Top tether damper for a child car seat

Abstract

This document discloses an automotive seat and its base. The base includes a top tether and energy-absorbing elongated fingers. The tether includes webbing. The webbing is at least partially wrapped around the elongated fingers. The elongated fingers are configured to deform when a load applied thereto by the webbing exceeds a predetermined threshold, so as to release the webbing from the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to automobile seats for use in motor vehicles and bases for such automobile seats. More specifically, the invention relates to automobile seats comprising a base, a top cord, and elongated fingers configured to deform when a load applied thereto by the top cord exceeds a predetermined threshold, so as to release the webbing from the base. Background Technology

[0002] 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. Car seats recommended for children (not infants) are typically forward-facing. These traditional car seats usually consist of a seat that can be locked into a strap or secured to a base inside the car. Traditionally, a top strap connects the upper part of the car seat to the car to prevent it from rotating forward.

[0003] During sudden deceleration or stopping of a car (e.g., during a frontal collision), a "pulling" force is typically applied to the top tether. Conventional car seats may use strong or non-stretchable webbing as the top tether. Such top tethers generally do not absorb energy or reduce the impact transmitted to the car seat occupants. In this way, while some conventional top tethers may prevent car seats from rotating, such top tethers remain disadvantageous in terms of energy absorption—that is, in transmitting impact energy (i.e., external impact) or absorbing impact energy to reduce the relative movement and / or acceleration of the car seat during such impact events.

[0004] It is desirable to provide a car seat with such an energy-absorbing device to protect the passenger from injury caused by external impacts. Further desirable would be a car seat comprising a seat shell, a base, and a tethering path that does not interfere with the rotation of the seat shell relative to the base and / or reclining. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This document discloses an automotive seat and its base. The automotive seat can be configured for installation in a relevant vehicle (e.g., in a forward-facing configuration, a rear-facing configuration, a side-facing or center-facing configuration, a booster configuration, and / or combinations thereof). The automotive seat can be installed in the vehicle using tethers (e.g., a top tether).

[0006] The base for an automobile seat of the present invention may include a tether and an energy-absorbing elongated finger. The tether may include webbing. At least a portion of the tether, such as webbing, may be at least partially wrapped around the elongated finger. The elongated finger may be configured to deform. The elongated finger may be configured to deform when a load applied thereto by the tether exceeds a predetermined threshold. The deformation of the elongated finger under the load applied thereto by the tether may release the tether from the base.

[0007] The tether may be attached at its first end to a connection point. The connection point may be within the base. The tether may be attached at its second end to an anchor point. The anchor point may be an anchor point of the relevant vehicle in which the base is mounted. In embodiments where the tether includes webbing, the tether may be a single-length webbing.

[0008] In certain configurations, the base may also include a rod. A tether can extend from the connection point to the rod. The tether can change direction while at least partially wrapped around the rod. The tether can extend from the rod to an elongated finger-shaped member. The tether can change direction again while at least partially wrapped around the elongated finger-shaped member.

[0009] In one embodiment, the elongated finger-shaped member may be attached to the base at its first end. A tether may be at least partially wrapped around the second end of the elongated finger-shaped member. In some embodiments, the second end of the elongated finger-shaped member may be closer to the connection point than the rod.

[0010] In embodiments, at least one of the length, width, and material of the elongated finger can be selected to selectively tune a predetermined threshold. The elongated finger can be preloaded to selectively tune the predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the elongated finger can be preloaded by bending.

[0011] In some configurations, elongated fingers can be attached to the surface of the base. The elongated fingers can be angled relative to the surface of the base. The elongated fingers can be attached to the base adjacent to its upper portion. A tether can be wrapped around the elongated fingers and passed through a slot defined in the upper portion of the base.

[0012] In some embodiments, the tether may be made at least partially of a generally strong, non-stretchable material. In some embodiments, the tether may be a top tether.

[0013] The deformation of slender fingers under load applied to them by a tether can cause the slender fingers to undergo deformation.

[0014] In some embodiments, the automotive seat of the present invention may include a base as described above. The automotive seat may also include a seat housing.

[0015] In some configurations, the seat shell can be configured to rotate and recline relative to the base. Ladder straps can define the lacing path. The vehicle seat can be configured such that when the seat shell rotates or tilts relative to the base, the seat shell does not interfere with the lacing path. When the seat shell rotates or tilts relative to the base, the tension of the lacing straps or at least a portion thereof (e.g., webbing) remains substantially constant. The seat shell can be detachable from the base. The vehicle seat can be configured such that separation of the seat shell from the base does not interfere with the lacing path. The vehicle seat can be configured such that separation of the seat shell from the base substantially does not affect the tension of the lacing straps.

[0016] Based on the foregoing, an automotive seat and its base are disclosed in exemplary embodiments herein. According to a specific embodiment of the invention, an exemplary base for an automotive seat includes: a tether; and an energy-absorbing elongated finger, the tether being at least partially wrapped around the energy-absorbing elongated finger, the elongated finger being configured to deform when a load applied thereto by the tether exceeds a predetermined threshold, so as to release the tether from the base. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, an exemplary automotive seat includes the base as described above.

[0017] According to other specific embodiments of the present invention, an exemplary automobile seat includes: a seat shell; a base; a tether; and an energy-absorbing elongated finger, the energy-absorbing elongated finger being coupled to the base and the tether being at least partially wrapped around the energy-absorbing elongated finger, the elongated finger being configured to deform when the load applied by the tether exceeds a predetermined threshold in order to release the tether from the base.

[0018] According to other specific embodiments of the present invention, an exemplary automobile seat includes: a seat shell; a base; an energy-absorbing elongated finger attached at its first end to a surface of the base such that the elongated finger is angled relative to the surface of the base; a rod attached to the base below the first end of the elongated finger; and a tether attached at its first end to a connection point within the base, the tether (a) extending from the connection point to the rod and at least partially wrapped around the rod, (b) extending from the rod to the elongated finger and at least partially wrapped around a second end of the elongated finger, and (c) passing from the second end of the elongated finger through a slot defined in the upper portion of the base; wherein the elongated finger is configured to deform when a load applied thereto by the tether exceeds a predetermined threshold, so as to release the tether from the base through the slot.

[0019] According to other specific embodiments of the present invention, an exemplary base for an automobile seat includes: an energy-absorbing elongated finger coupled at a first end to a surface of the base such that the elongated finger is angled relative to the surface of the base; and a tether contacting the elongated finger. The elongated finger may be configured to deform when a load applied thereto by the tether exceeds a predetermined threshold in order to release the tether from the base.

[0020] Other aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings, the appended claims, and other descriptions. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The foregoing and other features of the invention will become clearer from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict several embodiments of the invention and are therefore not intended to limit its scope; the invention is described below with additional specificity and detail using the drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a car seat including a seat shell and a base according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of the base of a car seat.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Rear view of the base.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Top view of the base.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view of the upper part of the base, in which elongated finger-shaped parts are in an extended configuration.

[0027] Figure 6 This is another cutaway perspective view of the upper part of the base, in which Figure 5 The slender finger-shaped parts are in a deformed configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings, similar symbols denote similar parts 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 these aspects of the invention, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a variety of different configurations, each of which is expressly contemplated and forms part of the invention.

[0029] It should be noted that some terms used here can be relative. For example, the terms “up” and “down,” and “forward” and “backward,” or positions relative to each other, i.e., in a given orientation, the upper component is at a higher height than the lower component, but these terms can change if the device 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 structures to be absolutely parallel or absolutely perpendicular to each other. For example, the first vertical structure and the second vertical structure do not necessarily have to be parallel to each other. The terms “top” and “bottom” or “base” are used to refer to the surface of the top that is always higher than the bottom / base surface relative to an absolute reference, i.e., the Earth's surface. The terms “upward” or “upwardly” and “downward” or “downwardly” are also relative to an absolute reference; upward always goes against the Earth's gravity. The terms “forward” and “backward” or “backward” regarding position or orientation are relative to each other along a common direction, and the “intermediate” position is always located between the forward and backward positions. The term "parallel" should be interpreted as two surfaces maintaining a roughly constant distance between them, rather than in a strict mathematical sense, meaning that such surfaces would never intersect when extended to infinity. The terms "operably" and "suitable," and similar terms herein, are used to describe specific components having certain structural features designed to perform a specified function. These components should be interpreted as having the expressed structure, with the specified function considered part of the structure. The term "engagement" and similar terms herein are used to describe the interaction between specific components, and do not necessarily require such components to be in contact with each other (directly or indirectly). As used herein and as those skilled in the art will understand, the term "car seat" encompasses car seats, safety seats, restraints, boosters, etc., for children, infants, and toddlers.

[0030] According to various aspects of the present invention, in Figure 1-6 Exemplary embodiments of a car seat and its base are shown in varying degrees of detail. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the car seat described herein can be a convertible car seat capable of switching between forward-facing, rear-facing, side-facing, or center-facing configurations, booster configurations, and / or combinations thereof. The car seat of the present invention can be configured to support infants, children, toddlers, etc. Very generally, Figure 1 The car seat 10 shown is designed to safely transport passengers in a car. Figure 1 As shown, the car seat 10 typically includes a seat housing 200 supported on a base 300. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the car seat 10 (and i.e., the base 300) can be attached to the car seat, for example, by a tether (e.g., a top tether), to prevent undesirable forward rotation of the car seat 10.

[0031] Seat housing 200 can be removably attached to base 300. Additionally, seat housing 200 can rotate and / or tilt relative to base 300. Seat housing 200 can rotate to be selectively positioned in a variety of different locations (e.g., rear-facing, forward-facing, intermediate-loading). Seat housing 200 and base 300 (specifically including the interface between them) are described in detail in a co-pending U.S. patent application series, No. 16 / 993,365, entitled “Booster Seat to Base Attachment Mechanism,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] Figure 2-4 Various views of the base 300 are shown. Typically, the base 300 supports and stabilizes the seat housing 200. Typically, the base 300 may include a receiving portion 310 and a backrest portion 350. The receiving portion 310 of the base 300 is generally operable to support the seat housing 200 for rotation and / or reclining relative to it. For example, at least a portion of the seat housing 200 may be received and / or housed within the receiving portion 310 of the base 300. In other words, the receiving portion 310 of the base 300 may be configured to abut against at least a portion of the seat housing 200. The backrest portion 350 may extend upward away from the receiving portion 310 (i.e., in the direction of arrow 50).

[0033] As those skilled in the art will understand, the base 300 is configured to be mounted in a vehicle using one or more tethers. As a non-limiting example, the base 300 may be mounted using a top tether designed to limit or prevent forward rotation of the base 300 during an impact event. Continuing with reference to... Figure 2-4 And further refer to Figure 5 The base 300 may define one or more slots 356 therein. In embodiments, the slot 356 may be defined in a backing portion 350 of the base 300. In some configurations, the slot 356 may be defined in the upper portion of the base 300. As a non-limiting example, the slot 356 may be defined in the upper end 352 of the base 300. The slot 356 may generally serve as an opening between the interior and exterior of the base 300 for allowing a tether 370 to pass through (see [link]). Figure 5As described in detail herein, the slot 356 can be configured to remain stationary when the seat housing 200 rotates and / or tilts relative to the base 300. This advantageously allows the seat housing 200 to rotate and / or recline relative to the base 300 without interfering with the slot 356 or tether passing through it, and without requiring the base 300 to be removed or otherwise rerouted or repositioned when rotation and / or reclining of the seat housing 200 relative to the base 300 is desired. Additionally, the seat housing 200 can be easily removed or detached from the base 300 without requiring the base 300 to be removed or reinstalled or otherwise rerouted or repositioned with the tether 370 passing through the slot 356. Accordingly, the car seat can be advantageously kept constantly anchored via the top tether 370 passing through the slot 356 without interfering with the rotation and / or reclining of the seat housing 200 relative to the base 300.

[0034] As can now be understood, tether 370 (i.e., the top tether) can typically define tether path 374, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The tether 370 typically includes a webbing 372. The webbing 372 may extend along a tether path 374 between a first end 370A and a second end 370B. The webbing 372 may be coupled at its first end to a connection point 301. The connection point 301 may typically be located within a base 300. The webbing 372 may be coupled at its second end (e.g., opposite its first end) to an anchor point 401. The anchor point 401 may typically be located on a vehicle on which the base 300 is mounted. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the tether 370 may include structural components (e.g., hooks) configured to engage the webbing 372 to the connection point 301 and the anchor point 401. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the tether 370 may be coupled to the base 300 and / or the vehicle on which the base 300 is mounted by any suitable means.

[0035] Similar to what has been described previously, the tether path 374 passes through the base 300 and more specifically from the base 300 to the vehicle's anchor point 401. It can be specifically designed so that the seat shell 200 can rotate and / or recline relative to the base 300 without interfering with the tether path 374, and that when it is desired to rotate and / or recline the seat shell 200 relative to the base 300, it is not necessary to remove the base 300 or otherwise reroute or reposition the tether path 374. Additionally, the seat shell 200 can be easily removed or detached from the base 300 without removing or reinstalling the base 300 or otherwise rerouting or repositioning the tether path 374. As an additional advantage, the tension of the webbing 372 generally remains substantially constant when the seat shell 200 rotates and / or tilts relative to the base 300. Thus, the seat shell 200 can be easily rotated and tilted relative to the base 300, and / or removed or detached from the base 300 without needing to retighten the webbing 372. Advantageously, this increases passenger safety and reduces the chance of user error.

[0036] The webbing 372 of the tether 370 can be any suitable webbing, as readily understood by those skilled in the art. As a non-limiting example, the webbing 372 can be a single-length webbing, which facilitates manufacturing and also ensures the structural integrity of the webbing 372. As a further non-limiting example, the webbing 372 can be made of a generally strong, non-stretchable material, such as the material typically used for seatbelt webbing. In other configurations, the webbing 372 can be made of a stretchable material. In further configurations, the webbing 372 can be made of a combination of stretchable and non-stretchable materials. In several embodiments, a portion of the webbing 372 extending only within the base 300 (e.g., from the connection point 301 to the slot 356) can be made of a different material or component than a portion of the webbing 372 extending only outside the base 300 (e.g., from the slot 356 to the vehicle anchor point 401).

[0037] Continue to refer to Figure 5 A slot 356, defined in the upper part of the base 300 (e.g., in the upper end 352 of the base 300), typically extends from the outside of the base 300 to the inside 305 of the base 300. A rod 390 may be provided within the inside 305 of the base 300. (See reference...) Figure 5 Understandably, the rod 390 may be arranged to extend longitudinally along an axis that is substantially parallel to the surface of the webbing 372 of the tether 370.

[0038] See also Figure 5A slot 356 defined in the upper part of the base 300 (e.g., in the upper end 352 of the base 300) can generally provide an opening between the exterior of the base 300 and the interior 305 of the base 300. A rod 390 can be disposed within the interior 305 of the base 300. (See reference...) Figure 5 Understandably, the rod 390 can be arranged to extend longitudinally along an axis substantially parallel to the surface of the webbing 372 of the tether 370. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the webbing 372 can be at least partially wound around the rod 390. In some embodiments, the webbing 372 can extend from the connection point 301 to the rod 390 along the tether path 374, and change direction as the webbing 372 is at least partially wrapped around the rod 390. For example, in Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the webbing 372 can extend generally upward (i.e., in the direction of arrow 50) from the connection point 301 within the interior 305 of the base 300, and can then change direction to extend generally downward (i.e., in the direction of arrow 60) as the webbing 372 at least partially wraps around the rod 390.

[0039] Within the base 300, 305, an elongated finger-shaped member 380 may be disposed. As described in detail herein, the elongated finger-shaped member 380 may be an energy-absorbing elongated finger-shaped member. (See reference...) Figure 5 Understandably, the elongated finger 380 can be coupled to the base 300. In an embodiment, the elongated finger 380 can be coupled to the upper portion of the base 300. As a non-limiting example, the elongated finger 380 can be coupled to the base 300 adjacent to the upper end 352 of the base 300 and / or adjacent to the slot 356 defined in the base 300. The elongated finger 380 can be coupled to the base 300 at its first end 380A. The elongated finger 380 can be coupled to the surface of the base. As a non-limiting example, the elongated finger 380 can be coupled to the rear surface 307 of the base 300 (e.g., within the interior 305 of the base 300). In some configurations, the elongated finger 380 can be angled relative to the surface of the base 300 to which the elongated finger 380 is coupled, for example, angled relative to the rear surface 307 of the base 300.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown, the webbing 372 can be at least partially wound around the elongated finger 380, for example, at least partially wound around the second end 380B of the elongated finger 380. In some embodiments, as partially described above, the webbing 372 can extend from the rod 390 to the elongated finger 380 along the tethering path 374 and change direction as the webbing 372 at least partially wraps around the elongated finger 380. For example, in Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the webbing 372 may extend generally downward from the rod 390 (i.e., in the direction of arrow 60) and may then change direction to extend generally upward (i.e., in the direction of arrow 50) as the webbing 372 is at least partially wrapped around the elongated finger 380 (e.g., its second end 380B). The webbing 372 may then extend generally upward (i.e., in the direction of arrow 50) generally from the second end 380B of the elongated finger 380, for example toward the upper end 352 of the base 300, and may pass through a slot 356 defined in the base 300.

[0041] In some configurations, the rod 390 may be connected to the base 300 at a position below where the elongated finger 380 is connected to the base 300. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, an elongated finger 380 may be coupled to a base 300 at a first end 380A of the elongated finger 380, and a rod 390 may be coupled to the base 300 below the first end 380A of the elongated finger 380. In a particular embodiment, the elongated finger 380 may extend from a wall of the base 300 to the rod 390. In some embodiments, the elongated finger 380 terminates at or above the rod 390. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the rod 390 may be closer to the connection point 301 within the base 300 than the second end 380B of the elongated finger 380. In other words, the distance between the connection point 301 and the second end 380B of the elongated finger 380 may be greater than the distance between the connection point 301 and the rod 390. In some embodiments, the distance between the connection point 301 and the second end 380B of the elongated finger 380 is the same as the distance between the connection point 301 and the rod 390. In other embodiments, the elongated finger 380 may extend below the rod 390. For example, the second end 380B of the elongated finger 380 may be closer to the connection point 301 within the base 300 than the rod 390.

[0042] The elongated finger 380 is typically configured to function as an energy-absorbing element. Specifically, the elongated finger 380 is configured to deform when the load applied to it by the webbing 372 exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, a longitudinal "pull" force applied to the webbing 372 can be transmitted to the elongated finger 380, and the elongated finger 380 can be configured to deform automatically when the load transmitted from the webbing 372 to the elongated finger 380 exceeds the predetermined threshold. The deformation of the elongated finger 380 can allow the webbing 372 to be released from the base 300 (e.g., via the slot 356), for example by effectively making additional usable length of the webbing 372 available. The deformation of the elongated finger 380 provides a means by which the elongated finger 380 is configured to absorb energy and / or reduce impact transmission to reduce the forces acting on the passenger in the car seat.

[0043] As described herein, the elongated finger 380 is typically configured to undergo deformation under a load applied by the webbing 372. As a non-limiting example, the elongated finger 380 may undergo buckling, bending, crushing, shearing, twisting, other deformations and / or combinations thereof.

[0044] In some configurations, under the load applied to the elongated finger 380 by the webbing 372, the elongated finger 380 may undergo a defined deformation, such as one of the deformation forms described above. Figure 5 The elongated finger 380 is shown in an extended, non-deformed state, for example, when the elongated finger is under no load or under a load not exceeding a predetermined threshold of deformation. In this state, the webbing 372 includes a first length 375 outside the slot 356 of the base 300. Figure 6 The elongated finger-shaped member 380 is shown in a deformed state. Figure 6 In this example, the elongated finger 380 has been bent, causing the second end 380B of the elongated finger 380 to... Figure 5 The second end 380B is located further away from the connection point 301 and closer to the slot 356. As a result, the webbing 372 now includes a second length 377 outside the slot 356 of the base 300, which is longer than... Figure 5 The first length 375 is longer than the second length 377. It should be understood that the first length 375 and the second length 377 only refer to the portion of the webbing 372 extending outside the base 300. For ease of observation, in... Figure 5 and 6 This section has been removed. It is also understood that the elongated finger-shaped member 380 can be configured differently in its deformed state. For example, the elongated finger-shaped member 380 can be configured along a different path. Figure 6 The deformation is shown in another direction. It should be understood that the result of the release of webbing 372 can also be altered.

[0045] The deformation of the elongated finger 380 can be selectively tuned based on the material properties or dimensions of the elongated finger 380. As a non-limiting example, the material, length, width, and / or other properties or dimensions of the elongated finger 380 can be selected to selectively tune a predetermined load threshold, which, once exceeded, causes deformation of the elongated finger 380. In some embodiments, the elongated finger 380 can be preloaded (e.g., by bending) to selectively tune a predetermined load threshold, which, once exceeded, causes deformation of the elongated finger 380. In this way, the release of the webbing 372 can be selectively tuned to alter the dynamic characteristics of the base and the car seat, thereby reducing injury to car seat occupants.

[0046] In addition to or as an alternative to the foregoing, the aforementioned energy absorption effect can be achieved by placing the elongated finger-shaped member 380 and / or another deformable or compressible member in the load path of the webbing 372. Other contemplated embodiments, by way of non-limiting example, include compressible materials (e.g., honeycomb, foam) or pins, with the webbing 372 at least partially wrapped around the pins, and the pins configured to deform and / or shear, resulting in a similar effect to the fuse-like energy absorption described above.

[0047] While specific exemplary embodiments have been described, it is not intended to limit the claims thereto, as the scope of the claims is intended to be as broad as permitted in the art and equally so upon reading the specification. That is, the foregoing description of specific embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of the invention, enabling others to readily modify and / or adapt these specific embodiments to various applications by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the general conception of the invention, without excessive experimentation. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance presented 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 herein is for descriptive rather than limiting purposes, and that the terminology or terminology of this specification should be interpreted by those skilled in the art based on the teachings and guidance.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will understand that the aforementioned components, method steps, and materials can be modified by replacing equivalent components, steps, and materials that perform the same function. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the size and strength of components can be scaled up or down as needed for a particular purpose. The claims herein are intended to cover all such equivalent components, method steps, and scales.

[0049] In addition, the present invention includes the following provisions:

[0050] 1. A base for an automobile seat, the base comprising: a tether; and an energy-absorbing elongated finger, the tether being at least partially wrapped around the energy-absorbing elongated finger, the elongated finger being configured to deform when a load applied thereto by the tether exceeds a predetermined threshold, so as to release the tether from the base.

[0051] 2. The base as described in Clause 1, wherein the tether includes a first end connected to a connection point within the base.

[0052] 3. The base as described in Clause 2, wherein the tether has a second end connected to an anchor point of the relevant vehicle, and the base is installed inside the vehicle.

[0053] 4. The base as described in Clause 3, wherein the tether is a single-length webbing.

[0054] 5. The base according to Clause 2 further includes a rod, wherein the tether extends from the connection point, changes direction when the tether is at least partially wrapped around the rod, and changes direction again when the tether is at least partially wrapped around the elongated finger.

[0055] 6. The base according to Clause 5, wherein the elongated finger has a first end and a second end, the first end of the elongated finger is coupled to the base, and the tether is at least partially wrapped around the second end of the elongated finger.

[0056] 7. The base according to Clause 1, wherein at least one of the length, width, and material of the elongated finger is selected to selectively tune the predetermined threshold.

[0057] 8. The base according to Clause 1, wherein the elongated finger is preloaded to selectively tune the predetermined threshold.

[0058] 9. The base as described in Clause 8, wherein the elongated finger is preloaded by bending.

[0059] 10. The base according to Clause 1, wherein the elongated finger is coupled to the surface of the base and is angled relative to the surface of the base.

[0060] 11. The base according to Clause 1, wherein the elongated finger is attached to the base adjacent to the upper portion of the base, and the tether is wrapped around the elongated finger and passes through a slot defined in the upper portion of the base.

[0061] 12. The base as described in Clause 1, wherein the tether comprises webbing made of a generally strong, non-stretchable material.

[0062] 13. The base as described in Clause 1, wherein the tether is a top tether.

[0063] 14. The base according to Clause 1, wherein deformation of the elongated finger under the load applied thereon by the tether causes the elongated finger to undergo deformation.

[0064] 15. A car seat comprising a base as described in Clause 1.

[0065] 16. An automotive seat comprising: a seat housing; a base; a tether; and an energy-absorbing elongated finger, the energy-absorbing elongated finger being coupled to the base and the tether being at least partially wrapped around the energy-absorbing elongated finger, the elongated finger being configured to deform when a load applied by the tether exceeds a predetermined threshold in order to release the tether from the base.

[0066] 17. The car seat according to Clause 16, wherein the seat housing is configured to rotate and recline relative to the base, the tether defines a tether path, and the seat housing does not interfere with the tether path when the seat housing rotates or reclines relative to the base.

[0067] 18. The car seat according to Clause 17, wherein the seat shell is configured to rotate and recline relative to the base, and the tension of the tether remains substantially constant when the seat shell rotates or reclines relative to the base.

[0068] 19. The car seat according to Clause 18, wherein the seat cover is removable from the base, and the removal of the seat cover from the base does not interfere with the tether path or substantially affect the tension of the tether.

[0069] 20. A base for an automobile seat, the base comprising: an energy-absorbing elongated finger coupled at a first end to a surface of the base such that the elongated finger is angled relative to the surface of the base; and a tether contacting the elongated finger, wherein the elongated finger is configured to deform when a load applied thereto by the tether exceeds a predetermined threshold in order to release the tether from the base.

Claims

1. A base for a car seat, the base comprising: Tie a rope; And an energy-absorbing elongated finger, the tether being at least partially wrapped around the energy-absorbing elongated finger, the elongated finger being configured to deform when the load applied thereto by the tether exceeds a predetermined threshold in order to release the tether from the base, wherein the elongated finger is coupled to a surface of the base and is angled relative to the surface of the base.

2. The base of claim 1, wherein, The tether includes a first end that is connected to a connection point within the base.

3. The base of claim 2, wherein, The tether has a second end that is connected to an anchor point on the relevant vehicle, and the base is installed inside the vehicle.

4. The base of claim 3, wherein, The tether is a single-length webbing.

5. The base of claim 2, further comprising a rod, wherein the tether extends from the connection point, changes direction when the tether is at least partially wrapped around the rod, and changes direction again when the tether is at least partially wrapped around the elongated finger.

6. The base of claim 5, wherein, The elongated finger has a first end and a second end, the first end of the elongated finger is connected to the base, and the tether is at least partially wrapped around the second end of the elongated finger.

7. The base of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the length, width, and material of the elongated finger is selected to selectively tune the predetermined threshold.

8. The base of claim 1, wherein, The elongated finger-shaped component is preloaded to selectively tune the predetermined threshold.

9. The base of claim 8, wherein, The elongated finger-shaped component is preloaded by bending.

10. The base of claim 1, wherein, The deformation of the elongated finger-shaped member includes buckling, bending, crushing, shearing, and / or twisting.

11. The base of claim 1, wherein, The elongated finger is attached to the upper part of the base adjacent to the base, and the tether is wrapped around the elongated finger and passes through a slot defined in the upper part of the base.

12. The base of claim 1, wherein, The tethering cord comprises webbing made of a typically strong, non-stretchable material.

13. The base of claim 1, wherein, The tether is the top tether.

14. The base of claim 1, wherein, The deformation of the elongated finger under the load applied thereon by the tether causes the elongated finger to undergo deformation.

15. A car seat comprising a base according to claim 1.

16. An automotive seat comprising: Seat shell; Base; Tie a rope; And an energy-absorbing elongated finger attached to the base and the tether at least partially wrapped around the energy-absorbing elongated finger, the elongated finger configured to deform when the load applied by the tether exceeds a predetermined threshold in order to release the tether from the base, wherein the elongated finger is attached to the surface of the base and is angled relative to the surface of the base.

17. The automotive seat of claim 16, wherein, The seat housing is configured to rotate and recline relative to the base, the tether defines a tether path, and the seat housing does not interfere with the tether path when the seat housing rotates or reclines relative to the base.

18. The automotive seat of claim 17, wherein, The seat shell is configured to rotate and recline relative to the base, and the tension of the tether remains substantially constant when the seat shell rotates or reclines relative to the base.

19. The automotive seat of claim 18, wherein, The seat shell is detachable from the base, and the detachment of the seat shell from the base does not interfere with the tether path or substantially affect the tension of the tether.

20. A base for a car seat, the base comprising: an energy-absorbing elongate finger coupled at a first end thereof to a surface of the base such that the elongate finger is obliquely angled relative to the surface of the base; and a tether contacting the elongate finger, wherein the elongate finger is configured to deform when a load applied thereto by the tether exceeds a predetermined threshold in order to pay out the tether from the base, wherein the deformation comprises buckling, bending, crushing, shearing, and / or twisting.

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