion of the first arm may be positioned adjacent to the seat belt. When the first arm is in the locked position, the lower portion of the second arm may be positioned adjacent to the upper portion of the first arm. When the first arm is in the locked position, the seat belt, the first arm, and the second arm may each be positioned within the recessed portion. In some embodiments, a cover may be provided, which is configured to close the recessed portion and define a relatively smooth surface of the base.

[0015] According to other specific embodiments of this disclosure, a method for tensioning a seatbelt for mounting a child car seat in an associated vehicle including the car seat includes: receiving the seatbelt; and operating a belt locking mechanism to tension the seatbelt. The seatbelt may be received along a belt path on the base of the child car seat to mount the child car seat in the associated vehicle. Operating the belt locking mechanism to tension the seatbelt may include positioning a first arm in an unlocked position, in which the first arm is not tensioning the seatbelt of the associated vehicle. The first arm may be pivotally connected to the base on a first side of the belt path. Operating the belt locking mechanism to tension the seatbelt may further include moving a second arm to engage the first arm and pushing the first arm into a locked position to tension the seatbelt.

[0016] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the method may further include moving the first arm from the locked position to the unlocked position to remove tension from the seatbelt. Moving the first arm back from the locked position to the unlocked position can be achieved by operating an actuator of the first arm.

[0017] According to a specific embodiment of this disclosure, operating the locking mechanism to tension the seat belt may include engaging the engagement feature of the first arm with the receiving feature of the second arm to push the first arm into the locked position in order to tension the seat belt.

[0018] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the second arm can be slid away from the base. Then, the second arm can be pivoted relative to the base to an engaged position, in which the second arm can engage with the first arm. Then, the second arm can be moved to push the first arm to the locked position to tension the seatbelt. Then, the second arm can be slid back into the base into a storage position.

[0019] According to other specific embodiments of this disclosure, a belt locking mechanism configured to tension an associated vehicle seatbelt includes: a first arm pivotally movable to a locked position, in which the first arm is configured to tension the associated vehicle seatbelt; and a second arm configured to engage the first arm and push the first arm to the locked position to tension the associated vehicle seatbelt, wherein a belt path is defined between the first arm and the second arm, the belt path being configured to receive the associated vehicle seatbelt along it.

[0020] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the accompanying drawings, the appended claims, and the further description. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The foregoing and other features of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, the following description, and the appended claims. It should be understood that these drawings depict several examples according to this disclosure and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is described below with additional features and details using the drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 The present disclosure provides a perspective view of a portion of the base of a child car seat, the child car seat including a locking mechanism having a first arm in an unlocked position and a second arm sliding out from the base to an upright position.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the base of a child car seat, wherein a second arm with a locking mechanism is pivoted toward the base to an engaged position, in which the second arm can engage with the first arm with the locking mechanism.

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the base of a child car seat, wherein the second arm with a locking mechanism is engaged and pushes the first arm with the locking mechanism into a locked position.

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the base of a child car seat, wherein the second arm moves toward a storage position by sliding into the base, and wherein the first arm with a locking mechanism is in a locked position.

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 1A perspective view of a portion of the base of a child car seat, wherein the second arm is in the storage position and fully slids into the base, and wherein the first arm with a locking mechanism is in the locked position.

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the base of a child car seat, wherein a cover is closed over the seat with a locking mechanism to define a relatively smooth surface of the base. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. In the drawings, similar symbols denote similar components unless the context otherwise requires. The illustrative examples described in the detailed description and drawings are not intended to be limiting, but are for purposes of explanation. Other examples may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that aspects of this disclosure as generally described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a variety of different constructions, each of which is explicitly contemplated and forms part of this disclosure.

[0029] It should be noted that some terms used herein can be relative terms. For example, the terms “upper” and “lower” refer to positions relative to each other, meaning that the upper component is at a higher height than the lower component in a given orientation; however, these terms can change if the apparatus is flipped. On the other hand, the intermediate component is always located between the upper and lower components, regardless of orientation. The terms “horizontal” and “vertical” are used to indicate directions relative to an absolute reference (i.e., the ground plane). However, these terms should not be interpreted as requiring the structures to be absolutely parallel or absolutely perpendicular to each other. For example, the first vertical structure and the second vertical structure are not necessarily parallel to each other. The terms “top” and “bottom” or “base” are used to refer to surfaces in which the top is always higher than the bottom / base relative to an absolute reference (i.e., the Earth's surface). The terms “upward” or “upwardly” and “downward” or “downwardly” are also related to an absolute reference; upward always refers to resistance to the Earth's gravity. The term "parallel" should be interpreted in its common sense, meaning two surfaces maintain a generally constant distance between them, rather than in a strict mathematical sense, meaning such surfaces will never intersect as they extend to infinity. The terms "operable" and "suitable," and similar terms, are used herein to describe a particular component having certain structural features designed to perform a specified function. Such a component should be interpreted as having the expressed structure, wherein the specified function is considered part of said structure.

[0030] According to various aspects of this disclosure, in Figures 1 to 6 Exemplary embodiments of a child car seat are illustrated with examples of varying levels of detail. Typically, the child car seat 10 is designed for the safe transport of an infant or child in a vehicle. The child car seat 10 may include a seat back (not shown), which, in some embodiments, may be supported on a base 20. Reference Figure 6 In a particular embodiment, the seat backrest may be supported on the attachment mechanism 150. The attachment mechanism 150 may be configured to allow the seat backrest to rotate relative to the base 20. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the child car seat 10 (and more particularly, its base 20) may be secured to the car seat, for example, by means of the car's existing seat belt. The base 20 may include a belt path 26. The belt path 26 may be configured to receive the seat belt along it (e.g., along the length of the base). The belt path 26 may typically extend across the base 20.

[0031] The locking mechanism 100 can be incorporated into one aspect of the child car seat 10 (see example). Figures 1 to 5 This provides an easy-to-use mechanism for tensioning the vehicle's seatbelts when the base 20 is installed and positioned. The locking mechanism 100 is operatively connected to the base 20. Specifically, the locking mechanism 100 can be mounted for pivoting and / or sliding relative to the base 20.

[0032] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 100 may include a first arm 110. The first arm 110 may include an upper portion 112 and an opposing lower portion 114. The first arm 110 may also include opposing sides 116, 118. The opposing sides 116, 118 of the first arm 110 may extend between the upper portion 112 and the lower portion 114 of the first arm 110 and connect the upper portion and the lower portion of the first arm.

[0033] The first arm 110 may be connected to the base 20. The proximal end of the first arm 110 may be connected to the base 20 on a first side 28 with path 26. The distal end of the first arm 110 may be spaced apart from the proximal end of the first arm 110. The first arm 110 may be pivotally movable relative to the base 20 such that the distal end of the first arm 110 may move toward and away from the base 20 (and more specifically, toward and away from path 26).

[0034] In an embodiment, in addition to the first arm 110, the locking mechanism 100 may include a second arm 120. The second arm 120 may include an upper portion 122 and an opposing lower portion 124. The second arm 120 may also include opposing sides 126, 128. The opposing sides 126, 128 of the second arm 120 may extend between the upper portion 122 and the lower portion 124 of the second arm 120 and connect the upper portion and the lower portion of the second arm.

[0035] The second arm 120 can be connected to the base 20. The proximal end of the second arm 120 can be connected to the base 20 on a second side 29 of the path 26 opposite to the first side 28 of the path 26. The distal end of the second arm 120 can be spaced apart from the proximal end. The second arm 120 can be pivotally movable relative to the base 20 such that the distal end of the second arm 120 can move toward and away from the base 20 (and more specifically, toward and away from the path 26). The second arm 120 can also be slidably movable relative to the base 20 such that the second arm 120 can slide into and out of the base 20. The second arm 120 can slide into and out of the base 20 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the path 26.

[0036] The first arm 110 can move between the unlocked position and the locked position. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The example illustrates the first arm 110 in the unlocked position. Figure 1 In the middle, the first arm 110 is positioned in the upright unlocked position, wherein the first arm 110 is not configured to engage with the second arm 120. On the other hand, in Figure 2 In the lowered unlocked position, the first arm 110 is positioned (e.g., by pivoting the first arm 110 toward the base 20, more particularly toward the belt path 26), in which the first arm 110 is configured to be engaged by the second arm 120.

[0037] In the unlocked position, the first arm 110 is typically positioned such that it is not configured to tension the seatbelt. Specifically, in the unlocked position, the first arm 110 is typically positioned such that it does not contact the seatbelt. More specifically, in the unlocked position, the lower portion 114 of the first arm 110 is typically positioned such that it is not positioned near the belt path 26. Even more specifically, in the unlocked position, the first arm 110 is typically positioned such that the lower portion 114 of the first arm 110 is not positioned adjacent to the seatbelt.

[0038] Figure 3 and Figure 4The example illustrates the first arm 110 in the locked position. In the locked position, the first arm 110 is generally positioned such that it is configured to tension the seatbelt. Specifically, in the locked position, the first arm 110 is generally positioned such that it contacts the seatbelt. More specifically, in the locked position, the first arm 110 is generally positioned such that its lower portion 114 is positioned close to the belt path 26. Even more specifically, in the locked position, the first arm 110 is generally positioned such that its lower portion 114 is positioned adjacent to the seatbelt.

[0039] In some embodiments, the interlock (not shown) may be configured such that when the first arm 110 is in the locked position (see reference 110), the interlock (not shown) is engaged. Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the first arm 110 is in the unlocked position, the second arm 120 is released and can slide into the base 20. In other words, the second arm 120 can be configured to have a range of free movement when the first arm 110 is in the unlocked position. For example, the second arm 120 can include features that hold the second arm 120 in the engaged position (see example...). Figure 1 The positioning element (e.g., a pawl feature) in the second arm 120. Typically, the second arm 120 can be configured to allow the user to push the second arm 120 out of the engaged position or move the second arm out of the engaged position at any time without damaging the system. A retaining system or element (e.g., a spring) can be used to hold the second arm 120 substantially in the upright and / or engaged position, thereby increasing the ease with which the user can install a child car seat and properly tension the seat belt.

[0040] The seatbelt path 26 is typically defined between the first arm 110 and the second arm 120. In some embodiments, a recessed portion 27 of the base 20 may be defined between the first arm 110 and the second arm 120, thereby defining a recess. The recessed portion 27 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the seatbelt when the first arm 110 is in the locked position. In such an embodiment, the seatbelt may be tensioned by the first arm 110, and a portion of the seatbelt may be pressed into the recessed portion 27 of the base 20. The recessed portion 27 may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the first arm 110 when the first arm 110 is in the locked position.

[0041] As briefly described above, in Figure 2 In this configuration, the first arm 110 is positioned in a lowered, unlocked position (e.g., by pivoting the first arm 110 toward the base 20, more specifically toward the belt path 26), wherein the first arm 110 is configured to engage with the second arm 120. The first arm 110 may include one or more engagement features 111 (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second arm 120 may include one or more receiving features 121 (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The receiving features 121 of the second arm 120 may be configured to engage the engaging features 111 of the first arm 110 and push the first arm 110 toward the base 20, more particularly toward the belt path 26 (e.g., into a locked position to tension the seatbelt). Specifically, when the second arm 120 is pivoted relative to the base 20 into the engaged position, the receiving features 121 of the second arm 120 may engage the engaging features 111 of the first arm 110. In embodiments, the receiving features 121 of the second arm 120 may be shaped to be complementary to the engaging features 111 of the first arm 110. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment illustrated, the first arm 110 includes a pair of engagement features 111 (only one is labeled for clarity), which are in the form of bumps spaced apart from each other and projecting outward from corresponding sides of opposite sides 116, 118 of the first arm 110. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the second arm 120 includes a pair of receiving features 121 (only one is labeled for clarity), which are in the form of protrusions spaced apart from each other and defining receiving surfaces configured to receive corresponding engagement features in the engagement features 111 (e.g., bumps) of the first arm 110. Although the example illustrates specific engagement and receiving features, as those skilled in the art will understand, other engagement and receiving features may be employed to aid in receiving or dispersing at least a portion of the force to support closure of such an attachment mechanism. For illustrative purposes only, it is conceivable that the engagement features of the first arm may be a central bar or other structure shaped to complement and engage with the receiving features of the second arm.

[0042] Now for reference Figure 3 The first arm 110 may include an actuator 113. The actuator 113 may be positioned on the upper portion 112 of the first arm 110 such that when the first arm 110 is in a locked position (e.g., as shown in the image), it will activate the actuator. Figure 3As shown in the diagram, the user can operate the actuator. The actuator 113 can be positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the first arm 110. The actuator 113 can be configured to move the first arm 110 from a locked position to an unlocked position to remove tension from the seatbelt. In this respect, when the first arm 110 is in the locked position (and the seatbelt is tensioned), actuating the actuator 113 can move the first arm 110 to the unlocked position, thereby removing tension from the seatbelt. In some embodiments, the actuator 113 can be a spring-actuated button. The spring-actuated button can be configured to hold the first arm 110 in the locked position until the spring-actuated button is actuated. More specifically, when the first arm 110 is in the locked position, the spring-actuated button can bias and hold the first arm 110 in the locked position. In this respect, when the first arm 110 is in the locked position (and the seat belt is tensioned), the actuation spring actuates the button to overcome the bias, which can switch the first arm 110 to the unlocked position, thereby removing the tension from the seat belt.

[0043] As will now be understood, the locking mechanism described herein (e.g., Figures 1 to 5 The example illustrated with locking mechanism 100 allows the use of a seatbelt (e.g., an existing seatbelt in the vehicle) to secure the car seat (e.g., Figures 2 to 5 The child car seat 10 illustrated in the diagram is installed and positioned in the vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle's seat belt can be received along the belt path 26 of the base 20 of the child car seat 10 to install the child car seat 10 in the vehicle. The seat belt can then be properly tensioned by operating the belt locking mechanism 100 in such a way as by: (a) positioning the first arm 110 to an unlocked position in which the first arm 110 is configured to engage by the second arm 120 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 In the lowered unlock position illustrated in the example (e.g., by pivoting the first arm 110 toward the base 20, more specifically toward the belt path 26), and (b) moving the second arm 120 to engage the first arm 110 and pushing the first arm 110 into the locked position to tension the seatbelt. More specifically, the first arm 110 can be moved relative to the base from the upright unlock position (see reference) Figure 1 Pivot to the lowered unlock position (see reference) Figure 2 Even more specifically, the second arm 120 can be slid away from the base 20 (see reference). Figure 1 Then the second arm 120 can be pivoted relative to the base 20 to an engaged position, in which the second arm 120 can engage with the first arm 110 (see reference). Figure 2 Then the second arm 120 can be moved to push the first arm 110 into the locked position in order to tension the seat belt (see reference). Figure 3Then the second arm 120 can slide back into the base 20 and enter the storage position (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 Finally, the cover 140, which is hinged to the base 20, can be closed above the locking mechanism to define a relatively smooth surface of the base 20.

[0044] While specific exemplary embodiments have been described, they are not intended to limit the claims, as the scope of the claims is as broad as will be permitted in the art, and the specification should be read accordingly. That is, the foregoing description of specific embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of this disclosure, so that others can readily modify and / or adapt various applications of these specific embodiments by applying knowledge within the art without departing from the general concept of this disclosure. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance set forth herein, such modifications and alterations are intended to fall within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not for limiting purposes, and therefore the terminology or terminology of this specification will be interpreted by those skilled in the art based on the teachings and guidance.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will understand that the components, method steps, and materials illustrated above can be changed by replacing them with equivalent components, steps, and materials that can achieve the same function. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the size and strength of the components can be scaled up or down to meet the needs of a particular purpose. The claims of this invention are intended to cover all such equivalent components, method steps, and scales.

Claims

1. A child car seat configured to be installed in the associated vehicle using the seat belt of the associated vehicle, the child car seat comprising: A seat backrest supported on a base, the base including a belt path configured to receive the associated vehicle's seat belt along it; as well as A locking mechanism configured to tension the seatbelt of the associated vehicle, the locking mechanism comprising: A first arm, pivotally connected to the base on a first side of the belt path, is movable to a locked position in which it is configured to tension the seatbelt of the associated vehicle. as well as A second arm, pivotally connected to the base on a second side of the belt path opposite to the first side of the belt path and slidable into and out of the base in a direction substantially perpendicular to the belt path, is configured to engage with the first arm and push the first arm to the locked position to tension the associated vehicle seat belt.

2. The child car seat of claim 1, further comprising an interlocking element configured such that when the first arm is in the locked position, the second arm is released and can slide into the base.

3. The child car seat of claim 1, wherein, The first arm includes at least one engagement feature and the second arm includes at least one receiving feature, the at least one receiving feature being configured to engage the at least one engagement feature of the first arm and push the first arm to the locked position in order to tension the seat belt of the associated vehicle.

4. The child car seat of claim 3, wherein, The at least one engagement feature of the first arm is a plurality of protrusions protruding outward from opposite sides of the first arm.

5. The child car seat according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one receiving feature of the second arm is a plurality of protrusions, each of the plurality of protrusions defining a receiving surface configured to receive a corresponding protrusion among the plurality of protrusions of the first arm.

6. The child car seat according to claim 1, wherein, The seat back is configured to rotate relative to the base.

7. The child car seat according to claim 1, wherein, The first arm includes an actuator configured to move the first arm from the locked position to the unlocked position in order to remove tension from the seat belt of the associated vehicle.

8. The child car seat according to claim 7, wherein, The actuator is a spring-actuated button, which is configured to hold the first arm in the locked position until the spring-actuated button is actuated.

9. The child car seat according to claim 1, wherein, The portion with a path located between the first arm and the second arm defines a recessed portion of the base, the recessed portion being configured to receive at least a portion of the associated vehicle's seatbelt and at least a portion of the first arm when the first arm is in the locked position.

10. The child car seat according to claim 1, wherein, The first arm includes opposing upper and lower portions, and when the first arm is in the locked position, the lower portion of the first arm is positioned adjacent to the seat belt of the associated vehicle.

11. The child car seat according to claim 10, wherein, The second arm includes an opposing upper and lower portion, wherein when the first arm is in the locked position, the lower portion of the second arm is positioned adjacent to the upper portion of the first arm.

12. A method for tensioning a seatbelt for installing a child car seat in an associated vehicle, the associated vehicle including the seatbelt, the tensioning method comprising: The child car seat receives the associated vehicle's seatbelt along the belt path of the base of the child car seat to install the child car seat in the associated vehicle; Operate the locking mechanism to tension the seat belts of the associated vehicle in the following manner: A first arm, pivotally connected to the base on the first side of the belt path, is positioned in an unlocked position, in which the first arm is not tensioned on the associated vehicle's seatbelt. The second arm is moved to engage the first arm and push the first arm to a locked position to tension the seat belt of the associated vehicle, wherein the second arm is pivotally connected to the base on a second side of the belt path opposite to the first side of the belt path and is slidable into and out of the base in a direction substantially perpendicular to the belt path.

13. The tensioning method of claim 12, further comprising operating an actuator of the first arm to switch the first arm from the locked position back to the unlocked position in order to remove tension from the seat belt of the associated vehicle.

14. The tensioning method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps of operating the locking mechanism include engaging the engagement feature of the first arm with the receiving feature of the second arm to push the first arm into the locked position in order to tension the seat belt of the associated vehicle.

15. The tensioning method according to claim 12, wherein, When the first arm is in the locked position, the lower portion of the first arm is positioned adjacent to the seat belt of the associated vehicle and the lower portion of the second arm is positioned adjacent to the upper portion of the first arm.

16. The tensioning method according to claim 12, wherein, Moving the second arm includes: sliding the second arm away from the base; pivoting the second arm relative to the base to an engaged position in which the second arm can engage with the first arm; The second arm is moved to push the first arm to the locked position to tension the seat belt of the associated vehicle; and the second arm is slid back into the base into the storage position.

17. The tensioning method of claim 16, further comprising closing a cover hingedly connected to the base above the locking mechanism to define a relatively smooth surface of the base.

18. A locking mechanism configured to tension an associated vehicle seatbelt, the locking mechanism comprising: A first arm, which is pivotally movable to a locked position, wherein the first arm is configured to tension the seat belt of the associated vehicle; as well as A second arm, configured to engage with the first arm and actuate the first arm to the locked position to tension the associated vehicle's seatbelt, wherein a belt path is defined between the first and second arms, the belt path being configured to receive the associated vehicle's seatbelt along it, wherein the second arm is pivotally connected to a base on a second side of the belt path opposite to a first side of the belt path and is slidable into and out of the base in a direction substantially perpendicular to the belt path.

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