Child car seat elliptical path system

Abstract

Example systems, methods, and apparatus for implementing an elliptical path child car seat system are disclosed herein. A child car seat system includes a base, a child seat, and an elliptical path system. The elliptical path system includes at least a track member attached to the base and a carriage attached to the child seat. The carriage is configured to translate and rotate relative to the track member.

Description

[0001] Priority claims and cross-referencing of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 594,780, filed October 31, 2023, entitled “Child Car Seat Elliptical Path System,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and are based. Background Technology

[0003] Child car seats allow caregivers to safely transport children in a vehicle. However, child car seats can be difficult to access, especially when fastening and unfastening a child's seatbelt. The accessibility problem is primarily due to the large size of the car seats themselves. In attempts to address this, some child car seats are secured to a rotating base that rotates around a center point or axis; caregivers can rotate the child car seat toward the door to fasten and unfasten the child, thus providing improved accessibility. These child car seat and rotating base systems are generally difficult to rotate and are directionally limited because they can only rotate around a single center point or axis. When rotating around the center point, these existing systems can interfere with other child car seats or adult occupants in adjacent seating positions. Therefore, there is a need for a child car seat that allows caregivers to rotate the child car seat so that it faces outward toward the door, while providing sufficient clearance so as not to disturb adjacent occupants or other child car seats. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This article discloses example systems, methods, and apparatus for implementing elliptical paths in child car seat systems.

[0005] The aspects of the subject matter described herein may be used alone or in combination with one or more other aspects described herein. Based on the disclosure set forth herein, without limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way, in a first aspect of this disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, a child car seat system includes a base, a child seat, and an elliptical path system. The elliptical path system includes at least a track member attached to the base and a carriage attached to the child seat. The carriage is configured to translate and rotate relative to the track member.

[0006] In a second aspect of this disclosure, which can be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the carriage includes a first vertical member and a second vertical member. Each of the first and second vertical members is configured to slidably engage with a track member.

[0007] In a third aspect of this disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the first vertical member and the second vertical member have different lengths, such that the first vertical member engages with the track member at a first height, and the second vertical member engages with the track member at a second height different from the first height.

[0008] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, which can be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the track member includes four side rails that together form a concave square shape.

[0009] In a fifth aspect of the invention, which can be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the transverse rails bisect the concave square shape.

[0010] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, which can be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the track member comprises a four-pointed concave star shape.

[0011] In a seventh aspect of the invention, which can be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the transverse rails bisect the four-pointed concave star shape.

[0012] In an eighth aspect of this disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the carriage can be locked relative to the track member such that, when locked, the carriage cannot translate or rotate relative to the track member.

[0013] In a ninth aspect of this disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the child seat is configured to rotate from a forward or rearward position to a lateral position.

[0014] In a tenth aspect of this disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, when the child seat is rotated, the child seat also translates toward the loading position. This translation toward the loading position is in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0015] In the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the carriage includes a groove extending from a first end of the carriage to a second end of the carriage.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect of this disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the slot is configured to receive a column disposed along the track member.

[0017] In the thirteenth aspect of this disclosure, which can be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the track member is elliptical in shape and has a circular portion extending from one side of the elliptical shape.

[0018] In a fourteenth aspect of the invention, which can be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, a child car seat system includes a child seat and an elliptical path system. The elliptical path system includes at least a track member having posts and a carriage attached to the child seat. The carriage includes a groove extending from a first end of the carriage to a second end of the carriage. The groove is configured to receive a post.

[0019] In a fifteenth aspect of the invention, which can be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the carriage is configured to translate and rotate relative to the track member.

[0020] In a sixteenth aspect of this disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the carriage is lockable relative to the track member such that, when locked, the carriage cannot translate or rotate relative to the track member.

[0021] In the seventeenth aspect of this disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the child seat is configured to rotate from a forward or rearward position to a lateral position.

[0022] In the eighteenth aspect of this disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, when the child seat is rotated, the child seat also translates toward the loading position. The translation toward the loading position is in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0023] In the nineteenth aspect of this disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the track member is elliptical in shape and has a circular portion extending from one side of the elliptical shape.

[0024] In a twentieth aspect of this disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect or part thereof, the carriage includes a first vertical member configured to slidably engage with a track member.

[0025] Additional features and advantages are described in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, and will be apparent from them. The features and advantages described herein are not exhaustive, and in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings and description. Furthermore, no particular embodiment is required to possess all the advantages listed herein, and it is expressly contemplated that individual advantageous embodiments be claimed separately. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in this specification has been chosen primarily for readability and guidance purposes, and not to limit the scope of the subject matter of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The instruction manual refers to the following figures, in which the same reference numerals are used in different figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0027] Figure 1This is a top view of a child car seat elliptical path system in an extended position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a top view of a child car seat elliptical path system in a non-extended position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a side perspective view of the long end of the central rail according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a side perspective view of a carriage connected to a child car seat according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a top view of an elliptical path system for use with a child car seat according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a top perspective view of the elliptical path system track of a child car seat connected to a child car seat base according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a top perspective view of a child car seat elliptical path system connected to a child car seat base according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a top perspective view of a child car seat elliptical path system connecting a child car seat base and a seat connector according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figures 9A to 9C This is a bottom-up view of various configurations of a carriage connected to a track member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figures 10A to 10C This is a top perspective view of an elliptical path system for use with a child car seat according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a top perspective view of the track and carriage of an elliptical path system for a child car seat according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a top perspective view of the elliptical path system track for a child car seat according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a top perspective view of a child car seat elliptical path system carriage according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a side view of a child car seat elliptical path system carriage according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] This document specifically describes the subject matter of embodiments to satisfy legal requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in combination with other prior or future technologies. This description should not be construed as implying any particular order or arrangement of the various steps or elements unless the order of arrangement of the various steps or elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back” are intended to refer to the orientation of components and directions as shown and described in the figures (or figures). Throughout this disclosure, lettered reference numerals refer to specific instances of elements, and reference numerals without accompanying letters generally or collectively refer to elements. Thus, by way of example (not shown in the figures), device “12A” refers to an instance of a category of devices that may be collectively referred to as device “12,” and any of them may be collectively referred to as device “12.” In the figures and description, similar numerals are intended to denote similar elements.

[0042] This article discloses methods, systems, and apparatus for elliptical path systems for child car seats.

[0043] While this document discloses example methods, apparatuses, and systems for child car seat ellipsoidal pathway systems, it should be understood that these methods, apparatuses, and systems may be operable for other applications, such as child seats in event venues or air transport.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a top view of the child car seat elliptical path system 100 in its extended position. (See image.) Figure 1 As shown, the child car seat elliptical path system 100 includes a track component 105 and a carriage 110. The track component 105 includes four side rails 115 with a curved shape. The four side rails 115 have the same length and are arranged such that each rail end meets another rail end at a rail convergence point 130. Therefore, the side rails 115 form a concave square shape with the rail convergence point 130. Additionally, as... Figure 1As shown, the track member 105 includes a central rail 125 having two long ends 120. The central rail 125 bisects a concave square shape defined by four rails 115. Specifically, the central rail 125 is aligned with and extends parallel to the two converging points 130'. Moreover, the length of the central rail exceeds the length between the two converging points 130', such that the two long ends 120 are located on the sides of the two converging points 130'. Furthermore, the track member 105 is symmetrical along the plane formed by the central rail 125 and along the vertical plane corresponding to the converging points 130.

[0045] The carriage 110 includes a deep member 111 and a shallow member 112. Figure 4 (Shown more clearly). The carriage 110 is movably coupled to the track member 105, allowing the carriage 110 to slide along the track member 105. Specifically, the deep member 111 and the shallow member 112 of the carriage 110 are slidably coupled to the central rail and the side rail 115, respectively, allowing the carriage 110 to slide on the side rail 115 and the central rail 125, as described in further detail below. In an embodiment, the deep member 111 and the shallow member 112 of the carriage 110 can be "locked" in a given position along either the side rail 115 or the central rail 125. That is, when in the "unlocked" state, the deep member 111 and the shallow member 112 of the carriage 110 slide freely within the side rail 115 and the central rail 125; the deep member 111 and the shallow member 112 of the carriage 110 are fixed at a given position within the side rail 115 and / or the central rail 125, such that the deep member 111 and the shallow member 112 cannot slide in the "locked" state. Therefore, when locked, the carriage 110 cannot rotate or translate relative to the track member 105.

[0046] Furthermore, the carriage 110 can be arranged on the track member 105 in either an extended or non-extended configuration. For example... Figure 1 As shown, system 100 is in an extended configuration, whereby one of the deep member 111 or the shallow member 112 is located near one of the long ends 120 of the central rail 125; in this extended configuration, carriage 110 is disposed on the long end 120 of the central rail 125 such that carriage 110 is parallel to the long end 120.

[0047] It should be understood that system 100 is typically configured to be coupled to a child car seat base such that, for example, track member 105 is coupled to the child car seat base and carriage 110 is selectively coupled to the child car seat. Subsequently, when the caregiver selectively engages the child car seat to the child car seat base, they can selectively engage carriage 110 to track member 105. Relatedly, track member 105 is coupled to the child car seat base such that, after the child car seat base is installed, one of its long ends 120 faces the vehicle door. Therefore, when system 100 is configured in an extended position, the child car seat both rotates toward the vehicle's side door and extends outward toward the vehicle's side door (e.g., during active loading / unloading).

[0048] Figure 2 This is a top view of the child car seat elliptical path system 100 in its non-extended position. When the system 100 is configured in its non-extended configuration, one of the deep member 111 or the shallow member 112 of the carriage 110 is located near one of the four track convergence points 130. Therefore, when the system is in its non-extended configuration, the child car seat does not extend outward toward the door; instead, in the non-extended configuration, the child car seat is positioned (e.g., during travel) in a forward or rearward configuration around the center of the car seat base.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a side perspective view of the long end of the central rail 125. (See image below.) Figure 3 As shown, in the track member 105, the central rail 125 has a central depth 126, and the side rail 115 has a side depth 116.

[0050] Relatedly, Figure 4A side perspective view of a carriage 110 connected to a child car seat 101 is shown. In a preferred embodiment, the carriage 110 is connected to the child car seat 101 such that a deep member 111 faces the front 103 of the child car seat, and a shallow member 112 faces the rear 102 of the child car seat. Furthermore, in use, the deep member 111 is slidably connected to a central rail 125 such that the deep member 111 engages with a central depth 126, and the shallow member 112 engages with a side depth 116. Therefore, the seat 101 moves about the central rail 125 via the deep member 111 and the central depth 126, allowing the seat 101 to move "outward" from the vehicle toward the door. Correspondingly, the seat 101 moves about a side rail 115 via the shallow member 112 and the side depth 116 to allow the seat to travel about the side rail 115. The combined movement of the seat 101 about the side rail 115 and the central rail 125 allows a caregiver to move the seat 101 along an elliptical path. The deep member 111 and the shallow member 112 together provide multi-point rotation of the carriage 110 (and therefore multi-point rotation of the seat 101). As an example, the seat 101 rotates from a rearward configuration during travel to a lateral configuration during unloading; during this rotation, the seat 101 has both translational (relative to the base) and rotational (relative to the base) capabilities. This improved range of motion ensures that when the seat 101 rotates through the child car seat elliptical path system 100, other seats or occupants adjacent to the seat 101 are not unintentionally contacted. Relatedly, Figure 5 A top view of a child car seat elliptical path system 100 used with a child car seat 101 is shown.

[0051] Figures 6 to 10C This corresponds to a second embodiment of the child car seat elliptical path system 100. This embodiment includes many features similar to the first embodiment, such as a carriage 110 slidably connected to the track member 105. Figures 6 to 10C As shown, the track component 105 used in the second embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment. Specifically, as... Figure 6 As shown, the track component 105 includes a single four-pointed concave star-shaped side rail 115′, instead of four curved side rails 115. The star-shaped side rail 115′ has four dots corresponding to the four converging points 130, 130′. Figure 6 As shown, the central rail 125 bisects the star-shaped side rails 115' at two converging points 130'. Furthermore, the star-shaped side rails 115' include two converging points 130, each diagonally opposite to two other converging points 130'. Similar to previous disclosures, the star-shaped side rails 115' have a lateral depth, and the central rail 125 has a central depth (different from the lateral depth); this configuration accommodates two members of different depths, such as the deep member 111 and the shallow member 112 disclosed in more detail herein.

[0052] Figure 7A second embodiment of a child car seat elliptical path system 100 is shown, wherein a carriage 110 is movably coupled to a track member 105. The track member 105 is disposed on a base 104 of the car seat.

[0053] in addition, Figure 8 A second embodiment of the child car seat elliptical path system 100 is shown, wherein a carriage 110 is movably coupled to a track member 105, and a seat connector 106 is coupled to the carriage. It is noteworthy that the car seat 101 can then be selectively coupled to the seat connector 106 (and thus to the base 104). However, it should be recognized that in alternative embodiments, the car seat 101 is directly coupled to the elliptical path system 100 (i.e., without the seat connector 106).

[0054] Figures 9A to 9C Bottom-up view of the various positions of the carriage 110 connected to the track member 105. Figure 9A This shows the child car seat 101 in the driving position (e.g., Figure 10A (As shown) the relative positions of the carriage 110 and the track member 105. In this configuration, the deep member 111 is located at the midpoint of the central track 125, and the shallow member 112 is located at one of the two converging points 130. For example, in the driving position, the child car seat 101 is prepared for transport in a forward or rearward configuration.

[0055] Figure 9B A bottom view shows the configuration of the carriage 110 and track member 105 when the child seat 101 is in the movable position. In this configuration, the deep member 111 moves away from the center of the central track 125, and the shallow member 112 is not located at either of the convergence points 130, 130'. Figure 9B The construction shown is similar to Figure 10B The seat positions seen in the diagram correspond to the positions of the child car seat 101. For example, in the moving position, the child car seat 101 rotates from the driving position to the loading / unloading position.

[0056] Figure 9C A bottom-up view shows the configuration of the carriage 110 and track member 105 when the child seat 101 is in the loading / unloading position. In this configuration, the deep member 111 is moved away from the center of the central track 125 to the long end 120 closest to the door, and the shallow member 112 is located at the convergence point 130' closest to the door. Figure 9C The construction shown is similar to Figure 10C The seat positions seen in the diagram correspond to the child car seat 101. For example, in the loading / unloading position, the child car seat 101 rotates and translates towards the caregiver at the door, thereby improving the overall accessibility to the child during loading or unloading.

[0057] Figures 11 to 14 This corresponds to a third embodiment of the child car seat elliptical path system 100. This embodiment includes many features similar to the first two embodiments, such as a carriage 110 slidably connected to the track member 105. Figures 11 to 14 As shown, the track member 105 and carriage 110 used in the third embodiment differ from the first two embodiments discussed above. Specifically, as Figures 11 to 12 As shown, track member 105 includes a central post 113. The central post 113 is attached to track member 105. In an example embodiment, the central post 113 is integrally formed with track member 105. For example, the central post 113 is part of track member 105 formed by injection molding. Carrier 110 is configured to be slidably coupled to central post 113 (as discussed in more detail herein).

[0058] The track component 105 includes an elliptical or oblong track 114. For example, the track 114 is generally elliptical in shape and has a circular portion extending from one side of the generally elliptical shape. For example, this particular configuration of the track 114 can ensure that the occupant of the car seat can be "closer" to the caregiver at the side door of the vehicle to improve accessibility during loading and unloading.

[0059] Continue, with special reference Figures 13 to 14 The carriage 110 may be generally rectangular in shape, having a first end 118 and a second end 119. The carriage 110 may additionally include a groove 117 extending from a first surface of the carriage 110 to a second surface of the carriage 110, such that the groove 117 is a through groove. The groove 117 may extend generally in a direction from the first end 118 to the second end 119, such that the groove 117 is generally parallel to the length of the rectangular carriage 110. The groove 117 is sized to receive a central post 113. That is, when the central post 113 is positioned within the groove 117, the carriage 110 is configured to both rotate about the central post 113 and slide relative to the central post 113.

[0060] like Figure 14 Specifically, the carriage 110 further includes a member 121 disposed along the bottom surface of the carriage 110. In the example embodiment, the member 121 is disposed near a first end 118 of the carriage 110; however, it should be appreciated that the member 121 may alternatively be disposed near a second end 119 of the carriage 110. Return to Figure 11The carriage 110 is movably connected to the track member 105. Specifically, member 121 of the carriage 110 is slidably connected to the track 114, and a central post 113 is disposed within a slot 117 of the carriage 110. In this configuration, the carriage 110 can slide along the track 114. It should be understood that, in the embodiment, member 121 is "lockable" at a given position along the track 114. That is, when in the "unlocked" state, member 121 of the carriage 110 slides freely within the track 114; in the "locked" state, member 121 is fixed at a given position within the track 114 such that member 121 cannot slide in the "locked" state.

[0061] It should be recognized that the car seat connection and / or carriage can be selectively connected to carriage 110.

[0062] Many features and advantages of this disclosure are apparent from the written description, and therefore the appended claims are intended to cover all such features and advantages of this disclosure. Furthermore, since many modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, this disclosure is not limited to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Therefore, the described embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and this disclosure should not be limited to the details given herein, but should be defined by the full scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, whether or not such equivalents are foreseeable now or in the future.

Claims

1. A child car seat system, comprising: Base; Child car seat; as well as An elliptical path system, wherein the elliptical path system includes at least: A track component, the track component being attached to the base, and The carriage, which is attached to the child seat, The carriage is configured to translate and rotate relative to the track component.

2. The child car seat system according to claim 1, wherein, The carriage includes a first vertical member and a second vertical member, wherein each of the first vertical member and the second vertical member is configured to slidably engage with the track member.

3. The child car seat system according to claim 2, wherein, The first vertical member and the second vertical member have different lengths, such that the first vertical member engages with the track member at a first height, and the second vertical member engages with the track member at a second height different from the first height.

4. The child car seat system according to claim 2, wherein, The track component includes four side rails that together form a concave square shape.

5. The child car seat system according to claim 4, wherein, The transverse rails bisect the concave square shape.

6. The child car seat system according to claim 2, wherein, The track component includes a four-pointed concave star shape.

7. The child car seat system according to claim 6, wherein, The transverse rails bisect the four-pointed concave star shape.

8. The child car seat system according to claim 1, wherein, The carriage can be locked relative to the track member, such that when locked, the carriage cannot translate or rotate relative to the track member.

9. The child car seat system according to claim 1, wherein, The child seat is configured to rotate from a forward or rearward position to a lateral position.

10. The child car seat system according to claim 9, wherein, When the child seat rotates, the child seat also translates toward the loading position, wherein the translation toward the loading position is in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of travel.

11. The child car seat system according to claim 1, wherein, The carriage includes a groove extending from a first end of the carriage to a second end of the carriage.

12. The child car seat system according to claim 11, wherein, The slot is configured to receive a column positioned along the track member.

13. The child car seat system according to claim 12, wherein, The track component is elliptical in shape and has a circular portion extending from one side of the elliptical shape.

14. A child car seat system, comprising: Child car seat; as well as An elliptical path system, wherein the elliptical path system includes at least: Track component, the track component having columns, and A carriage attached to the child seat, wherein the carriage includes a groove extending from a first end of the carriage to a second end of the carriage, and wherein the groove is configured to receive the post.

15. The child car seat system according to claim 14, wherein, The carriage is configured to translate and rotate relative to the track component.

16. The child car seat system according to claim 14, wherein, The carriage can be locked relative to the track member, such that when locked, the carriage cannot translate or rotate relative to the track member.

17. The child car seat system according to claim 14, wherein, The child seat is configured to rotate from a forward or rearward position to a lateral position.

18. The child car seat system according to claim 17, wherein, When the child seat rotates, the child seat also translates toward the loading position, wherein the translation toward the loading position is in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of travel.

19. The child car seat system according to claim 14, wherein, The track component is elliptical in shape and has a circular portion extending from one side of the ellipse.

20. The child car seat system according to claim 14, wherein, The carriage includes a first vertical member configured to slidably engage with the track member.

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