Child safety seat

Abstract

The invention relates to a child safety seat (100) for use in a vehicle seat (110), the child safety seat (100) comprising:-an outer seat part (300) comprising connection means for connecting the child safety seat (100) to a base arranged in the vehicle seat or a vehicle fastening strap for fastening the child safety seat (100) to the vehicle seat (110),-an inner seat part (200) comprising connection means for connecting the child safety seat (100) to a base arranged in the vehicle seat or a vehicle fastening strap for fastening the child safety seat (100) to the vehicle seat (110), a child safety seat (100) comprising a backrest (220), a seatbelt system (500) for securing a child within the child safety seat (100), a leg support (240) attached to an inner seat portion (200) and extending forward relative to a lower portion of the backrest (220) to support at least an upper portion of a child's leg wherein at least a portion of the leg support (240) is configured to rotate relative to the backrest (220), the inner seat portion (200) is configured to slide along an arcuate path relative to the outer seat portion (300) at least between a first position (UP) and a second position (LP), and wherein a first angle ([alpha] UP) is formed between the leg support (240) and the backrest (220) when the inner seat portion (200) is in the first position (UP), and a second angle ([alpha] UP) is formed between the leg support (240) and the backrest (220) when the inner seat portion (200) is in the second position (LP). A second angle ([alpha] LP) is formed between the leg support (240) and the backrest (220) when the interior seat portion (200) is in the second position (LP), and wherein the second angle ([alpha] LP) is greater than the first angle ([alpha] UP). The invention also relates to a method for moving a child safety seat (100) between a first position (UP) and a second position (LP).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of child safety seats for vehicles, and more particularly to a child safety seat in which the position of the child can be changed between a first position, which may be an upright (sitting) position, and a second position, which may be a lying (sleeping) position. Background Art

[0002] Infants or young children usually use specially constructed and safe child safety seats when riding in motor vehicles. Typically, child safety seats utilize a seat frame with one or more interfaces for securing the child safety seat to a vehicle safety restraint device, such as a vehicle seat belt, Isofix connector, etc.

[0003] Child safety seats (often referred to as child seats) on the market today are designed to protect children in a vehicle from impacts or other sudden changes in motion (e.g., sudden deceleration) and are available in many vehicles with a variety of seat orientations and designs. For example, rear-facing child safety seats are recommended for the youngest children for increased safety, while forward-facing child safety seats may be used when the child reaches the appropriate size and / or age.

[0004] A child safety seat generally includes a rigid body adapted to accommodate and securely hold a child or infant and a base for supporting the body. The rigid body of the child safety seat may be integrated with the base of the child safety seat, or the rigid body of the child safety seat and the base of the child safety seat may be releasably connected to each other so that the child safety seat can be used to transport a child from a vehicle to another place (e.g., home, store, etc.) or from another place to a vehicle while the child is in the child safety seat.

[0005] The rigid body of a child safety seat generally includes a seat portion in which a child or infant sits, a backrest portion extending from the seat portion on which the child or infant rests, and a head portion. The rigid body generally also includes some form of protective wings or walls vertically erected from the rigid body to cover the upper body and head of the child or infant.

[0006] Currently, child safety seats are not the best environment for infants or young children (typically 0-1.5 years old) to use for long periods of time. Compact child safety seats place children in a sitting position that requires muscle strength and coordination that infants are still developing. In addition, when children are in this sitting position for long periods of time, gravity can cause bone deformation.

[0007] In addition, from an ergonomic point of view, free limb movement is important for the child's muscle development. Many child safety seats have a very narrow fit to support the safety concept and comfort of the seat. However, this narrow fit can cause the child to be restrained, which can slow down muscle development.

[0008] The recommended duration of use of the seat is a maximum of half an hour for children under 5-6 months and two hours for children over 5-6 months to prevent them from being restrained. It is known that children remain in the seat for longer than recommended. This may be because the child safety seat is similar to a normal seat and the parents do not realize that the child is restrained. Parents may not be aware of the recommended duration because the manual has not been read or memorized. In addition, children may fall asleep during the ride and parents do not want to wake them. Child safety seats for the youngest babies / toddlers (so-called infant carriers) can be taken from the car to the home and the child will remain in the seat until he / she wakes up, which may be several hours later.

[0009] Many child safety seats, or at least many infant carriers, are part of a travel system and are used on a stroller frame. This means that the baby stays in the car seat with the harness longer. Common carrycots allow greater freedom of movement than a child safety seat.

[0010] Several child safety seats are arranged with a tilt mechanism to change the inclination of the rear part of the child safety seat, so that the child safety seat can be moved between at least an upright position (usually a sitting position) and a tilted position (usually a resting position or a sleeping position). The adjustment of the child safety seat can be performed using various arrangements. One solution is to arrange the sitting part of the child safety seat to be movable in a forward direction (corresponding to the forward direction when the child is sitting on the seat), while the back part is hinged so that the child safety seat can enter a tilted position. By moving the movable part in the opposite direction, the child safety seat can enter an upright position. The child safety seat can have other positions between the tilted position and the upright position. Therefore, the displacement of the movable part determines the tilt of the back part. The back part can be connected to the movable part by a device (e.g. a pivot connection) that allows adjustment of the angle between the movable part (i.e. the sitting part) and the back part. Generally for these solutions, bringing the child safety seat from a tilted position to an upright position causes the surrounding seat belt to be loosely fixed around the child. If the adult does not re-fasten the child's seat belt, the child may suffer serious injuries in the event of a sudden deceleration of the vehicle.

[0011] CN113335155A discloses a child safety seat, comprising a shell, a seat cushion, and a backrest. The angle between the backrest and the seat cushion can be adjusted, so that the child safety seat has multiple usage states, such as a sitting posture and a lying posture. The front part of the seat cushion is rotatably connected to the front part of the shell, and the rear part of the backrest is rotatably connected to the rear part of the shell. One of the front part of the seat cushion and the rear part of the backrest can slide relative to the shell. The front part of the backrest is rotatably connected to the rear part of the seat cushion, and the angle formed between the backrest and the seat cushion can be adjusted.

[0012] EP3865341 A1 discloses a child restraint system for a car seat, which makes it possible to adjust the position of the restraint system between a lying position and a sitting position. The child restraint system comprises a chassis, a platform hinged on the chassis, the platform having an upper part (which is connected to the chassis), a middle part, and a lower part, which can be moved by a sliding system containing a notch.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for a child safety seat that allows more freedom of movement of the child's limbs while improving their overall body position, thereby reducing the negative effects of being restrained.

[0014] Furthermore, there is a need for a child safety seat that allows for changing the seating position of the child between at least an upright sitting position and a reclined resting position and that reduces the risk of incorrectly restraining the child within the seat. Summary of the invention

[0015] It is an object according to the present invention to remedy at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages or problems.

[0016] Therefore, one object according to the present invention is to provide a child safety seat which increases the freedom of movement of the child when sitting in the child safety seat, thereby reducing restraint. Another object is to provide a child safety seat which allows the seat to be tilted to achieve a resting or sleeping position for the child, thereby preventing inadvertent misuse of the safety belt.

[0017] When the terms "forward", "rearward", "upward" and "downward" are used herein to describe components or functions of a child safety seat according to the present invention, these terms are used relative to a child sitting in the child safety seat, i.e., the term "forward" refers to a forward direction that is consistent with the forward direction of the child when the child is sitting in the safety seat.

[0018] The term "rear-facing seat" or "rear-facing child safety seat" is used herein according to conventional practice in the child safety seat art, meaning that the seat faces rearward relative to the normal direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0019] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim, while the dependent claims describe further characteristics of the invention.

[0020] In view of the above challenges, the present invention proposes a child safety seat that allows the child's position to change, especially allows a lying position, thereby preventing being restrained. In addition, this is achieved while preventing the incorrect use of the safety belt.

[0021] Therefore, the present invention relates to a child safety seat for use in a vehicle seat, the child safety seat comprising:

[0022] an outer seat part comprising connection means for connecting the child safety seat to a base arranged in the vehicle seat or to a vehicle fastening belt for fastening the child safety seat to the vehicle seat,

[0023] - an inner seat part, said inner seat part comprising a backrest,

[0024] - a safety belt system for securing a child in the child safety seat,

[0025] a leg support attached to the inner seat portion and extending forwardly relative to a lower portion of the backrest for supporting at least an upper portion of the child's legs, wherein at least a portion of the leg support is configured to rotate relative to the backrest to change the angle therebetween,

[0026] wherein the inner seat portion is configured for sliding movement along an arcuate path relative to the outer seat portion between at least a first position and a second position, and wherein, when the inner seat portion is in the first position, a first angle is formed between the leg support and the backrest, and wherein, when the inner seat portion is in the second position, a second angle is formed between the leg support and the backrest, and wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.

[0027] The first position may be an end position and the second position may be an opposite end position, i.e. opposite to the first end position. In one aspect, the first position is an upright position and the second position is an inclined position compared to the first position, which inclined position may be a lying position. The upright position is to be understood as a position in which the angle between the horizontal plane and the backrest is the largest. Similarly, the lying position is to be understood as a position in which the angle between the horizontal plane and the backrest is the smallest. Thus, the angle of the backrest relative to the horizontal plane in the second position may be smaller than in the first position, i.e. more inclined.

[0028] The leg support provides support for a child while sitting and extends forward from or near the backrest to support at least the upper portion of the child's legs, for example up to the knee area.

[0029] When in the second position, the backrest and leg support together form a sleeping position for a child in which the child can have a more open hip position and leg support compared to a more upright position.

[0030] In one aspect, the child safety seat comprises a pivot mechanism, which pivotally connects the leg support to the inner seat portion. Thus, the pivot mechanism enables the leg support to rotate relative to the backrest.

[0031] In one aspect, the leg support is configured to elastically deform when subjected to the weight of a child's legs, thereby causing at least a portion of the leg support to rotate relative to the backrest.

[0032] Thus, a rotation of the leg support or at least a portion thereof relative to the backrest for changing the angle therebetween may be a result of a pivot mechanism and / or an elastic deformation of the leg support.

[0033] Thus, the leg support may be made semi-flexible to allow for bending movement caused by the weight of the child's legs.

[0034] In this sense, semi-flexible means that the leg support is capable of supporting the child's legs, but, unless restrained by any other means, will bend downwardly to a certain extent due to the weight of the child's legs. If the leg support itself is semi-flexible, further downward flexion movement may be achieved in addition to the downward rotation caused by the pivot mechanism.

[0035] In one aspect, the leg support comprises a flexible sheet material, such as a plastic sheet, a flexible frame with a mesh, a stretched fabric, or the like.

[0036] In one aspect, the leg support can be flexible over its entire length or at least a portion of its length such that the bending movement of the leg support is substantially evenly distributed along the length of the leg support. In other words, in this configuration, the leg support does not include a specific pivot point located along the length of the leg support about which the leg support pivots.

[0037] In one aspect, the leg support consists of one continuous part. A continuous part is understood to be composed of one part without any joints or articulated parts connected to each other by one or more pivot points.

[0038] In one aspect, when moving from the first position toward the second position, i.e., when sliding the inner seat portion in a forward direction, the arcuate path causes the inner seat portion to rotate so that the backrest is tilted to a more inclined position, while the leg support moves upward and forward relative to the outer seat portion. This provides a tilted position suitable for sleeping or resting for the child. Due to the rotation of the leg support, the angle between the backrest and the leg support increases in the second position, so that the child can have a more open hip position compared to a more upright position. This allows a change in the sitting position, thereby changing the load acting on the child's body, and this requires different use of the child's muscles and improves the child's mobility.

[0039] In one aspect, the sliding movement of the inner seat portion can be bidirectional, allowing for forward or backward sliding movement of the inner seat portion. Sliding movement is also intended to encompass rolling movement, such as rolling components on tracks, such as wheels. The arcuate path can be a convex path, which can also be referred to as a concave upward path.

[0040] The sliding movement along the arcuate path causes the inner seat portion to move in a forward direction or a rearward direction while being rotated. An advantage of a rearward-facing seat is that, in a frontal collision, the seat can automatically move from the second position (e.g., a lying position) toward the first position (e.g., an upright position) in response to the forces generated by the collision. This puts the child in a more stable position to cope with the collision forces.

[0041] The arcuate path may be formed by one or more slide profiles, each of which may be straight or curved, which together form a curved trajectory for movement of the inner seat portion.

[0042] In one aspect, the outer seat part and / or the inner seat part are both rigid components.The outer seat part and the inner seat part may also be referred to as an outer shell and an inner shell.

[0043] In one aspect, the entire inner seat portion is movable within the outer seat portion.

[0044] In one aspect, the outer seat portion may include a seat-shaped shell.

[0045] In one aspect, the pivot mechanism is a hinge.The pivot mechanism may include a resilient member or a spring.

[0046] In one aspect, the inner seat portion includes a crotch strap attachment member extending forwardly relative to a lower portion of the backrest, and wherein an angle between the backrest and the crotch strap attachment member is fixed.

[0047] The crotch strap attachment member and the backrest may be a one-piece rigid body or they may be attached to each other by a rigid attachment. Because the angle between the backrest and the crotch strap attachment member is fixed, the relative position of the crotch strap attachment member and the backrest is maintained so that the safety belt system maintains its length, and thus tension, when moving between the first position and the second position.

[0048] In one aspect, at least in the first position, a portion of the leg support is arranged within a vertical projection of the outer seat portion. When the inner seat portion is in the first position, the outer seat portion can cover the underside of the backrest and at least a portion of the leg support. Thus, when a child is seated in the seat, the leg support can rest against at least a portion of the outer seat portion so that the outer seat portion can limit the extent to which the leg support can rotate. When moving from the first position toward the second position, i.e., when the inner seat portion moves forward and rotates relative to the outer seat portion, the leg support can be allowed to rotate further so that the angle relative to the backrest increases before being limited by the outer seat portion.

[0049] In one aspect, when the inner seat part is in the second position, at least a portion of the leg support projects outwardly from the front of the outer seat part, i.e. a portion of the leg support is not arranged within the vertical projection of the outer seat part but extends forwardly from the outer seat part. Thus, the leg support may be allowed to rotate further downwards by the pivot mechanism and / or by a deformation resulting in a further increase in the angle.

[0050] In one aspect, the child safety seat includes a first sliding element attached to the inner seat portion and a second sliding element attached to the outer seat portion, the first sliding element slidingly engaging the second sliding element.

[0051] In one aspect, the inner seat portion includes an inner frame including a first sliding element and the outer seat portion includes an outer frame including a second sliding element.

[0052] The inner frame and the outer frame may be "rigid". Thus, the inner seat part may include a shell connected to the inner frame. The outer seat part may include a shell connected to the outer frame. The shell of the inner seat part may provide a backrest, while the inner frame provides a sliding element and may also provide various other functions, such as a crotch strap attachment member. Thus, the inner frame and the outer frame may be connected to form a sliding system of the child safety seat.

[0053] In one aspect, the second sliding element comprises at least one sliding profile and the first sliding element comprises at least one sliding member, or vice versa, the at least one sliding member being arranged to slide along at least one sliding profile. The sliding member is configured to engage with the sliding profile.

[0054] The sliding profile may be configured as a guide groove, a guide rail, a track etc. The sliding member may be configured as a guide rod or the like, a wheel etc. which is configured to engage with the sliding profile.

[0055] In one aspect, the at least one sliding profile may include one or more pairs of adjacent sliding profiles.

[0056] In one aspect, the at least one sliding member may include one or more pairs of adjacent sliding members.

[0057] In one aspect, the child safety seat includes front and rear sliding profiles, a front sliding member and a rear sliding member, wherein the front sliding member engages the front sliding profile and the rear sliding member engages the rear sliding profile.

[0058] The sliding profile may be straight or curved, or a combination of straight and curved profiles.

[0059] The front sliding contour can be arranged in the region of the seat part, ie in the region where the leg support is located, and the rear sliding contour can be arranged in the region of the backrest.

[0060] When the seat comprises both a front sliding profile and a rear sliding profile, each profile may be straight while the overall sliding path is still arcuate. This may be achieved, for example, if the front sliding profile is arranged obliquely relative to the rear sliding profile. Preferably, the rear sliding profile is inclined downwards while the front sliding profile is inclined upwards. One sliding profile may be curved while the other sliding profile may be straight.

[0061] In one aspect, the seat belt system comprises a buckle, a crotch belt having one end fixed to a crotch belt attachment member, and two belt straps configured to be fastened to the crotch belt by the buckle, and wherein the inner seat part comprises an upper guide point for fixing the belt straps on the shoulders of a child. The inner seat part may additionally have a lower guide point or fixing point. The upper guide point may comprise an opening, such as a slot, in the backrest for the belt strap to pass through before going further behind the backrest. When the seat belt system is a five-point seat belt, there will be a lower guide point or fixing point. In the case of a three-point seat belt, there is only an upper guide point in addition to the crotch belt fixing point. The lower guide point may comprise an opening, such as a slot, in the inner seat part for the lower part of the belt strap to pass through before being attached to an anchor point for holding the end of the belt strap. Thus, all guide points of the belt straps and the fixing point of the crotch belt move with the inner seat part so that the tension of the belt strap does not change when the position of the inner seat part is changed.

[0062] In one aspect, the child safety seat includes a retention mechanism configured to prevent the inner seat portion from sliding when in the first position until the inner seat portion is subjected to a push or pull force exceeding a threshold force.

[0063] In one aspect, the child safety seat includes a retention mechanism configured to prevent the inner seat portion from sliding when in the second position until the inner seat portion is subjected to a push or pull force exceeding a threshold force.

[0064] The threshold force for the first position may be a first threshold force, and the threshold force for the second position may be a second threshold force. The first threshold force and the second threshold force may have the same force value or different force values.

[0065] The push or pull force may be the result of an adult pushing or pulling the inner seat portion to change the inclination, or it may be a reaction force due to a vehicle collision. Thus, the threshold force may be a force below or consistent with a vehicle collision situation, such as a frontal or rear impact of a vehicle at a certain relative speed. One advantage of this is that the inner seat portion will then be able to move automatically in response to the collision. For example, when the child safety seat is a rear-facing seat, in response to a frontal impact, the inner seat portion will automatically move from the second position towards the first position, thereby placing the child in a more secure position.

[0066] The retaining mechanism for the first position and / or the second position may include a recess, groove or raised portion, such as a ridge, in the (one or more) sliding profiles, over which the (one or more) sliding members must press before the (one or more) sliding members can move out of their current position and be allowed to slide relative to the outer seat part. Alternatively, the retaining mechanism is a separate component that is not integrated in the (one or more) sliding profiles. The retaining mechanism can be constructed or designed to release the inner seat part from the first position, the second position and / or from a position therebetween by a force that is preferably lower than or consistent with a collision condition (e.g., a predetermined frontal collision condition) of the vehicle. The force of the predetermined collision can be set to be consistent with the deceleration of a frontal collision occurring at a specific relative speed (e.g., 30 km / h, 40 km / h, 50 km / h or higher). The force can be obtained by testing or calculation.

[0067] In one aspect, the child safety seat is a rear-facing seat that does not include a retaining mechanism configured to prevent the inner seat portion from sliding when in the second position. A certain pushing or pulling force is still required to overcome the frictional resistance and move the inner seat portion out of its position. Thus, in the event of a frontal collision, the inner seat portion will move toward the first position, i.e., toward a more upright position, due to the force of the collision.

[0068] In one aspect, the child safety seat includes a locking mechanism for releasably locking the inner seat portion in the first position, and / or the second position, and / or a position between the first position and the second position.

[0069] The locking mechanism may include a restraining member that must be released to allow the inner seat portion to slide relative to the outer seat portion. This type of locking mechanism typically requires two separate actions by the user / adult; a first action to release the inner seat portion and then an action to move the inner seat portion. An example of a locking mechanism may be a spring loaded lever that locks in an opening in a guide slot and that can be pushed or pulled out of its locked position to allow the inner seat portion to slide relative to the outer seat portion. Various other locking mechanisms may be used, as will be apparent or known to those skilled in the art.

[0070] In one aspect, the child safety seat comprises any one of a retaining mechanism and a locking mechanism configured to only retain or lock the inner seat portion in a first position and / or a second position. In this case, only friction prevents the inner seat portion from moving when it is in a position between the first position and the second position.

[0071] In one aspect, the child safety seat comprises a headrest. The headrest may be arranged in an upper part of the inner seat part, preferably attached to the inner frame, and may be height-adjustable. The upper part of the safety belt strap may pass through an opening in a component arranged to move with the headrest.

[0072] The inner frame may include recesses for receiving pins, rods, or the like disposed on the head restraint to lock the head restraint in various height positions.

[0073] The invention also relates to a method for moving a child safety seat as described above between a first position and a second position by applying a pulling or pushing force to the inner seat part so that the inner seat part is forced to move forward or backward relative to the outer seat part until the desired inclination of the backrest is reached. If the seat includes a retaining mechanism, the pulling or pushing force must exceed a threshold force before the inner seat part can be moved. If the seat includes a locking mechanism, the method also includes releasing the locking mechanism before moving the inner seat part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the following drawings are attached. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention, which will now be described by way of example only, wherein:

[0075] Figure 1 Shown is a cross section through the middle of a child safety seat according to the invention when the seat is in the upright position.

[0076] Figure 2 Shown is a cross section through the middle of a child safety seat according to the invention when the seat is in the lying position.

[0077] Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c A simplified cross section through the middle of a child safety seat according to the invention is shown, wherein the seat is respectively in an upright position, a position between the upright position and the lying position, and a lying position.

[0078] Figure 4 A cross section through the middle of the inner seat portion with the leg support attached is shown.

[0079] Figure 5 A cross section through the middle of the outer seat part is shown.

[0080] Figure 6 A side view of the inner frame is shown.

[0081] Figure 7 A side view of the outer frame is shown.

[0082] Figure 8 An exploded view of the assembly of the inner and outer frames is shown.

[0083] Fig. 9 The sliding arrangement between the inner frame and the outer frame is shown when the inner seat portion is in the upright position.

[0084] Fig.10 The inner seat portion is shown in the lying position. Fig. 9 Sliding arrangement.

[0085] Fig.11 A top perspective view of a child safety seat according to the present invention is shown including an outer seat portion, an inner seat portion, and a leg support.

[0086] Fig.12 The leg supports are shown pivotally connected to the inner frame.

[0087] Fig.13 A detailed view of one embodiment of a pivot mechanism connecting a leg support to an inner seat portion is shown.

[0088] Fig.14 The crotch strap attachment points and the seat belt guide points are shown, wherein the shell of the inner seat is not shown.

[0089] Fig.15 The inner frame of the inner seat part is shown as Fig.14Lap strap anchorage and harness guide points shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] Having generally described the present invention, further understanding can be obtained by reference to certain specific embodiments, which are provided herein for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims unless otherwise specified.

[0091] Figure 1 A cross section through the middle of the child safety seat 100 is shown when the seat is in a first position UP (here an upright position). The child safety seat 100 is used in a vehicle seat and comprises an outer seat portion 300, an inner seat portion 200, and a leg support 240. The seat 100 may also include an armrest 600, which is a typical component of a child safety seat for infants. The outer seat portion 300 includes a connection device for connecting to a base arranged in a vehicle seat or to a vehicle belt for fastening the child safety seat 100 to the vehicle seat. Those skilled in the art will know various ways of connecting the outer seat component 300 to the vehicle using, for example, an Isofix connector or a vehicle seat belt.

[0092] The inner seat portion 200 includes a backrest 220, against which the child's back rests, and a headrest 230, against which the height of the headrest 230 can be adjusted to accommodate children of various heights. In addition, a safety belt system 500 ( Figure 1 Only the crotch strap 510 of the harness system 500 is shown in FIG. 1 ). The harness system 500 may be a three-point or five-point harness, both of which have a crotch strap between the child's legs and an upper guide point near the child's shoulders (see, for example, FIG. 1 ). Fig.14 and 15 ).

[0093] The inner seat portion 200 is configured to slide relative to the outer seat portion 300 along an arc path to tilt the backrest 220 or make it more upright. The inner seat portion 200 can be configured to slide between at least a first position UP and a second position LP. These positions can be opposite end positions of the arc path. Therefore, the inner seat portion 200 can slide between a first end position UP and an opposite second end position LP, the first end position UP can be an upright position, and the second end position LP can be a lying position.

[0094] Figure 24 shows a cross section through the middle of the child safety seat 100 when it is in the second position LP (here a lying position). The sliding can be achieved by a sliding system 400, which includes sliding elements 410, 420 (see for example Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), these sliding elements are attached to the inner seat portion 200 and the outer seat portion 300 and are engaged to allow relative sliding movement. The sliding system 400 will be combined with, for example Figure 4 and Figure 5 A more detailed description is given in the description of .

[0095] To change the sitting position to a more inclined position, e.g. Figure 1 The position in is changed to Figure 2 To adjust the position of the inner seat portion 200, the user / adult can pull the leg support 240 and / or the lower portion of the inner seat 200 and / or push the upper portion of the inner seat 200 until the desired angle is achieved. The seat 100 can include a release function to unlock the inner seat portion 200 from the upright position so that it can be slid within the outer seat portion 300.

[0096] One important feature is that because the harness system 500 is fully attached to the inner seat portion 200, and the entire inner seat portion 200 slides within the outer seat portion 300, the tension in the harness belts 510, 520a, 520b remains constant at any angle between the upright position and the lying flat position.

[0097] Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c A simplified cross section through the middle of the child safety seat 100 is shown with the inner seat portion 200 in an upright position, a position between the upright and lying positions, and a lying position, respectively. The upright position may be a first position UP, while the lying position may be a second position LP.

[0098] When the inner seat portion 200 is in the first position UP (refer to Figure 3a ), a first angle αUP is formed between the leg support 240 and the backrest 220. When the inner seat portion 200 is in the second position LP (reference Figure 3c ), a second angle αLP is formed between the leg support 240 and the backrest 220. The second angle αLP is greater than the first angle αUP. When the inner seat portion 200 is in a position between the first position UP and the second position LP (reference Figure 3b), an angle α greater than αUP and less than αLP is formed between the leg support 240 and the backrest 220. The larger second angle αLP allows a more open hip position for the child. When in the second position LP, the backrest 220 and the leg support 240 together form a sleeping position for the child, where the child can have a more open hip position and also support the legs compared to a more upright position.

[0099] The upright position is similar to a common sitting position for children in a car. The angle of the backrest 220 relative to the horizontal plane in the upright position can be about 45°, and the angle between the backrest 220 and the leg support 240 can be about 100°-110°. Due to frictional resistance, the inner seat portion 200 will maintain its upright position during normal use until the user / adult pulls or pushes the inner seat portion 200 to force it to slide out of the upright position. As will be explained later, a retaining mechanism or locking mechanism can be provided to further ensure that the inner seat portion 200 maintains its upright position.

[0100] The lie flat position is similar to a carrycot. In the lie flat position, the angle of the backrest 220 relative to the horizontal plane can be about 20°, and the angle between the backrest 220 and the leg support 240 can increase to about 150°. Due to frictional resistance, the inner seat portion 200 will maintain its lie flat position during normal use until it is forced to slide out of the lie flat position. This can be caused by the user / adult pulling or pushing the inner seat portion 200 or by the forces of a vehicle crash situation.

[0101] Figure 3a-3c The sliding movement shown is bidirectional, thereby allowing the inner seat portion 200 to slide forward or backward relative to the outer seat portion 300. The forward direction here refers to the direction that coincides with the forward direction when a child is sitting in the child safety seat.

[0102] The arcuate path along which the inner seat portion 200 slides can be a convex path, also referred to as a concave upward path. Therefore, the sliding movement along the arcuate path causes the inner seat portion 200 to move forward or backward while being rotated, thereby causing the angle of the backrest 220 to change to a more inclined or more upright position.

[0103] Figure 3a-3cAlso shown is a leg support 240 pivotally connected to the inner seat portion 200 and extending forward relative to the lower portion of the backrest 220 to provide support for the child to sit on and support at least the upper portion of the child's legs, for example, up to the knee area. The leg support 240 extends forward from the backrest 220 or from the vicinity of the backrest 220. The leg support 240 can optionally be made semi-flexible to allow it to deform elastically when subjected to the weight of the child's legs, that is, the bending movement of the leg support is caused by the weight of the child's legs. The flexibility should allow the leg support 240 to have a certain downward bending while still providing support for the child's legs. The leg support 240 can include a flexible or non-flexible sheet material, such as a plastic sheet or a metal sheet, a flexible or non-flexible frame with a mesh, a stretched fabric, etc.

[0104] Pivot mechanism 245( Figure 3a-3c Not shown; see for example Fig.13 ) pivotally connects the leg support 240 to the inner seat portion 200. The pivot mechanism 245 allows the leg support 240 to rotate relative to the backrest 220, so that a change in the angle between the backrest 220 and the leg support 240 can be achieved.

[0105] A portion of leg support 240 may be disposed within the vertical projection of outer seat portion 300. Thus, leg support 240 may abut against a front portion of outer seat portion 300 such that outer seat portion 300 limits the extent to which leg support 240 may rotate. Figure 3a In the first position UP of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the leg support 240 is almost completely located within the vertical projection of the outer seat portion 300. When the inner seat portion 200 moves toward the second position LP (refer to FIG. Figure 3b and Figure 3c ), that is, when the inner seat portion 200 moves forward and rotates relative to the outer seat portion 300, the leg support 240 also moves forward and upward and extends further from the front of the outer seat portion 300. Therefore, the leg support 240 will be allowed to rotate further downward, thereby increasing the angle relative to the backrest 220 before being restricted by the outer seat portion 300.

[0106] Figure 4 A cross section through the middle of the inner seat portion 200 is shown. The inner seat portion 200 includes a rigid shell that includes a backrest 220 and side wings 260. The inner seat portion 200 also includes a headrest 230, a leg support 240, and an inner frame 250 that includes a crotch strap attachment member 210 that extends forward relative to a lower portion of the backrest 220. The inner frame 250 also includes a portion extending along the backrest 220 (see also Figure 6). A crotch strap 510, which is part of the child's safety belt system 500, is secured to the crotch strap attachment member 210. The inner seat portion 200 may also be equipped with various padding, cushioning, and fabrics, as well as other common features of child safety seats.

[0107] Preferably, the angle between the backrest 220 and the crotch strap attachment member 210 is fixed so that the relative position of the crotch strap attachment member 210 and the backrest 220 is maintained. When the inner seat portion 200 moves relative to the outer seat portion 300 to change the inclination of the backrest 220, the safety belt straps 520a, 520b, i.e., the safety belt webbing (see Fig.15 ), thereby maintaining its length and therefore tension, while the leg support 240 can rotate without affecting the belt tension. Thus, a parent can change the position of the child from a reclined sleeping position to a more upright position, and the seat 100 ensures that the belt always maintains its tension, thereby avoiding a dangerous situation where the parent inadvertently releases the belt when changing the seat recline.

[0108] Figure 5 300. The outer seat part 300 comprises a rigid shell covering the underside of the backrest 220 and approximately the entire leg support 240 when the inner seat part 200 is in the first position UP (see, for example, FIG. Figure 3a-3c ). The outer seat portion 300 may also be equipped with various padding, cushioning, and fabrics, as well as other common features of child safety seats, such as armrest attachments 610.

[0109] When the inner seat portion 200 moves in the forward direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 3b As shown, at least a portion of the leg support 240 extends outwardly from the front of the outer seat portion 300 .

[0110] Reference now Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the inner seat portion 200 may include an inner frame 250, and the outer seat portion may include an outer frame 350. The inner frame 250 includes a first sliding element 410, which is configured to engage with a second sliding element 420 of the outer frame 350. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the first sliding element 410 includes two sliding members 411, 412 in the form of guide rods, one arranged at the backrest 220 and the other arranged near the sitting area of ​​the child (refer to Figure 4 ), while the second sliding element 420 comprises two corresponding sliding profiles 421, 422 in the form of guide grooves (refer to Figure 5 ) so that the guide rods 411 and 412 slide therein. Figure 5It can be seen that the rear guide slot 422 is curved, while the front guide slot 421 is straight. The two guide slots 421, 422 together form an arcuate path for the inner seat part 200 to move along. The rear guide slot 422 can also be straight, as long as it is arranged obliquely relative to the front guide slot 421, for example, the rear guide slot 422 can be inclined downward, while the front guide slot 421 is inclined upward. Alternatively, only one curved guide slot can be provided. In another embodiment, the outer frame 350 includes (one or more) sliding members (e.g. (one or more) rods), and the inner frame 250 includes (one or more) sliding profiles (e.g. (one or more) grooves), but the working principle is the same as above. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Same as described.

[0111] The inner frame 250 and the outer frame 350 can be "rigid." Thus, the inner seat portion 200 can include a shell and an inner frame 250 that can be formed from one piece of material or can be fixedly attached to each other. The outer seat portion 300 can include a shell and an outer frame 350 that can be formed from one piece of material or can be fixedly attached to each other.

[0112] Preferably, the shell of the outer seat part 200 is seat-shaped, ie a curved shell having a portion behind the child's back and a portion in the sitting area, such as Figure 5 The shell of the inner seat portion 200 may provide the backrest 220, while the inner frame 250 provides the sliding element 410 and may also provide various other functions, such as the crotch strap attachment member 210. Thus, the inner frame 250 and the outer frame 350 may be connected to form a sliding system 400 for the child safety seat 100.

[0113] Figure 6 A side view of an inner frame 250 for the inner seat portion 200 is shown, and Figure 7 A side view of an outer frame 350 for an outer seat part 300 is shown. The inner frame 250 can be fixed to the shell of the inner seat part 200, for example to the backrest 220, for example by screws or the like. Similarly, the outer frame 350 can be fixed to the shell of the outer seat part 300, for example by screws or the like. Figure 8 An exploded view of the assembly of the inner frame 250 and the outer frame 350 is shown for slidingly engaging the sliding elements 410 , 420 of the inner frame 250 and the outer frame 350 .

[0114] Figure 6 The inner frame 250 includes a portion having a notch 251 for receiving a pin, a rod, etc. arranged on the headrest 230 to lock the headrest 230 in various positions to adjust to the height of the child. The portion extends along the backrest 220.

[0115] Figure 6 Also shown are sliding elements 410 in the form of front and rear rails (411, 412), and crotch strap attachment members 210 securing the crotch strap 510. When the inner frame 250 is secured to the inner seat portion 200, the backrest 220 and crotch strap attachment members 210 will have a fixed mutual angle.

[0116] When the internal frame 250 is attached to the external frame 350 so that the sliding elements 410 (i.e., guide rods 411, 412) of the internal frame 250 are slidably engaged with the sliding elements 420 (i.e., guide grooves 421, 422) of the external frame 350, the internal frame 250 and therefore the internal seat part 200 can move within the external frame 350 of the external seat part 300.

[0117] like Figure 8 As best seen, the outer frame 350 may include an outer support ring 351 that surrounds the outer seat portion 300 for structural support. Various other configurations for structural support are contemplated. Figure 8 As shown, the guide grooves 421, 422 may include pairs of adjacent grooves. Figure 8 A front guide rod 411 and a rear guide rod 412 are shown for sliding in the pair of guide grooves 421, 422, but pairs of guide rods may also be used, for example one guide rod for each groove in the pair of guide grooves.

[0118] Fig. 9 The inner seat portion 200 is shown in an upright position. Figure 6 and Figure 7 A sliding system 400 is provided between the inner frame 250 and the outer frame 350 . Fig.10 The inner seat portion 200 is shown in the lying position. Fig. 9 Sliding system 400. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The position shown is the end position, that is, the guide rods 411, 412 are located at the outermost positions in the guide grooves 421, 422. Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the guide rods 411 and 412 are located at the rearmost positions in the guide grooves 421 and 422, and Fig.10 , the guide rods 411, 412 have moved to the front of the guide grooves 421 and 422. Intermediate positions between these positions can also be provided in a stepwise or stepless manner. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 No steps are shown.

[0119] Fig.11 A top perspective view of a child safety seat 100 including an outer seat portion 300 , an inner seat portion 200 , and a leg support 240 is shown. Fig.12The leg support 240 can be seen more clearly in FIG. Fig.12 Also shown is a pivot mechanism 245 that pivotally connects the rear portion of the leg support 24 to the inner frame 250 of the inner seat portion 200. As previously described, the inner frame 250 can be an integral part of the inner seat portion 200, or fixedly attached to the inner seat portion 200 so that the backrest 220 (refer to Figure 4 ) has a fixed angle relative to the crotch strap attachment member 210. When viewed from above, Fig.11 and Fig.12 The leg support 240 shown in FIG. 1 includes a U-shape, thereby providing space for the leg support 240 to pivot or rotate across the crotch strap 510 and the crotch strap attachment member 210. The leg support 240 may alternatively have other shapes that allow it to rotate without colliding with or interfering with the crotch strap attachment member 210. Thus, the leg support is configured to rotate while the crotch strap attachment member 210 is fixed in its position, thereby allowing a child to achieve a more open hip position without affecting the tension of the seat belt.

[0120] Fig.13 A detailed view of one embodiment of a pivot mechanism 245 connecting the leg support 240 to the inner frame 250 of the inner seat portion 200 is shown. In this embodiment, the pivot mechanism 245 includes a resilient member connected at one end to the inner frame 250 and at the other end to the leg support 240. The resilient member acts as a spring that allows pivotal movement of the leg support 240 relative to the inner frame 250 and, therefore, also relative to the backrest 220. The pivot mechanism may alternatively be a hinge or another type of spring that allows pivotal or rotational movement.

[0121] Fig.14 Buckles 540, upper guide points 521a, 521b and lower guide points 522a, 522b for the belt straps 520a, 520b are shown, as well as a crotch strap anchor point 511 on the inner frame 250 of the inner seat portion 200 (the housing of the inner seat portion is not shown). The upper guide points 521a, 521b include openings in the shoulder area of ​​the inner seat portion 200 for passing the belt straps 520a, 520b. From these openings, the belt straps 520a, 520b can run downward to the back of the backrest 220 and terminate at the adjustment strap 530. The lower guide points 522a, 522b can be formed by various fixing members that provide anchor points for the ends of the belt straps 520a, 520b.

[0122] Fig.15 It shows that Fig.14The seat belt anchor points are shown, but the shell of the inner seat 200 is shown. If the headrest 230 is configured to move up and down along the inner seat portion 200, the upper guide points 521a, 521b can be arranged on a portion of the inner seat portion 200 that moves with the headrest 230, or on a portion that is integral with the headrest 230.

[0123] A similar arrangement of the upper guide points 521a, 521b and the crotch belt fixing point 511 also applies to a three-point safety belt.

[0124] The seat belt straps 520a, 520b may be tensioned using the seat belt adjustment strap 530 and released via a tension release mechanism in a manner known in the art.

[0125] Optionally, a retaining mechanism or locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided for retaining or releasably locking the inner seat portion 200 in the first position UP and / or the second position LP. In one embodiment, the retaining mechanism is formed by a guide channel (one or more) having a groove, recess or ridge through which the guide member (i.e., the rod) must be pushed before it can continue to slide in the guide channel. If no retaining mechanism or locking mechanism is provided on the seat 100, the inner seat portion 200 may still maintain its position in the outer seat portion 300 due to frictional resistance to sliding. Such friction may occur between components of the sliding system 400, between components (such as fabric) covering the inner seat portion 200 and the outer seat portion 300, etc.

[0126] When a parent or another user wants to move the inner seat portion 200 from the upright position to the lying position or a position in between, he / she can push or pull the inner seat portion 200, whether or not the child is sitting in the seat 100, so that the inner seat portion 220 moves along an arc path through the sliding system 400 until the desired position is reached. Optionally, if a retaining mechanism is present, an additional push / pull force is required to initiate sliding. Optionally, if a locking mechanism is present, a release mechanism such as a knob may have to be released before sliding. The same method is used to move the seat in the opposite way, that is, from a lying position to an upright position (or a position in between).

[0127] If the seat is an infant carrier, or is of a type that can be released from a vehicle base with a child sitting in the seat 100, the position change of the inner seat portion 200 can be performed even if the seat 100 is not installed in the vehicle, such as standing on the floor, or installed in a stroller.

[0128] In the foregoing description, various aspects of the independent claims have been described. For ease of explanation, specific quantities, systems, and configurations are listed to provide a thorough understanding of the system and its working principle. However, this description is not intended to be interpreted as limiting. Various modifications and variations of the exemplary embodiments that are obvious to those skilled in the art of the disclosed subject matter, as well as other embodiments of the system, are considered to fall within the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

[0129] Reference numerals list

[0130] Description of Reference Numerals

[0131] 100 Child safety seats

[0132] 110 Vehicle seats

[0133] 200 Internal seat section

[0134] 210 Crotch strap attachment member

[0135] 220 Backrest

[0136] 230 Headrest

[0137] 240 Leg Support

[0138] 245 Pivot Mechanism

[0139] 250 Internal Frame

[0140] 251 Recess for headrest adjustment

[0141] 260 Flanker

[0142] 300 External seat section

[0143] 350 External frame

[0144] 351 External support ring

[0145] 400 Sliding System

[0146] 410 first sliding element

[0147] 411 Front sliding member

[0148] 412 rear sliding member

[0149] 420 Second sliding element

[0150] 421 Front Slide Profile

[0151] 422 Rear Slide Profile

[0152] 500 Seat belt system

[0153] 510 Crotch strap

[0154] 511 Crotch strap attachment point

[0155] 520a, 520b Seat belt straps

[0156] 521a, 521b upper guide point

[0157] 522a, 522b Lower guide point

[0158] 530 Seat belt adjustment strap

[0159] 540 Buckle

[0160] 600 Handrail

[0161] 610 Handrail Attachment

Claims

1. A child safety seat (100) for use in a vehicle seat (110), the child safety seat (100) comprising: an outer seat part (300) comprising connection means for connecting the child safety seat (100) to a base arranged in the vehicle seat or to a vehicle fastening belt for fastening the child safety seat (100) to the vehicle seat (110), - an inner seat part (200) comprising a backrest (220), - a safety belt system (500) for securing a child in the child safety seat (100), a leg support (240) attached to the inner seat portion (200) and extending forward relative to a lower portion of the backrest (220) for supporting at least an upper portion of a child's legs, wherein at least a portion of the leg support (240) is configured to rotate relative to the backrest (220) so as to change an angle (α) between the leg support and the backrest, wherein the inner seat portion (200) is configured to slide relative to the outer seat portion (300) along an arcuate path between at least a first position (UP) and a second position (LP), and wherein, when the inner seat portion (200) is in the first position (UP), a first angle (αUP) is formed between the leg support (240) and the backrest (220), and, when the inner seat portion (200) is in the second position (LP), a second angle (αLP) is formed between the leg support (240) and the backrest (220), and wherein the second angle (αLP) is greater than the first angle (αUP).

2. The child safety seat (100) according to claim 1, comprising a pivot mechanism (245) pivotally connecting the leg support (240) to the inner seat portion (200).

3. The child safety seat (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The leg support (240) is configured to be elastically deformed when receiving the weight of a child's legs, thereby causing the leg support (240) to rotate relative to the backrest (220).

4. A child safety seat (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inner seat portion (200) includes a crotch strap attachment member (210) extending forwardly relative to a lower portion of the backrest (220), and wherein an angle between the backrest (220) and the crotch strap attachment member (210) is fixed.

5. The child safety seat (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When the inner seat portion (200) is in the first position (UP), a portion of the leg support (240) is arranged within a vertical projection of the outer seat portion (300).

6. A child safety seat (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When the inner seat portion (200) is in the second position (LP), at least a portion of the leg support (240) extends outwardly from a front portion of the outer seat portion (300).

7. A child safety seat (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The child safety seat (100) comprises a first sliding element (410) attached to the inner seat portion (200) and a second sliding element (420) attached to the outer seat portion (300), the first sliding element (410) being in sliding engagement with the second sliding element (420).

8. The child safety seat (100) according to claim 7, wherein: The inner seat portion (200) comprises an inner frame (250) comprising the first sliding element (410), and the outer seat portion (300) comprises an outer frame (350) comprising the second sliding element (420).

9. The child safety seat (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The second sliding element (420) comprises at least one sliding profile (421, 422), and the first sliding element (410) comprises at least one sliding member (411, 412), or vice versa, the at least one sliding member (411, 412) is arranged to slide along the at least one sliding profile (421, 422).

10. The child safety seat (100) according to claim 9, comprising a front sliding profile (421) and a rear sliding profile (422), a front sliding member (411) and a rear sliding member (412), wherein: The front sliding member (411) engages the front sliding profile (421) and the rear sliding member (412) engages the rear sliding profile (422).

11. A child safety seat (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The safety belt system (500) comprises a buckle (540), a crotch strap (510) having one end fixed to the crotch strap attachment member (210), and two safety belt straps (520a, 520b) configured to be fastened to the crotch strap (510) via the buckle (540), and wherein the inner seat portion (200) comprises upper guide points (521a, 521b) for fixing the safety belt straps (520a, 520b) on the shoulders of a child.

12. A child safety seat (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a retaining mechanism, which is configured to prevent the inner seat part (200) from sliding when in the first position (UP) until the inner seat part (200) is subjected to a push or pull force exceeding a threshold force.

13. A child safety seat (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a retaining mechanism, which is configured to prevent the inner seat part (200) from sliding when in the second position (LP) until the inner seat part (200) is subjected to a push or pull force exceeding a threshold force.

14. The child safety seat (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a locking mechanism for releasably locking the inner seat part (200) in the first position (UP).

15. A method for moving a child safety seat (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the method moving the child safety seat (100) between the first position (UP) and the second position (LP) by applying a pulling force or a pushing force to the inner seat part (200), so that the inner seat part (200) is forced to move forward or backward relative to the outer seat part (300) until the desired inclination of the backrest (220) is reached, and if the child safety seat includes a locking mechanism, the inner seat part (200) is released before applying the pulling force or the pushing force.

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