Automobile seat

Abstract

The invention discloses an automobile seat. The automobile seat comprises a base and a seat shell. The base includes a receiving portion and a backing portion. The backing portion further includes a seatbelt guide. The seatbelt guide includes a slot opening, a slot, and a seatbelt channel extending between a rear surface of the backing portion and a front surface of the backing portion. A seatbelt path extends from the rear surface through the seatbelt channel to the opposite front surface such that a seat belt extends from the rear surface through the seatbelt channel to the opposite front surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of child car seats, and in particular, to a child car seat harness guide. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the United States, laws require and recommend the use of child car seats for children of certain ages or sizes. There are many types of car seats available for purchase. Infant car seats, which are recommended for use by children under one year of age, are typically rear-facing. Many infant car seats include a base that secures to a vehicle with a harness or tether and a seat that locks to the base. Some car seats, including convertible car seats, have a seat shell that accommodates a child occupant and a base that supports the seat shell. SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention proposes a car seat comprising: a seat shell and a base. The base comprises a receiving portion and a backing portion, the backing portion comprising a first side, an opposite second side, and a top side between the first side and the opposite second side, the backing portion further comprising a rear surface and an opposite front surface, the backing portion further comprising a harness guide; the harness guide comprising: a slot opening at the top side, a slot extending from the top side toward the receiving portion, and a harness passage extending between the rear surface and the front surface.

[0004] The present invention also proposes a car seat comprising: a seat shell and a base. The base comprises a receiving portion and a backing portion, the backing portion comprising a first side, an opposite second side, and a top side between the first side and the opposite second side, the backing portion comprising a rear surface and an opposite front surface; the backing portion comprising a reference midline equidistant between the first side and the second side; the opposite front surface comprising a first harness cover at least partially obscuring a first portion of the front surface; the backing portion further comprising a harness guide. The harness guide comprising: a slot opening at the top side, a slot extending from the top side toward the receiving portion, and a harness passage extending between the rear surface and the front surface; a harness path extending from a second side of the reference midline onto the rear surface to a first side of the reference midline and through the harness passage, and continuing on a first side of the reference midline on the front surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by reference to the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings depict only several examples in accordance with the present invention and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0006] Figure 1 is a side view of a car seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 and 3This is according to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 Side view of the base; Figure 4 This is according to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 Front view of the base; Figure 5 This is according to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 A close-up front view of the base; Figure 6 This is according to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 A close-up view of the base; Figure 7 This is according to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 Rear view of the base; Figure 8 This is according to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 A close-up rear view of the base; Figure 9 This is according to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 A close-up cross-sectional view of the base; Figure 10 This is according to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 A close-up cross-sectional view of the base; Figure 11 This is according to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 A view of the base; Figure 12 This is according to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 A top-down view of the base. Detailed Implementation

[0007] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the invention. In the drawings, like symbols denote like parts unless the context otherwise requires. The illustrative examples described in the detailed description and drawings are not intended to be limiting, but rather for purposes of explanation. Other examples may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented in the invention, and other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented in the invention. It will be readily understood that various aspects of the invention (as shown in the general description and drawings herein) can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a variety of different configurations, each of which is explicitly contemplated and forms part of the invention.

[0008] As will be discussed in more detail below, child car seats provide a safe seating option for children in vehicles. Child car seats can rotate relative to a base fixed to the vehicle. This rotation of the seat relative to the base allows the seat to face forward, backward, or in an intermediate position.

[0009] In certain configurations, a child car seat can face rearward in a vehicle. In this configuration, the occupant of the child car seat (a child) faces the seat back of the car seat to which the child car seat is secured. In this orientation, the child can in some instances be able to reach with hands or feet to the seat belt of the car seat, such as the shoulder belt portion of the car seat belt. For example, when securing the base of the child car seat to the car using the shoulder belt portion of the car seat belt, the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt can pass between the base and the child. In this configuration, the child can attempt to entangle their feet in, for example, the shoulder belt portion. A need exists for a functionality that prevents a child from entangling their feet in the shoulder belt.

[0010] As will be provided in greater detail below, the following disclosure provides a seat belt path integrated into the base of a child car seat. In an example, the seat belt path provides an option for securing a swivel child car seat to a car. In an example, the seat belt path includes a slot opening on the top side of the base to which the seat is rotatably attached. The slot opening can open into a slot that extends downward from the top side of the base. The slot transitions to a seat belt passage that also extends between the rear surface of the base and the front surface of the base. In an example, the seat belt path is offset from the centerline of the base as a result of the seat portion rotating relative to the base. In an example, the seat belt passage is located inboard of the centerline (e.g., closer to one side of the middle of the vehicle to which it is secured than the other side). This inboard positioning minimizes the distance of the front side of the base that a child can interact with the seat belt. Further, in an example, a seat belt cover that extends from the front of the base also facilitates installation while further limiting the ability of a child to interact with the seat belt. Other structures and features are provided below to improve the installation of a child car seat in a vehicle having seat belt securing devices.

[0011] According to aspects of the present disclosure, Figures 1 to 12 Exemplary embodiments of car seats are shown in various specific degrees. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the car seats described herein can be convertible car seats that can be converted between at least two configurations. For example, the car seats described herein can be convertible between a forward-facing configuration and a rear-facing configuration. The car seats of the present disclosure can be configured to support an infant, a child, or a toddler, among others.

[0012] Generally speaking, Figures 1 to 12 A car seat 100 designed for transporting an infant or child in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile) is depicted. The car seat 100 generally includes a seat shell 200 and a base 300 that supports the seat shell 200 in a vehicle. The car seat 100 (i.e., the base 300) can be secured to a vehicle seat, such as by extending through a seat belt path 328 (see Figure 5vehicle safety belts (e.g., seat belts). As described herein, a seat belt can include an upper portion that extends to a passenger's chest and a lower portion that extends to a passenger's thigh. As will be apparent, the present disclosure describes the upper portion of a seat belt as passing through a belt guide on an automobile seat base 300.

[0013] In some aspects, the seat shell 200 can be rotatable relative to the base 300. In this way, the seat shell 200 can be rotated to be selectively positioned in a variety of different positions (e.g., a rear-facing position, a forward-facing position, a middle-loading position) when installed in a vehicle. In particular, the seat shell 200 can be rotatable about an axis 105 that is generally vertical. In some examples, the axis 105 is generally vertical, but is slightly tilted such that the angle of the seat shell 200 relative to the vehicle seat can change as the seat shell 200 is rotated about the axis 105 between the forward-facing and rear-facing positions.

[0014] Figure 1 An exploded side view of an automobile seat 100 system including a seat shell 200 and a base 300 is shown. The base includes a receiving portion 302 for receiving the seat shell 200 and a back portion 304 extending upwardly from the receiving portion 302. As Figures 1 to 4 shown, the back portion 304 includes a first side 306, a second side 308 (opposite the first side 306), a rear surface 310, an opposite front surface 312, a top side 314, and a receiving feature 340. Figure 2 A side view of the first side 306 of the base 300 is provided, Figure 3 A side view of the second side 308 of the base 300 is provided.

[0015] Figure 4 A front view of the base 300 is provided with a reference midline 342. The reference midline 342 is equidistant between the first side 306 and the second side 308. The reference midline 342 is present here for illustrative purposes only; it is not actually present; it is merely used as a reference to aid in describing the structure of the base 300.

[0016] The receiving feature 340 on the base 300 can receive a corresponding feature of the seat shell 200 to help retain the seat shell 200 on the base 300. As a non-limiting example, the receiving feature 340 is a downward hook. In other examples, the base 300 can have a receiving feature that forms a slot or groove for receiving or interfacing with the seat shell 200 or an upward hook. In some aspects, at least a portion of the receiving feature 340 extends between the bottom end 370 of the belt channel and the top side 314 of the base 300, as Figure 8 shown. In other words, at least a portion of the receiving feature 340 is undercut by the belt channel (either belt channel 322a or 322b).

[0017] Continuing, as Figure 4 shown, the top side 314 includes one or more seatbelt guides, such as seatbelt guide 316a and seatbelt guide 316b. Figure 5 The seatbelt guides 316a and 316b are provided in enlarged view. The seatbelt guides are used to help secure the base 300 to the vehicle via the vehicle seatbelt (e.g., the shoulder portion of the seatbelt). The vehicle seatbelt typically also includes a lap portion. The vehicle seatbelt typically transitions from the lap portion to the shoulder portion at a fastener (e.g., a seatbelt buckle). At times, the shoulder portion of the seatbelt is behind the back portion 304 of the base 300 when the car seat base is installed, but the installation can be enhanced by extending the shoulder portion to the front of the back portion 304 of the base 300. Certain aspects of the present disclosure utilize the seatbelt guides (e.g., seatbelt guides 316a and 316b) to route the shoulder portion of the seatbelt to the front side of the back portion 304 of the base 300 for additional support.

[0018] For the sake of brevity, further references to seatbelt guides by the present disclosure can refer to either seatbelt guide 316a or seatbelt guide 316b alone, which is not meant to limit the scope of the description. Features described in the present disclosure with respect to seatbelt guide 316a are equally applicable to seatbelt guide 316b, as seatbelt guide 316a and seatbelt guide 316b are mirror images of one another. Both are located on the top side 314 of the back portion 304 and on either side of the reference midline 342. Specifically, seatbelt guide 316a is located on a first side 344 of the reference midline 342, while seatbelt guide 316b is located on a second side 346 of the reference midline 342. Depending on which side of the vehicle the car seat 100 is installed, either seatbelt guide 316a or 316b will be selected. In one example, if the car seat 100 is installed on the passenger side of the vehicle, seatbelt guide 316a will be utilized. In another example, if the car seat 100 is installed on the driver side of the vehicle, seatbelt guide 316b will be utilized. It is contemplated that seatbelt guides 316a and 316b will be selected based on which side of the midline 342 is opposite the side of the vehicle (e.g., a left side vehicle installation will use the right side of the midline, while a right side vehicle installation will use the left side of the midline).

[0019] As Figure 5As shown in the enlarged view of the safety belt guide 316a, the safety belt guide 316a includes a slot opening 318a on the top side 314 of the backing portion 304. The slot opening 318a is a cavity-like space or void in the top side 314 that extends downwardly to the receiving portion 302, thereby forming a passageway (referred to herein as a slot 320a) that extends between the front surface 312 and the rear surface 310. The slot 320a is a passageway that can be in a generally vertical orientation that extends from the slot opening 318a on the top side 314 to the safety belt passageway 322a. In some aspects, the slot 320a is biased at an inward angle toward the reference centerline 342 as it extends from the slot opening 318a on the top side 314 to the safety belt passageway 322a. Both the slot 320a and the safety belt passageway 322a extend between the rear surface 310 and the front surface 312. In some aspects, the slot 320a is oriented generally vertically, substantially parallel to the reference centerline 342.

[0020] Similarly, the safety belt guide 316b includes a slot opening 318b on the top side 314 of the backing portion 304. The slot opening 318b is a cavity-like space or void in the top side 314 that extends downwardly toward the receiving portion 302, thereby forming a passageway, referred to herein as a slot 320b. The slot 320b is a vertical passageway that extends from the slot opening 318b on the top side 314 to the safety belt passageway 322b. The slot 320b is biased at an inward angle toward the reference centerline 342 as it extends from the slot opening 318b to the safety belt passageway 322b. Both the slot 320b and the safety belt passageway 322b extend between the rear surface 310 and the front surface 312.

[0021] As shown in the enlarged view of the safety belt guide 316a, the safety belt guide 316a includes a slot opening 318a on the top side 314 of the backing portion 304. The slot opening 318a is a cavity-like space or void in the top side 314 that extends downwardly to the receiving portion 302, thereby forming a passageway (referred to herein as a slot 320a) that extends between the front surface 312 and the rear surface 310. The slot 320a is a passageway that can be in a generally vertical orientation that extends from the slot opening 318a on the top side 314 to the safety belt passageway 322a. In some aspects, the slot 320a is biased at an inward angle toward the reference centerline 342 as it extends from the slot opening 318a on the top side 314 to the safety belt passageway 322a. Both the slot 320a and the safety belt passageway 322a extend between the rear surface 310 and the front surface 312. In some aspects, the slot 320a is oriented generally vertically, substantially parallel to the reference centerline 342. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As further shown, the seat belt of the vehicle passes through the safety belt guide from a starting point (e.g., a fixed point in the vehicle) to be secured in a fastening end point (i.e., a seat belt buckle of the vehicle). For example, Figure 5 is a front view of a portion of the backing portion 304 of the base 300, while Figure 6 provides Figure 5enlarged view of the same region. If the base 300 is located on the passenger side of the vehicle and facing forward (i.e., the front surface 312 faces the front end of the vehicle when installed), the seat belt will begin at the second side 308 of the base 300 on the passenger side of the vehicle. As shown, the seat belt extends from the rear surface 310 of the second side 308 through the belt channel 322a on the first side 306 to the front surface 312 of the base 300 to form the belt path 328. For example, if the base 300 is installed in the rear seat of the vehicle on the driver side, the seat belt will begin at the rear surface 310 on the first side 306 of the base 300 and extend through the belt channel 322b (opposite the seat belt origin) on the second side 308 of the base to the front surface 312 of the base 300.

[0022] In some aspects, the plurality of belt paths extend from the rear surface 310 through a belt channel (e.g., the belt channel 322a or the belt channel 322b) to the opposite front surface 312. Further, the belt path 328 extends only on one side of the front surface 312 of the base 300. The belt path 328 shown here refers to the upper portion of the seat belt, which typically extends across the chest of the occupant or the base 300 of the car seat.

[0023] As described in the above example and shown in Figure 5 If the seat belt extends through the belt channel 322a (on the first side 306), then the seat belt continues to extend only on the first side 344 of the reference midline and does not intersect the reference midline 342 on the front surface 312. The belt path 328 originates from the opposite side of the reference midline 342 as the used belt guide such that the belt path 328 intersects the reference midline on the rear surface 310 (i.e., when the seat belt originates from the passenger side or the second side 308, it extends from the second side 346 of the reference midline 342 on the rear surface 310 to the first side 344 of the reference midline 342 on the rear surface 310, through the belt guide 316a on the first side 344 of the reference midline 342, and only on the first side 344 of the reference midline 342 on the front surface 312). Thus, the belt path 328 originating from the driver side of the vehicle will begin at the first side 306 on the rear surface 310 (i.e., the first side 344 of the reference midline 342), cross the reference midline 342 to extend through the belt guide 316b on the second side 308, and continue to extend on the front surface 312 only on the second side 346 of the reference midline 342.

[0024] Because the seatbelt path 328 extends over the front surface 312, a mechanism is provided to cover the seatbelt. It is envisioned that when the car seat 100 is in a rear-facing orientation, a child's legs / feet are proximate to the front surface 312 of the base 300. Thus, the child occupant can come into contact with the seatbelt path 328. To avoid contact with the seatbelt path 328, the backing portion 304 further includes one or more seatbelt covers, as shown by the first seatbelt cover 352 and the second seatbelt cover 354 located on the front surface 312. In some aspects, the plurality of seatbelt covers extend away from the reference midline 342 of the front surface 312, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIGS. 30-31. Figure 6 and Figure 9 and Figure 10 In other aspects, the plurality of seatbelt covers extend toward the reference midline 342 of the front surface 312. When the seatbelt covers extend over the front surface 312, the seatbelt covers enclose / conceal the seatbelt. In some aspects, the seatbelt path 328 extends over the front surface 312 such that the seatbelt path 328 is between the front surface 312 and the first seatbelt cover 352 (or between the front surface 312 and the second seatbelt cover 354). For example, a seatbelt extending over the front surface 312 onto the first side 344 of the reference midline 342 will be concealed / obscured by the first seatbelt cover 352, while a seatbelt extending over the front surface 312 onto the second side 346 of the reference midline 342 will be obscured by the second seatbelt cover 354. This ensures that the seatbelt is flush with the base 300 and that a child seat occupant will not be able to tuck their feet and / or legs into the seatbelt as would be the case if the seatbelt were accessible. Instead, the seatbelt is enclosed from exposure to the front surface 312 at least over a portion of the seatbelt path 328 that extends from the seatbelt guide (either seatbelt guide 316a or 316b) to the end of the first seatbelt cover 352 or the end of the second seatbelt cover 354.

[0025] Figure 9 and Figure 10 are cross-sectional views to better illustrate the cantilevered positioning of the seatbelt covers. Figure 9A top-down cross-sectional view of the first seat belt cover 352 on the first side 306 and the second seat belt cover 354 on the second side 308 is provided. As shown, the first seat belt cover 352 includes a first end 364a proximate the reference midline 342 and a second end 366a distal from the reference midline. The first seat belt cover 352 extends away from the reference midline 342 such that the first end 364a is in direct contact with the front surface 312, while the second end 366a is not in direct contact with the front surface 312. Rather, there is a gap between the second end 366a and the front surface 312. In some aspects, the gap is 2 millimeters. The gap is large enough to allow a seat belt to slide through the gap in a flat orientation and not twist itself. A first portion 358 of the front surface 312 is obscured by the first seat belt cover 352. Figure 10 The seat belt path 328 is shown extending down to the receiving portion 302 between the front surface 312 of the first side 306 and the first seat belt cover 352.

[0026] Similarly, returning to Figure 9 , the second seat belt cover 354 includes a first end 364b proximate the reference midline 342 and a second end 366b distal from the reference midline. The second seat belt cover 354 extends away from the reference midline 342 such that the first end 364b is in direct contact with the front surface 312, while the second end 366b is not in direct contact with the front surface 312. Rather, there is a gap between the second end 366b and the front surface 312. In some aspects, the gap is 2 millimeters. A second portion 360 of the front surface 312 is obscured by the second seat belt cover 354.

[0027] Turning now to Figure 7 , a back view of the base 300 is provided. The back surface 310, as well as the first side 306 and the second side 308, are visible. The top side 314, including the seat belt guides 316a and 316b, is enlarged and shown in Figure 8 . As Figure 8 (And Figure 5As shown, the seatbelt channel includes a width 348 and a height 350. The width 348 extends from the first end 324 of the seatbelt channel 322a to the second end 326 of the seatbelt channel 322a and is at least as wide as a standard seatbelt such that the seatbelt is flat within the seatbelt channel 322a and does not twist. In some aspects, the width 348 of the seatbelt channel is greater than the height 350 of the seatbelt channel. In some aspects, the width 348 is two or more times the height 350. In some aspects, the width 348 of the seatbelt channel is between 1.5 inches and 4 inches. Similarly, each slot (slots 320a and 320b) includes a slot height 362. In some aspects, the slot height 362 is greater than the height 350 of the seatbelt channel 322a (or 322b). The slot height 362 can be less than 4 times the height 350 of the seatbelt channel 322a (or 322b). Additionally, while the height 350, width 348, and slot height 362 are shown for a single seatbelt guide for clarity, the description of the height and width applies equally to each of the seatbelt guide 316a and the seatbelt guide 316b.

[0028] Turning now to Figure 11 , an additional rear view of the base 300 is provided, showing a plurality of support structures 356 extending from the first side 306 to the second side 308 to the base 300 and extending from the top side 314 toward the receiving portion 302. The support structures 356 are vertical rigid members for stabilizing the base 300 and are located between the rear surface 310 and the front surface 312.

[0029] Figure 12 A top view of the base 300 is provided. As shown, the backing portion 304 extends upward from the receiving portion 302. Of particular note, Figure 12 In the top view, the top side 314, as well as the slot opening 318a and the slot opening 318b, are visible such that the slot openings 318a and 318b are shown as voids or blank spaces within the top side 314 that extend from the front surface 312 to the rear surface 310.

[0030] It should be noted that some of the terms used in the present invention can be relative terms. For example, the terms "upper" and "lower" and the terms "forward" (or "front") and "rearward" (or "rear") are relative in position, i.e., in a given orientation, the upper assembly is at a higher elevation than the lower assembly, but these terms can change if the device is flipped over. On the other hand, the middle assembly is always between the upper assembly and the lower assembly regardless of orientation. The terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are used to indicate direction relative to an absolute reference, i.e., the ground. However, these terms should not be interpreted to require the structures to be absolutely parallel or absolutely vertical. For example, the first vertical structure and the second vertical structure are not necessarily parallel to each other. The terms "top" and "bottom" are used to refer to a surface that is always higher than the bottom with respect to an absolute reference, i.e., the surface of the earth when the assembly is used as intended. The terms "upwardly" or "upwardly" and "downwardly" or "downwardly" are also relative to the absolute reference; upward is always opposite to the earth's gravity. The terms "forward" and "rearward" or "rear" are opposite to each other along a common direction with respect to position or orientation, and the "middle" position is always between the forward position and the rearward position.

[0031] The terms "operated as" and "configured as" and similar terms are used in the present invention to describe that a particular assembly has certain structural features designed to perform a specified function. Such assemblies should be interpreted as having the expressed structure, and the specified function is considered part of the structure. The term "engaged" and similar terms are used in the present invention to describe the interaction between particular assemblies, and do not necessarily require such assemblies to be in contact with each other (directly or indirectly). As used in the present invention and as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the term "automotive seat" encompasses automotive seats, safety seats, restraint devices, booster seats, etc. for children, infants, toddlers, etc.

[0032] The following embodiments represent example embodiments of the concepts contemplated by the present invention. Any one of the following embodiments can be combined in a number of dependent manners to rely on one or more other embodiments. Furthermore, any combination of dependent embodiments (embodiments that explicitly rely on a preceding embodiment) can be combined while remaining within the scope of the aspects contemplated by the present invention. The following embodiments are examples and not limiting.

[0033] Embodiment 1 : An automotive seat comprising: a seat shell and a base, wherein the base comprises a receiving portion and a backing portion, the backing portion comprising a first side, an opposite second side, and a top side between the first side and the opposite second side, the backing portion further comprising a rear surface and an opposite front surface, the backing portion further comprising a seat belt guide comprising: a slot opening at the top side, a slot, and a seat belt passage extending between the rear surface and the front surface.

[0034] Embodiment 2: The automotive seat in embodiment 1, wherein the seat shell is rotatable relative to the base.

[0035] Example 3: The automotive seat of any of examples 1-2, wherein the base further comprises a receiving feature.

[0036] Example 4: The automotive seat of example 3, wherein the receiving feature is a downwardly facing hook.

[0037] Example 5: The automotive seat of any of examples 1-4, wherein the seatbelt passage comprises a first end and a second end, wherein at least a portion of the receiving feature extends between the second end and the top side of the base.

[0038] Example 6: The automotive seat of any of examples 1-5, wherein the seatbelt path extends through the seatbelt passage from the rear surface to the opposing front surface.

[0039] Example 7: The automotive seat of any of examples 1-6, wherein the base comprises a reference midline equidistant between the first side and the second side, wherein the seatbelt passage is located on a first side of the reference midline.

[0040] Example 8: The automotive seat of example 7, wherein the seatbelt path extends only on the first side of the reference midline on the front surface.

[0041] Example 9: The automotive seat of example 7, wherein the seatbelt path extends from a second side of the reference midline to the first side of the reference midline on the rear surface and through the seatbelt passage, and continues to extend only on the first side of the reference midline on the front surface.

[0042] Example 10: The automotive seat of example 7, wherein the slot is biased at an inward angle toward the reference midline of the base as the slot extends from the slot opening to the seatbelt passage.

[0043] Example 11: The automotive seat of any of examples 1-10, wherein a width of the seatbelt passage is greater than a height of the seatbelt passage.

[0044] Example 12: The automotive seat of any of examples 1-10, wherein a width of the seatbelt passage is between 1.5 inches and 4 inches.

[0045] Example 13: The automotive seat of any of examples 1-10, wherein the base further comprises a first seatbelt cover and a second seatbelt cover.

[0046] Example 14: The automotive seat of example 13, wherein the seatbelt path extends between the front surface and the first seatbelt cover.

[0047] Embodiment 15: An automotive seat comprising: a seat shell and a base. Wherein the base comprises a receiving portion and a backing portion, the backing portion comprising a first side, an opposite second side, and a top side between the first side and the opposite second side. The backing portion further comprises a rear surface and an opposite front surface. Wherein the backing portion further comprises a reference midline equidistant between the first side and the second side. Wherein the opposite front surface comprises a first seat belt cover at least partially obscuring a first portion of the front surface. Wherein the backing portion further comprises a seat belt guide. Wherein the seat belt guide comprises: a slot opening at the top side, a slot extending from the top side toward the receiving portion, and a seat belt passage extending between the rear surface and the front surface. Wherein the seat belt path extends from a second side of the reference midline to a first side of the reference midline on the rear surface and through the seat belt passage, and continues on the first side of the reference midline on the front surface.

[0048] Embodiment 16: The automotive seat of Embodiment 15, wherein the first seat belt cover extends away from the reference midline of the front surface.

[0049] Embodiment 17: The automotive seat of any one of Embodiments 15-16, wherein on the front surface, the seat belt path and the seat belt passage extend on the same side of the reference midline.

[0050] Embodiment 18: The automotive seat of any one of Embodiments 15-17, wherein the seat shell is rotatable relative to the base.

[0051] Embodiment 19: The automotive seat of any one of Embodiments 15-18, wherein a width of the seat belt passage is greater than a height of the seat belt passage.

[0052] Embodiment 20: The automotive seat of any one of Embodiments 15-19, wherein a second seat belt cover at least partially obscures a second portion of the front surface and is located on an opposite side of the reference midline from the first seat belt cover.

[0053] While specific example embodiments have been described, no limitations are intended insofar as the scope of the embodiments should be as broad as possible, and the specification should be interpreted accordingly. That is, the foregoing description of specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the application that others can modify and / or adjust these specific embodiments to suit their particular needs or preferences without undue experimentation and without departing from the general concept of the present application. Consequently, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments described, as these can vary. It is therefore understood that the terminology or description should be interpreted as illustrative and in a non-limiting sense, and the terminology or description should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in light of the teachings and direction presented herein.

[0054] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing components, method steps and materials can be altered by substituting equivalent components, steps and materials that perform the same function. Those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that the size and strength of components can be scaled up or down as necessary for a specific purpose. It is therefore intended that the embodiments of the application embrace all such equivalents that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the application.

Claims

1. A car seat, characterized in that, include: Seat shell; and A base; wherein the base includes a receiving portion and a backing portion, the backing portion including a first side, an opposing second side and a top side located between the first side and the opposing second side, the backing portion also including a rear surface and an opposing front surface, and the backing portion also including a seat belt guide; The seatbelt guide includes: The slot opening is located on the top side; trough; and Seatbelt passage extending between the rear surface and the front surface.

2. The car seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seat housing is rotatable relative to the base.

3. The car seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base also includes receiving features.

4. The car seat according to claim 3, characterized in that, The receiving feature is a hook facing downwards.

5. The car seat according to claim 4, characterized in that, The seatbelt channel includes a first end and a second end; wherein at least a portion of the receiving feature extends between the second end and the top side of the base.

6. The car seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seatbelt path extends from the rear surface to the opposite front surface through the seatbelt channel.

7. The car seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base includes a reference centerline equidistant between the first side and the second side; wherein the seat belt passage is located on the first side of the reference centerline.

8. The automobile seat according to claim 7, characterized in that, The seatbelt path extends only on the first side of the reference centerline on the front surface.

9. The car seat according to claim 7, characterized in that, The seatbelt path extends from the second side of the reference centerline to the first side of the reference centerline on the rear surface and through the seatbelt channel, and continues to extend only on the first side of the reference centerline on the front surface.

10. The automobile seat according to claim 7, characterized in that, As the groove extends from the groove opening to the seat belt passage, the groove is offset toward the reference centerline of the base at an inward angle.

11. The car seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the seat belt passage is greater than the height of the seat belt passage.

12. The car seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the seatbelt passage is between 1.5 inches and 4 inches.

13. The car seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base also includes a first seat belt cover and a second seat belt cover.

14. The automobile seat according to claim 13, characterized in that, The seatbelt path extends between the front surface and the first seatbelt cover.

15. A car seat, characterized in that, include: Seat shell; and A base; wherein the base includes a receiving portion and a backing portion, the backing portion including a first side, an opposing second side, and a top side located between the first side and the opposing second side, the backing portion also including a rear surface and an opposing front surface; wherein the backing portion also includes a reference centerline equidistant between the first side and the second side; wherein the opposing front surface includes a first seat belt cover that at least partially obscures a first portion of the front surface; wherein the backing portion also includes a seat belt guide; The seatbelt guide includes: The slot opening on the top side; A groove extending from the top side toward the receiving portion; A seatbelt passage extending between the rear surface and the front surface; The seatbelt path extends from the second side of the reference centerline to the first side of the reference centerline on the rear surface and passes through the seatbelt channel, and continues to extend on the first side of the reference centerline on the front surface.

16. The automobile seat according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first seatbelt cover arm extends away from the reference centerline of the front surface.

17. The automobile seat according to claim 15, characterized in that, On the front surface, the seat belt path and the seat belt channel extend on the same side of the reference centerline.

18. The automobile seat according to claim 15, characterized in that, The seat housing is rotatable relative to the base.

19. The automobile seat according to claim 15, characterized in that, The width of the seat belt passage is greater than the height of the seat belt passage.

20. The automobile seat according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second seatbelt cover at least partially obscures a second portion of the front surface and is located on the side of the reference centerline opposite to the first seatbelt cover.

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