Automotive safety seat

Abstract

A rotatable safety seat assembly includes an upper portion having a seat and a seat rotation element having a fixed connection to the seat such that the seat rotation element can rotate with the seat about a seat rotation axis, a lower portion configured for mounting to a passenger seat of an automobile and having a central axis spaced apart from the seat rotation axis. The seat assembly further includes a movement mechanism connected to the seat rotation element and operable to convert rotation of the seat rotation element about the seat rotation axis to movement of the seat rotation element along a circular trajectory about the central axis, and vice versa. The assembly can also include a locking mechanism operable to selectively enable a first unlocked state in which the movement mechanism is operable to enable the seat to move in rotational movement with the seat rotation element about the central rotation axis of the lower portion while the locking mechanism prevents the seat from moving in rotational movement with the seat rotation element about the seat rotation axis, and a second unlocked state in which the seat is free to rotate with the seat rotation element about the seat rotation axis and the movement mechanism is operable to convert rotational movement of the seat with the seat rotation element about the seat rotation axis to rotational movement of the seat with the seat rotation element about the central rotation axis, and vice versa.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The topic currently being discussed pertains to automotive safety and specifically involves car safety seats, particularly seats designed to safely accommodate children. Background Technology

[0002] Car safety seats are designed to protect and safely support children in a car. These seats are typically installed in existing car seats, either facing forward or rearward in the direction of travel.

[0003] Most child safety seats are fixed in place. Positioning a child safety seat in a car can be a cumbersome and strenuous task. Often, child caregivers have to bend and arch their backs to properly position the child or remove the child from the safety seat located inside the car.

[0004] Some car seats are rotatable. When the seat is rotated towards the rear door, inserting / pulling the seat and positioning / removing the child becomes easier. However, the caregiver may still need to bend / arch their back to reach the seat / child. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The currently disclosed subject matter provides a rotatable car seat, particularly a rotatable car seat for use in automobiles. The described rotatable car seat reduces the need for child caregivers to bend or arch their backs during insertion and removal from the vehicle, or during positioning and removing the child from the seat. Furthermore, the described rotatable car seat is easy to manufacture, has additional safety features, is reliable, and is resistant to damage.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a rotatable car safety seat is provided, the rotatable car safety seat comprising:

[0007] The upper part includes a seat and a seat swivel element. The seat has a foremost point and is configured to accommodate a child. The seat swivel element has a fixed connection to the seat, allowing the seat swivel element to rotate together with the seat about the seat rotation axis.

[0008] The lower portion, configured for mounting to a passenger seat in a vehicle having a longitudinal direction, and having a central axis spaced apart from the seat's axis of rotation; and

[0009] A moving mechanism is connected to the seat rotating element and is operable to convert the rotation of the seat rotating element about the seat rotation axis into the movement of the seat rotating element along a circular trajectory about the central axis, and vice versa; thereby ensuring that when the user rotates the seat, the seat moves eccentrically relative to the central axis together with the seat rotating element and rotates about the seat rotation axis at the same time, thereby continuously changing the distance between the foremost point of the seat and the central axis.

[0010] Rotatable car safety seats are configured to rotate / turn around about a central axis of the lower portion (sometimes referred to as the base) to a predetermined position on a plane defined by the passenger seat (specifically, parallel to the ground). The rotation of the seat about the central axis is generally referred to herein as eccentric rotation. The predetermined position can be a forward-facing orientation, a rearward-facing orientation, a side-facing orientation (sometimes referred to as a right-angle orientation, facing one of the rear doors), or any other angular orientation, all of which are relative to the direction of travel, which is the same as the longitudinal axis of the lower portion and / or the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0011] When a child safety seat is rotated to a side-facing orientation, it also rotates about its axis of rotation, thus changing the distance between the foremost point of the seat and the central axis. In other words, rotation about the seat's axis of rotation causes the seat's orientation (specifically, the orientation of the center of vision of the person sitting in the seat) to deviate from the central axis and guide the seat toward the rear door of the car. In other words, the child safety seat moves outward in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis of its lower portion, thus getting closer to the rear door. This allows child caregivers to easily handle the seat / child without having to excessively bend or arch their backs.

[0012] The moving mechanism is operable to allow the upper part and seat to rotate simultaneously about both the central axis and the seat rotation axis. Rotation of the seat together with the seat rotation elements about the central axis (eccentric rotation) is converted into simultaneous rotation of the seat together with the seat rotation elements about the seat rotation axis, and vice versa. The characteristics of rotational movement about the two axes (such as their angular velocities) can be synchronized and have a specific relationship between them. First, this allows caregivers to easily handle seat rotation / shifting with only one hand, freeing up the other hand to carry the child. Second, this overcomes the need for an excessive number of parts in the moving mechanism, which would require an excessive number of parts if the eccentric rotation and deflection of the seat from the central axis (when rotating about the seat rotation axis and changing the distance between the foremost point of the seat and the central axis) were performed in two separate actions by two sub-mechanisms. Third, this makes it possible to produce lightweight moving mechanisms, as there are weight restrictions on car seats according to safety standards. For example, according to some safety standards, the total weight of a car seat is limited to 33 kg, including the weight of a 15 kg child. Reducing the number of parts is also directly related to fewer failures and malfunctions.

[0013] It should be noted that while the rotating car seat is illustrated herein as an example relative to a child car seat, this should not limit the subject matter disclosed herein, and it can relate to and is suitable for any type of child support, such as car seats, booster seats, lightweight cribs, infant car cots, infant carriers, child safety seats, infant safety seats, child restraint systems, restraint car seats, and can be suitable for children of any required weight and size, as well as paralyzed individuals. The described rotating car seat can be adapted for use with or without the vehicle's seatbelt and can be used in any type of vehicle and placed in any vehicle seat, such as in the front or rear seats in any side or center position. The rotating car seat can be structured to be compatible with any acceptable standard, such as the ISOFIX standard.

[0014] In some embodiments, the seat has a default orientation and a maximum rotation orientation. In the default orientation, the line connecting the central axis and the seat's rotation axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (e.g., a forward-facing orientation or a rearward-facing orientation). In the maximum rotation orientation, the line is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (e.g., a right-facing or left-facing orientation in a side orientation). In some embodiments, this distance is maximized when the seat reaches its maximum rotation orientation.

[0015] In some implementations, the moving mechanism is operable to convert a clockwise rotation of the seat rotating element about the seat rotation axis into a counterclockwise movement of the seat rotating element along the circular trajectory about the central axis, and vice versa.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the moving mechanism is located between the seat rotation axis and the central axis.

[0017] In some implementations, the lower portion includes a cavity that houses at least a portion of the moving mechanism.

[0018] In some implementations, the cavity houses at least a portion of the seat rotation element.

[0019] In some implementations, the moving mechanism is operable so that the user can manually pull the seat to rotate it.

[0020] In some implementations, the moving mechanism includes at least one rotatable element.

[0021] In some implementations, the seat rotating element and the moving mechanism form a gear assembly.

[0022] In some embodiments, the moving mechanism includes at least two rotatable elements, including a central gear and an intermediate gear, the central gear having an axis that coincides with a central axis and having a fixed position relative to the lower portion, at least when the moving mechanism is operable, the intermediate gear being rotatably engaged with each of the central gear and the seat rotating element.

[0023] In some embodiments, the moving mechanism includes an outer peripheral ring whose axis coincides with the central axis and has a fixed position relative to the lower portion, at least when the moving mechanism is operable. The outer peripheral ring is formed with interlocking teeth that engage with the outer side of the seat rotating element.

[0024] In some embodiments, the moving mechanism includes: a center wheel whose axis coincides with a central axis and has a fixed position relative to the lower portion, at least when the moving mechanism is operable; and a belt connected between the seat rotating element and the center wheel, such that eccentric rotation of the seat and the seat rotating element relative to the central axis causes the belt to move and affects the rotation of the seat rotating element and the seat about the seat rotating axis.

[0025] In some implementations, the rotatable car safety seat includes a soft locking mechanism that can be operated to stabilize the seat at a predetermined orientation angle along a circular trajectory as the seat rotates.

[0026] In some embodiments, the rotatable car safety seat includes a locking mechanism operable to secure the seat together with a seat rotation element to a lower portion. The locking mechanism is configured to at least unlock the seat rotation element from the lower portion and allow the seat to rotate relative to the lower portion together with the seat rotation element.

[0027] In some implementations, the locking mechanism can be operated to selectively enable:

[0028] -In the first unlocked state, the moving mechanism is operable to allow the seat to rotate and move together with the seat rotating element about the central axis of rotation of the lower portion, while the locking mechanism prevents the seat and the seat rotating element from rotating and moving together about the seat rotation axis.

[0029] - Second unlocked state: In the second unlocked state, the seat and the seat rotating element rotate freely together around the seat rotation axis, and the moving mechanism can be operated to convert the rotational movement of the seat and the seat rotating element together around the seat rotation axis into the rotational movement of the seat and the seat rotating element together around the central rotation axis, and vice versa.

[0030] In some implementations, the locking mechanism is configured to allow the seat to rotate in one direction at a time relative to the lower portion together with the seat swivel element, while preventing the seat from rotating in the opposite direction relative to the lower portion together with the seat swivel element.

[0031] According to a second aspect, a rotatable car safety seat is provided, the rotatable car safety seat comprising:

[0032] The upper portion includes a seat configured to accommodate a child;

[0033] The lower portion is configured for installation into a passenger seat of a vehicle;

[0034] A moving mechanism operable to allow the upper portion to rotate relative to the lower portion; and

[0035] A locking mechanism operable to secure the upper portion to the lower portion, the locking mechanism being configured to unlock the seat from the lower portion and allow the seat to rotate in one direction relative to the lower portion at a time, while preventing the seat from rotating in the opposite direction relative to the lower portion.

[0036] The safety of children, other passengers sitting next to them, and caregivers is paramount. Rotatable child safety seats are equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents sudden and accidental rotation in unwanted directions while allowing the seat to rotate in the desired direction.

[0037] According to a third aspect, a rotatable car safety seat is provided, the rotatable car safety seat comprising:

[0038] The upper portion includes a seat and a seat swivel element, the seat being configured to accommodate a child, and the seat swivel element being fixedly connected to the seat so as to be able to rotate together with the seat about a seat rotation axis;

[0039] The lower portion is configured for mounting to a passenger seat in a vehicle and has a central axis of rotation spaced apart from the seat's axis of rotation.

[0040] A moving mechanism connected to the seat rotating element and the lower part, operable to allow the seat to rotate and move together with the seat rotating element about the seat rotation axis and to allow the seat to rotate and move together with the seat rotating element about the central rotation axis; and

[0041] A locking mechanism configured to at least indirectly lock the moving mechanism and capable of...

[0042] The operation allows for selective enabling:

[0043] -In the first unlocked state, the moving mechanism is operable to allow the seat to rotate and move together with the seat rotating element about the central axis of rotation of the lower portion, while the locking mechanism prevents the seat and the seat rotating element from rotating and moving together about the seat rotation axis.

[0044] - Second unlocked state: In the second unlocked state, the seat and the seat rotating element rotate freely together about the seat rotation axis, and the moving mechanism can be operated to convert the rotational movement of the seat and the seat rotating element about the seat rotation axis into rotational movement of the seat and the seat rotating element about the central rotation axis.

[0045] vice versa.

[0046] Sometimes, caregivers sitting next to children may want to attend to them, for example, during a ride. The ability to rotate the seat so that the child is oriented at a right angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower section and relative to the caregiver, without extending outwards toward the rear door, can be advantageous. Furthermore, this rotational movement only around the central axis of the lower section can be helpful in rainy weather, ensuring the child doesn't get wet during the process of removing him / her from the car.

[0047] In some embodiments, the moving mechanism includes a rotatable unit having a unit rotation axis aligned with a central rotation axis, and the locking mechanism is operable to lock the rotatable unit in a second unlocked state to prevent rotation relative to the lower portion, and to unlock the rotatable unit from the lower portion in the first unlocked state.

[0048] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a right handle arm and a left handle arm configured to lock the rotatable unit to the upper portion. The handle arms terminate at release buttons located on the right and left sides of the seat, respectively. Pressing the respective release button releases the upper portion from the rotatable element, and pulling the seat on the respective side allows the seat to rotate together with the seat rotation element both about a central axis of rotation and about the seat rotation axis. Each of the right and left handle arms can engage on its underside at least one tooth formed in the rotatable unit in such a manner that the upper portion is locked to the rotatable unit in the respective direction, while once the other handle arm is released, the upper portion slides freely relative to the rotatable unit in the opposite direction.

[0049] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes at least one lever arm configured to lock the rotatable unit to the lower portion. The lever arm terminates at a switch button located on the lower portion. Pressing the switch button releases the rotatable unit from the lower portion, allowing the upper portion to rotate with the rotatable unit about a central axis of rotation of the lower portion. The at least one lever arm may include a right lever arm and a left lever arm, respectively terminating at a right switch button and a left switch button. Pressing the respective switch button allows the upper portion to rotate about the central axis of rotation only to the corresponding side. Each of the right and left lever arms engages on its inner side with at least one tooth formed in the rotatable unit in such a manner that the rotatable unit is locked to the lower portion in the corresponding direction, while allowing free rotation about the central axis of rotation in the opposite direction once the other lever arm is released.

[0050] In some implementations, the locking mechanism includes a ratchet assembly.

[0051] In some implementations, at least a portion of the moving mechanism is located between the seat rotation axis and the central axis.

[0052] In some implementations, the seat rotation element and the movement mechanism form a gear assembly.

[0053] In some embodiments, the gear assembly includes a rotatable unit, a seat rotation element, and a transition gear connecting the rotatable unit and the seat rotation element, such that in the second unlocked state, rotating the upper portion clockwise about the central rotation axis causes the seat to rotate counterclockwise about the seat rotation axis.

[0054] In some implementations, the seat is configured to be oriented either in the direction of travel or in the opposite direction of travel, primarily along the longitudinal axis of the lower portion.

[0055] In some implementations, the moving mechanism is operable to rotate the seat at substantially right angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower portion.

[0056] In some implementations, the moving mechanism is operable to rotate the upper portion both around the central axis and around the seat rotation axis by manually pulling the seat to either side.

[0057] In some implementations, the moving mechanism is operable to synchronize the eccentric displacement of the seat with the changing distance between the foremost point of the seat and the central axis (the orientation deviation of the center of vision of the person in the seat).

[0058] In some implementations, the moving mechanism includes a circular element that can be operated to cause eccentric displacement and orientation deviation of the seat, thereby changing the distance between the foremost point of the seat and the central axis.

[0059] In some embodiments, the moving mechanism includes a central gear and an intermediate transition gear, the axis of the central gear coinciding with the central axis and having at least a first fixed position relative to the lower portion, and the intermediate transition gear engaging with the central gear and the seat rotating element.

[0060] In some embodiments, the moving mechanism includes an outer peripheral ring whose axis coincides with the central axis and has a fixed position relative to the lower portion, the outer peripheral ring being formed with interlocking teeth that engage with the outer side of the seat rotating element.

[0061] In some embodiments, the moving mechanism includes: a center wheel whose axis coincides with a central axis and has at least a first fixed position relative to the lower portion; and a belt connected between the seat rotating element and the center wheel, such that eccentric rotation of the upper portion relative to the central axis causes the belt to move and affects the rotation of the seat rotating element about the seat rotating axis.

[0062] In some implementations, the rotatable car safety seat includes a soft locking mechanism that can be operated to stabilize the seat at a predetermined orientation angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower portion when the seat is rotated.

[0063] Although a specific description has been given in conjunction with child car seats, it should be fully understood that the subject matter is not limited to this and can be implemented with other rotatable / swivel seats (such as universal rotatable seats for inside and outside cars). Attached Figure Description

[0064] To better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how it can be implemented in practice, implementation methods will now be described by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0065] Figures 1A to 1L2 A first non-limiting example of a rotatable car safety seat constructed according to the currently disclosed subject matter is shown;

[0066] Figures 2A1 to 2B2 A non-limiting example of a moving mechanism according to the currently disclosed subject matter is shown, which is incorporated into a rotatable car safety seat and configured to cause the seat to rotate eccentrically and deviate in orientation by changing the distance between the foremost point of the seat and the central axis.

[0067] Figures 3A1 to 3A7 A non-limiting example of a locking system in a rotatable car safety seat, based on the currently disclosed subject matter, is shown;

[0068] Figures 4A to 4F A second non-limiting example of a rotatable car safety seat according to the currently disclosed subject matter is shown, the rotatable car safety seat including a movement mechanism capable of both eccentric and centered rotation of the seat and a corresponding locking mechanism;

[0069] Figures 5A to 5F A soft locking mechanism for use with a rotatable car safety seat, according to the currently disclosed subject matter, is shown; and

[0070] Figures 6A to 6N Another non-limiting example of a rotatable car safety seat according to the currently disclosed subject matter is shown, which includes a movement mechanism capable of eccentric rotation and orientation deviation of the seat, and a corresponding locking mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0071] According to a first aspect of the currently disclosed subject matter, a rotatable car safety seat is provided, the rotatable car safety seat comprising:

[0072] The upper part includes a seat and a seat swivel element. The seat has a foremost point and is configured to accommodate a child. The seat swivel element has a fixed connection to the seat, allowing the seat swivel element to rotate together with the seat about the seat rotation axis.

[0073] The lower portion, configured for mounting to a passenger seat in a vehicle having a longitudinal direction, and having a central axis spaced apart from the seat's axis of rotation; and

[0074] A moving mechanism is connected to the seat rotating element and is operable to convert the rotation of the seat rotating element about the seat rotation axis into the movement of the seat rotating element along a circular trajectory about the central axis, and vice versa; thereby ensuring that when the user rotates the seat, the seat moves eccentrically relative to the central axis together with the seat rotating element and rotates about the seat rotation axis at the same time, thereby continuously changing the distance between the foremost point of the seat and the central axis.

[0075] refer to Figures 1A to 1L2This illustrates a first non-limiting example of a rotatable car safety seat 100 constructed according to the currently disclosed subject matter.

[0076] As shown in the figure, the rotatable seat 100 includes an upper portion 110, a lower portion 120, and a moving mechanism 130, which is operable to enable the rotatable seat to rotate.

[0077] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As specifically shown, the upper portion 110 includes a seat 112 and a seat swivel element 114. The seat 112 has a foremost point FMP and is configured to accommodate a child therein. The seat swivel element 114 is fixedly connected to the seat 112 at the bottom side of the seat, such that when the user rotates the seat, the seat swivel element rotates together with the seat as a whole, as will be described further below. The seat 112, with the seat swivel element 114 attached thereto, is capable of rotating about a seat rotation axis SA, which is generally the axis of symmetry of the seat swivel element 114. Therefore, since they are fixedly attached to each other, the same movement applies to the seat swivel element whenever the seat is rotated / the seat is turned, and vice versa.

[0078] The lower portion 120 is configured to be mounted to a passenger seat in a vehicle having a longitudinal direction (travel direction), such as the rear seat of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 1G, the lower portion 120 has a central axis CA, a longitudinal axis LOA, and a lateral axis LAA spaced apart from the seat rotation axis SA. The central axis CA may be an axis of symmetry of the lower portion 120, but is not required to be. The longitudinal axis LOA is an axis of symmetry that runs along the length of the lower portion and generally overlaps with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The lateral axis LAA is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis LOA, and both lie in and define a particular horizontal plane that is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the passenger seat of the vehicle on which the lower portion 120 is mounted.

[0079] The rotatable car safety seat 100 includes a moving mechanism connected to a seat rotating element 114 and operable to rotate the seat rotating element 114 and the seat 112 in a horizontal plane.

[0080] As understood, for example in Figure 1D In this diagram, seat 112 and other components described below are shown as transparent so that the seat rotating element 114 and the moving mechanism 130 connected to the seat rotating element 114 are both located below seat 112. It should be noted that the moving mechanism can be constructed in various ways, as will be further described below with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. A first non-limiting example of the moving mechanism (referred to as moving mechanism 130A) is shown in… Figure 1A As described in Figure 1L.

[0081] like Figures 1G1 to 1G4 As shown, the rotatable car safety seat 100 is typically oriented forward relative to the longitudinal direction (driving direction) of the vehicle (e.g., Figure 1G1 (as shown) or facing backward (as shown) Figure 1G2 As shown in the figure, this longitudinal direction is basically consistent with the longitudinal axis LOA direction.

[0082] The moving mechanism is operable to cause the seat (and seat rotating element 114) to rotate eccentrically about the central axis CA. Therefore, as in Figure 1H As can be seen, for example, with Figure 1D In contrast, the seat rotating element 114 and the seat 112 fixedly connected thereto are displaced by rotating counterclockwise relative to the central axis CA, as indicated by arrow AR1. If this is the only rotational movement that occurs, the seat will be oriented outwards, for example, towards the left rear door of the car, facing the central axis CA. However, as also mentioned, the moving mechanism is also operable to rotate the seat rotating element 114 and the seat 112 fixedly connected thereto, at least when both are rotated clockwise as indicated by arrow AR2, such that the seat 112 is away from the central axis CA, for example, towards the right rear door of the car.

[0083] The moving mechanism is operable to rotate the seat and seat swivel element a full circle, i.e., 360 degrees. While the seat swivel element rotates 360 degrees clockwise / counterclockwise eccentrically around its central axis CA, the seat, in addition to its eccentric rotation, also rotates 360 degrees counterclockwise / clockwise centered around its seat rotation axis SA. Specifically, the moving mechanism is operable to face the right rear door (e.g., as...). Figure 1F and Figure 1G3 (as shown in the right-facing position) or facing the left rear door (e.g., as shown in the image) Figure 1G4 (The rotating seat is shown in the left-facing position.) Figure 1G3 and Figure 1G4 Each position in the position can be obtained from separately Figure 1G1 and Figure 1G2 The seat is moved from either the forward-facing or rearward-facing position shown in the diagram. Therefore, the moving mechanism can operate to rotate the seat substantially at a right angle (90 degrees, toward either of the rear doors) relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the longitudinal axis of the lower section.

[0084] An exploded view of the main components of the rotatable seat 100 is shown in [the diagram]. Figure 1H and Figure 1IThe figures show two diagrams illustrating the default frontal and right-side orientations of the seat, respectively. As shown, the rotatable seat assembly (from bottom to top) includes: a lower portion 120 comprising a lower base 120B and an upper base 120A; a cavity 122 formed in the upper base 120A and configured to accommodate a movement mechanism 130; the movement mechanism 130 including a first configuration 130A and an intermediate rotating unit 136; a seat rotating element 114 connected to the movement mechanism 130A; a rotatable cover 126; and a seat 112 having a foremost point FMP.

[0085] The upper base 120A includes a backrest portion 120A1 configured to rest against the back of a passenger seat. The upper base also includes a cavity 122 accommodating at least a portion of a moving mechanism 130A. The upper base 120A may also include a cavity accommodating a seat swivel element 114. The cavity keeps the moving mechanism and / or seat swivel element concealed and out of passenger reach, thus providing safety for both the passenger and the moving mechanism / seat swivel element. Specifically, as in the example described herein, the upper base 120 has a single cavity 122 accommodating both the seat swivel element 114 and the moving mechanism 130A. A locking disc 114D is positioned above portions of the seat swivel element 114 and the moving mechanism 130A to maintain their spatial position relative to each other within the cavity 122.

[0086] An intermediate rotating unit 136 is located above the seat rotating element 114 and the moving mechanism 130A. The intermediate rotating unit 136 has a first hole 1361H through which the seat rotating element 114 connects to the seat 112 on its upper side and to the moving mechanism 130A on its lower side. A second hole 1362H in the intermediate rotating unit 136 connects to a central locus CL located on the central axis CA. Therefore, the nominal distance between the intermediate rotating unit 136, particularly between holes 1361H and 1362H, defines the distance between the seat rotation axis SA and the central axis CA, and thus defines a circular trajectory of the position of the seat rotation axis SA, where the position of the central axis CA is the center of this circular trajectory. As shown, the intermediate rotating unit 136 includes a plurality of wheels 136W on its outer periphery, which facilitate and / or stabilize the rotation of the intermediate rotating unit 136 within the cavity 122, the wheels 136W running along the outer side of the cavity on a defined path 122R. It should be noted that the structure of the intermediate rotating unit is not necessarily as shown, and other shapes can be used similarly. In a simplified example, the intermediate rotating unit has an arm / beam / rod shape with a through-hole that allows it to be connected to a central point located on the central axis and to a seat rotating element located on the seat rotation axis. The intermediate rotating unit may extend to the outer periphery of the cavity and has one or more wheels that run along a predetermined circular path along the outer periphery of the cavity.

[0087] The cover 126 is configured to securely conceal the moving mechanism within a cavity in the upper base. The cover also has a hole 126H that allows the seat rotating element 114 to be connected to the seat 112.

[0088] from Figure 1I It is understood that when the seat 112 rotates to the right, the intermediate rotating unit 136 and the cover 126 rotate counterclockwise together with the seat rotating element 114. It is also noted that the seat rotation axis SA moves along a circular trajectory together with the seat rotating element 114 and the seat 112.

[0089] The moving mechanism is configured for manual operation. Specifically, the moving mechanism allows the user to rotate seat 112 and seat rotation element 114 by manually pulling the seat toward himself / herself. The moving mechanism is also configured for one-handed operation. The user pulls the seat with one hand to simultaneously pull and rotate the seat, similar to the action of opening a car door. This frees up the other hand, allowing the user to carry a child and place them in the seat, or remove them from the seat and rotate the seat back to its default forward-facing or rearward-facing position.

[0090] The moving mechanism is connected to the seat rotating element 114 and is operable to convert the rotation of the seat rotating element 114 about the seat rotation axis SA into movement of the seat rotating element 114 along a circular trajectory about the central axis CA, and vice versa. In other words, the moving mechanism also converts the movement of the seat rotating element 114 along the circular trajectory about the central axis CA into rotation of the seat rotating element 114 about the seat rotation axis SA. Thus, the moving mechanism ensures that when the user rotates the seat 112, the seat 112 moves eccentrically (along a circular trajectory) relative to the central axis CA together with the seat rotating element 114, and simultaneously rotates about the seat rotation axis SA, thereby continuously changing the distance between the foremost point FMP of the seat and the central axis CA. This is, for example, in… Figure 1J and Figure 1K As shown, these two diagrams represent orientations facing forward and facing right, respectively. Figure 1J As shown, the distance between the foremost point FMP and the central axis CA is D1, and as... Figure 1K As shown, the distance between the foremost point FMP and the central axis CA is D2, which is greater than D1. In fact, the maximum distance between the foremost point FMP and the central axis CA is when the seat is in a right-hand or left-hand orientation, and the minimum distance is when the seat is in a front-side or rear-side orientation.

[0091] As understood, when the seat is located at any point along a circular trajectory between a forward-facing orientation and a rearward-facing orientation, the moving mechanism can operate to rotate the seat, together with the seat rotation element, both about the central axis CA (thus displacing the seat and seat rotation element eccentrically relative to the central axis CA) and about the seat rotation axis SA (thus deviating the seat's orientation from the central axis CA). Therefore, the moving mechanism is configured to synchronize the eccentric displacement relative to the central axis CA with the orientation deviation of the seat, i.e., to change the distance between the foremost point of the seat and the central axis. The eccentric rotation about the central axis CA and the central rotation about the seat rotation axis SA operate simultaneously in a synchronized manner. The eccentric rotation affects the central rotation, and vice versa. These two rotational movements are interconnected and synchronized. This feature makes it easier to manually pull and rotate the seat with one hand in a single action.

[0092] In some embodiments, the moving mechanism includes a circular element operable to cause an eccentric displacement of the seat relative to the central axis and to change the distance between the foremost point of the seat and the central axis. Specifically, the moving mechanism comprises only circular, symmetrically rotatable elements. This configuration makes manufacturing easier and results in a more robust structure and performance. Thus, eccentric displacement and orientation deviation of the seat are achieved through the rotational movement of the elements of the moving mechanism, particularly through circular rotational movement that affects, for example, angular and lateral displacement of the seat's front edge or center point. This is Figure 1A The case of the moving mechanism 130A shown in Figure 1L.

[0093] exist Figure 1L1 In the middle, the seat is in a forward-facing position, and... Figure 1L2 In this configuration, the seat rotates 90 degrees to the right. The moving mechanism 130A includes a gear assembly comprising a first central gear 132A and a second transverse gear 134A connected to the first central gear. The second gear 134A is connected to a seat rotating element 114, which in this example is also constructed as a gear. Essentially, all three gears lie in a plane that is substantially horizontal and parallel to the plane of the lower portion. The central gear 132A has a central axis aligned with the central axis CA, and this central gear is fixed such that it does not rotate, i.e., it has a fixed position relative to the lower portion 120. The second gear 134A serves as an intermediate gear engaging with the central gear 132A and the seat rotating element 114. As understood, when the seat rotating element 114 rotates clockwise, the second gear 134A rotates counterclockwise, and vice versa. Similarly, when the second gear 134A rotates counterclockwise, the seat rotating element rotates clockwise. When the first central gear 132A is stationary, the second gear 134A will slide counterclockwise on the first gear 132A relative to the central axis CA, thus rotating eccentrically counterclockwise relative to the central axis CA. This causes the seat rotating element 114 to move closer to the right rear door of the car until the seat rotating element has passed π / 2 radians, such as... Figure 1L2 As shown, the moving mechanism 130A enables synchronous movement that is both eccentrically positioned about the central axis CA and centrally positioned about the seat rotation axis SA. In a specific example, the ratio between the two rotational movements is 1:2, that is, for every eccentric angular displacement X of the seat and seat rotation element relative to the central axis, the seat rotates about the seat rotation axis by an angle of 2X. This can be achieved by providing a first gear with twice the diameter relative to the second gear and the seat rotation element.

[0094] Although Figures 1L1 to 1L2The example described employs three gears that interact with each other to achieve simultaneous eccentric and central (self-rotation) rotational movement of the seat. However, it should be understood that more than three gears may be used, some of which are positioned between the seat rotating element and the central gear, primarily to synchronize the rotational movement between the different gears. This ensures that when the seat (from the starting position viewed from the front) is pulled to the right, the seat rotates clockwise around its axis of rotation and eccentrically around the central axis, and vice versa when pulled to the left. In a non-limiting example, the movement mechanism includes four gears, wherein the seat rotating element has inner teeth that mesh with the outer teeth of a second gear, the outer teeth of the second gear mesh with the outer teeth of a third gear, and the outer teeth of the third gear mesh with the outer teeth of the central gear.

[0095] As mentioned above, the seat has either a forward-facing orientation or a rearward-facing orientation relative to the direction of travel. In other words, the default orientation is one where the line connecting the central axis and the seat's rotation axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0096] Additionally, the seat has a maximum rotation orientation, where the aforementioned line is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In other words, the maximum rotation orientation is when the seat is in a right-hand or left-hand orientation. When the seat is in its maximum rotation orientation, the distance between the foremost point FMP of the seat and the central axis CA is at its maximum.

[0097] As already mentioned, the moving mechanism converts the clockwise rotation of the seat rotating element and the seat around the seat rotation axis into the counterclockwise movement of the seat rotating element and the seat along a circular trajectory around the central axis, and vice versa.

[0098] Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, various non-limiting examples of the movement mechanism of the rotatable car safety seat of the presently disclosed subject matter are shown. It should be noted that, although not necessarily shown specifically in all figures, the cover and intermediate rotating unit can be used in conjunction with the remaining movement mechanism shown. Figures 2A1 to 2A2A second non-limiting example of a moving mechanism 130B constructed according to the subject matter currently described is shown. As shown, the bottom side of an upper portion including a seat 112 and a seat rotating element 114 fixedly connected to the seat 112 for rotation about a seat rotation axis SA together with the seat is shown. It can also be seen that a cover 126 and an intermediate rotating unit 136 are shown and located between the seat 112 and the seat rotating element 114, and the moving mechanism 130B includes a central wheel / gear 132B, similar to the central gear 132A in the moving mechanism 130A, positioned within a cavity of the lower portion 120, with its central axis aligned with the central axis CA, and the central wheel / gear is stationary such that it does not rotate during eccentric rotation of the seat 112 and the seat rotating element 114 about the central axis CA, i.e., it has a fixed position relative to the lower portion 120.

[0099] The center wheel 132B and the seat rotating element 114 are connected by a timing belt 134B, such as Figure 2B2 As specifically shown in the diagram, all three components (seat swivel element, center wheel, and timing belt) lie in a plane that is substantially horizontal and parallel to the plane of the lower portion.

[0100] As can be understood, rotating the seat 112 together with the seat rotating element 114 eccentrically relative to the central axis CA causes the timing belt 134B to move and affect the rotation of the seat rotating element 114 and the seat 112 about the seat rotation axis SA, and vice versa. In other words, it works in the opposite way, such that when the seat and the seat rotating element are rotated together about the seat rotation axis SA, the timing belt 134B begins to move and causes the seat to rotate eccentrically about the central axis CA. This ensures that when the user rotates the seat, the seat and the seat rotating element move eccentrically relative to the central axis and rotate simultaneously about the seat rotation axis, thereby continuously changing the distance between the foremost point FMP of the seat and the central axis CA, as described above.

[0101] As described above, in some embodiments, the diameter ratio between the seat rotating element 114 and the center wheel 132B is 1:2, which is used to synchronize the eccentric movement about the central axis with the self-centering movement about the seat rotating axis.

[0102] Figures 2B1 to 2B2A third non-limiting example of a moving mechanism 130C constructed according to the subject matter described herein is shown. As shown, an outer peripheral ring 132C, whose central axis coincides with the central axis CA and has a fixed position relative to the lower portion 120, has inner teeth 1322C that mesh with teeth 1142C on the outer side of the seat rotating element 114. When the seat and seat rotating element 114 rotate eccentrically about the central axis CA together with the assistance of the intermediate rotating unit 136, the seat rotating element 114 and the seat 112 also begin to rotate about the seat rotation axis due to the meshing between the inner and outer teeth on the outer peripheral ring 132C and the seat rotating element 114, respectively. Therefore, the seat, together with the seat rotating element, rotates eccentrically about the central axis CA and rotates centrally about the seat rotation axis SA, thereby ensuring that when the user rotates the seat, the seat and seat rotating element move eccentrically relative to the central axis and rotate simultaneously about the seat rotation axis, thereby continuously changing the distance between the foremost point FMP of the seat and the central axis CA, as described above. In some embodiments, the diameter ratio between the seat rotating element 114 and the outer peripheral ring 132C is 1:2, which is used to synchronize the eccentric movement about the central axis with the self-centering movement about the seat rotation axis.

[0103] In some implementations, the rotatable car safety seat includes a locking mechanism operable to lock the seat to the lower portion. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively unlock the seat from the lower portion, allowing the seat (together with the seat rotation element) to rotate relative to the lower portion.

[0104] refer to Figures 3A1 to 3A7 It shows a non-limiting example of a locking mechanism 140A constructed according to the subject matter currently described.

[0105] The locking mechanism 140A allows the seat 114 to be easily released from the lower portion 120 using only one hand. This frees up the other hand for other actions, such as carrying a child. In the described example, the seat is easily unlocked by release buttons 1422A and 1424A located on the right and left sides of the seat 114. Pressing each release button releases the seat from the lower portion, allowing it to be pulled and rotated to one side. Thus, pressing the right button 1422A allows the seat to be pulled and rotated to the right, and pressing the left button 1424A allows the seat to be pulled and rotated to the left. In one particular example, like the locking mechanism 140A, the locking mechanism is configured to allow the seat to be pulled and rotated relative to the lower portion in one direction at a time, while preventing the seat from rotating in the opposite direction relative to the lower portion. This makes operating the seat safer.

[0106] As shown, a release button is connected to the right handle arm 1442A and the left handle arm 1444A, which are operable to lock the seat 112 to the lower portion 120 and to unlock the seat from the lower portion 120. The handle arms pass through corresponding holes 1122A and 1124A in the seat 112, thus restricting the seat 112 to a portion of the lower portion 120.

[0107] Each handle arm terminates at a tooth 1462A on its underside, the tooth being configured to correspond to at least one corresponding recess 1262A, 1264A located in or communicating with the lower portion 120. Figure 3A4 The image shows two right recesses and two left recesses engaging, causing the teeth to prevent the seat from moving relative to the lower portion. In this specific example, as shown... Figure 3A3 As shown, the recess is formed in the protrusion 136P in the intermediate rotating unit 136, but it may also be formed in another part. When the release button is pressed inward (as indicated by arrow AR3), the torsion spring 1482A causes the teeth to move outward and unlocks the seat from the lower part (as indicated by arrow AR4).

[0108] exist Figures 3A3 to 3A7 The image shows the seat unlocked to rotate to the right. The lower portion 120 includes a cover 126 that conceals the moving mechanism and is located below the seat 112. The cover 126 has an opening 126H that allows connection between the seat rotating element 114 (located below the cover 126 at the same height as the moving mechanism) and the seat 112 located above the cover 126. The cover 126 and the intermediate rotating unit rotate together with the seat rotating element 114 about a central axis CA. This is achieved by… Figure 3A6 Arrow AR5 indicates, and it should be understood, that when the seat is rotated clockwise toward the right, the cover and the central rotating unit (including recesses 1262A and 1264A) rotate counterclockwise. It should also be noted that the left recess 1264A does not prevent the cover, the central rotating unit, and the seat from rotating even when the left release button is not pressed.

[0109] like Figure 3A5As shown, when the right release button is pressed, tooth 1462A releases / disengages from recess 1262A, allowing the seat to rotate to the right. As understood, the left recess 1264A is structured and oriented to allow the seat to rotate to the right and the cover 126 to rotate counter-clockwise without requiring the left release button to actively release tooth 1464A. Therefore, locking mechanism 140A locks the seat to the lower portion in one direction while allowing the seat to rotate in the opposite direction. The seat cannot rotate only when both handle arms are in their locked state; and when only the handle arm on the first side is released, the seat can rotate to the first side, preventing rotation to the second side. In other words, locking mechanism 140A may include a ratchet assembly, allowing rotation to one side while preventing rotation to the opposite side. If the user releases the seat by pressing the right release button, the seat can be rotated to the right, and if the user pushes the seat back to the left after a short distance to the right, the seat will be locked by the engagement of the left tooth 1464A with the left recess 1264A.

[0110] Figure 3A7 The seat 112 is shown when fully rotated to the right. It should be understood that when the seat rotating element rotates counterclockwise about the central axis, the cover and the middle rotating unit rotate to the left simultaneously.

[0111] It should be noted that although the activation and deactivation of the locking mechanism 140A are performed and operated by a mechanical device in the example described, the locking mechanism may also be operated in other forms, such as electronically.

[0112] The currently disclosed rotatable car safety seat may include a movement mechanism that enables the seat to make the aforementioned eccentric movement relative to the central axis of the lower portion and to deviate from the central axis (changing the distance of the foremost point of the seat from the central axis), as well as additional relative movement between the upper portion (seat and seat rotation element) and the lower portion (lower base and upper base). The movement mechanism thus includes more than one operating mode. In a first operating mode, the movement mechanism is operable to rotate the seat, as described above, both about the central axis of rotation of the lower portion and about the seat rotation axis. In a second operating mode, the movement mechanism is operable to rotate the upper portion (including the seat and seat rotation element) and additional elements (cover and intermediate rotation unit) only about the central axis. The rotatable car safety seat will be provided with a locking mechanism that can selectively unlock different elements / components in the lower and upper portions to enable the aforementioned movement modes.

[0113] refer to Figures 4A to 4FIt shows a non-limiting example of a rotatable car safety seat 100A, which can selectively rotate eccentrically relative to and deviate from the central axis of the lower portion in a movement scheme, such as, for example, in Figure 1A As described in Figure 2B, or in the second movement scheme, the seat can be selectively rotated around the central axis of the lower portion without changing the distance of the foremost point of the seat from the central axis CA.

[0114] The rotatable car safety seat 100A includes a moving mechanism and a locking mechanism, which are operable to selectively enable the two moving / rotating schemes mentioned above. Figure 4B As shown, the described non-limiting moving mechanism 1302 can be at least partially constructed to be similar to moving mechanism 130A, but with additional features as described below. However, although not specifically illustrated, it should be understood that moving mechanisms 130B and 130C can also be adjusted / modified to add additional features and moving schemes. Therefore, it should also be understood that the aforementioned moving mechanisms 130A-130C can be modified to include additional features.

[0115] like Figure 4B As shown, seat 112 rotates to the right without deviating from the central axis CA. Seat 112 remains above the central axis CA and oriented in the direction of the central axis CA, thus maintaining the distance D3 between the foremost point FMP and the central axis, as shown. Figures 4E to 4F As shown. In the described example, the central gear 132A is not fixed relative to the lower portion 120, but is rotatable relative to the lower portion about the central axis CA. Therefore, the central gear 132A is referred to herein as a rotatable unit. The upper portion 110, cover, and intermediate rotating unit (both located in the seat and seat rotating element 114) are included. Figure 4B All of them (not visible in the middle) have a fixed relationship with the central gear (rotatable unit) 132A and can rotate with the central gear.

[0116] The locking mechanism is configured to selectively unlock the rotatable unit from the upper and lower bases of the lower portion, allowing the rotatable unit to rotate centrally about its own axis coinciding with the central axis, while keeping the rotatable unit locked to the seat, seat rotating element, cover, and intermediate rotating unit (hereinafter collectively referred to as the upper portion), such that the upper portion rotates with the rotatable unit, thereby causing the seat to rotate, while the orientation of the seat remains in the direction of the central axis and maintains the distance between the foremost point and the central axis; or the locking mechanism selectively unlocks the rotatable unit from the upper portion, while keeping the rotatable unit locked to the base of the lower portion, such that the rotatable unit cannot rotate about its own axis, while allowing the upper portion to rotate eccentrically about the central axis and the seat and seat rotating element to rotate centrally about the seat rotation axis, as described above.

[0117] In the described example, the locking mechanism 1402 includes two locking sub-mechanisms. The first sub-mechanism is locking mechanism 140A, which is constructed as described above and operable to lock and unlock the upper portion with the rotatable unit (i.e., the central gear 132A) to fix the rotatable unit stationary or allow the rotatable unit to rotate both about the central axis CA and about the seat rotation axis SA, as described above.

[0118] The second sub-mechanism is the locking mechanism 140B, which is configured to lock and unlock the rotatable unit (center gear 132A) from the lower part, and respectively disable or enable the rotatable unit and the upper part to rotate together around the central axis CA.

[0119] like Figures 4B to 4D As shown, the locking mechanism 140B includes two lever arms, a right lever arm 1442B and a left lever arm 1444B, which are configured to lock the rotatable unit 132A to the lower portion 120. The lever arms terminate at switch buttons 1422B and 1424B, which are located on the right and left sides of the lower portion, respectively, and include teeth (1462B and 1464B) on the inner side of the lever arms configured to engage with the rotatable unit.

[0120] In the described example, the operating mode of locking mechanism 140B is similar to that of locking mechanism 140A. Pressing the corresponding switch button releases the rotatable unit from the lower portion on the corresponding side, causing the upper portion to rotate together with the rotatable unit about the central axis CA of the lower portion on the corresponding side. Each of the right and left lever arms engages on its inner side with at least one recess (such as recess 1262B engaged by the tooth 1462B of the right lever arm 1442B) formed in the rotatable unit in such a way that the rotatable unit is locked to the lower portion in the corresponding direction, while once the other lever arm is released, the rotatable unit rotates freely about the central axis in the opposite direction. In other words, locking mechanism 140B also includes a ratchet mechanism.

[0121] like Figure 4D As shown, when engaged with the recess 1262B, the right lever arm 1442B does not lock the rotatable unit in the leftward direction (counterclockwise), but only in the rightward direction (clockwise). Although not specifically shown, the reverse is also true. When engaged with the corresponding recess, the left lever arm 1444B does not lock the rotatable unit in the rightward direction (counterclockwise), but only in the leftward direction (clockwise). Therefore, in order to rotate the upper portion, as well as the cover and the rotatable unit, one of the two lever arms needs to be released in each direction.

[0122] In some embodiments, the rotatable car safety seat of the currently disclosed subject matter includes a soft-locking mechanism operable to stabilize the seat at a predetermined orientation angle when the seat rotates relative to the longitudinal axis of its lower portion. This predetermined orientation angle defines an intermediate position between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. In some embodiments, the intermediate position also includes both a forward-facing and a rearward-facing position. This facilitates the management of the safety seat without requiring frequent unlocking when the seat is in the intermediate position (such as when the seat is rotated at a right angle toward the right or left rear door of the vehicle). The soft-locking mechanism stabilizes (temporarily locks) the seat in the intermediate position and allows the safety seat to be unlocked from the intermediate position by gently pushing or pulling the seat in the desired direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) without requiring further action such as pressing a button.

[0123] refer to Figures 5A to 5F It shows a non-limiting example of a soft locking mechanism 150 based on the currently disclosed subject matter.

[0124] The soft-locking mechanism 150 is configured to rotate with the seat to lock the seat at a predetermined angle during rotation. For example, the soft-locking is achieved at angles of 0, 90, 180, 270 (or -90) degrees relative to an initial orientation, which is either forward-facing or rearward-facing (along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle's travel). Therefore, the soft-locking mechanism has a fixed spatial relationship with the rotatable seat. In the described example, the soft-locking mechanism 150 is attached to one side of an intermediate rotating unit 136 that also rotates with the seat, as described above.

[0125] The soft locking mechanism employs a reversible mechanism that enables automatic locking and unlocking without requiring the pressing of an unlock button. In the described example, the soft locking mechanism 150 includes a spring 152 that is compressed and relaxes to some extent when the soft locking mechanism reaches the locking point, but remains compressed, as will be further described below.

[0126] The soft locking mechanism terminates at wheel 154, which allows the seat to be unlocked from the soft locking point by applying a pushing or pulling force on the seat along the rotation path.

[0127] As shown in the figure, the locking point 158 ​​is constructed as a hole / recess in the cavity of the lower part. When the seat rotates, the wheel 154 enters the hole / recess as the compression spring is released outward.

[0128] Figures 5D to 5F A bottom view of the seat in three soft-lock positions is shown; Figure 5D This is the rear-facing position of the seat, where the soft locking mechanism locks the seat at locking point 158A; Figure 5E It is the right side of the seat, where the soft locking mechanism locks the seat at locking point 158B; Figure 5F In the lateral left position of the seat, the soft locking mechanism locks the seat at locking point 158C. Note again that the cover 126 and the intermediate rotating unit 136 rotate in the opposite direction to the seat, so that, for example, when the seat moves from a rear-facing position (… Figure 5D Rotate counterclockwise to the right position. Figure 5E When the cover 126 and the intermediate rotating unit 136 rotate clockwise, they unlock from locking point 158A and lock in locking point 158B.

[0129] Although the accompanying diagram illustrates the soft-locking mechanism working in conjunction with the eccentric rotation of the seat about its central axis, where the foremost point of the seat changes its distance from the central axis and the seat deviates from the central axis (to the left and right), it should be understood that the soft-locking mechanism can also be applied to the central rotation of the seat (e.g., Figures 4A to 4D (as described in the text).

[0130] Now for reference Figures 6A to 6N This illustrates another embodiment of a rotatable car safety seat utilizing the principles of the subject matter currently described. Specifically, the embodiment described below relates to a safety seat incorporating a movement mechanism (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "rotating assembly"), which is similar to... Figures 1A to 2A2 The moving mechanism described herein. Additionally, the locking mechanism is described as having a connection with... Figures 3A1 to 3A7 The locking mechanism described herein has a roughly similar function.

[0131] Figures 6A to 6N A simplified exemplary illustration of a vehicle rotatable child safety seat 300 is shown. As shown, the safety seat 300 includes a chair portion 102 configured to seat a child therein. The chair portion 102 may be mounted on a base portion 104, and in some embodiments may be secured to the base portion 104. The base portion 104 may be secured to an existing vehicle seat. The safety seat 300 may include a rotating assembly 310 (…). Figure 6A The rotating assembly is configured to simultaneously cause the chair portion 102 to revolve around the center point 314 of the central axis defining the base portion 104. Figure 6C It rotates eccentrically and changes the distance between the foremost point of the seat FMP and the central axis (thus causing the seat to deviate from the central point 314).

[0132] The base portion 104 can be structured to have a rotating assembly 310 and can be adapted to work with a variety of types of car seats, such as car seats that grow in size as the child grows.

[0133] The chair portion 102 is mounted on the base portion 104. In some embodiments, the base portion 104 may include a bottom base 320 covered by an orifice cap 326 and a base cap 124. The bottom base 320, the orifice cap 326, and the base cap 124 may be connected to the chair portion 102 via a chair support 128.

[0134] In some embodiments, the orifice cover 326 and / or base cover 324, as well as any other element of the car seat 300, may be formed to engage with other elements to minimize recesses and thus prevent a child's body parts from being trapped therein. For example, the orifice cover 326 may be formed to engage tightly with the base 320.

[0135] The rotating component 310 is shown as being housed in the bottom base 320; however, in some embodiments, the rotating component 310 may be placed in any other suitable location. Figures 6A to 6B As shown, the rotating assembly 310 may include a central shaft 330 aligned with the center point 314. An intermediate rotating unit in the form of a rotating arm 134 is connected via a connecting protrusion 135. Figure 6CThe bearing 144 is mounted on a central shaft 330 and extends to the edge 336 of a central aperture 138 formed in the bottom base 320. The chair portion 104 is eccentrically rotated by a rotating arm 134 via an eccentric shaft 340 mounted on a bearing 144. The bearing 144 can protrude from the rotating arm 134 and is positioned off-center from a central point 314. In some embodiments, a support wheel 146 may be provided. Figure 6C ) to support the rotating arm 134.

[0136] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating arm 134 can rotate a full revolution within the edge 336 via a central wheel 350 supported by a central shaft 330. The rotating arm 134 is further mounted on an outer peripheral wheel 354 forming the seat rotation element (which is fixedly connected to the chair portion 102 and rotates therewith about the chair's rotation axis), which is constrained to the central wheel 350 by a timing belt 358. As understood, this is similar to the moving mechanism 130B described above.

[0137] In some embodiments, the diameter ratio between the outer peripheral wheel 354 and the central wheel 350 may be approximately 1:2 to synchronize the rotation of the arm 134. Any suitable diameter ratio can be selected, and in some embodiments, more than two wheels may be used.

[0138] The chair portion 102 can be mounted (normally fixed) to the chair support 128 via an eccentric shaft 340 inserted therein. Thus, the chair portion 102 and the chair support 128 (and the outer peripheral wheel 354) rotate in unison about the bearing 144 which is rotated by the rotating arm 134.

[0139] It should be understood that the chair portion 102, together with the outer peripheral wheel 354, forms the upper portion, wherein the chair portion 102 has a foremost point FMP and is configured to accommodate a child, and the outer peripheral wheel 354 has a fixed connection to the chair portion 102, allowing the outer peripheral wheel to rotate together with the chair portion 102 about the seat rotation axis SA of the chair. The lower portion formed by the base portion 104 has a central axis CA spaced apart from the seat rotation axis SA. A moving mechanism formed by the rotating assembly 310 is connected to the outer peripheral wheel 354 forming the seat rotation element. The moving mechanism is operable to convert the rotation of the seat rotation element about the seat rotation axis into movement of the seat rotation element along a circular trajectory about the central axis, and vice versa. This ensures that when the user rotates the chair portion, the chair portion moves eccentrically relative to the central axis together with the outer peripheral wheel and simultaneously rotates about the seat rotation axis, thereby continuously changing the distance between the foremost point of the chair portion and the central axis.

[0140] In some embodiments, the child safety seat 300 may be provided with an optional locking assembly 160, which includes a ratchet assembly 166 connected to the chair portion 102 via an aperture cover 326 and a base cover 324, as will be further described below.

[0141] Figures 6E to 6N This is a simplified exemplary illustration of a rotatable vehicle safety seat equipped with locking assembly 160. It should be noted that the locking mechanism 160 with sub-assembly 166 can be applied to any of the aforementioned moving mechanisms (specifically mechanisms 130A, 130B, and 130C).

[0142] Figure 6E and Figure 6F The orifice cover 326 and ratchet assembly 166 are shown in disassembled and assembled states, respectively. Figure 6G A bottom view of the assembled orifice cap 326 and ratchet sub-assembly 166 is shown. The ratchet assembly 166 may include an upper ratchet ring 200 and a lower ratchet ring 202 capable of being attached to the ratchet support 204. Figure 6F As shown, the assembled ratchet subassembly 166 can surround the bearing 144 and can be mounted on the rotating arm 134, as... Figure 6G As shown.

[0143] Figure 6H The partially assembled car seat is shown, as are the assembled port cover 326 and... Figure 6F The base cover 124 and ratchet assembly 166. The base cover 124 may include two opposing levers 206 and 208 projecting from the base portion 104. Each lever 206 and 208 may be formed with corresponding levers 210 and 212 or any other suitable switch or button extending from the lever and defining the two opposing levers 210 and 212.

[0144] Levers 210 and 212 can be inserted into corresponding openings 216 formed in the chair support 128, such that levers 210 and 212 confine the chair portion 104 therebetween.

[0145] Figure 6I The partially assembled base cover 124 is shown, and Figure 6J A locking assembly 160, including a base cover 124 and a ratchet assembly 166, is shown. Figure 6I As shown, rods 206 and 208 can each be connected to the base cover 124 in any suitable manner, such as flexibly via bearing 220 and spring 222, thereby allowing rod 206 or 208 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise as indicated by arrow 224. Spring 222 can be connected to the base cover 124 in any suitable manner (such as via pin 228). Bearing 220 can be supported by rotating shaft 226 or in any other suitable manner.

[0146] A pawl 230 may protrude from the edge of each of levers 206 and 208. This pawl is configured to engage with the teeth of ratchet assembly 166, thereby locking the upper ratchet ring 200 or the lower ratchet ring 202. When locked, levers 206 and 208 lock levers 210 and 212, thereby locking the chair portion 102 confined therebetween. Figure 6J As shown in the illustration, the pawl 230 of the right lever 206 locks the lower ratchet ring 202 to prevent clockwise rotation, and the pawl 230 of the left lever 208 locks the upper ratchet ring 200 to prevent counterclockwise rotation. It should be noted that the direction of rotation can be reversed.

[0147] In some embodiments, ratchet assembly 166 may include a single ratchet ring having more than two toothed portions. In some embodiments, ratchet assembly 166 may include more than two ratchet rings. Locking assembly 160 may be configured to lock at any suitable angle less than or greater than the illustrated four-part locking position.

[0148] In some implementations, the locking component 160 is configured to have one degree of freedom, so that in order to lock the chair portion 102, it is sufficient to prevent the rotating arm 134 from rotating about the base portion 104.

[0149] Figure 6K The bottom base 320 (and thus the chair portion 102 mounted on the base portion 104) is shown, which is positioned forward in the direction of vehicle travel and is in a fully locked state by the locking assembly 160, as shown. Figure 6J As shown in the illustration, the pawl 230 of the right lever 206 locks the lower ratchet ring 202 to prevent clockwise rotation, and the pawl 230 of the left lever 208 locks the upper ratchet ring 200 to prevent counterclockwise rotation.

[0150] Figure 6L The bottom base 320 is shown in the unlocked state during clockwise rotation to the right by pressing the right lever 210 in the direction of arrow 240. As shown in the illustration, the pawl 230 of the right lever 206 locks the lower ratchet ring 202, thereby preventing clockwise rotation, and the pawl 230 of the left lever 208 is removed from the upper ratchet ring 200, thereby allowing clockwise rotation.

[0151] Lever 210 or 212 may be replaced by any switch or button and may be pressed by a caregiver at the window formed in the chair portion 102 or at any other suitable location.

[0152] like Figure 6MAs shown, clockwise rotation completes the process to a right-angle orientation relative to the rearward orientation. As illustrated in the illustration, the pawl 230 of the right lever 206 locks the lower ratchet ring 202 to prevent clockwise rotation, and the pawl 230 of the left lever 208 locks the upper ratchet ring 200 to prevent counterclockwise rotation.

[0153] Figure 6N The bottom base 320 is shown in the unlocked state during clockwise rotation to the left by further pressing the right lever 210 in the direction of arrow 240. As shown in the illustration, the pawl 230 of the right lever 206 locks the lower ratchet ring 202, thereby preventing clockwise rotation, and the pawl 230 of the left lever 208 is removed from the upper ratchet ring 200, thereby allowing clockwise rotation.

[0154] In some implementations, the locking system 160 may be incorporated into other rotatable systems designed to rotate. For example, the locking system 160, including the ratchet sub-assembly 166 or any other element described herein, may be used in a swivel chair, a rotatable screen support, or any other rotatable system.

[0155] In some embodiments, locking assembly 160 may be configured to lock part of the rotatable system. Ratchet subassembly 166 may be mounted on part of the rotatable system. Pawl may be positioned at any suitable location in the rotatable system and configured to engage with the teeth of ratchet assembly 166, thereby locking the ratchet. A lever and extension arm may or may not be included.

[0156] Figures 6A to 6N The described embodiment shows a rotating assembly 310 and / or locking assembly 160 mounted within the base portion 104. It should be understood that the rotating assembly 310 and / or locking assembly 160 can be placed in any suitable location within the child safety seat 300, such as in the chair portion 102. In some embodiments, the rotating assembly 310 and / or locking assembly 160 may be configured as an auxiliary unit designed to engage with existing commercial child safety seats.

Claims

1. A rotatable car safety seat assembly, comprising: The upper portion includes a seat and a seat swivel element. The seat has a foremost point and is configured to accommodate a child. The seat swivel element has a fixed connection to the seat, allowing the seat swivel element to rotate together with the seat about a seat rotation axis. The lower portion is configured for mounting to a passenger seat of a vehicle having a longitudinal orientation, and the lower portion has a central axis spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the seat; and A moving mechanism connected to the seat rotating element and operable to convert the rotation of the seat rotating element about the seat rotating axis into movement of the seat rotating element along a circular trajectory about the central axis, and vice versa; This ensures that when the user rotates the seat, the seat moves eccentrically relative to the central axis together with the seat rotation element, and simultaneously rotates around the seat rotation axis, thereby continuously changing the distance between the foremost point of the seat and the central axis.

2. The rotatable car safety seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat has a default orientation and a maximum rotation orientation, wherein in the default orientation, a line connecting the central axis and the seat rotation axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and in the maximum rotation orientation, the line is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and optionally, the distance is maximized when the seat reaches its maximum rotation orientation.

3. The rotatable car safety seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism is operable to convert clockwise rotation of the seat rotating element about the seat rotation axis into counterclockwise movement of the seat rotating element along the circular trajectory about the central axis, and vice versa.

4. The rotatable car safety seat assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the moving mechanism is located between the seat rotation axis and the central axis.

5. The rotatable car safety seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the lower portion includes a cavity that accommodates at least a portion of the moving mechanism; and optionally, the cavity accommodates at least a portion of the seat rotating element.

6. The rotatable car safety seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism is operable to allow a user to rotate the seat by manually pulling it.

7. The rotatable car safety seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism comprises at least one rotatable element; and Optionally, the seat rotating element and the moving mechanism form a gear assembly.

8. The rotatable car safety seat assembly of claim 7, wherein the moving mechanism comprises at least two rotatable elements, the at least two rotatable elements comprising a central gear and an intermediate gear, the axis of the central gear coinciding with the central axis and having a fixed position relative to the lower portion at least when the moving mechanism is operable, the intermediate gear being rotatably engaged with each of the central gear and the seat rotating element.

9. The rotatable car seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism includes an outer peripheral ring, the axis of which coincides with the central axis and has a fixed position relative to the lower portion, at least when the moving mechanism is operable, the outer peripheral ring forming internal teeth that engage with the outer side of the seat rotating element; and Optionally, the moving mechanism includes: A center wheel, the axis of which coincides with the central axis and has a fixed position relative to the lower portion, at least when the moving mechanism is operable; and a belt connecting the seat rotating element and the center wheel, such that eccentric rotation of the seat and the seat rotating element relative to the central axis causes the belt to move and affects the rotation of the seat rotating element and the seat about the seat rotating axis.

10. The rotatable car safety seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising a soft locking mechanism operable to stabilize the seat at a predetermined orientation angle along the circular trajectory as the seat rotates.

11. The rotatable car safety seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism operable to secure the seat together with the seat rotation element to the lower portion, the locking mechanism being configured to at least unlock the seat rotation element from the lower portion and allow the seat to rotate relative to the lower portion together with the seat rotation element; Optionally, the locking mechanism can be operated to selectively enable: - First unlocked state, in which the moving mechanism is operable to allow the seat to rotate together with the seat rotating element about the central axis of the lower portion, while the locking mechanism prevents the seat from rotating together with the seat rotating element about the seat rotation axis. - Second unlocked state, in which the seat and the seat rotating element rotate freely together about the seat rotation axis, and the moving mechanism is operable to convert the rotational movement of the seat and the seat rotating element about the seat rotation axis into the rotational movement of the seat and the seat rotating element about the central axis, and vice versa; Optionally, the locking mechanism is configured such that the seat, together with the seat rotating element, can rotate relative to the lower portion in one direction at a time, while preventing the seat, together with the seat rotating element, from rotating relative to the lower portion in the opposite direction; and Optionally, the locking mechanism includes a ratchet assembly.

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