Baby car seat system and baby car seat

Abstract

The utility model discloses a baby car seat system and a baby car seat. The baby car seat system used for being installed on a car seat comprises the baby car seat with a seat shell and an anchor system connected to the seat shell. The anchor system includes a latch arm having a latch on an end thereof, the latch configured to releasably engage with a vehicle anchor system, where the latch arm is movably mounted to the seat housing and selectively fixable at two or more angles relative to the seat housing.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 481,889, filed on January 27, 2023; U.S. Application No. 63 / 489,282, filed on March 9, 2023; U.S. Application No. 63 / 508,552, filed on June 16, 2023; U.S. Application No. 63 / 511,037, filed on June 29, 2023; and U.S. Application No. 63 / 586,147, filed on September 29, 2023, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to an infant car seat system and an infant car seat. Background Art

[0004] Automobiles, buses, airplanes, ships, trains, etc. are common forms of transportation (hereinafter referred to as "vehicles") for many parents, guardians, and caregivers (hereinafter referred to as "caregivers") of children worldwide. Many conventional vehicles typically include restraint devices (e.g., seat belts) designed to protect adults and / or children of a certain age (e.g., at least 9 years old) and / or size (e.g., at least 57 inches in height). However, for relatively young and / or small children and especially infants, the restraint devices in various vehicles typically do not provide adequate protection. In view of the foregoing, in order to provide adequate protection for children during travel, caregivers typically utilize child safety seats or infant car seats when transporting children in vehicles.

[0005] Because children grow and experience significant physical development in the first five years of their lives, different types of child safety seats are used to ensure that children are adequately restrained and protected during vehicle transportation. More specifically, a given child safety seat is typically selected based on the child's size, weight, and / or age, and is installed in a vehicle in a specific manner. An "infant car seat" is a type of child safety seat that is specifically tailored for transporting infants in a vehicle. An "infant" generally refers to a child who has not yet learned how to walk, and typically corresponds to a child aged 0 to approximately 12 months and / or weighing up to approximately 20 to 30 pounds. Infant car seats can be more generally used to carry and hold an infant outside of a vehicle or in a baby stroller. Once a child outgrows an infant car seat, the infant car seat system in a vehicle is typically replaced by an "adjustable" car seat. Compared to an infant car seat system, an adjustable car seat is larger in size and typically supports both rear-facing and forward-facing configurations to accommodate the child's physical development. Additionally, unlike an infant car seat, an adjustable car seat is typically not portable and is actually a fixture that remains in the vehicle, i.e., the child is placed in the adjustable car seat at the start of a vehicle journey and / or removed from the adjustable car seat at the end. Since it is not desired to carry a child outside of the vehicle, a conventional adjustable car seat does not include a carrying handle used on an infant car seat; similarly, an adjustable car seat will not include a curved rocker bottom for rocking an infant. Once a child outgrows an adjustable car seat, the adjustable car seat can then be replaced by an even larger seat or ultimately by a booster seat. A child can continue to use a booster seat until he or she can safely use the vehicle seat and restraint without the aid of a booster seat.

[0006] Regarding installation in a vehicle, a child safety seat can utilize an existing seat belt in the vehicle to secure the child safety seat in the vehicle. For this purpose, various child safety seats include a vehicle seat belt path through which the existing seat belt of the vehicle can pass to secure the child safety seat to the vehicle seat. Alternatives to using an existing vehicle seat belt include, for example, "lower vehicle anchors" located at the bend of a passenger vehicle seat and / or other vehicle attachment points.

[0007] The National Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Certification Program provides standards for child passenger safety certification. According to CPS, when a child safety seat is properly installed in a vehicle, the child safety seat should pass an "inch test", i.e., when pulled on the seat belt path, a properly installed child safety seat should not move more than one inch front-to-back or side-to-side. This rule applies to forward-facing child safety seats and rear-facing child safety seats, such as infant car seats, and applies when the child safety seat is secured to the vehicle seat using an existing vehicle seat belt or a standard anchor system that includes lower vehicle anchors. Summary of the Utility Model

[0008] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat system for installation on a vehicle seat. The infant car seat system includes an infant car seat having a seat shell and an anchor system connected to the seat shell. The anchor system includes a latch arm having a latch at its end, the latch being configured to releasably engage with a vehicle anchor system, wherein the latch arm is movably mounted to the seat shell and is selectively fixable relative to the seat shell at two or more angles.

[0009] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the latch arm being rotatably mounted to the seat shell.

[0010] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the latch arm being configured to lock at the two or more angles and, when locked at a corresponding one of the two or more angles, holding and supporting the infant car seat at this corresponding one of the two or more angles.

[0011] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the anchor system including a memory hub configured to set the recline angle of the infant car seat based on each of the two or more angles, wherein the latch arm is operatively coupled to the memory hub.

[0012] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the anchor system including: a latch arm hub from which the latch arm extends; a recline hub; a recline gear; and one or more ramp hubs. A hub shaft extends from the latch arm hub and extends through the recline hub, the recline gear, and the one or more ramp hubs, and defines a rotational axis therethrough.

[0013] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the one or more ramp hubs including a first ramp hub and a second ramp hub, wherein rotation of the first ramp hub relative to the second ramp hub selectively engages or disengages axial movement of the recline gear with the memory hub.

[0014] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that in response to the recline gear engaging the recline hub and disengaging from the memory hub, the latch arm is free to rotate relative to the memory hub.

[0015] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that in response to the recline gear engaging the recline hub and engaging the memory hub, the latch arm is locked in a rotational relationship with the memory hub.

[0016] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a forward tilt switch disposed on the seat shell and operatively coupled to the first ramp hub, wherein operation of the forward tilt switch causes rotation of the first ramp hub and axially pushes the second ramp hub along the hub axis.

[0017] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a locking plate pivotally coupled to the seat shell and selectively operable to engage the memory hub to lock the memory hub at one of the two or more angles.

[0018] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the locking plate includes locking teeth, and the memory hub includes a first locking recess associated with a first angle of the two or more angles, and a second locking recess associated with a second angle of the two or more angles, wherein the locking teeth are configured to selectively engage the first locking recess and the second locking recess.

[0019] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a first release connector operatively coupled to the locking plate and configured to selectively operate the locking plate.

[0020] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a second release connector operatively coupled to the latch and configured to selectively operate the latch.

[0021] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a carrying handle rotatably coupled to the seat shell by an attachment mechanism. The anchor system is operatively coupled to the attachment mechanism and rotation of the carrying handle is configured to cause operation of the anchor system.

[0022] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the anchor system including a handle link, a connecting link, and a locking link. The handle link is coupled to the attachment mechanism at one end and to the connecting link at an opposite end, the connecting link being coupled between the handle link and the locking link, the locking link being coupled to the latch arm, and rotation of the carrying handle locks the latch arm at at least one of two or more angles.

[0023] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a rear link pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the connecting link and the locking link.

[0024] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the locking link including a recline bracket having a plurality of locking positions corresponding to the two or more angles.

[0025] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a first locking position of the recline bracket defining a maximum recline of the infant car seat and a second locking position of the recline bracket defining an upright position of the infant car seat.

[0026] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a front link pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the locking link and the latch arm.

[0027] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include in the carrying position of the carrying handle, the latch arm is freely adjustable between the two or more angles, and in the anti-rebound position, the latch arm is pulled towards the seat shell and locked in place.

[0028] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the anchor system defines a first locking position associated with a first angle of the two or more angles and defining the maximum recline of the infant car seat, and a second locking position of the anchor system defines the upright position of the infant car seat.

[0029] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that at least a portion of the anchor system is received within the seat shell.

[0030] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a recline actuator handle disposed on the seat shell, operatively coupled to the anchor system and configured to selectively release the latch arm to adjust the forward tilt angle of the infant car seat.

[0031] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a recline actuation connector that operatively connects the recline actuator handle to a portion of the anchor system.

[0032] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the portion of the anchor system is a drive ramp hub.

[0033] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a connector element arranged to connect the recline actuator handle and the recline actuation connector.

[0034] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the recline actuator handle includes a stow lock extension configured to selectively fasten the latch arm in a stowed state.

[0035] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a stow lock disposed between the stow lock extension of the recline actuator handle and the latch arm, the stow lock being selectively operable to lock and release the latch arm from the stowed state.

[0036] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat system for installation on a vehicle seat. The infant car seat system includes an infant car seat having a seat shell and an anchor system connected to the seat shell. The anchor system includes: a latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage with a vehicle anchor system, wherein the latch arm is movably mounted to the seat shell such that the latch arm can be releasably fixed in a stowed position and a use position; and a release handle operatively connected to the latch arm, wherein activation of the release handle releases the engagement between the latch and the vehicle anchor system and releases the latch arm to allow the latch arm to move between the stowed position and the use position.

[0037] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that in the use position of the latch arm, the latch arm can be selectively fixed at two or more angles relative to the seat shell. The anchor system further includes a memory hub configured to set the recline angle of the infant car seat based on the two or more angles, wherein the latch arm is operatively coupled to the memory hub.

[0038] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a locking plate pivotally coupled to the seat shell, the locking plate being operatively connected between the release handle and the latch arm and further operatively connected between the release handle and the latch, wherein activation of the release handle pivots the locking plate and releases the engagement between the latch and the vehicle anchor system and releases the latch arm to move between the stowed position and the use position.

[0039] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the memory hub is configured to move with the latch arm between the stowed position and the use position.

[0040] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the anchor system further includes a forward tilt actuator operatively coupled to the memory hub and the latch arm such that actuation of the forward tilt actuator allows the latch arm to rotate relative to the memory hub to set the forward tilt angle of the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

[0041] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a first release connector, a sliding connector, and a second release connector. The release handle is connected to the first release connector, the first release connector is connected to the sliding connector, and the sliding connector is connected to the second release connector.

[0042] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the second release connector extending through the latch arm to operate its latch.

[0043] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a locking plate connector that is connected to the sliding connector and is configured to selectively operate the locking mechanism of the anchor system.

[0044] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a connecting element that is arranged to selectively extend outwardly from the seat shell for engagement with a baby stroller frame.

[0045] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the connecting element including a first actuation tab and the first release connector including a second actuation tab, wherein operation of the first release connector causes the second actuation tab to interact with the first actuation tab to retract the connecting element into the seat shell.

[0046] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat system for installation on a vehicle seat, the infant car seat system comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell; and an anchor system having: a latch attachment mechanism connected to the seat shell; and a latch arm extending from the latch attachment mechanism to a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor system. The latch attachment mechanism is configured to transition the latch arm between a stowed position, a first use position, and a second use position, and wherein the latch attachment mechanism is further configured to transition from the stowed position to either the first use position or the second use position based on the most recent previous use position.

[0047] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the most recent previous use position is the first use position such that when the latch arm transitions from the stowed position, the latch arm transitions to the first use position.

[0048] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat system for installation on a vehicle seat, the infant car seat system comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell; a latch arm movably mounted to the seat shell, the latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage with a vehicle anchor system; and a carrying handle movably coupled to the seat shell. The carrying handle is operably coupled to the latch arm by a connecting member, and movement of the carrying handle causes movement of the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

[0049] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the latch arm is selectively fixable relative to the seat shell at two or more angles.

[0050] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the carrying handle is rotatably coupled to the shell by an attachment mechanism, wherein rotation of the carrying handle causes the movement of the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

[0051] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the connecting member is operably connected between the attachment mechanism and the latch arm.

[0052] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include: a handle link coupled at one end to the attachment mechanism and at an opposite end to a connecting link; the connecting link coupled between the handle link and a locking link; and the locking link coupled to the latch arm. Rotation of the carrying handle is configured to retract the latch arm toward the seat shell.

[0053] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a rear link pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the connecting link and the locking link.

[0054] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the locking linkage includes a recline bracket having a plurality of locking positions corresponding to the two or more angles.

[0055] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that a first locking position of the recline bracket defines a maximum recline of the infant car seat, and a second locking position of the recline bracket defines an upright position of the infant car seat.

[0056] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a front linkage pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the locking linkage and the latch arm.

[0057] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that in the carrying position of the carrying handle, the latch arm is freely adjustable between the two or more angles, and in the anti-rebound position, the latch arm is pulled towards the seat shell and locked in place.

[0058] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat system, the infant car seat system comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell; an anchor system arranged on the seat shell and configured to selectively connect to a vehicle seat; and a connecting element arranged on the seat shell, the connecting element being configured to selectively engage the seat shell and fasten the seat shell to an external structure.

[0059] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the connecting element is configured to selectively retract into the seat shell.

[0060] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a release handle arranged on the seat shell and operatively connected to the anchor system, the release handle being configured to operate at least a part of the anchor system.

[0061] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a release connector extending between the release handle and the anchor system, the release connector being configured to cause retraction of the connection element during actuation of the release handle.

[0062] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the external structure is an infant stroller frame.

[0063] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include an infant stroller frame, wherein the connection element is configured to selectively fasten the seat shell to the infant stroller frame.

[0064] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the connection element includes a first actuation tab, and the release connector includes a second actuation tab, wherein the second actuation tab is configured to contact the first actuation tab when the release handle is operated to retract the connection element into the seat shell.

[0065] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the anchor system includes a sliding connector and a second release connector, wherein the release handle is operatively connected to the anchor system through the release connector, the sliding connector, and the second release connector.

[0066] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the second release connector is configured to operate a latch on the latch arm of the anchor system.

[0067] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the release connector is configured to travel in a first direction upon actuation of the release handle, and the sliding connector is configured to travel in a second direction different from the first direction upon actuation of the release handle.

[0068] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the release handle is disposed at the back side of the seat shell.

[0069] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the anchor system disposed at a front side of the seat shell.

[0070] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the anchor system comprising: a latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage with a vehicle anchor system, wherein the latch arm is movably mounted to the seat shell such that the latch arm is releasably fixable in a stowed position and a use position; and a release handle operatively connected to the latch arm, wherein activation of the release handle releases the engagement between the latch and the vehicle anchor system and releases the latch arm to allow the latch arm to move between the stowed position and the use position.

[0071] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat system for installation on a vehicle seat, the infant car seat system comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell; a latch arm movably mounted to the seat shell, the latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage with a vehicle anchor system; and a carrying handle movably coupled to the seat shell, the carrying handle movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The carrying handle is operatively coupled to the latch arm by a connecting member, wherein when the carrying handle is transitioned to the locked position, the latch arm is locked in place such that movement of the latch arm relative to the seat shell is substantially prevented.

[0072] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat system comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell, the infant car seat configured for installation on a vehicle seat; an anchor system disposed on the seat shell and configured to selectively connect to the vehicle seat; and a base configured to selectively connect to the vehicle seat, the base further configured to selectively receive and connect to the infant car seat.

[0073] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the seat shell including at least one connecting tube, wherein the base is configured to receive and engage the at least one connecting tube to connect the infant car seat to the base.

[0074] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the base comprising: at least one base connector configured to selectively receive a portion of the seat shell and fasten the portion to the base; and a release handle operatively coupled to the at least one base connector to selectively operate the at least one base connector between a locked state and a released state.

[0075] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the base comprising: two base connector actuators operatively connected to the release handle; and four base connectors, wherein a first two base connectors are operatively connected to a first base connector actuator of the two base connector actuators, and a second two base connectors are operatively connected to a second base connector actuator.

[0076] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat system for use with a vehicle seat, the infant car seat system comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell including at least one seat connector; and a base mountable on the vehicle seat and configured to selectively receive and support the infant car seat. The base comprises: at least one base connector configured to selectively fasten the at least one seat connector to the base; and a release handle disposed on the base and operatively coupled to the at least one base connector to selectively operate the at least one base connector between a locked state and a released state at a plurality of attachment points on the at least one seat connector.

[0077] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the at least one seat connector being at least one seat bar.

[0078] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the at least one base connector being at least one latch.

[0079] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the at least one seat connector being a first seat bar and a second seat bar.

[0080] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the at least one base connector is a first latch, a second latch, a third latch, and a fourth latch, wherein the first latch and the second latch selectively receive the first seat bar at a first attachment point and a second attachment point among the plurality of attachment points, and wherein the third latch and the fourth latch selectively receive the second seat bar at a third attachment point and a fourth attachment point among the plurality of attachment points.

[0081] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the base includes a first latch actuator and a second latch actuator operably connected to the release handle; and wherein the first latch and the second latch are operably connected to the first latch actuator, and the third latch and the fourth latch are operably connected to the second latch actuator.

[0082] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the release handle is a single handle that selectively operates the at least one base connector between the locked state and the released state at all of the plurality of attachment points on the at least one seat connector.

[0083] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the infant car seat can also be directly mounted on the vehicle seat without the base.

[0084] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat system for mounting on a vehicle seat and including a vehicle anchor system, the infant car seat system including an infant car seat having a seat shell and an anchor system connected to the seat shell. The anchor system includes: a latch attachment mechanism connected to the seat shell; and a latch arm extending from the latch attachment mechanism and including a latch. The latch arm is movable between a stowed position and a use position. The latch releasably engages with the vehicle anchor system. When in the use position, the latch attachment mechanism applies a biasing force on the latch arm toward the stowed position.

[0085] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, a release actuator is operably coupled to the latch attachment mechanism and to the latch. Operation of the release actuator disengages the latch from the vehicle anchor system.

[0086] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the release actuator is disposed on the seat housing.

[0087] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the locking mechanism is operable to lock the latch arm in the use position against a biasing force exerted by the latch attachment mechanism.

[0088] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the release actuator is operably coupled to the locking mechanism. Operation of the release actuator unlocks the locking mechanism such that the biasing force moves the latch arm toward the stowed position.

[0089] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the latch attachment mechanism further includes: a memory hub movable relative to the seat housing between a first position and a second position; and a biasing mechanism operably coupled to the memory hub. The biasing force of the biasing mechanism biases the memory hub from the first position to the second position.

[0090] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the locking mechanism is operably coupled to the memory hub. The locking mechanism is selectively operable to lock the memory hub in the second position.

[0091] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a locking plate and a locking plate biasing mechanism. The memory hub includes a locking recess. When the memory hub is in the second position, the locking plate is receivable within the locking recess.

[0092] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the release actuator is operably coupled to the locking mechanism to selectively disengage the locking plate from the locking recess.

[0093] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the latch arm is movably mounted to the latch attachment mechanism and is selectively fixable relative to the latch attachment mechanism at two or more angles.

[0094] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the latch arm is rotatably mounted to the latch attachment mechanism.

[0095] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the latch attachment mechanism includes: a caster hub coupled to the latch arm; a caster gear; and one or more ramp hubs; a hub shaft extends from the latch arm through the caster hub, the caster gear, and the one or more ramp hubs and defines a hub axis therethrough.

[0096] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the one or more ramp hubs include a first ramp hub and a second ramp hub. Rotation of the second ramp hub relative to the first ramp hub selectively engages or disengages axial movement of the caster gear with the memory hub.

[0097] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, in response to the caster gear engaging the caster hub and disengaging the memory hub, the latch arm is rotatable freely relative to the memory hub.

[0098] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, in response to the caster gear engaging the caster hub and engaging the memory hub, the latch arm is rotationally locked to the memory hub.

[0099] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments include a fore-aft actuator operably coupled to the second ramp hub. Operation of the fore-aft actuator rotates the second ramp hub.

[0100] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat system for installation on a vehicle seat and including a vehicle anchoring system, the infant car seat system including: an infant car seat having a seat shell and at least one seat connector; and a base having a seat retention assembly including at least one base connector configured to selectively receive the at least one seat connector and fasten the at least one seat connector to the base. A first release actuator is operably coupled to the at least one base connector to selectively operate the at least one base connector between a locked state and an unlocked state. The first release actuator is located at the base. A second release actuator is operably coupled to the at least one base connector to selectively operate the at least one base connector between the locked state and the unlocked state. The second release actuator is located at the infant car seat.

[0101] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the at least one base connector includes: a base connector housing that is mounted to the base; and a locking plate that is mounted to the base connector housing. The locking plate is pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0102] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the seat retention assembly includes a base connector actuator that is operatively coupled to the locking plate of the at least one base connector.

[0103] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, both the first release actuator and the second release actuator are selectively operable to move the locking plate to the unlocked position via movement of the base connector actuator.

[0104] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the at least one base connector includes an infant car seat release assembly that is operatively coupled to the base connector actuator.

[0105] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the second release actuator is operatively coupled to the base connector actuator via the infant car seat release assembly.

[0106] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the infant car seat release assembly includes a drive switch that is rotatably mounted to the base connector housing. The drive switch is movable to engage the base connector actuator and transmit a force to the base connector actuator. An actuation switch is operatively coupled to the drive switch and is operable to move the drive switch into engagement with the base connector actuator.

[0107] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the actuation switch is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and when in the extended position, a portion of the actuation switch is disposed external to the base.

[0108] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the infant car seat includes a driver that is movable relative to the seat shell to selectively engage the actuation switch in response to operation of the second release actuator when the infant car seat is fastened to the base.

[0109] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the driver may move relative to the seat housing by a slider. The slider is operatively coupled to the second release actuator.

[0110] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the at least one base connector further includes a first base connector and a second base connector associated with the base connector actuator, and only the first base connector includes the infant car seat release assembly.

[0111] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the infant car seat includes an anchor system having at least one child seat anchor, the child seat anchor including a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat. The at least one child seat anchor is movable between a use position and a stowed position.

[0112] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the second release actuator is operatively coupled to the anchor system to selectively move the at least one child seat anchor from the use position to the stowed position.

[0113] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the second release actuator is operatively coupled to the latch to selectively disengage the latch from the vehicle anchor.

[0114] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the infant car seat further includes an infant stroller mechanism configured to selectively engage the seat housing and fasten the seat housing to an external structure.

[0115] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the second release actuator is operatively coupled to the infant stroller mechanism to selectively release the infant stroller mechanism from the external structure.

[0116] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat mountable to a base, the infant car seat including a body having a seat housing and at least one seat connector receivable within a seat retention assembly of the base. A release actuator is located at the seat housing and is operatively coupled to the seat retention assembly of the base to release the infant car seat from the base.

[0117] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the actuator is disposed at the seat housing. The actuator is movable to selectively engage a portion of the seat retention assembly to release the infant car seat from the base.

[0118] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the release actuator is operable to move the actuator into engagement with the seat retention assembly.

[0119] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the slider is connected to the release actuator via a connecting member.

[0120] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the actuator includes a slot, and the actuator includes a boss disposed within the slot.

[0121] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, an anchor system is disposed on the seat housing and configured to selectively connect to a vehicle seat, and a stroller mechanism is disposed on the seat housing. The stroller mechanism is configured to selectively engage the seat housing and fasten the seat housing to an external structure.

[0122] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the release actuator is operably coupled to the anchor system to selectively move the anchor system from a use position to a stowed position.

[0123] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the anchor system includes at least one latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat. The release actuator is operably coupled to the at least one latch to selectively disengage the at least one latch from the vehicle anchor.

[0124] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the release actuator is operably coupled to the stroller mechanism to selectively release the stroller mechanism from the external structure.

[0125] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in other embodiments, the anchor system includes at least one latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat. The release actuator is operatively coupled to the anchor system to selectively move the anchor system from a use position to a stowed position. The release actuator is operatively coupled to the at least one latch to selectively disengage the at least one latch from the vehicle anchor. The release actuator is operatively coupled to the baby stroller mechanism to selectively release the baby stroller mechanism from the external structure.

[0126] Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity. Features described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments may be used together and / or may be interchangeable. Similarly, features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. These features and elements and their operation will become more apparent from the following description and drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and non-limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0127] The subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0128] Figure 1A is an illustrative schematic view of a vehicle in which a baby car seat system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be installed;

[0129] Figure 1B is a schematic illustration of a baby car seat system of a vehicle seat of a vehicle coupled to Figure 1A ;

[0130] Figure 2A is a schematic view of a typical vehicle seat and vehicle lower anchor to which a baby car seat system according to the present disclosure can be installed;

[0131] Figure 2B shows Figure 2A a schematic of a typical vehicle seat lower anchor in a vehicle seat of

[0132] Figure 3A is a schematic illustration of a baby car seat system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a first position;

[0133] Figure 3B is in a second position Figure 3A of the baby car seat system;

[0134] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a component of an anchor system for an infant car seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0135] Figure 5A is a schematic illustration of an anchor system for an infant car seat in a first state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0136] Figure 5B is of the anchor system in the first state Figure 5A alternative view;

[0137] Figure 5C is of the anchor system in the first state Figure 5A another alternative view;

[0138] Figure 5D is shown of the anchor system in a second state Figure 5A ;

[0139] Figure 5E is of the anchor system in the second state Figure 5A alternative view;

[0140] Figure 5F is of the anchor system in the second state Figure 5A another alternative view;

[0141] Figure 6A is a schematic illustration of an anchor system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0142] Figure 6B shows the anchor system of in a first operating state Figure 6A ;

[0143] Figure 6C shows the anchor system of in a second operating state Figure 6B ;

[0144] Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of an infant car seat system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0145] Figure 8A is a schematic illustration of an anchor system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure shown in a first locked state;

[0146] Figure 8B shows the anchor system of in an unlocked state Figure 8A ;

[0147] Figure 8C shows the anchor system of in a second locked state Figure 8A ;

[0148] Figure 9A is a schematic illustration of an infant car seat system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0149] Figure 9B showing the Figure 9A infant car seat system in a maximum reclined orientation;

[0150] Figure 9C showing the Figure 9A infant car seat system in a fully upright orientation;

[0151] Figure 9D showing the Figure 9A infant car seat system in a locked and tensioned state;

[0152] Figure 10A showing the infant car seat system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure mounted to a vehicle seat;

[0153] Figure 10B showing the Figure 10A infant car seat system in a tensioned state;

[0154] Figure 11A is a schematic illustration of a part of an infant car seat and anchor system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0155] Figure 11B is a side view illustration of the Figure 11A infant car seat in a first recline / tilt state;

[0156] Figure 11C is a side view illustration of the Figure 11A infant car seat in a second recline / tilt state;

[0157] Figure 12A is a schematic illustration of a part of an infant car seat and anchor system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0158] Figure 12B is Figure 12A a schematic illustration of a part of the anchor system;

[0159] Figure 12C is a schematic illustration of the Figure 12B anchor system shown in a recline locked state;

[0160] Figure 12D is a schematic illustration of the Figure 12B anchor system shown in a recline unlocked state;

[0161] Figure 13Ais a schematic illustration of a part of a baby car seat having a recline actuating handle shown in an unactuated state;

[0162] Figure 13B is a schematic illustration of a recline actuating handle shown in an actuated state;

[0163] Figure 13C is Figure 13A a schematic illustration of a baby car seat showing the connection between the recline actuating handle of the baby car seat and an anchor system;

[0164] Figure 13D is a schematic first side illustration of a part of the connection between the recline actuating handle of a baby car seat and an anchor system;

[0165] Figure 13E is a schematic second side illustration of the said part of the connection between the recline actuating handle of a baby car seat and an anchor system;

[0166] Figure 14A is a schematic illustration of a recline actuating handle of a baby car seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0167] Figure 14B is Figure 14A a schematic side illustration of a recline actuating handle which is arranged on a baby car seat and shows a first operating state of a latch arm relative to an anchor system;

[0168] Figure 14C is Figure 14B a schematic side illustration of a recline actuating handle which is arranged on a baby car seat and shows a second operating state of a latch arm relative to an anchor system;

[0169] Figure 15A is a schematic illustration of a baby car seat and an anchor system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure shown in a locked state;

[0170] Figure 15B is showing Figure 15A a schematic illustration of a baby car seat and an anchor system in an unlocked state;

[0171] Figure 15C is Figures 15A - 15B a schematic illustration of a part of an anchor system;

[0172] Figure 15D is Figures 15A - 15B a schematic illustration of another part of an anchor system;

[0173] Figure 16Ais a schematic illustration of an anchor system and an infant car seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a retracted state;

[0174] Figure 16B is a schematic illustration of the Figure 16A anchor system and the infant car seat shown in a released state;

[0175] Figure 16C is a schematic illustration of the Figure 16A anchor system and the infant car seat shown in another released state;

[0176] Figure 16D is a schematic illustration of the Figure 16A anchor system and the infant car seat shown in a fully extended state;

[0177] Figure 16E is Figures 16A - 16D a schematic illustration of components of the anchor system;

[0178] Figure 17A is a schematic illustration of an infant car seat and an anchor system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0179] Figure 17B is a schematic illustration of a part of the Figure 17A anchor system shown in a locked state;

[0180] Figure 17C is a schematic illustration of a part of the Figure 17A anchor system shown in an unlocked state;

[0181] Figure 17D is Figures 17A - 17C a schematic illustration of components of the anchor system;

[0182] Figure 17E is Figures 17A - 17C a schematic illustration of another component of the anchor system;

[0183] Figure 18A is a schematic illustration of an infant car seat and an infant stroller frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0184] Figure 18B is Figure 18A a detailed illustration of the connection between the infant car seat and the infant stroller frame;

[0185] Figure 19A is a schematic illustration of an infant car seat and a base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0186] Figure 19B is Figure 19ABottom view of the infant car seat;

[0187] Figure 19C is Figure 19A Schematic illustration of the base;

[0188] Figure 19D is Figure 19A Side cross-sectional view of the infant car seat and the base;

[0189] Figure 20A Schematic illustration for receiving the base of the infant car seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0190] Figure 20B is shown in the locked state Figure 20A Schematic illustration of a part of the base;

[0191] Figure 20C is shown in the released state Figure 20A Schematic illustration of a part of the base;

[0192] Figure 21 Partial exploded schematic illustration of a part of the anchor system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0193] Figure 22A is the perspective view of a part of the latch attachment mechanism of the anchor system in the stowed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 21 of

[0194] Figure 22B is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 22A Exploded view of the said part of the latch attachment mechanism;

[0195] Figure 23A Side view of the infant car seat with the anchor system in the stowed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0196] Figure 23B is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 23A Cross-sectional view of a part of the anchor system;

[0197] Figure 23C is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 23A Perspective view of a part of the anchor system;

[0198] Figure 24A Side view of the infant car seat with the anchor system in the use position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0199] Figure 24B is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 24A Cross-sectional view of a part of the anchor system;

[0200] Figure 24C is a perspective view of a part of an anchor system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 24A of an infant car seat mounted to a vehicle seat;

[0201] Figure 25 is a side view of an infant car seat mounted to a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0202] Figure 26A is a perspective view of a base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0203] Figure 26B is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 26A detailed perspective view of a part of the base;

[0204] Figure 27 is a perspective view of a part of a seat retention assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0205] Figure 28A is a side view of a base connector and a base connector actuator of a seat retention assembly in a latched configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0206] Figure 28B is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in an unlatched configuration Figure 28A of the base connector and the base connector actuator;

[0207] Figure 29A is a perspective view of a base connector and a base connector actuator of a seat retention assembly in a latched configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0208] Figure 29B is a perspective view of a base connector and a base connector actuator of a seat retention assembly in an unlatched configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0209] Figure 30A is according to another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 29A side view of the base connector and the base connector actuator;

[0210] Figure 30B is according to another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 29B side view of the base connector and the base connector actuator;

[0211] Figure 31A is a perspective view of the rear of an infant car seat having a driver in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0212] Figure 31BPerspective view of the rear portion of an infant car seat with a drive in the deployed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0213] Figure 32A End view of the interface between the infant car seat and the base when the drive is in the stowed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0214] Figure 32B End view of the interface between the infant car seat and the base when the drive is in the deployed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0215] Figure 33A Top view of a drive in the stowed position, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0216] Figure 33B Top view of a drive in the deployed position, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0217] Figure 34A According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 33A Bottom view of the drive;

[0218] Figure 34B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 33A Bottom view of the drive;

[0219] Figure 35 Side view of an infant car seat with a release actuator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0220] Figure 36A Top view of several components of a release actuator operably coupled to an infant car seat in an unactuated position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0221] Figure 36B Top view of several components of a release actuator operably coupled to an infant car seat in an actuated position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0222] Figure 37 Perspective view of a recline actuator mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0223] Figure 38A Perspective view of a recline actuator mechanism in an unactuated position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0224] Figure 38B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 38A Perspective view of the recline actuator mechanism in an actuated position;

[0225] Figure 39 Partial exploded view of a recline actuator mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0226] Figure 40 is a plan view of a portion of an anchor system of an infant car seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0227] Figure 41 is a front view of a portion of an anchor system of an infant car seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0228] Figure 42A is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 41 a rear view of the portion of the anchor system of the infant car seat in a storage position; and

[0229] Figure 42B is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 41 a rear view of the portion of the anchor system of the infant car seat in a use position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0230] Referring Figures 1A - 1B to [[ID=]], a schematic illustration of a vehicle 100 and an infant car seat system 104 incorporating embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1A A vehicle 100 (e.g., a personal vehicle, a taxi, or a ride-sharing vehicle, etc.) including a vehicle seat 102 is shown, and an infant car seat system 104 according to various embodiments disclosed herein is mounted to the vehicle seat. Figure 1A An enlarged view of the infant car seat system 104 mounted on the vehicle seat 102 of the vehicle 100 is also shown as an inset. Figure 1B An enlarged detail of the infant car seat system 104 on the vehicle seat 102 of the vehicle 100 is shown.

[0231] The infant car seat system 104 includes an infant car seat 106 fastened to the vehicle seat 102 of the vehicle 100 via an integrated anchor system 108. The vehicle seat 102 has a vehicle seat back 110, a vehicle seat chassis 112, and a seat bend 114 (i.e., the intersection area of the vehicle seat back 110 and the vehicle seat chassis 112). The anchor system 108 is configured to fasten the infant car seat 106 to the vehicle seat 102 without using a detachable vehicle mounting base and without using a vehicle seat belt (e.g., across the legs, thighs, or top of the pelvis of an infant when the infant is sitting in the infant car seat for transportation in a vehicle). The anchor system 108 may help ensure that the installation of the infant car seat 106 (e.g., without using a detachable base and / or without using a vehicle seat belt) provides a tight fit with the vehicle seat 102 such that when installed, the infant car seat system 104 will pass the CPS "inch test". The anchor system 108 may be arranged to help align with a standard arrangement of vehicle lower anchors (e.g., as Figure 1Bas shown therein.

[0232] As Figures 1A - 1B shown therein, the infant car seat 106 is fastened to the vehicle seat 102 in a rearward orientation, where the front portion 116 of the infant car seat 106 faces the vehicle seat backrest 110, and the back portion 118 of the infant car seat 106 faces away from the vehicle seat backrest 110. Thus, when a child is seated in the infant car seat 106, the child's feet will be placed at the front portion 116 of the infant car seat 106, and the child's head will be placed at the back portion 118 of the infant car seat 106. Accordingly, the infant car seat 106 is a rear-facing child car seat.

[0233] As shown, the infant car seat 106 includes a seat shell 120 and a seat shell rim 122, which together define a child seat backrest 124 and a child seat chassis (not shown). A seat cushion, padding, etc. (not shown) may be disposed on the child seat backrest 124 and the child seat chassis to support an infant placed in the infant car seat 106. In some embodiments, the seat shell 120 may be a single generally solid or partially hollow structure that defines the child seat backrest 124 and the child seat chassis and supports a seat cushion for the infant. In some embodiments, and as Figure 1B shown therein, the seat shell 120 may include a first seat shell track 128 and a second seat shell track 130 located on respective opposite sides of the infant car seat 106. When the infant car seat system 104 is installed on the vehicle seat 102 (e.g., as Figure 1B shown therein), the seat shell tracks 128, 130 may be placed in contact with the vehicle seat chassis 112. In some configurations, the seat shell tracks 128, 130 may have respective curved rocker bottoms 132, 134 to enable a rocking motion for soothing an infant when the infant car seat system 104 is used outside of the vehicle (e.g., in a home environment, a restaurant, etc.).

[0234] The infant car seat 106 may include a carrying handle (not shown) coupled to opposite sides of the seat shell 120 (e.g., coupled to the seat shell tracks 128, 130) via respective attachment mechanisms 138, 140. In some configurations, the attachment mechanisms 138, 140 may allow the carrying handle to rotate relative to the seat shell 120 to access the infant and / or adjust the angle of the carrying handle and / or store the carrying handle. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanisms 138, 140 may include an integrated locking mechanism to maintain the carrying handle in a desired orientation relative to the seat shell 120.

[0235] As shown, the anchor system 108 of the infant car seat system 104 is typically mounted to the front lower portion of the seat shell 120. That is, the anchor system 108 is disposed at the front end or side of the infant car seat system 104. In the illustrated example, the anchor system 108 is a rigid anchor system or formed of various rigid components. This is in contrast to other embodiments in which the anchor system can be a strap-type or flexible anchor system and / or a combination of both rigid and strap-type / flexible anchor systems. However, as shown in the non-limiting embodiment of Figure 1B the anchor system 108 includes a pair of child seat anchors 142, 144 that are part of the infant car seat 106. Each child seat anchor 142, 144 is pivotally coupled to respective mechanical restraint points 146, 148 on seat shell tracks 128, 130 of the seat shell 120. Although two mechanical restraint points 146, 148 are shown on the respective sides of the infant car seat 106, in other exemplary embodiments, the anchor system can more typically be coupled to the infant car seat at one or more mechanical restraint points that are not necessarily located on the sides of the infant car seat, and the exemplary configuration is provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only.

[0236] The child seat anchors 142, 144 of the anchor system 108 can have an elongated shape (e.g., rectangular) and include a locking mechanism (e.g., a latch) that engages corresponding vehicle lower seat anchors 150, 152 in or near the seat bend 114 of the vehicle seat 102 at anchor points 154, 156, respectively. In this way, the anchor system 108 can directly couple the infant car seat 106 to the vehicle seat 102 without using a detachable vehicle mounting base and without using a vehicle seat belt. Additionally, the child seat anchors 142, 144 can include (or be coupled to) a release mechanism (e.g., a button, a knob, a slidable tab) to unlatch the child seat anchors 142, 144 from the vehicle lower seat anchors 150, 152 for removal of the infant car seat system 104 from the vehicle 100. In various embodiments, the child seat anchors 142, 144 and the vehicle lower seat anchors 150, 152 can be configured to comply with recognized safety standards and / or regulations, examples of which include but are not limited to the LATCH, ISOFIX, LUAS, and UCSS standards.

[0237] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the child seat anchors 142, 144 may be configured and arranged, and the mechanical restraint points 146, 148 for the anchor system 108 may be positioned for relatively simple engagement with the vehicle lower seat anchors 150, 152 located in or near the seat bend 114 to facilitate installation of the infant car seat system 104 in the vehicle 100. Additionally, the child seat anchors 142, 144 may be configured and arranged, and the mechanical restraint points 146, 148 may be positioned such that after the child seat anchors 142, 144 are engaged with the vehicle lower seat anchors 150, 152, there is a tight fit between the infant car seat system 104 and the vehicle seat 102 (e.g., the installed infant car seat system passes the CPS “inch test”).

[0238] As Figure 1B shown, the center of gravity of the infant car seat 106 is located near the intersection of the seat back 124 of the infant car seat 106 and the seat chassis. The center of gravity of the infant car seat 106 generally coincides with the axis 160 passing through the respective attachment mechanisms 138, 140 of the carrying handles. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the center of gravity of an object is the point at which the weight of the object or system can be considered to act (in uniform gravity, the center of gravity is the same as the center of mass of the object / system). In Figure 1B this case, the axis 160 is suitably close to the projection of the center of gravity towards the respective side of the infant car seat 106.

[0239] As Figure 1B shown, the first restraint point 146 for the first child seat anchor 142 and the second restraint point 148 for the second child seat anchor 144 are positioned closer to the front 116 of the infant car seat 106 than to the back side 118 of the infant car seat 106. In some embodiments, and as shown, the first restraint point 146 is positioned between the front 116 of the infant car seat 106 and the location of the first carrying handle attachment mechanism 138. Similarly, the second restraint point 148 is positioned between the front 116 of the infant car seat 106 and the location of the second carrying handle attachment mechanism 140. As shown, the first child seat anchor 142 has a first connection end 154 that is configured to mechanically engage with the first vehicle lower seat anchor 150 and define a first anchor point when the infant car seat system 104 is installed in the vehicle 100, and the second child seat anchor 144 has a second connection end 156 that is configured to mechanically engage with the second vehicle lower seat anchor 152 and define a second anchor point when the infant car seat system 104 is installed in the vehicle 100.

[0240] As Figure 1BAs shown, line 162 is drawn to extend from the second carrying handle attachment mechanism 140, through the axis 160 and the second connection end 156 of the second child seat anchor 144, and extend to the vehicle lower seat anchor 152. According to some embodiments, the second restraint point 148 is positioned above line 162. Although not visible in the Figure 1B perspective view of, a similar line can be drawn on the opposite side of the infant car seat 106 (i.e., extending from the first carrying handle attachment mechanism 138, through the axis 160 and the first connection end 154 of the first child seat anchor 142, and extending to the vehicle lower seat anchor 150), and the first restraint point 146 can be positioned above this line. The placement of the mechanical restraint points 146, 148 above these lines is based in part on improving crash performance and reducing injury criteria considering the center of gravity 158, and ensuring a tight fit between the infant car seat system 104 and the vehicle seat 102.

[0241] As Figure 1B shown, the child seat anchors 142, 144 are operatively coupled together by a rigid crossbeam. This connection and coupling allows the child seat anchors 142, 144 to operate together such that rotation of the rigid crossbeam can cause rotation of both child seat anchors 142, 144. In other embodiments, the two child seat anchors 142, 144 can be connected by a rigid crossbeam but can rotate independently relative to the axis passing through the rigid crossbeam. These child seat anchors 142, 144 can be considered generally rigid anchors because they are not arranged on a webbing or a seat belt, but are fixed in place and in relation to the seat shell 120, and particularly in relation to the corresponding first seat shell track 128 and second seat shell track 130. The rigid connection can provide a relatively simple and robust connection between the infant car seat system 104 and the vehicle seat 102. Additionally, as Figure 1B shown, the anchor system 108 is integrated into the infant car seat 106 and / or directly attached to the infant car seat, rather than using a separate base that may exist in other configurations.

[0242] As noted, the seat anchors of the infant car seat system can be arranged to facilitate alignment with the standard arrangement of the vehicle lower seat anchors. For example, referring now to Figures 2A - 2B , a schematic illustration of a vehicle seat 200 for receiving a child seat (e.g., an infant seat, an adjustable child seat) is shown. The vehicle seat 200 includes a plurality of vehicle lower anchors 202a to 202f. Although six vehicle lower seat anchors 202a to 202f are shown in this illustrative example, various other configurations can include more or fewer vehicle lower anchors without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0243] In this illustrative example, the vehicle seat 200 includes three sets (pairs) of vehicle lower seat anchors 202a to 202b, 202c to 202d, and 202e to 202f. As shown, the corresponding pairs of vehicle lower seat anchors 202a to 202f are disposed between the vehicle seat backrest 206 and the vehicle seat chassis 208 in or near the seat bend 204 of the vehicle seat 200. Because the positions of the vehicle lower seat anchors 202a to 202f are in or near the seat bend 204 of the vehicle seat 200, the anchor system of the infant car seat system can be positioned on the front lower portion of the seat shell to facilitate easy connection with a pair of vehicle lower seat anchors 202a to 202f.

[0244] In Figure 2A each pair of vehicle lower seat anchors 202a to 202b, 202c to 202d, and 202e to 202f corresponds to a specific seating position on the vehicle seat 200 (i.e., the left (202a to 202b), center (202c to 202d), and right (202e to 202f) seating positions relative to the forward direction of the vehicle). The relative positions of the corresponding vehicle lower seat anchors 202a to 202f can be defined relative to the centerline 210 of the vehicle seat 200. According to 49 CFR §571.3, the centerline 210 can be defined as the Seat Reference Point (SgRP). As shown, the nominal center-to-center distance D 0 is approximately 280 mm (i.e., D 0 ≈280 mm). Accordingly, the seat anchors in the anchor system of the infant seat can be similarly arranged to have a center-to-center distance of approximately 280 mm.

[0245] Figure 2B An enlarged view of an individual vehicle lower seat anchor 202 is shown. As shown, the vehicle lower seat anchor 202 can be a U-shaped track having a nominal width in the range of approximately 25 mm to approximately 60 mm. The seat anchors of the anchor system of the infant seat can be configured to attach to the smallest sized vehicle lower seat anchor 202 to ensure compatibility between different vehicle seats 200 of different makes and / or models of vehicles.

[0246] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an infant seat and related systems include an improved anchoring mechanism for securing the infant seat to a vehicle seat. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a rigid anchor system is integrated into an infant car seat and integrated in a manner that allows the infant seat to be set to different reclined positions or angles after installation in a vehicle. According to some embodiments, the anchor system is connected to a carrying handle by a connecting link, and the operation of the anchor system can be achieved by the movement or actuation of the carrying handle. For example, according to some embodiments, when the carrying handle is rotated from a carrying position to a non-rebounce position, the operation of the carrying handle can drag an anchor connector into the housing of the infant seat, thereby tightening the housing more tightly to the vehicle seat. In other embodiments, the operation or actuation of the anchor can be by direct manual operation and / or operation of a handle, as shown and described herein.

[0247] Reference is now made to Figures 3A - 3B , a schematic illustration of an infant car seat system 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure installed on a vehicle seat 302 of a vehicle. The infant car seat system 300 includes an infant car seat 304 having a seat housing 306, a carrying handle 308, and an anchor system 310. The infant car seat 304 has a front portion 312 and a back portion 314, and the front and back portions are arranged such that the infant car seat 304 is a rear-facing car seat. The seat housing 306 includes a seat housing track 316 having a curved bottom and a second seat housing track having a curved bottom disposed opposite the illustrated seat housing track 316 (e.g., as Figure 3B shown). It should be understood that the seat housing track may have a flat or linear bottom. The anchor system 310 includes a latch arm 318 that has a latch or anchoring mechanism at its distal end for engaging a vehicle lower anchor 320. The vehicle lower anchor 320 is disposed in a seat bend 322 of the vehicle seat 302. The seat bend 322 is defined at an intersection or connection between a vehicle seat chassis 324 and a vehicle seat backrest 326.

[0248] As Figures 3A - 3B shown, the infant car seat system 300 can be adjusted relative to the orientation of the vehicle seat chassis 324 and the vehicle seat backrest 326. In Figure 3A , the infant car seat 304 has a forward tilt or pitch, and in Figure 3B , the infant car seat 304 has a rearward tilt or pitch. This adjustment of tilt, pitch, recline, and relative angle and orientation can be adjustable and selectively fixed at a desired pitch angle. According to Figures 3A - 3BA non-limiting exemplary embodiment, this adjustability is provided by the anchor system 310. The anchor system 310 includes latch arms 318 that are rotatably coupled to the infant car seat 304 by respective latch attachment mechanisms 328. The latch attachment mechanisms 328 can be configured to connect the latch arms 318 to the infant car seat 304 while permitting selective rotation of the latch arms 318. For example, the latch attachment mechanisms 328 can be lockable and unlockable in one or more positions / orientations. In Figure 3A , the infant car seat system 300 is shown in a first position or orientation, where the infant car seat 304 is arranged in the most upright orientation, while in Figure 3B , the infant car seat system 300 is shown in a second position or orientation, where the infant car seat 304 is arranged in the most reclined orientation.

[0249] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the latch attachment mechanisms 328 can include one or more elements to allow the respective latch arms 318 to rotate. In some configurations, in the unlocked state, the latch arms 318 can rotate freely (e.g., 360-degree rotation). In other embodiments, in the unlocked state, the latch arms 318 can have a limited range of rotation (e.g., less than 360-degree rotation, such as 120-degree rotation). The rotation is defined about an axis passing through the latch attachment mechanisms 328 (e.g., inside and outside the page of Figures 3A - 3B ). In this configuration, although it can rotate about an axis passing through the latch attachment mechanisms 328, the latch attachment mechanisms 328 are additionally fixed in place relative to the seat shell 306 and / or the seat shell track 316. In this exemplary configuration, the latch attachment mechanisms 328 are attached to the infant car seat 304 on the seat shell track 316, however, in other embodiments, the latch attachment mechanisms 328 can be fixed to a portion of the seat shell 306 that is not the seat shell track (e.g., higher relative to the bottom of the infant car seat 304 than the position shown in Figures 3A - 3B ).

[0250] In the unlocked state, the latch attachment mechanisms 328 can permit free or relatively free rotation and orientation angle adjustment of the latch arms 318 (relative to the seat shell 306). However, when the desired angle or orientation is selective, for example, by adjusting the angle of the latch arms 318, the latch attachment mechanisms 328 can be locked into place and enter a locked state, where the latch arms 318 are no longer rotatable relative to the infant car seat 304. Various types of locking mechanisms can be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, and without limitation, the locking mechanism can include toothed or gear-driven configurations, pawl pins, clamps, quick-release mechanisms, lockable angle adapters, etc.

[0251] When the latch of the latch arm 318 is connected to the vehicle lower anchor 320, the latch arm 318 is fixed in place but is pivotable about its connection to the vehicle lower anchor 320. When the latch attachment mechanism 328 is fixed at a particular angle (e.g., locked), the infant car seat 304 can be locked and secured to the vehicle seat 302. That is, when the anchor of the latch arm 318 is locked in place with the vehicle lower anchor 320, the infant car seat 304 is held and supported by the latch 318 and the vehicle lower anchor 320 in the various forward and rearward tilt positions discussed above. In other words, by locking the latch attachment mechanism 328 at the desired angle, the infant car seat 304 can be fixed at this desired angle when installed on the vehicle seat 302 and held in this position because the latch arm 318 is fixed at an angular position relative to the seat shell 306.

[0252] Reference is now made to Figure 4 , which shows a schematic illustration of components of an anchor system 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 4 , the components and elements of the anchor system 400 are shown in an exploded or disassembled illustration. The anchor system 400 is configured to be mounted to a seat shell 402 and / or a seat shell track 404 of an infant car seat. In this exemplary configuration, the anchor system 400 is configured to be mounted in mounting apertures 406 formed in the seat shell track 404, but the location of such mounting apertures 406 is not limited to the exemplary location and may be formed in the seat shell 402 or other locations along the seat shell track 404.

[0253] The anchor system 400 includes a latch arm 408 having a latch 410 disposed at its distal end. The latch 410 can be configured to releasably connect or attach to a vehicle anchor system, such as described above. The latch arm 408 includes a latch arm hub 412 rotatably mounted to a stub shaft 414. In some embodiments, the stub shaft 414 can be integrally formed with the latch arm hub 412. As Figure 4As shown, the anchor system 400 further includes a recline hub 416, a recline gear 418, a memory hub 420, and one or more ramp hubs 422. The latch attachment mechanism 428 of this configuration includes the recline hub 416, the recline gear 418, the memory hub 420, and one or more ramp hubs 422. Each of the recline hub 416, the recline gear 418, the memory hub 420, and one or more ramp hubs 422 may have a central aperture or through-hole through which the hub shaft 414 may extend. Thus, in some embodiments, the recline hub 416, the recline gear 418, the memory hub 420, and one or more ramp hubs 422 may be mounted to or supported on the hub shaft 414. In other embodiments, one or more of these components may be arranged to permit the hub shaft 414 to pass through them without direct contact or engagement, and in some such configurations, the hub shaft 414 may be operable to ensure alignment of the components but may not provide other operational functionality.

[0254] The arrangement of the anchor system 400 is configured such that the latch arm 408 may rotate or pivot about an axis (e.g., defined by the hub shaft 414). Additionally, the arrangement of the anchor system 400 secures or mounts the components of the anchor system 400 within the mounting aperture 406 on the infant car seat (on the seat shell 402 and / or the seat shell track 404). The recline gear 418 is configured as a sliding gear that locks the position of the latch arm 408 in one or more positions (e.g., four positions). When the angular position of the latch arm 408 changes, the recline of the back of the infant car seat will change relative to the vehicle seat. That is, the anchor system 400 is configured to allow adjustment of the recline angle or orientation of the associated infant car seat. For example, the anchor system 400 may be configured to permit rotation about the axis defined by the hub shaft 414 to change the orientation angle of the latch arm 408 to at least achieve a first position (e.g., Figure 3A ) and a second position (e.g., Figure 3B ) and lock the system in such orientations. In some embodiments, other positions may be selected, such as between the first and second positions, and locked into place to ensure the desired forward or rearward tilt angle. Additionally, in some embodiments, the rotation of the latch arm 408 may be greater than or beyond the angles of the first and second positions.

[0255] As Figure 4As shown, the recline hub 416 includes one or more recesses 424. Additionally, the latch arm hub 412 includes one or more corresponding protrusions 426. The recesses 424 and the protrusions 426 may engage or interact with each other such that a rotational force may be applied from the latch arm 408 to the recline gear 418 and / or the ramp hub 422 (or vice versa). For example, in manual operation, a user (e.g., a caregiver) may manually rotate the latch arm 408, which will cause the components of the anchor system 400 to interact with each other, such as sliding along the forward tilt portion / ramp, to apply a force to the infant car seat and thereby adjust the orientation angle of the latch arm 408 relative to the infant car seat.

[0256] As described above, the latch attachment mechanism 428 includes the recline hub 416, the recline gear 418, the memory hub 420, and one or more ramp hubs 422. The latch attachment mechanism 428 may be configured to transition the latch arm 408 at least between a stowed position, a first use position, and a second use position. Additionally, the latch attachment mechanism 428 may be configured to transition from the stowed position to either the first use position or the second use position based on the most recent previous use position. That is, the memory hub 420 may be configured to retain the most recent previous use position such that switching from the stowed position to a use position will cause the most recent previous use position to transition (i.e., return to the first or second use position based on the last used use position).

[0257] Now referring to Figures 5A - 5F , a schematic illustration of the locked state ( Figures 5A - 5C ) and the unlocked state ( Figures 5D - 5F ) of an anchor system 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The anchor system 500 is similar to the anchor system shown and described with respect to Figure 4 . The anchor system 500 is disposed within an infant car seat 502 ( Figure 5A , 5D ) and is operatively coupled to the infant car seat. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the infant car seat 502 may be arranged and configured as shown and described above, or may take other shapes, configurations, or arrangements.

[0258] The anchor system 500 includes a latch arm 504 having a latch disposed at its distal end to releasably connect or attach to a vehicle anchor system. The latch arm 504 includes a latch arm hub 506 rotatably mounted to a hub shaft 508. In some embodiments, the hub shaft 508 may be integrally formed with the latch arm hub 506. The anchor system 500 further includes a recline hub 510 configured to engage a portion of the latch arm hub 506 to apply a rotational force between the two elements (e.g., by engagement of protrusions and recesses, such as with respect to Figure 4Shown and described). The recline hub 510 is configured to rotate freely. The recline gear 512 is arranged to fit within the recline hub 510 and can rotate the recline hub 510 (or receive rotational force from the rotation of the recline hub 510). The recline gear 512 is configured to move axially relative to the recline hub 510 (e.g., along the hub axis 508) and the recline gear 512 is configured to selectively engage with the recline hub 510. In the engaged state, the recline gear 512 engages with the recline hub 510 and the rotation of one will cause the rotation of the other. In the disengaged state, the recline gear 512 engages with the recline hub 510 and the memory hub 514. The memory hub 514 can be fixed relative to the infant car seat (e.g., cannot rotate about the hub axis 508). Due to the fixed position or state of the memory hub 514, when the recline gear 512 is in the state of being disengaged from the recline hub 510, the recline gear 512 will at least partially engage with the memory hub and lock the rotation of the recline gear 512, which in turn prevents the rotation of the recline hub 510 and in turn prevents the rotation of the latch arm 504. That is, in the disengaged state of the recline gear 512 relative to the recline hub 510, the orientation angle of the latch arm 504 is locked or fixed. Figures 5A - 5C Shows the locked state of the anchor system 500, where the recline gear 512 engages with both the recline hub 510 and the memory hub 514, resulting in a locked state of the latch arm 504. Figures 5D - 5F Shows the unlocked state of the anchor system 500, where the recline gear 512 engages only with the recline hub 510 and not with the memory hub 514, and thus the latch arm 504 is in the unlocked state and rotates freely relative to the infant car seat.

[0259] The recline gear 512 can be axially moved by the application of an axial force applied to the recline gear 512. In this exemplary configuration, the axial force is applied by the operation of the first ramp hub 516 and the second ramp hub 518. The first ramp hub 516 can be fixedly coupled to the recline gear 512 by one or more struts 519. Thus, when the first ramp hub 516 moves axially (e.g., relative to the hub axis 508), the first ramp hub 516 will push the recline gear 512 to move axially with it. The axial movement of the first ramp hub 516 is caused by the rotation of the second ramp hub 518 and the interaction with the second ramp hub. To cause the axial movement, the first ramp hub 516 includes one or more corresponding first ramps 520, and the second ramp hub 518 includes one or more corresponding second ramps 522 (e.g., as Figures 5E - 5Fas shown. When the second ramp hub 518 rotates, the second ramp 522 will interact with the first ramp 520 of the first ramp hub 516 and cause the first ramp hub 516 to move axially away from the second ramp hub 518 (e.g., along the hub axis 508 and / or the axis defined thereby). When the first ramp hub 516 moves axially away from the second ramp hub 518, the first ramp hub 516 will push the recline gear 512 to also move axially by applying an axial force to the strut 519. This axial movement will push the recline gear 512 into engagement with the recline hub 510 and (partially) disengage from the memory hub 514, and thereby allow the recline gear 512, the recline hub 510, and the latch arm 504 to rotate.

[0260] Thus, it is the rotation of the second ramp hub 518 that causes the actuation or operation of the anchor system 500. The rotation of the second ramp hub 518 can be caused by the forward tilt actuator 524. In this exemplary configuration, the forward tilt actuator 524 includes a forward tilt switch 526 and a switch linkage 528 that operably connects and is coupled to the second ramp hub 518. The forward tilt switch 526 is movably mounted to the seat housing 530. Similarly, the switch linkage 528 can be disposed within the seat housing 530 to provide protection therefor. The switch linkage 528 is connected to the second ramp hub 518 at the hub connector 532.

[0261] As shown, the recline gear 512 can be biased toward the locked state ( Figures 5A - 5C ) by means of a hub biasing element 534. As Figure 5B shown, the hub biasing element 534 extends such that the recline gear 512 is positioned to engage both the memory hub 514 and the recline hub 510. When the forward tilt switch 526 or actuator is operated, the switch linkage 528 will apply a force to the second ramp hub 518 and cause it to rotate. The rotation of the second ramp hub 518 will push the first ramp hub 516 axially toward the recline hub 510 and, by means of the strut 519, disengage the recline gear 512 from the memory hub 514 and fully engage it with the recline hub 510, as Figure 5E shown. During this transition, the hub biasing element 534 will be compressed between the recline gear 512 and the recline hub 510. Thus, the latch arm 504 can rotate freely relative to the seat housing 530. When the latch arm 504 is positioned as desired, the hub biasing element 534 can push the recline gear 512 back into engagement with the memory hub 514 ( Figure 5B ), thereby locking the latch arm 504 in the desired position.

[0262] In Figures 5A - 5F is also shown a connecting shaft 536. The connecting shaft 536 can extend through the seat housing 530 and be operably connected to a second anchor system on the opposite side of the seat housing 530 (e.g., in a configuration similar to Figure 1Bsimilar to that shown in). In some embodiments, a single forward tilt actuator 524 may be disposed on one side of the seat housing 530, wherein operation or actuation of the single forward tilt actuator 524 causes operation (locking and / or unlocking) of two connected anchor systems. In other embodiments, each side of the seat housing 530 may include a respective forward tilt actuator 524 coupled to a respective anchor system 500, wherein the two anchor systems operate independently and / or simultaneously.

[0263] In operation, when the recline gear 512 engages the recline hub 510 and disengages from the memory hub 514, free rotation of the latch arm 504 is possible. The latch arm 504 and the seat housing 530 are thus rotationally decoupled. As a result, if the latch arm 504 is arranged to contact the vehicle seat and / or engage a vehicle seat latch (e.g., as shown in Figures 3A - 3B ), then relative rotation between the latch arm 504 and the seat housing 530 will cause the seat housing 530 to adjust its relative relationship to the vehicle seat (e.g., transition from the position in Figure 3A to the position in Figure 3B ). That is, the latch arm 504 will define a fixed connection when connected to the vehicle seat latch, and thus angular adjustment at the respective anchor system 500 will enable adjustment of the orientation of the seat housing 530 relative to the vehicle seat.

[0264] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the recline mechanism may be split into two free layers. For example, referring to Figures 5A - 5F , according to another configuration, a recline gear mechanism (e.g., the recline gear 512) may be configured to lock the angular positions of the recline hub 510 and the latch arm 504 relative to the memory hub 514. In this alternative embodiment, the memory hub 514 may be configured to rotate freely relative to the seat housing 530 (rather than being fixed thereto). Since the recline hub 510 may be locked in position to the memory hub 514 by the recline gear 512 (as described above for axial movement), when the memory hub 514 rotates, the recline hub 510 will rotate with it, and when the memory hub 514 is locked, the recline hub 510 is locked with it. In this configuration, the memory hub 514 may be locked to the seat housing 530 in different angular positions. In some embodiments, the memory hub 514 may be configured to be locked to the seat housing 530 in a stowed position, a first use position, and a second use position.

[0265] Now referring to Figures 6A - 6C , a schematic illustration of an anchor system 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6A The anchor system 600 is shown in an unlocked state, Figure 6B The anchor system 600 is shown in a first locked state (e.g., stowed position), and Figure 6CShows the anchor system 600 in a second locked state (e.g., use position). The anchor system 600 may be similar to the anchor systems shown and described with respect to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5A - 5F, having additional or alternative features and / or operations described herein. The anchor system 600 is disposed within the seat shell 602 of an infant car seat and is operatively coupled to the seat shell. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the infant car seat may be arranged and configured as shown and described above, or may take other shapes, configurations, or arrangements. The anchor system 600 includes a latch arm 604 extending from a latch arm hub 606. Similar to the embodiments described above, the anchor system 600 includes a recline hub 608 and a memory hub 610. Recline gears may be disposed within and / or between the recline hub 608 and the memory hub 610. In this configuration, the memory hub 610 is arranged to be rotatable relative to the seat shell 602. The anchor system 600 may further include various elements not shown, such as a ramp hub, an actuator, a switch, a connector, a linkage, etc.

[0266] As described above, the latch arm 604 may rotate about an axis or axes passing through the anchor system 600. Figure 6B Shows the latch arm 604 rotated and locked in the stowed position, and Figure 6C shows the latch arm 604 rotated and locked in the use position. Each of these positions (stowed and use) may be fixed or locked when it is desired not to rotate the latch arm 604 (e.g., when the infant car seat is in use in a vehicle or when removing the infant car seat from the vehicle). As noted, Figure 6A shows the anchor system 600 in an unlocked state, which allows the latch arm 604 to move freely (e.g., between the stowed position and the use position). That is, it may be necessary to make the latch arm 604 movable or rotatable during installation and adjustment of the infant car seat in a vehicle, but once the desired position or orientation is set, it may be necessary to fasten and lock the latch arm 604 in the desired position or orientation.

[0267] Figures 6A - 6C The anchor system 600 shown in is split into two degrees of freedom. The first degree of freedom is similar to that described above with respect to Figures 5A - 5FThe degrees of freedom described, wherein the recline gear is configured to axially move within the anchor system 600 and lock the angular positions of the recline hub 608 and the latch arm 604 relative to the memory hub 610. In this embodiment, the memory hub 610 is arranged to rotate freely relative to the seat shell 602. Since the recline hub 608 can be locked in position to the memory hub 610 by the recline gear, when the memory hub 610 rotates, the recline hub 608 rotates with it, and when the memory hub 610 is locked, the recline hub 608 is locked with it. The memory hub 610 can be locked to the seat shell 602 in different angular positions. In this embodiment, the memory hub 610 is configured to be locked to the seat shell 602 in a use position ( Figure 6B ) and a stowed position ( Figure 6A ). The memory hub 610 is locked to the seat shell 602 by means of a locking mechanism 612.

[0268] In this exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 612 includes a locking plate 614 having locking teeth 616 and a locking biasing element 618. The locking biasing element 618 is configured to bias the locking plate 614 toward the locking position ( Figures 6B - 6C shown). In the locking position, the locking teeth 616 engage a portion of the memory hub 610 to rotationally fix the position of the memory hub 610. For example, as shown, the memory hub 610 has a first locking recess 620 corresponding to the stowed position ( Figure 6B ) and a second locking recess 622 corresponding to the use position ( Figure 6C ).

[0269] When the memory hub 610 rotates to either position, the locking teeth 616 on the locking plate 614 will engage one of the recesses 620, 622, thereby locking the memory hub 610 in that angular position. The locking plate 614 is configured to rotate about a pivot 624 on an axis on the seat shell 602. The locking plate 614 is connected to a release handle (not shown) on the rear of the seat shell 602 (e.g., for manual operation). In some configurations, this release handle may also be connected to a mechanism for disengaging the latch arm from the vehicle anchor. When such a release handle is actuated, the release handle pulls the locking teeth 616 of the locking plate 614 out of the recesses 620, 622 in the memory hub 610. In the case where the locking plate 614 is disengaged from the memory hub 610, the memory hub 610 rotates freely (e.g., from one position to another). In the stowed position ( Figure 6B ), the locking teeth 616 of the locking plate 614 engage the first recess 620 on the memory hub 610, thereby locking the memory hub 610 in the stowed position. In the use position ( Figure 6C ), the locking teeth 616 of the locking plate 614 engage the second recess 622 on the memory hub 610, thereby locking the memory hub 610 in the use position.

[0270] A user or caregiver can release or deploy the latch arm 604 from the stowed position ( Figure 6B ) to the use position ( Figure 6C ) by actuating the release handle. Actuating the release handle will disengage the locking teeth 616 of the locking plate 614 from the memory hub 610, thereby allowing the memory hub 610, the recline hub 608, the latch arm hub 606, and the latch arm 604 (having a latch connector at its end) to rotate to the use position ( Figure 6C ). According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, during this transition from the stowed position to the use position, the angular position of the recline hub 608 relative to the memory hub 610 does not change at any time. For example, when the memory hub 610 locks back into the use position ( Figure 6C ), the recline hub 608, the latch arm hub 606, and the latch arm 604 are in the same reclined position as in the previous or last use.

[0271] As illustratively shown in Figures 6A - 6C , the locking mechanism 612 can have one or more release connectors attached thereto. For example, a first release connector 626 can connect the locking plate 614 to a hub release handle (not shown), which is configured to allow manual operation of the locking mechanism 612 (e.g., engaging or disengaging the locking teeth 616 with the corresponding recesses 620, 622). A second release connector 628 can be configured to operate the latch at the distal end of the latch arm 604 to allow disconnection from the vehicle seat.

[0272] Now referring to Figure 7, shows a schematic illustration of an infant car seat 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure disposed on a vehicle seat 702. The infant car seat 700 may be configured generally similar to the embodiments described herein and has an adjustable and lockable anchor system 704 mounted to a seat shell 706 of the infant car seat 700. The infant car seat 700 has a front portion 708 and a back portion 710, and the front and back portions are arranged such that the infant car seat 700 is a rear-facing car seat. In this exemplary configuration, the anchor system 704 includes a first release actuator, such as a release handle 712 (e.g., a hub release handle) operatively coupled to a locking mechanism 714 through a respective first release connector 716. Additionally, in this embodiment, a second release connector 718 is provided to operatively connect the locking mechanism 714 to a latch or similar structure (e.g., a portion that engages a vehicle lower anchor) at an end of the anchor system 704 through the second release connector 718. In some embodiments, the second release connector 718 may be operated by actuation of the first release handle 712. In other embodiments, a second release handle (e.g., at the back portion 710 and / or along a side of the seat shell 706) may be provided for operating the second release connector 718.

[0273] Similar to the embodiments described with respect to Figures 6A - 6C the locking mechanism 714 may include one or more biasing members biased (e.g., biased with a memory hub of the anchor system 704) toward a locking, locked, or engaged position. By pulling or otherwise actuating the first release handle 712, the locking mechanism 714 can be actuated to move away from the locking or engaged position, thereby allowing the anchor system 704 to rotate relative to the seat shell 706. As shown, the first release handle 712 is disposed at the back portion 710 of the seat shell 706 opposite the position of the anchor system 704 and is connected to the anchor system through the first release connector 716.

[0274] This arrangement of the release handle 712 can improve ease of use for a caregiver. For example, the infant car seat 700 may be positioned on the vehicle seat 702, and the anchor system 704 may be firmly engaged with a vehicle latch system that is part of the vehicle seat 702. Once attached, the caregiver can adjust the forward / backward tilt angle by operating the first release handle 712 to allow rotational movement between the seat shell 706 and the anchor system 704, and thus adjust the backward tilt angle of the seat shell 706 (e.g., compare Figure 3A and Figure 3B)。When setting the desired position, the caregiver can release the first release handle 712 to lock the anchor system 704 into the desired orientation. When the caregiver wishes to remove the infant seat 700 from the vehicle, the caregiver can operate the release handle 712 (or the second release handle) to disengage the latch connection with the vehicle's lower anchor and thus allow removal of the infant car seat 700.

[0275] Now referring to Figures 8A - 8C , a schematic illustration of an anchor system 800 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The anchor system 800 may be similar to the anchor systems shown and described above. For example, the anchor system 800 is mounted to a seat shell 802 and includes a latch arm 804 extending from a latch arm hub. Similar to the embodiments described above, the anchor system 800 includes a recline gear 806 and a memory hub 808, along with other components as shown and described above but not shown in Figures 8A - 8C for clarity. The recline gear 806 may be disposed within and / or between a recline hub and the memory hub 808, as shown and described above. In this configuration, the memory hub 808 is arranged to be rotatable relative to the seat shell 802. The anchor system 800 may further include various elements not shown, such as a ramp hub, an actuator, a switch, a connector, a linkage, etc. A locking mechanism 810 is provided to operate in conjunction with the anchor system 800.

[0276] The locking mechanism 810 includes a locking plate 812 having locking teeth 814 and a locking biasing element (not shown). The locking plate 812 is pivotally coupled to the seat shell 802. The locking plate 812 is operatively connected between a release handle and the latch arm 804. In some configurations, activation of the release handle pivots the locking plate 812 and releases the engagement between the latch (at the end of the latch arm 804) and the vehicle anchor system, thereby releasing the connection to the vehicle seat. Activation of the release handle may also provide a mechanism for releasing the latch arm 804 to move between a stowed position ( Figure 8C ) and a use position ( Figures 8A - 8B ). When the latch arm 804 moves between the stowed position and the use position, the memory hub 808 may be configured to move with the latch arm 804. Additionally, the anchor system 800 includes a forward tilt actuator (e.g., the recline gear 806), where the forward tilt actuator is operatively coupled to the memory hub 808 and the latch arm 804 such that actuation of the forward tilt actuator allows the latch arm 804 to rotate relative to the memory hub 808 to set the forward tilt angle of the latch arm 804 relative to the seat shell 802.

[0277] The locking biasing element (not shown) is configured to bias the locking plate 812 toward a locked position ( Figure 8AThe offset shown in [reference]. In the locked position, the locking teeth 814 engage with a portion of the memory hub 808 to rotationally fix the position of the memory hub 808, as described above. In the locked state ( Figure 8A ), the locking teeth 814 of the locking plate 812 lock the memory hub 808 to the seat housing 802, for example, in the deployed position as shown in Figure 8A . When it is desired to move the latch arm 804 from the deployed state (e.g., Figure 8A ) to the stowed state (e.g., Figure 8C ), the locking mechanism 810 is operable (e.g., as described with respect to Figure 7 ) to disengage the locking teeth 814 from the memory hub 808 (e.g., Figure 8B ).

[0278] When the locking mechanism 810 is operated and the locking teeth 814 are disengaged from the memory hub 808, the latch arm 804 will be free to rotate (e.g., from the deployed state to the stowed state). In this embodiment, to prevent the locking mechanism 810 from automatically re-engaging with the memory hub 808, the locking mechanism 810 may include a toggle switch 816. For example, after the release handle is activated to operate the locking mechanism 810, the toggle switch 816 may rotate and prevent the locking teeth 814 from re-engaging with the memory hub 808, thereby allowing the latch arm 804 to pivot to the stowed position without re-activating the release handle. When the latch arm 804 rotates to the desired position (e.g., the stowed position shown in Figure 8C ), the user may operate the release handle and / or the toggle switch 816 to re-engage the locking teeth 814 with the memory hub 808 to lock the latch arm 804 in the stowed state. Similar operations may be performed to release the latch arm 804 from the stowed state and allow a transition to the deployed state. The memory hub 808 may be configured such that in the deployed state, a specific orientation of the latch arm 804 may be set and not adjusted during the transition from the deployed state to the stowed state, and thus the memory hub 808 may provide a memory or ability to return to a specific angle in the deployed state without the need for adjustment each time the latch arm 804 is deployed.

[0279] As shown in Figures 8A - 8B , the anchor system 800 is shown in the use position, where the latch of the anchor system 800 is movable and / or operable to engage with a vehicle seat anchor, etc. In contrast, for example, Figure 8C shows the anchor system 800 in the stowed position. The anchor system 800 is configured to be locked or fixed in the use or stowed position based on user preferences and the specific state or use of the infant car seat, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The release handle is operably coupled to the locking mechanism 810 for selective operation of the anchor system 800, e.g., for locking the anchor system 800 in the use position ( Figures 8A - 8B) and / or stowed position ( Figure 8C ) In the use position of the latch arm 804, the latch arm 804 is selectively fixed at two or more angles relative to the seat shell 802. The anchor system 800 includes a memory hub 808 configured to set the recline angle of the infant car seat based on two or more angles at which the memory hub 808 can be set.

[0280] Now referring to Figures 9A - 9D , a schematic illustration of an infant car seat system 900 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The infant car seat system 900 may be similar to the infant car seat systems shown and described above and may have an anchor system 902 configured to enable adjustment of the infant car seat 904 even after the infant car seat 904 is installed on a vehicle seat. The infant car seat 904 includes a seat shell 908 and a carrying handle 910 operatively coupled to the seat shell 908 and adjustable relative to the seat shell 908 by an attachment mechanism 912 that rotatably couples the carrying handle 910 to the seat shell 908.

[0281] In this embodiment, the anchor system 902 is operatively connected to the carrying handle 910. The connection between the carrying handle 910 and the anchor system 902 allows movement of the carrying handle 910 to cause movement and / or operation of the anchor system 902 relative to the seat shell 908 (e.g., movement of the latch arm 914 and the latch 916). The anchor system 902 includes a latch arm 914 having a latch 916 disposed at its distal end. The latch 916 may be configured to releasably connect or attach to a vehicle anchor system, such as described above (e.g., see Figures 10A - 10B , a configuration similar to that of being installed on a vehicle seat). The latch arm 914 is operatively coupled to the carrying handle 910 by a set of linkages that allow operation of the carrying handle 910 to cause movement and / or adjustment of the latch arm 914. For example, when the latch 916 is engaged and fastened to the vehicle anchor system and locked in place, operation of the carrying handle 910 will cause movement of the seat shell 908 due to the fixed state of the latch 916. Additionally or alternatively, the latch arm 914 may be operatively coupled to the carrying handle 910 by the set of linkages to lock the latch arm 914 in place and release the latch arm 914 to allow movement and / or rotation of the latch arm 914 relative to the seat shell 908.

[0282] As shown, the anchor system 902 includes a handle link 918, a connecting link 920, a rear link 922, a locking link 924, and a front link 926. The handle link 918 is connected between the attachment mechanism 912 of the carrying handle 910 and the connecting link 920. The connecting link 920 is connected between the handle link 918 and the rear link 922. The rear link 922 is connected between the connecting link 920 and the locking link 924 at one end of the rear link 922, and provides a pivot connection between the connecting link 920 and the rear link 922. The opposite end of the rear link 922 is pivotally connected to the seat housing 908. The locking link 924 is connected between the rear link 922 and the connecting link 920 at one end of the locking link 924, and is connected between the rear link and the latch arm 914 at the other end of the locking link. The front link 926 is connected to the latch arm 914 at one end, and is pivotally connected to the seat housing 908 at the other end. The front link 926 and the locking link 924 can be pivotally connected to the latch arm 914 at the same position or about the same pivot connection. The links 918, 920, 922, 924 are configured to provide a functional connection between the carrying handle 910 and the latch arm 914, and when the carrying handle 910 is used to cause movement of the latch arm 914, the front link 926 provides a pivoting force to the latch arm 914. The locking link 924 includes a recline bracket 928 configured to provide two or more locking positions or forward tilt angles that can be fastened in place to set the recline of the infant car seat 904 and / or the snug fit of the infant car seat 904 with the vehicle seat.

[0283] Figure 9B An infant car seat system 900 is shown in a reclined position, and the anchor system 902 is in an unlocked and extended state. Figure 9C An infant car seat system 900 is shown in an upright position, and the anchor system 902 is in an unlocked and extended state. Figure 9D An infant car seat system 900 and an anchor system 902 are shown in a locked and tensioned state. In operation, by rotating the carrying handle 910, the attachment mechanism 912 can push the handle link 918 to move, thereby applying a force to the connecting link 920. For example, when the carrying handle 910 is pushed towards the leg 930 of the seat housing 908, the handle link 918 can rotate in a direction away from the leg 930. This rotation of the handle link 918 at the connection with the attachment mechanism 912 will cause the connecting link 920 to move in a direction away from the leg 930 of the seat housing 908. This movement in turn serves to push the locking link 924 in a direction away from the leg 930. Since the locking link 924 is connected to the connecting link 920 and the rear link 922, the movement will cause the locking link 924 to be pulled away from the leg 930 and pulled upward towards the seat housing 908 (e.g., asFigures 9B to 9D as shown in). Thus, the operation of the carrying handle 910 can be configured to retract the latch arm 914 (and the latch 916) towards the seat housing 908.

[0284] The recline bracket 928 can include an opening having one or more ramps or recesses configured to receive the locking pin 932. The locking pin 932 is a pin that couples the connecting link 920, the rear link 922, and the locking link 924 together. The locking pin 932 is fixedly and pivotally connected to the ends of the connecting link 920 and the rear link 922 and is disposed within the opening of the recline bracket 928 of the locking link 924. The locking pin 932 can move between different positions within the opening of the recline bracket 928, and the different positions are selected to fasten and lock the recline position of the seat housing 908 relative to the latch arm 914. Different positions of the recesses or ramps of the recline bracket 928 can be configured to define the relative angle and relationship between the seat housing 908 and the latch arm 914 such that each recess or ramp can define a different forward tilt angle (or recline angle). The recline bracket 928 can provide similar functionality for setting or presetting the forward tilt angle as shown and described above.

[0285] As Figures 9B to 9C shown, the angular or positional relationship between the adjustable seat housing 908 and the latch arm 914 (or the latch 916) can be adjusted. Changes in position, angle, etc. will be described relative to the seat line 934 and the latch line 936, where the seat line is a horizontal line passing through the seat housing 908 and the latch line passes along its longitudinal axis through the latch 916 and the latch arm 914. Figure 9B shows the seat housing 908 in a fully reclined position, where a recline angle α is defined between the seat line 934 and the latch line 936 r . Figure 9C shows the seat housing 908 in a fully upright position, where a recline angle α is defined between the seat line 934 and the latch line 936 u . The recline angle α r is greater than the upright angle α u . In some configurations, the upright angle α u can be undefined because the seat line 934 and the latch line 936 can be parallel. However, in non - parallel configurations, the upright angle α u will be less than the recline angle α r . The recline angle α r and the upright angle α uEach of these may be defined by a respective recess or ramp of the recline bracket 928. In some configurations, a plurality of different recline angles may be preset based on the arrangement of the recline bracket 928. For example, at one end of the recline bracket 928 may be an upright recess for receiving the locking pin 932 and setting the seat shell 908 in the upright position. At the opposite end of the recline bracket 928 may be a maximum recline recess for receiving the locking pin 932 and setting the seat shell 908 in the fully reclined position. Disposed between the upright recess and the maximum recline recess may be one or more additional recline recesses that define a recline angle that is less than the fully reclined position but more reclined than the upright position.

[0286] The recesses of the recline bracket 928 may be temporarily fixed such that the forward / backward tilt angle of the seat shell 908 relative to the vehicle seat is fixed from one use to the next. Thus, a caregiver may set the preferred recline level of the seat shell 908 (and thus the child sitting thereon) and then install / remove the infant car seat system 900 from the vehicle. In the case of setting the angles of the latch 916 and the latch arm 914, the infant car seat system 900 may be installed in a predefined orientation. However, even once installed, further operation of the carrying handle 910 may cause further action to secure the infant car seat system 900 to the vehicle.

[0287] For example, now refer to Figures 10A to 10B , a schematic illustration of an infant car seat system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure installed on a vehicle seat 1006. The infant car seat system 1000 is generally similar to the infant car seat system shown and described above with respect to Figures 9A to 9D and has an anchor system 1002 that is configured to enable adjustment of the infant car seat 1004 even after the infant car seat 1004 is installed on the vehicle seat 1006. The infant car seat 1004 includes a seat shell 1008 and a carrying handle 1010 that is operatively coupled to the seat shell 1008 and whose angle relative to the seat shell 1008 can be adjusted by an attachment mechanism 1012 that rotatably couples the carrying handle 1010 to the seat shell 1008. The anchor system 1002 includes an adjustable latch arm 1014, as described above, and may include a latch at one end for connection to a vehicle latch system, similar to that shown and described above.

[0288] Figure 10A shows the infant car seat system 1000 in the installed position, and Figure 10B shows the infant car seat system 1000 in the tensioned position. Figure 10A The installed position shown in Figure 9Cbetween the upright shown in and the maximum recline shown in Figure 9B . As described above, this forward tilt angle can be preset and set by the caregiver to achieve the desired recline of the infant car seat system 1000. Once installed, the caregiver can then operate or pivot the carrying handle 1010 to move the position of the carrying handle 1010 from the carrying position ( Figure 9B ) to the anti-rebound position ( Figure 10A ). As shown in Figure 10B , when moved to the anti-rebound position, the carrying handle 1010 is angled towards the seat back 1016 and extends towards the seat back. In this position, the carrying handle 1010 is arranged to contact the seat back 1016 in the event of a similar collision and, in this case, prevent the infant car seat system 1000 from moving significantly. Figure 10B As Figure 10B shown in, when moved to the anti-rebound position, the carrying handle 1010 is angled towards the seat back 1016 and extends towards the seat back. In this position, the carrying handle 1010 is arranged to contact the seat back 1016 in the event of a similar collision and, in this case, prevent the infant car seat system 1000 from moving significantly.

[0289] In addition, since the carrying handle 1010 is operatively coupled to the latch arm 1014 by an anchor system 1002 (e.g., an anchor system 1002 similar to Figures 9A to 9D ), other functionality is provided by moving the carrying handle 1010 towards the leg 1018 of the seat housing 1008. For example, by pushing the carrying handle 1010 towards the leg 1018, the attachment mechanism 1012 will apply a force to the handle link, connecting link, rear link, locking link, and front link, and thus apply a force on the latch arm 1014. When the infant car seat system 1000 is installed in the vehicle seat 1006 and the latch of the latch arm 1014 is fastened to the vehicle latch, the operation of the linkages will cause the seat housing 1008 to move. That is, the latch arm 1014 is fixed to the vehicle seat 1006 at one end and pivotally coupled to the seat housing 1008, and thus pulling the linkages into the seat housing 1008 will cause the seat housing 1008 to move towards the seat back 1016 of the vehicle seat 1006.

[0290] According to some non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, a rigid latch assembly or anchor system is integrated into the infant car seat. The recline bracket and / or linkages of the anchor assembly can be integrated in a manner that allows the infant seat to be set to different recline positions after the infant seat is installed in the vehicle. The recline bracket and linkages are also connected to the carrying handle, as shown and described above (e.g., the linkages between the latch arm and the attachment mechanism of the carrying handle). When the carrying handle is rotated from the carrying position ( Figure 10A ) to the anti-rebound position ( Figure 10B ), the operation of the carrying handle will drag the linkages in the opposite direction and thus drag the latch arm into the seat housing. When the latch arm is pulled into the seat housing, it will cause the seat housing to be more tightly secured to the vehicle seat (e.g., as shown in Figure 10B Figure 10Bas shown). The recline mechanism of the link (e.g., the locking link and the recline bracket) may allow the infant car seat to be set in one of a number of recline positions. In some embodiments, when the carrying handle is in the carrying position ( Figure 10A ), the latch arm (1014) may pivot freely through the possible full recline range (e.g., between upright and maximum recline). Once connected to the vehicle seat, the caregiver can rotate the infant car seat to the desired recline position. Subsequently, when the carrying handle is rotated to the locked position (from Figure 10A to Figure 10B ), the connected link will drag the locking pin into the closest recline slot, thereby locking the latch arm in the recline position. When the handle is further rotated to the locked position ( Figure 10B ), it drags the latch arm into the seat shell, thereby tightening the connection to the vehicle seat.

[0291] Now referring to Figures 11A to 11C , a schematic illustration of the components and operation of an anchor system 1100 that can be mounted to a seat shell 1102 of an infant car seat 1104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In Figure 11A , the components and elements of the anchor system 1100 are shown in a separated or exploded illustration, and Figures 11B to 11C shows the infant car seat 1104 positioned at a forward tilt angle that can be achieved by the operation of the anchor system 1100. The anchor system 1100 is configured to be mounted or otherwise attached to the seat shell 1102 (and / or its seat shell track) of the infant car seat 1104. In this exemplary configuration, the anchor system 1100 is configured to be mounted in a mounting aperture 1106 formed in the seat shell 1102. It should be understood that the position of this mounting aperture 1106 is not limited to the exemplary position and may be formed in other positions on the seat shell 1102.

[0292] The anchor system 1100 includes a latch arm 1108 having a latch 1110 disposed at its distal end. The latch 1110 may be configured to releasably connect or attach to a vehicle anchor system, such as described above. The latch arm 1108 includes a latch arm hub 1112 that is rotatably mounted to a hub shaft (e.g., similar to the hub shaft shown in Figure 4 ). In some embodiments, the hub shaft may be integrally formed with the latch arm hub 1112. The latch arm 1108 may include a latch arm housing 1114 or be received within the latch arm housing. Although shown as separate components and structures, one or more components of the latch arm 1108, the latch 1110, and / or the latch arm housing 1114 may be formed as a single piece or a single component (or some other configuration). That is, the exemplary structural configuration of the latch arm 1108 and associated elements is not intended to be limiting.

[0293] As Figure 11A shown, the anchor system 1100 further includes a recline hub 1116, a recline gear 1118, a memory hub 1120, and one or more ramp hubs 1122a, 1122b. The ramp hubs may be arranged as a buffer ramp hub 1122a and a drive ramp hub 1122b. Although shown as having two ramp hubs, it should be understood that other configurations with fewer or more ramp hubs may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0294] This configuration of and similar to the latch attachment mechanism shown and described with respect to Figure 4 includes a recline hub 1116, a recline gear 1118, a memory hub 1120, and one or more ramp hubs 1122a, 1122b. Each of the recline hub 1116, the recline gear 1118, the memory hub 1120, and the one or more ramp hubs 1122a, 1122b may have a central aperture or through-hole through which a hub shaft may extend. Thus, in some embodiments, the recline hub 1116, the recline gear 1118, the memory hub 1120, and the one or more ramp hubs 1122a, 1122b may be mounted to or supported on the hub shaft. In other embodiments, one or more of these components may be arranged to permit the hub shaft to pass through them without direct contact or engagement, and in some such configurations, the hub shaft may be operative to ensure alignment of the components but may not provide other operative functionality.

[0295] The arrangement of the anchor system 1100 is configured such that the latch arm 1108 may rotate or pivot about an axis (e.g., defined by the hub shaft or a through-axis passing through the mounting aperture 1106). The arrangement of the anchor system 1100 is configured to fasten or mount the components of the anchor system 1100 within the mounting aperture 1106 on the infant car seat 1104 (e.g., the seat shell 1102 and / or an associated seat shell track). The recline gear 1118 is configured as a sliding gear that locks the position of the latch arm 1108 in one or more positions (e.g., four positions). When the angular position of the latch arm 1108 changes, the recline / forward tilt of the infant car seat 1104 will change relative to the vehicle seat, e.g., Figures 11B to 11C shown. That is, the anchor system 1100 is configured to allow adjustment of the recline angle or orientation of the associated infant car seat 1104. For example, the anchor system 1100 may be configured to permit rotation about an axis defined by the hub shaft to change the orientation angle of the latch arm 1108 to at least achieve a first position (e.g., Figure 11B ) and a second position (e.g., Figure 11C ) and lock the system in such orientations. As Figure 11B shown, the first position may cause the infant car seat 1104 to recline at a first angle A 1 InFigure 11B in which, the first angle A 1 is shown as being 33.3° relative to plane 1124, which may represent a vehicle seat or the like. As Figure 11C shown, the second position may enable the infant car seat 1104 to be at a second angle A 2 tilted. In Figure 11C it, the second angle A 2 is shown as being 49.3° relative to plane 1124. In some embodiments, other positions may be selected, for example, between the first position and the second position, and locked into a proper position to ensure the desired forward or backward tilt angle. Additionally, in some embodiments, the rotation of the latch arm 1108 may be greater than or beyond the angles of the first position and the second position.

[0296] As Figures 11B to 11C shown, the infant car seat 1104 includes a seat shell 1102 in or on which a child can be supported and carried. The infant car seat 1104 includes a carrying handle 1128, which is operably coupled to the seat shell 1102 and the angle of the carrying handle relative to the seat shell 1102 can be adjusted by an attachment mechanism 1128 that rotatably couples the carrying handle 1126 to the seat shell 1102.

[0297] Now referring to Figures 12A to 12D , a schematic illustration of the components and operation of an anchor system 1200 that can be mounted to a seat shell 1202 of an infant car seat 1204 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 12A A portion of the infant car seat 1204 is shown having two anchor systems 1200 operably coupled together by a connecting shaft 1206. The connecting shaft 1206 can be configured such that the movement of one anchor system 1200 will cause a similar or matching movement of the other anchor system 1200. Thus, the two anchor systems 1200 are configured to operate simultaneously through the connection provided by the connecting shaft 1206. The operation of the anchor system 1200 can be at least partially operated by a recline actuator handle 1208. The recline actuator handle 1208 can be positioned away from the anchor system and operably connected to the anchor system through one or more connections as described herein. The position of the recline actuator handle 1208 can be at any position on the infant car seat 1204 (e.g., on the seat shell 1202 and / or the track of the seat shell 1202 and / or the edge of the seat shell). The infant car seat 1204 can include one or more indicators 1210 to provide indication of the various different angles at which the infant car seat 1204 can recline / tilt forward by the operation of the recline actuator handle 1208 and the change in the orientation of the anchor system 1200, such as shown and described above. The indicator 1210 can be a mark, dot, indentation, protrusion, text, etc.

[0298] The components and elements of an anchor system 1200 are shown in Figures 12B to 12D . The anchor system 1200 each includes a latch arm 1212 having a latch disposed at its distal end. The latch of the latch arm 1212 can be configured to releasably connect or attach to a vehicle anchor system, such as described above. The latch arm 1212 includes a latch arm hub 1214 rotatably mounted to a stub shaft, which in this configuration is attached to the connecting shaft 1206 or a portion of the connecting shaft. As Figure 12B shown in, the anchor system 1200 further includes a recline hub 1216, a recline gear 1218, a memory hub 1220, and one or more ramp hubs 1222a, 1222b. The ramp hubs can be arranged as a cushion ramp hub 1222a and a drive ramp hub 1222b. Although shown as having two ramp hubs, it should be understood that other configurations with fewer or more ramp hubs can be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0299] This configuration of and latch attachment mechanisms similar to those shown and described above include a recline hub 1216, a recline gear 1218, a memory hub 1220, and one or more ramp hubs 1222a, 1222b. Each of the recline hub 1216, the recline gear 1218, the memory hub 1220, and the one or more ramp hubs 1222a, 1222b can have a central aperture or through hole through which the connecting shaft 1206 can extend. Thus, in some embodiments, the recline hub 1216, the recline gear 1218, the memory hub 1220, and the one or more ramp hubs 1222a, 1222b can be mounted to or supported on the connecting shaft 1206. In other embodiments, one or more of these components can be arranged to permit the connecting shaft 1206 to pass therethrough without direct contact or engagement, and in some such configurations, the connecting shaft 1206 can be operative to ensure alignment of the components but may not provide other operative functionality. The anchor system 1200 can also include or be operatively configured to cooperate with a locking mechanism 1224 (e.g., similar to the locking mechanisms shown and described above with respect to Figures 6A to 6C , 7, 8A to 8C). In this configuration, the locking mechanism 1224 is operatively connected to the recline actuator handle 1208, and / or the recline actuator handle 1208 is operatively connected to the drive ramp hub 1222b to effect selective operation of the recline / forward tilt functionality of the infant car seat 1204. In some configurations, the locking mechanism 1224 can be operated using a first handle or actuator (e.g., as Figure 7 shown in), and the operation of the drive ramp hub 1222b can be provided by a second handle or actuator (e.g., the recline actuator handle 1208).

[0300] Figures 12C to 12DShows a cross-section of one of the anchor systems 1200 in a recline locked state ( Figure 12C ) and in a recline unlocked state ( Figure 12D ). As shown in Figure 12C , in the recline locked state, the recline gear 1218 engages both the recline hub 1216 and the memory hub 1220. In this state, the forward or recline angle is fixed and not adjustable. To adjust the angle (recline / forward tilt) of the infant car seat 1204, the anchor system 1200 is operated, for example, by the recline actuator handle 1208, which causes the recline gear 1218 to move out of engagement with the memory hub 1220, and the anchor system can be rotationally driven by (or rotationally drive) the recline hub 1216, and thus the forward tilt / recline angle of the infant car seat 1204 can be adjusted.

[0301] As shown in Figure 12C , in the locked state, the drive ramp hub 1222b is in a first state, and the buffer ramp hub 1222a is in substantial contact with the drive ramp hub 1222b. When changing to the unlocked state shown in Figure 12D , the drive ramp hub 1222b rotates such that one or more ramps 1226 will push the buffer ramp hub 1222a away from the drive ramp hub 1222b, which in turn pushes the recline gear 1218 out of engagement with the memory hub 1220. As shown, the buffer ramp hub 1222a can push the recline gear 1218 to move by contacting the strut 1228 of the recline gear 1218. It should be understood that in other configurations, the strut 1228 can be part of the buffer ramp hub 1222a rather than part of the recline gear 1218. Additionally, in some embodiments, the buffer ramp hub 1222a can include one or more ramps corresponding to the ramps 1226 of the drive ramp hub 1222b (e.g., as shown in Figures 5A to 5F ).

[0302] Now refer to Figures 13A to 13E , a schematic illustration of a portion of an infant car seat 1300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The infant car seat 1300 can be similar to the infant car seat shown and described above, and specifically can be similar to the configurations shown in Figures 11A to 11C and / or Figures 12A to 12D . That is, the infant car seat 1300 includes a recline actuator handle 1302 that is configured to operate the forward tilt / recline functionality of the infant car seat 1300. The infant car seat 1300 includes a seat shell 1304 and an anchor system 1306 ( Figure 13C)。The anchor system 1306 may be configured to be similar to one or more of the embodiments shown and described above, but for simplicity and clarity of description and illustration, only the drive ramp hub 1308 is illustratively shown. Additionally, the drive ramp hub 1308 includes at least one ramp on the side opposite the side shown, where the ramp is configured to engage and / or push the recline gear of the anchor system 1306 along an axis 1310 (e.g., a connecting shaft and / or a hub shaft).

[0303] The recline actuating handle 1302 is operably connected to the anchor system 1306, and specifically to its drive ramp hub 1308. For example, as shown, there are at least one recline actuating connector 1312 (two are shown, each for each of the two anchor systems 1306 of the infant car seat 1300). The recline actuating connector 1312 can be a wire, cable, strip, or other flexible or semi-flexible element, or can be configured as a fixed or rigid element, such as a rod, shaft, etc. Figures 13A to 13B The first end connection of the recline actuating connector 1312 is shown, which is connected to the recline actuating handle 1302 through a connector element 1314. In this illustrative and non-limiting configuration, the connector element 1314 is a carriage or a moving body configured to travel within a slot or track 1316. In this particular configuration, the connector element 1314 is configured to move generally vertically (e.g., upward / downward movement) when the user operates or actuates the recline actuating mechanism, such as the actuating handle 1302. Figure 13A The normal state of the actuating handle 1302 is shown, and Figure 13B The actuated state of the actuating handle 1302 is shown. As shown, when comparing Figure 13A and Figure 13B the actuating handle 1302 moves upward in the actuated state, and this causes the connector element 1314 to move upward along the track 1316. When the connector element 1314 moves upward, it will exert a force on the recline actuating connector 1312 in the upward direction (e.g., relative to the seat shell 1304 and on the Figures 13A to 13B page of). In some embodiments, and as shown, the actuating handle 1302 can perform a pivoting operation such that one end or side of the actuating handle 1302 moves upward (e.g., the part connected to the connector element 1314). In this configuration, a handle pivot 1318 is provided to ensure the desired pivoting movement. The handle pivot 1318 can be a pin, rod, boss, etc. configured to rotate relative to the seat shell 1304.

[0304] Referring to Figure 13C, shows the opposite end of a reclining actuation connector 1312 (e.g., opposite the connection to connector element 1314), which shows the connection to the drive ramp hub 1308. As shown, the reclining actuation connector 1312 engages with the drive ramp hub 1308 and is firmly attached to or connected to the drive ramp hub. For example, a fastening mechanism 1320 provides a connection between the end of the reclining actuation connector 1312 and the drive ramp hub 1308. In this exemplary embodiment, the fastening mechanism 1320 includes a clamp or compression configuration that captures the end of the reclining actuation connector 1312. In other embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the reclining actuation connector 1312 can be attached to the drive ramp hub 1308 by other means or mechanisms, such as fasteners, snap rings, adhesives, glues, threaded connections, etc. Additionally, it should be understood that other mechanisms that can convert (e.g., the linear motion of the actuating handle 1302) can be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and the linear motion can cause a rotational motion (e.g., of the drive ramp hub 1308). Further, in other configurations, the actuating handle can be configured as a knob or dial that can be turned or rotated to cause the reclining actuation connector 1312 to in turn cause rotation of the drive ramp hub 1308.

[0305] Reference Figures 13D to 13E , shows a schematic illustration of one configuration of the connection between the reclining actuation connector 1312 and the drive ramp hub 1308. Figure 13D Shows a first side view of the drive ramp hub 1308, and Figure 13E shows a second opposite side view of the drive ramp hub 1308. At the end of the reclining actuation connector 1312 is a locking element 1322, which is configured to provide a tight engagement between the reclining actuation connector 1312 and the drive ramp hub 1308. As Figure 13D shown, the first side of the drive ramp hub 1308 includes at least one ramp 1324, which is configured to rotate into engagement with a buffer ramp hub and push the buffer ramp hub along an axis (e.g., as Figures 12C to 12D shown).

[0306] During operation of the actuating handle 1302, the connector element 1314 moves upward in the track 1316 and the reclining actuation connector 1312 is pulled upward. When the reclining actuation connector 1312 is pulled upward, it applies a force to the drive ramp hub 1308, causing the drive ramp hub 1308 to rotate about the axis 1310. When the drive ramp hub 1308 rotates, the ramps of the drive ramp hub 1308 will interact with the buffer ramp hub to change the associated anchor system from a reclined locked state (e.g., as Figure 12C shown) to a reclined unlocked state (e.g., as Figure 12Das shown). Thus, the operation of the actuating handle 1302 effects adjustment of the recline / tilt of the infant car seat 1300.

[0307] Reference is now made to Figures 14A to 14C , which shows a schematic illustration of a portion of the structure of an infant car seat 1400 having an actuating handle 1402. The actuating handle 1402 can be similar to the actuating handle shown and described with respect to Figures 13A to 13B . As shown, the actuating handle 1402 can be received within a portion of the seat shell 1404 of the infant car seat 1400. The actuating handle 1402 can pivot about a handle pivot 1406. The handle pivot 1406 can define a pivot axis about which the actuating handle 1402 can rotate during manual operation. In some embodiments, and as Figure 14A shown, the handle pivot 1406 can rest within a slot 1408 (e.g., a groove, channel, pit, saddle, etc.), which is part of the seat shell 1404 or other fixed housing within the seat shell 1404 or part of the seat shell. As described above, the actuating handle 1402 can be operatively connected to a connector element (not shown) such that movement of the connector element is caused by actuation or operation of the actuating handle 1402.

[0308] In this configuration, the actuating handle 1402 further includes a stow lock extension 1410. In this non-limiting embodiment, the stow lock extension 1410 is disposed at an end of the actuating handle 1402 remote from the handle pivot 1406. The stow lock extension 1410 is an optional feature configured to provide additional functionality. For example, as Figures 14B to 14C shown, the stow lock extension 1410 can be configured to interact with a stow lock 1412. The stow lock 1412 can be pivotally disposed within or on the seat shell 1404 and is arranged to rotate or pivot when the actuating handle 1402 is operated. In the locked state ( Figure 14B ) of the stow lock 1412, the stow lock 1412 is arranged to hold the latch arm 1414 of the anchor system in the stowed state. When the actuating handle 1402 is operated, the stow lock extension 1410 will interact with the stow lock 1412 and cause the stow lock 1412 to transition from the locked state ( Figure 14B ) to the unlocked state ( Figure 14C ). In the unlocked state ( Figure 14C ) of the stow lock 1412, the latch arm 1414 can be freely removed from the stowed state and thus deployed to support the infant car seat 1400 at a desired angle and / or to engage with a vehicle seat, as described herein.

[0309] Reference is now made to Figures 15A to 15D , which shows a schematic illustration of an infant car seat 1500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 15A to 15BThe infant car seat 1500 is configured to have a latch for operating the anchor system 1502 and / or a mechanism for operating or transitioning the latch arm 1504 of the anchor system 1502 between a stowed position and a use position. The anchor system 1502 of this embodiment includes a latch arm 1504 (which has a latch at its end), as shown and described above (e.g., Figure 1B , 4 , 9A to 9D), and a memory hub 1506 (and other associated components, such as Figures 12C to 12D or as shown and described in other embodiments described herein). The memory hub 1506 can be selectively fixed in a given position by a locking mechanism 1508, which includes a locking plate 1510, as shown and described in Figures 8A to 8C . The locking plate 1510 is configured to pivot on an axis and engage an opening in the memory hub 1506 to lock the memory hub 1506 into the use position. The locking plate 1510 is biased toward the locking position by a spring or other biasing mechanism. Figure 15A shows the locking position and Figure 15B shows the unlocked position.

[0310] In this configuration, at the rear of the infant car seat 1500, a release handle 1512 is provided to enable the latch at the end of the latch arm 1504 to disengage from the vehicle seat. As shown, the release handle 1512 is connected to a first release connector 1514. The first release connector 1514 can be configured as a rigid strip, cable, wire, or other flexible or semi-flexible element, or can be a rigid element, such as a rod, shaft, etc. The first release connector 1514 engages a sliding connector 1516 via a sliding pin connection 1518. The sliding connector 1516 can be a rigid structure, such as a bracket, sleeve, or structural beam, etc., and is configured to slide in a direction between the front end and the rear end of the infant car seat 1500. The sliding connector 1516 is connected to a locking plate connector 1520 and a second release connector 1522. The second release connector 1522 can be configured as a cable, flexible strip, etc., and extends from the sliding connector 1516 at one end to the latch at one end of the latch arm 1504. The locking plate connector 1520 is connected to the locking plate 1510. When the handle 1512 is pulled, the first release connector 1514 will be pulled in a direction toward the back of the infant car seat 1500. In some configurations, and as shown in Figure 15B , the first release connector 1514 can be pulled along a plane or line that is angled relative to the line or plane defined by the sliding connector 1516.

[0311] According to this embodiment and configuration, the sliding connector 1516 is restricted to slide along a plane different from the first release connector 1514. When the first release connector 1514 is pulled by the operation of the handle 1512, the first release connector 1514 causes the sliding connector 1516 to slide along the associated line / plane. The sliding connector 1516 will then pull the second release connector 1522, thereby releasing the latch at the end of the latch arm 1504 from the vehicle seat. The sliding connector 1516 is also configured to pull the locking plate connector 1520 connected to the locking plate 1510. This movement of the locking plate connector 1520 causes the locking plate 1510 to pivot to an unlocked position (e.g., Figure 15B as shown). This allows the latch arm 1504 to freely pivot to the stowed position.

[0312] Figure 15C Illustrates the structure of the locking plate connector 1520. The locking plate connector 1520 can be a rigid, semi-rigid / semi-flexible, or flexible member. At the first end of the locking plate connector 1520 is a first connection end 1524 configured to be connected to the sliding connector 1516. At the second opposite end of the locking plate connector 1520 is a second connection end 1526 configured to be connected to the locking plate 1510.

[0313] Figure 15D Illustrates the structure of the sliding connector 1516. The sliding connector 1516 is a rigid body structure that is connected to the first release connector 1514 at the first end 1528 and to the locking plate connector 1520 and the second release connector 1522 at the second opposite end 1530. As shown, at the first end 1528, the sliding connector 1516 includes a pin connector 1532 having an aperture 1534 defined thereby. The aperture 1534 of the pin connector 1533 is configured to receive a pin or other structure of the first release connector 1514. Thus, the first release connector 1514 can be configured to be movably connected to the sliding connector 1516 at the first end 1528 of the sliding connector 1516. At the second end 1530, the sliding connector 1516 includes a locking plate connection 1536 attached to the first connection end 1524 of the locking plate connector 1520 (e.g., Figure 15C as shown). Additionally, at the second end 1530, the sliding connector 1516 includes a latch release connection 1538 that engages and is attached to the second release connector 1522. Thus, the sliding movement of the sliding connector 1516 caused, for example, by a force applied by the first release connector 1514 at the first end 1528 will cause both the locking plate connector 1520 and the second release connector 1522 to be pulled backward or actuated to allow unlocking of the locking plate 1510 and the latch at the end of the latch arm 1504.

[0314] Referring now to Figures 16A to 16E , a schematic illustration of an anchor system 1600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The anchor system 1600 may be similar to the anchor systems shown and described above. For example, the anchor system 1600 is mounted to a seat shell 1602 and includes a latch arm 1604 that extends from a latch arm hub and has a latch 1604a at its end for selectively engaging with a vehicle seat. Similar to the embodiments described above, the anchor system 1600 includes a memory hub 1606 ( Figure 16E as shown), along with other components as shown and described above but not shown in Figures 16A to 16E for clarity. In this configuration, the memory hub 1606 is arranged to be rotatable relative to the seat shell 1602. The anchor system 1600 may further include various elements not shown, such as a ramp hub, an actuator, a switch, a connector, a linkage, etc. As shown, a locking mechanism 1608 is provided to operate with the anchor system 1600.

[0315] The locking mechanism 1608 includes a locking plate 1610 having locking teeth and a locking biasing element 1612. The locking plate 1610 is pivotally coupled to the seat shell 1602. The locking plate 1610 is operatively connected between a release handle and the anchor system 1600. In some configurations, activation of the release handle pivots the locking plate 1610 and releases the engagement between the locking plate 1610 and the memory hub 1606. Activation of the release handle may also provide a mechanism for releasing the latch arm 1604 to move between a stowed position ( Figure 16A ) and a use position ( Figure 16C ). When the latch arm 1604 moves between the stowed position and the use position, the memory hub 1606 may be configured to move with the latch arm 1604. The memory hub 1606 is configured such that the forward tilt angle of the latch arm 1604 relative to the seat shell 1602 can be set, as shown and described above. The locking mechanism 1608 further includes a toggle switch 1614, similar to the toggle switch shown and described above with respect to Figures 8A to 8C . The locking mechanism 1608 may be operated by a locking plate connector 1616, which may be configured to be similar to, for example, the locking plate connectors shown in Figures 8A to 8C or Figures 15A to 15B or variants thereof.

[0316] The locking biasing element 1612 is configured to bias the locking plate 1610 toward a locked position ( Figure 16C as shown). In the locked position, the locking teeth of the locking plate 1610 engage a portion of the memory hub 1606 to rotationally fix the position of the memory hub 1606, as described above. As Figure 16EAs shown, the memory hub 1606 includes a locking feature 1618 and a switch feature 1620. The locking feature 1618 is configured to receive a portion of the locking plate 1610 (e.g., locking teeth), and the switch feature 1620 is configured to receive the toggle switch 1614 and / or interact with the toggle switch. In operation, when the locking plate 1610 is disengaged by the operation of the locking plate connector 1616, the toggle switch 1614 will pivot to the actuated position. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the toggle switch 1614 is biased toward the actuated position by a spring or other biasing element. When the toggle switch 1614 is in the actuated position ( Figure 16A ), engagement of the locking plate 1610 with the locking feature 1618 on the memory hub 1606 is prevented. In the actuated position, the toggle switch 1614 extends into contact with the surface of the memory hub 1606 and prevents the locking teeth of the locking plate 1610 from seating within the locking feature 1618. In this state, the latch arm 1604 is free to pivot to the stowed or retracted position ( Figure 16A ).

[0317] In the locked state ( Figure 16C ), the locking teeth of the locking plate 1640 will engage the locking feature 1618 and lock the memory hub 1606 to the seat housing 1602, e.g., in the use or deployed position as shown in Figure 16C . When it is desired to move the latch arm 1604 from the deployed state (e.g., Figure 16C ) to the stowed state (e.g., Figure 16A ), the locking mechanism 1608 is operable to disengage the locking teeth from the locking feature 1618 of the memory hub 1606. Actuation or operation of the locking mechanism 1608 can be performed by pulling on the locking plate connector 1616 (e.g., by the handle, sliding connector, etc. described above).

[0318] When the locking mechanism 1608 is operated and the locking teeth are disengaged from the memory hub 1606, the latch arm 1604 will be free to rotate (e.g., between the deployed and stowed states). In this embodiment, to prevent the locking mechanism 1608 from automatically re-engaging with the memory hub 1606, the locking mechanism 1608 can include the toggle switch 1614. For example, after the release handle is activated to operate the locking mechanism 1608, the toggle switch 1614 can rotate and prevent the locking plate 1610 from re-engaging with the memory hub 1606, thereby allowing the latch arm 1604 to pivot to the stowed position without reactivating the release handle. When the latch arm 1604 rotates to the desired position (e.g., Figure 16AWhen in the stowed position shown, the user can operate the release handle and / or toggle switch 1614 to re-engage the locking teeth of the locking plate 1610 with the locking feature 1618 of the memory hub 1606 to lock the latch arm 1604 in the stowed state. Similar operations can be performed to release the latch arm 1604 from the stowed state and allow transition to the deployed state. The memory hub 1606 can be configured such that in the deployed state, a particular orientation of the latch arm 1604 can be set and not adjusted during the transition from the deployed state to the stowed state, and thus the memory hub 1606 can provide a memory or ability to return to a particular angle of the deployed state without the need for adjustment each time the latch arm 1604 is deployed. For example, as shown, one or more indicators 1622 can be provided on the seat shell 1602 to indicate various forward or rearward tilt angles of the infant car seat.

[0319] As Figures 16B to 16D shown, the anchor system 1600 is shown in various possible use positions, where the latch arm 1604 and associated latch 1604a of the anchor system 1600 are movable and / or operable for engagement with a vehicle seat anchor, etc. In contrast, for example, Figure 16A shows the anchor system 1600 in the stowed position. The anchor system 1600 is configured to be locked or fixed in a use or stowed position based on user preferences and the particular state or use of the infant car seat, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. The release handle can be operably coupled to the locking mechanism 1608, for example, by means of a locking plate connector 1616 for selective operation of the anchor system 1600, such as for locking the anchor system 1600 in the use position ( Figures 16B to 16D ) and / or the stowed position ( Figure 16A ). In the use position of the latch arm 1604, the latch arm 1604 is selectively fixed at two or more angles relative to the seat shell 1602, for example, specified or indicated by one or more indicators 1622. The anchor system 1600 includes a memory hub 1606 that is configured to enable setting of the recline angle of the infant car seat based on two or more angles at which the memory hub 1606 can be set.

[0320] Now refer to Figures 17A to 17E, shows a schematic illustration of an infant car seat 1700 and its components in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The infant car seat 1700 may have the features as shown and described above. In this illustrative embodiment, the infant car seat 1700 includes an anchor system 1702, the anchor system including a latch arm 1704 having a latch at its end for engaging with a vehicle seat. The anchor system 1702 may be configured similar to one or more of the embodiments described above. By way of example, and not limitation, the anchor system 1702 may be similar to the anchor system shown and described with respect to Figures 15A to 15D , but other configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The anchor system 1702 may be operated at least in part by the operation of a release handle 1706.

[0321] In this embodiment, the infant car seat 1700 further includes an infant stroller attachment mechanism 1708. The infant stroller attachment mechanism 1708 includes a connecting element 1710, such as a tab or protrusion that may extend outwardly from a side of the seat housing 1712 of the infant car seat 1700. The connecting element 1710 may be configured to extend from the seat housing and, in some configurations, may be selectively retracted into the seat housing 1712. Figure 17B Shows the connecting element 1710 in an extended or use state, where the connecting element 1710 may engage with a flange, edge, or other structure of an infant stroller and thereby hold the infant car seat 1700 in place relative to the infant stroller. To remove the infant car seat 1700 from the infant stroller, the connecting element 1710 must be retracted and thereby disengaged from the structure of the infant stroller.

[0322] The connecting element 1710 is configured to be biased towards a locked or extended position ( Figures 17A to 17B ). In the locked or extended position, the connecting element 1710 projects from the outer surface of the seat housing 1712 and may engage with one or more features on an infant stroller or other device, structure, system, or assembly. The connecting element 1710 includes or is attached to a first actuation tab 1714. The first actuation tab 1714 is configured to act to pull the connecting element 1710 into the seat housing 1712 and disengage from the structure of the infant stroller or other system. In this configuration, the first actuation tab 1714 is configured to engage with a portion of a release connector 1717, such as similar to Figures 15A to 15Binteract with the first release connector 1514). In this configuration, the release connector 1716 includes a second actuation tab 1718 disposed along the length of the release connector 1716. The position of the second actuation tab 1718 is arranged such that it aligns with the first actuation tab 1714, and movement of the second actuation tab 1718 caused by operation or movement of the release connector 1716 will cause the second actuation tab 1718 to interact with the first actuation tab 1714. Movement of the release connector 1716 can be caused by manual operation of the release handle 1706. For example, when the release handle 1706 is pulled backward (e.g., pulled outward from the back of the infant car seat 1700), the release connector 1716 will move backward and cause the second actuation tab 1718 to contact the first actuation tab 1714 and push the first actuation tab inward (against the normal biasing force) and thus allow the release of the infant car seat from a stroller, etc. Figure 17C ).

[0323] As Figures 17B to 17C shown and as described above, the configuration of the infant car seat 1700 can be similar to other embodiments described herein. For example, the release handle 1706 can be operatively coupled to a sliding connector 1720, which in turn is connected to one or more additional components (e.g., as Figures 15A to 15D shown and described).

[0324] Referring Figure 17D , a schematic illustration of the release connector 1716 is shown. Figure 17D The release connector 1716 shown in Figures 15A to 15B can represent one configuration of the first release connector 1514 shown in Figure 17D , but such embodiments can have a first release connector with different arrangements and / or constructions. As

[0325] Figure 17EThe connecting element 1710 is shown. As shown, the connecting element 1710 includes a body 1730 that is arranged to fit within a corresponding aperture formed in the seat housing 1712 and is configured to slide along such an aperture between an extended position ( Figures 17A to 17B ) and a retracted position ( Figure 17C ). Extending from the body 1730 is a locking projection 1732 that is configured to engage or contact a portion of a baby stroller or other device, assembly, system, etc. The body 1730 also includes a first actuation tab 1714 that extends from a surface of the body 1730. The arrangement of the first actuation tab 1714 is provided to ensure operation with a second actuation tab 1718 of a release connector 1716. When the second actuation tab 1718 contacts the first actuation tab 1714, the body 1730 is pushed from an extended state ( Figures 17A to 17B ) to a retracted state ( Figure 17C ).

[0326] Referring now to Figures 18A to 18B , a schematic illustration of an infant car seat 1800 and a baby stroller frame 1802 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The infant car seat 1800 may be similar to one or more of the embodiments described above and includes one or more anchor systems 1804 for securing the infant car seat 1800 to a vehicle seat, as shown and described above. The baby stroller frame 1802 is a structural configuration having a baby stroller handle 1806, one or more frame body elements 1808, and associated wheels 1810.

[0327] As shown in Figure 18B , the infant car seat 1800 includes a seat housing 1812, such as similar to the seat housing shown and described above. In this configuration, the infant car seat 1800 and the anchor system 1804 are configured to be releasably attached or mounted to the baby stroller frame 1802. The anchor system 1804 includes a structure and arrangement similar to that shown and described with respect to Figures 17A to 17D and has a handle 1814 that is operatively connected to a latch arm 1816 at least by means of a release connector (e.g., release connector 1716), the release connector having an actuation tab (e.g., second actuation tab 1718) that is configured to interact with a connecting element 1816 (e.g., connecting element 1710). As shown in Figure 18BAs shown, the connecting element 1816 extends outwardly from the seat shell 1812 and engages with the stroller stop structure 1818. The stroller stop structure 1818 is configured to receive the connecting element 1816 (or a similar structure) to securely attach the infant car seat 1800 to the stroller frame 1802. The handle 1814 can be actuated or operated by a user to retract the connecting element 1816 (or connecting elements) to allow the infant car seat 1800 to be removed from the stroller frame 1802, for example, for transportation and / or installation in a vehicle.

[0328] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an infant car seat may be directly fastened and installed to a vehicle seat, a stroller frame, and a base or a similar structure. In the configurations described and shown above, the disclosed configurations relate to directly resting the seat shell or its tracks on the vehicle seat. Although this may provide simplicity of use and operation and reduce or limit the number of components of the infant car seat system, it may be advantageous to use a base or a similar structure with the infant car seat described herein. In this configuration, the base can be installed to the vehicle seat, and the infant car seat can be arranged to be releasably installed and supported on the base.

[0329] For example, with reference now to Figures 19A to 19D , a schematic illustration of an infant car seat 1900 and an associated base 1902 is shown. The infant car seat 1900 may be similar to one or more of the embodiments described above or a variant thereof. The infant car seat 1900 includes a seat shell 1904 having tracks 1906a, 1906b, an anchor system 1908a, 1908b, an associated actuating handle 1910, and a carrying handle 1912. The actuating handle 1910 and / or the carrying handle 1912 can be configured to effect the operation of the anchor system 1908a, 1908b, as shown and described above. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the infant car seat 1900 may include various features, structures, and components, variants thereof, and / or other components, features, etc., as shown and described above.

[0330] Figure 19B The underside of the infant car seat 1900 is shown. As shown, the infant car seat 1900 includes one or more seat connectors 1914a, 1914b. The seat connectors 1914a, 1914b are configured to engage with or be received by the locking mechanism of the base 1902. One of the seat connectors 1914a, 1914b (e.g., the front seat connector 1914a) can be configured as part of the anchor system 1908a, 1908b. For example, the front seat connector 1914a can be arranged to function as a hub and / or a connecting shaft (e.g., Figures 5A to 5FThe shafts 508, 536). The seat connectors 1914a, 1914b can be rods, tubes, shafts, axles, or other structures, which can be structural support elements or can be arranged for the purpose of connecting to the base 1902 or connections of a similar type. In some configurations, the seat connectors 1914a, 1914b can provide structural support to the structure of the infant car seat 1900 (e.g., support side rails, resist compression from external sources, etc.). Additionally, although shown as having two seat connectors, it should be understood that other infant car seats according to the present disclosure can have a single seat connector or more than two seat connectors without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0331] Figure 19C A view is shown of a base 1902 configured to receive and be securely attached to an infant car seat 1900. The base 1902 can be configured to be mountable on a vehicle seat or mountable to other structures, vehicles, etc., or attachable to the infant car seat 1900 to provide a flat base / surface therefor. The base 1902 includes a first track channel 1916a and a second track channel 1916b. The track channels 1916a, 1916b are sized, shaped, contoured, and / or otherwise configured to receive the tracks 1906a, 1906b of the infant car seat 1900. The track channels 1916a, 1916b are partially defined by the edges 1918 of the base body 1920. The track channels 1916a, 1916b are also separated by the internal structure of the base 1902, which includes a seat belt locking mechanism 1922 and one or more sets or pairs of base connectors 1924a, 1924b. Although shown as pairs, in other configurations, the base connectors can be configured as a single base connector, or more than two base connectors can be provided in a given set, and / or a combination of one or more base connectors can be provided to releasably receive the seat connectors 1914a, 1914b of the infant car seat 1900. The base connectors can be arranged as plates, hooks, latches, or other structures that provide the functionality described herein, and thus the exemplary configurations and structures are not intended to be limiting, but rather for illustrative and explanatory purposes. The operation of the base connectors 1924a, 1924b is described in more detail herein.

[0332] As Figure 19DAs shown, the side cross-sectional view shows the infant car seat 1900 placed and attached to the base 1902. As shown, the front seat connector 1914a is captured by one or more corresponding front base connectors 1924a. Similarly, the rear seat connector 1914b is captured by one or more corresponding rear base connectors 1924b. The base connectors 1924a, 1924b can be operated simultaneously by a single base handle 1926. That is, the base handle 1926 can be configured to release the connection or coupling between the base 1902 and the infant car seat 1900 at multiple attachment points in a single operation.

[0333] As Figures 19A to 19D shown, the infant car seat 1900 is connected to the base 1902 by two seat connectors 1914a, 1914b and two sets of base connectors 1924a, 1924b. The seat connectors 1914a, 1914b can be rigidly fixed to the seat shell 1904 of the infant car seat 1900, and the base connectors 1924a, 1924b are connected to the base 1902 or a part of the base. The base connectors 1924a, 1924b can each pivot about an axis and are biased towards a latched position (e.g., as Figure 19D shown). When the infant car seat 1900 is placed on the base 1902, the base connectors 1924a, 1924b engage with the seat connectors 1914a, 1914b and hold the infant car seat 1900 to the base 1902. The base 1902 includes a base handle 1926 that serves as a release mechanism, which pushes the base connectors 1924a, 1924b to an unlatched position, thereby releasing the seat connectors 1914a, 1914b and allowing the infant car seat 1900 to be removed from the base 1902.

[0334] Now refer Figures 20A to 20C to the schematic illustration of the base 2000 and its features according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is for use with an infant car seat. The base 2000 can be similar to the Figures 19A to 19D base shown, and can be configured to receive and securely attach to an infant car seat according to one or more of the embodiments described herein and / or their variants. In Figure 20A the figure, the base 2000 is shown mainly in dashed lines, and the structural features of the base body 2002 of the base 2000 can be omitted from this discussion. However, the base body 2002 of the base 2000 can have a structure or configuration generally similar to the Figure 19C base body 1920 of the base 1902 shown (e.g., including a track channel for receiving the track of the infant car seat).

[0335] The base body 2002 can be a structural housing or assembly that includes a seat retention assembly 2004. The seat retention assembly 2004 is configured to allow a user to selectively fasten and / or release an infant car seat from the base 2000. In this exemplary configuration, the seat retention assembly 2004 includes a release handle 2006, four base connectors 2008a - 2008d, four base connector housings 2010a - 2010d associated with each base connector 2008a - 2008d, and two base connector actuators 2012a - 2012b, where two of the base connector housings 2010a - 2010d are associated with each base connector actuator 2012a - 2012b. Each base connector 2008a - 2008d is connected to or mounted within a corresponding base connector housing 2010a - 2010d, and the base connector housings 2010a - 2010d are rigidly or fixedly connected to the base body 2002. The release handle 2006 is movably connected to the base body 2002 and is arranged to pivot about an axis and / or relative to the base body 2002. The base connector actuators 2012a - 2012b are connected to the release handle 2006. The base connector actuators 2012a - 2012b extend from the release handle 2006 and extend through the base body 2002 and through the corresponding base connector housings 2010a - 2010d. According to some embodiments, the base connector actuators 2012a - 2012b can be slidably constrained by an opening in each of the corresponding base connector housings 2010a - 2010d. The base connector actuators 2012a - 2012b can include features that engage the base connectors 2008a - 2008d. When the release handle 2006 is actuated, the release handle 2006 will pull the base connector actuators 2012a - 2012b. The base connector actuators 2012a - 2012b will slide through the base connector housings 2010a - 2010d and cause the base connectors 2008a - 2008d to pivot to an unlatched position.

[0336] Reference Figures 20B to 20C , a schematic illustration showing a portion of the seat retention assembly 2004. In Figures 20B to 20CIn [the figure], release handle 2006 is shown as connected to base connector actuator 2012 (representing base connector actuators 2012a to 2012b). The base connector actuator 2012 can be configured as a rod, shaft, or other rigid structure, or can be a strip, strap, cable, or other flexible or semi-flexible structure. The base connector actuator 2012 extends from the release handle 2006 and extends through the base connector housing 2010 (representing base connector housings 2010a to 2010d) and is configured to cause the actuation or operation of the base connector 2008 (representing base connectors 2008a to 2008d). Figure 20B shows the base connector 2008 in the locked state, and Figure 20C shows the base connector 2008 in the released state. The base connector 2008 is normally biased to the locked state ( Figure 20B ). For example, a base connector biasing element 2014 can be disposed within the base connector housing 2010 or as part of the base connector housing and is arranged to normally bias the base connector 2008 to the locked state. By operating the release handle 2006, the biasing force of the base connector biasing element 2014 can be overcome and thus the base connector 2008 can be changed from the locked state to the released state.

[0337] In this non-limiting example configuration, the opening of the base connector 2008 from the locked position can be achieved through the interaction between the base connector actuator 2012 and the base connector 2008. For example, as shown, the base connector actuator 2012 can include a base connector actuating member 2016, which is integrally formed or fixedly attached to the base connector actuator 2012. The base connector actuating member 2016 can be a housing or structure extending from the base connector actuator 2012. The base connector actuating member 2016 can be disposed within the base connector housing 2010 and arranged relative to the base connector housing, and can be configured to receive the base connector extension 2018 of the base connector 2008. The base connector 2008 and the base connector extension 2018 can be part of an integral or single-piece structure (e.g., a flat plate) and can pivot about a pivot axis 2020. Thus, when the release handle 2006 is operated, the base connector actuator 2012 will move (e.g., to the left side of the drawing page), and the base connector actuating member 2016 will interact with the base connector extension 2018 to rotate the base connector 2008 from the locked state to the released state.

[0338] The base connector 2008 is shaped to capture and firmly hold the connecting tube of the infant car seat (e.g., as regarding Figures 19A to 19DAs shown and described. Since the base connector 2008 is normally biased to the locked state, when installing the infant car seat, the user will push down so that the seat connector of the infant car seat will overcome the biasing force of the base connector biasing element 2014 and cause the seat connector to be captured and fastened by the base connector 2008. That is, when the biasing force is overcome, the base connector 2008 will rotate open to allow the seat connector to descend or fit into the latch capture area 2022. When the connecting tube is placed within the latch capture area 2022, the base connector 2008 will be pushed back to the locked state by the biasing force of the base connector biasing element 2014 and thus capture the connecting tube in the latch capture area 2022. To release the infant car seat from its engagement with the base 2000, the user will operate the release handle 2006, which will operate the base connector 2008 and cause it to transition from the locked state to the released state, and the infant car seat can be removed. In some embodiments, the base connector housing 2010 may include an auxiliary release mechanism, such as a spring-loaded element to apply an upward force so that when the base connector 2008 is moved to the released state by the operation of the release handle 2006, the auxiliary release mechanism can apply an upward force to the seat connector and push upward to assist the user in separating the infant car seat from the base 2000. Although shown as having a base connector actuating member 2016 integrally formed with or attached to the base connector actuator 2012, such a configuration is not limiting. For example, in other embodiments, the base connector extension may be directly coupled to the base connector actuator.

[0339] Reference is now made Figures 21 to 24C , to a schematic illustration of an anchor system 2100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 23A to 23C The anchor system 2100 is shown in an unlocked state (e.g., stowed position), and Figures 24A to 24C the anchor system 2100 is shown in a locked state (e.g., use position). It should be understood that the term "use position" as used herein is intended to describe any position of the latch arm 2110 in which the latch 2112 can be connected to the vehicle anchor system, while the infant car seat is positioned relative to the vehicle seat in any suitable manner to receive a child.

[0340] The anchor system 2100 may be similar to the anchor systems shown and described with respect to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5A - 5F, having additional or alternative features and / or operations described herein. The anchor system 2100 is disposed within the seat housing 2102 of the infant car seat 2104 and is operatively coupled to the seat housing. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the infant car seat 2104 may be arranged and configured as shown and described above, or may assume other shapes, configurations, or arrangements.

[0341] The anchor system 2100 includes a latch arm 2110 having a latch 2112 or a connection end disposed at its distal end. The latch 2112 can be configured to releasably connect or attach to a vehicle anchor system, such as described above. The latch arm 2110 includes a latch arm hub 2114 rotatably mounted to a hub shaft 2116. In some embodiments, the hub shaft 2116 can be integrally formed with the latch arm hub 2114. The anchor system 2100 can further include a latch attachment mechanism 2120 having a caster hub 2122, a caster gear 2124, a memory hub 2126, and one or more ramp hubs 2128. The caster gear 2124 can be disposed within and / or between the caster hub 2122 and the memory hub 2126. As will be described in more detail below, in this configuration, the memory hub 2126 is arranged to be rotatable relative to the seat housing 2102 between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The anchor system 2100 can further include various elements (not shown), such as ramp hubs, actuators, switches, connectors, linkages, etc.

[0342] Each of the caster hub 2122, the caster gear 2124, the memory hub 2126, and the one or more ramp hubs 2128 can have a central aperture or through-hole through which the hub shaft 126 can extend. Thus, in some embodiments, the caster hub 2122, the caster gear 2124, the memory hub 2126, and the one or more ramp hubs 2128 can be mounted to or supported on the hub shaft 2116. In other embodiments, one or more of these components can be arranged to permit the hub shaft 2116 to pass through them without direct contact or engagement, and in some such configurations, the hub shaft 2116 can operate to ensure alignment of the components but may not provide other operational functionality.

[0343] The anchor system 2100 is configured such that the latch arm 2110 can rotate or pivot about an axis (e.g., defined by the hub shaft 2116). Similarly, as previously described, the caster gear 2124 can be configured as a sliding gear that locks the position of the latch arm 2110 in one or more positions. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the anchor system 24 can be split into two free layers. For example, a first degree of freedom is formed by the axial movement of a caster gear mechanism (e.g., the caster gear 2124) within the anchor system 2100 to lock the angular position of the caster hub 2122 and the latch arm 2110 relative to the memory hub 2126. In an embodiment, a second degree of freedom is formed by the memory hub 2126 rotatably mounted relative to the seat housing 2102. Since the caster hub 2122 can be locked in position to the memory hub 2126 by the caster gear 2124, when the memory hub 2126 rotates, the caster hub 2122 rotates with it.

[0344] The latch attachment mechanism 2120 of the non-limiting embodiment shown includes a memory hub 2126, a first ramp hub 2128a, and a second ramp hub 2128b as previously described. Similar to one or more of the embodiments previously described herein, rotation of the second ramp hub 2128b causes actuation or operation of the anchor system 2100. Rotation of the second ramp hub 2128b can be caused by a recline actuator (not shown). The recline gear 2124 can be biased toward the locked state by a hub biasing element 2125 positioned between the recline gear 2124 and the memory hub 2126. When the recline actuator operates, rotation of the second ramp hub 2128b will push the first ramp hub 2128a axially toward the recline hub 2122 and disengage the recline gear 2124 from the memory hub 2126 and fully engage it with the recline hub 2122 by means of a strut 2127. During this transition, the hub biasing element 2125 is compressed between the recline gear 2124 and the recline hub 2122. Thus, the latch arm 2110 can rotate freely relative to the memory hub 2126 and thus relative to the seat shell 2102. When the latch arm 2110 is positioned as desired, the hub biasing element 2125 can push the recline gear 2124 back into engagement with the memory hub 2126, thereby locking the latch arm 2110 in the desired position.

[0345] A sleeve or housing 2130 having a cavity 2132 formed therein can be installed within the infant car seat 2104, such as within the seat shell track 2106. A portion of the latch attachment mechanism 2120, such as the memory hub 2126, the first ramp hub 2128a, and the second ramp hub 2128b, is disposed within the cavity 2132 (see Figure 21 and 22). In an embodiment, the memory hub 2126 can rotate relative to the sleeve 2130 and thus relative to the seat shell 2102 between a first retracted or stowed position ( Figures 23A to 23C ) and a second extended or use position ( Figures 24A to 24C ). As shown, a protrusion 2140, such as a tab, can extend radially outward from the periphery of the memory hub 2126. In such embodiments, when the memory hub 2126 is in the retracted position, the protrusion 2140 can abut a first sidewall 2142 of the sleeve 2130, and when the memory hub 2126 is in the extended position, the protrusion 2140 can abut a second sidewall 2144 of the sleeve 2130.

[0346] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, during the transition of the memory hub 212 from the retracted position to the extended position, the angular position of the recline hub 2122 relative to the memory hub 2126 remains generally constant. For example, once the memory hub 2126 is locked into the extended position ( Figures 24B to 24C) In [the situation], the recline hub 2122, the latch arm hub 2114, and the latch arm 2110 can be in the same reclined position as during the previous or last use. Thus, because the recline hub 2122 and thus the latch arm 2110 can be locked in position to the memory hub 2126 by the recline gear 2124, when the memory hub 2126 rotates, the recline hub 2122 and the latch arm 2110 rotate with it, and when the memory hub 2126 is locked, the recline hub 2122 and the latch arm 2110 are locked with it.

[0347] Similarly, in an embodiment, the first ramp hub 2128a and the second ramp hub 2128b can rotate relative to the sleeve 2130 about the axis of the hub shaft 2116 together with the memory hub 2126. However, the first ramp hub 2128a and the second ramp hub 2128b can also rotate independently of the memory hub 2126 about the hub axis to shift the recline gear 2124 between the engaged state and the disengaged state as previously described.

[0348] The memory hub 2126 can be rotatably locked to the sleeve 2130 and the seat housing 2102 in the extended position by a locking mechanism 2150. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the locking mechanism 2150 includes a locking plate 2152 movably mounted to the sleeve 2130. As shown, the locking plate 2152 can be axially aligned with a corresponding opening 2154 formed in the sleeve 2130. The body of the memory hub 2126 can have a locking groove or recess 2156 formed therein, and at least a portion of the locking plate 2152 can be received within the locking groove or recess. In an embodiment, when the memory hub 2126 is in the extended position, the locking recess 2156 is aligned with the opening 2154, and the biasing force of a locking plate biasing mechanism 2158 operatively coupled to the locking plate 2152 biases the locking plate 2152 through the opening 2154 into engagement with the locking recess 2156 of the memory hub 2126. This engagement restricts the rotation of the memory hub 2126 about its axis, thereby locking the memory hub 2126 in the extended position.

[0349] The locking plate 2152 can be connected to a release actuator, such as a release handle 2170 ( Figure 23C and 25), e.g., at the rear of the seat housing 2102 (e.g., for manual operation). In some configurations, this release handle 2170 may also be connected to an anchor engagement mechanism for releasing the latch arm 2110 from a vehicle anchor. When such a release handle 2170 is actuated, the release handle 2170 pulls the locking plate 2152 against the bias of the locking plate biasing mechanism 2158, e.g., via a tension member or cable 2172, and pulls the locking plate out of the locking recess 2156 formed in the memory hub 2126. In the case where the locking plate 2152 is disengaged from the memory hub 2126, the memory hub rotates freely (e.g., from one position to another). Thus, the operation of the release actuator unlocks the memory hub 2126.

[0350] In an embodiment, as Figure 23C and 24C best shown in, a biasing mechanism 2160, such as a helical spring, may be operatively coupled to the memory hub 2126. As shown, a portion of the biasing mechanism 2160, e.g., its end, may be connected to the protrusion 2140 such that when the memory hub 2126 rotates from the retracted position to the extended position about the hub axis, a load is applied to the biasing mechanism 2160. The biasing force of the biasing mechanism 2160 is opposite to the load applied thereto by the rotation of the memory hub 2126 to the extended position.

[0351] A user or caregiver may release the latch arm 2110 from engagement with a vehicle anchor by actuating the release handle. Alternatively or additionally, the operation of the release handle applies a force to the locking plate 2152, thereby moving the locking plate 2152 against the biasing force of the locking plate biasing mechanism 2158 to disengage from the memory hub 2126. Once the locking plate 2152 is disengaged from the memory hub 2126, the memory hub 2126, the recline hub 2122, the recline gear 2124, the latch arm hub 2114, and the latch arm 2110 may rotate in combination to a desired angular position, e.g., to a stowed and / or retracted position.

[0352] The engagement between the locking plate 2152 and the memory hub 2126 holds the memory hub in the extended position against the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 2160. After separating the locking plate 2152 from the memory hub 2126, the memory hub 2126 and thus the recline hub 2122, the latch arm hub 2114, and the latch arm 2110, which are coupled to the memory hub 2126 via the recline gear 2124, are automatically biased from the extended position to the retracted position. Thus, the operation of the release handle not only disengages the locking plate 2152 from the memory hub 2126, but also causes the memory hub 2126 and the rest of the anchor system 2100 to automatically rotate from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0353] Referring now to FIGS. 26 - 31B, a base 2600 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The base 2600 may be similar to Figures 19A to 19D andFigures 20A to 20C the base shown in and configured to receive and securely attach to an infant car seat in accordance with one or more of the embodiments described herein and / or variations thereof. The base body 2602 of the base 2600 may have a structure or configuration generally similar to the base body 1920 of the base 1902 shown in Figure 19C (e.g., including a track channel for receiving a track of the infant car seat).

[0354] The base body 2602 may be a structural housing or assembly that includes a seat retention assembly 2604. The seat retention assembly 2604 is configured to allow a user to selectively fasten and / or release the infant car seat from the base 2600. The seat retention assembly 2604 includes at least one base connector 2608, and in this illustrative non-limiting configuration, includes four base connectors 2608a through 2608d, each base connector having a corresponding base connector housing 2610. Each base connector 2608 is connected to or mounted within the corresponding base connector housing 2610, and the base connector housing 2610 is rigidly or fixedly connected to the base body 2602. When in a locked state, the base connector 2608 is configured to fasten and hold a corresponding seat connector 2616 of the infant car seat 2614 to the base 2600. The seat retention assembly 2604 may additionally include two base connector actuators 2612, with two base connector housings 2010 associated with each respective base connector actuator 2012.

[0355] Referring now to Figure 27 , an example of the base connector 2608 is shown in more detail. As shown, each base connector 2608 includes a locking plate 2620 mounted to a corresponding base connector housing 2610 adjacent a latch capture region 2603 formed in the base body 2602. The locking plate 2620 may have a first portion 2622 (see Figure 28A ) associated with the base connector actuator 2612, such as a first end, and a second portion 2624 ( Figure 31A ) that may engage at least one seat connector 2616 of the infant car seat 2614, such as a second end. In an embodiment, the second portion 2624 is shaped to capture and securely hold the seat connector 2616 of the infant car seat 2614.

[0356] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the base connector actuator 2612 has an actuator slot 2626 formed therein, and the first portion 2622 of the locking plate 2620 is disposed within the actuator slot 2626. The locking plate 2620 is pivotally mounted to the base connector housing 2610 via a pin 2628 and is movable between a locked position (Figure 28A ) rotates between a locked position Figure 28B ) and an unlocked position. The rotation of the locking plate 2620 from the locked position to the unlocked position can be driven by the engagement of the base connector actuator 2612 with the first portion 2622 of the locking plate 2620.

[0357] As described above, two base connector housings 2610 can be associated with corresponding base connector actuators 2612. For example, a first base connector such as base connector 2608a can be associated with a first actuator slot 2626 formed, for example, at the first end 2630 of the base connector actuator 2612, and a second base connector such as base connector 2608b (not shown in Figure 27 for the sake of clarity) can be associated with a second actuator slot 2626 formed, for example, at the second opposite end 2632 of the base connector actuator 2612. The first base connector 2608a and the second base connector 2608b can be spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the base body 2602, for example, between the front end 2634 and the rear end 2636 of the base body 2062. Thus, the first base connector 2608a is configured to cooperate with a first seat connector 2616 located, for example, near the rear portion 2618 of the infant car seat 2614, and the second base connector 2608 is configured to cooperate with a second seat connector 2616 located, for example, near the front portion 2619 of the infant car seat 2614. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the seat retention assembly 2604 includes one or more additional base connector actuators 2612, each additional base connector actuator having at least one of a first and a second base connector (e.g., base connectors 2608c and 2608d) associated therewith.

[0358] Each base connector actuator 2612 is movable to unlock a base connector 2608 associated with the base connector actuator via operation of a release actuator 2640 (e.g., a handle). In an embodiment, the release actuator 2640 is movably connected to the base body 2602, and at least one base connector actuator 2612 is operatively coupled to the release actuator 2640. For example, the base connector actuator 2612 may extend from the release actuator 2640 through the base body 2602 and through respective base connector housings 2610 of a first base connector 2608a and a second base connector 2608b. According to some embodiments, the base connector actuator 2612 may be slidably constrained by each of the respective base connector housings 2610. When the release actuator 2640 is actuated, such as by applying a force thereto, the release actuator 2640 transmits a force to the base connector actuator 2612, causing the base connector actuator 2612 to slide or translate. This movement pivots the locking plate 2620 of the base connector 2608 to an unlocked position since the locking plate 2620 engages the corresponding base connector actuator 2612.

[0359] The base connector 2608, and specifically its locking plate 2620, may generally be biased to a locked state. For example, a base connector biasing element (not shown) may be disposed within or as part of the base connector housing 2610 and is arranged to generally bias the locking plate 2620 to the locked state. By operation of the release actuator 2640, the biasing force of the base connector biasing element may be overcome and thus the locking plate 2620 of the base connector 2608 is transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0360] Continuing reference Figure 27 And further referring to FIGS. 29 through 30B, in an embodiment, at least one base connector 2608 associated with each base connector actuator 2612 further includes an infant car seat release assembly 2641 operable to transform the locking plate 2620 to an unlocked position. As shown, the infant car seat release assembly 2641 has a drive switch 2642 that may be selectively operated to move the base connector actuator 2612 to unlock the locking plate 2620 of the base connector 2608 associated therewith. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the base connector 2608 positioned closest to the front end 2634 of the base body 2602 includes the drive switch 2642.

[0361] The drive switch 2642 may be mounted to the base connector housing 2610, such as inside the housing. As shown, the drive switch 2642 includes a first portion 2644 that is positioned generally adjacent to and movable to engage the base connector actuator 2612, such as a first leg. In an embodiment, the base connector actuator 2612 has a rib or projection 2646 extending therefrom, and the first portion 2644 is operable to engage the rib or projection to move the base connector actuator 2612. The drive switch 2642 may additionally include a second portion 2648 arranged at an angle not parallel to the first portion 2644, such as a second leg.

[0362] In an embodiment, the drive switch 2642 is rotatably mounted to the base connector housing 2610 via a pin 2628 such that the drive switch 2642 and the locking plate 2620 are coaxial. However, embodiments in which the axis of rotation of the drive switch 2642 is different from the axis of rotation of the locking plate 2620 are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The drive switch 2642 may rotate about an axis between a first unactuated position ( Figure 29A and 30A ) and a second actuated position ( Figure 29B and 30B ). When the drive switch 2642 rotates toward the second actuated position, the first portion 2644 of the drive switch 2642 contacts the base connector actuator 2612 and applies a force to the base connector actuator, thereby translating the base connector actuator 2612 within the base connector housing 2610. As described above, the movement of the base connector actuator 2612 will cause the locking plate 2620 of the base connector 2608 associated with the corresponding base connector actuator 2612 to pivot to an unlocked position.

[0363] As shown, the actuator switch 2650 of the infant car seat release assembly 2641 may be mounted to the base connector housing 2510 and operatively coupled to the drive switch 2642. The actuator switch 2650 includes an engagement leg 2652 that may be positioned in an overlapping arrangement with the second portion 2648 of the drive switch. The actuator switch 2650 additionally includes an engagement head 2654 that may be positioned external to the base body 2602. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the engagement head 2654 extends outwardly toward a track channel 2656 formed in the base body 2602. The actuator switch 2650 may be in an extended position ( Figure 29A and 30A ) and a retracted position ( Figure 29BPivot between (and 30). In the illustrated non - limiting embodiment, the axis of rotation of the actuating switch 2650 is arranged at an angle to the axis of rotation of the drive switch 2642 and / or the locking plate 2620. As shown, the axis of rotation of the actuating switch 2650 can be generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive switch 2642 and / or the locking plate 2620.

[0364] When the actuating switch 2650 is rotated about the axis to the retracted position, the engaging leg 2652 contacts the second part of the drive switch 2642 and transmits a force to the second part, causing the drive switch to rotate into engagement with the base connector actuator 2612 and the locking plate 2620 to unlock. In an embodiment, a biasing mechanism (not shown) is operatively coupled to the drive switch 2642 and is operable to bias the drive switch towards the un - actuated position. Thus, once the force acting on the engaging head 2654 of the actuating switch 2650 is removed, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism biases the drive switch 2642 towards the un - actuated position. During this movement, the second part 2648 will engage with the engaging leg 2652 and apply a force to the engaging leg, causing the actuating switch 2650 to similarly rotate back to the extended position.

[0365] Reference Figures 31A to 31B , the infant car seat 2614 that can be received on the base 2600 can include a driver 2660 that is movable to engage a part of the infant car seat release assembly 2641, such as the actuating switch 2650, to unlock the base connector 2608 when the infant car seat 2614 is connected to the base 2600. As shown, the driver 2660 can be a pin or other component that is aligned with a corresponding opening 2662 formed in the seat shell 2615 of the infant car seat 2614. When the infant car seat 2614 is connected to the base 2600, the driver 2660 can be axially aligned with the engaging head 2654 of the actuating switch 2650. The driver 2660 can be in a stowed or retracted position ( Figure 31A , 32A , 33A, 34A) and a deployed or extended position ( Figure 31B , 32B、33B, 34B). In the illustrated non - limiting embodiment, the actuator 2660 is movably mounted via a slider 2664 having a slot 2666 formed therein. As shown, the slot 2666 may be arranged at an angle relative to the opening 2662 and the boss 2668, such that a protrusion extending from the actuator 2660 is disposed within the slot 2666. When the actuator 2660 is in the stowed position, the boss 2668 may be disposed adjacent the first end of the slot 2666. When a force is applied to the actuator 2660 such that the actuator moves relative to the seat housing 2615, the boss 2668 will translate within the slot 2666 until it contacts the second end thereof. Due to the angular configuration of the slot 2666, movement of the slider 2664 in a first direction causes the actuator 2660 to move in a second direction, for example, generally perpendicular or orthogonal to the first direction. Thus, when the boss 2668 is arranged to contact the second end of the slot 2666, the actuator 2660 projects through the opening 2662 formed in the seat housing 2615 to the outer surface of the infant car seat 2614.

[0366] In an embodiment, the slider 2664 is operatively coupled to a release actuator, schematically shown as 2670 (see Figure 35 ), located at the infant car seat 2614. For example, the release actuator 2670 may be mounted at the backrest of the infant car seat 2614 and coupled to the slider 2664 via a connection member 2672. The connection member 2672 may include a wire, a cable, a strip, other flexible or semi - flexible elements, or may be configured as a fixed or rigid element, such as a rod, a shaft, etc. When the infant car seat 2614 is connected to the base 2600, a user may apply a force to the release actuator 2670, causing the slider 2664 to translate and the actuator 2660 to move outward and engage the adjacent engagement head 2654 of the actuation switch 2650. As previously described, this engagement will cause the actuation switch 2650 to rotate the drive switch 2642, causing the locking plate 2620 to rotate to the unlocked position. Once unlocked, the user can easily separate or disconnect the infant car seat 2614 from the seat retention assembly 2604 of the base 2600. Thus, the release actuator 2670 located at the infant car seat 2614 may provide an additional or alternative mechanism to the release actuator 2640 mounted to the base 2600 to unlock the locking plate 2620 of the base connector 2608.

[0367] Now referring to Figure 36A and 36B , in an embodiment, the infant car seat 2614 further includes an infant stroller mechanism 2680, for example, similar to the infant stroller mechanism previously described with respect to Figures 17A to 17E . A portion of the infant stroller mechanism 2680 may be configured to be in a locked position from the seat housing 2615 (Figure 36A ) extends and, in some configurations, can be selectively retracted into the seat housing 2615( Figure 36B ) in. The stroller mechanism 2680 can be biased toward a locked or extended position in which a portion of the stroller mechanism 2680 protrudes from the outer surface of the seat housing 2615. When in the locked position, a portion of the stroller mechanism 2680 can engage one or more features (such as flanges, edges or other structures) of a stroller or other device, structure, system or assembly, and thereby hold the infant car seat 2614 in place relative to the stroller. To remove the infant car seat 2614 from the stroller, the stroller mechanism 2680 retracts into the seat housing 2615 and thereby disengages from the structure of the stroller. In an embodiment, the release actuator 2670 is operatively coupled to the stroller mechanism. For example, the stroller mechanism 2680 is movably mounted to the slider 2664 such that in response to the operation of the release actuator 2670, the movement of the slider 2664 retracts the stroller mechanism into the seat housing 2615.

[0368] Continuing to refer Figure 36A and 36B , in some embodiments, the infant car seat 2614 may further include an anchor system operatively coupled to the seat housing 2615. The anchor system 2690 may be similar to the anchor system shown and described with respect to Figures 21 to 25 and having additional or alternative features and / or operations described herein. For example, the anchor system 2690 includes at least one child seat anchor that includes a latch arm 2692 having a latch 2694 or connection end disposed at its distal end. The latch 2694 may be configured to releasably connect or attach to a vehicle anchor system, such as described above. In an embodiment, the latch arm 2692 is coupled to a memory hub 2696 that can rotate between a first retracted or stowed position and a second extended or use position relative to a sleeve 2698 mounted to the seat housing 2615. The memory hub 2696 can be held in the extended position against a biasing force acting on it. In such embodiments, the release actuator 2670 is operable to move a locking plate 2700 out of engagement with the memory hub 2696. This movement of the locking plate 2700 allows the memory hub 2696 and thus at least one latch arm 2692 operatively coupled to the memory hub to automatically bias back to the stowed position. Thus, the operation of the release actuator 2670 can be configured to cause the anchor system 2690 to automatically rotate from the extended or use position to the retracted or stowed position.

[0369] In an embodiment, the slider 2664 is operatively coupled to the locking plate 2700 of the anchor system 2690 via a linkage 2702, such as including a pivot arm. However, it should be understood that any suitable interface for transmitting the movement of the slider 2664 to the locking plate 2700 is within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, in some embodiments, the operation of the release actuator 2670 is also configured to release the latch 2694 from engagement with the vehicle anchor. In such embodiments, a secondary tension member 2704 may extend from the linkage 2702 to the assembly of the latch 2694 to transmit the movement of the linkage 2702 to the latch 2694. Thus, the release actuator 2670 associated with the infant car seat 2614 is operable to release the infant car seat 2614 from the seat retention assembly 2604 of the base 2600, release the infant car seat 2614 from an infant stroller, open the latch connecting one or more anchors to the vehicle anchor, and / or rotate one or more anchors to a stowed position. Additionally, the operation of the release actuator 2670 may be configured to perform each of these functions simultaneously, thereby enhancing operator ease of use.

[0370] Reference is now made to Figures 37 to 39 , an example of a recline actuator handle or mechanism 2800 integrated into an infant car seat is shown in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the recline actuator mechanism 2800 includes a housing 2802 and a corresponding actuator mechanism 2804. The housing 2802 may have at least one slot 2806 formed therein, and in some embodiments, a plurality of slots. Although the housing 2802 is shown in the figures as having two slots 2806, it should be understood that embodiments having a single slot and embodiments having more than two slots are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the plurality of slots 2806 are oriented generally parallel to each other and are slightly offset from each other in one or more directions (such as along a horizontal axis).

[0371] The actuator 2804 of the recline actuator mechanism 2800 may also include one or more actuator slots 2808. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the actuator 2804 includes a plurality of actuator slots 2808, such as two actuator slots. However, embodiments having a single actuator slot and embodiments having more than two actuator slots are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the number of actuator slots 2808 formed in the actuator 2804 is equal to the number of slots 2806 formed in the housing 2802. The plurality of actuator slots 2808 may be oriented parallel to each other. Additionally, as shown, the actuator slots 2808 may be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the slots 2806 formed in the housing 2802.

[0372] The actuator 2804 can be positioned within an opening 2810 formed in the housing 2802. When the actuator 2804 is disposed within the opening 2810, at least a portion of the actuator slot 2808 is overlappingly disposed with the corresponding slot 2806. In an embodiment, the actuator 2804 can slide relative to the housing 2802 inside the opening 2810. As shown, a pin 2812 can extend through both the slot 2806 and the corresponding actuator slot 2808. Although the pin 2812 is shown as being generally connected to and extending from the housing 2802, embodiments are also contemplated herein in which one or more pins 2812 are generally connected to and extend from the actuator 2804. By disposing at least one actuator slot 2808 at an angle relative to at least one slot 2806, the pin 2812 is configured to move within both the slot 2806 and the actuator slot 2808 simultaneously. When a user applies an upward force to the actuator 2804, the force combined with the angle of the actuator slot 2808 causes the pin 2812 to translate within the slot 2806 in the housing 2802, for example from its first end to its second end. A cable 2814 can be connected to the pin 2812 such that when the pin 2812 moves within the slot 2806 formed in the housing 2802, the pin 2812 applies a force to the cable 2814 connected thereto. Due to this force, in an embodiment, the cable 2814 actuates the recline mechanism described previously above. It should be understood that this recline actuator mechanism can be adapted to operate another suitable type of mechanism or system associated with a baby car seat as described previously, such as a latch or an anchor system.

[0373] Reference is now made to Figures 40 to 42B , an example of a portion of an anchor system 2900 that is operable to automatically stow a seat anchor relative to a baby car seat 2902 is shown. For example, the anchor system 2900 as described previously herein can include a housing 2904 that is, for example, rigidly fixed to a seat shell 2906 of the baby car seat 2902. In an embodiment, the housing 2904 has one or more walls that interact with the seat shell 2906 to prevent the recline and / or memory mechanism of the baby car seat 2902 from being exposed to contaminants or the user.

[0374] A memory hub 2908 positioned within the housing 2904 can be in a first stowed position ( Figure 42A ) and a second use position ( Figure 42B) rotates therebetween. In an embodiment, a biasing mechanism 2910, such as a spring, is operatively coupled to the memory hub 2908. The spring 2910 can be positioned between the memory hub 2908 and the housing 2904, and the biasing force of the spring 2910 is operable to bias the memory hub 2908 toward the storage position. In an embodiment, a housing feature 2912 formed in the housing 2904 is operable to receive therein the first end or leg 2914 of the spring 2910. The housing feature 2912 can be contoured to limit movement of the first leg 2914 of the spring 2910 relative to the housing 2904. Thus, the first leg 2914 can be considered to be mounted relative to the housing 2904 substantially fixedly via the housing feature 2912.

[0375] Alternatively or additionally, the memory hub 2908 can include a hub feature 2916 operable to cooperate with or capture a portion of the spring 2910. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the hub feature 2916 includes a protrusion operable to capture and engage the second end or leg 2918 of the spring 2910. The hub feature 2916 can be fixedly or movably coupled to the second leg 2918. When a rotational force is applied to the memory hub 2908 in a first direction toward the use position, the first leg 2914 of the spring 2910 is held in a fixed position via engagement with the housing feature 2912. However, rotation of the memory hub 2908 toward the use position will apply a force opposite to its biasing force to the second end 2918 of the spring 2910. As a result, the spring 2910 will compress, allowing the memory hub 2908 to rotate to the use position. When the force is removed from the memory hub 2908, the force opposite to the bias of the spring 2910 is eliminated. As a result, the biasing force will act on the hub feature 2916, causing the memory hub 2901 to rotate in a second direction toward the storage position.

[0376] Advantageously, the embodiments described herein implement an improved infant car seat with adjustable features, and in particular, are capable of adjusting and setting the forward / backward tilt angle of the infant car seat relative to the vehicle seat. A rigid anchor system is connected to and disposed on the seat shell, and enables a simple and robust connection between the infant car seat and the vehicle seat (e.g., as compared to a seat belt configuration). The rigid connection and / or integration of the anchor system to the seat shell also allows for pre-setting the forward / backward tilt angle of the infant car seat relative to the vehicle seat, and such angles can be set such that a caregiver does not need to reset the angle each time the infant car seat in the vehicle is used. For example, the various mechanisms described herein can be used to provide a pre-set or set forward tilt angle of the infant car seat relative to the vehicle seat, and such pre-setting or setting of the angle can be maintained between uses. Such a configuration can also provide additional fastening by enabling the infant car seat to be pulled closer to the vehicle seat during installation, and thus can ensure a tight fit and secure setting of the infant car seat within the vehicle. As shown and described herein, other advantages and functionality are provided.

[0377] Unless otherwise indicated herein or particularly inconsistent with the context, the use of the terms "a", "an", "the", and similar references in the context of the description (particularly in the context of the appended claims) should be understood to cover both the singular and the plural. Modifiers such as "about" or "substantially" when used in conjunction with a quantity include the stated value and have the meaning specified by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with a particular quantity of measurement). All ranges disclosed herein include the endpoints, and the endpoints can be combined independently of each other. As used herein, the terms "about" and "substantially" are intended to include the degree of error associated with a particular quantity of measurement based on the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, the terms can include a range of ±8% of a given value or other percentage variations as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art for the particular measurements and / or dimensions mentioned herein. When used in reference to non-numerical descriptions, these terms include variations relative to the absolute terms as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a substantially flat plane may deviate somewhat from a perfectly flat plane, and without such variation, such a flat plane may not be physically achievable, and thus the terms "substantially" and "about" are used to refer to descriptions where one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the meaning of the terms.

[0378] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the present disclosure may be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described but commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. An infant car seat system for installation on a vehicle seat, the infant car seat system comprising: An infant car seat having a seat shell; as well as an anchor system connected to the seat shell, the anchor system comprising: A latch arm having a latch on an end thereof configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor system, wherein the latch arm is movably mounted to the seat shell and is selectively securable at two or more angles relative to the seat shell.

2. The infant car seat system of claim 1, wherein the latch arm is rotatably mounted to the seat shell.

3. The infant car seat system according to claim 1, wherein the latch arm is configured to lock at the two or more angles, and to hold and support the infant car seat at the corresponding one of the two or more angles when locked at the corresponding one of the two or more angles.

4. The infant car seat system of claim 1, wherein the anchor system comprises: A memory hub is configured to set a rearward tilt angle of the infant car seat based on each of the two or more angles, wherein the latch arm is operably coupled to the memory hub.

5. The infant car seat system of claim 4, wherein the anchor system comprises: a latch arm hub, the latch arm extending from the latch arm hub; Caster hub; Reverse tilt gear; as well as one or more ramp hubs, Wherein a hub shaft extends from the latch arm hub and extends through the caster hub, the caster gear, and the one or more ramp hubs and defines a rotational axis therethrough.

6. The infant car seat system of claim 5, wherein the one or more ramp hubs include a first ramp hub and a second ramp hub, wherein rotation of the first ramp hub relative to the second ramp hub causes axial movement of the tilt-back gear to selectively engage or disengage the memory hub.

7. The infant car seat system of claim 6, wherein in response to the tilt gear engaging the tilt hub and disengaging the memory hub, the latch arm is free to rotate relative to the memory hub.

8. The infant car seat system of claim 6, wherein the latch arm is locked in rotational relationship with the memory hub in response to the recline gear engaging the recline hub and engaging the memory hub.

9. The infant car seat system according to claim 6, further comprising a tilt switch arranged on the seat shell and operably connected to the first ramp hub, wherein operation of the tilt switch causes rotation of the first ramp hub and axially pushes the second ramp hub along the hub axis.

10. The infant car seat system of claim 4, further comprising a locking plate pivotally coupled to the seat shell and selectively operable to engage the memory hub to lock the memory hub at one of the two or more angles.

11. An infant car seat system according to claim 10, wherein the locking plate includes a locking tooth, and the memory hub includes a first locking recess associated with a first angle among the two or more angles, and a second locking recess associated with a second angle among the two or more angles, wherein the locking tooth is configured to selectively engage with the first locking recess and the second locking recess. 12 . The infant car seat system of claim 11 , further comprising a first release connector operably coupled to the locking plate and configured to selectively operate the locking plate.

13. The infant car seat system of claim 12, further comprising a second release connector operably coupled to the latch and configured to selectively operate the latch.

14. The infant car seat system of claim 1, further comprising: a carrying handle rotatably coupled to the seat shell by an attachment mechanism, wherein the anchor system is operably coupled to the attachment mechanism, and Wherein rotation of the carrying handle is configured to cause operation of the anchor system.

15. The infant car seat system of claim 14, wherein the anchor system comprises a handle link, a connecting link, and a locking link, wherein: The handle link is coupled to the attachment mechanism at one end and to the connecting link at an opposite end, The connecting link is connected between the handle link and the locking link, The locking link is coupled to the latch arm, and Wherein rotation of the carrying handle locks the latch arm at at least one of two or more angles.

16. The infant car seat system of claim 15, further comprising a rear link pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the connecting link and the locking link.

17. The infant car seat system of claim 15, wherein the locking link includes a tilt-back bracket having a plurality of locking positions corresponding to the two or more angles.

18. The infant car seat system of claim 17, wherein the first locked position of the recline bracket defines a maximum recline of the infant car seat and the second locked position of the recline bracket defines an upright position of the infant car seat.

19. The infant car seat system of claim 15, further comprising a front link pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the locking link and the latch arm.

20. The infant car seat system of claim 14, wherein in the carrying position of the carrying handle, the latch arm is freely adjustable between the two or more angles, and in the anti-rebound position, the latch arm is pulled toward the seat shell and locked in place.

21. An infant car seat system according to claim 1, wherein the anchor system defines a first locking position associated with a first angle of the two or more angles and defining a maximum rearward tilt of the infant car seat, and a second locking position of the anchor system defines an upright position of the infant car seat.

22. The infant car seat system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the anchor system is housed within the seat shell.

23. The infant car seat system according to claim 1, further comprising a recline actuation handle, which is arranged on the seat shell, operably connected to the anchor system and configured to selectively release the latch arm to adjust the forward tilt angle of the infant car seat.

24. The infant car seat system of claim 23, further comprising a recline actuation connector operably connecting the recline actuation handle to a portion of the anchor system.

25. The infant car seat system of claim 24, wherein the portion of the anchor system is a drive ramp hub.

26. The infant car seat system of claim 24, further comprising a connector element arranged to connect the recline actuation handle with the recline actuation connector.

27. The infant car seat system of claim 23, wherein the recline actuation handle includes a stowage lock extension configured to selectively secure the latch arm in the stowed state.

28. The infant car seat system of claim 27, further comprising a stowage lock disposed between the stowage lock extension of the recline actuation handle and the latch arm, the stowage lock being selectively operable to lock the latch arm and release the latch arm from the stowed state.

29. An infant car seat system for installation on a vehicle seat, the infant car seat system comprising: An infant car seat having a seat shell; as well as an anchor system connected to the seat shell, the anchor system comprising: a latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor system, wherein The latch arm is movably mounted to the seat shell so that the latch arm can be releasably secured in a stowed position and a use position, and A release handle is operably connected to the latch arm, wherein activation of the release handle releases engagement between the latch and a vehicle anchor system and releases the latch arm to allow the latch arm to move between the stowed position and the use position.

30. An infant car seat system according to claim 29, wherein in the use position of the latch arm, the latch arm can be selectively fixed at two or more angles relative to the seat shell, and the anchor system further includes a memory hub, which is configured to set the rearward tilt angle of the infant car seat based on the two or more angles, and wherein the latch arm is operably connected to the memory hub.

31. An infant car seat system according to claim 30, further comprising a locking plate pivotally connected to the seat shell, the locking plate operably connected between the release handle and the latch arm, and further operably connected between the release handle and the latch, wherein activation of the release handle causes the locking plate to pivot and release engagement between the latch and the vehicle anchor system and releases the latch arm to move between the stowed position and the use position.

32. The infant car seat system of claim 31 , wherein the memory hub is configured to move with the latch arm between the stowed position and the use position.

33. An infant car seat system according to claim 32, wherein the anchor system further includes a tilt actuator, which is operably connected to the memory hub and the latch arm so that actuation of the tilt actuator allows the latch arm to rotate relative to the memory hub to set the tilt angle of the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

34. The infant car seat system of claim 29, further comprising a first release connector, a slide connector, and a second release connector, wherein: the release handle being connected to the first release connector; the first release connector is connected to the slide connector; and The sliding connector is connected to the second release connector.

35. The infant car seat system of claim 34, wherein the second release connector extends through the latch arm to operate the latch thereof.

36. The infant car seat system of claim 34, further comprising a locking plate connector connected to the sliding connector and configured to selectively operate a locking mechanism of the anchor system.

37. The infant car seat system of claim 34, further comprising a connecting element arranged to selectively extend outwardly from the seat shell for engagement with a stroller frame.

38. An infant car seat system according to claim 37, wherein the connecting element includes a first actuation tab and the first release connector includes a second actuation tab, wherein operation of the first release connector causes the second actuation tab to interact with the first actuation tab to retract the connecting element into the seat shell.

39. An infant car seat system for installation on a vehicle seat, the infant car seat system comprising: An infant car seat having a seat shell; as well as Anchor system comprising: a latch attachment mechanism connected to the seat shell, and a latch arm extending from the latch attachment mechanism to a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor system, wherein the latch attachment mechanism is configured to transition the latch arm between a stowed position, a first use position, and a second use position, and wherein the latch attachment mechanism is further configured to transition from the stowed position to either of the first use position and the second use position based on a most recent previous use position.

40. The infant car seat system of claim 39, wherein the most recently previously used position is the first used position such that when the latch arm transitions from the stowed position, the latch arm transitions to the first used position.

41. An infant car seat system for installation on a vehicle seat, the infant car seat system comprising: An infant car seat having a seat shell; a latch arm movably mounted to the seat shell, the latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor system; as well as a carrying handle movably coupled to the seat shell, Wherein the carrying handle is operably coupled to the latch arm via a connecting member, wherein movement of the carrying handle causes movement of the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

42. The infant car seat system of claim 41, wherein the latch arm is selectively securable at two or more angles relative to the seat shell.

43. The infant car seat system of claim 41, wherein the carrying handle is rotatably coupled to the shell by an attachment mechanism, wherein rotation of the carrying handle causes the movement of the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

44. The infant car seat system of claim 43, wherein the connecting member is operably connected between the attachment mechanism and the latch arm.

45. The infant car seat system of claim 43, further comprising: a handle link coupled at one end to the attachment mechanism and coupled at an opposite end to a connecting link; The connecting link is connected between the handle link and the locking link; as well as the locking link, which is coupled to the latch arm, Wherein rotation of the carrying handle is configured to retract the latch arm toward the seat shell.

46. ​​The infant car seat system of claim 45, further comprising a rear link pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the connecting link and the locking link.

47. The infant car seat system of claim 45, wherein the locking link includes a tilt bracket having a plurality of locking positions corresponding to the two or more angles.

48. The infant car seat system of claim 47, wherein the first locked position of the recline bracket defines a maximum recline of the infant car seat and the second locked position of the recline bracket defines an upright position of the infant car seat.

49. The infant car seat system of claim 45, further comprising a front link pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the locking link and the latch arm.

50. The infant car seat system of claim 42, wherein in the carrying position of the carrying handle, the latch arm is freely adjustable between the two or more angles, and in the anti-rebound position, the latch arm is pulled toward the seat shell and locked in place.

51. An infant car seat system, comprising: Infant car seat comprising: seat shell; an anchor system disposed on the seat shell and configured to be selectively connected to a vehicle seat; and A connecting element is disposed on the seat shell, the connecting element being configured to selectively engage the seat shell and secure the seat shell to an external structure.

52. The infant car seat system of claim 51, wherein the connecting element is configured to be selectively retracted into the seat shell.

53. The infant car seat system of claim 51, further comprising a release handle disposed on the seat shell and operably connected to the anchor system, the release handle being configured to operate at least a portion of the anchor system.

54. The infant car seat system of claim 53, further comprising a release connector extending between the release handle and the anchor system, the release connector being configured to cause retraction of the connecting element during actuation of the release handle.

55. The infant car seat system of claim 51, wherein the outer structure is a stroller frame.

56. The infant car seat system of claim 51 , further comprising a stroller frame, wherein the connecting element is configured to selectively secure the seat shell to the stroller frame.

57. An infant car seat system according to claim 54, wherein the connecting element includes a first actuation tab and the release connector includes a second actuation tab, wherein the second actuation tab is configured to contact the first actuation tab when the release handle is operated to retract the connecting element into the seat shell.

58. An infant car seat system according to claim 54, wherein the anchor system includes a sliding connector and a second release connector, wherein the release handle is operably connected to the anchor system via the release connector, the sliding connector and the second release connector.

59. The infant car seat system of claim 58, wherein the second release connector is configured to operate a latch on a latch arm of the anchor system.

60. The infant car seat system of claim 58, wherein the release connector is configured to travel in a first direction when the release handle is actuated, and the slide connector is configured to travel in a second direction different from the first direction when the release handle is actuated.

61. The infant car seat system of claim 53, wherein the release handle is disposed at a back side of the seat shell.

62. The infant car seat system of claim 51 , wherein the anchor system is disposed at a front side of the seat shell.

63. The infant car seat system of claim 62, wherein the anchor system is disposed at a front side of the seat shell, the anchor system comprising: a latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor system, wherein The latch arm is movably mounted to the seat shell so that the latch arm can be releasably secured in a stowed position and a use position, and A release handle is operably connected to the latch arm, wherein activation of the release handle releases engagement between the latch and a vehicle anchor system and releases the latch arm to allow the latch arm to move between the stowed position and the use position.

64. An infant car seat system for installation on a vehicle seat, the infant car seat system comprising: An infant car seat having a seat shell; a latch arm movably mounted to the seat shell, the latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor system; as well as a carrying handle movably coupled to the seat shell, the carrying handle being movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the carrying handle is operably coupled to the latch arm via a connecting member, wherein when the carrying handle is transitioned to the locked position, the latch arm is locked in position such that movement of the latch arm relative to the seat shell is substantially prevented.

65. An infant car seat system, comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell, the infant car seat being configured for mounting on a vehicle seat; an anchor system disposed on the seat shell and configured to be selectively connected to a vehicle seat; as well as A base is configured to be selectively connected to a vehicle seat, the base being further configured to selectively receive and connect to the infant car seat.

66. The infant car seat system of claim 65, wherein the seat shell includes at least one connecting tube, wherein the base is configured to receive and engage the at least one connecting tube to connect the infant car seat to the base.

67. The infant car seat system of claim 65, wherein the base comprises: at least one base connector configured to selectively receive a portion of the seat shell and secure the portion to the base; as well as A release handle is operably coupled to the at least one mount connector to selectively operate the at least one mount connector between a locked state and a released state.

68. The infant car seat system of claim 67, wherein the base comprises: two base connector actuators operably connected to the release handles; as well as Four mount connectors, wherein a first two mount connectors are operably connected to a first mount connector actuator of the two mount connector actuators and a second two mount connectors are operably connected to a second mount connector actuator.

69. An infant car seat system for use with a vehicle seat, the infant car seat system comprising: An infant car seat having a seat shell including at least one seat connector; as well as a base mountable on the vehicle seat and configured to selectively receive and support the infant car seat, wherein the base comprises: at least one base connector configured to selectively secure the at least one seat connector to the base; as well as A release handle is disposed on the base and operably coupled to the at least one base connector to selectively operate the at least one base connector between a locked state and a released state at a plurality of attachment points on the at least one seat connector.

70. The infant car seat system of claim 69, wherein the at least one seat connector is at least one seat bar.

71. The infant car seat system of claim 69, wherein the at least one base connector is at least one latch.

72. The infant car seat system of claim 69, wherein the at least one seat connector is a first seat rail and a second seat rail.

73. An infant car seat system according to claim 72, wherein the at least one base connector is a first latch, a second latch, a third latch and a fourth latch, wherein the first latch and the second latch selectively receive the first seat rod at a first attachment point and a second attachment point among the plurality of attachment points, and wherein the third latch and the fourth latch selectively receive the second seat rod at a third attachment point and a fourth attachment point among the plurality of attachment points.

74. An infant car seat system according to claim 73, wherein the base includes a first latch actuator and a second latch actuator operably connected to the release handle; and wherein the first latch and the second latch are operably connected to the first latch actuator, and the third latch and the fourth latch are operably connected to the second latch actuator.

75. The infant car seat system of claim 69, wherein the release handle is a single handle that selectively operates the at least one base connector between the locked state and the released state at all of the plurality of attachment points on the at least one seat connector.

76. The infant car seat system of claim 69, wherein the infant car seat is further capable of being mounted directly on the vehicle seat without the base.

77. An infant car seat system for mounting on a vehicle seat, including a vehicle anchor system, the infant car seat system comprising: An infant car seat having a seat shell; as well as an anchor system connected to the seat shell, the anchor system comprising: a latch attachment mechanism connected to the seat shell; as well as a latch arm extending from the latch attachment mechanism and including a latch, wherein the latch arm is movable between a stowed position and a use position, and wherein the latch is releasably engaged with the vehicle anchor system; Wherein when in the use position, the latch attachment mechanism applies a biasing force on the latch arm toward the stowed position.

78. The infant car seat system of claim 77, further comprising a release actuator operably coupled to the latch attachment mechanism and to the latch, wherein operation of the release actuator disengages the latch from the vehicle anchor system.

79. The infant car seat system of claim 78, wherein the release actuator is disposed on the seat shell.

80. The infant car seat system of claim 78, further comprising a locking mechanism operable to lock the latch arm in the use position against a biasing force applied by the latch attachment mechanism.

81. The infant car seat system of claim 80, wherein the release actuator is operably coupled to the locking mechanism, wherein operation of the release actuator unlocks the locking mechanism such that the biasing force moves the latch arm toward the stowed position.

82. The infant car seat system of claim 80, wherein the latch attachment mechanism further comprises: a memory hub movable relative to the seat shell between a first position and a second position; and A biasing mechanism is operably coupled to the memory hub, wherein the biasing force of the biasing mechanism biases the memory hub from the first position to the second position.

83. The infant car seat system of claim 82, wherein the locking mechanism is operably coupled to the memory hub, the locking mechanism being selectively operable to lock the memory hub in the second position.

84. An infant car seat system according to claim 83, wherein the locking mechanism further includes a locking plate and a locking plate biasing mechanism, and the memory hub further includes a locking recess, and when the memory hub is in the second position, the locking plate can be received in the locking recess.

85. The infant car seat system of claim 84, wherein the release actuator is operably coupled to the locking mechanism to selectively disengage the locking plate from the locking recess.

86. The infant car seat system of claim 82, wherein the latch arm is movably mounted to the latch attachment mechanism and is selectively fixable at two or more angles relative to the latch attachment mechanism.

87. The infant car seat system of claim 86, wherein the latch arm is rotatably mounted to the latch attachment mechanism.

88. The infant car seat system of claim 86, wherein the latch attachment mechanism further comprises: a rearward tilt hub coupled to the latch arm; Reverse tilt gear; as well as one or more ramp hubs; Wherein a hub shaft extends from the latch arm through the caster hub, the caster gear, and the one or more ramp hubs and defines a hub axis therethrough.

89. An infant car seat system according to claim 88, wherein the one or more ramp hubs include a first ramp hub and a second ramp hub, wherein rotation of the second ramp hub relative to the first ramp hub causes axial movement of the tilt gear to selectively engage or disengage the memory hub.

90. The infant car seat system of claim 89, wherein the latch arm is free to rotate relative to the memory hub in response to the tilt gear engaging the tilt hub and disengaging the memory hub.

91. The infant car seat system of claim 89, wherein the latch arm rotationally locks with the memory hub in response to the tilt gear engaging the tilt hub and engaging with the memory hub.

92. The infant car seat system of claim 89, further comprising a tilt actuator operably coupled to the second ramp hub, wherein operation of the tilt actuator rotates the second ramp hub.

93. The infant car seat system of claim 77, wherein the latch attachment mechanism further comprises: a housing fixedly mounted to the seat shell; a memory hub associated with the housing, the memory hub being movable relative to the seat shell between a first position and a second position; as well as A biasing mechanism is operably coupled to the memory hub, wherein the biasing force of the biasing mechanism biases the memory hub from the first position to the second position.

94. The infant car seat system of claim 93, wherein the biasing mechanism includes a first end and a second end, and the memory hub includes a hub feature operably coupled to the first end of the biasing mechanism.

95. The infant car seat system of claim 94, wherein the housing includes a housing feature operably coupled to the second end of the biasing mechanism.

96. An infant car seat system for mounting on a vehicle seat, including a vehicle anchor system, the infant car seat system comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell and at least one seat connector; a base having a seat retention assembly including at least one base connector configured to selectively receive and secure the at least one seat connector to the base; a first release actuator operably coupled to the at least one base connector to selectively operate the at least one base connector between a locked state and an unlocked state, the first release actuator being located at the base; as well as A second release actuator is operably coupled to the at least one base connector to selectively operate the at least one base connector between the locked state and the unlocked state, the second release actuator being located at the infant car seat.

97. The infant car seat system of claim 96, wherein the at least one base connector further comprises: a base connector housing mounted to the base; as well as A locking plate is mounted to the base connector housing, the locking plate being pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

98. The infant car seat system of claim 97, wherein the seat retention assembly further comprises a base connector actuator operably coupled to the locking plate of the at least one base connector.

99. The infant car seat system of claim 98, wherein the first release actuator and the second release actuator are both selectively operable to move the locking plate to the unlocked position via movement of the base connector actuator.

100. The infant car seat system of claim 98, wherein the at least one base connector further comprises an infant car seat release assembly operably coupled to the base connector actuator.

101. The infant car seat system of claim 100, wherein the second release actuator is operably coupled to the base connector actuator via the infant car seat release assembly.

102. The infant car seat system of claim 100, wherein the infant car seat release assembly further comprises: a drive switch rotatably mounted to the base connector housing, wherein the drive switch is movable to engage the base connector actuator and transmit force to the base connector actuator; as well as An actuation switch is operably coupled to the drive switch, the actuation switch being operable to move the drive switch into engagement with the base connector actuator.

103. An infant car seat system according to claim 102, wherein the actuation switch is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and when in the extended position, a portion of the actuation switch is arranged at the exterior of the base.

104. An infant car seat system according to claim 102, wherein the infant car seat further includes a drive that is movable relative to the seat shell to selectively engage the actuation switch in response to operation of the second release actuator when the infant car seat is secured to the base.

105. The infant car seat system of claim 104, wherein the driver is movable relative to the seat shell by a slide, the slide being operably coupled to the second release actuator.

106. An infant car seat system according to claim 100, wherein the at least one base connector further includes a first base connector and a second base connector associated with the base connector actuator, and only the first base connector includes the infant car seat release assembly.

107. An infant car seat system according to claim 97, wherein the infant car seat further includes an anchor system having at least one child seat anchor, the child seat anchor including a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat, and the at least one child seat anchor is capable of moving between a use position and a stowed position.

108. An infant car seat system according to claim 107, wherein the second release actuator is operably connected to the anchor system to selectively move the at least one child seat anchor from the use position to the stowed position.

109. The infant car seat system of claim 107, wherein the second release actuator is operably coupled to the latch to selectively disengage the latch from the vehicle anchor.

110. The infant car seat system of claim 97, wherein the infant car seat further comprises a stroller mechanism configured to selectively engage the seat shell and secure the seat shell to an external structure.

111. The infant car seat system of claim 110, wherein the second release actuator is operably coupled to the stroller mechanism to selectively release the stroller mechanism from the external structure.

112. An infant car seat, mountable to a base, the infant car seat comprising: a body having a seat shell and at least one seat connector receivable within a seat retention assembly of the base; as well as A release actuator is located at the seat shell and is operably coupled to the seat retention assembly of the base to release the infant car seat from the base.

113. The infant car seat of claim 112, further comprising an actuator disposed at the seat shell, the actuator being movable to selectively engage a portion of the seat retention assembly to release the infant car seat from the base.

114. The infant car seat of claim 113, wherein the release actuator is operable to move the drive into engagement with the seat retention assembly.

115. The infant car seat of claim 113, further comprising a slide connected to the release actuator via a connecting member.

116. The infant car seat of claim 115, wherein the actuator comprises a slot and the actuator comprises a boss disposed within the slot.

117. The infant car seat of claim 112, further comprising: an anchor system disposed on the seat shell and configured to be selectively connected to a vehicle seat; as well as A stroller mechanism is disposed on the seat shell and is configured to selectively engage the seat shell and secure the seat shell to an external structure.

118. The infant car seat of claim 117, wherein the release actuator is operably coupled to the anchor system to selectively move the anchor system from a use position to a stowed position.

119. An infant car seat according to claim 117, wherein the anchor system includes at least one latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat, and the release actuator is operably connected to the at least one latch to selectively disengage the at least one latch from the vehicle anchor.

120. The infant car seat of claim 117, wherein the release actuator is operably coupled to the stroller mechanism to selectively release the stroller mechanism from the external structure.

121. An infant car seat according to claim 117, wherein the anchor system includes at least one latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat, the release actuator is operably connected to the anchor system to selectively move the anchor system from a use position to a stowed position, the release actuator is operably connected to the at least one latch to selectively disengage the at least one latch from the vehicle anchor, and the release actuator is operably connected to the stroller mechanism to selectively release the stroller mechanism from the external structure.

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