Child safety seat and base assembly

Abstract

A child safety seat and base assembly is disclosed in which the base is arranged to be fixed relative to a motor vehicle and the seat is arranged to be removably secured. The assembly comprises a rotating element rotatably mounted to the base, a seat latch on the rotating element which engages the child safety seat to releasably retain the child safety seat to the base and rotating element, a seat latch actuation assembly for opening or closing the seat latch, wherein opening the seat latch releases the child safety seat, and an interlock mechanism which is actuated when the seat latch is opened preventing rotation of the rotating element relative to the base. The seat latch actuation assembly can comprise a handle slidably mounted, wherein in use, when the seat is in any position other than one or both side loading positions, the base prevents access to the handle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a child safety seat mounted to a base, wherein the child safety seat is rotatable relative to the base. Background Technology

[0002] Child safety seats and bases can be attached to the seats of motor vehicles for transporting children in the vehicle. A device for controlling the rotation of the seat relative to the base and a device for removing and locking the child safety seat to the base are disclosed.

[0003] Examples of child safety seats that can rotate relative to a base are known. In some examples where the base is fixed to the seat in a motor vehicle, the child safety seat can rotate relative to the base to move the seat between forward-facing and rearward-facing usage positions. This allows the seat to be in a lateral loading position at 90 degrees relative to either usage position, allowing the child to easily sit or get out of the vehicle from a doorway.

[0004] It is useful to allow the child safety seat to be released from the base for example, to be attached to a stroller. This can be achieved by a base with a rotating element, which is mounted for rotational movement within the base. The rotating element has a latch on its upper surface to which the child safety seat is secured, and the child safety seat has a latching element that engages with the rotating element latch. The latch securely holds the seat in place and is strong enough to withstand the loads applied during a vehicle collision.

[0005] A device that secures the detachable child seat to the base in the correct position via a rotating element is desirable, and any system that does not ensure correct orientation will lead to unsafe consequences.

[0006] It is against this backdrop that this disclosure was made. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect, a child safety seat and base are provided, wherein the base is arranged to be fixed relative to a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0008] A rotating element that is rotatably mounted to a base.

[0009] A latch on the rotating element engages the child safety seat to releasably retain it relative to the base and the rotating element.

[0010] A device for opening or closing the latch, wherein opening the latch releases the child safety seat, and

[0011] An interlocking device is actuated when a latch preventing the rotating element from rotating relative to the base is opened.

[0012] The rotating element can be configured to latch relative to the base to position the child safety seat in one or more use positions. These positions include rear-facing and forward-facing positions. A manual mechanism can be provided to release the latch between the base and the rotating element to allow the child safety seat to rotate relative to the base.

[0013] The rotating elements are arranged to rotate so that the child safety seat can be repositioned relative to the base and the vehicle seat to move the child safety seat to a position where it is easier or more convenient to position or remove the child. This may include rotating the seat so that it is aligned with an open vehicle door.

[0014] Rotation of the rotating element also positions the child safety seat so that it can be removed from the base by operating the latch. The latch may include multiple hooks mounted to the rotating element that move between a latched position and an unlocked position. The child safety seat may have a latch engaging element, such as a pin or a similar element to which the hooks can engage. The hook may include a simple right-angle hook that works by engaging with a vertical abutment or notch on the rotating element. Once the hook is in place, both serve to prevent movement of the latch engaging element. The hook will prevent upward and horizontal movement toward the hook, and the vertical abutment will prevent horizontal movement in the opposite direction.

[0015] In a second aspect of the invention, the child safety seat is rotated from a use position to a second predetermined position, whereby an operating latch also allows actuation of an interlocking device to hold the rotating element in that predetermined position. Once the child safety seat is removed, the operating interlocking device prevents the rotating element from moving away from the predetermined position.

[0016] Furthermore, once the child safety seat is removed from the swivel base, the interlocking mechanism prevents the latch from being operated to release the locking device. In this way, the swivel base is prevented from moving from the position where the child safety seat has been removed from the base, and the swivel element cannot move from that position when the child safety seat is removed.

[0017] Once the child safety seat is positioned on the rotating element and its latch engagement element is aligned with the latch, the interlocking device is released. One or more of the latch elements can depress a spring-loaded actuating element, allowing the rotating element to rotate relative to the base once the child safety seat is in the position to be re-latched onto the rotating element.

[0018] Furthermore, the latch can be designed to be disabled or inoperable when the child safety seat is in the use position. That is, when the child safety seat is in the proper position for transporting the child while the vehicle is moving, it is impossible to operate the latch to release the child safety seat. This prevents the child safety seat from being accidentally released while in the use position.

[0019] According to a second aspect, a child safety seat and base assembly is provided, wherein the base is arranged to be fixed relative to a motor vehicle, and the seat is arranged to be removably fixed relative to the base, the assembly comprising:

[0020] A rotating element that is rotatably mounted to a base;

[0021] A seat latch on the rotating element engages the child safety seat to releasably retain the child safety seat relative to the base and the rotating element;

[0022] A seat latch actuation assembly for opening or closing the seat latch, wherein opening the seat latch releases the child safety seat; and

[0023] The interlocking mechanism is actuated when the seat latch that prevents the rotating element from rotating relative to the base is opened.

[0024] In one form, the seat latch actuation assembly includes a handle slidably mounted relative to the rotating element.

[0025] In one configuration, during use, when the seat is in any position other than one or two side-loaded positions, the base prevents access to the handle, thereby preventing the seat latch from opening or closing when the seat is in any position other than one or two side-loaded positions.

[0026] In one embodiment, the child safety seat and base also include multiple hooks and hook-engageable protrusions, the hooks being movable from a latched position in which they hold the hook-engageable protrusions in a released position in which they do not hold the protrusions in a released position.

[0027] In one form, the hook is located on the rotating element and forms part of the seat latch, and the hook can engage a protrusion located on the seat.

[0028] In one form, the interlocking mechanism includes a locking protrusion and a locking recess, the locking protrusion engaging with the locking recess to prevent the rotating element from rotating relative to the base when the seat latch is open.

[0029] In one form, a locking protrusion extends from the rotating element, and a locking recess is formed in the base.

[0030] In one form, the rotating element includes a pressable element that engages via a seat-dependent surface.

[0031] Therefore, the pressable element can be released by pressing down the seat-dependent surface to release the interlocking mechanism.

[0032] In one embodiment, the pressable element includes an interlocking pin biased toward an upper position locked by the interlocking mechanism, thereby preventing the rotating element from rotating relative to the base.

[0033] In one form, the interlocking mechanism includes an interlocking latch, which is actuated by an interlocking pin.

[0034] In one form, the interlocking latch is biased toward an upper position where the end face of the interlocking latch prevents movement of the handle, thereby preventing the interlocking mechanism from failing until the interlocking pin is pressed down.

[0035] In one form, the interlocking latch is pivotally mounted to the rotating element. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Embodiments of the invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of a child safety seat and its base is shown, with the child seat in a rear-facing configuration during use.

[0038] Figure 3 A side view of the child safety seat and its base is shown, with the child seat in a rear-facing orientation for use.

[0039] Figure 4A A partial cross-sectional view of the base, rotating element, latch, and child seat in the latched position is shown.

[0040] Figure 4B A partial cross-sectional view of the base, rotating element, latch, and child seat in the unlocked position is shown.

[0041] Figure 5 An exploded top view (top exploded view) of the components including the child safety seat and base is shown.

[0042] Figure 6 The diagram shows an exploded bottom view of the components, including the child safety seat and base (bottom exploded view).

[0043] Figure 7 A child seat rotated 90 degrees from the rear-facing use position is shown.

[0044] Figure 8 The image shows the base of the child seat removed, with the actuation pin in its upper position.

[0045] Figure 9 and Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 Cross-sectional view,

[0046] Figure 11 This illustrates operating the actuator pin in the downward direction.

[0047] Figure 12The image shows a pin on a child seat that is pushed down when the seat is changed in the base.

[0048] Figures 13 to 17 The sequence for replacing the child seat onto the base is shown (the seat is not shown for clarity), as well as the operation of the actuating pin and latch lever.

[0049] Figure 18 An exploded top view (top exploded view) of an alternative child safety seat and base is shown.

[0050] Figure 19 It shows Figure 18 Isometric view of a child safety seat and its base, with the seat removed from the base.

[0051] Figure 20A and Figure 20B The locked and released positions are shown respectively. Figure 18 and Figure 19 An isometric view of the pull-out rotating element of the base.

[0052] Figure 21A and Figure 21B The locked and released positions are shown respectively. Figure 18 and Figure 19 An isometric view of an alternative rotating element for the base, which has a push-release rather than a pull-release mechanism.

[0053] Figure 22 and Figure 23 It shows Figure 18 and Figure 19 The image shows an isometric view of the car seat and base, with the seats in the loaded and locked positions, respectively. Figure 21A and Figure 21B Pull-type release device,

[0054] Figure 24 yes Figure 18 and Figure 19 A partial sectional isometric view of a portion of the car seat and its base shown.

[0055] Figure 25A and Figure 25B yes Figure 20A and Figure 20B A schematic diagram of the pull-out release mechanism within the rotating element, and

[0056] Figure 26A and Figure 26B yes Figure 20A and Figure 20B A schematic diagram of the push-release mechanism inside the rotating element. Detailed Implementation

[0057] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The child safety seat and base 10 includes a child seat 11 fixed to a base 12. The base 12 is designed to be located on and fixed to the seat portion of the vehicle seat, and optionally has a rebound bar 13 adjacent to the backrest of the vehicle seat, and optionally a footrest 14. Figure 1 and Figure 2 (Partially shown) This is used to limit the rearward and forward rotation of the child seat 11 and base 12, respectively. An Isofix connector (not shown) connects and secures the base 12 relative to the vehicle seat. In other arrangements not shown, the child safety seat and base 10 can be arranged and configured for belt mounting using, for example, a motor vehicle seatbelt and top tether or footrest. In another arrangement not shown, the child safety seat and base 10 can be arranged and configured for mounting via a latching system commonly used in the United States.

[0058] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, child seat 11 is in a rear-facing position. That is, the child will face the rear of the vehicle, which is the recommended position for infants, toddlers, and very small children.

[0059] When the base 12 is held in a fixed position relative to the vehicle seat, the child seat 11 can rotate 360 ​​degrees. Figure 4A As shown, the child seat 11 is fixed to the rotating element 18, and the child seat 11 and the rotating element 18 together are capable of rotating about a substantially vertical axis on the base 12.

[0060] The seat latch works in conjunction with the rotating element 18 and the base 12 to hold the child seat 11 in one of two use positions, or as... Figures 1 to 3 The child seat 11 can be positioned in either a rear-facing or forward-facing use position. The seat latch can be manually operated using handle 31, and once released, the child seat 11 can be rotated to the relative use position or a predetermined intermediate position. The intermediate position is preferably 90 degrees to the use position in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. This has the advantage of positioning the child seat 11 towards the open door of the vehicle.

[0061] The rotating element 18 is provided with a seat latch, which includes a seat latch body 20, such as Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown. The seat latch body 20 slides within the rotating element 18, as described in detail below. The seat latch body 20 is manually operated between the latched and unlocked positions.

[0062] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6The rotating element 18 comprises a generally circular disk located in a complementary cavity 21 within the base 12. The cavity 21 has a base plate 24. The rotating element 18 has a peripheral flange 22 mounted on a support surface 23 of the base 12, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the rotating element 18 is held in the cavity 21 by a retainer 25, which has a threaded fastener 26 that secures it to the base 12.

[0063] The rotating element 18 has a cavity 28 in which the latch body 20 is located. A U-shaped edge 29 is positioned around the cavity 28 on the upper surface 19 of the rotating element 18. The edge 29 has a plurality of notches 30 spaced apart around its periphery.

[0064] The seat latch body 20 has an upwardly folding handle 31 at the end of the plate 32 extending from the seat latch body 20. A hook 35 is located on the upper surface of the plate 32 and the latch body. A lug 36 extends laterally from the seat latch body 20 at its lower edge. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 6 As shown, a locking protrusion in the form of a pin 37 extends from the end of the seat latch body 20.

[0065] The seat latch body 20 is positioned within the cavity 28 by inserting the handle 31 from below the rotating element 18 through the cavity 28. Preferably, there is sufficient clearance within the cavity 28, or some or all of the interlocking components are flexible, to position the seat latch body 20 so that the pin 37 is positioned in a locking recess in the form of a hole 38. Alternatively, a removable cover may be provided to allow the pin 37 to be positioned in the hole 38.

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown, the lug 36 is located in the cavity 39 on the bottom surface of the rotating element 18. When the seat latch body 20 is respectively... Figure 4A and Figure 4B As the latch moves between the locked and unlocked positions, the cavity 39 allows the lug 36 to move back and forth. The combination of the pin 37 and the lug 36 slidably holds the latch body 20 within the cavity 28 of the rotating element 18.

[0067] refer to Figure 6 The lower surface of seat 11 has a box 40, which has generally rectangular peripheral walls sized to be located above edge 29. A hook, in the form of a pin 41, engages a protrusion located on the inner wall of box 40 and aligned with a notch 30 on edge 29. Figure 4A As shown, with pin 41 in recess 30, the seat is held to rotating element 18, while hook 35 is positioned above pin 41.

[0068] Figure 7It shows the relationship with Figures 1 to 3 The child seat 11 is rotated 90 degrees to the indicated position. A manual latch (not shown) is actuated to allow the child seat 11 to move from its use position. A retainer 25 has a flange 43 extending around the retainer 25. The flange 43 has two openings 44 positioned 90 degrees from the use position. The flange 43 prevents access to the handle 31 in all positions except the 90-degree position. However, when the child seat 11 is rotated to this predetermined position, the openings 44 allow access to the handle 31.

[0069] like Figure 4A As shown, except when the end of pin 37 is aligned with the hole 38 located at two opposite diameter loading positions, it abuts against the wall of cavity 21 below support surface 23. This prevents unlocking movement of latch body 20. When seat 11 and rotating element rotate, latch body moves with both of them. When they rotate 90 degrees to the predetermined position, pin 37 abuts against the wall of cavity 21 below support surface 23. Figure 4B The hole 38 in the wall of the cavity 21 shown is aligned. In this position, the handle 31 is accessible and can now be pushed inward. The pin 37, which slides within the through hole 38', can enter the hole 38, and the latch body is moved such that the hook 35 disengages from the pin 41. In this position, the seat 11 is unlocked and can be removed from the base 12.

[0070] The engagement of pin 37 in hole 38 will allow latch body 20 to move into the open position and seat 11 to be removed. However, base 12 may be arranged to prevent latch body 20 from moving back to the closed position and to prevent rotating elements from rotating when seat 11 is removed.

[0071] An interlocking mechanism is provided, comprising a spring-loaded actuating pin 45 and a spring-loaded interlocking latch in the form of a latching lever 46. (As...) Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the latch 46 is mounted in a slot 48 in the base plate 24 of the cavity 21. The latch lever 46 has a pivot pin 49 that engages with a hole in the slot 48. This allows the latch lever 46 to pivot upward within the slot 48. The latch lever 46 is biased upward by a spring 50, which is held in place below the latch lever 46 by the base plate 51. The spring 50 may have a pivot pin that also engages with a pivot hole in the slot 48 and has a hook at its end that engages with a retaining hole in the latch lever 46 and the base 51.

[0072] In this way, the latch 46 is held in the base plate 24 of the cavity 21, while the base of the rotating element 18 moves above the latch as it rotates.

[0073] The actuating pin 45 is mounted in the rotating element and moves with it as the rotating element rotates. For example... Figure 8As shown, with seat 11 removed, actuating pin 45 is pushed upward by spring 52. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, an actuating pin 44 with a spring 52 is installed in an orifice 53. The actuating pin has a collar 54, on which the spring 52 acts to push the actuating pin 45 upward. Figures 8 to 10 In the position shown.

[0074] When the rotating element 18 is aligned at its 90-degree position, the latch body 20 can move to the unlocked position, in which the seat 11 can be removed. This is Figure 9 and Figure 10 The position shown. At this position, the groove 56 of the base of the rotating element 18 (reference) Figure 6 Alignment with latch lever 46. The upward bias of spring 50 causes latch lever 46 to pivot upward, such that its end is positioned... Figure 6 In the groove 56 shown.

[0075] When the latch lever 46 is in the slot 56, the rotating element 18 is fixed in place and cannot be rotated away from the position where the seat 11 can be removed. Furthermore, the end 46' of the latch lever 46 prevents movement of the lug 36, therefore, in this position, the latch body 20 cannot be removed from the seat 11. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Move away from the unlocked position shown.

[0076] This prevents the rotating element 18 from moving out of position once the seat is removed.

[0077] When the seat 11 is replaced onto the base, the box 40 has an interlocking pin 58, such as Figure 12 As shown, when pin 41 is in recess 30, interlocking pin 58 presses against the top of actuating pin 45 and pushes them downwards. This is to resist the bias of spring 52. The lower end of actuating pin 45 presses down on the corresponding latching lever 46, such that... Figure 12 As shown, the top surface of the latch lever 46 is flush with the base of the rotating element 18. This also causes the end of the latch lever 46 to be away from the slot 56.

[0078] In this position, the latch body 20 can be moved to the latched position, and the hook 35 is again positioned above the pin 41. With the latch lever 46 in its lower position, the lug 36 is now able to move above the latch lever 46, as... Figure 12 As shown.

[0079] With the latch lever 46 located below the base of the rotating element 18 and the seat 11 latched back onto the base 12, the rotating element 18 and the seat 11 can rotate freely from the 90-degree position to the use position where they are latched in place.

[0080] Although Figures 1 to 17In the embodiments shown, the interlocking pin 58 and the hook-and-engage pin 41 are described separately, but in some embodiments, the same extension pin will be used for the function of both the interlocking pin 58 and the hook-and-engage pin 41.

[0081] Now go to Figures 18 to 24 This demonstrates alternative combinations of child safety seats and bases. Figure 18 In the exploded view, seat 11 and its box 40 are... Figure 6 The same or substantially the same as shown. However, the rotating element 18 and the seat latch are different. In the case of this embodiment, as Figure 20A and Figure 20B As shown more clearly, the two pairs of hooks 35 face each other. Figures 1 to 17 Compared to the arrangement of hooks 35 all facing the same direction, this reduces vulnerability to acceleration or deceleration. Therefore, Figure 20A and Figure 20B The arrangement shown can provide better resistance to accidental release in the event of a frontal or rearward impact in a motor vehicle accident.

[0082] Figure 18 and Figure 19 A child safety seat 11 and a base 12 assembly are shown, wherein the base 11 is arranged to be fixed relative to a motor vehicle, and the seat is arranged to be removably fixed relative to the base. The assembly includes a rotating element 18 rotatably mounted to the base. Figure 19 (as shown most clearly in the image). The child seat 11 is fixed to the rotating element 18, and the child seat 11 and the rotating element 18 are capable of rotating together about a substantially vertical axis on the base 12. Figure 18 The pivot bearing support 70 on the base 12 is shown. A corresponding attachment feature (not shown) is provided on the underside of the rotating element 18, thereby providing a substantially vertical axis.

[0083] A seat latch is provided on the rotating element, which engages with the child safety seat to releasably retain the child safety seat relative to the base and the rotating element. Figure 24 As shown, the seat latch includes multiple hooks 35 and hook-engageable protrusions 41. In Figure 24 In the illustrated embodiment, the hook-and-engage protrusion can be seen to be in the form of a hook-and-engage pin 41.

[0084] Hooks 35 can be moved from the latched position to the released position. In the latched position, they retain the hooks' engagement protrusions, such as... Figure 20A and Figure 21A As shown, in the release position, they do not retain the protrusion, as Figure 20B and Figure 21B As shown.

[0085] On the one hand Figure 20A and Figure 20B On the other hand, Figure 21A and Figure 21B Alternative arrangements are shown. Figure 20A and Figure 20B In the case of this arrangement, a pull-type release mechanism is provided within the rotating element. Conversely, in Figure 21A and Figure 21B In the case of this arrangement, a push-type release mechanism is installed inside the rotating element.

[0086] refer to Figure 18 , Figure 19 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 As can be seen, when the seat 11 is in any position other than one or two side-loaded positions, the base 12 prevents access to the handle 31, thereby preventing the seat latch from opening or closing when the seat is in any position other than the side-loaded position. For example, when in the side-loaded position... Figure 23 In the indicated drive position, the user cannot approach and actuate the handle 31. This prevents the hook 35 from being pulled out, for example, from... Figure 24 An accidental or unsafe release occurred at its fixed position.

[0087] The assembly also includes a seat latch actuation assembly for opening or closing the seat latch, wherein opening the seat latch releases the child safety seat. The seat latch actuation assembly includes a handle 31 slidably mounted relative to a rotating element.

[0088] Now for reference Figure 18 , Figure 20B and Figure 21B The diagram illustrates an interlocking mechanism actuated when the seat latch is opened. The interlocking mechanism prevents the rotating element 18 from rotating relative to the base 12. The interlocking mechanism includes a locking protrusion in the form of a pin 37 and a locking recess in the form of a hole 38. The pin 37 engages with the hole 38 to prevent the rotating element 18 from rotating relative to the base 12 when the seat latch is opened.

[0089] exist Figure 20B , Figure 25B , Figure 21B and Figure 26B As can be seen, when hook 35 is open, pin 37 extends from rotating element 18.

[0090] Hole 38 is formed in base 12, such as Figure 18 As shown.

[0091] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the rotating element 18 includes a pressable element in the form of an actuating pin 45. Multiple actuating pins 45 can be provided, for example, in... Figure 8 The first embodiment of the invention is shown more clearly. As shown... Figure 22As shown, pin 45 can be engaged by a seat-dependent surface in the form of an interlocking pin 58 or pin 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the depressable pin 45 can be depressed by pin 58 on the seat to release the interlocking mechanism.

[0092] As in the first embodiment described above, one or more depressable interlocking pins 45 are biased toward the upper position locked by the interlocking mechanism, thereby preventing the rotating element 18 from rotating relative to the base 12. Furthermore, the interlocking mechanism includes an interlocking latch 46, actuated by the interlocking pins 45, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown. The interlocking latch 46 is biased upwards, in which end face 46' of the interlocking latch 46 prevents movement of the handle 31, thereby preventing interlocking mechanism failure until the interlocking pin 45 is pressed down. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As can be seen, the interlocking latch is pivotally mounted to the rotating element 18.

[0093] Various internal mechanisms can be provided within or on the rotating element 18 to provide the functions of seat latch actuation and interlocking mechanisms. For example... Figure 25A and Figure 25B Non-restrictive examples and Figure 26A and Figure 26B As shown in the alternative examples, these agencies can be independent or integrated.

[0094] refer to Figure 25A and Figure 25B As can be seen, the handle link 80 is operably connected to or forms part of the handle 31, and is pivotally connected to a pair of hook links 90 at pivot points 95 and 96. This arrangement is respectively located at... Figure 20A and Figure 20B The pull-out release mechanism within the rotating element 18 shown.

[0095] refer to Figure 26A and Figure 26B It shows the relationship with Figure 25A and Figure 25B A similar arrangement. However, this arrangement is different in... Figure 21A and Figure 21B The push-release mechanism within the rotating element 18 shown.

[0096] Figures 13 to 17 The operation of the actuating pin 45 and the latching lever 46 is shown in sequence. From Figure 13 Initially, the seat 11 is placed on the base 12 (the seat 11 is not shown for clarity), causing pin 58 to press down on actuating pin 45, which in turn moves latch lever 46 from... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The upper position shown is pushed to its lower position ( Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the case where the lug 36 is no longer obstructed by the face 46' on the end of the latch lever 46, the latch body 20 moves to its latched position, as in Figures 15 to 17 As seen in the image. Seat 11 is latched, while rotating element 18 rotates freely.

[0097] Figures 11 to 17 The image shows seat 11 being removed from the right side of base 12. A latch 46 is located on the left side of base 12 to allow hole 56 to be aligned in that position. Another set of latches 46 is required on the right side of base 12 to allow seat 11 to be removed from the left side of base 12. These are not shown, but the required positions of these additional latches 46 are obvious to a technician.

[0098] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiment provides a device for rotating the seat 11 to a 90-degree position, and the seat 11 can only be removed from the base 12 when it is in this position. Furthermore, an interlock is provided to prevent the rotating element 18 from moving when the seat 11 is removed. This prevents the seat 11 from being removed from a position other than a predetermined position and ensures that the seat 11 is repositioned on the base in the correct orientation. It also prevents the rotating element 18 from moving out of position when the seat is removed.

[0099] Throughout the specification and the following claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the words “comprising” and “including” and variations thereof shall be understood to imply inclusion of the said integers or groups of integers, but not to exclude any other integers or groups of integers.

[0100] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not and should not be construed as an admission of any kind that such prior art is part of common general knowledge.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will understand that the use of this invention is not limited to the specific applications described. The invention, in its preferred embodiments, is also not limited to the specific elements and / or features described or depicted herein. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the one or more embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A child safety seat and base assembly, wherein the base is arranged to be fixed relative to a motor vehicle, and the seat is arranged to be removably fixed relative to the base, the assembly comprising: A rotating element, which is rotatably mounted to the base; A seat latch on the rotating element engages the child safety seat to releasably retain the child safety seat relative to the base and the rotating element; A seat latch actuation assembly for opening or closing the seat latch, wherein opening the seat latch releases the child safety seat; as well as An interlocking mechanism that is actuated when the seat latch is opened; The interlocking mechanism includes a locking protrusion and a locking recess, wherein the locking protrusion engages with the locking recess to prevent the rotating element from rotating relative to the base when the seat latch is opened; The locking protrusion extends from the rotating element, and the locking recess is formed in the base.

2. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat latch actuation assembly includes a handle slidably mounted relative to the rotating element.

3. The child safety seat and base assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, In use, when the seat is in any position other than one or two side-loaded positions, the base prevents access to the handle, thereby preventing the seat latch from opening or closing when the seat is in any position other than the one or two side-loaded positions.

4. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 1, comprising a plurality of hooks and hook-engageable protrusions, the hooks being movable from a locked position in which they retain the hook-engageable protrusions to a released position in which they do not retain the hook-engageable protrusions.

5. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 3, comprising a plurality of hooks and hook-engageable protrusions, wherein the hooks are located on the rotating element and form part of the seat latch, and the hook-engageable protrusions are located on the seat.

6. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotating element includes a depressable element that can engage via a seat-dependent surface. Thus, the pressable element can be pressed down by the seat-dependent surface to release the interlocking mechanism.

7. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 6, wherein the depressable element includes an interlocking pin biased toward an upper position locked by the interlocking mechanism to prevent the rotating element from rotating relative to the base.

8. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 7, wherein the interlocking mechanism includes an interlocking latch actuated by the interlocking pin.

9. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 8, wherein the interlocking latch is biased toward an upper position toward the end face of the interlocking latch to prevent movement of the handle, thereby preventing the interlocking mechanism from failing until the interlocking pin is pressed down.

10. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 9, wherein the interlocking latch is pivotally mounted to the rotating element.

Images