Child safety seat and base assembly

Abstract

A child safety seat and base assembly is disclosed in which a base is arranged to be fixed relative to a motor vehicle and a seat is arranged to be removably fixed. The assembly includes: a rotating element rotatably mounted to a base; a seat latch on the rotating element that engages the child safety seat to releasably retain the child safety seat to the base and the rotating element; a seat latch actuation assembly for opening or closing the seat latch, where opening the seat latch releases the child safety seat; and an interlocking mechanism which is actuated when a seat latch which prevents the rotation element from rotating relative to the base is opened. The seat latch actuation assembly may include a slidably mounted handle wherein, in use, the base prevents access to the handle when the seat is in any position other than one or both side loading positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a child safety seat which is installed on a base, wherein the child safety seat can rotate relative to the base. Background Art

[0002] A child safety seat and a base can be secured to a seat of a motor vehicle for use in transporting a child in the vehicle. A device for controlling rotation of the seat relative to the base and a device for removing and locking the child safety seat to the base are disclosed.

[0003] Examples of child safety seats that can rotate relative to a base are known. In some examples where the base is secured to a seat in a motor vehicle, the child safety seat can rotate relative to the base to move the seat between forward-facing and rear-facing use positions. This allows the seat to be positioned in a side-loading position at 90 degrees relative to either use position, allowing a child to be easily seated in or out of a motor vehicle doorway.

[0004] It is useful to allow a child safety seat to be released from the base, for example, to attach the seat to a stroller. This can be achieved by having a base with a swivel element, which is mounted for rotational movement within the base. The swivel element has a latch on its upper surface to which the child safety seat is secured, and the child safety seat has a latch element that engages the swivel element latch. The latch securely holds the seat in place and is strong enough to withstand the loads applied during a vehicle impact.

[0005] A means of securing the detachable child seat to the rotating element of the base in the correct position is desirable, and any system that does not ensure correct orientation can lead to unsafe consequences.

[0006] It is against this background that the present disclosure has been developed. Utility Model Content

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a child safety seat and a base, wherein the base is arranged to be fixed relative to a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0008] a rotating element rotatably mounted to the base,

[0009] a latch on the swivel member that engages the child safety seat to releasably retain the child safety seat relative to the base and the swivel member,

[0010] a means for opening or closing a latch, wherein opening the latch releases the child safety seat, and

[0011] An interlock is actuated upon opening a latch that prevents the rotating element from rotating relative to the base.

[0012] The swivel element can be configured to latch relative to the base to position the child safety seat in one or more use positions. These positions include rearward and forward positions. A manual device can be provided to release the latch between the base and the swivel element to allow the child safety seat to rotate relative to the base.

[0013] The swivel element is arranged to swivel so that the child safety seat can be repositioned relative to the base and the vehicle seat to move the child safety seat to a position where it is easier or more convenient to place or remove a child from the safety seat. This may include swivel the seat so that it is aligned with an open vehicle door.

[0014] Rotation of the swivel element also positions the child safety seat for removal from the base by operating the latch. The latch may include a plurality of hooks mounted to the swivel element that move between a latched position and an unlocked position. The child safety seat may have a latch engagement element, such as a pin or similar element on which the hook engages. The hook may include a simple right-angle hook that works in conjunction with a vertical abutment or notch on the swivel element. Both act to prevent movement of the latch engagement element once the hook is over it. The hook prevents upward and horizontal movement toward the hook, and the vertical abutment prevents horizontal movement in the opposite direction.

[0015] In a second aspect of the present invention, the child safety seat is rotated from the in-use position to a second predetermined position. In the second predetermined position, the operating latch also allows actuation of the interlock device, which is used to retain the rotating element in the predetermined position. Once the child safety seat is removed, the operating interlock device prevents the rotating element from moving away from the predetermined position.

[0016] Furthermore, once the child safety seat is removed from the swivel base, the interlock prevents operation of the latch to release the locking mechanism. In this way, the swivel base is prevented from moving from the position in which the child safety seat is removed from the base, and the swivel element cannot move from this position when the child safety seat is removed.

[0017] Once the child safety seat is positioned on the rotating element and its latch engagement element is aligned with the latch, the interlock is released. One or more of the latch elements can depress the spring-loaded actuating element, which then allows the rotating element to rotate relative to the base once the child safety seat is in a position to be re-latched to the rotating element.

[0018] Furthermore, the latch can be designed to be disabled or inoperable when the child safety seat is in the use position. That is, when the child safety seat is in the appropriate position to transport a child while the vehicle is moving, it is impossible to operate the latch to release the child safety seat. This prevents the child safety seat from being accidentally released when in one of the use positions.

[0019] According to a second aspect, there is provided a child safety seat and base assembly, wherein the base is arranged to be fixed relative to a motor vehicle and the seat is arranged to be removably fixed relative to the base, the assembly comprising:

[0020] a rotating element rotatably mounted to the base;

[0021] a seat latch on the swivel member that engages the child safety seat to releasably retain the child safety seat relative to the base and the swivel member;

[0022] a seat latch actuation assembly for opening or closing the seat latch, wherein opening the seat latch releases the child safety seat; and

[0023] An interlock mechanism is actuated upon opening a seat latch that prevents the rotating element from rotating relative to the base.

[0024] In one form, a seat latch actuation assembly includes a handle slidably mounted relative to a rotary member.

[0025] In one form, in use, the base blocks access to the handle when the seat is in any position other than one or both side loading positions, thereby preventing the seat latch from being opened or closed when the seat is in any position other than one or both side loading positions.

[0026] In one form, the child safety seat and base further include a plurality of hooks and hook-engageable projections, the hooks being movable from a latched position in which they retain the hook-engageable projections to a released position in which they do not retain the projections.

[0027] In one form, the hook is located on the rotary element and forms part of the seat latch, and the hook-engageable projection is located on the seat.

[0028] In one form, the interlock mechanism includes a locking protrusion and a locking recess, the locking protrusion engageable with the locking recess to prevent the rotating element from rotating relative to the base when the seat latch is unlatched.

[0029] In one form, a locking protrusion extends from the rotating element, and a locking recess is formed in the base.

[0030] In one form, the swivel member comprises a depressible member engageable by a seat-relying surface.

[0031] The depressible element can thereby be depressed by the seat resting surface to release the locking mechanism.

[0032] In one form, the depressible member includes a locking pin that is biased toward an upper position in which the interlock mechanism locks, thereby preventing the rotating member from rotating relative to the base.

[0033] In one form, the interlock mechanism includes an interlock latch actuated by an interlock pin.

[0034] In one form, the interlock latch is biased toward an upper position in which an end surface of the interlock latch resists movement of the handle, thereby preventing the interlock mechanism from being disabled, until the interlock pin is depressed.

[0035] In one form, the interlocking latch is pivotally mounted to the rotating element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a child safety seat and base, with the child seat in a rearward orientation for use,

[0038] Figure 3 shows a side view of a child safety seat and base, with the child seat in a rearward orientation for use,

[0039] Figure 4A A partial cross-sectional view showing the base, rotating element, latch and child seat in the latched position,

[0040] Figure 4B A partial cross-sectional view showing the base, rotating element, latch and child seat in the unlocked position,

[0041] Figure 5 shows an exploded top view of the components comprising the child safety seat and the base (upper exploded view),

[0042] Figure 6 shows an exploded bottom view of the components including the child safety seat and the base (lower exploded view),

[0043] Figure 7 The child seat is shown rotated 90 degrees from the rear-facing use position.

[0044] Figure 8 Shown with the base of the child seat removed, with the actuation pin in its upper position,

[0045] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of

[0046] Figure 11 The actuating pin is shown operating in a downward direction,

[0047] Figure 12The pin on the child seat is shown. When changing seats on the base, the actuating pin is pushed down.

[0048] Figures 13 to 17 The sequence for changing a child seat onto the base (the seat is not shown for clarity) and the operation of the actuating pin and latch lever are shown.

[0049] Figure 18 An exploded top view of an alternative child safety seat and base is shown (upper exploded view).

[0050] Figure 19 Shown Figure 18 Isometric view of a child safety seat and base, with the seat detached from the base.

[0051] Figure 20A and Figure 20B Shown in locked and released positions Figure 18 and Figure 19 Isometric view of the pull-release rotating element of the base,

[0052] Figure 21A and Figure 21B Shown in locked and released positions Figure 18 and Figure 19 An isometric view of an alternative rotating element for the base of the invention having a push release rather than a pull release,

[0053] Figure 22 and Figure 23 Shown Figure 18 and Figure 19 Isometric view of the safety seat and base shown with the safety seat in the loaded and locked positions respectively. Figure 21A and Figure 21B Pull release device,

[0054] Figure 24 yes Figure 18 and Figure 19 A partially cutaway isometric view of a portion of the safety seat and base shown,

[0055] Figure 25A and Figure 25B yes Figure 20A and Figure 20B Schematic diagram of the pull release mechanism within the rotating element, and

[0056] Figure 26A and Figure 26B yes Figure 20A and Figure 20B Schematic diagram of the push-release mechanism within the rotating element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 The child safety seat and base 10 comprises a child seat 11 secured to a base 12. The base 12 is designed to be positioned on and secured to the seat portion of a motor vehicle seat and optionally has a rebound bar 13 for abutting the backrest of the vehicle seat, and optionally a foot support 14 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) are used to limit rearward and forward rotation of the child seat 11 and base 12, respectively. Isofix connectors (not shown) connect and secure the base 12 relative to the vehicle seat. In other arrangements not shown, the child safety seat and base 10 can be arranged and configured for belt-type installation using, for example, a motor vehicle seat belt and top tether or foot support. In another arrangement not shown, the child safety seat and base 10 can be arranged and configured for installation using a latch system commonly used in the United States.

[0058] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the child seat 11 is in a rearward use position. That is, the child will face the rear of the vehicle, which is the recommended position for infants, toddlers and very small children.

[0059] The child seat 11 can be rotated 360 degrees while the base 12 remains in a fixed position relative to the vehicle seat. Figure 4A As shown, the child seat 11 is fixed to the swivel element 18 , and the child seat 11 and the swivel element 18 together are rotatable about a substantially vertical axis on the base 12 .

[0060] The seat latch acts in conjunction with the rotating element 18 and the base 12 to hold the child seat 11 in one of two use positions, or as Figures 1 to 3 The child seat 11 can be positioned in the rear-facing use position or the forward-facing use position shown. The seat latch can be manually operated using a handle 31. Once released, the child seat 11 can be rotated to the opposite use position or a predetermined intermediate position. The intermediate position is preferably 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise from the use position. This has the advantage of positioning the child seat 11 toward an open door of a motor vehicle.

[0061] The rotary element 18 is provided with a seat latch, which includes a seat latch body 20, such as Figure 4A and Figure 4B The seat latch body 20 slides within the rotating member 18 as described in detail below. The seat latch body 20 is manually operated between the latched and unlocked positions.

[0062] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6The rotating element 18 comprises a generally circular disc which is seated in a complementary shaped cavity 21 in the base 12. The cavity 21 has a bottom plate 24. The rotating element 18 has a peripheral flange 22 which rests on a bearing surface 23 of the base 12, as shown. Figure 5 As shown, the rotating element 18 is retained in the cavity 21 by a retainer 25 having threaded fasteners 26 securing it to the base 12 .

[0063] The rotating element 18 has a cavity 28 within which the latch body 20 is located. Positioned around the cavity 28 is a U-shaped rim 29 located on the upper surface 19 of the rotating element 18. The rim 29 has a plurality of notches 30 spaced around its perimeter.

[0064] The seat latch body 20 has an upturned handle 31 at the end of a plate 32 extending from the seat latch body 20. A hook 35 is located on the upper surface of the plate 32 and the latch body. A lug 36 extends laterally from the seat latch body 20 at the lower edge of the seat latch body 20. As shown in FIG4 and FIG5 . Figure 6 As shown, a locking projection in the form of a pin 37 extends from the end of the seat latch body 20 .

[0065] The seat latch body 20 is positioned within the cavity 28 by inserting the handle 31 through the cavity 28 from the underside of the rotating element 18. Preferably, there is sufficient clearance within the cavity 28, or flexibility in some or all of the interlocking components, to position the seat latch body 20 to allow the pin 37 to be positioned in the locking recess in the form of the hole 38. Alternatively, a removable cover may be provided to allow the pin 37 to be positioned in the hole 38.

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown, the lugs 36 are located in the cavities 39 on the bottom surface of the rotating element 18. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The cavity 39 allows the lug 36 to move forward and backward when moving between the latched and unlocked positions. The combination of the pin 37 and the lug 36 slidably holds the latch body 20 in the cavity 28 of the rotating element 18.

[0067] refer to Figure 6 The lower surface of the seat 11 has a box 40 having a generally rectangular perimeter wall sized to be positioned above the edge 29. A hook-engageable projection in the form of a pin 41 is located on the inner wall of the box 40 and is aligned with the notch 30 of the edge 29. Figure 4A As shown, with the pin 41 located in the recess 30 , the seat is held to the rotary element 18 , while the hook 35 is positioned over the pin 41 .

[0068] Figure 7 Shown with Figures 1 to 3The child seat 11 is rotated 90 degrees to the position shown. A manual latch (not shown) is actuated to allow the child seat 11 to be moved from its use position. The retainer 25 has a flange 43 extending around the retainer 25. The flange 43 has two openings 44 positioned 90 degrees from the use position. The flange 43 prevents access to the handle 31 in all positions except the 90-degree position. However, when the child seat 11 is rotated to this predetermined position, the openings 44 allow access to the handle 31.

[0069] like Figure 4A As shown, except that when the end of the pin 37 is aligned with the hole 38 provided at the two diametrically opposite loading positions, it abuts against the wall of the cavity 21 below the bearing surface 23. This prevents the unlocking movement of the latch body 20. When the seat 11 and the rotating element rotate, the latch body moves with them. When they are rotated 90 degrees to the predetermined position, the pin 37 and the bearing surface 23 are aligned. Figure 4B The holes 38 in the walls of the cavity 21 are aligned as shown. In this position, the handle 31 is accessible and can now be pushed inward. The pin 37, which slides within the through hole 38', can enter the hole 38, and the latch body is moved so that the hook 35 clears the pin 41. In this position, the seat 11 is unlocked and can be removed from the base 12.

[0070] The engagement of the pin 37 in the hole 38 will allow the latch body 20 to move into the open position and the seat 11 can be removed. However, the base 12 can be arranged to prevent the latch body 20 from moving back into the closed position and prevent the rotating element from rotating when the seat 11 is removed.

[0071] An interlock is provided which comprises a spring loaded actuation pin 45 and a spring loaded interlock latch in the form of a latch lever 46. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the latch 46 is mounted in a slot 48 in the floor 24 of the cavity 21. The latch lever 46 has a pivot pin 49 that engages a hole in the slot 48. This allows the latch lever 46 to pivot upward within the slot 48. The latch lever 46 is biased upward by a spring 50, which is held in place below the latch lever 46 by a base plate 51. The spring 50 may have a pivot pin that also engages the pivot hole in the slot 48 and has a hook at its end that engages a retaining hole in the latch lever 46 and the base plate 51.

[0072] In this way, the latch bar 46 is retained in the floor 24 of the cavity 21 , while the base of the rotary element 18 moves over the latch bar as it rotates.

[0073] The actuating pin 45 is mounted in the rotating element and moves with it as the rotating element rotates. Figure 8 As shown, with the seat 11 removed, the actuating pin 45 is pushed upwards by the spring 52. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the actuator pin 44 with a spring 52 is mounted in the aperture 53. The actuator pin has a collar 54 on which the spring 52 acts to push the actuator pin 45 upwards to Figures 8 to 10 in the position shown in .

[0074] When the rotating element 18 is aligned in its 90 degree position, the latch body 20 can be moved to an unlocked position in which the seat 11 can be removed. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In this position, the groove 56 (refer to Figure 6 ) is aligned with the latch bar 46. The upward bias of the spring 50 causes the latch bar 46 to pivot upward so that its end is located Figure 6 In the slot 56 shown.

[0075] When the latch bar 46 is in the slot 56, the rotating element 18 is fixed in place and cannot be rotated out of the position to remove the seat 11. Also, the end 46' of the latch bar 46 blocks the movement of the lug 36, so that in this position the latch body 20 cannot be moved. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The unlocked position shown is moved away.

[0076] Doing so prevents the rotating element 18 from moving out of position once the seat is removed.

[0077] When the seat 11 is replaced on the base, the box 40 has an interlocking pin 58, such as Figure 12 As shown, when the pin 41 is located in the notch 30, the interlock pin 58 presses on the top of the actuating pin 45 and presses them downward. This is to resist the bias of the spring 52. The lower end of the actuating pin 45 presses the corresponding latch rod 46 downward so that Figure 12 As shown, the top surface of the latch bar 46 is flush with the base of the rotating element 18. This also causes the end of the latch bar 46 to move away from the slot 56.

[0078] In this position, the latch body 20 can be moved to the latched position, with the hook 35 again positioned over the pin 41. With the latch lever 46 in its lower position, the lug 36 can now be moved over the latch lever 46, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 shown.

[0079] With the latch bar 46 positioned below the base of the rotating element 18 and the seat 11 again latched to the base 12 , the rotating element 18 and seat 11 are free to rotate from the 90 degree position into the use position where they are latched in place.

[0080] Although Figures 1 to 17In the illustrated embodiment, the interlocking pin 58 is depicted separately from the hook-engageable pin 41 , but in some embodiments, the same extension pin will serve the functions of both the interlocking pin 58 and the hook-engageable pin 41 .

[0081] Now go to Figures 18 to 24 , shows an alternative child safety seat and base combination. Figure 18 In the exploded view, the seat 11 and its box 40 are Figure 6 However, the rotating element 18 and the seat latch are different. In the case of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20A and Figure 20B As shown more clearly, the two pairs of hooks 35 face each other. Figures 1 to 17 This reduces the vulnerability to acceleration or deceleration compared to the arrangement shown where all hooks 35 face in the same direction. Figure 20A and Figure 20B The arrangement shown may provide improved resistance to accidental release in the event of a frontal or rear impact in a motor vehicle accident.

[0082] Figure 18 and Figure 19 The child safety seat 11 and base 12 assembly is shown, wherein the base 11 is arranged to be fixed relative to the motor vehicle and the seat is arranged to be removably fixed relative to the base. The assembly includes a rotating element 18 rotatably mounted to the base (at Figure 19 The child seat 11 is securable to the swivel element 18 , and the child seat 11 and swivel element 18 are rotatable together about a substantially vertical axis on the base 12 . Figure 18 1. A pivot bearing support 70 is shown on the base 12. Corresponding attachment features (not shown) are provided on the underside of the rotational element 18, thereby providing a substantially vertical axis.

[0083] A seat latch is provided on the rotating member and engages with the child safety seat to releasably retain the child safety seat relative to the base and the rotating member. Figure 24 As shown, the seat latch includes a plurality of hooks 35 and hook-engageable projections 41. Figure 24 In the embodiment shown, it can be seen that the hook engageable projection is in the form of a hook engageable pin 41 .

[0084] The hooks 35 are movable from a latched position, in which they retain the hooks, to a released position, where they engage the projections, such as Figure 20A and Figure 21A As shown, in the released position, they do not retain the protrusions, as Figure 20B and Figure 21B shown.

[0085] On the one hand Figure 20A and Figure 20B On the other hand, Figure 21A and Figure 21B , shows an alternative arrangement. Figure 20A and Figure 20B In the case of an arrangement of , a pull release mechanism is provided in the rotating element. Figure 21A and Figure 21B In the case of an arrangement in which a push-type release mechanism is provided within the rotating element.

[0086] refer to Figure 18 、 Figure 19 、 Figure 22 and Figure 23 , it can be seen that when the seat 11 is in any position other than one or both of the side loading positions, the base 12 blocks access to the handle 31, thereby preventing the seat latch from being opened or closed when the seat is in any position other than the side loading position. Figure 23 In the drive position shown, it is not possible for the user to access and actuate the handle 31. This prevents the hook 35 from, for example, Figure 24 accidental or unsafe release of its fixed position as shown.

[0087] The assembly further comprises a seat latch actuating assembly for opening or closing the seat latch, wherein opening the seat latch releases the child safety seat. The seat latch actuating assembly comprises a handle 31 slidably mounted relative to a rotating element.

[0088] Now refer to Figure 18 、 Figure 20B and Figure 21B , shows an interlock mechanism that is activated when the seat latch is unlatched. The interlock mechanism prevents the rotating element 18 from rotating relative to the base 12. The interlock mechanism includes a locking protrusion in the form of a pin 37 and a locking recess in the form of a hole 38. The pin 37 is engageable with the hole 38 to prevent the rotating element 18 from rotating relative to the base 12 when the seat latch is unlatched.

[0089] exist Figure 20B 、 Figure 25B 、 Figure 21B and Figure 26B In FIG. 3 , it can be seen that the pin 37 extends from the rotating element 18 when the hook 35 is open.

[0090] A hole 38 is formed in the base 12, as shown Figure 18 shown.

[0091] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the rotating element 18 includes a depressible element in the form of an actuating pin 45. A plurality of actuating pins 45 may be provided, for example in Figure 8 This is more clearly shown in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 As shown, the pin 45 can be engaged by a seat-dependent surface in the form of an interlock pin 58 or pin 58. In the embodiment shown, the depressible pin 45 can be depressed by a pin 58 on the seat to release the interlock mechanism.

[0092] As in the case of the first embodiment described above, one or more depressible interlock pins 45 are biased toward an upper position in which the interlock mechanism is locked, thereby preventing the rotating element 18 from rotating relative to the base 12. In addition, the interlock mechanism includes an interlock latch 46 that is actuated by the interlock pin 45, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The interlock latch 46 is biased toward an upper position in which the end surface 46' of the interlock latch 46 blocks movement of the handle 31, thereby preventing the interlock mechanism from being disabled until the interlock pin 45 is depressed. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As can be seen in FIG, the interlocking latch is pivotally mounted to the rotating element 18.

[0093] Various internal mechanisms may be provided within or on the rotating element 18 to provide the functions of the seat latch actuation and interlocking mechanism. Figure 25A and Figure 25B Non-limiting examples and Figure 26A and Figure 26B As shown in the alternative examples, these mechanisms can be independent or integrated.

[0094] refer to Figure 25A and Figure 25B As can be seen, the handle link 80 is operably connected to or forms part of the handle 31 and is pivotally connected to a pair of hook links 90 at pivot points 95 and 96. This arrangement is respectively Figure 20A and Figure 20B A pull release mechanism within the rotating element 18 is shown.

[0095] refer to Figure 26A and Figure 26B , showing the Figure 25A and Figure 25B Similar arrangement. However, this arrangement is Figure 21A and Figure 21B A push-release mechanism within the rotating element 18 is shown.

[0096] Figures 13 to 17 The operation of the actuating pin 45 and the latching lever 46 is shown in sequence. Figure 13 Initially, the seat 11 is placed onto the base 12 (the seat 11 is not shown for clarity), causing the pin 58 to depress the actuating pin 45, which in turn moves the latch bar 46 from Figure 9 and Figure 10 The upper position shown is pushed to its lower position ( Figure 13 and Figure 14 ). With the lug 36 now no longer blocked by the face 46' on the end of the latch rod 46, the latch body 20 moves to its latched position, as in Figures 15 to 17 The seat 11 is latched, while the rotating element 18 is free to rotate.

[0097] Figures 11 to 17 The seat 11 is shown removed from the right side of the base 12. The latching rods 46 are located on the left side of the base 12 to allow the holes 56 to be aligned in this position. Another set of latching rods 46 is required on the right side of the base 12 to allow the seat 11 to be removed from the left side of the base 12. These are not shown, but the required locations of these additional latching rods 46 will be obvious to a skilled person.

[0098] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiment provides a means for rotating the seat 11 to a 90-degree position, and only in this position can the seat 11 be removed from the base 12. Furthermore, an interlock is provided that prevents the rotating element 18 from moving when the seat 11 is being removed. This prevents the seat 11 from being removed from a position other than the intended position and ensures that the seat 11 is repositioned in the correct orientation on the base. It also prevents the rotating element 18 from moving out of position when the seat is being removed.

[0099] Throughout the specification and claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprises" and "comprising" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0100] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an admission of any kind that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of the present invention is not limited to the specific applications described. The present invention, in its preferred embodiments, is not limited to the specific elements and / or features described or illustrated herein. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment or embodiments, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A child safety seat and base assembly, characterized in that: The base is arranged to be fixed relative to the motor vehicle, the seat is arranged to be removably fixed relative to the base, and the assembly comprises: a rotating element rotatably mounted to the base; a seat latch on the swivel element, the seat latch engaging the child safety seat to releasably retain the child safety seat relative to the base and the swivel element; a seat latch actuation assembly for opening or closing the seat latch, wherein opening the seat latch releases the child safety seat; and An interlock mechanism is actuated upon opening the seat latch that prevents the rotating element from rotating relative to the base.

2. The child safety seat and base assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The seat latch actuation assembly includes a handle slidably mounted relative to the rotary member.

3. The child safety seat and base assembly according to claim 1, wherein: In use, the base blocks access to the handle when the seat is in any position other than one or both side loading positions, thereby preventing opening or closing of the seat latch when the seat is in any position other than one or both side loading positions.

4. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 1, wherein: A plurality of hooks and hook-engageable projections are included, the hooks being movable from a locking position in which they retain the hook-engageable projections to a releasing position in which they do not retain the hook-engageable projections.

5. The child safety seat and base assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The hook is located on the rotating element and forms part of the seat latch, and the hook-engageable protrusion is located on the seat.

6. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 1, wherein: The interlock mechanism includes a locking protrusion and a locking recess, the locking protrusion being engageable with the locking recess to prevent the rotating element from rotating relative to the base when the seat latch is open.

7. The child safety seat and base assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The locking protrusion extends from the rotating element, and the locking recess is formed in the base.

8. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 7, wherein: The rotating element includes a depressible element engageable by a seat-dependent surface, The depressible element can thereby be depressed by the seat resting surface to release the interlocking mechanism.

9. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 8, wherein: The depressible member includes an interlock pin that is biased toward an upper position in which the interlock mechanism locks, thereby preventing the rotational member from rotating relative to the base.

10. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 9, wherein: The interlock mechanism includes an interlock latch that is actuated by the interlock pin.

11. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 10, wherein: The interlock latch is biased toward an upper position where an end surface of the interlock latch blocks movement of the handle, thereby preventing the interlock mechanism from being disabled until the interlock pin is depressed.

12. The child safety seat and base assembly of claim 11, wherein: The interlocking latch is pivotally mounted to the rotating element.

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