Heightening seat mountable on vehicle seat

Abstract

The utility model discloses a heightening seat capable of being installed on a vehicle seat. The heightening seat comprises a main body formed by a seat shell. The body has a seat floor portion. An anchor system is connected to the seat floor portion. The anchor system includes at least one anchor having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 510,953, filed June 29, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of child restraint systems for use with vehicles, and more particularly, to a booster seat that can be installed on a vehicle seat. Background Art

[0004] Child safety seats are commercially available based on the age, weight, and size of the child being transported. For example, a young child may initially use an infant car seat that is installed in the vehicle facing rearward and includes a separate safety belt to securely hold the child. As the child grows in size and maturity, the infant car seat may no longer be suitable or necessary. In this case, a booster seat can be used to seat the child in an elevated position so that the vehicle's seat belts can be used to securely hold the child. Unlike infant car seats or toddler seats, booster seats are typically placed on the vehicle seat rather than attached to it. In the event of a collision or sudden stop, the booster seat may become dislodged, which can adversely affect the restraint protection provided by the seat belts. Utility Model Content

[0005] According to an embodiment, a booster seat mountable on a vehicle seat includes a body formed from a seat shell. The body includes a seat pan portion. An anchor system is connected to the seat pan portion. The anchor system includes at least one anchor having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, at least one anchor is movable relative to the body between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, a recess is formed at the bottom surface of the body, and the at least one anchor is receivable within the recess in the stowed configuration.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the seat shell includes a detent engageable with at least one anchor in the stowed configuration.

[0009] In addition to or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, at least one anchor is rotatable relative to the seat shell between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

[0010] In addition to or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, at least one anchor is translatable relative to the seat shell between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, a release actuator is operably coupled to the latch. Operation of the release actuator disengages the latch from the anchor system.

[0012] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the release actuator is disposed on the seat shell.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the body includes a seat back portion.The seat back portion is permanently connected to the seat pan portion.

[0014] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the seat shell forms both the seat pan portion and the seat back portion.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the body includes a seat back portion.The seat back portion may be removably connected to the seat pan portion.

[0016] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the body may be removably connected to the base member to form a child seat.A child seat is a different type of seat than a booster seat.

[0017] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the child seat is a toddler seat.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the base member has a safety belt for restraining a child in the child seat.

[0019] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the body does not have a safety belt.

[0020] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, a vehicle harness associated with the vehicle seat is configured to secure the child to the body.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the anchor system includes a pair of anchors operably coupled to each other by a cross member.The cross member is directly connected to the seat shell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, similar elements are numbered similarly:

[0023] Figure 1 is a side view of a first child seat according to an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 is a side view of a first child seat according to another embodiment;

[0025] Figure 3 For including according to the embodiment Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the first child seat and the second child seat;

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first child seat connected to a vehicle seat according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of an anchor of an anchor system of a first child seat according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 6A and 6B are top and bottom perspective views of a first child seat having an anchor system in a stowed configuration according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 7A and 7B are top and bottom perspective views of a first child seat having an anchor system in a deployed configuration according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of a first child seat including an anchor system in a stowed configuration according to an embodiment; and

[0031] Figure 9 FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a first child seat according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is provided herein by way of example and not limitation with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0033] Now refer to Figure 1, shows an example of a first child seat 20 that can be removably attached to a vehicle seat 10. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first child seat 20 is a booster seat. Booster seats as described herein are intended to cover any seat suitable for properly positioning a child relative to the vehicle seat 10 so that a child seated therein can be secured thereto using the vehicle's harness. Booster seats are typically suitable for use with children weighing, for example, between 40 and 120 pounds. At least a portion of the booster seat may employ a safety belt that is not connected or that is connectable to the booster seat or portion thereof. For example, the seat pan portion of the booster seat may not have a restraining belt to secure the child thereto, and instead rely on the harness of the vehicle seat 10 in which the booster seat is positioned.

[0034] The booster seat 20 includes a seat pan portion 22 formed, for example, by a seat shell 24, and may include a seat cushion, a seat pad, or the like (not shown) disposed thereon. A bottom surface 25 of the seat shell 24 may be positioned in direct contact with a portion of the vehicle seat 10. In embodiments where the booster seat 20 has a backless configuration (see FIG. Figure 1 and 4 ), the seat shell 24 may have a generally rectangular or square shape. The upward-facing surface of the seat shell 24 forms a seat support surface 26 on which a child may sit. The seat support surface 26 may extend from a first end or front portion 28 of the seat pan portion 22 to a second end or rear portion 30. In an embodiment, the booster seat 20 has one or more armrests 32 arranged at or near the sides 34, 36 of the seat support surface 26. As shown, the armrests 32 may extend forward from a position generally adjacent to the rear portion 30 of the seat shell 24 to a position between the front portion 28 and the rear portion 30 of the seat pan portion 22. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the armrests 32 are integrally formed with the seat shell 24. However, embodiments in which the armrests 32 are separate pieces that are movably connected to the seat shell 24 and, in some embodiments, may be separated from the seat shell 24 are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 1 The booster seat of FIG. 20 may be considered a backless or backless booster seat. As shown, the booster seat does not have a safety belt for restraining a child sitting therein. Instead, the vehicle seat belts associated with the vehicle seat 10 are used to secure a child seated in the booster seat 20. In some embodiments, for example Figure 2 and 3, the booster seat 20 may additionally include a seat back portion 40. In such embodiments, the booster seat 20 may be considered a high-back booster seat. The seat back portion 40 may be permanently connected to or integrally formed with the seat pan portion 22, or may be removably connected thereto. As used herein, the term "permanently connected" identifies embodiments in which the seat back portion 40 is not intended to be removed from the seat pan portion 22 by a user. In embodiments in which the seat back portion 40 is integrally formed with the seat pan portion 22, the seat shell 24 may form both the seat pan portion 22 and the seat back portion 40. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the seat back portion 40 includes an upright support surface 42 that faces generally forward and extends from a first end or top 44 of the seat back portion 40 to a second, opposite end or bottom 46 of the seat back portion 40.

[0036] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the seat back portion 40 of the booster seat 20 includes a headrest 48. The headrest 48 can be attached to or integral with the seat back portion 40. The headrest 48 can be fixed or, in some embodiments, can be configured to move relative to the upright support surface 42. For example, the headrest 48 can be configured to translate relative to the upright support surface 42 between a retracted position and an extended position, thereby allowing adjustment based on the size of the child positioned within the booster seat 20. However, it should be understood that embodiments in which the seat back portion 40 does not include a headrest 48 are also contemplated herein.

[0037] In embodiments where the booster seat 20 includes a seat back portion 40, the booster seat 20 may, but need not, additionally include a safety belt (not shown) for securing a child thereto. Such a safety belt may include a first portion, such as a buckle, disposed at the seat pan portion 26, and one or more straps, such as shoulder straps, extending from the seat back portion 40 and connectable to the buckle. In such embodiments including a safety belt, when the seat back portion 40 is attached to the seat pan portion 26, the portion of the safety belt disposed at the seat pan portion 26 may be used only to secure the child to the booster seat 20.

[0038] refer to Figure 3Whether configured as just the seat pan portion 22 or as a combination of the seat pan portion 22 and the seat back portion 40, the booster seat 20 can be removably connected to a separate base member 50 to form a second child seat 52. For example, the booster seat 20 can have one or more recesses (not shown) formed therein, and the base member 50 can have one or more protrusions 54 that can be positioned within the recesses to properly position the booster seat 20 around the base member 50. However, any suitable connection or interface between the booster seat 20 and the base member 50 is within the scope of the present invention. The second child seat 52 is a different type of child seat than the first child seat 20. In an embodiment, the second child seat 52 is a toddler seat that can be positioned in both a forward-facing and a rearward-facing configuration relative to the vehicle seat 10, and the separate base member 50 has a safety belt 56 connected thereto. In such an embodiment, the second child seat 52 can also be removably secured to the vehicle seat 10.

[0039] Now refer to Figure 4-8 Unlike existing booster seats that are typically secured in position around a vehicle seat 10 solely by the weight of the child sitting thereon, in an embodiment, a booster seat 20 can be secured to the vehicle seat 10 of a vehicle via an integrated anchor system 60. The vehicle seat 10 generally has a vehicle seat back 12, a vehicle seat pan 14, and a seat bay 16 (i.e., the intersection of the vehicle seat back 12 and the vehicle seat pan 14). The anchor system 60 can be configured to secure the booster seat 20 to the vehicle anchors 18 of the vehicle seat 10, and in some embodiments, can be arranged to facilitate alignment with a standard arrangement of vehicle anchors.

[0040] For example, an anchor system 60, sometimes referred to as a "lower anchor and tether for children," such as the LATCH system, has one or more anchors 62 that can be connected to corresponding vehicle anchors 18 embedded in the vehicle seat. The anchor system 60 can be an adjustable anchor system that can be formed from various rigid components that can be adjusted relative to the seat pan portion 22 of the booster seat 20. In other configurations, one or more components of the anchor system 60 can be fixed to the booster seat 20 and / or positioned relative to the booster seat.

[0041] The anchor system 60 can be coupled to the seat pan portion 22, for example, near the rear end 30 thereof. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the figures, the anchor system 60 includes a pair of anchors 62. However, embodiments including only a single anchor or more than two anchors are also contemplated herein. Each anchor 62 is coupled to a corresponding mechanical restraint point on the seat shell 24. Although two mechanical restraint points 64, 66 are shown on respective sides of the booster seat 20, in other exemplary embodiments, the anchor system 60 can more generally be coupled to the booster seat 20 at one or more mechanical restraint points that are not necessarily located on the sides of the booster seat 20.

[0042] exist Figure 5 An example of the anchor 62 is shown in greater detail in FIG. As shown, the anchor 62 can have an elongated shape (e.g., rectangular) having a body 70 with an opening 72 and including a locking mechanism (e.g., a latch) 74 that can engage with a corresponding vehicle anchor 18 in or near the bay 16 of the vehicle seat 10. In this way, the anchor system 60 can directly couple the booster seat 20 to the vehicle seat 10.

[0043] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the two anchors 62 are configured to be positioned relative to the seat pan portion 22 in the stowed configuration ( Figure 6A and 6B ) and expanded configuration ( Figure 7A and 7B ) between the rear portion 30 of the seat pan portion 22. In the stowed configuration, the body 70 of each anchor 62 can be generally retracted within a recess 68 formed in the bottom surface 25 of the seat pan portion 22. Although not shown, a detent can be formed in the seat shell 24 that is operable to engage a portion of the anchor 62 and retain the anchor 62 in the stowed configuration. In an embodiment, in the stowed configuration, no portion of the anchor 62 extends beyond the rear portion 30 of the seat pan portion 22. In the deployed configuration, a majority of the anchor body 70 extends beyond the rear portion 30 of the seat pan portion 22 in the deployed configuration.

[0044] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the anchor 62 rotates approximately 180 degrees about the axis X between the stowed and deployed configurations. However, embodiments in which the stowed and deployed configurations are less than 180 degrees apart or greater than 180 degrees apart are also within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the anchor 62 can be moved between the stowed and deployed configurations manually or in response to operation of an actuator (not shown) operably coupled thereto.

[0045] like Figure 8As shown, the anchors 62 can be operably coupled to each other via a rigid cross member 76. This connection allows the anchors 62 to operate simultaneously or in unison so that rotation of the rigid cross member 76 about the axis X will cause the two anchors 62 to rotate between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, the two anchors 62 can be connected by the rigid cross member 76, but can also be rotated independently about the axis X. It should be understood that the anchor system 60 illustrated and described herein is intended only as an example, and embodiments in which the anchors 62 are fixedly mounted to the seat shell 24, or the anchors 62 can be moved alternatively or additionally in another suitable manner, such as a translatable embodiment, are also within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the rigid cross member 76 can be directly connected to the seat pan portion 22 of the seat shell 24.

[0046] The anchor system 60 may include (or be coupled to) a release mechanism 80 (e.g., a button, a knob, a slidable tab) to unlock the anchor 62 from the vehicle anchor 18, for example, to detach the booster seat 20 from the vehicle. Figure 8 As best shown in FIG. 1 , in the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a release handle 82 is operable to disengage a latch 74 located at the distal end of the body 70 of at least one anchor 62 of the booster seat 20 from the vehicle anchor 18. As shown, the release handle 82 is connected to at least one release member 84. The release member 84 can be configured as a rigid strap, cable, wire, or other flexible or semi-flexible tension member, or can be a rigid member such as a rod, shaft, or the like. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a first release member 84 connected to the release handle 82 is operably coupled to the latch 74 associated with the first anchor 62 positioned adjacent to the side 34 of the seat shell 24, and a second release member 84 connected to the release handle 82 is operably coupled to the latch 74 associated with the second anchor 62 positioned proximate to the side 36 of the seat shell 24. When a force F is applied to the release handle 82 in a first direction, such as when the release handle 82 is pulled, corresponding forces are applied to the first and second release members 84, causing the latches 74 to open.

[0047] In an embodiment, a biasing member 86 is operably coupled to the release handle 82. When a force F is applied to the release handle 82 in a first direction, the force F resists the bias of the biasing member 86. With the latch 74 open, the booster seat 20 and the anchor 62 can move out of engagement with the vehicle anchor 18. After the force F is removed from the release handle 82, the biasing force of the biasing member 86 will cause the release handle 82 to translate back to its original position and the latch 74 to close.

[0048] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the anchors 62 can be configured and arranged, and the mechanical restraint points for the anchor system 60 can be positioned for relatively easy engagement with the vehicle anchors 18 located in or proximate to the seat bay 16 to facilitate installation of the booster seat 20 in the vehicle. In embodiments, the anchors 62 can be configured and arranged, and the mechanical restraint points 64, 66 can be positioned, so that after the anchors 62 are engaged with the vehicle anchors 18, a tight fit exists between the booster seat 20 and the vehicle seat 10 (e.g., the installed booster seat 20 passes the CPS "inch test").

[0049] However, in other embodiments, when the anchor 62 is connected to the vehicle anchor 18, a gap or clearance may occur due to the position of the vehicle seat back 12 of the vehicle seat 10. In an embodiment, one or more legs 90 protrude from a portion of the seat shell 24, such as from the bottom surface 25, and extend beyond the rear portion 30 of the seat support surface 26. Thus, the booster seat 20 can be positioned such that the one or more legs 90 are positioned on the vehicle seat pan 14 and contact the vehicle seat back 12 to reduce the clearance between the booster seat 20 and the vehicle seat back 12. Furthermore, the legs can be narrow enough so that a portion thereof can be stored in the seat bay 16 when necessary without interfering with the operation of the anchor system 60 and its connection to the one or more vehicle anchors 18.

[0050] The booster seat 20 as illustrated and described herein can be connected to the vehicle anchors of the vehicle seat. Such connection secures the booster seat 20 in place about the vehicle seat 10, not only making it easier for a child to enter and exit the booster seat 20, but also preventing the unoccupied seat from becoming a projectile in the event of a collision.

[0051] The term "about" is intended to encompass the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed. As used herein, when used to describe a size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship or other parameter, the term "substantially" and its derivatives and words of similar meaning include the size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship or other parameter, and may also include a range of 10% more and less than the parameter, a range of 5% more and less than the parameter, a range of 3% more and less than the parameter, and a range of 1% more and less than the parameter.

[0052] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0053] Although the present invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the basic scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention, but that the present invention will encompass all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A booster seat that can be installed on a vehicle seat, characterized in that The booster seat comprises: a main body formed from a seat shell, the main body having a seat pan portion; and an anchor system connected to the seat pan portion, the anchor system comprising at least one anchor having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat, Therein, a bottom surface of the seat shell is positionable in direct contact with the vehicle seat, and a child is positionable on an upwardly facing surface of the seat shell.

2. The booster seat according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one anchor is movable relative to the body between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

3. The booster seat according to claim 2, characterized in that A recess is formed at a bottom surface of the body, and the at least one anchor is receivable within the recess in the stowed configuration.

4. The booster seat according to claim 2, characterized in that The seat shell further includes a pawl engageable with the at least one anchor in the stowed configuration.

5. The booster seat according to claim 2, characterized in that The at least one anchor is rotatable relative to the seat shell between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration.

6. The booster seat according to claim 2, characterized in that The at least one anchor is translatable relative to the seat shell between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration.

7. The booster seat according to claim 2, characterized in that It further includes a release actuator operably coupled to the latch, wherein operation of the release actuator disengages the latch from the anchor system.

8. The booster seat according to claim 7, characterized in that The release actuator is disposed on the seat shell.

9. The booster seat according to claim 1, wherein The body further includes a seat back portion permanently connected to the seat pan portion.

10. The booster seat according to claim 9, characterized in that The seat shell forms both the seat pan portion and the seat back portion.

11. The booster seat according to claim 1, wherein The body does not have a safety belt.

12. The booster seat according to claim 1, wherein A vehicle harness associated with the vehicle seat is configured to secure a child to the body.

13. A booster seat that can be installed on a vehicle seat, characterized in that The booster seat comprises: a main body formed from a seat shell, the main body having a seat pan portion; and an anchor system connected to the seat pan portion, the anchor system comprising at least one anchor having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat, Wherein, the main body further includes a seat back portion, the seat back portion being removably connectable to the seat pan portion.

14. A booster seat that can be installed on a vehicle seat, characterized in that The booster seat comprises: a main body formed from a seat shell, the main body having a seat pan portion; and an anchor system connected to the seat pan portion, the anchor system comprising at least one anchor having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat, The main body is removably connected to the base member to form a child seat, wherein the child seat is a different type of seat than the booster seat.

15. The booster seat according to claim 14, characterized in that The child seat is a toddler seat.

16. The booster seat of claim 14, wherein The base member has a safety belt for restraining a child in the child seat.

17. A booster seat that can be installed on a vehicle seat, characterized in that The booster seat comprises: a main body formed from a seat shell, the main body having a seat pan portion; and an anchor system connected to the seat pan portion, the anchor system comprising at least one anchor having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat, wherein the anchor system comprises a pair of anchors operably coupled to each other by a cross member, wherein the cross member is directly connected to the seat shell.

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