Child safety seat and baby seat and toddler seat thereof

Abstract

The utility model relates to a child safety seat and a baby seat and a child seat thereof, and the child safety seat is used for being placed on a vehicle seat and comprises a seat base and a seat body capable of being associated with the seat base. The seat body can be configured as both a baby seat and a child seat. A restraint belt is associated with the seat body and is operable when the seat body is configured as both the infant seat and the child seat.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 489,570, filed on March 10, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to a child safety seat and an infant seat and a toddler seat thereof. Background Art

[0004] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a child safety seat for use in a vehicle.

[0005] Child safety seats are used to transport children and are generally designed to be used in a car to properly restrain the child in the event of an accident. Some infant carriers are designed not only to form part of a child safety seat in a vehicle, but also to attach to a stroller to form a travel system. The use of such carriers allows the child to be positioned and properly restrained in the carrier when the carrier is separated from the vehicle. However, such systems are not suitable for use with older children.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved child safety seat that not only allows for easy transportation of a child when separated from the vehicle seat, but also allows for use with both infants and toddlers. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of this, an object of the present application is to provide a child safety seat and an infant seat and a toddler seat thereof which can allow easy transportation of a child when separated from a vehicle seat and can be used for both infants and toddlers, and which overcome the disadvantages of the aforementioned prior art.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a child safety seat for placement on a vehicle seat includes a seat base and a seat body that can be associated with the seat base. The seat body can be configured as both an infant seat and a toddler seat. A restraining belt is associated with the seat body and is operable when the seat body is configured as both the infant seat and the toddler seat.

[0009] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat body further includes a seat shell attached to the seat base and a seat insert removably connectable to the seat shell.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the restraining belt is attached to the seat insert.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat insert is detachable from the seat shell when the child is coupled to the seat insert via the restraint belt.

[0012] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat insert further comprises a headrest. The headrest is movable between a first position associated with the infant seat and a second position associated with the toddler seat.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the restraining belt is operably coupled to the headrest.

[0014] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat insert further comprises: a body including an insert seat portion and an insert upright portion; and at least one side wall. The at least one side wall may be connected to one side of the body.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in another embodiment, when the seat body is configured as the infant seat, the at least one side wall is connected to the body, and when the seat body is configured as the toddler seat, the at least one side wall is separated from the body.

[0016] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat body further comprises: an insert seat support surface on the seat insert for supporting a child thereon; and a carrying handle rotatably connected to the seat insert. The carrying handle is rotatable between a carrying position and a storage position. In the storage position, the carrying handle is positioned below the insert seat support surface.

[0017] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat body is positionable relative to the seat base in both a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position.

[0018] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat body may be positioned relative to the seat base at a position between the forward-facing position and the rearward-facing position.

[0019] According to one embodiment, an infant seat of a child safety seat includes a seat body having a seat shell and a seat insert that can be detachably connected to the seat shell. The seat insert has a body and a restraining belt coupled to the body.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat shell further includes a cavity, and the seat insert is positionable within the cavity.

[0021] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat insert further includes a plurality of side walls connected to the body to define an insert cavity within which a child can be received.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the body and the plurality of side walls of the infant seat may be positioned within the cavity.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat insert is detachable from the seat shell when the child is coupled to the seat insert via the restraint belt.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat insert is a baby carrier when the seat insert is separated from the seat shell.

[0025] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat insert is convertible to a toddler configuration.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a toddler seat of a child safety seat includes a seat body having a seat shell and a seat insert that can be detachably connected to the seat shell. The seat insert has a body and a restraining belt coupled to the body.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat shell further includes a cavity, and the seat insert is positionable within the cavity.

[0028] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat insert further comprises a plurality of side walls removably connectable to the main body. The plurality of side walls are separate from the main body.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat insert is detachable from the seat shell when a child is coupled to the seat insert via the restraint belt.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat insert is convertible to an infant configuration.

[0031] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a child safety seat includes positioning a seat shell relative to a seat base; arranging a seat insert in one of an infant configuration and a toddler configuration; and connecting the seat insert to the seat shell.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, positioning the seat shell relative to the seat base includes rotating the seat shell between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position.

[0033] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, arranging the seat insert includes adjusting a position of a headrest of the seat insert. In the infant configuration, the headrest is lowered relative to the seat insert, and in the toddler configuration, the headrest is raised relative to the seat insert.

[0034] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in another embodiment, arranging the seat insert includes adjusting the position of at least one side wall of the seat insert, wherein in the infant configuration, the at least one side wall is attached to the seat insert, and in the toddler configuration, the at least one side wall is detached from the seat insert.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, includes coupling a child to the seat insert via a restraining belt of the seat insert.

[0036] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the restraint belt is operable to couple the child to the seat insert when the seat insert is in both the infant configuration and the toddler configuration.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, connecting the seat insert to the seat shell includes positioning the seat insert within a cavity of the seat shell.

[0038] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, connecting the seat insert to the seat shell includes connecting a first portion of a connecting mechanism mounted to the seat insert to a complementary second portion of the connecting mechanism mounted to the seat shell.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, includes adjusting the position of a carrying handle of the seat insert.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, adjusting the position of the carrying handle includes rotating the carrying handle relative to the seat insert about an axis.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, adjusting the position of the carrying handle includes decoupling the carrying handle from the seat insert.

[0042] According to one embodiment, a child safety seat for placement on a vehicle seat includes: a seat base; a seat body associated with the seat base; and an accessory associated with one of the seat base and the seat body. The accessory is transformable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the retracted configuration, the accessory is stowed in a recess formed in one of the seat base and the seat body.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the accessory is pivotable about an axis between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the accessory is translatable between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration.

[0045] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the accessory includes a tray having a recessed area formed therein.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the accessory includes a cup holder.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, in the retracted configuration, the accessory is substantially flush with an adjacent surface of the one of the seat base and the seat body.

[0048] According to the present application, it is possible to allow easy transportation of children when separated from the vehicle seat and to allow use for both infants and young children. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered the same:

[0050] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a child safety seat including an infant seat in a rear-facing configuration according to an embodiment;

[0051] Figure 1B is a perspective view of a child safety seat including an infant seat in a forward-facing configuration according to an embodiment;

[0052] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a child safety seat including an infant seat in a sideways configuration according to an embodiment;

[0053] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a child safety seat including a toddler seat in a rear-facing configuration according to an embodiment;

[0054] Figure 3B is a perspective view of a child safety seat including a toddler seat in a forward-facing configuration according to an embodiment;

[0055] Figure 4A is a perspective view of an insert for a child safety seat having a carrying handle in a carrying position according to an embodiment;

[0056] Figure 4B A portable device having a carrying handle in a rearwardly inclined position according to an embodiment Figure 5A A perspective view of an insert for a child safety seat;

[0057] Figure 5A is a side perspective view of an insert of a child safety seat in an infant configuration according to an embodiment;

[0058] Figure 5B According to an embodiment Figure 5A A front perspective view of an insert for a child safety seat;

[0059] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a seat body of a child safety seat when an insert is separated from a seat shell according to an embodiment;

[0060] Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a seat body of a child safety seat according to an embodiment when an insert is installed in the seat shell and the carrying handle is in a carrying position;

[0061] Figure 7Bis a perspective view of a seat body of a child safety seat according to an embodiment when an insert is installed in the seat shell and the carrying handle is in a forward angled position;

[0062] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a seat body of a child safety seat according to an embodiment when an insert is installed in a seat shell and a carrying handle is separated from the insert;

[0063] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a carrying handle stowed within a cavity of a seat shell according to an embodiment;

[0064] Fig. 10A is a perspective view of a flexible region of a carrying handle of an insert according to an embodiment;

[0065] Fig. 10B According to an embodiment Fig. 10A A detailed perspective view of the flexible zone of FIG.

[0066] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a child safety seat with stowable accessories according to an embodiment;

[0067] Fig.12 is a front perspective view of a seat shell of a child safety seat according to an embodiment;

[0068] Fig.13 is a rear perspective view of an insert of a child safety seat according to an embodiment;

[0069] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view taken through a shell upright portion 42 of a seat shell according to one embodiment;

[0070] Fig.15 is a top view of a seat shell having an insert coupled thereto, shown as transparent, according to an embodiment; and

[0071] Fig.16 is a rear view of an insert coupled to a seat shell and an insert engagement component received within a shell engagement component according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is provided herein by way of example and not limitation with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3 , a child safety seat 20 is illustrated according to an embodiment. The child safety seat 20 may be removably secured to the vehicle seat 10, for example, via a latch or anchor mechanism (not shown). Such latch or anchor systems that are commonly used are sometimes referred to as “lower anchors and tethers for children,” such as the LATCH system. Alternatively or in addition, the child safety seat 20 may be removably secured to the vehicle seat 10 via a vehicle harness (not shown) associated with the vehicle seat 10.

[0074] The child safety seat 20 can include a seat base 22 that can be positioned in direct contact with a surface of the vehicle seat 10. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the seat base 22 includes a base seat assembly portion 24 and a base back portion 26 that extends at an angle relative to the base seat assembly portion 24. However, embodiments in which the seat base 22 has another configuration are also contemplated herein.

[0075] The seat body 30 can be mounted to the seat base 22. In one embodiment, the seat body 30 includes a seat shell 32 and an insert 34 arranged in the seat shell, as will be described in more detail below. At least a portion of the seat body 30 (e.g., the insert 34) can be removably connected to the seat base 22. Alternatively, at least a portion of the seat body 30 and the seat base 22 can be permanently connected or attached together. For example, in one embodiment, the seat shell 32 can be permanently connected to the seat base 22. As used herein, the term "permanently connected" refers to an embodiment in which it is not expected that the seat body will be disassembled from the seat base 22 by the user.

[0076] The seat body 30 can be rotatably coupled to the seat base 22. In one embodiment, the seat body 30 can be in a first position facing forward relative to the seat base 22 when connected to the seat base 22 (see FIG. Figure 1B and Figure 3B ) and a second position facing backwards (see Figure 1A and Figure 3A ) between the first position and the second position. It should be understood that the seat body 30 can be positioned at one or more positions arranged along the movement path of the seat body 30 between the first position and the second position. Figure 2 In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the seat body 30 can be rotated to a third lateral position disposed substantially 90 degrees from both the first forward-facing position and the second rearward-facing position.

[0077] The examples of the seat shell 32 are described in more detail herein. The seat shell 32 may include a shell seat portion 40 and a shell backrest or upright portion 42 arranged at an angle relative to the shell seat portion 40. The shell seat portion 40 may be detachably or permanently connected to the seat base 22. The shell seat portion 40 and the shell upright portion 42 may be detachably connected, or alternatively, may be permanently connected to each other. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the shell upright portion 42 is integrally formed with the shell seat portion 40 as a single entity, for example, formed by a rigid or semi-rigid material. In another alternative embodiment, the shell upright portion 42 is rotatably connected to the shell seat portion 40 so that the shell upright portion 42 can be tilted forward and backward relative to the shell seat portion 40.

[0078] The shell upright portion 42 of the seat shell 32 includes a generally forward-facing shell extending from a first end or top 48 to a second opposite end or bottom 50 ( Fig. 9 ) of the housing upright support surface 46. The first housing upright side member 52 can be arranged at a first side 54 of the housing upright support surface 46, and the second housing upright side member 56 can be arranged at a second opposite side 58 of the housing upright support surface 46. Therefore, the first housing upright side member 52 and the second housing upright side member 56 form the left and right sides of the housing upright portion 42, respectively. As shown, the first housing upright side member 52 and the second housing upright side member 56 extend forward from the housing upright support surface 46. The first housing upright side member 52 and the second housing upright side member 56 can extend generally orthogonal to the housing upright support surface 46, or alternatively, can extend therefrom at another angle, such as an angle greater than 90°.

[0079] The shell seat portion 40 includes a shell seat support surface 60 that faces generally upward and extends from a first end or front portion 62 of the shell seat portion 40 to a second end or rear portion 64 (see FIG. Fig. 9 The first shell seat side component 66 may be disposed on a first side 68 ( Fig. 9 ) and the second shell seat side component 70 can be arranged at the second opposite side 72 of the shell seat support surface 60. The first shell seat side component 66 and the second shell seat side component 70 extend upward and form the left and right sides of the shell seat portion 40.

[0080] As shown, the shell seat side components 66, 70 extend at an angle from the shell seat support surface 60. The angle of the first shell seat side component 66 relative to the shell seat support surface 60 can be the same as the angle of the first shell upright side component 52 relative to the shell upright support surface 46, but it is not required to be so. Similarly, the angle of the second shell seat side component 70 relative to the shell seat support surface 60 can be the same as the angle of the second shell upright side component 56 relative to the shell upright support surface 46, but it is not required to be so. In one embodiment, the first shell upright side component 52 is integrally formed with the first shell seat side component 66, and the second shell upright side component 56 is integrally formed with the second shell seat side component 70.

[0081] The shell upright support surface 46 and the first shell upright side member 52 and the second shell upright side member 56 define a backrest area or upright support cavity 74 that generally receives the upper body of a child. Similarly, the shell seat support surface 60 and the first shell seat side member 66 and the second shell seat side member 70 define in combination a seat area or seat cavity 76 that can generally receive at least a portion of the lower body of a child. As shown, the upright support cavity 74 and the seat cavity 76 can be connected so that the two are combined to form a single cavity 78 of the seat shell 32.

[0082] The insert 34 may be received within the cavity 78. Referring now to Figures 4A to 6 , an example of an insert 34 of a chair body 30 is depicted in more detail. As shown, the insert 34 includes a body having an insert seat portion 80 and an insert backrest or upright portion 82 arranged at an angle relative to the insert seat portion 80. The insert seat portion 80 and the insert upright portion 82 can be detachably connected, or alternatively, can be permanently connected to each other. In one embodiment, the insert upright portion 82 is rotatably connected to the insert seat portion 80 so that the insert upright portion 82 can tilt forward and backward relative to the insert seat portion 80. However, embodiments in which the insert upright portion 82 and the insert seat portion 80 are fixed relative to each other are also covered herein. In such embodiments, the insert upright portion 82 and the insert seat portion 80 can be integrally formed as a single entity, for example, formed by a rigid or semi-rigid material.

[0083] The insert upright portion 82 includes an insert upright support surface 84 that faces generally forward and extends from a first end or top 86 of the insert upright portion 82 to a second opposite end or bottom 88. The insert seat portion 80 similarly includes an insert seat support surface 90 that faces generally upward and extends from a first end or front 92 to a second end or rear 94 of the insert seat portion 80. When connected to the insert 34, the child can be positioned such that the upper half of the child's body is positioned in contact with the insert upright support surface 84 and the lower half of the child's body is positioned in contact with the insert seat support surface 90.

[0084] The insert 34 is convertible between an infant configuration (also referred to herein as an infant seat) and a toddler configuration (also referred to herein as a toddler seat). Figure 5A and 5B , at least one side wall may be arranged at one or more sides of the body of the insert 34 when the insert 34 is in the infant configuration. For example, a first side wall 96 may be arranged adjacent to a first side of one or both of the insert upright portion 82 and the insert seat portion 80, and a second side wall 98 may be arranged adjacent to a second opposite side of one or both of the insert upright portion 82 and the insert seat portion 80. In such embodiments, the plurality of side walls 96, 98 arranged at the left and right sides of the insert 34 may be formed of a soft material such as fabric. In embodiments where the insert 34 includes side walls 96, 98, the side walls cooperate with the insert seat portion 80 and the insert upright portion 82 to form an insert cavity 99 in which an infant may be received. For example Figure 6 The insert 34 shown in FIG. 3 with the first side wall 96 and the second side wall 98 may be similar to an infant carrier suitable not only for use in a child safety seat 20 , but also for attachment to a stroller or other travel device.

[0085] In one embodiment, a plurality of side walls 96, 98 can be detachably connected with the main body of the insert 34. For example, in order to adapt the insert 34 to the toddler configuration suitable for use with a larger child, the side walls 96, 98 can be removed from the insert 34 to provide more space for the child in the cavity 78 of the seat shell 32. When the side walls 96, 98 are removed, the first shell seat side parts 66 and the second shell seat side parts 70 of the seat shell 32 can serve as the side walls for the toddler configuration to help position and keep the larger child in the insert 34. The first shell seat side parts 66 and the second shell seat side parts 70 can include textiles for making the child comfortable. However, the present invention also encompasses the embodiment that the insert does not include the side walls 96, 98 when being in the infant configuration and / or the embodiment that the insert 34 includes the side walls 96, 98 when being in the toddler configuration.

[0086] In addition, in order to make the insert 34 operable as a carrier when disconnected or separated from the seat shell 32, the insert 34 may include a carrying handle 100. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the carrying handle 100 has an arcuate shape, and its two opposite ends 102, 104 are respectively connected to the left and right sides of the insert body. The carrying handle 100 can be pivotally connected to the body of the insert 34. Therefore, the carrying handle 100 can be transformed between multiple angular positions relative to the insert 34. Examples of angular positions include when the carrying handle 100 is extended in a vertical plane ( Figure 4A and 7A ), also referred to herein as the "carrying position", when the carrying handle 100 is tilted rearward (e.g., behind the insert upright portion 82 ( Figure 4B )), and when the carrying handle 100 is rotated forward to be positioned adjacent to the insert seat support surface 90 ( Figure 7B ). In one aspect, the carrying handle 100 can be rotated toward the front portion 92 so that the carrying handle 100 is below the insert seat support surface 90 (e.g., a storage position). The position of the carrying handle 100 below the insert seat support surface 90 can prevent the feet of a child positioned in the insert 34 from being blocked by the carrying handle 100. It should be understood that the carrying handle 100 can also be arranged at other angular positions along the movement path of the carrying handle 100.

[0087] exist Figure 8 In an embodiment best shown in FIG. 1 , the carrying handle 100 can be releasably connected to the body of the insert 34. Any suitable mechanism for selectively coupling the carrying handle 100 to the insert 34 is contemplated herein. In one embodiment, the carrying handle 100 separated from the insert 34 can be stowed within the cavity 78 of the seat shell 32 between the seat shell 32 and the insert 34 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig. 9 In one embodiment, the carrying handle 100 can be transformed into a telescoping configuration before being installed in the seat shell 32. Fig. 10A and 10B In one embodiment, the flexible zone 106 can be formed in the carrying handle 100, for example, near the center thereof. The flexible zone 106 can define a hinge axis X about which the first portion 110 of the carrying handle 100 can flex or bend relative to the second portion 112 of the carrying handle 100. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the rigid connector 114 is slidably coupled to the carrying handle 100 adjacent to the flexible zone 106. When the rigid connector 114 is in an overlapping arrangement with the flexible zone 106 and more specifically with respect to the axis X (e.g., Fig. 10B), relative movement between the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 of the carrying handle 100 about the axis X is restricted. Thus, the carrying handle 100 is locked in the extended or use configuration. When the rigid connector 114 moves, such as translates or rotates, out of alignment with the axis X, the first portion 110 of the carrying handle 100 is free to pivot relative to the second portion 112 about the axis X. This relative movement allows the carrying handle 100 to transform into a telescoping configuration in which at least one dimension of the carrying handle 100 is reduced compared to when the carrying handle 100 is in the use position.

[0088] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the insert upright portion 82 includes a headrest 120. The headrest 120 is attached to or integral with the insert upright portion 82. The headrest 120 can be stationary or, in some embodiments, can be configured to move relative to the insert upright support surface 84. For example, the headrest 120 can be configured to move relative to the insert upright support surface 84 in a retracted position ( Figure 1A , 1B ) and extended position ( Figure 3A , 3B ), thereby allowing adjustment based on the size of a child positioned within the child safety seat 20. In one embodiment, the head restraint 120 is in a lowered or retracted position when the insert 34 is in the infant configuration, and the head restraint 120 is raised relative to the insert upright support surface 84 when the insert 34 is in the toddler configuration.

[0089] The insert 34, which may be received within the cavity 78 of the seat shell 32, may include a restraint belt 130 for restraining a child positioned on the insert 34. Figure 5B The restraint harness 130, best shown in FIG. 1 , may include a plurality of harness straps, including but not limited to a shoulder strap, a waist belt, and a crotch strap. A buckle may be connected to one of the harness straps and may be operable to couple the plurality of harness straps together. In one embodiment, a buckle 132 is attached to the end of a crotch strap 134 and may be operable to attach a shoulder strap 136 and / or a waist belt (not shown) to the crotch strap 134 to restrict movement of the child's body relative to the insert 34.

[0090] In embodiments of the restraint belt 130 that include one or more shoulder straps 136, each shoulder strap 136 may extend through a corresponding slot 138 formed in the insert upright support surface 84 or alternatively formed in a portion of the headrest 120. In embodiments where the shoulder straps 136 extend through the slots 138 formed in the headrest 120, the restraint belt 130 may be operably coupled to the headrest 120. Thus, when the headrest 120 is in a lowered position relative to the insert upright support surface 84, to accommodate an infant or smaller child, a portion of the shoulder straps 136 is exposed beneath the headrest 120, adjacent to the insert upright support surface 84, and another portion of the shoulder straps 136 is concealed within the interior of the body of the insert 34. Similarly, when the headrest 120 is raised relative to the insert upright support surface 84 to accommodate a taller child, the portion of the shoulder straps 136 exposed beneath the headrest 120 increases relative to when the headrest 120 is lowered, and the portion of the shoulder straps 136 hidden within the body of the insert 34 decreases relative to when the headrest 120 is lowered. As a result, the length of the shoulder straps 136 can be adjusted with the headrest 120 to accommodate the size of the child positioned on the insert 34.

[0091] As in Figure 2 and 6 , the insert 34 can be received within a cavity 78 of the seat shell 32. When in the infant configuration or the toddler configuration, the insert 34 can be connected to the seat shell 32. When installed in the cavity 78, the insert seat portion 80 is arranged adjacent to the shell seat support surface 60 and can be placed in an overlapping arrangement therewith, and the insert upright portion 82 is arranged adjacent to the shell upright support surface 46 and can be in an overlapping arrangement therewith. In one embodiment, the insert 34 is configured to be mechanically coupled to the seat shell 32 when installed in the cavity 78. For example, the insert 34 can include a first portion of at least one coupling mechanism, and a complementary second portion of the at least one coupling mechanism can be arranged at an adjacent surface of the seat shell 32, for example, arranged at the shell seat support surface 60 and / or the shell upright support surface 46.

[0092] Because the restraint belt 130 is associated with the removable insert 34 rather than the seat shell 32, it should be appreciated that the child cannot properly sit in the child safety seat 20 when the insert 34 is not installed on the seat shell 32. As noted above, the insert 34 can be transformed between the infant configuration and the toddler configuration to transform the seat body 30 between an infant seat and a toddler seat, such as by adjusting the position of the headrest and / or adding or removing the side walls 96, 98 relative to the body of the insert 34. However, regardless of its configuration, the restraint belt 130 remains secured to the insert 34. Thus, the same restraint belt 130 secured to the insert 34 is operable to secure the child to the seat body 30 when the seat body 30 of the child safety seat 20 is configured as an infant seat and when the seat body 30 of the child safety seat 20 is configured as a toddler seat. In addition, the child can be easily separated from the vehicle seat 10 by simply removing the insert 34 from the seat shell 32 while the child remains attached to the insert 34 by the restraint belt 130. In this manner, the insert 34 may also function as a child carrier when separated from the remainder of the child safety seat 20 .

[0093] As previously described, the insert 34 may be removably received within the cavity 78 of the seat shell 32. Referring now to Fig.12 and 13 In one embodiment, the seat shell 32 includes at least one groove, such as a first groove 140 and a second groove 142 that are spaced apart from each other. The first groove 140 and the second groove 142 can be formed as recesses in the shell seat support surface 60 or one or more other suitable surfaces of the seat shell 32. Each of these grooves 140, 142 can be sized to receive and retain a seat connector 144, 146, such as a shaft disposed at the bottom surface of the insert 34. Although not shown, it should be understood that each of the first groove 140 and the second groove 142 can include a snap, and a corresponding latch (not shown) can use the snap to engage the seat connector 144, 146 to lock the insert 34 to the seat shell 32.

[0094] Alternatively or in addition, the seat shell 32 may include at least one shell engagement component 150, and the insert 34 may include at least one corresponding insert engagement component 152, which can be connected to the shell engagement component 150 to couple the insert 34 to the seat shell 32. When the insert engagement component 152 is coupled to the shell engagement component 150, the connection formed between the connection between the seat shell 32 and the insert 34 further stabilizes the rear portion of the seat body 30. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the shell engagement component 150 is shown as being arranged at the shell upright support surface 46 of the shell upright portion 42, and the insert engagement component 152 is illustrated as being located at the rear surface 154 of the insert upright portion 82 or the headrest 120. However, embodiments in which the engagement components 150, 152 are located at any adjacent surfaces of the seat shell 32 and the insert 34 are also contemplated herein.

[0095] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the shell engagement member 150 includes a channel or track extending downwardly from the top 48 of the shell upright support surface 46. In such embodiments, the insert engagement member 152 may include a rib or protrusion that is slidably received within the channel or track. This configuration is intended to facilitate engagement between the shell engagement member 150 and the insert engagement member 152 at a range of positions of the insert engagement member 152 as the insert 34 is transformed or expanded for use by a growing child. In the example of Fig.13 and 16 As best shown in the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the insert engagement member 152 has a T-shaped configuration when viewed from the rear surface of the insert upright portion 82. The channel 150 configured to receive the T-shaped insert engagement member 152 may have a uniform configuration over its length, or alternatively, may have a configuration that varies along its length. Fig.14 In the embodiment shown in the cross-sectional view of , a wavy groove 156 having a size and shape complementary to the shape of the insert engagement feature 152 can be arranged at a desired location relative to the channel 150, such as at or near the end of the channel 150. The location of the groove 156 can be positioned to properly position the insert 34 relative to the seat shell 32. Although the channel 150 is described as being formed in the seat shell 32 and the protrusion 152 that can be received therein is depicted and described as extending from the insert 34, it should be understood that embodiments in which the channel 150 is formed at the insert 34 and the protrusion 152 extends from the seat shell 32 are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0096] Reference now Fig.11In one embodiment, the child safety seat 20, such as the seat base 22 thereof, includes one or more accessories 200 for storing one or more accompanying items when a child is loaded into or taken out of the child safety seat 20. Although the accessories 200 are shown as being located at the seat portion 24 of the seat base 22, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the accessories 200 may be located at the upright portion 26 of the seat base 22. Alternatively or additionally, the accessories 200 may be located at the seat body 30.

[0097] In one embodiment, the accessory 200 includes a tray 202 having a recessed area 204 for storing items such as keys, phones, wallets, or other items that are typically in the hands of a parent during vehicle entry and exit. Alternatively or in addition, the accessory 200 may include a cup holder 206 having an opening 208 that is sized to store a standard sized cup, bottle, or can. Although the opening 208 of the cup holder 206 is depicted as having a fixed diameter, embodiments in which the opening 208 of the cup holder 206 is adjustable are also contemplated herein.

[0098] The accessory 200 is transformable, e.g., translatable or pivotable, between an extended configuration (as shown) and a retracted configuration (not shown). In the retracted configuration, substantially the entire accessory 200 is housed within an opening or recess 210 formed in the seat base 22. In one embodiment, when the accessory 200 is in the retracted configuration, an edge or end of the accessory 200 is substantially flush with an adjacent surface of the seat base 22 to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance and minimize interference with access to the child safety seat 20. The accessory 200 is transformable between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration in response to applying an inward force to an exposed end or edge of the accessory 200. When an inward force is applied to an edge of the accessory 200 that is positioned flush with an adjacent portion of the seat base 22, the accessory 200 may move outwardly to the extended configuration. Similarly, applying an inward force to the same edge of the accessory 200 when in the extended configuration will cause the accessory 200 to move into the opening 210 formed in the seat base 22.

[0099] The term "about" is intended to encompass the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed.

[0100] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises and / or comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0101] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific conditions or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will encompass all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A child safety seat is a child safety seat for placing on a vehicle seat, characterized in that: The child safety seat comprises: Seat base; and a seat body associable with the seat base, the seat body configurable as both an infant seat and a toddler seat; A restraint belt is associated with the seat body, the restraint belt being operable when the seat body is configured as both the infant seat and the toddler seat.

2. The child safety seat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seat body further comprises: a seat shell attached to the seat base; and A seat insert is removably connectable to the seat shell.

3. The child safety seat according to claim 2, characterized in that: The restraining belt is attached to the seat insert.

4. The child safety seat according to claim 3, characterized in that: The seat insert is detachable from the seat shell when the child is coupled to the seat insert via the restraint belt.

5. The child safety seat according to claim 3, characterized in that: The seat insert further includes a headrest movable between a first position associated with the infant seat and a second position associated with the toddler seat.

6. The child safety seat according to claim 5, characterized in that: The restraining belt is operably coupled to the headrest.

7. The child safety seat according to claim 3, characterized in that: The seat insert further comprises: a body comprising an insert seat portion and an insert upright portion; and At least one side wall is connectable to a side of the body.

8. The child safety seat according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the seat body is configured as the infant seat, the at least one side wall is connected to the body, and when the seat body is configured as the toddler seat, the at least one side wall is separated from the body.

9. The child safety seat according to claim 2, characterized in that: The seat body further comprises: an insert seat support surface on the seat insert for supporting a child thereon; and A carrying handle is rotatably connected to the seat insert, the carrying handle being rotatable between a carrying position and a storage position, wherein in the storage position the carrying handle is positioned below the insert seat support surface.

10. The child safety seat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seat body is positionable relative to the seat base in both a forward facing position and a rearward facing position.

11. The child safety seat according to claim 10, characterized in that: The seat body is positionable relative to the seat base at a position between the forward facing position and the rearward facing position.

12. A child safety seat for infants, characterized in that: The infant seat comprises: The seat body comprises: a seat shell; and A seat insert is removably connectable to the seat shell, the seat insert having a body and a restraining belt coupled to the body.

13. The infant seat according to claim 12, characterized in that: The seat shell further includes a cavity, and the seat insert is positionable within the cavity.

14. The infant seat according to claim 13, characterized in that: The seat insert further includes a plurality of side walls connected to the body to define an insert cavity within which a child can be received.

15. The infant seat according to claim 14, characterized in that: The body and the plurality of side walls of the infant seat are positionable within the cavity.

16. The infant seat according to claim 14, characterized in that: The seat insert is detachable from the seat shell when the child is coupled to the seat insert via the restraint belt.

17. The infant seat according to claim 16, characterized in that: When the seat insert is separated from the seat shell, the seat insert is a baby carrier.

18. The infant seat according to claim 12, characterized in that: The seat insert is convertible to a toddler configuration.

19. A child safety seat for young children, characterized in that: The child seat comprises: The seat body comprises: a seat shell; and A seat insert is removably connectable to the seat shell, the seat insert having a body and a restraining belt coupled to the body.

20. The child seat according to claim 19, characterized in that: The seat shell further includes a cavity, and the seat insert is positionable within the cavity.

21. The child seat according to claim 19, characterized in that: The seat insert further includes a plurality of side walls removably connectable to the main body, the plurality of side walls being separate from the main body.

22. The child seat according to claim 19, characterized in that: The seat insert is detachable from the seat shell when the child is coupled to the seat insert via the restraint belt.

23. The child seat according to claim 19, characterized in that: The seat insert is convertible to an infant configuration.

24. A child safety seat is a child safety seat for placing on a vehicle seat, characterized in that: The child safety seat comprises: Seat base; a seat body associated with the seat base; and An accessory is associated with one of the seat bottom and the seat body, the accessory being transformable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, wherein in the retracted configuration the accessory is stowed within a recess formed in the one of the seat bottom and the seat body.

25. The child safety seat according to claim 24, characterized in that: The fitting is pivotable about an axis between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration.

26. The child safety seat according to claim 24, characterized in that: The accessory is translatable between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration.

27. The child safety seat according to claim 24, characterized in that: The accessory further includes a tray having a recessed area formed therein.

28. The child safety seat according to claim 24, characterized in that: The accessory further includes a cup holder.

29. The child safety seat according to claim 24, characterized in that: In the retracted configuration, the accessory is flush with an adjacent surface of said one of the seat base and the seat body.

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