Child seat for receiving an occupant

Abstract

The utility model discloses a child seat for receiving an occupant, comprising: a seat body having a seat portion, a rear portion extending from the seat portion, and a headrest. The rear portion defines a cavity for receiving an upper body of the occupant. A side impact protection device, SIP device, is attached to the seat body within the cavity. The position of the SIP device is adjustable relative to the seat body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to child seats, and more specifically, to systems, assemblies, and methods for side-impact protection of child seats in vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Child seats are designed to protect children from injury or death during a vehicle collision. Existing child restraint systems typically consist of a base section and a seat section that is detachably mounted on the base section. When the child seat is secured to the vehicle via a lower anchor or vehicle harness, the base section must be adjusted to the appropriate reclining angle. Additionally, depending on the type of seat used, the seat can be positioned forward- or rear-facing. Utility Model Content

[0003] According to an embodiment, a child seat for receiving a passenger includes: a seat body having a seat portion, a rear portion extending from the seat portion, and a headrest. The rear portion defines a cavity for receiving the upper body of the passenger. A side impact protection (SIP) device is attached to the seat body within the cavity. The position of the SIP device is adjustable relative to the seat body.

[0004] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device can rotate relative to the seat body between multiple positions.

[0005] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the plurality of positions include a first position and a second position, in the first position, the distal end of the SIP device is arranged adjacent to the inward surface of the headrest, and in the second position, the distal end of the SIP device is arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the headrest.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the headrest includes a head SIP device.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the plurality of positions includes a first position and a second position, in the first position, the distal end of the SIP device is arranged adjacent to the head SIP device, and in the second position, the distal end of the SIP device is spaced apart from the head SIP device.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device is mounted to the headrest.

[0009] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device may be movable relative to the headrest between multiple positions.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the headrest is movable relative to the rear portion of the seat body. The SIP device is movable relative to the seat body together with the headrest.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device may be rotatable about an axis oriented generally parallel to the movement path of the headrest.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device is mounted to the rear portion of the seat body.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the rear portion includes an upright support surface and at least one upright side member extending from the upright support surface. The SIP device is disposed at the at least one upright side member.

[0014] A child seat for receiving a passenger includes: a seat body having a seat portion and a rear portion extending from the seat portion. The rear portion is detachable from the seat portion. A connector member is disposed at the seat body. The connector member is connectable to at least one of the seat portion and the rear portion to detachably attach the rear portion to the seat portion. The connector member is a side impact protection (SIP) device.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the connector member is attached to the position of the rear portion relative to the seat portion.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the connector component may be removably coupled to the rear portion.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the connector component is permanently coupled to the seat portion.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the connector component may be removably coupled to the seat portion.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the rear portion includes an upright side member disposed on one side of the rear portion, and the seat portion includes a seat side member disposed on one side of the seat portion. The connector member can be connected to the upright side member and the seat side member.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the main body of the connector member is positioned to overlap with a portion of the upright side member and a portion of the seat side member.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the connector component is disposed on the exterior of the seat body.

[0022] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the connector member extends outward from both the seat back and the seat base to define the maximum width of the child seat.

[0023] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the connector component is an external SIP device.

[0024] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the connector component is disposed inside the seat body.

[0025] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the connector component is a torso SIP device.

[0026] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the child seat is a booster seat.

[0027] According to an embodiment, a child seat for receiving a passenger includes: a seat body having a seat portion and a rear portion extending from the seat portion. The seat body is convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration. A side impact protection (SIP) device may be attached to the seat body.

[0028] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device is capable of being connected to the seat body in both the first and second configurations.

[0029] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device can be connected to the seat body in only one of the first and second configurations.

[0030] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, in the first configuration, the rear portion is attached to the seat portion, and in the second configuration, the rear portion is separated from the seat portion.

[0031] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device is arranged at the rear portion.

[0032] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device is disposed on the outer surface of the rear portion.

[0033] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the seat body includes at least one strap path opening associated with the vehicle strap path, and the SIP device is attached to the seat body near the vehicle strap path.

[0034] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in other embodiments, the SIP device overlaps with a portion of the at least one strap path opening.

[0035] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the at least one strap path opening is formed at the rear portion.

[0036] According to an embodiment, a child seat for installation on a vehicle seat includes: a seat body having a seat portion and a rear portion extending from the seat portion. The seat body has a vehicle strap path for receiving a strap associated with the vehicle seat. A wall of the seat body adjacent to the vehicle strap path has a first thickness, and a wall of the seat body located away from the vehicle strap path has a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

[0037] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the seat body includes an opening formed in the wall. The opening is associated with the vehicle harness path.

[0038] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the wall has the first thickness adjacent to the opening.

[0039] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the wall includes a ridge formed around the periphery of the opening. The wall has the first thickness at the ridge.

[0040] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, a side impact protection (SIP) device is arranged at the rear portion of the seat body.

[0041] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device is positioned close to the opening.

[0042] According to an embodiment, a child seat for receiving a passenger includes: a seat body having a seat portion and a rear portion extending from the seat portion. The rear portion is detachably connected to the seat portion. A side impact protection (SIP) device is connected to the rear portion and aligned with the passenger's buttocks.

[0043] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device is disposed inside the rear portion.

[0044] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the rear portion includes an upright support surface and upright side members extending from the upright support surface. The SIP device can be connected to the upright side members.

[0045] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the rear portion includes an upright support surface and upright side members extending from the upright support surface. The SIP device can be connected to the upright support surface.

[0046] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device is permanently connected to the rear portion.

[0047] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device is removably connected to the rear portion.

[0048] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device is arranged close to the interface between the seat portion and the rear portion.

[0049] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device may be removably attached to the seat portion.

[0050] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device may be used to attach the rear portion in place relative to the seat portion.

[0051] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the seat portion includes a seat support surface and a seat side member extending from the seat support surface. The SIP device is connected to the seat side member.

[0052] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the seat portion includes a seat support surface and seat side members extending from the seat support surface. The SIP device is connected to the seat support surface.

[0053] According to an embodiment, a child seat for receiving a passenger includes: a seat body having a seat portion and a rear portion extending from the seat portion. A side impact protection (SIP) device is disposed on the exterior of the rear portion. The SIP device is permanently attached to the seat body.

[0054] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the seat body includes at least one slot, and the SIP device includes at least one mounting member that can be received within the at least one slot.

[0055] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the at least one slot comprises a plurality of slots, and the at least one mounting member comprises a plurality of mounting members. Each of the plurality of mounting members may be received within one of the plurality of slots.

[0056] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, when the at least one mounting member is mounted at the at least one slot, the movement of the at least one mounting member in a direction away from the at least one slot is restricted.

[0057] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the at least one mounting member includes a locking element that can permanently engage with the at least one slot.

[0058] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the diameter of the locking element varies along the axial length of the locking element.

[0059] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the at least one slot includes a direction control member that is movable only in a first direction.

[0060] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the direction control member includes at least one resilient tooth that can be flexed in the first direction.

[0061] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the direction control member defines an opening whose diameter is equal to the minimum diameter of the locking element.

[0062] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the locking element has a head and a neck, and the diameter of the head is larger than the diameter of the neck. The direction control member defines an opening. The diameter of the opening is equal to or greater than the diameter of the neck and smaller than the maximum diameter of the head.

[0063] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the direction control member may be movable in the first direction to increase the diameter of the opening to be equal to or greater than the maximum diameter of the head.

[0064] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the SIP device includes an energy absorption structure disposed within the interior of the SIP device.

[0065] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the energy absorption structure may be interconnected with the at least one mounting member.

[0066] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the energy absorption structure is a pulverizable structure. Attached Figure Description

[0067] The following description should not be construed as limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, similar elements are numbered similarly:

[0068] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a child restraint system according to an embodiment;

[0069] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, including at least one head SIP device covered by a soft material;

[0070] Figure 2B This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, including at least one head SIP device with soft material.

[0071] Figure 3A This is a front view of the headrest of a child seat including multiple head SIP devices according to an embodiment;

[0072] Figure 3B According to the embodiments Figure 3A A perspective view of the head SIP device;

[0073] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of a headrest including a head SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0074] Figure 4B According to the embodiments Figure 4A Detailed perspective view of the head SIP device;

[0075] Figure 5A This is a top perspective view of a headrest including a head SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0076] Figure 5B According to the embodiments Figure 5A Side perspective view of the head SIP device;

[0077] Figure 6A This is a side perspective view of a headrest according to an embodiment, the headrest comprising a head SIP device and an auxiliary body of compressible material arranged overlapping with the head SIP device;

[0078] Figure 6B According to the embodiments Figure 6A Side perspective view of the head SIP device and the auxiliary body of compressible material;

[0079] Figure 7A This is a top perspective view of a headrest including a head SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0080] Figure 7B Includes according to embodiments Figure 7A A schematic diagram of the head SIP device;

[0081] Figure 8A This is a top perspective view of a headrest including a head SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0082] Figure 8B Includes according to embodiments Figure 8A A schematic diagram of the head SIP device;

[0083] Figure 9A This is a top perspective view of a headrest including a head SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0084] Figure 9B Includes according to embodiments Figure 9A A schematic diagram of the head SIP device;

[0085] Figure 10A This is a front view of a child seat according to an embodiment, including a headrest with at least one head SIP.

[0086] Figure 10B According to the embodiments Figure 10A A perspective view of the headrest;

[0087] Figure 10C According to the embodiments Figure 10A Side view of the head SIP device;

[0088] Figure 11A This is a front view of a child seat according to an embodiment, including a headrest with at least one head SIP.

[0089] Figure 11B According to the embodiments Figure 11A A perspective view of the headrest;

[0090] Figure 11C According to the embodiments Figure 11A Side view of the head SIP device;

[0091] Figure 12A This is a perspective view of the headrest of a child seat having multiple head SIP devices arranged in its area according to an embodiment;

[0092] Figure 12B According to the embodiment, when the passenger is positioned in the child seat Figure 12A A perspective view of the headrest;

[0093] Figure 13A This is a perspective view of a child seat including a headrest with a head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0094] Figure 13B According to the embodiments Figure 13A A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0095] Figure 13C According to the embodiments Figure 13A A top view of the headrest;

[0096] Figure 13D It is detachable from the headrest according to the embodiment. Figure 13A A perspective view of the head SIP assembly;

[0097] Figure 13E According to the embodiments Figure 13D Top view of the head SIP assembly;

[0098] Figure 14 This is a top view of a child positioned relative to the headrest of a child seat with a head SIP assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0099] Figure 15A This is a perspective view of a child seat including a headrest with a head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0100] Figure 15B According to the embodiments Figure 15A A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0101] Figure 15C According to the embodiments Figure 15A A top view of the headrest;

[0102] Figure 15D It is detachable from the headrest according to the embodiment. Figure 15A A perspective view of the head SIP assembly;

[0103] Figure 15E According to the embodiments Figure 15D Top view of the head SIP assembly;

[0104] Figure 16A This is a perspective view of a child seat including a headrest with a head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0105] Figure 16B According to the embodiments Figure 16A A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0106] Figure 16C According to the embodiments Figure 16A A top view of the headrest;

[0107] Figure 16D It is detachable from the headrest according to the embodiment. Figure 16A A perspective view of the head SIP assembly;

[0108] Figure 16E According to the embodiments Figure 16D Top view of the head SIP assembly;

[0109] Figure 17A This is a perspective view of a child seat including a headrest with a head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0110] Figure 17B According to the embodiments Figure 17A A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0111] Figure 17C According to the embodiments Figure 17A A top view of the headrest;

[0112] Figure 17D It is detachable from the headrest according to the embodiment. Figure 17A A perspective view of the head SIP assembly;

[0113] Figure 17E According to the embodiments Figure 17D Top view of the head SIP assembly;

[0114] Figure 18A This is a perspective view of a child seat including a headrest with a head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0115] Figure 18B According to the embodiments Figure 18A A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0116] Figure 18C According to the embodiments Figure 18A A top view of the headrest;

[0117] Figure 18D It is detachable from the headrest according to the embodiment. Figure 18A A perspective view of the head SIP assembly;

[0118] Figure 18E According to the embodiments Figure 18D Top view of the head SIP assembly;

[0119] Figure 19A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat including a headrest with a head SIP assembly having a plurality of head SIP devices arranged to contact the same side of the occupant's head;

[0120] Figure 19B According to the embodiments Figure 19A A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0121] Figure 19C According to the embodiments Figure 19A A top view of the headrest;

[0122] Figure 19DIt is detachable from the headrest according to the embodiment. Figure 19A A perspective view of the head SIP assembly;

[0123] Figure 19E According to the embodiments Figure 19D Top view of the head SIP assembly;

[0124] Figure 20A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat including a headrest with a head SIP assembly having a plurality of head SIP devices arranged on the same side of the occupant's head;

[0125] Figure 20B According to the embodiments Figure 20A A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0126] Figure 20C According to the embodiments Figure 20A A top view of the headrest;

[0127] Figure 20D It is detachable from the headrest according to the embodiment. Figure 20A A perspective view of the head SIP assembly;

[0128] Figure 20E According to the embodiments Figure 20D Top view of the head SIP assembly;

[0129] Figure 21A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat including a headrest with a head SIP assembly having a plurality of head SIP devices arranged on the same side of the occupant's head;

[0130] Figure 21B According to the embodiments Figure 21A A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0131] Figure 21C According to the embodiments Figure 21A A top view of the headrest;

[0132] Figure 21D It is detachable from the headrest according to the embodiment. Figure 21A A perspective view of the head SIP assembly;

[0133] Figure 21E According to the embodiments Figure 21D Top view of the head SIP assembly;

[0134] Figure 22AThis is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat including a headrest with a head SIP assembly having a plurality of head SIP devices arranged on the same side of the occupant's head;

[0135] Figure 22B According to the embodiments Figure 22A A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0136] Figure 22C According to the embodiments Figure 22A A top view of the headrest;

[0137] Figure 22D It is detachable from the headrest according to the embodiment. Figure 22A A perspective view of the head SIP assembly;

[0138] Figure 22E According to the embodiments Figure 22D Top view of the head SIP assembly;

[0139] Figure 23A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat including a headrest with a head SIP assembly having a plurality of head SIP devices arranged on the same side of the occupant's head;

[0140] Figure 23B According to the embodiments Figure 23A A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0141] Figure 23C According to the embodiments Figure 23A A top view of the headrest;

[0142] Figure 23D It is detachable from the headrest according to the embodiment. Figure 23A A perspective view of the head SIP assembly;

[0143] Figure 23E According to the embodiments Figure 23D Top view of the head SIP assembly;

[0144] Figure 24A This is a side view of the headrest of a child seat in a first configuration according to an embodiment, including a control mechanism and at least one head SIP assembly;

[0145] Figure 24B According to the embodiments Figure 24A A top view of the headrest;

[0146] Figure 24C This is a side view of the headrest of a child seat in a second configuration according to an embodiment, including a control mechanism and at least one head SIP assembly;

[0147] Figure 24D According to the embodiments Figure 24C A top view of the headrest;

[0148] Figure 25A This is a side view of the headrest of a child seat in a first configuration according to an embodiment, including a control mechanism and at least one head SIP assembly;

[0149] Figure 25B According to the embodiments Figure 25A A top view of the headrest;

[0150] Figure 25C This is a side view of the headrest of a child seat in a second configuration according to an embodiment, including a control mechanism and at least one head SIP assembly;

[0151] Figure 25D According to the embodiments Figure 25C A top view of the headrest;

[0152] Figure 26A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat including a headrest in a first configuration, the headrest having a head SIP assembly including a plurality of head SIP devices arranged on the same side of the occupant's head;

[0153] Figure 26B According to the embodiments Figure 26A A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0154] Figure 26C According to the embodiments Figure 26A A top view of the headrest;

[0155] Figure 26D It is in the second construction according to the embodiment. Figure 26A A perspective view of the headrest;

[0156] Figure 26E According to the embodiments Figure 26D A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0157] Figure 26F According to the embodiments Figure 26D A top view of the headrest;

[0158] Figure 27A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat including a headrest with a head SIP assembly, the head SIP assembly including a plurality of head SIP devices disposed on the same side of the occupant's head when the mounting straps are arranged around the child seat in a first position.

[0159] Figure 27BAccording to the embodiment, when the mounting strap is arranged around the child seat at the second position... Figure 27A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0160] Figure 28A This is a perspective view of the headrest of a child seat with a head SIP device formed of a friction material according to an embodiment;

[0161] Figure 28B According to the embodiments Figure 28A Front view of the headrest;

[0162] Figure 29A This is a perspective view of a headrest of a child seat according to an embodiment, the headrest having a head SIP device disposed at the front end of the headrest;

[0163] Figure 29B This is a perspective view of the headrest of a child seat according to an embodiment, the headrest having another head SIP device disposed at the front end of the headrest;

[0164] Figure 30A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, including a headrest with a head SIP device in a first configuration;

[0165] Figure 30B According to the embodiments Figure 30A A top view of the child seat;

[0166] Figure 31A It is a head SIP device with a second configuration according to an embodiment. Figure 30A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0167] Figure 31B According to the embodiments Figure 31A A top view of the child seat;

[0168] Figure 32A This is a front perspective view of the headrest of a child seat having at least one head SIP device covered by a soft material, according to an embodiment.

[0169] Figure 32B According to the embodiments Figure 32A Side perspective view of the headrest;

[0170] Figure 32C According to the embodiments Figure 32A A top view of the headrest;

[0171] Figure 33A This is a front perspective view of the rear portion of a child seat according to an embodiment, having at least one shoulder SIP device disposed on its inner surface;

[0172] Figure 33BAccording to the embodiments Figure 33A A side perspective view of the rear portion including at least one shoulder SIP device;

[0173] Figure 33C According to the embodiments Figure 33A A side perspective view of at least one shoulder SIP device;

[0174] Figure 34A This is a front view of the shoulder SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0175] Figure 34B According to the embodiments Figure 34A Front perspective view of the shoulder SIP device;

[0176] Figure 35A According to the embodiment, it includes a portion arranged at the rear. Figures 34A-34B A perspective view of a child seat with a shoulder SIP device;

[0177] Figure 35B According to the embodiments Figure 35A A top view of the child seat;

[0178] Figure 36A This is a front view of a shoulder SIP device according to another embodiment;

[0179] Figure 36B According to the embodiments Figure 36A Front perspective view of the shoulder SIP device;

[0180] Figure 36C According to the embodiment, it includes a portion arranged at the rear. Figures 36A-36B A perspective view of a child seat with a shoulder SIP device;

[0181] Figure 36D According to the embodiments Figure 36C A top view of the child seat;

[0182] Figure 37A This is a front view of a child seat according to an embodiment, having at least one shoulder SIP device disposed on the inner surface of the rear portion when the headrest is in the lowered position;

[0183] Figure 37B According to the embodiment, when the headrest is in the raised position Figure 37A Front view of a child seat;

[0184] Figure 38A This is a top perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat having at least one torso SIP device disposed on the inner surface of the rear portion of the child seat;

[0185] Figure 38B According to the embodiments Figure 38A Front perspective view of a child seat;

[0186] Figure 38C According to the embodiments Figure 38A A side perspective view of a child seat, showing soft materials installed around the child seat;

[0187] Figure 39 This is a top perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat having at least one torso SIP device disposed on the inner surface of the seat portion of the child seat;

[0188] Figure 40A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat having at least one torso SIP device disposed on the inner surface of the child seat;

[0189] Figure 40B According to the embodiments Figure 40A Front view of a child seat;

[0190] Figure 41A This is a perspective view of a torso SIP assembly including multiple torso SIP devices according to an embodiment;

[0191] Figure 41B It is installed around the inner surface of the child seat according to the embodiment. Figure 41A Perspective view of the torso SIP assembly;

[0192] Figure 41C It is installed around the inner surface of the child seat according to the embodiment. Figure 41A Front view of the torso SIP assembly;

[0193] Figure 42A This is a perspective view of a torso SIP assembly including multiple torso SIP devices according to an embodiment;

[0194] Figure 42B It is installed around the inner surface of the child seat according to the embodiment. Figure 42A Perspective view of the torso SIP assembly;

[0195] Figure 42C It is installed around the inner surface of the child seat according to the embodiment. Figure 42A Front view of the torso SIP assembly;

[0196] Figure 43A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat having at least one torso SIP device disposed on the inner surface of the child seat;

[0197] Figure 43BAccording to the embodiments Figure 43A Another perspective view of the child seat;

[0198] Figure 44A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat having at least one torso SIP device disposed on the inner surface of the rear portion of the child seat, the at least one torso SIP device being in a first configuration;

[0199] Figure 44B According to the embodiments Figure 44A Front view of a child seat;

[0200] Figure 44C It is an embodiment having at least one torso SIP device in a second configuration. Figure 44A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0201] Figure 44D According to the embodiments Figure 44C Front view of a child seat;

[0202] Figure 45A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat having at least one torso SIP device disposed on the inner surface of the rear portion of the child seat, the at least one torso SIP device being in a first configuration;

[0203] Figure 45B According to the embodiments Figure 45A Front view of a child seat;

[0204] Figure 45C It is an embodiment having at least one torso SIP device in a second configuration. Figure 45A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0205] Figure 45D According to the embodiments Figure 45C Front view of a child seat;

[0206] Figure 46 This is a perspective view of a child seat with at least one torso SIP device in a second configuration according to an embodiment;

[0207] Figure 47A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat having at least one torso SIP device disposed on an inner surface of the child seat, the at least one torso SIP device being in a first configuration;

[0208] Figure 47B According to the embodiments Figure 47A Front view of a child seat;

[0209] Figure 47C It is an embodiment having at least one torso SIP device in a second configuration. Figure 47A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0210] Figure 47D According to the embodiments Figure 47C Front view of a child seat;

[0211] Figure 48A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat having at least one torso SIP device disposed on an inner surface of the child seat, the at least one torso SIP device being in a first configuration;

[0212] Figure 48B According to the embodiments Figure 48A Front view of a child seat;

[0213] Figure 48C It is an embodiment having at least one torso SIP device in a second configuration. Figure 48A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0214] Figure 48D According to the embodiments Figure 48C Front view of a child seat;

[0215] Figure 49A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat having at least one torso SIP device disposed on an inner surface of the child seat, the at least one torso SIP device being in a first configuration;

[0216] Figure 49B According to the embodiments Figure 49A Front view of a child seat;

[0217] Figure 49C It is an embodiment having at least one torso SIP device in a second configuration. Figure 49A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0218] Figure 49D According to the embodiments Figure 49C Front view of a child seat;

[0219] Figure 49E According to the embodiments Figure 49C A top view of the child seat;

[0220] Figure 50A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, including at least one external SIP device arranged at a support base;

[0221] Figure 50B According to the embodimentsFigure 50A Side view of the child seat;

[0222] Figure 51A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, including at least one external SIP device arranged at a support base;

[0223] Figure 51B According to the embodiments Figure 51A Side view of the child seat;

[0224] Figure 52A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat including at least one external SIP device disposed on the outer surface of the child seat;

[0225] Figure 52B According to the embodiments Figure 52A Side view of the child seat;

[0226] Figure 53A This is a side view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat including at least one external SIP device disposed on the outer surface of the seat portion of the child seat;

[0227] Figure 53B According to the embodiments Figure 53A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0228] Figure 54A This is a side view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat including at least one external SIP device disposed on the outer surface of the rear portion of the child seat near the strap path opening;

[0229] Figure 54B According to the embodiments Figure 54A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0230] Figure 55A This is a front perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat including at least one external SIP device disposed on the outer surface of the rear portion of the child seat near the strap path opening;

[0231] Figure 55B According to the embodiments Figure 55A Rear view of the child seat;

[0232] Figure 55C According to the embodiments Figure 55B Front view of a child seat;

[0233] Figure 55D According to the embodiments Figure 55A Side view of the child seat;

[0234] Figure 55E It is positioned on the vehicle seat adjacent to the door according to the embodiment. Figure 55A A top view of the child seat;

[0235] Figure 55F According to the embodiments Figure 55A Another rear perspective view of at least one external SIP device;

[0236] Figure 56A This is a front perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat including at least one external SIP device disposed on the outer surface of the rear portion of the child seat near the strap path opening;

[0237] Figure 56B According to the embodiments Figure 56A Side view of the child seat;

[0238] Figure 57 This is a perspective view of an external SIP device having a slot for engaging a vehicle harness according to an embodiment;

[0239] Figure 58 This is a perspective view of an external SIP device having a clamp for engaging vehicle harnesses according to an embodiment;

[0240] Figure 59 This is a perspective view of an external SIP device having a rotatable clamp for engaging vehicle harnesses according to an embodiment;

[0241] Figure 60 This is a perspective view of an external SIP device rotatable to engage with a vehicle harness according to an embodiment;

[0242] Figure 61A This is a perspective view of an infant car seat according to an embodiment, having at least one external SIP device arranged at the handle hub;

[0243] Figure 61B This is a side view of an infant car seat according to an embodiment, the infant car seat having at least one external SIP device disposed on the outer surface of the seat portion;

[0244] Figure 61C According to the embodiments Figure 61B Top perspective view of at least one external SIP device;

[0245] Figure 62A This is a perspective view of a child according to an embodiment, the child including at least one external SIP device disposed on the outer surface of the rear portion of a child seat, the at least one external SIP device being in a first configuration;

[0246] Figure 62BAccording to an embodiment, it has at least one external SIP device in a second configuration. Figure 62A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0247] Figure 63A This is a perspective view of a child according to an embodiment, the child including an external SIP device disposed on the outer surface of the rear portion of a child seat, the external SIP device being in a first configuration;

[0248] Figure 63B It is an external SIP device with a second configuration according to an embodiment. Figure 63A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0249] Figure 63C It is an external SIP device with a third configuration according to an embodiment. Figure 63A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0250] Figure 64A This is a perspective view of a child according to an embodiment, the child including an external SIP device disposed on the outer surface of the rear portion of a child seat, the external SIP device being in a first configuration;

[0251] Figure 64B It is an external SIP device with a second configuration according to an embodiment. Figure 64A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0252] Figure 64C It is an external SIP device with a third configuration according to an embodiment. Figure 64A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0253] Figure 65A This is a front perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, including at least one SIP device and an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to said at least one SIP device;

[0254] Figure 65B It is in the unactuated configuration according to the embodiment. Figure 65A A perspective view of the actuation mechanism and at least one SIP device operatively coupled to the actuation mechanism in a first configuration;

[0255] Figure 65C According to the embodiment, when the actuation mechanism is actuated and at least one SIP device is in the second configuration Figure 65A Front perspective view of a child seat;

[0256] Figure 65D This is a perspective view of an actuation mechanism in an actuation configuration and at least one SIP device operatively coupled to the actuation mechanism in a second configuration, according to an embodiment.

[0257] Figure 66A This is a front perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, including at least one SIP device and an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to said at least one SIP device;

[0258] Figure 66B It is in the unactuated configuration according to the embodiment. Figure 66A A perspective view of the actuation mechanism and at least one SIP device operatively coupled to the actuation mechanism in a first configuration;

[0259] Figure 66C According to the embodiment, when the actuation mechanism is not actuated and at least one SIP device is in the first configuration Figure 66A Another front view of the child seat;

[0260] Figure 66D This is a side view of an actuation mechanism in an unactuated configuration and at least one SIP device operatively coupled to the actuation mechanism in a first configuration, according to an embodiment.

[0261] Figure 66E According to the embodiment, when the actuation mechanism is in the actuation configuration and at least one SIP device is in the second configuration... Figure 66A Front perspective view of a child seat;

[0262] Figure 66F It is in the actuation structure according to the embodiment. Figure 66E A perspective view of the actuation mechanism and at least one SIP device operatively coupled to the actuation mechanism in a second configuration;

[0263] Figure 66G According to the embodiment, when the actuation mechanism is actuated and at least one SIP device is in the second configuration Figure 66E Another front view of the child seat;

[0264] Figure 66H This is a side view of an actuation mechanism in an actuation configuration according to an embodiment and at least one SIP device operatively coupled to the actuation mechanism in a second configuration.

[0265] Figure 67A This is a front view of a child seat according to an embodiment, having at least one SIP device that can switch between a first configuration and a second configuration in response to movement of the headrest.

[0266] Figure 67B According to the embodiments Figure 67A Rear view of the child seat;

[0267] Figure 67C It is in the unacted position according to the embodiment. Figure 67AA detailed perspective view of the actuation mechanism of the child seat and at least one SIP device in the first configuration;

[0268] Figure 67D It is in the unacted position according to the embodiment. Figure 67A A detailed front view of the actuation mechanism of the child seat and at least one SIP device in the first configuration;

[0269] Figure 67E According to the embodiment, it has at least one SIP device in a second configuration and an actuation mechanism in an actuation configuration. Figure 67A Front view of a child seat;

[0270] Figure 67F According to the embodiments Figure 67E Rear view of the child seat;

[0271] Figure 67G It is in the actuation structure according to the embodiment. Figure 67E Detailed perspective view of the actuation mechanism of the child seat and at least one SIP device in the second configuration;

[0272] Figure 67H It is in the actuation structure according to the embodiment. Figure 67E A detailed front view of the actuation mechanism of the child seat and at least one SIP device in the second configuration;

[0273] Figure 68A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat including a headrest in a first configuration, the headrest having a head SIP assembly including a plurality of head SIP devices arranged on the same side of the occupant's head;

[0274] Figure 68B According to the embodiments Figure 68A A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0275] Figure 68C According to the embodiments Figure 68A A top view of the headrest;

[0276] Figure 68D It is in the second construction according to the embodiment. Figure 68A A perspective view of the headrest;

[0277] Figure 68E According to the embodiments Figure 26D A frontal perspective view of the headrest;

[0278] Figure 68F According to the embodiments Figure 68D A top view of the headrest;

[0279] Figure 69AThis is a side view of a headrest having at least one head SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0280] Figure 69B According to the embodiments Figure 69A Rear view of the headrest;

[0281] Figure 70A This is a front perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat having a headrest in a lowered position and at least one shoulder device operatively connected to the headrest;

[0282] Figure 70B According to the embodiment, when the headrest is in the raised position Figure 70A Front view of a child seat;

[0283] Figure 71 This is a schematic diagram of a child seat system with a combined SIP assembly including a head SIP unit and a shoulder SIP unit.

[0284] Figure 72 This is a schematic diagram of a child seat system with a combined SIP assembly that includes a head SIP unit and a torso SIP unit.

[0285] Figure 73 This is a schematic diagram of a child seat system with a combined SIP assembly that includes a head SIP unit and an external SIP unit.

[0286] Figure 74 This is a schematic diagram of a child seat system with a combined SIP assembly that includes shoulder SIP devices and torso SIP devices;

[0287] Figure 75 This is a schematic diagram of a child seat system with a combined SIP assembly that includes a shoulder SIP device and an external SIP device;

[0288] Figure 76 This is a schematic diagram of a child seat system having a combined SIP assembly that includes a torso SIP unit and an external SIP unit;

[0289] Figure 77 This is a schematic diagram of a child seat system having a combined SIP assembly that includes a head SIP unit, a shoulder SIP unit, and a torso SIP unit.

[0290] Figure 78 This is a schematic diagram of a child seat system having a combined SIP assembly that includes a head SIP unit, a shoulder SIP unit, and an external SIP unit.

[0291] Figure 79This is a schematic diagram of a child seat system with a combined SIP assembly including a head SIP unit, a torso SIP unit, and an external SIP unit.

[0292] Figure 80 This is a schematic diagram of a child seat system with a combined SIP assembly that includes a shoulder SIP device, a torso SIP device, and an external SIP device.

[0293] Figure 81 This is a schematic diagram of a child seat system having a combined SIP assembly that includes a head SIP unit, a shoulder SIP unit, a torso SIP unit, and an external SIP unit.

[0294] Figure 82A This is a top view of a child positioned relative to the headrest of a child seat with multiple head SIP devices, according to an embodiment.

[0295] Figure 82B According to the embodiment, during a side impact event, relative to Figure 82A A top-down view of the child's headrest positioning;

[0296] Figure 83 This is a perspective view of a head SIP device that can switch between a retracted configuration and an unfolded configuration according to another embodiment;

[0297] Figure 84A This is a front view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat having a plurality of shoulder SIP devices attached to a movable headrest in a raised position;

[0298] Figure 84B This is a front view of a child seat according to an embodiment, the child seat having a plurality of shoulder SIP devices attached to a movable headrest in a lowered position;

[0299] Figure 85 According to the embodiments Figures 84A-84B Exploded perspective view of the shoulder SIP device;

[0300] Figures 86A-86D This is a view of a torso SIP device in various configurations according to an embodiment;

[0301] Figure 86E This is a side view of the torso SIP device in the first configuration;

[0302] Figure 86F This is a side view of the torso SIP device in the second configuration;

[0303] Figure 87AThis is a perspective view of a child seat with a torso SIP assembly according to an embodiment, the torso SIP assembly being held in place around the child seat by means of a connecting assembly;

[0304] Figure 87B According to the embodiments, when Figure 87A Detailed perspective view of the torso SIP assembly when the connecting assembly is in the first position;

[0305] Figure 87C According to the embodiments, when Figure 87A Detailed perspective view of the torso SIP assembly when the connecting assembly is in the second position;

[0306] Figure 88A This is a rear view of the torso SIP assembly when the connecting assembly is in the first position, according to an embodiment.

[0307] Figure 88B According to the embodiments, when Figure 88A Rear view of the torso SIP assembly when the connecting assembly is in the second position;

[0308] Figure 88C This is a side perspective view of the torso SIP assembly when the connecting assembly is in the first position according to an embodiment;

[0309] Figure 88D According to the embodiments, when Figure 88C Side view of the torso SIP assembly when the connecting assembly is in the second position;

[0310] Figure 89A This is a perspective view of a child seat having a torso SIP assembly and a corresponding control device associated with the torso SIP device of the torso SIP assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0311] Figure 89B This is a detailed perspective view of the control device according to an embodiment;

[0312] Figure 89C According to the embodiment, when the control device is in the first position Figure 89A A perspective view of the torso SIP assembly;

[0313] Figure 89D According to the embodiment, when the control device is in the first position Figure 89A A perspective view of the torso SIP assembly;

[0314] Figure 90A This is a perspective view of a child seat including an external SIP device in a first position, according to an embodiment;

[0315] Figure 90B This is a perspective view of a child seat including an external SIP device in a second position according to an embodiment;

[0316] Figure 91 According to the embodiments Figure 90A-90B Detailed perspective view of the external SIP device;

[0317] Figure 92A According to the embodiments Figure 91 Front perspective view of the external SIP device;

[0318] Figure 92B According to the embodiments Figure 92A Rear perspective view of the external SIP unit;

[0319] Figure 93 According to the embodiments Figure 92A A side view of the external SIP device;

[0320] Figure 94 According to the embodiments Figure 93 Exploded side view of the external SIP device;

[0321] Figure 95 According to the embodiments Figure 94 Exploded cross-sectional view of the external SIP device;

[0322] Figure 96A This is a side view of an external SIP device in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0323] Figure 96B It is in the second construction according to the embodiment. Figure 96A Side view of the external SIP device;

[0324] Figure 97A and 97B This is a perspective view of a child seat system according to an embodiment, including a connecting member associated with an external SIP device;

[0325] Figure 98A This is a perspective view of a child seat system according to an embodiment, which is rearwardly constructed and includes a connecting member associated with an external SIP device.

[0326] Figure 98B It is configured in a forward-facing manner according to an embodiment and includes a connecting member associated with an external SIP device. Figure 98A A perspective view of a child car seat system;

[0327] Figure 99 This is a perspective view of a child seat system having an external SIP device arranged at a support base according to an embodiment;

[0328] Figure 100 This is a perspective view of a child seat system having a movable external SIP device arranged at a support base according to another embodiment;

[0329] Figure 101 This is a perspective view of a child seat system having a movable external SIP device arranged at a support base according to an embodiment;

[0330] Figure 102A and 102B This is a perspective view of a child seat system having a movable external SIP device arranged at a support base, according to yet another embodiment;

[0331] Figure 103 This is a perspective view of a child seat system having a movable external SIP device arranged at a support base according to another embodiment;

[0332] Figure 104 This is a perspective view of a child seat system having a pivotable external SIP device arranged at a support base, according to another embodiment;

[0333] Figure 105 This is a perspective view of a child seat system having a retractable external SIP device arranged at a support base, according to another embodiment;

[0334] Figure 106A and 106B This is a perspective view of a support base having an external SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0335] Figure 107A and 107B These are various views of a child seat system including an actuation mechanism for automatically changing the SIP device, according to an embodiment;

[0336] Figure 108A This is a plan view of a child seat system with a SIP device when the child seat is in a forward-facing configuration according to an embodiment;

[0337] Figure 108B This is a plan view of a child seat system with a SIP device when the child seat rotates between a rear-facing configuration and a forward-facing configuration according to an embodiment;

[0338] Figure 109A This is an exploded perspective view of a child seat system in a forward configuration according to an embodiment, the child seat having a system for automatically deploying the SIP device based on the position of the child seat relative to the vehicle seat and the configuration of the child seat;

[0339] Figure 109B According to the embodiments Figure 109A Floor plan of a child car seat system;

[0340] Figure 110A According to the embodiment, when the child seat rotates away from the forward-facing configuration Figure 109A Exploded perspective view of a child car seat system;

[0341] Figure 110B According to the embodiments Figure 110A Floor plan of a child car seat system;

[0342] Figure 111 This is a front view of the control features of an actuator for moving a support base according to an embodiment;

[0343] Figure 112 This is a side view of a child seat system according to an embodiment, the child seat system comprising a child seat having at least one external SIP device at the seat portion;

[0344] Figure 113A This is a schematic diagram of the cup holder of a child seat in an extended configuration according to an embodiment;

[0345] Figure 113B This is a schematic diagram of the cup holder of a child seat in an extended configuration according to an embodiment;

[0346] Figure 113C This is a schematic diagram of the cup holder of a child seat during a collision event, according to an embodiment.

[0347] Figure 114A This is a schematic diagram of the cup holder of a child seat in an extended configuration according to an embodiment;

[0348] Figure 114B This is a schematic diagram of the cup holder of a child seat in an extended configuration according to an embodiment;

[0349] Figure 114C This is a schematic diagram of the cup holder of a child seat during a collision event, according to an embodiment.

[0350] Figure 115 This is a view of a child car seat system according to an embodiment, the child car seat system comprising a child car seat having at least one external SIP device at the seat portion;

[0351] Figure 116A This is a perspective view of an infant car seat with at least one external SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0352] Figure 116B This is another perspective view of a baby car seat with at least one external SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0353] Figure 116CThis is another perspective view of an infant car seat according to an embodiment, having a handle in a rear position and having at least one external SIP device;

[0354] Figure 116D This is another perspective view of an infant car seat according to an embodiment, having a handle in a rear position and having at least one external SIP device;

[0355] Figure 117A This is a perspective view of a child seat including a SIP device in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0356] Figure 117B According to the embodiments Figure 117A A floor plan of the child car seat;

[0357] Figure 118A This is a perspective view of a child seat including a SIP device in a second configuration according to an embodiment;

[0358] Figure 118B According to the embodiments Figure 118A A floor plan of the child car seat;

[0359] Figure 119A This is a perspective view of a child seat including a SIP device in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0360] Figure 119B According to the embodiments Figure 119A A floor plan of the child car seat;

[0361] Figure 120A This is a perspective view of a child seat including a SIP device in a second configuration according to an embodiment;

[0362] Figure 120B According to the embodiments Figure 120A A floor plan of the child car seat;

[0363] Figure 121A This is a plan view of a child seat including a SIP device in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0364] Figure 121B This is a plan view of a child seat including a SIP device in a second configuration according to an embodiment;

[0365] Figure 122A This is a perspective view of a child seat including a SIP device in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0366] Figure 122B This is a perspective view of a child seat including a SIP device in a second configuration according to an embodiment;

[0367] Figure 123A This is a plan view of a child seat including a SIP device in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0368] Figure 123B This is a plan view of a child seat including a SIP device in a second configuration according to an embodiment;

[0369] Figure 124A This is a plan view of a child seat including a SIP device in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0370] Figure 124B This is a plan view of a child seat including a SIP device in a second configuration according to an embodiment;

[0371] Figure 125A This is a plan view of a child seat including a SIP device in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0372] Figure 125B This is a perspective view of a SIP device in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0373] Figure 125C This is a perspective view of a SIP device in a second configuration according to an embodiment;

[0374] Figure 126A-126C This is a perspective view of a child seat system having deformable SIP devices at various locations according to an embodiment;

[0375] Figure 127A This is a side perspective view of a child seat system including a foldable SIP device in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0376] Figure 127B This is a rear perspective view of a child seat system including a foldable SIP device in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0377] Figure 127C This is a rear perspective view of a child seat system including a foldable SIP device in a second configuration according to an embodiment;

[0378] Figure 128A This is a plan view of a child seat system including a foldable SIP device in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

[0379] Figure 128B This is a more detailed perspective view of a portion of a SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0380] Figure 129 This is a plan view of a child seat system including a SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0381] Figure 130This is a perspective view of a child seat system including a SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0382] Figure 131A-131C These are various perspective views of a child car seat system according to an embodiment, the child car seat system including an external SIP device configured as a leg and movable between a first configuration and a second configuration;

[0383] Figure 132A-132C These are various views of the header SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0384] Figure 133A-133C It is attached to the headrest housing according to the embodiment. Figure 132A-132C Various views of the head SIP assembly;

[0385] Figure 134A-134C These are various views of a headrest including at least one head SIP device according to another embodiment;

[0386] Figure 134D and 134E According to the embodiments Figure 134C A cross-sectional view of the headrest taken along line HH;

[0387] Figure 135A-135C These are various views of a headrest including at least one head SIP device according to another embodiment;

[0388] Figures 136A-136B These are front and rear perspective views of the shoulder SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0389] Figure 137 This is a rear perspective view of a shoulder SIP device according to another embodiment;

[0390] Figure 138 This is a front view of the shoulder SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0391] Figure 139 This is a front view of a shoulder SIP device according to another embodiment;

[0392] Figure 140A This is a front perspective view of the insert associated with the shoulder SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0393] Figure 140B According to the embodiments Figure 140A Rear perspective view of the insert;

[0394] Figure 141 This is a front perspective view of a shoulder SIP device according to another embodiment;

[0395] Figure 142A and 142BThese are various perspective views of a shoulder SIP device surrounded by soft material according to an embodiment;

[0396] Figure 143A and 143B These are various perspective views of a headrest soft article having an integrated soft article associated with a shoulder SIP device according to an embodiment.

[0397] Figure 144A This is a front view of a soft headrest article having a cutout for accommodating a shoulder SIP device, according to an embodiment;

[0398] Figure 144B It is installed on the embodiment. Figure 144A Front view of a child seat with a soft headrest;

[0399] Figure 145A-145E These are various views of a child seat system according to an embodiment, having at least one external SIP device in a forward, rearward, and intermediate configuration;

[0400] Figure 146A This is a perspective view of an external SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0401] Figure 146B According to the embodiments Figure 146A Front view of the external SIP device;

[0402] Figure 146C According to the embodiments Figure 146A Side view of the external SIP device;

[0403] Figure 147A and 147B It is installed in the child seat according to the embodiment. Figures 146A-146C Various perspective views of the external SIP device;

[0404] Figure 148A This is a perspective view of an external SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0405] Figure 148B According to the embodiments Figure 148A Rear view of the external SIP device;

[0406] Figure 148C According to the embodiments Figure 148A Plan view of the external SIP device;

[0407] Figure 149A This is a perspective view of the bracket surrounding the strap path opening of the child seat according to an embodiment;

[0408] Figure 149B It is operably connected to according to the embodiments. Figure 148A-148CExternal SIP device Figure 149A A perspective view of the bracket;

[0409] Figure 150 This is a perspective view of the interface between the external SIP device and the child seat according to an embodiment;

[0410] Figure 151A This is a perspective view of a child seat system with a removable seat portion and at least one torso SIP device according to an embodiment; and

[0411] Figure 151B According to the embodiments Figure 151A Detailed view of the torso SIP device and surrounding soft materials;

[0412] Figure 152A-152B These are various views of a shoulder SIP device relative to a headrest arrangement including a head SIP device, according to an embodiment.

[0413] Figure 153 This is a perspective view of a child seat system having at least one external SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0414] Figure 154A This is a front view of a child car seat system according to an embodiment, the child car seat system including a retractable SIP device having a connector for attaching to a child car seat;

[0415] Figure 154B According to the embodiments Figure 154A A perspective view of a child car seat system, the child car seat system including a retractable SIP device attached to a child car seat;

[0416] Figure 155 This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment;

[0417] Figure 156A This is a side view of the extended area of ​​the child seat according to an embodiment;

[0418] Figure 156B This is another view of the extended area of ​​the child seat according to an embodiment;

[0419] Figure 157 This is a plan view of a child seat system according to an embodiment;

[0420] Figure 158A This is a perspective view of a child seat system including a support base having at least one SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0421] Figure 158B According to the embodiments Figure 158A Side view of a child car seat system;

[0422] Figure 158C According to the embodiments Figure 158A A perspective view of the support base of a child car seat system;

[0423] Figure 159A According to the embodiments Figure 158B A cross-sectional view of a child car seat system;

[0424] Figure 159B According to the embodiments Figure 158C A cross-sectional view of the support base;

[0425] Figure 160A This is a perspective view of a child seat system including a support base having at least one SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0426] Figure 160B According to the embodiments Figure 160A Side view of a child car seat system;

[0427] Figure 161A According to the embodiments Figure 160B A cross-sectional view of a child car seat system;

[0428] Figure 161B yes Figure 160B A cross-sectional view of a child seat system, with the SIP unit in a retracted configuration;

[0429] Figure 162 According to the embodiments Figure 160B A cross-sectional view of the support base;

[0430] Figure 163 This is a cross-sectional view of the support base of the child seat system according to an embodiment;

[0431] Figure 164 This is a perspective view of a support base having a stationary portion including at least one SIP device, according to an embodiment;

[0432] Figure 165 This is a perspective view of a support base having a rotatable portion including at least one SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0433] Figure 166 This is a perspective view of an infant car seat according to an embodiment, having at least one external SIP device arranged at the handle.

[0434] Figure 167A This is a rear perspective view of a child seat system installed on a vehicle seat according to an embodiment;

[0435] Figure 167B This is a front perspective view of a child seat system and vehicle seat according to embodiment 165A;

[0436] Figure 168A This is a front view of a child seat system having a SIP device in a stowed configuration according to an embodiment;

[0437] Figure 168B It is a SIP device having an extended configuration according to an embodiment. Figure 168A Front view of a child seat system;

[0438] Figure 168C It is a SIP device with an intermediate structure according to an embodiment. Figure 168A Front view of a child seat system;

[0439] Figure 169A This is a schematic diagram of a SIP device in an intermediate configuration according to an embodiment;

[0440] Figure 169B It is an extended construction according to the embodiment. Figure 169A A schematic diagram of a SIP device;

[0441] Figure 170A According to the embodiments and Figures 168A-169B Exploded front perspective view of the locking mechanism associated with the SIP device;

[0442] Figure 170B According to the embodiments and Figures 168A-169B Exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism associated with the SIP device ；

[0443] Figure 171A This is a rear perspective view of a SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0444] Figure 171B According to the embodiments Figure 171A Front perspective view of the SIP device;

[0445] Figure 172A This is a rear perspective view of a SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0446] Figure 172B According to the embodiments Figure 172A Front perspective view of the SIP device;

[0447] Figure 173A This is a rear perspective view of a SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0448] Figure 173B According to the embodiments Figure 173A Front perspective view of the SIP device;

[0449] Figure 173C According to the embodiments Figure 173AAnother front perspective view of the SIP device.

[0450] Figure 174 This is a perspective view of a SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0451] Figure 175 This is a perspective view of a connector formed in the seat housing of a child seat according to an embodiment;

[0452] Figure 176A This is a perspective end view of a SIP assembly including a connecting assembly according to an embodiment;

[0453] Figure 176B According to the embodiments Figure 176A A perspective end view of a SIP assembly, wherein the SIP device is removed from a soft material;

[0454] Figure 177 This is a perspective view of a SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0455] Figures 178A-178C These are various diagrams of the connection assembly according to the embodiments;

[0456] Figure 179A This is a front perspective view of a child seat including a car seat insert with a SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0457] Figure 179B According to the embodiments Figure 179A A perspective view of a car seat insert;

[0458] Figure 179C It is included in the embodiments formed in Figures 179A-179B A perspective view of the recess of the torso SIP device in a car seat insert;

[0459] Figure 180A This is a perspective view of a car seat insert according to an embodiment;

[0460] Figure 180B According to the embodiments Figure 180A Detailed perspective view of the insert;

[0461] Figure 180C It is installed in the child seat according to the embodiment. Figure 180A A perspective view of a portion of the insert;

[0462] Figure 180D It is included according to the embodiments Figure 180A Front perspective view of a child seat with an insert for infants and an insert for babies that overlap with the car seat insert;

[0463] Figure 180E According to the embodiments Figure 180D A perspective view of the baby insert;

[0464] Figure 180F This is a schematic diagram of a car seat insert and an infant insert according to an embodiment;

[0465] Figure 181A This is a perspective view of the insert according to an embodiment;

[0466] Figure 181B According to the embodiments Figure 181A A perspective front view of the insert;

[0467] Figure 181C According to the embodiments Figure 181A The perspective rear view of the insert;

[0468] Figure 182A It is included according to the embodiments Figure 181A Front perspective view of the child seat insert;

[0469] Figure 182B According to the embodiments Figure 182A Side view of the child seat;

[0470] Figure 182C Installation according to the embodiment Figure 182A Detailed perspective view of a portion of the insert inside a child seat;

[0471] Figure 183A This is a perspective front view of an infant insert with an attached headrest according to an embodiment;

[0472] Figure 183B According to the embodiments Figure 183A The perspective rear view of the insert;

[0473] Figure 184A This is a perspective front view of an infant insert with a detachable headrest according to an embodiment;

[0474] Figure 184B According to the embodiments Figure 184A The perspective rear view of the insert;

[0475] Figure 185A It is included according to the embodiments Figure 181A Car seat inserts and Figure 183B Front perspective view of a child seat with an insert for infants;

[0476] Figure 185B According to the embodiments Figure 185A Side view of the child seat;

[0477] Figure 186AThis is a perspective view of a child seat housing having a soft article including reinforcements, according to an embodiment;

[0478] Figure 186B According to the embodiment, it can be positioned adjacent to the SIP device. Figure 186A Rear view of the soft material of the seat shell;

[0479] Figure 187A This is a front view of the soft material of a child seat according to an embodiment;

[0480] Figure 187B According to the embodiments Figure 187A Rear view of the soft material and its corresponding reinforcement;

[0481] Figure 187C According to the embodiments Figure 187A Rear view of the soft material and the corresponding recess for receiving the reinforcement;

[0482] Figure 188A This is a rear view of a SIP assembly having at least one connector according to an embodiment;

[0483] Figure 188B It is connectable according to the embodiment Figure 188A A perspective view of a portion of a child seat containing at least one connector of a SIP assembly;

[0484] Figure 189A This is a perspective view of a portion of a child seat that can be connected to at least one connector of a SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0485] Figure 189B Various views including a SIP assembly and at least one connector thereof according to an embodiment;

[0486] Figure 190A This is a perspective view of a SIP assembly including a connection assembly according to an embodiment;

[0487] Figure 190B It is connectable according to the embodiment Figure 190A A perspective view of a portion of the SIP assembly connecting the child seat;

[0488] Figure 191A This is a perspective view of a SIP assembly including a connection assembly according to an embodiment;

[0489] Figure 191B It is connectable according to the embodiment Figure 191A A perspective view of the flexible panel of the connecting assembly of the SIP assembly;

[0490] Figure 192AThis is a front perspective view of a child seat installed near a vehicle door according to an embodiment;

[0491] Figure 192B According to the embodiments Figure 192A Rear view of the child seat;

[0492] Figure 192C According to the embodiments Figure 192B Detailed rear perspective view of the support base of the child seat;

[0493] Figure 192D According to the embodiments Figure 192C Bottom view of the support base of the child seat;

[0494] Figure 193A This is a side view of a child seat with an external SIP device in a first raised position according to an embodiment;

[0495] Figure 193B According to the embodiment, the external SIP device is in the second lowered position. Figure 193A Side view of the child seat;

[0496] Figures 194A-194B According to the embodiments Figures 193A-193B Detailed perspective view of the external SIP device;

[0497] Figure 195A According to the embodiment, it has a first raised position. Figures 194A-194B Detailed side view of the child seat with external SIP unit;

[0498] Figure 195B According to the embodiment, it has a second lowered position. Figures 194A-194B Detailed side view of the child seat with external SIP unit;

[0499] Figure 195C According to an embodiment, it has a first raised position and is connected to a vehicle harness. Figures 194A-194B Detailed side view of the child seat with external SIP unit;

[0500] Figure 195D According to the embodiment, it has a second lowered position and is connected to the vehicle harness. Figures 194A-194B Detailed side view of the child seat with external SIP unit;

[0501] Figure 196A This is a side view of a child seat with an external SIP device in a first raised position according to an embodiment;

[0502] Figure 196B According to the embodiment, the external SIP device is in the second lowered position. Figure 196A Side view of the child seat;

[0503] Figure 196C-196D According to the embodiments Figures 196A-196B Detailed perspective view of the external SIP device;

[0504] Figure 197A According to the embodiment, it has a first raised position. Figures 196A-196B Detailed side view of the child seat with external SIP unit;

[0505] Figure 197B According to the embodiment, it has a second lowered position. Figures 196A-196B Detailed side view of the child seat with external SIP unit;

[0506] Figure 197C According to an embodiment, it has a first raised position and is connected to a vehicle harness. Figures 196A-196D Detailed side view of the child seat with external SIP unit;

[0507] Figure 197D According to the embodiment, it has a second lowered position and is connected to the vehicle harness. Figures 196A-196D Detailed side view of the child seat with external SIP unit;

[0508] Figure 198A This is a detailed side view of a child seat with an external SIP device in a first raised position according to an embodiment;

[0509] Figure 198B According to the embodiment, it has a second lowered position. Figure 198A Detailed side view of the child seat with external SIP unit;

[0510] Figure 199A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, having a SIP device having a first thickness disposed on a seat portion of a seat housing;

[0511] Figure 199B According to an embodiment, a SIP device having a second thickness is disposed on the seat portion of the seat housing. Figure 199A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0512] Figure 200A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, having a SIP device located at the upright portion of the seat housing when in a stowed configuration;

[0513] Figure 200B This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment, having a SIP device located at the upright portion of the seat housing when in the unfolded configuration;

[0514] Figure 201A It is in the collapsed configuration according to the embodiment. Figure 200A-200B Detailed view of the SIP device;

[0515] Figure 201B It is in the collapsed configuration according to the embodiment. Figure 201A Detailed view of the hinge block of the SIP device;

[0516] Figure 202A It is in the unfolded structure according to the embodiment. Figure 200A-200B Detailed view of the SIP device;

[0517] Figure 202B It is in the unfolded structure according to the embodiment. Figure 202A Detailed view of the hinge block of the SIP device;

[0518] Figure 203A This is a front view of a portion of a child seat according to an embodiment, having a SIP device located at the upright portion of the seat housing when in a stowed configuration;

[0519] Figure 203B According to the embodiments Figure 203A A side view of a portion of a child seat;

[0520] Figure 204A This is a front view of a portion of a child seat according to an embodiment, having a SIP device located at the upright portion of the seat housing when in the unfolded configuration;

[0521] Figure 204B According to the embodiments Figure 204A A side view of a portion of a child seat;

[0522] Figure 205A This is a detailed rear view of the SIP device in its unfolded configuration according to an embodiment;

[0523] Figure 205B It is in the collapsed configuration according to the embodiment. Figure 205A Detailed rear view of the SIP unit;

[0524] Figure 206A This is a side view of a SIP device in its unfolded configuration according to an embodiment;

[0525] Figure 206B It is in the collapsed configuration according to the embodiment. Figure 206A Side view of a SIP device;

[0526] Figure 207 According to the embodiments Figure 205A and 206A Front view of the SIP device;

[0527] Figure 208A This is a detailed rear view of the SIP device in its unfolded configuration according to an embodiment;

[0528] Figure 208B It is in the collapsed configuration according to the embodiment. Figure 208A Detailed rear view of the SIP unit;

[0529] Figure 209A This is a side view of a SIP device in its unfolded configuration according to an embodiment;

[0530] Figure 209B It is in the collapsed configuration according to the embodiment. Figure 209A Side view of a SIP device;

[0531] Figure 210 According to the embodiments Figure 208A and 209A Front view of the SIP device;

[0532] Figure 211A This is a detailed rear view of the SIP device in its unfolded configuration according to an embodiment;

[0533] Figure 211B It is in the collapsed configuration according to the embodiment. Figure 211A Detailed rear view of the SIP unit;

[0534] Figure 212A It is in the unfolded structure according to the embodiment. Figure 211A Front view of the SIP device;

[0535] Figure 212B According to the embodiments Figure 211A The SIP device is shown in a side view of its unfolded configuration.

[0536] Figure 213A This is a perspective view of a child seat with a torso SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0537] Figure 213B According to the embodiments Figure 213A Side view of the child seat;

[0538] Figure 214A According to the embodiments Figures 213A-213B Side view of the torso SIP device;

[0539] Figure 214B According to the embodiments Figures 213A-213B Front view of the torso SIP device;

[0540] Figure 215AThis is a front view of a child seat including a torso SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0541] Figure 215B According to the embodiments Figure 215A Exploded perspective view of a child car seat;

[0542] Figure 216A This is a perspective view of a child seat with a torso SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0543] Figure 216B According to the embodiments Figure 216A Another perspective view of the child seat;

[0544] Figure 216C According to the embodiments Figure 216A Front view of a child seat;

[0545] Figure 216D According to the embodiments Figure 216A A top view of the child seat;

[0546] Figure 217A This is a top view of the torso SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0547] Figure 217B According to the embodiments Figure 217A Front view of the torso SIP device;

[0548] Figure 218A This is a perspective view of a torso SIP device installed in a child seat according to an embodiment;

[0549] Figure 218B According to the embodiments Figure 218A Top view of the torso SIP device;

[0550] Figure 218C According to the embodiments Figure 218A Front view of the torso SIP device;

[0551] Figure 219A This is a perspective view of a child seat with a torso SIP device in a retracted configuration according to an embodiment;

[0552] Figure 219B According to the embodiments Figure 219A Side view of the child seat;

[0553] Figure 219C According to the embodiment, the torso SIP device is in an extended configuration. Figure 219A A perspective view of a child car seat;

[0554] Figure 219D According to the embodiments Figure 220ASide view of the child seat;

[0555] Figure 220A This is a front view of a child seat including a torso SIP device according to an embodiment before a collision event;

[0556] Figure 220B According to the embodiments Figure 220A A front view of a child car seat after a collision.

[0557] Figure 221A and 221B These are various perspective views of a SIP assembly of a child car seat according to an embodiment;

[0558] Figure 222 This is a perspective view of another SIP assembly of a child seat according to an embodiment;

[0559] Figure 223A This is a perspective view of a child seat with a SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0560] Figure 223B This is a perspective view of the child seat according to Figure 223 of an embodiment, wherein the SIP assembly is partially transparent;

[0561] Figure 224A This is a front view of a SIP device in a collapsed configuration according to an embodiment;

[0562] Figure 224B It is in the collapsed configuration according to the embodiment. Figure 224A Side view of a SIP device;

[0563] Figure 224C It is in the unfolded structure according to the embodiment. Figure 224A and 224B A perspective view of a SIP device;

[0564] Figure 225A This is a front view of a SIP device in a collapsed configuration according to an embodiment;

[0565] Figure 225B It is in the collapsed configuration according to the embodiment. Figure 225A Side view of a SIP device;

[0566] Figure 225C It is in the unfolded structure according to the embodiment. Figure 225A and 225B A perspective view of a SIP device;

[0567] Figure 226 This is a top perspective view of a child seat system including a rotary lock according to an embodiment;

[0568] Figure 227A This is a detailed perspective view of a SIP device arranged near the child seat system with a rotary lock according to an embodiment;

[0569] Figure 227B It is in a compressed structure according to the embodiment. Figure 227A Detailed perspective view of the SIP device;

[0570] Figure 228A and 228B This is a front view of a child seat system including a SIP device formed of a seat belt assembly according to an embodiment;

[0571] Figure 229A and 229B According to the embodiment, when a side impact is applied to the child seat system, causing tension in the seat belt assembly... Figure 228A-228B Front view of a child seat system;

[0572] Figure 230A This is a front perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment;

[0573] Figure 230B According to the embodiments Figure 230A Rear view of the child seat;

[0574] Figure 230C According to the embodiments Figure 230A Side view of the child seat;

[0575] Figure 230D According to the embodiments Figure 230A Another front view of the child seat;

[0576] Figure 231 According to the embodiments Figure 230A-230D A schematic diagram of the frame of a child car seat;

[0577] Figure 232 According to the embodiments Figure 230A-230D A diagram illustrating a pair of reinforcing bars in a child car seat;

[0578] Figure 233A According to the embodiments Figure 230A Front perspective view of a child seat;

[0579] Figure 233B According to the embodiments Figure 233A A diagram illustrating a pair of reinforcing bars in a child car seat;

[0580] Figure 234A This is a front view of a child seat system including at least one SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0581] Figure 234B According to the embodiments Figure 234A Rear view of a child seat system;

[0582] Figure 234C According to the embodiments Figure 234A Side view of a child car seat system;

[0583] Figure 235A This is a front perspective view of a child seat system including at least one SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0584] Figure 235B According to the embodiments Figure 235A Front view of a child seat system;

[0585] Figure 235C According to the embodiments Figure 235A Rear view of a child seat system;

[0586] Figure 236A According to the embodiments Figure 235A-235C Side view of a child car seat system;

[0587] Figure 236B According to the embodiments Figure 236A A side view of a child seat system, with the external SIP unit removed;

[0588] Figure 237A-237D This is a perspective view of various external SIP devices including crushable structures according to embodiments;

[0589] Figure 238A This is a front view of a child seat system having at least one external SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0590] Figure 238B According to the embodiments Figure 238A A perspective view of a child car seat system;

[0591] Figure 238C According to the embodiments Figure 238A A top view of a child car seat system;

[0592] Figure 238D According to the embodiments Figure 238A Rear view of a child seat system;

[0593] Figure 239A This is a side view of a child seat system having at least one external SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0594] Figure 239B According to the embodiments Figure 239A A perspective view of a child car seat system, in which the child seat is rotated relative to the support base;

[0595] Figure 240A This is a perspective view of a portion of an infant car seat including a SIP device according to an embodiment;

[0596] Figure 240B According to the embodiments Figure 240A Another perspective view of an infant car seat;

[0597] Figure 240C According to the embodiments Figure 240A Another perspective view of an infant car seat;

[0598] Figure 241 According to another embodiment Figure 240A A perspective view of an infant car seat;

[0599] Figure 242A This is a perspective view of a headrest including a head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0600] Figure 242B According to the embodiments Figure 242A Front view of the headrest;

[0601] Figure 242C According to the embodiments Figure 242A A top view of the headrest;

[0602] Figure 243A This is a perspective view of a headrest including a head SIP assembly according to another embodiment;

[0603] Figure 243B According to the embodiments Figure 243A Exploded front view of the headrest;

[0604] Figure 244A This is a top perspective view of the head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0605] Figure 244B According to the embodiments Figure 244A Front view of the head SIP assembly;

[0606] Figure 244C According to the embodiments Figure 244A Side view of the head SIP assembly;

[0607] Figure 244D It is installed on the headrest according to the embodiment. Figures 244A-244C A perspective view of a portion of the head SIP assembly;

[0608] Figure 244E According to the embodiments Figure 244D Another perspective view of the head SIP assembly;

[0609] Figure 244FThis is a perspective view of a portion of the connector component of the head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0610] Figure 245A This is a top perspective view of the head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0611] Figure 245B According to the embodiments Figure 245A Front view of the head SIP assembly;

[0612] Figure 245C According to the embodiments Figure 245A Side view of the head SIP assembly;

[0613] Figure 246A This is a top perspective view of the head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0614] Figure 246B According to the embodiments Figure 246A Front view of the head SIP assembly;

[0615] Figure 246C According to the embodiments Figure 246A Side view of the head SIP assembly;

[0616] Figure 247A This is a top perspective view of the head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0617] Figure 247B According to the embodiments Figure 247A Front view of the head SIP assembly;

[0618] Figure 247C According to the embodiments Figure 247A Side view of the head SIP assembly;

[0619] Figure 248A This is a top perspective view of the head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0620] Figure 248B According to the embodiments Figure 248A Front view of the head SIP assembly;

[0621] Figure 248C According to the embodiments Figure 248A Side view of the head SIP assembly;

[0622] Figure 249A This is a top perspective view of the head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0623] Figure 249B According to the embodiments Figure 249A Front view of the head SIP assembly;

[0624] Figure 249C According to the embodiments Figure 249A Side view of the head SIP assembly;

[0625] Figure 250A This is a top perspective view of the head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0626] Figure 250B According to the embodiments Figure 250A Front view of the head SIP assembly;

[0627] Figure 250C According to the embodiments Figure 250A Side view of the head SIP assembly;

[0628] Figure 251A This is a top perspective view of the head SIP assembly according to an embodiment;

[0629] Figure 251B According to the embodiments Figure 251A Front view of the head SIP assembly;

[0630] Figure 251C According to the embodiments Figure 251A Side view of the head SIP assembly;

[0631] Figure 252A This is a perspective view of the headrest according to an embodiment;

[0632] Figure 252B This is a perspective view of the first region of the side portion of the connector member of the headrest according to an embodiment;

[0633] Figure 253A This is a perspective view of the headrest according to an embodiment;

[0634] Figure 253B According to the embodiments Figure 253A Front view of the headrest;

[0635] Figure 254 This is a perspective view of a reinforcing layer of a soft article that can be attached to a headrest according to an embodiment;

[0636] Figure 255A This is a front perspective view of an infant car seat according to an embodiment;

[0637] Figure 255B According to the embodiments Figure 255A A top-down perspective view of an infant car seat;

[0638] Figure 256 According to the embodiments Figure 255A and 255BA perspective view of the upright side component of an infant car seat, in which soft materials have been removed;

[0639] Figure 257A This is a front view of a child seat system having a shoulder SIP device in a first position according to an embodiment;

[0640] Figure 257B It is a shoulder SIP device in a second position according to an embodiment. Figure 257A Front view of a child seat system;

[0641] Figure 258A This is a front view of the headrest of a child seat with a shoulder SIP device in a first position, according to an embodiment;

[0642] Figure 258B It is a shoulder SIP device in a second position according to an embodiment. Figure 258A Front view of the headrest;

[0643] Figure 259A According to the embodiments Figure 258A A perspective view of the headrest;

[0644] Figure 259B According to the embodiments Figure 258A A plan view of the headrest;

[0645] Figure 260A According to the embodiments Figure 259A A perspective view of the headrest;

[0646] Figure 260B According to the embodiments Figure 259A A plan view of the headrest;

[0647] Figure 261A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment;

[0648] Figure 261B According to the embodiments Figure 261A Front view of a child seat;

[0649] Figure 261C According to the embodiments Figure 261A Rear view of the child seat;

[0650] Figure 261D According to the embodiments Figure 261A Side view of the child seat;

[0651] Figure 261E According to the embodiments Figure 261A A floor plan of the child car seat;

[0652] Figure 262AThis is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment;

[0653] Figure 262B According to the embodiments Figure 262A Rear view of the child seat;

[0654] Figure 262C According to the embodiments Figure 262A A perspective view of a child car seat from below;

[0655] Figure 262D According to the embodiments Figure 262A Rear perspective view of the child seat and detailed view of the rear portion of the child seat with the external SIP device removed;

[0656] Figure 263A According to the embodiments Figures 262A-262D Detailed perspective view of the headrest;

[0657] Figure 263B According to the embodiments Figure 262A Side view of the headrest;

[0658] Figure 264A This is a perspective view of a child seat with connector components according to an embodiment;

[0659] Figure 264B According to the embodiments Figure 264A Rear view of the child seat;

[0660] Figure 265A This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment;

[0661] Figure 265B According to the embodiments Figure 265A Side view of the child seat;

[0662] Figure 266 According to the embodiments Figure 265A A partially exploded perspective view of a child car seat;

[0663] Figure 267 These are perspective views of the external SIP device according to Figures 265-266 of the embodiment;

[0664] Figure 268A A perspective view of a portion of a child seat according to an embodiment; and

[0665] Figure 268B According to the embodiments Figure 268A Detailed view of the connection of the external SIP unit of the child seat. Detailed Implementation

[0666] This document provides a detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0667] Now for reference Figure 1 An example of a child seat system 20 according to an embodiment is shown. The child seat system 20 can be detachably secured to a vehicle seat, for example, via a latch or anchoring mechanism (not shown) (see [link]). Figure 55E This latching or anchoring system, often used, is sometimes referred to as a “lower anchor and tether for children,” such as a latching system. Alternatively or additionally, the child seat system 20 may be detachably secured to the vehicle seat via a vehicle harness (not shown) associated with the vehicle seat.

[0668] A child seat system 20 may include a support base or base 22 and a child seat 23 having a rigid seat housing 24 coupled to the support base 22, the seat housing 24 being adapted to receive a child. In one embodiment, the seat housing 24 is detachably connected to the support base 22, thereby allowing the seat housing 24 to be separated from the support base 22. Alternatively, the support base 22 and the seat housing 24 may be permanently connected or attached together. As used herein, the term "permanently connected" refers to embodiments where the seat housing 24 is not intended to be detached from the support base 22 by a user and may have an integral or non-detachable construction.

[0669] The seat housing 24 may include a seat portion 26 and a backrest or upright portion 28 arranged at an angle relative to the seat portion 26. The seat portion 26 and the upright portion 28 may be detachably connected, or alternatively, permanently connected. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the upright portion 28 and the seat portion 26 are integrally formed as a single unit. In another alternative aspect, the upright portion 28 may be rotatably connected to the seat portion 26, such that the upright portion 28 can tilt and recline relative to the seat portion 26.

[0670] As shown, the upright portion 28 of the seat housing 24 includes an upright support surface 30, which generally faces forward and extends from a first end or top 32 of the upright portion 28 to a second opposite end or bottom 34. A first upright side member 36 may be arranged at the first side 38 of the upright support surface 30, and a second upright side member 40 may be arranged at the second opposite side 42 of the upright support surface 30. Thus, the first upright side member 36 and the second upright side member 40 form the left and right sides of the upright portion 28, respectively. As shown, the first upright side member 36 and the second upright side member 40 extend forward from the upright support surface 30. The first upright side member 36 and the second upright side member 40 may extend substantially perpendicular to the upright support surface 30, or alternatively, may extend from the upright support surface at another angle, for example, an angle greater than 90° (therefore, the corresponding angle is, for example, at least 90°). Therefore, the upright support surface 30 and the first upright side member 36 and the second upright side member 40 define a backrest area or upright support cavity that receives the upper body of a child.

[0671] In embodiments where the child seat is a toddler seat, the upright side members 36, 40 facilitate proper positioning of the vehicle harness when the child seat system 20 is installed in the vehicle. In some embodiments, each upright side member 36, 40 has an opening 44 formed therein. The opening 44 may be configured to receive a vehicle seat belt (not shown) to secure the child seat system 20 to the vehicle seat in a forward-facing high-back configuration.

[0672] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the upright portion 28 of the seat housing 24 includes a headrest 46. The headrest 46 is attached to or integral with the upright portion 28. The headrest 46 may be fixed, or in some embodiments, it may be configured to move relative to the upright support surface 30. For example, the headrest 46 may be configured to translate relative to the upright support surface 30 between a vertically retracted position and a vertically extended position, thereby allowing adjustment based on the size of the child positioned within the child seat system 20.

[0673] Seat portion 26 includes a seat support surface 50, generally upward, extending from a first end or front portion 52 of seat portion 26 to a second end or rear portion 54. A first seat side member 56 may be disposed at a first side 58 of seat support surface 50, and a second seat side member 60 may be disposed at a second opposite side (not shown) of seat support surface 50. The first seat side member 56 and the second seat side member 60 extend upward and form the left and right sides of seat portion 26. The seat support surface 50 and the first seat side member 56 and the second seat side member 60 together define an area in which at least a portion of a child's lower body can be received.

[0674] As shown, seat side members 56 and 60 extend from seat support surface 50 at an angle. The angle of the first seat side member 56 relative to seat support surface 50 may be the same as the angle of the first upright side member 36 relative to upright support surface 30, but it is not necessary. Similarly, the angle of the second seat side member 60 relative to seat support surface 50 may be the same as the angle of the second upright side member 40 relative to upright support surface 30, but it is not necessary. In this embodiment, the first upright side member 36 and the first seat side member 56 are integrally formed with each other and integrally formed with seat housing 24, and the second upright side member 40 and the second seat side member 60 are integrally formed with each other and integrally formed with seat housing 24.

[0675] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, each seat side member 56, 60 has a groove 66 formed therein, the groove being configured to act as a leg strap guide during at least one usage mode of the child seat 23. The groove 66 may be configured to receive and position a leg strap portion or a separate restraint strap of a vehicle restraint member to ensure that the child seat 23 is in a position such as… Figure 1 The child seat system 20 is attached to the vehicle seat 10 in the forward-facing high-back configuration shown.

[0676] When the child seat 23 is attached to the support base 22, the child seat 23 can move relative to the support base 22. In embodiments, the child seat 23 can rotate relative to the support base 22 between various configurations. For example, the child seat 23 can rotate between a first rotational configuration (e.g., a configuration where the child seat 23 is in a forward position) and a second rotational configuration (e.g., a configuration where the child seat 23 is in a rearward position). However, it should be understood that embodiments in which the child seat 23 can be positioned in one or more additional configurations between the first and second rotational configurations are also within the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, embodiments in which the child seat 23 cannot rotate relative to the support base 22 are also covered herein.

[0677] Alternatively or additionally, the child seat 23 may be movable relative to the support base 22 to adjust the tilt of the child seat 23. The child seat 23 may move along a tilt path between a first position (e.g., an upright position) and a second position (e.g., a reclined position). However, it should be understood that both the first and second positions can be tilted positions with different degrees of tilt. This document also covers embodiments in which the child seat 23 can be positioned in any of a plurality of positions between the upright and reclined positions, as well as embodiments in which the tilt of the child seat 23 is not adjustable relative to the support base 22. It should be understood that this document refers to... Figure 1The child seat system 20 shown and described is intended only as an example, and child seat systems 20 with other configurations are also within the scope of this disclosure. For example, although the child seat 23 of the child seat system 20 is shown and described as a toddler seat, in other embodiments, the child seat may be an infant car seat for children under 2 years of age, with a height of 35 inches or less and / or a weight of 40 pounds or less.

[0678] Child seat systems, such as child seat system 20, may include at least one side impact protection device. The at least one side impact protection (SIP) device may be removably attached to child seat system 20, for example, via double-sided tape, adhesive, or mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, at least one SIP device may be permanently attached to or integrated with it, such that the structure of child seat system 20 (e.g., seat housing 24 of child seat 23) and one or more SIP devices form a single integral component. As will be described in more detail below, one or more SIP devices may be installed at various locations around the support base 22 and / or child seat 23. For example, the SIP device may be located, for example, at the upright portion 28, seat portion 26, or headrest 46 of child seat 23. Additionally, such SIP devices may be arranged on the inner or outer surface of child seat 23.

[0679] The SIP device associated with a child seat system (e.g., child seat system 20) may be formed of a material with a stiffness less than that of the seat shell 24 or the support base 22. Using a material with reduced stiffness can facilitate the absorption of energy applied to the child seat system 20 during an accident, such as a side impact. In some embodiments, the stiffness of the material of the SIP device of the child seat system 20 is also greater than that of the soft material mounted around the seat shell 24 and / or headrest 46 to provide additional energy absorption beyond that of the soft material. In embodiments, the SIP device may be configured to have sacrificial features that are designed to break or deform during a collision to help absorb energy. In some embodiments, the SIP device or portions thereof may be formed of foam materials, such as expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and / or expanded polyolefin (EPO) with example densities of 30 g / l, 45 g / l, and 50 g / l. Various other materials and their specifications are also covered. It should be understood that any of these materials, or another material with reduced stiffness relative to the seat shell of the child seat, may be used in any exemplary embodiment of the SIP device described herein.

[0680] Continue to refer to Figure 1In one embodiment, the child seat system 20 includes one or more SIP devices 70a, 70b that can be used to restrain or control the movement of the occupant's head during a side impact. Such head SIP devices 70a, 70b may be arranged in an area of ​​the child seat 23 surrounding or adjacent to the occupant's head. In one embodiment, at least one head SIP device 70a, 70b is associated with and mounted to the headrest 46 of the child seat 23. As discussed further below, in some embodiments, the child seat system 20 may include one or more additional SIP devices, such as shoulder SIP devices 72a, 72b, external SIP device 74, and / or torso SIP device (not shown).

[0681] It should be understood that the construction of a headrest (e.g., headrest 70) and its positioning relative to the child seat 23 can vary based on the orientation of the child seat 23 (e.g., relative to the vehicle or direction of travel). Headrests typically comprise a rigid body or structure with soft articles (such as padding, cushioning, fabric, etc.) positioned around one or more surfaces of the rigid body (e.g., surfaces of the rigid body accessible to the head of the child seat occupant). As will be described in more detail below, a headrest can be positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the headrest within the head-receiving area of ​​the headrest. Unless another arrangement is indicated, any embodiment described herein comprising a headrest that can be positioned at such an inner surface area should be understood as positioning the headrest generally between the structural body or housing of the headrest (e.g., a relatively rigid portion of the headrest) and the soft articles covering the headrest. Such a headrest can be attached to the structural body of the headrest or to the soft articles that can be positioned around it.

[0682] Now for reference Figure 2A and 2B The diagram illustrates a headrest 102 of a child seat 100, similar to a headrest 46 of a child seat 23. The headrest 102 includes a rear portion 104 with a headrest support surface 106 oriented, for example, generally parallel to the upright support surface (not shown) of the upright portion 110 of the child seat 100. Additionally, the headrest 102 includes at least one headrest side member. For example, a first headrest side member 112 may extend from a first side 114 of the rear portion 104, and a second headrest side member 116 may extend in the opposite direction from a second side 118 of the rear portion 104.

[0683] The first headrest side member 112 and the second headrest side member 116 include inward surfaces 120, 122. These inward surfaces 120, 122, combined with the headrest support surface 106 of the rear portion 104 of the headrest, form the inner surface of the headrest 102 and define the head receiving area 124 (see [link to article]). Figure 2B The headrest support surface 106 may form the rear portion of the inner surface, while the inward surfaces 120 and 122 of the headrest side members 112 and 116 may form the first and second headrest side portions of the inner surface. In an embodiment, the headrest support surface 106 defines the rear portion of the head receiving region 124. The inward surfaces 120 and 122 extend from the headrest support surface 106 to the distal first front end 126a and second front end 126b, respectively. For example, the front ends 126a and 126b, disposed at the ends of the first headrest side member 112 and the second headrest side member 116, may define the front portion of the head receiving region 124. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the rear portion 104 of the headrest, the first headrest side member 112, and the second headrest side member 116 as described herein may refer to portions of the rigid body or structure of the headrest 102. Therefore, the soft article can be positioned to overlap with the inward surfaces 120 and 122 of the head receiving area 124 facing the rigid body of the corresponding headrest support surface 106 and the headrest side members 112 and 116.

[0684] When a passenger is seated in the child seat 100, the passenger's head is positioned within a head receiving area 124 between the inward surfaces 120, 122 of the headrest side members 112, 116, and the rear of the passenger's head is generally positioned close to or in contact with the headrest support surface 106. It should be understood that the headrest embodiments shown throughout the accompanying drawings may include similar rear and side members as described above with reference to the rear portion 104 and side portions 112, 116, respectively. These headrests, as shown throughout the drawings, may also include a head receiving area similar to that described above with reference to the head receiving area 124.

[0685] Headrest 102 may have at least one side impact protection portion disposed at any suitable location surrounding headrest 102. In embodiments, the head side impact protection (SIP) portion is located within head receiving region 124 of headrest 102, for example, between its rear and front portions. Embodiments including multiple side impact protection portions are also covered herein. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a first head SIP portion 130a is positioned near a first headrest side member 112, and a second head SIP portion 130b is disposed near a second headrest side member 116, on the opposite side of headrest 102. The head SIP portions 130a, 130b of headrest 102 may include a protrusion generally disposed on the inner surface of headrest 102 extending inward toward head receiving region 124. As will be described in more detail below, the head SIP portion (e.g., head SIP portions 130a, 130b) may include one or more head SIP devices, and in some embodiments, one of the head SIP devices may form a protrusion extending from the inner surface.

[0686] At least one head SIP device 132a, 132b can be arranged at any suitable location around the headrest. In an embodiment, the first head SIP device 132a is arranged at or near a first side portion of the inner surface of the headrest 102 (e.g., the first headrest side member 112), and the second head SIP device 132b is arranged at or near a second side portion of the inner surface of the headrest 102 (e.g., the second headrest side member 116). It should be understood that the function of the head SIP devices 132a, 132b and any other head SIP devices described herein can depend not only on the position of the head SIP devices 132a, 132b relative to the headrest 102, but also on the height and / or shape of the head SIP devices 132a, 132b. The construction of the first head SIP device 132a and the second head SIP device 132b can, but does not need to, be substantially the same. Furthermore, embodiments in which the headrest 102 contains only a single head SIP device or more than two SIP devices are also within the scope of this disclosure. At least one head SIP device 132a, 132b may be permanently or removably attached to the headrest 102, for example, attached to a portion of the inner surface of the headrest 102.

[0687] In an embodiment, such as Figure 2BAs shown, at least one head SIP device 132a, 132b is located on or adjacent to the surface of the rigid body, for example, at a location between the rigid body and a soft article configured to overlap the rigid body. In such embodiments, at least one head SIP device 132a, 132b may be integrally formed with the rigid body, or alternatively, may be a separate component mounted to the rigid body. At least one head SIP device 132a, 132b may be directly mounted to the rigid body, or may be mounted to or formed within a soft article that can be connected to the rigid body. In other embodiments, at least one head SIP device 132a, 132b may be mounted on the outer surface of the soft article, such that at least one head SIP device 132a, 132b can be positioned to directly contact the occupant's head. It should be understood that any other SIP device disclosed herein (e.g., referenced in [reference]) may be different. Figure 3A-33B Models 68A-69B, 82A-83, 117A-118B, 122A-124B, 129, and 132A-134D can be positioned anywhere around the headrest as described herein.

[0688] exist Figure 3A-23E Examples of various head SIP devices are shown, such as those that can be positioned within the head SIP portion of a headrest, for example, similar to head SIP portions 130a, 130b, and will be described in more detail below. The head SIP device may extend to cover the entire height of the headrest, or alternatively, extend to cover only a portion of the height of the headrest. In embodiments, the height of the head SIP device, measured along its vertical axis, is at least 2 inches, and in some embodiments is at least about 2.5 inches, at least about 3 inches, at least about 3.5 inches, at least about 4 inches, at least about 4.5 inches, and at least about 5 inches.

[0689] Now for reference Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe headrest 200 shown includes a first head SIP portion 201a, which includes a first head SIP device disposed at a first portion of the inner surface of the headrest 200 (e.g., disposed at the inward surface 212 of the first headrest side member 204). Furthermore, a second head SIP portion 201b may include a second head SIP device 202b, which is mounted to a second portion of the headrest 200 and positioned to overlap with the second portion of the headrest (e.g., the inward surface 214 of the second headrest side member 206). However, embodiments in which at least one head SIP device 202a, 202b is disposed at another portion of the headrest 200 (e.g., the rear portion 208) are also covered herein. At least one head SIP device 202a, 202b may have bases 210a, 210b that can be mounted to the inward surfaces 212, 214 of the first headrest side member 204 and / or the second headrest side member 206, respectively. At least one head SIP device 202a, 202b may alternatively or additionally have inwardly facing surfaces 216a, 216b facing the interior of the headrest 200. Base surfaces 210a, 210b may, but need not, have a profile complementary to one or more corresponding surfaces of the headrest 200. Furthermore, in the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the profile of the outer periphery of at least one head SIP device 202a, 202b may differ from the corresponding portion of the headrest 200 on which the head SIP devices 202a, 202b are mounted. For example, as shown, the head SIP devices 202a, 202b may be a general rounded corner (square with rounded corners) shape, or they may be rectangular or rectangular with rounded corners.

[0690] In other embodiments, for example Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs shown in the headrest 300, the head SIP portion 301 of the headrest 300 may include a head SIP device 302 having a profile complementary to that of an adjacent portion of the headrest 300. As previously described, the headrest 300 may include a rear portion 304, a first headrest side member 306, and a second headrest side member 308. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the head SIP device 302 is positioned adjacent to the inner surface 310 of the second headrest side member 308. Therefore, the profile of the outer periphery of the head SIP device 302 may be similar to that of the inner surface 310 of the headrest side member 308, for example, equal in size and / or shape. In such an embodiment, the head SIP device 302 may be arranged substantially centrally around the headrest side member 308 and may be sized to cover or overlap with a large portion of the surface 310 of the headrest side member 308 extending between the lateral edge of the headrest support surface 312 at the rear portion 304 of the headrest 300 and the front end 314 of the headrest side member 308. In such embodiments, the outer periphery of the head SIP device 302 may be substantially flush with or aligned with one or more edges of, for example, the front end 314 of the headrest side member 308. Although not shown, it should be understood that another head SIP device may be disposed at another portion of the headrest 300, such as at the first headrest side member 306. In such embodiments, the configuration of the additional head SIP device may, but does not need to, be the same as that of the head SIP device 302 shown and described herein.

[0691] However, in other embodiments, such as using Figure 5A and 5B The headrest 400 shown has a head SIP portion 401. Figure 5B Only a portion of the head SIP device 402 may have a profile complementary to an adjacent portion of the headrest 400 (e.g., a headrest side member). As previously described, the headrest 400 may include a rear portion 404, a first headrest side member 406, and a second headrest side member (not shown). In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the head SIP device 402 is mounted to the inner surface 408 of the first headrest side member 406. Although not shown, it should be understood that another head SIP device may be arranged at another portion of the headrest 400, such as at the second headrest side member. In such embodiments, the configuration of the additional head SIP device may, but does not need to, be the same as the head SIP device 402 shown and described herein.

[0692] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, only the distal end 410 of the head SIP device 402 has a profile complementary to the corresponding end 412 of the headrest side member 406. In such an embodiment, the head SIP device 402a may extend to cover only a portion of the distance between the headrest support surface 414 of the rear portion 404 of the headrest 400 and the front end 412 of the headrest side member 406. Alternatively or additionally, the head SIP device 402 may extend to cover only a portion of the height of the headrest side member 406, for example, extending between its top 416 and bottom 418. However, in embodiments where the head SIP device 402 extends to cover only a portion of the headrest side member 406, the head SIP device 402 does not need to be arranged adjacent to the front end 412 of the headrest side member 406.

[0693] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the thickness of the first head SIP device 202a and the second head SIP device 202b is substantially uniform across the width of each head SIP device 202a, 202b (measured between the headrest support surface 209 and the front ends 220 of the headrest side members 204, 206). Therefore, when the head SIP devices 202a, 202b are mounted to the headrest 200, the inward surfaces 216 of the head SIP devices 202a, 202b are arranged relative to the headrest support surface 209 at substantially the same angle as the headrest side members 204, 206. The head SIP devices 202a, 202b are shown to be formed of a flexible or semi-rigid foam material. However, any suitable material configured to absorb energy is within the scope of this disclosure.

[0694] In some embodiments, the head SIP device of the child seat is configured to cause the occupant's head to roll in the event of a side impact. Figure 4A-5B In a non-limiting embodiment, the thickness of the corresponding head SIP devices 302, 402, as measured between the outward surface 420 and the inward surfaces 322, 422 of the head SIP devices 302, 402, can vary between the opposite ends of the head SIP devices 302, 402. Figures 4A-4B In the middle, the thickness of the head SIP device 302 is wedge-shaped, and the thickness of the head SIP device 302 gradually increases from the end closest to the headrest support surface 312 toward the front end 314 of the headrest side member 308.

[0695] The thickness of the head SIP device 302 across its width can be increased to achieve a desired angle of the inward surface 322 relative to the headrest support surface 312. In embodiments, the maximum thickness of the wedge-shaped head SIP device 302 is about 2 inches, and in some embodiments it is less than 1.5 inches, such as about 1¼ inches, about 1 inch, or about ½ inch. However, embodiments of the wedge-shaped head SIP device 302 having a maximum thickness greater than 2 inches are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0696] In other embodiments, for example Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the head SIP device 402 is wedge-shaped, and the thickness of the head SIP device 402 gradually decreases from the end closest to the headrest support surface 414 toward the front end 412 of the headrest side member 406. Therefore, the inward surface 422 of the head SIP device 402 gradually narrows outward away from the center of the headrest 400. In embodiments, the maximum thickness of the wedge-shaped head SIP device 402 is about 1 inch, and in some embodiments it is less than 1 inch, for example, about ¾ inch, about 0.5 inch, or about ¼ inch. However, embodiments of the wedge-shaped head SIP device 402 having a maximum thickness greater than 1 inch are also within the scope of this disclosure. Although the wedge-shaped head SIP devices 302, 402 are shown in the figures as being formed of expanded polystyrene, in other embodiments, the head SIP devices 302, 402 may be formed of other materials.

[0697] In embodiments, the headrest SIP device of the headrest described herein is configured to cause the occupant's head to roll in the event of a side impact, for example by defining a wavy recess associated with the head receiving area of ​​the headrest. Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B A recess 432 associated with the head SIP device 402 may be positioned adjacent to the head SIP device 402. The recess 432 may be partially defined by the inward surface 422 of the head SIP device 402 and a plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 412 of the headrest 400. Furthermore, the recess 432 may extend from a portion of the head SIP device 402 laterally closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region 430 to the plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 412 of the headrest 400. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In a non-limiting embodiment, the portion of the headrest SIP device 402 closest to the CLA is located at the intersection line L between the inward surface 422 and the rear portion 404. Therefore, the intersection line L is positioned closer to the rear portion than the front end 412 of the headrest 400.

[0698] The recess 430 can also be defined by a vertical plane extending from the intersecting line L toward a plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 412. This vertical plane is... Figure 5AThe recess 432 is indicated by line 434. In this embodiment, line 434 is substantially parallel to the CLA orientation. At least in part due to this wedge-shaped or angled configuration of the headrest SIP device 402, the lateral dimension of the recess 432 gradually increases in the direction toward the front portion 412 of the headrest 400. The gradual decrease in the thickness of the headrest SIP device 402 and the corresponding increase in the resulting recess 432 facilitate forward roll of the occupant's head during a side impact event.

[0699] Furthermore, in the embodiments, such as Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the head support device 502 associated with the headrest 500 may alternatively or additionally comprise a compressible material body, such as that shown in 504, for example, flexible foam. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the figures, the compressible material body 504 is positioned immediately adjacent to the inward surface 506 of the head support device 502, such as a wedge-shaped member similar to 302. Although the compressible material body 504 is shown as being directly attached to the head support device 502, in other embodiments, such a body may be integrated into a soft article that can be positioned around the headrest 500 and the head support device 502. In addition to the padding of the soft article, the compressible material 504 may also provide cushioning for the occupant's head during a collision event. Although the compressible material body 504 is shown as being positioned adjacent to the head support device 502 disposed at a second headrest side member 510, it should be understood that such a body 504 may be arranged adjacent to another head support device positioned at another location around the headrest 500, such as adjacent to a first headrest side member 512. Alternatively or additionally, the compressible material body 504 may be located at any position relative to the headrest 500, including positions where the head SIP device is not present.

[0700] Now for reference Figure 7A-9B Embodiments of headrests 600, 700, 800 with head SIP devices 602, 702, 802 are shown, which can be mounted to both the headrest support surfaces 604, 704, 804 of the rear portions 606, 706, 806 and the inner surfaces 608, 708, 808 of the headrest side members 610, 710, 810. Although not shown, it should be understood that another head SIP device may be arranged at another portion of each headrest 600, 700, 800, for example at a second headrest side member. In such embodiments, the construction of the additional head SIP device may, but does not need to, be the same as the head SIP devices 602, 702, 802 shown and described herein.

[0701] In each embodiment, the SIP base 620, 720, 820 of the head SIP devices 602, 702, 802 may have a contour complementary to a portion of both the headrest support surfaces 604, 704, 804 and the surfaces 608, 708, 808 of the headrest side members 610, 710, 810. In such an embodiment, the head SIP devices 602, 702, 802 may extend to cover only a portion of the headrest side members 610, 710, 810 between the headrest support surfaces 604, 704, 804 and the front end 614 of the headrest side members 610, 710, 810.

[0702] exist Figure 7A and Figure 7B In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the inward surface 622 of the head SIP device 602 has a smooth, continuous profile, for example, formed by curvature. However, in other embodiments, the inward surfaces 722, 822 of the head SIP devices 702, 802 may include one or more lateral impact protection portions or regions arranged at various angles relative to each other and relative to the headrest support surfaces 704, 804. Figure 8A and 8B as well as Figure 9A and 9B In a non-limiting embodiment, the inward surfaces 722, 822 include first side impact protection regions 724, 824 and second side impact protection regions 726, 826 arranged at a non-parallel angle to each other. The axial length of the first side impact protection regions 724, 824 may be the same as the axial length of the second side impact protection regions 726, 826. However, in other embodiments, the first side impact protection regions 724, 824 may have a longer axial length than the second side impact protection regions 726, 826, or the first side impact protection regions 724, 824 may have a shorter axial length than the second side impact protection regions 726, 826. In some embodiments, the first side impact protection regions 724, 824 are arranged at an obtuse angle relative to the second side impact protection regions 726, 826. As shown, the overall dimensions of the first side impact protection regions 724, 824 and the second side impact protection regions 726, 826, and the angle defined between them are... Figures 8A-8B Implementation examples and Figure 9A and 9B Variations exist between embodiments. The overall dimensions of the first side impact protection areas 724 and 824 may also be relatively larger or smaller than the overall dimensions of the second side impact protection areas 726 and 826.

[0703] In a collision, the movement of the occupant's head will be driven along a path defined by the inward surfaces 622, 722, 822 of the head SIP devices 602, 702, 802. In embodiments where the inward surfaces include multiple side impact protection areas, the movement of the occupant's head will be driven from the first side impact protection area 724, 824 to the second side impact protection area 726, 826.

[0704] refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B The inward surface 622 can extend continuously from the headrest support surface 604 of the headrest 600 to the surface 608 of the headrest side member 610. For example... Figure 7A As shown, the recess 630 may be at least partially defined within the head receiving region 628 by the head SIP device 602. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the recess 630 is partially defined by the inward surface 622 of the head SIP device 602 and by a plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 612 of the headrest 600. Furthermore, the recess 630 may extend from a portion of the head SIP device 602 that is laterally closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region 628 to the plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 612 of the headrest 600. Figure 7A and Figure 7B In a non-limiting embodiment, the portion of the head SIP device 602 closest to the CLA is located at the intersection line L0 between the inward surface 622 and the headrest support surface 604 of the rear portion 606. Figure 7A Therefore, the intersecting line L0 is positioned closer to the rear portion 606 than the front end 612 of the headrest 600. The recess 630 can also be defined by a vertical plane extending from the intersecting line L0 toward a plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 612. Figure 7A The vertical plane represented by line 632 can be substantially parallel to the CLA orientation.

[0705] refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B In a non-limiting embodiment of the headrest 700's head SIP device 702, the inward surface 722 may include a first side impact protection region 724 arranged closest to the rear portion 706 of the headrest 700 and a second side impact protection region 726 extending from the first side impact protection region 724 toward the front end (not shown) of the headrest 700. The first side impact protection region 724 may extend along... Figure 8A The vertical intersecting line, represented by L1, converges with the second side impact protection area 726. The intersecting line L1 can be arranged at any suitable angle relative to the rear portion 706. In an embodiment, the intersecting line L1 is the portion of the head SIP device 702 positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving area 728 (in the lateral direction).

[0706] The recess 730 is at least partially defined within the head receiving region 728 of the headrest 700 by the head SIP device 702. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the recess 730 extends from the intersection line L1 toward a plane that extends laterally from the inner edge of the front end (not shown) of the headrest 700. The plane of the recess 730 extending between the intersection line L1 and the plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end (shown at P1) may be coplanar with the first side impact protection region 724. The recess 730 may also be defined by a second side impact protection region 726 of the inward surface 722 and a surface 708 of the headrest side member 710 extending between the edge of the second side impact protection region 726 and the front end of the headrest 700.

[0707] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, by Figure 8A The vertical plane represented by axis X1 extends from the front end and is positioned to be tangent to the inward surface 722 at the intersection line L1 between the first side impact protection area 724 and the second side impact protection area 726. Axis X1 intersects the headrest support surface 704 at the intersection point I1. In an embodiment, the distance between the headrest support surface 704 and the intersection line L1, measured along axis X1, is shorter than the distance between the intersection line L1 and the front end of the headrest 700, measured along axis X1.

[0708] refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9B The inward surface 822 of the headrest SIP device 802 shown similarly includes a first lateral impact protection region 824 adjacent to the headrest support surface 804 and a second lateral impact protection region 826 extending from the first lateral impact protection region 824 toward the front end 814 of the headrest 800. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the inward surface 822 further includes a third lateral impact protection region 828 extending from the edge of the second lateral impact protection region 826. Although the third lateral impact protection region 828 is shown extending substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 808 of the headrest side member 810, embodiments in which the third lateral impact protection region 828 is angled toward the front portion 814 of the headrest 800 are also covered herein. The first lateral impact protection region 824 may extend along the front end 814 of the headrest 800. Figure 9A The first vertical intersecting line, represented by L2a, converges with the second side impact protection area 826, and the second side impact protection area 826 can converge with the third side impact protection area 828 along the second vertical intersecting line, represented by L2b. The intersecting line L2a of the head SIP device 802 can be laterally positioned as the central longitudinal axis CLA closest to the head receiving area 832.

[0709] The recess 830 is at least partially defined within the head receiving region 832 of the headrest 800, between the head SIP device 802 and the front portion 814 of the headrest 800. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the recess 830 extends from a first intersecting line L2a toward a plane that extends laterally from the inner edge of the front end 814 of the headrest 800. This plane, represented by line P2, extending between the intersecting line L2a and the plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 814, may be coplanar with the first side impact protection region 824. The recess 830 may also be defined by the plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 814 of the headrest 800, the second side impact protection region 826 and the third side impact protection region 828 of the inward surface 822, and the surface 808 of the headrest side member 810 extending between the edge of the third side impact protection region 828 and the front end 814 of the headrest 800.

[0710] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, by Figure 9A The vertical plane represented by axis X2 extends from the front end 814 and is positioned tangent to the inward surface 822 at the first intersection line L2a. Axis X2 intersects the headrest support surface 804 at intersection point I2. In this embodiment, the distance between the headrest support surface 804 and the first intersection line L2a, measured along axis X2, is shorter than the distance between the intersection line L2a and the front end 814, measured along axis X2.

[0711] Figure 2A-9B Each embodiment shown discloses at least one head SIP device formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material (e.g., expanded polystyrene). However, references... Figure 10A-11C In other embodiments, head SIP devices 902, 1002 associated with the headrests 901, 1001 of the child seats 900, 1000 and their side impact protection portions 903, 1003 can be formed of flexible or elastic materials. In embodiments, one or more head SIP devices 902, 1002 disposed at the illustrated head SIP portions 903, 1003 are or include structurally modifiable bodies that can be transformed into different configurations via changes in shape and / or structure. Examples of structurally modifiable bodies include, but are not limited to, inflatable balloons or airbags. Structurally modifiable bodies 902, 1002 can be filled with fluids, such as liquids or air.

[0712] Similar to previously disclosed embodiments, headrests 901, 1001 may include rear portions 904, 1004, first headrest side members 906, 1006, and second headrest side members 908, 1008. Outer surfaces 910, 1010 of structurally modifiable bodies 902, 1002 may be permanently or removably attached to a portion of headrests 901, 1001, such as the inner surfaces 912, 1012 of headrest side members 908, 1008. Although not shown, it should be understood that another head SIP device may be arranged at another portion of each headrest 901, 1001, such as at the first headrest side member 906, 1006. In such embodiments, the construction of the additional head SIP device may, but does not need to, be the same as the head SIP devices 902, 1002 shown and described herein.

[0713] When inflated, the structurally modifiable bodies 902, 1002 protrude from the internal surfaces 912, 1012 of the headrest side members 908, 1008. Furthermore, the structurally modifiable bodies 902, 1002 can be elastically deformable to absorb energy applied to them during a collision event. As will be described in more detail below, the structurally modifiable bodies 902, 1002 can be permanently inflated or padded. Alternatively, the structurally modifiable bodies 902, 1002 can switch between a deflated or retracted configuration and an inflatable or extended configuration, for example, when an occupant is present within the child seat 900, 1000.

[0714] like Figure 11A-11C As shown, in this embodiment, the outline of the head SIP device 1002 is generally complementary to a portion of the headrest 1001 that overlaps with the head SIP device 1002. For example, a portion 1014 of the head SIP device 1002 located near the front end 1016 and bottom 1018 of the headrest side member 1008 may have a generally circular outline, and a portion 1020 of the headrest upright support surface 1022 of the head SIP device 1002, positioned closest to the rear portion 1004, may have a generally linear outline. Figures 10A-10C In another embodiment shown, the head SIP device 902 has a substantially circular configuration. As shown, head SIP devices 902, 1002 can be positioned to substantially overlap with a large portion of the headrest side members 908, 1008. The outlines of the head SIP devices 902, 1002 formed via a structurally modifiable body (e.g., a balloon or airbag) described herein are intended only as examples. It should be understood that any other configuration of the head SIP device described herein (e.g., regarding...) Figure 2A-9B The aforementioned alternative terrain can become a structure with the previously described shape in at least one construction of the main body, which can modify the main body.

[0715] although Figure 2B-11CEach embodiment shows only a single head SIP device in any given area of ​​the headrest, but in embodiments, multiple head SIP devices may be arranged in the same area of ​​the headrest, such as in the rear portion of the headrest or at corresponding side members. For example, in Figure 12A and Figure 12B In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the first head SIP device 1102 and the second head SIP device 1104 are associated with or mounted to the same headrest side member 1106 of the headrest 1100. In such an embodiment, the material, profile, shape, and / or stiffness of the first head SIP device 1102 and the second head SIP device 1104 may be the same, or alternatively, may be different. In fact, the first head SIP device 1102 and the second head SIP device 1104 may contain the material, profile, shape, and / or stiffness of any other head SIP device shown and discussed herein. Furthermore, such a first head SIP device 1102 and the second head SIP device 1104 may be mounted to the headrest 1100 independently of each other.

[0716] In this embodiment, the first head SIP device 1102 and the second head SIP device 1104 are both part of a single head SIP portion 1101. Although the first head SIP device 1102 and the second head SIP device 1104 are shown and described at the respective headrest side members 1106, it should be understood that in other embodiments, another first head SIP device 1102 and second head SIP device 1104 may be arranged at another portion of the headrest 1100, for example at the opposite headrest side members (not shown). In such embodiments, the construction of the first head SIP device 1102 may, but does not need to, be the same and / or the construction of the second head SIP device 1104 may, but does not need to, be the same.

[0717] In embodiments that include multiple head SIP devices (e.g., head SIP device 1102 and head SIP device 1104) arranged on a single surface of the headrest 1100, the recess 1110 (see...) Figure 12A The head receiving area 1112 of the headrest 1100 may be at least partially defined by a plurality of head SIP devices 1102, 1104. As shown, each of the first head SIP device 1102 and the second head SIP device 1104 has a corresponding inward surface 1120, 1122. Although the inward surfaces 1120, 1122 are shown to have a generally planar configuration, this document also covers at least one of the inward surfaces 1120, 1122 having a plurality of side impact protection areas (e.g., as described above). Figure 7A-9BThe recess 1110 may be defined by a plane that connects a portion of the inward surface 1120, laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the headrest 1100, to the end of the second headrest 1104, positioned closest to the first headrest 1102. The recess 1110 may also be defined by the surface of the end 1124 of the first headrest 1102 facing the second headrest 1104, the end 1126 of the second headrest 1104 facing the first headrest 1102, and the surface of the headrest side member 1106 extending therebetween.

[0718] In the previously described embodiments, the head SIP devices located at or adjacent to different portions of the headrest (e.g., opposing headrest side members) are separate devices individually mounted thereon. However, in other embodiments, multiple head SIP devices may be integrally formed into a single unit, referred herein as a head SIP assembly. For example, in Figures 13A-13E In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the head SIP assembly 1202 includes a head SIP device 1204a that can be positioned at or adjacent to a first headrest side member 1206, another head SIP device 1204b that can be positioned at or adjacent to a second headrest side member 1208, and a connector member 1210 connecting the head SIP devices 1204a and 1204b. In such an embodiment, the head SIP devices 1204a and 1204b arranged at opposite headrest side members 1206 and 1208 may be substantially the same or may vary.

[0719] It should be understood that, for example, the head SIP assembly 1202 may be associated with one or more head SIP portions of a headrest. For example, the headrest 1201 may include a first head SIP portion 1230a arranged near a first headrest side member 1206 and a second head SIP portion 1230b arranged near a second headrest side member 1208. When the head SIP assembly 1202 is mounted within the head receiving region 1228 of the headrest 1201, a first head SIP device 1204a of the head SIP assembly 1202 may be arranged within the first head SIP portion 1230a and form at least a portion of the first head SIP portion, and a second head SIP device 1204b may be arranged within the second head SIP portion 1230b and form at least a portion of the second head SIP portion.

[0720] As shown in the figures, the head SIP assembly 1202 described herein can be configured as an insert that is removably connected to the child seat 1200 or alternatively permanently connected to the child seat 1200. The head SIP devices 1204a, 1204b of the head SIP assembly 1202 can be formed of at least one material, and the connector member 1210 can be formed of a different material than the head SIP devices 1204a, 1204b. However, embodiments in which the head SIP devices 1204a, 1204b and the connector member 1210 are formed of the same material are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0721] In one embodiment, connector member 1210 includes a body portion 1212 of a headrest support surface 1223 that can be positioned adjacent to the rear portion 1214 of headrest 1201, and two side portions 1216, 1218 that can be positioned to overlap with each headrest side member 1206, 1208, respectively. In such an embodiment, the outer surface of head SIP assembly 1202 may include a profile complementary to one or more surfaces of headrest 1201 to which head SIP assembly 1202 is connectable. For example, the outer surface of head SIP assembly 1202 may be shaped to match the surface of headrest support surface 1223, the surface of first headrest side member 1206 and / or the surface of second headrest side member 1208, and contact each of the surfaces of headrest support surface 1223, first headrest side member 1206 and second headrest side member 1208. However, this document also covers embodiments in which the connector member 1210 is configured to contact only a portion of the headrest 1201 (e.g., one or more of the headrest support surfaces) and the two headrest side members.

[0722] exist Figures 13A-13E In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, each head SIP device 1204a, 1204b of the head SIP assembly 1202 may extend from the body portion 1212 of the connector member 1210 to cover most or even the entire length of the side portions 1216, 1218 of the head SIP assembly 1202. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the head SIP devices 1204a, 1204b extend to or substantially extend to the front ends 1234a, 1234b of the side portions 1216, 1218. It should be understood that when the head SIP assembly 1202 is mounted around the headrest 1201, the ends of the head SIP devices 1204a, 1204b may be flush with the front ends 1233a, 1233b of the headrest 1201, or alternatively, may be offset therefrom by a distance. The outward surfaces 1220a, 1220b of the head SIP devices 1204a, 1204b may be complementary to and abut against the side portions 1216, 1218, and in some embodiments, complementary to and abut against the body portion 1212 of the connector member 1210. For example... Figure 13D and Figure 13E As shown, the inward surfaces 1222a, 1222b of the headrest SIP devices 1204a, 1204b can be defined by a plurality of different lateral impact protection regions arranged at different angles relative to the headrest support surface 1223. The first lateral impact protection regions 1224a, 1224b of each inward surface 1222a, 1222b are positioned closest to the body portion 1212 of the connector member 1210, and in some embodiments, are adjacent to said body portion. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first lateral impact protection regions 1224a, 1224b are oriented substantially perpendicular to the body portion 1212 and the headrest support surface 1223.

[0723] As shown in the figure, second side impact protection regions 1226a and 1226b extending from the first side impact protection regions 1224a and 1224b to the ends of the side portions 1216 and 1218 can be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the first side impact protection regions 1224a and 1224b. In an embodiment, the angle α between the first side impact protection regions 1224a and 1224b and the corresponding second side impact protection regions 1226a and 1226b is an obtuse angle. As shown in the figure, the thickness at the second side impact protection regions 1226a and 1226b of the head SIP devices 1204a and 1204b can gradually decrease towards the front end 1230 of the head SIP assembly 1202. The angle α and the thickness variation form an outward slope that adds a gap defined relative to the head SIP devices 1204a and 1204b along the length of the head SIP devices 1204a and 1204b.

[0724] In an embodiment, each of the head SIP devices 1204a and 1204b may form a recess 1232a and 1232b within the head receiving region 1228 of the headrest 1201, for example, between the head SIP devices 1204a and 1204b and the front ends 1234a and 1234b of the headrest 1201. The first side impact protection regions 1224a and 1224b may be adjacent to the second side impact protection regions 1226a and 1226b at the intersection lines represented by L3a and L3b, respectively. The intersection lines L3a and L3b may be opposite portions of the head SIP devices 1204a and 1204b, laterally positioned to be closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region 1228. Each recess 1232a, 1232b extends from corresponding generally vertically oriented intersecting lines L3a, L3b toward a plane that extends laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 1234a, 1234b of the headrest side members 1206, 1208. The plane of each recess 1232a, 1232b extending from the intersecting lines L3a, L3b toward the plane containing the front ends 1233a, 1233b indicated by lines P3a and P3b may be coplanar with the first side impact protection surfaces 1224a, 1224b of each corresponding head SIP device 1204a, 1204b. The recesses 1232a, 1232b may also be defined by second side impact protection areas 1226a, 1226b and a plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 1233a, 1233b.

[0725] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, by Figure 13E The vertical plane represented by axis X3a extends from the front end 1233a of the headrest side member 1206 or the front end 1234a of the side portion 1216, and is positioned tangent to the inward surface 1222a at the intersection line L3a. Axis X3a may intersect the headrest support surface 1204 at the intersection position I3a. Similarly, the vertical plane represented by axis X3b extends from the front end 1233b of the headrest side member 1208 or the front end 1234b of the side portion 1218, and is positioned tangent to the inward surface 1222b at the intersection line L3b. Axis X3b may intersect the headrest support surface 1204 at the intersection position I3b. In the embodiment, measured along the corresponding axes X3a and X3b, the distance between the headrest support surface 1204 and the intersecting lines L3a and L3b is less than the distance between the intersecting lines L3a and L3b and the front ends 1234a and 1234b of the headrest side members 1206 and 1208.

[0726] Figure 14Another embodiment of a head SIP assembly 1302 mounted to a headrest 1301 is shown. Similar to the previous embodiment, the head SIP assembly 1302 includes a connector member 1306 having a body portion 1308, a first side portion 1310, and a second side portion 1312, as well as head SIP devices 1304a and 1304b. Head SIP devices 1304a and 1304b are respectively arranged adjacent to the first side portion 1310 and the second side portion 1312 of the connector member 1306, as previously described. When the head SIP assembly 1302 is mounted to the headrest 1301, the first side portion 1310 may be arranged at or adjacent to the first headrest side member 1314, the second side portion 1312 may overlap with the second headrest side member 1316, and the body portion 1308 is arranged at the headrest support surface of the rear portion 1318 of the headrest 1301. Figure 14 In the non-limiting embodiments shown, each head SIP device 1304a, 1304b of the head SIP assembly 1302 may extend from the body portion 1308 of the connector member 1306 to cover at least half the length of the side portions 1310, 1312 of the head SIP assembly 1302, and in some embodiments, the extension covers substantially the entire length of the side portions 1310, 1312 of the head SIP assembly 1302. However, the length of the side portions 1310, 1312 of the connector member 1306 may be equal to or different from the length of the corresponding headrest side members 1314, 1316.

[0727] Similar to previous embodiments, each head SIP device 1304a, 1304b includes inward surfaces 1320a, 1320b, which include first side impact protection regions 1322a, 1322b positioned closest to the body portion 1308 of the connector member 1306, and second side impact protection regions 1324a, 1324b extending forward away from the first side impact protection regions 1322a, 1322b. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first side impact protection regions 1322a, 1322b are arranged at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the body portion 1308. In the embodiment, the angle β between the body portion 1308 and the first side impact protection regions 1322a, 1322b can be between approximately 65 degrees and approximately 85 degrees. The second side impact protection regions 1324a, 1324b extending from the first side impact protection regions 1322a, 1322b at the intersection lines L4a, L4b can have a curved configuration, such as a concave curvature. Therefore, the thickness of the head SIP devices 1304a and 1304b gradually decreases towards the front end 1326a and 1326b of the headrest 1301 on the second side impact protection areas 1324a and 1324b. The intersecting lines L4a and L4b can be the portions (in the lateral direction) where the head SIP devices 1304a and 1304b are positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving area 1328.

[0728] In an embodiment, each of the head-mounted SIP devices 1304a, 1304b may form a recess 1330a, 1330b within the head-receiving region 1328 of the headrest 1201 for guiding the movement of the occupant's head during a side impact event. Each recess 1330a, 1330b extends from corresponding intersecting lines L4a, L4b toward a plane that extends laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 1326a, 1326b of the headrest side members 1314, 1316. The plane extending from the intersecting lines L4a, L4b toward the plane (represented by lines P4a and P4b) that extends laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 1326a, 1326b of the recesses 1330a, 1330b may be coplanar with the first side impact protection surfaces 1322a, 1322b of each corresponding head-mounted SIP device 1304a, 1304b. The recesses 1330a and 1330b may also be defined by the second side impact protection areas 1324a and 1324b and by the surface of at least one of the side portions 1310 and 1312 extending between the edges of the respective second side impact protection areas 1324a and 1324b and the front ends 1326a and 1326b of the headrest 1301 and the headrest side members 1314 and 1316.

[0729] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a vertical plane represented by axis X4a, starting from the front end 1326a of the headrest side member 1314, is positioned tangent to the inward surface 1320a at the intersection line L4a. Furthermore, axis X4a may intersect the headrest support surface 1304 or the adjacent body portion 1308 of the connector member 1306 at the intersection point I4a. Another vertical plane, represented by axis X4b, extends from the front end 1326b of the headrest side member 1316 and is positioned tangent to the inward surface 1320b at the intersection line L4b. Axis X4b may intersect the headrest support surface 1304 or the adjacent body portion 1308 at the intersection point I5b. In the embodiment, measured along the corresponding axes X4a and X4b, the distance between the headrest support surface 1304 and the intersecting lines L4a and L4b is less than the distance between the intersecting lines L5a and L5b and the front ends 1326a and 1326b of the headrest side members 1314 and 1316.

[0730] Now for reference Figures 15A-15E Another example of a head SIP assembly 1402 with head SIP devices 1404a and 1404b is shown. Head SIP devices 1404a and 1404b are respectively arranged adjacent to a first side portion 1408 and a second side portion 1410 of a connector member 1406 of the head SIP assembly 1402. The connector member 1406 also includes a body portion 1416 connecting the first side portion 1408 and the second side portion 1410. As shown, the head SIP assembly 1402 can be positioned adjacent to a headrest 1401 such that the first side portion 1408 is disposed at or adjacent to a first headrest side member 1412, the second side portion 1410 is disposed at or adjacent to a second headrest side member 1414, and the body portion 1416 is disposed at a headrest support surface 1418 of the rear portion 1420 of the headrest 1401.

[0731] Each head SIP device 1404a, 1404b includes inward surfaces 1420a, 1420b, which include first side impact protection regions 1422a, 1422 positioned closest to the body portion 1416 and second side impact protection regions 1424a, 1424b extending forward away from the first side impact protection regions 1422a, 1422. As shown, the first side impact protection regions 1422a, 1422 may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the body portion 1416 of the connector member 1406 and the headrest support surface 1418. The second side impact protection regions 1424a, 1424b extending from the first side impact protection regions 1422a, 1422 may be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the first side impact protection regions 1422a, 1422. In an embodiment, the angle α between the first side impact protection regions 1422a, 1422 and the second side impact protection regions 1424a, 1424b (see [reference]). Figure 15E ) is an obtuse angle (e.g., greater than 90 degrees).

[0732] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, head SIP devices 1404a, 1404b are mounted near the rear of head SIP assembly 1402, for example at the interface between the body portion 1416 and the side portions 1408, 1410 of connector member 1406. Each head SIP device 1404a, 1404b may extend to cover only a portion of the length of each side portion 1408, 1410 and / or headrest side member 1412, 1414. As shown, head SIP devices 1404a, 1404b may extend to the center of the side portions 1408, 1410 and / or headrest side members 1412, 1414. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, at least one head SIP device 1404a, 1404b extends to cover less than half the length of the corresponding side portion 1408, 1410. However, embodiments in which at least one head SIP device 1404a, 1404b is longer or shorter are also covered herein.

[0733] Due to the positioning and construction of the head SIP devices 1404a and 1404b, the side portions 1408 and 1410 of the connector member 1406 can extend beyond the ends of the head SIP devices 1404a and 1404b toward the front end of the headrest 1401, as shown in the figure. In other embodiments, the ends of the side portions 1408 and 1410 of the connector member 1406 can be flush with the head SIP devices 1404a and 1404b. Figures 15A-15EAs shown, the lengths of the side portions 1408 and 1410 of the connector member 1406 can be equal to those of the headrest side members 1412 and 1414. However, in other embodiments, the side portions 1408 and 1410 will be shorter than the headrest side members 1412 and 1414. Therefore, in this configuration, the headrest side members 1412 and 1414 will extend beyond the side portions 1408 and 1410 of the connector member 1406.

[0734] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the head SIP device 1404a forms a first recess 1430a within the head receiving region 1428, and the head SIP device 1404b forms a second recess 1430b within the head receiving region 1428. The first side impact protection regions 1422a and 1422b can be respectively located within L5a and L5b (…). Figure 15C The generally vertical intersection line L5a, L5b is adjacent to the second side impact protection areas 1424a, 1424b of each head SIP device 1401a, 1404b. The intersection lines L5a, L5b may be the portion of the head SIP device 1404a, 1404b laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving area 1428.

[0735] The first recess 1430a is partially defined by a second side impact protection area 1424a and a plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 1432a, 1432b of the headrest side members 1412, 1414. The first recess 1430a may also be partially defined by a side portion 1408 extending between the edge of the corresponding second side impact protection area 1424a and the front end 1432a, or by the surface of the headrest side member 1412. The recess 1430a may also be defined by a plane represented by a line P5a extending laterally from the intersecting line L6a to the plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 1432a, 1432b of the headrest side members 1412, 1414. This plane extending from the intersecting line L5a toward the plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 1432a may be coplanar with the first side impact protection area 1422a of the head SIP device 1404a.

[0736] Similarly, the second recess 1430b extends from the intersecting line L6b toward a plane that extends laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 1432a, 1432b of the headrest side members 1412, 1414. The plane of the recess 1430b, indicated by line P5b, extending laterally from the intersecting line L5b toward the plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 1432b, can be coplanar with the first side impact protection region 1422b of the head SIP device 1404b. The recess 1430b can also be defined by the plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 1432a, 1432b, the second side impact protection region 1424b, and the surface of at least one of the side portions 1410 extending between the edge of the respective second side impact protection region 1424b and the front end 1432b and the headrest side member 1414.

[0737] refer to Figure 15C A vertical plane, represented by axis X5a, extends from the front end 1432a of the headrest side member 1412 and is positioned tangent to the inward surface 1420a at the intersection line L5a. Furthermore, axis X5a may intersect the headrest support surface 1404 or the adjacent main body portion 1416 of the connector member 1406 at the intersection location I5a. Another vertical plane, represented by axis X5b, extends from the front end 1432b of the headrest side member 1414 and is positioned tangent to the inward surface 1420b at the intersection line L5b. Axis X5b may intersect the headrest support surface 1404 or the adjacent main body portion 1416 at the intersection location I5b. In the embodiment, the distance between the intersection points I5a and I5b and the intersection lines L5a and L5b is less than the distance between the intersection lines L5a and L5b and the front ends 1432a and 1432b of the headrest side members 1412 and 1414.

[0738] It should be understood that Figure 5A-9B and Figure 12A-15E Each of the disclosed embodiments includes a head SIP device positioned at or adjacent to the rear portion of the headrest. Embodiments where the head SIP device is located at the main body portion of the head SIP assembly can similarly be considered as being positioned adjacent to the rear portion of the headrest. A head SIP device with this configuration defines a recess extending between at least one surface of the head SIP device and the front portion of the headrest within the head receiving region of the headrest.

[0739] Now for reference Figures 16A-16E In embodiments where the head SIP device is spaced apart from or offset from the front of the headrest (e.g., the rear facing the head receiving area), it is also configured to define a recess within the head receiving area of ​​the headrest. Figures 16A-16EThe headrest 1501 shown includes a head SIP assembly 1502 comprising head SIP devices 1504a and 1504b. Head SIP devices 1504a and 1504b are respectively arranged adjacent to a first side portion 1508 and a second side portion 1510 of a connector member 1506 of the head SIP assembly 1502. The connector member 1506 further includes a body portion 1512 connecting the first side portion 1508 and the second side portion 1510. Similar to previous embodiments, the head SIP assembly 1502 may be positioned adjacent to the headrest 1501 such that the first side portion 1508 is disposed at or adjacent to a first headrest side member 1514, the second side portion 1510 is disposed at or adjacent to a second headrest side member 1516, and the body portion 1512 is disposed at the headrest support surface 1518 of the rear portion 1519 of the headrest 1501.

[0740] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first head SIP device 1504a and the second head SIP device 1504b of the headrest SIP assembly 1502 can be considered to be mounted, for example, near the front portions 1503a, 1503b of the headrest 1501 via the connector member 1506. This configuration of the head SIP devices 1504a, 1504b is particularly suitable for embodiments in which the child seat 1500 is oriented forward relative to the vehicle seat. As shown, the head SIP devices 1504a, 1504b can be positioned at or near the front ends 1511a, 1511b of the side portions 1508, 1510 of the connector member 1506. The head SIP devices 1504a and 1504b can extend from the center of the side portions 1508, 1510 to the front ends 1511a and 1511b, respectively. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, at least one head SIP device 1504a, 1504b extends to cover less than half the length of the corresponding side portions 1508, 1510. However, embodiments in which at least one head SIP device 1504a, 1504b is longer or shorter are also covered herein.

[0741] The outward surfaces 1520a, 1520b of the corresponding head SIP devices 1504a, 1504b may be parallel to and mounted to the corresponding side portions 1508, 1510 of the connector member 1506. The inward surfaces 1522a, 1522b of the head SIP devices 1504a, 1504b may be defined by a plurality of different side impact protection regions arranged at different angles relative to the headrest support surface 1518. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, surfaces 1522a, 1522b include first side impact protection regions 1524a, 1524b oriented parallel to or substantially parallel to the body portion 1512 of the connector member 1506 and the headrest support surface 1518. In other embodiments, the first side impact protection regions 1524a, 1524b may be arranged at an angle β between 3 degrees and 30 degrees relative to the body portion 1512. The second side impact protection areas 1526a and 1526b of the inward surfaces 1522a and 1522b extending from the first side impact protection areas 1524a and 1524b may have a generally circular or curved profile, such as a convex curvature. In an embodiment, the thickness of the head SIP devices 1504a and 1504b may gradually decrease from the first side impact protection areas 1524a and 1524b toward the corresponding front ends 1511a and 1511b of the head SIP assembly 1502. The first side impact protection areas 1524a and 1524b may be adjacent to the adjacent second side impact protection areas 1526a and 1526b at a generally vertically oriented intersection line, shown as L6a and L6b. The intersection lines L6a and L6b may be portions of the head SIP devices 1504a and 1504b laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving area 1528.

[0742] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a recess is formed in the head receiving region between the head SIP devices 1504a, 1504b and the front portions 1503a, 1503b of the headrest 1501. For example... Figure 16EAs shown, each recess 1530a, 1530b extends from a portion of the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head SIP devices 1504a, 1504b positioned closest to the head receiving region 1528 to a plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 1503a, 1503b of the headrest 1501. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the portion of the head SIP devices 1504a, 1504b positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA is the corresponding intersecting lines L6a, L6b. The planes (represented by lines 1540a, 1540b) defining the sides of the recesses 1530a, 1530b extending laterally from the inner edge of the front portion 1503a, 1503b can be parallel to the central longitudinal axis CLA. The recesses 1530a and 1530b may also be defined by at least one of a plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 1503a and 1503b of the headrest 1501, a second side impact protection area 1526 and 1526b, and a side portion 1508 and 1510 extending between the edge of the respective second side impact protection area 1526 and 1526b and the front portion 1503a and 1503b of the headrest 1501, and a headrest side member 1514 and 1516.

[0743] like Figure 16C As shown, a vertical plane represented by axis X6a extends from the front portion 1503a of the headrest 1501 and is positioned tangent to the inward surface 1522a at the intersection line L6a, and another vertical plane represented by axis X6b extends from the front portion 1503b of the headrest 1501 and is positioned tangent to the inward surface 1522b at the intersection line L6b. Axes X6a and X6b intersect with the adjacent body portion 1512 of the headrest support surface 1504 or connector member 1506 at intersection points I6a and I6b, respectively. In this embodiment, the distance between the intersection points I6a and I6b of each head SIP device 1504a and 1504b and the intersection lines L6a and L6b is greater than the distance between the intersection lines L6a and L6b and the front portions 1503a and 1503b of the headrest 1501.

[0744] exist Figures 17A-17EAnother embodiment of a head SIP assembly 1602 that can be mounted to a headrest 1601 of a child seat 1600 is shown. Similar to previous embodiments, a first head SIP device 1604a and a second head SIP device 1604b are mounted at the end of a connector member 1606, for example, at or near the front end 1608 of the side portions 1610, 1612 of the connector member 1606. In this embodiment, when the head SIP assembly 1602 is mounted around the headrest 1601, the head SIP devices 1604a, 1604b are positioned at or near the front portion 1603 of the headrest 1601. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, at least one head SIP device 1604a, 1604b extends to cover less than half the length of the respective side portions 1610, 1612. However, embodiments in which at least one head SIP device 1604a, 1604b is longer or shorter are also covered herein.

[0745] The surfaces 1620a and 1620b of the head SIP devices 1604a and 1604b can be positioned to contact and be parallel to the side portions 1610 and 1612 of the connector member 1606. According to this embodiment, the inward surfaces 1622a and 1622b of the head SIP devices 1604a and 1604b include first side impact protection regions 1624a and 1624b positioned closest to the body portion 1614 of the connector member 1606, and second side impact protection regions 1626a and 1626b located near the corresponding front ends 1608a and 1608b of the connector member 1606.

[0746] The first side impact protection regions 1624a, 1624b may be oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the corresponding side portions 1610, 1612 of the connector member 1606 and the body portion 1614 extending between and connecting the side portions 1610, 1612. In one embodiment, the first side impact protection regions 1624a, 1624b extend relatively inward away from the corresponding side portions 1610, 1612. However, in other embodiments, the first side impact protection regions 1624a, 1624b of the head SIP devices 1604a, 1604b may have a curved configuration, such as a concave or convex curvature or configuration. The second side impact protection regions 1626a, 1626b of the inward surfaces 1622a, 1622b extend from the first side impact protection regions 1624a, 1624b and are arranged at an angle relative to the first side impact protection regions. In embodiments, the second side impact protection regions 1626a, 1626b are oriented substantially perpendicular to the main body portion 1614, or alternatively or additionally, are arranged substantially parallel to the adjacent side portions 1610, 1612 of the connector member 1606. However, embodiments in which the second side impact protection regions 1626a, 1626b are arranged at a non-parallel angle (e.g., an acute angle) are also covered herein. As shown, the distance between the head SIP devices 1604a, 1604b decreases substantially toward the front end 1603 of the headrest.

[0747] Now for reference Figures 18A-18E Another embodiment of the headrest 1701 and head SIP assembly 1702 of the child seat 1700 is shown. Similar to Figures 17A-17EIn one embodiment, the head SIP assembly 1702 includes a first head SIP device 1704a and a second head SIP device 1704b located at the distal end of the connector member 1706, for example near the front ends 1708a, 1708b of the respective side portions 1709, 1710. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the contours of the inward surfaces 1720a, 1720b of the head SIP devices 1704a, 1704b may vary between the relative tops 1712a, 1712b and bottoms 1714a, 1714b of the head SIP devices 1704a, 1704b. For example, first lateral impact protection regions 1722a, 1722b located near the first upper end 1712 of the head SIP devices 1704a, 1704b may be oriented substantially parallel to the adjacent side portions 1709, 1710 of the connector member 1706. Second side impact protection regions 1724a and 1724b, extending from the first side impact protection regions 1722a and 1722b toward the opposite bottom 1714 of the head SIP devices 1704a and 1704b, may be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the first side impact protection region 1722. In an embodiment, the angle between the first side impact protection region 1722 and the second region 1724 is an obtuse angle.

[0748] Although the second side impact protection region 1724 is shown as having a planar surface or configuration, in other embodiments, the second side impact protection region 1724 of the head SIP devices 1704a, 1704b may have a curved configuration, such as a convex curvature. Regardless of whether the second side impact protection region 1724 has a linear or curved configuration, the thickness of the head SIP devices 1704a, 1704b at the second side impact protection region 1724 may gradually decrease towards the bottom of the headrest 1701. This variation in the height of the head SIP devices 1704a, 1704b can be combined with any other configuration extending between the front and rear portions of the head SIP devices, as previously described (or as will be described later).

[0749] As an alternative or supplement to the head SIP assembly having multiple head SIP devices arranged on opposite and interconnected side portions of the connector member as previously described herein, the head SIP assembly may comprise multiple head SIP devices arranged on the same surface of the connector member (e.g., on the same side portion). In such an embodiment, the multiple head SIP devices arranged on the same side portion of the connector member may, but need not, be mounted to form a continuous inward surface.

[0750] refer to Figures 19A-19EThe diagram illustrates a head SIP assembly 1802 that can be mounted to a headrest 1801. Multiple head SIP devices are arranged on the same surface of a connector member 1808. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a first head SIP device 1804a and a second head SIP device 1806a are arranged at a first side portion 1810 of the connector member 1808, and a first head SIP device 1804b and a second head SIP device 1806b are arranged at a second side portion 1812 of the connector member 1808. In such embodiments, the first head SIP devices 1804a, 1804b may include the same or different construction (size and / or shape) as each other and / or as the second head SIP devices 1806a, 1806b located at the same side portion 1810 or 1812. Furthermore, the first head SIP devices 1804a, 1804b may contain the same or different material as each other and / or as the second head SIP devices 1806a, 1806b disposed in the same side portions 1810, 1812. In embodiments, the second head SIP devices 1806a, 1806b have reduced stiffness compared to the first head SIP devices 1804a, 1804b. However, all head SIP devices in the first head SIP devices 1804a, 1804b and the second head SIP devices 1806a, 1806b are configured to absorb energy during a collision event. Although not shown, it should be understood that the first head SIP devices 1804a and the second head SIP devices 1806a may be disposed within the first SIP head portion, and the first head SIP devices 1804b and the second head SIP devices 1806b may be disposed within the second SIP portion.

[0751] The first head SIP devices 1804a and 1804b and the second head SIP devices 1806a and 1806b can have any suitable configuration. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first head SIP devices 1804a and 1804b have a configuration similar to... Figures 15A-15E The construction is basically similar. For example... Figure 19EAs shown, each head SIP device 1804a, 1804b includes inward surfaces 1820a, 1820b, which include first side impact protection regions 1822a, 1822b positioned closest to the body portion 1814 of the connector member 1808, and second side impact protection regions 1824a, 1824b extending forward away from the first side impact protection regions 1822a, 1822b. As shown, the first side impact protection regions 1822a, 1822b can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the body portion 1814. The second side impact protection regions 1824a, 1824b extending from the first side impact protection regions 1822a, 1822b can be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the first side impact protection regions 1822a, 1822b. The angle between the first side impact protection regions 1822a, 1822b and the second side impact protection regions 1824a, 1824b can be greater than 90 degrees.

[0752] The second head SIP devices 1806a and 1806b may have outer surfaces 1830a and 1830b complementary to the side portions 1810 and 1812. The inner surfaces 1832a and 1832b of the second head SIP devices 1806a and 1806b may be oriented substantially parallel to the outer surfaces 1830a and 1830b and / or the side portions 1810 and 1812 along the length of the second head SIP devices 1806a and 1806b. Therefore, the thickness of the second head SIP devices 1806a and 1806b may be substantially uniform along their length. Although the respective rear ends 1834a, 1834b of the second head SIP devices 1806a, 1806b are shown as only a portion adjacent to the first head SIP devices 1804a, 1804b, in some embodiments, the rear ends 1834a, 1834b of the second head SIP devices 1806a, 1806b may have a profile complementary to the adjacent ends of the respective first head SIP devices 1804a, 1804b.

[0753] In an embodiment, each of the first head-mounted SIP devices 1804a and 1804b may form a recess 1840a and 1840b within the head-receiving region 1842 of the headrest 1801 for guiding the movement of the occupant's head during a side impact event. The first side impact protection regions 1822a and 1822b of the corresponding inward surfaces 1820a and 1820b of the first head-mounted SIP devices 1804a and 1804b may respectively adjoin second side impact protection regions 1824a and 1824b at a generally vertical intersection line represented by L7a and L7b. The intersection lines L7a and L7b may be portions of the head-mounted SIP devices 1804a and 1804b laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head-receiving region 1842.

[0754] One side of each recess 1840a, 1840b extends laterally from the corresponding intersecting lines L7a, L7b toward a plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front ends 1842a, 1842b of the headrest side members 1844, 1846. The planes of the recesses 1840a, 1840b, represented by lines P7a and P7b respectively, extending laterally from the intersecting lines L7a, L7b toward the plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front ends 1842a, 1842b, can be coplanar with the first side impact protection surfaces 1822a, 1822b of each corresponding first head SIP device 1804a, 1804b. The recesses 1840a and 1840b may also be defined by the second side impact protection areas 1824a and 1824b, a plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 1842a and 1842b, and a surface defined by at least one of the side portions 1810 and 1812 extending between the edge of the respective second side impact protection areas 1824a and 1824b and the front end 1842a and 1842b and the headrest side members 1844 and 1846.

[0755] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a vertical plane represented by axis X7a extends from the front end 1842a of the headrest side member 1844 and is positioned tangent to the inward surface 1820a at the intersection line L7a. Furthermore, axis X7a may intersect the headrest support surface 1804 or the adjacent body portion 1814 of the connector member 1808 at the intersection point I7a. Another vertical plane represented by axis X7b extends from the front end 1842b of the headrest side member 1846 and is positioned tangent to the inward surface 1820b at the intersection line L7b. Axis X7b may intersect the headrest support surface 1804 or the adjacent body portion 1814 at the intersection point I7b. In one embodiment, measured along the corresponding axes X7a and X7b, the distance between the headrest support surface 1804 and the intersecting lines L7a and L7b is less than the distance between the intersecting lines L7a and L7b and the front ends 1842a and 1842b of the headrest side members 1844 and 1846. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the second head SIP device 1806a is disposed within the recess 1840a formed by the first head SIP device 1804a. Similarly, the second head SIP device 1806b is disposed within the recess 1840b formed by the first head SIP device 1804b.

[0756] exist Figures 20A-20EIn a non-limiting embodiment of the head SIP assembly 1902 shown, each side portion 1906, 1908 of the connector member 1904 of the head SIP assembly 1902 is similarly associated with a plurality of head SIP devices. As shown, the head SIP assembly 1902 includes a plurality of first head SIP devices 1910a, 1910b, which are positioned near the opposite rear portion of the connector member 1904, for example near the interface between the respective side portions 1906, 1908 and the body portion 1909. In this embodiment, the first head SIP devices 1910a, 1910b have the same characteristics as in the previous embodiment ( Figures 19A-19E ) and in Figures 15A-15E The configurations disclosed are substantially the same. In this configuration, each first head SIP device 1910a, 1910b includes inward surfaces 1912a, 1912b, which include first side impact protection regions 1914a, 1914b positioned closest to the body portion 1909 of the connector member 1904, and second side impact protection regions 1916a, 1916b extending forward away from the first side impact protection regions 1914a, 1914b. As shown, the first side impact protection regions 1914a, 1914b can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the body portion 1909. The second side impact protection regions 1916a, 1916b extending from the first side impact protection regions 1914a, 1914b can be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the first side impact protection regions 1914a, 1914b. The angle between the first side impact protection areas 1914a and 1914b and the second side impact protection areas 1916a and 1916b can be greater than 90 degrees.

[0757] Additionally, corresponding second head SIP devices 1920a and 1920b can be mounted to each side portion 1906 and 1908 of the head SIP assembly 1902, such that when the head SIP assembly 1902 is mounted to the headrest 1901, the second head SIP devices 1920a and 1920b are close to the front ends 1918a and 1918b of the headrest side members 1940 and 1942. The second head SIP devices 1920a and 1920b can have the same characteristics as the previously... Figures 16A-16EThe disclosed SIP devices have essentially the same construction. The inward surfaces 1922a, 1922b of the corresponding second head SIP devices 1920a, 1920b can be defined by multiple different regions arranged at different angles relative to the body portion 1909. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, surfaces 1922a, 1922b include first lateral impact protection regions 1924a, 1924b oriented parallel to or substantially parallel to the body portion 1909 of the connector member 1904. Second lateral impact protection regions 1926a, 1926b of the inward surfaces 1922a, 1922b extending from the first lateral impact protection regions 1924a, 1924b can have generally circular or curved profiles, such as convex curvature. In an embodiment, the thickness of the head SIP devices 1920a and 1920b gradually decreases from the first side impact protection areas 1924a and 1924b toward the corresponding front ends 1918a and 1918b of the head SIP assembly 1902.

[0758] As shown in the figure, gaps may exist between the first head SIP devices 1910a, 1910b and the second head SIP devices 1920a, 1920b at each side portion 1906, 1908. The combination of the individual first head SIP devices 1910a, 1910b and the second head SIP devices 1920a, 1920b, located near the front and rear of the connector member 1904, can be adapted to absorb energy during a collision, regardless of the child seat's installation orientation relative to the vehicle seat.

[0759] First recesses 1930a, 1930b (see also) Figure 20C and 20E The head receiving area 1928 of the headrest 1901 may be at least partially defined by a plurality of head SIP devices 1910a, 1910b, 1920a, 1920b. As shown, each first head SIP device 1910a, 1910b and each second head SIP device 1920a, 1920b has a corresponding inward surface 1912a, 1912b, 1922a, 1922b. The first recesses 1930a, 1930b may be partially defined by a plane extending from the corresponding intersection lines L8a, L8b of the first head SIP devices 1910a, 1910b to the corresponding intersection lines L9a, L9b of the second head SIP devices 1920a, 1920b. The generally vertical intersecting lines L8a and L8b can be the portions of the head SIP devices 1910a and 1910b that are laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region 1928. Similarly, the generally vertical intersecting lines L9a and L9b can be the portions of the head SIP devices 1920a and 1920b that are laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region 1928.

[0760] The first recesses 1930a and 1930b may also be defined by the surfaces of the second side impact protection areas 1916a and 1916b of the first head SIP devices 1910a and 1910b, the first side impact protection areas 1924a and 1924b of the second head SIP devices 1920a and 1920b, and the side portions 1906 and 1908 extending therebetween. In an embodiment, each of the second head SIP devices 1920a and 1920b may form a recess 1932a and 1932b within the head receiving area 1928 of the headrest 1901. The first side impact protection areas 1924a and 1924b of the corresponding inward surfaces 1922a and 1922b of the second head SIP devices 1920a and 1920b may respectively adjoin the second side impact protection areas 1926a and 1926b at the intersection lines indicated by L9a and L9b.

[0761] Each recess 1932a, 1932b may extend from the corresponding intersecting lines L9a, L9b toward a plane that extends laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 1918a, 1918b of the headrest side members 1940, 1942. This plane extending from the intersecting lines L9a, L9b toward the plane (indicated by lines 1939a, 1939b) that extends laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 1918a, 1918b may be parallel to CLA. Recesses 1932a, 1932b may also be defined by the second side impact protection areas 1926a, 1926b, the plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 1918a, 1918b, and by at least one of the surfaces of the side portions 1906, 1908 extending between the edges of the respective second side impact protection areas 1926a, 1926b and the front ends 1918a, 1918b, and the surfaces of the headrest side members 1940, 1942.

[0762] Similar to the previous embodiments, in Figures 21A-21EIn the non-limiting embodiment shown, each side portion 2006, 2008 of the connector member 2004 of the head SIP assembly 2002 is associated with a plurality of head SIP devices. As shown, the head SIP assembly 2002 includes a plurality of first head SIP devices 2010a, 2010b positioned near the relative rear of the connector member 2004, for example near the interface between the respective side portions 2006, 2008 and the body portion 2009. A plurality of second head SIP devices 2012a, 2012b may be positioned near the front of the connector member 2004, for example near the ends 2014a, 2014b of the side portions 2006, 2008. In an embodiment, first head SIP devices 2010a and 2010b arranged near the rear of connector member 2004 are interconnected with second head SIP devices 2012a and 2012b arranged near corresponding front ends 2014a and 2014b of connector member 2004. The first head SIP devices 2010a and 2010b may include... Figures 15A-15E The head SIP devices disclosed in 19A-19E and 20A-20E have essentially similar constructions.

[0763] For example, each first head SIP device 2010a, 2010b includes inward surfaces 2013a, 2013b, which include first side impact protection regions 2016a, 2016b positioned closest to the body portion 2009 and second side impact protection regions 2018a, 2018b extending forward away from the first regions 2016a, 2016b. As shown, the first side impact protection regions 2016a, 2016b may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the body portion 2009 of the connector member 2004. The second side impact protection regions 2018a, 2018b extending from the first side impact protection regions 2016a, 2016b may be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the first side impact protection regions 2016a, 2016b. In an embodiment, the angle α between the first side impact protection regions 2016a, 2016b and the second side impact protection regions 2018a, 2018b is greater than 90 degrees.

[0764] The second head SIP device 2012a, 2012b can have the same as Figures 13A-13EThe SIP devices described herein have a substantially similar construction. However, as shown in the figures, the second SIP devices 2012a and 2012b can extend from or near the front ends 2034a and 2034b of the first head SIP devices 2010a and 2010b, or close to the headrest side members 2036 and 2038. The surfaces 2020a and 202b of the second head SIP devices 2012a and 2012b can include multiple different lateral impact protection areas arranged at different angles. The first lateral impact protection areas 2022a and 2022b of the corresponding surfaces 2020a and 2020b of the second head SIP devices 2012a and 2012b can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the main body portion 2009. The first side impact protection areas 2022a and 2022b of the second head SIP devices 2012a and 2012b can be laterally offset from the first side impact protection areas 2016a and 2016b adjacent to the first head SIP devices 2010a and 2010b, such that the lateral gap D1 between the first side impact protection areas 2022a and 2022b of the head SIP assembly 2002 aligned with the second head SIP devices 2012a and 2012b is greater than the lateral gap D2 between the first side impact protection areas 2016a and 2016b of the head SIP assembly 2002 aligned with the first head SIP devices 2010a and 2010b. The corresponding second side impact protection areas 2024a and 2024b of the surfaces 2020a and 2020b of the second head SIP devices 2012a and 2012b extend from the first side impact protection areas 2022a and 2022b toward the front of the headrest 2001. Furthermore, the second side impact protection regions 2024a and 2024b may have smooth or curved contours, such as convex curvature. In an embodiment, the thickness of the second SIP devices 2012a and 2012b at the second side impact protection regions 2024a and 2024b gradually decreases toward the front ends 2013a and 2013b of the connector member 2004.

[0765] It should be understood that the material or hardness of the first head SIP devices 2010a and 2010b may be the same as or different from the hardness of the second head SIP devices 2012a and 2012b, regardless of whether the first head SIP devices 2010a and 2010b and the second head SIP devices 2012a and 2012b are individually positioned around the connector member 2004 or interconnected.

[0766] Used in side-impact events (see Figure 21C and 21EThe wavy recesses 2030a and 2030b that control the movement of the occupant's head during use may be at least partially defined within the head receiving area 2028 of the headrest 2001 by a plurality of head-in-place devices 2010a, 2010b, 2012a, and 2012b. As shown, each first head-in-place device 2010a and 2010b and each second head-in-place device 2012a and 2012b has a corresponding inward surface 2013a, 2013b, 2020a, and 2020b. The first recesses 2030a and 2030b may be partially defined by a plane extending from the corresponding intersection lines L10a and L10b of the first head-in-place devices 2010a and 2010b to the corresponding intersection lines L11a and L11b of the second head-in-place devices 2012a and 2012b. The generally vertical intersecting lines L10a, L10b, L11a, L11b can represent a portion of the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving area 2028 closest to the headrest 2001, with each head SIP device 2010a, 2010b, 2012a, 2012b laterally positioned. The first recesses 2030a, 2030b are also defined by the surfaces of the second side impact protection areas 2018a, 2018b of the first head SIP devices 2010a, 2010b, the first side impact protection areas 2022a, 2022b of the second head SIP devices 2012a, 2012b, and the side portions 2006, 2008 extending therebetween.

[0767] Each of the second head SIP devices 2012a and 2012b may also form a recess 2032a and 2032b within the head receiving area 2028 of the headrest 1901. The first side impact protection areas 2022a and 2022b of the corresponding inward surfaces 2020a and 2020b of the second head SIP devices 2012a and 2012b may respectively adjoin the second side impact protection areas 2018a and 2018b at the intersection line indicated by L11a and L11b. Each recess 2032a and 2032b may be partially defined by a plane extending laterally from the corresponding intersection line L11a and L11b toward the inner edge of the front ends 2034a and 2034b of the headrest side members 2036 and 2038. The plane extending laterally from the intersecting lines L11a, L11b toward the plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 2034a, 2034b can be coplanar with the first side impact protection surfaces 2022a, 2022b of each corresponding second head SIP device 2012a, 2012b. The recesses 2032a, 2032b can also be defined by at least one of the second side impact protection areas 2024a, 2024b, the plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 2034a, 2034b, and the surfaces of the side portions 2006, 2008 extending between the edges of the corresponding second side impact protection areas 2024a, 2024b and the front ends 2034a, 2034b, and the surfaces of the headrest side members 2036, 2038.

[0768] Now for reference Figures 22A-22EAnother embodiment of the head SIP assembly 2102 is shown, the head SIP assembly having first head SIP devices 2104a, 2104b and second head SIP devices 2106a, 2106b disposed at corresponding side portions 2108, 2110 of connector member 2111. The first head SIP devices 2104a, 2104b may have inward surfaces 2112a, 2112b, the inward surfaces including first side impact protection regions 2114a, 2114b and second side impact protection regions 2116a, 2116b arranged at non-parallel angles to each other. Generally vertical intersecting lines L12a, L12b are respectively disposed at the interface between the first side impact protection regions 2114a, 2114b and the second side impact protection regions 2116a, 2116b. The intersecting lines L12a and L12b can be portions of the first head SIP devices 2104a and 2104b laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving area. Furthermore, measured along a line extending from the respective front ends 2130a and 2130b and positioned tangent to lines L12a and L12b, the distance between the intersecting lines L12a and L12b and the rear portion 2138 of the headrest 2101 can be less than the distance between the intersecting lines L12a and L12b and the front ends 2130a and 2130b of the headrest side members 2132 and 2134.

[0769] The second head SIP devices 2106a and 2106b have inward surfaces 2118a and 2118b, which include first side impact protection regions 2120a and 2120b and second side impact protection regions 2122a and 2122b arranged at non-parallel angles to each other. Generally vertical intersecting lines L13a and L13b are respectively arranged at the interface between the first side impact protection regions 2120a and 2120b and the second side impact protection regions 2122a and 2122b. The intersecting lines L13a and L13b may be portions of the second head SIP devices 2106a and 2106b laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region 2126. Furthermore, when measured along a line extending from the respective front ends 2130a, 2130b and positioned tangent to lines L13a, L13b, the distance between the intersecting lines L13a, L13b and the rear portion 2138 of the headrest 2101 can be greater than the distance between the intersecting lines L13a, L13b and the front ends 2130a, 2130b of the headrest side members 2132, 2134.

[0770] Similar to the previous embodiment, the first recesses 2124a, 2124b (see Figure 21C and 21EThe head receiving area 2126 of the headrest 2101 can be defined by multiple head SIP devices 2104a, 2104b, 2106a, 2106b. As shown, the sides of the first recesses 2124a, 2124b can be defined by a plane extending from the corresponding intersection lines L12a, L12b of the first head SIP devices 2104a, 2104b to the corresponding intersection lines L13a, L13b of the second head SIP devices 2106a, 2106b. The first recesses 2124a, 2124b can also be defined by the surfaces of the second side impact protection areas 2116a, 2116b of the first head SIP devices 2104a, 2104b, the first side impact protection areas 2120a, 2120b of the second head SIP devices 2106a, 2106b, and the side portions 2106, 2108 extending therebetween.

[0771] In an embodiment, each of the second head SIP devices 2106a, 2106b may form a recess 2128a, 2128b within the head receiving region 2126 of the headrest 2101. Each recess 2128a, 2128b may have a side defined by a plane extending laterally from corresponding intersecting lines L13a, L13b toward the inner edge of the front ends 2130a, 2130b of the headrest side members 2132, 2134. The plane extending laterally from the intersecting lines L13a, L13b toward the inner edge of the front ends 2130a, 2130b (by lines 2150a, 2150b (see...) Figure 22E The plane extending from the headrest side members 2128a, 2128b may be parallel to the central longitudinal axis CLA. The recesses 2128a, 2128b may also be defined by the second side impact protection regions 2122a, 2122ba and a plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 2130a, 2130b of the headrest side members 2132, 2134. In embodiments where the ends of the second head SIP devices 2106a, 2106b are offset from the front ends 2130a, 2130b of the headrest 2101, the second recesses 2128a, 2128b may also be defined by at least one of the surfaces of the side portions 2108, 2110 and the surfaces of the headrest side members 2132, 2134 extending between the edges of the respective second side impact protection regions 2122a, 2122b and the front ends 2130a, 2130b.

[0772] In the illustrated embodiment, the head SIP assembly 2102 includes third head SIP devices 2140a and 2140b disposed on the same side portions 2108 and 2110 as the first head SIP devices 2104a and 2104b and the second head SIP devices 2106a and 2106b on the connector body 2112. In such an embodiment, the third head SIP devices 2140a and 2140b may have a similar material or hardness to at least one of the first head SIP devices 2104a and 2104b and the second head SIP devices 2106a and 2106b, or alternatively, a different hardness or hardness. As shown, the third head SIP devices 2140a and 2140b may be positioned in front of at least one of the first head SIP devices 2104a and 2104b and the second head SIP devices 2106a and 2106b. In a non-limiting embodiment, third head SIP devices 2108a, 2108b are mounted within first recesses 2124a, 2124b. The third head SIP devices 2140a, 2140b may be constructed substantially equal to the contours of the first recesses 2124a, 2124b, such that the corresponding first head SIP devices 2104a, 2104b, second head SIP devices 2106a, 2106b, and third head SIP devices 2140a, 2140b collectively form a smooth, substantially continuous inward surface. Furthermore, the third head SIP devices 2140a, 2140b may be permanently or removably connected to connector member 2111 or to the first head SIP devices 2104a, 2104b and the second head SIP devices 2106a, 2106b.

[0773] Installable to Figures 23A-23EIn another embodiment of the headrest 2201 and head SIP assembly 2202 of the child seat 2200 shown, each side portion 2206, 2208 of the connector member 2204 includes a first head SIP device 2210a, 2210b, a second head SIP device 2212a, 2212b, a third head SIP device 2214a, 2214b, and a fourth head SIP device 2216a, 2216b. The first head SIP devices 2210a, 2210b may be arranged close to the opposite rear portion of the connector member 2204, for example at the interface between the respective side portions 2206, 2208 and the body portion 2218. The third head SIP devices 2214a, 2214b may be arranged close to the front ends 2226a, 2226b of the headrest side members 2228, 2230 but offset from said front ends. The first head SIP devices 2210a, 2210b and the third head SIP devices 2214a, 2214b can have any suitable construction, such as any of the head SIP devices similar to those in the previous embodiments described herein. Additionally, the first head SIP devices 2210a, 2210b and the third head SIP devices 2214a, 2214b can comprise the same or different materials having the same or different hardness.

[0774] As shown in the figure, the first head SIP devices 2210a and 2210b may have inward surfaces 2220a and 2220b, which include corresponding first and second side impact protection areas arranged at non-parallel angles. Generally vertical intersecting lines L14a and L14b are respectively arranged at the interface between the first and second side impact protection areas. The intersecting lines L14a and L14b may be portions of the first head SIP devices 2210a and 2210b laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region 2222. Furthermore, when measured along a line extending from the respective front ends 2226a, 2226b and positioned tangent to lines L14a, L14b, the distance between the intersecting lines L14a, L14b and the rear portion 2224 of the headrest 2201 can be less than the distance between the intersecting lines L14a, L14b and the front ends 2226a, 2226b of the headrest side members 2228, 2230b.

[0775] The third head SIP devices 2214a and 2214b have inward surfaces 2231a and 2231b, which include a first side impact protection region and a second side impact protection region arranged at a non-parallel angle to each other. Generally vertical intersecting lines L15a and L15b are respectively arranged at the interface between the first and second side impact protection regions. The intersecting lines L15a and L15b may be portions of the second head SIP devices 2214a and 2214b laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region 2222. Furthermore, when measured along a line extending from the respective front ends 2226a, 2226b and positioned tangent to lines L15a, L15b, the distance between the intersecting lines L15a, L15b and the rear portion 2224 of the headrest 2201 can be greater than the distance between the intersecting lines L15a, L15b and the front ends 2226a, 2226b of the headrest side members 2228, 2230.

[0776] Similar to the previous embodiment, the first recesses 2232a, 2232b (see Figure 23C and 23E The headrest 2201 head receiving area 2222 can be at least partially defined by multiple head SIP devices 2210a, 2210b, 2214a, 2214b. As shown, the first recesses 2232a, 2232b can be partially defined by a plane extending from the corresponding intersection lines L14a, L14b of the first head SIP devices 2210a, 2210b to the corresponding intersection lines L15a, L15b of the third head SIP devices 2214a, 2214b. The first recesses 2232a, 2232b can also be defined by the side impact protection areas and corresponding surfaces of the side portions 2206, 2208 of the respective head SIP devices 2210a, 2210b, 2214a, 2214b arranged therein.

[0777] Each of the third head SIP devices 2214a, 2214 can form a recess 2234a, 2234b within the head receiving region 2222 of the headrest 2201. Each recess 2234a, 2234b extends from corresponding intersecting lines L15a, L15b toward a plane that extends laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 2226a, 2226b of the headrest side members 2228, 2230. The side portions of the recesses 2234a, 2234b formed by this plane extending laterally from the intersecting lines L15a, L15b toward the plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 2226a, 2226b can be parallel to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region 2222. The recesses 2234a and 2234b may also be defined by at least one of the following: the portion of the inner surface 2231a and 2231b; the plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 2226a and 2226b of the headrest side members 2228 and 2230; and the surface of the side portions 2206 and 2208 and the surface of the headrest side members 2228 and 2230 extending between the edge of the third head SIP device 2214a and 2214 and the front end 2130a and 2130b.

[0778] The second head SIP devices 2212a and 2212b can be positioned between the first head SIP devices 2210a and 2210b and the third head SIP devices 2214a and 2214b, for example, within the first recesses 2232a and 2232b, respectively. Therefore, the contours of the second head SIP devices 2212a and 2212b can, but do not need to, match the contours of the first recesses 2232a and 2232b. The fourth head SIP devices 2216a and 2216b can be positioned between the third head SIP devices 2214a and 2214b and the front ends 2226a and 2226b of the headrest side members 2228 and 2230. In an embodiment, the fourth head SIP devices 2216a and 2216b are located within corresponding recesses 2234a and 2234b. The contours of the fourth head SIP devices 2216a and 2216b may, but do not need to, match the contours of the recesses 2234a and 2234b. The second head SIP devices 2212a and 2212b and the fourth head SIP devices 2216a and 2216b can have any suitable configuration. Furthermore, the second head SIP devices 2212a and 2212b and the fourth head SIP devices 2216a and 2216b can comprise the same or different materials having the same or different hardness. It should be understood that the second and fourth head SIP devices can be removably mounted to the headrest, and in some embodiments, neither the second nor the fourth head SIP device is connected to the connector member, or only one of the second and fourth head SIP devices can be connected to the connector member.

[0779] In an embodiment, second head SIP devices 2212a, 2212b may be connected to corresponding first head SIP devices 2210a, 2210b, and the hardness of the second head SIP devices 2212a, 2212b may be less than the hardness of the first head SIP devices 2210a, 2210b. Alternatively or additionally, fourth head SIP devices 2216a, 2216b may be connected to third head SIP devices 2214a, 2214b, and the hardness of the fourth head SIP devices 2216a, 2216b may be less than the hardness of the third head SIP devices 2214a, 2214b. It should be understood that any head SIP device or combination of head SIP devices described herein with respect to head SIP assemblies may alternatively be directly mounted to the headrest without connector components.

[0780] Now for reference Figures 132A-133C Another embodiment of the head SIP assembly 11800 is shown. As shown, the head SIP assembly 11800 includes a connector member 11802 having a central body portion 11804, a first side portion 11806 extending from a first side of the body portion 11804, and a second side portion 11808 extending from a second opposite side of the body portion 11804. A first head SIP device 11810a may be disposed at or adjacent to the first side portion 11806 of the connector member 11802, and a second head SIP device 11810b may be disposed at or adjacent to the second side portion 11808 of the connector member 11802. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the head SIP devices 11810a, 11810b are mounted near the rear of the head SIP assembly 11800, for example at the interface between the body portion 11804 and the corresponding side portions 11806, 11808 of the connector member 11802.

[0781] In this embodiment, a cut or notch is formed at the bottom of the headrest assembly 11800. As shown, a first cut 11817a is formed directly below the first headrest assembly 11810a, and a second cut 11817b may be formed directly below the second headrest assembly 11810b. When the child seat system is in a forward-facing configuration, such as in booster mode of operation, cuts 11817a and 11817b may form portions of the vehicle harness path. Therefore, the bottoms 11821a and 11821b of the first and second headrest assemblies 11810a and 11810b may define a portion of the vehicle harness path.

[0782] like Figure 133A-133CAs shown, the headrest SIP assembly 11800 can be removably or permanently attached to the structural housing 11820 of the headrest. The headrest housing 11820 may include a rear housing portion 11822 and at least one headrest housing side member, such as a first headrest housing side member 11824 and a second headrest housing side member 11826 disposed on opposite sides of the rear portion 11822 and extending toward the front of the headrest housing 11820. The headrest SIP assembly 11800 may be positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the headrest housing 11820. For example, the main body portion 11804 of the connector component 11802 may be positioned adjacent to the rear portion 11822 of the headrest housing 11820, the first side portion 11806 and the first head SIP device 11810a of the connector component 11802 may be positioned adjacent to the first headrest housing side member 11824 of the headrest housing 11820 (the first side portion 11806 is in direct contact with the first headrest housing side member 11824), and the second side portion 11808 and the second head SIP device 11810b of the connector component 11802 may be positioned adjacent to the second headrest housing side member 11826 (the second side portion 11808 is in direct contact with the second headrest housing side member 11826). At least a portion of the rear or outer surface 11816 of the head SIP assembly 11800 may have a profile complementary to the profile of the inner surface of the rear portion 11822 and the headrest housing side members 11824, 11826, in order to facilitate engagement between them.

[0783] The headrest housing 11820 may comprise or be formed of a first material having a first hardness, and the connector member 11802 may be formed of a second material having a second hardness. In an embodiment, the hardness of the second material is less than that of the first material. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the side portions 11806, 11808 of the connector member 11802 are elongated such that the distal ends 11812a, 11812b of each side portion 11806, 11808 extend beyond the corresponding front ends 11828a, 11828b of the corresponding headrest housing side members 11824, 11826 of the headrest housing 11820. Therefore, the distal ends 11812a, 11812b of each side portion 11806, 11808 may define the front or forward extent of the headrest.

[0784] Connector member 11802 includes one or more reinforcing regions 11814a, 11814b. These reinforcing regions 11814a, 11814b may be arranged at portions of connector member 11802 located near the front ends 11828a, 11828b of headrest housing side members 11824, 11826 (e.g., near the distal ends 11812a, 11812b of each side portion 11806, 11808). As shown, the reinforcing regions 11814a, 11814b may have increased thickness compared to adjacent portions of connector member 11802. This increased thickness can increase the rigidity of connector member 11802, thereby reinforcing the portion of connector member 11802 extending beyond headrest housing 11820. Furthermore, in embodiments, reinforcing regions 11814a and 11814b may be shaped to define one or more features configured to abut or engage the headrest housing 11820 to properly position the head SIP assembly 11800 relative to the headrest housing. Although reinforcing regions 11814a and 11814b are shown arranged on the outer surface of the connector member 11802, embodiments in which reinforcing regions are formed on their inner surfaces are also covered herein.

[0785] Each head SIP device 11810a, 11810b may extend to cover only a portion of the length of each side portion 11806, 11808. As shown, the head SIP devices 11810a, 11810b may extend to the center of the side portions 11806, 11808. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, at least one head SIP device 11810a, 11810b extends to cover approximately half the length of the respective side portion 11806, 11808. However, embodiments in which at least one head SIP device 11810a, 11810b is longer or shorter are also covered herein.

[0786] Similar to previously disclosed embodiments, each head SIP device 11810a, 11810b includes inward surfaces 11818a, 11818b having first side impact protection regions 11830a, 11830b positioned closest to the body portion 11804, and second side impact protection regions 11832a, 11832b extending forward away from the first side impact protection regions 11830a, 11830b. As shown, the first side impact protection regions 11830a, 11830b may be arranged at an angle to the body portion 11804 of the connector member 11802. The second side impact protection regions 11832a, 11832b may be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the corresponding first side impact protection regions 11830a, 11830b.

[0787] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the head SIP device 11810a forms a first recess 11834a within the head receiving region 11829 of the structural housing 11820, and the head SIP device 11810b forms a second recess 11834b within the head receiving region 11829. The first side impact protection regions 11830a and 11830b can be respectively located within L16a and L16b (…). Figure 133C The generally vertical intersecting lines L16a and L16b are adjacent to the corresponding second side impact protection areas 11832a and 11832b of each head SIP device 11810a and 11810b. The intersecting lines L16a and L16b can be positioned at the portion of the head SIP device 11810a and 11810b that is laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving area.

[0788] The first recess 11834a is partially defined by a second side impact protection area 11832a and a plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 11812a, 11812b of the side portions 11806, 11808 of the connector member 11802. The surface of the first side portion 11806, extending between the edge of the corresponding second side impact protection area 11832a and the front end 11812a, may also partially define the first recess 11834a. The recess 11834a is further defined by a plane extending laterally from the intersection line L16a to the inner edges of the front ends 11812a, 11812b of the side portions 11806, 11808. This plane is in... Figure 133C The recess 11834a is indicated by line P16a. The plane extending laterally from the intersecting line L16a toward the plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 11182a may, but does not need to, be coplanar with the first side impact protection area 11830a of the head SIP device 11810a.

[0789] Similarly, the second recess 11834b extends from the intersecting line L16b toward a plane that extends laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 11812a and 11812b of the side portions 11806 and 11808. The plane of the recess 11834b, indicated by line P16b, extending laterally from the intersecting line L16b toward the plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 11812b, may, but does not need to, be coplanar with the first side impact protection region 11830b of the head SIP device 11810b. The recess 11834b may also be defined by the plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 11812a and 11812b, the second side impact protection region 11832b, and the surface of the second side portion 11808 extending between the edge of the respective second side impact protection region 11832b and the front end 11812b.

[0790] Further reference Figure 133CA vertical plane, represented by axis X16a, extends from the front end 11812a of the first side portion 11806 and is positioned tangent to the inward surface of the head SIP device 11810a at the intersection line L16a. Furthermore, plane X16a may intersect the body portion 11804 of the connector member 11802 at the intersection location I16a. Another vertical plane, represented by axis X16b, extends from the front end 11812b of the second side portion 11808 and is positioned tangent to the inward surface of the head SIP device 11810b at the intersection line L16b. Plane X16b may intersect the body portion 11804 of the connector member 11802 at the intersection location I16b. In an embodiment, measured along axes X16a and X16b, the distance between the intersection points I16a and I16b and the corresponding intersection lines L16a and L16b is less than the distance between the intersection lines L16a and L16b and the corresponding front ends 11812a and 11812b of the side portions 11806 and 11808.

[0791] refer to Figures 132A-133C In embodiments, the upper transition regions 11819a, 11819b and / or the lower transition regions 11821a, 11821b may extend between the inward surfaces 11818a, 11818b and the adjacent surface of the connector member 11802. However, it should be understood that in embodiments where the head SIP devices 11810a, 11810b are directly mounted to the headrest, the upper transition regions 11819a, 11819b and / or the lower transition regions 11821a, 11821b may extend between the inward surfaces 11818a, 11818b and the inner surface of the headrest. The upper and / or lower transition regions may be shaped or molded to form a smooth profile. Furthermore, the head SIP devices 11810a, 11810b may, but need not, extend to cover the entire height of the SIP assembly 11800 and / or the headrest 11820. For example, head SIP devices 11810a, 11810b (e.g., upper transition regions 11819a, 11819b thereof) may extend to the top of SIP assembly 11800 and / or headrest 11820, and / or head SIP devices 11810a, 11810b (e.g., lower transition regions 11821a, 11821b thereof) may extend to the bottom of SIP assembly 11800 and / or headrest 11820.

[0792] Now for reference Figure 134A-134DAnother embodiment of a headrest 11900 including at least one head SIP device is shown. As shown, the headrest 11900 has a rear portion 11902, a first headrest side member 11904, and a second headrest side member 11906. The rear portion 11902, the first headrest side member 11904, and the second headrest side member 11906 together define a head receiving region 11908 of the headrest 11900. A first head SIP device 11910a may be disposed at or adjacent to the first headrest side member 11904, and a second head SIP device 11910b may be disposed at or adjacent to the second headrest side member 11906. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the head SIP devices 11910a, 11910b are mounted near the rear of the headrest 11900, for example at the interface between the rear portion 11902 and the respective headrest side members 11904, 11906.

[0793] Each head SIP device 11910a, 11910b includes inward surfaces 11912a, 11912b. In an embodiment, as shown, the inward surfaces 11912a, 11912b may each include a single lateral impact protection region. As shown, the first ends 11916a, 11916b of the inward surfaces 11912a, 11912b positioned closest to the rear portion 11902 may be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the rear portion. The inward surfaces 11912a, 11912b may also extend at a non-parallel angle relative to the vertical axis. The planes of the inward surfaces 11912a and 11912b can be tilted relative to the vertical axis, such that the bottom ends 11918a and 11918b of the inward surfaces 11912a and 11912b closest to the bottom of the headrest 11900 can be positioned closer to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving area 11908 of the headrest 11900 than the ends 11920a and 11920b of the inward surfaces 11912a and 11912b closest to the top of the headrest 11900.

[0794] Alternatively or additionally, the lengths of the inward surfaces 11912a and 11912b, parallel to the CLA measurement, can vary in height along the inward surfaces 11912a and 11912b. As shown, the front edges 11922a and 11922b of the inward surfaces 11912a and 11912b can be defined by a flip line T1. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the flip line T1 is arranged at an angle relative to the rear portion 11902 of the headrest. For example, the flip line T1 can have a forward-facing configuration. Therefore, the length of the inward surfaces 11912a and 11912b extending between the rear portion 11902 of the headrest and the flip line T1 near the top of the front edges 11922a and 11922b of the inward surfaces 11912a and 11912b (shown by LI1) is greater than the length of the inward surfaces 11912a and 11912b extending between the rear portion 11902 of the headrest and the flip line T1 near the bottom of the front edges 11922a and 11922b of the inward surfaces 11912a and 11912b (shown by LI2). The length LI1 can be between approximately 90 mm and approximately 140 mm, for example, approximately 95 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 110 mm, or approximately 130 mm. The length LI2 can be between approximately 40 mm and approximately 90 mm, for example, approximately 50 mm, approximately 60 mm, approximately 70 mm, approximately 80 mm, and approximately 85 mm. It should be understood that the ranges for LI1 and LI2 are intended only as examples, and this document covers other suitable values ​​beyond the ranges provided.

[0795] Each of the headrest SIP devices 11910a, 11910b may have a base surface 11914a, 11914b that faces a corresponding portion of the headrest 11900 or is integral with said corresponding portion. In an embodiment, the base surfaces 11914a, 11914b of the headrest SIP devices 11910a, 11910b, such as the surfaces near the respective front ends of the headrest SIP devices 11910a, 11910b, extend away from the corresponding surfaces of the adjacent headrest side members 11904, 11906. This profile forms a gap or recess between the base surfaces 11914a, 11914b near the front of each headrest SIP device 11910a, 11910b and the respective front ends 11922a, 11922b of the headrest 11900. Including these recesses can improve the impact on the occupant's head during a collision event by facilitating the rolling of the occupant's head.

[0796] refer to Figure 135A-135CAnother embodiment of the headrest 11950 is shown. As shown, the headrest 11950 includes a rear portion 11952 having a headrest support surface (not shown), a first headrest side member 11954, and a second headrest side member 11956. A head SIP assembly 11960 may be positioned around the headrest 11950 and includes a connector member 11962 having a central body portion 11964, a first side portion 11966 extending from a first side of the body portion 11964, and a second side portion 11968 extending from a second opposite side of the body portion 11964. A first head SIP device 11970a may be disposed at or adjacent to the first side portion 11966 of the connector member 11962, and a second head SIP device 11970b may be disposed at or adjacent to the second side portion 11968 of the connector member 11962. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, head SIP devices 11970a, 11970b are mounted near the rear of head SIP assembly 11960, for example at the interface between the main body portion 11964 of connector member 11962 and the corresponding side portions 11966, 11968.

[0797] Each head SIP device 11970a, 11970b may extend to cover only a portion of the length of each side portion 11966, 11968. As shown, the head SIP devices 11970a, 11970b may extend substantially to the center of the side portions 11966, 11968. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, at least one head SIP device 11970a, 11970b extends less than half the length of the corresponding side portion 11966, 11968. However, embodiments in which at least one head SIP device 11970a, 11970b is longer or shorter are also covered herein.

[0798] Similar to previously disclosed embodiments, each head SIP device 11970a, 11970b includes inward surfaces 11972a, 11972b, each inward surface having first side impact protection regions 11974a, 11974b positioned closest to the body portion 11964, and second side impact protection regions 11976a, 11976b extending forward away from the first side impact protection regions 11974a, 11974b. As shown, the first side impact protection regions 11974a, 11974b may be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the body portion 11964 of the connector member 11962. The second side impact protection regions 11976a, 11976b may also be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the corresponding first side impact protection regions 11974a, 11974b.

[0799] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the head SIP device 11970a forms a first recess 11980a within the head receiving region 11961 of the head SIP assembly 11960 (see [link]). Figure 135C The head SIP device 11970b forms a second recess 11980b within the head receiving region 11961. The first side impact protection regions 11974a, 11974b may respectively adjoin the corresponding second side impact protection regions 11976a, 11976b of each head SIP device 11970a, 11970b at a generally vertically intersecting line indicated by L17a and L17b (see...). Figure 135B and 135C The intersecting lines L17a and L17b can be positioned laterally on the portion of the head SIP devices 11970a and 11970b that is closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving area 11961.

[0800] The first recess 11980a is partially defined by a second side impact protection area 11976a and a plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 11982a, 11982b of the side portions 11966, 11968 of the connector member 11962. The surface of the first side portion 11966, extending between the second side impact protection area 11976a and the front end 11982a, may also partially define the first recess 11980a. The recess 11980a is further defined by a plane extending laterally from the intersection line L17a to the inner edges of the front ends 11982a, 11982b of the side portions 11966, 11968. This plane... Figure 135C The recess 11980a is indicated by line P17a. The plane P17a extending laterally from the intersecting line L17a toward the plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front end 11982a may, but does not need to, be coplanar with the first side impact protection area 11974a of the head SIP device 11970a.

[0801] Similarly, the second recess 11980b extends from the intersecting line L17b toward a plane that extends laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 11982a, 11982b of the side portions 11966, 11968. The plane of the recess 11980b, indicated by line P17b, extending laterally from the intersecting line L17b toward the plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 11982a, 11982b, may, but does not need to, be coplanar with the first side impact protection region 11974a of the head SIP device 11970b. The recess 11980b may also be defined by the plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 11982a, 11982b, the second side impact protection region 11976b, and the surface of the second side portion 11968 extending between the second side impact protection region 11976b and the front end 11982b.

[0802] Further reference Figure 135C A vertical plane, represented by axis X17a, extends from the front end 11982a of the first side portion 11966 and is positioned tangent to the inward surface 11972a of the head SIP device 11970a at the intersection line L17a. Furthermore, plane X17a may intersect the body portion 11964 of the connector member 11962 at the intersection position I17a. Another vertical plane, represented by axis X17b, extends from the front end 11982b of the second side portion 11968 and is positioned tangent to the inward surface 11972b of the head SIP device 11970b at the intersection line L17b. Plane X17b may intersect the body portion 11964 of the connector member 11962 at the intersection position I17b. In an embodiment, measured along axes X17a and X17b, the distance between the intersection points I17a and I17b and the corresponding intersection lines L17a and L17b is less than the distance between the intersection lines L17a and L17b and the corresponding front ends 11982a and 11982b of the side portions 11966 and 11968.

[0803] Continue to refer to Figure 135A-135C In one embodiment, the gap between the first side portion 11966 and the second side portion 11968 varies within the height of the head SIP assembly. For example, the gap formed between the tops of the first side portion 11966 and the second side portion 11968 of the head SIP assembly may be larger than the gap formed between the first side portion 11966 and the second side portion 11968 near the bottom of the head SIP assembly. Including this taper within the height of the head SIP assembly 11960 allows for control of the occupant's head roll during a collision event.

[0804] Figures 242A-242C Another embodiment of the headrest 17300 is shown. As shown, the headrest 17300 includes a structural housing 17320 and an inner member 17302. The inner member 17302 has a central body portion 17304, a first side portion 17306 extending from a first side of the central body portion 17304, and a second side portion 17308 extending from a second opposite side of the central body portion 17304. In this embodiment, the central body portion 17304 forms the rear portion of the inner member 17302. The central body portion 17304, the first side portion 17306, and the second side portion 17308 define a head receiving area 17328 of the headrest 17300.

[0805] The inner member 17302 may be permanently or removably mounted to the structural housing 17320 of the headrest 17300. The headrest housing 17320 may include a rear portion 17322 and at least one headrest housing side member, such as a first headrest housing side member 17324 and a second headrest housing side member 17326 disposed on the opposite side of the rear portion 17322 and extending toward the front of the headrest housing 17320. The inner member 17302 may be positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the headrest housing 17320 of the headrest 17300. For example, the central body portion 17304 of the inner component 17302 may be positioned adjacent to the rear portion 17322 of the headrest housing 17320, the first side portion 17306 and the first head SIP device 17310a of the inner component 17302 may be positioned adjacent to the first headrest housing side member 17324 of the headrest housing 17320 (the first side portion 17306 is in direct contact with the first headrest housing side member 17324), and the second side portion 17308 and the second head SIP device 17310b of the inner component 17302 may be positioned adjacent to the second headrest housing side member 17326 (the second side portion 17308 is in direct contact with the second headrest housing side member 17326). At least a portion of the rear surface or outer surface 17316 of the inner member 17302 may have a profile that is complementary to the profile of the inner surface of the rear portion 17322 and the headrest housing side members 17324, 17326, in order to facilitate engagement between them.

[0806] The headrest 17300 includes at least one head SIP device 17310a, 17310b, for example, disposed on the inner member 17302. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first head SIP device 17310a is disposed at or adjacent to a first side portion 17306 of the inner member 17302, and the second head SIP device 17310b may be disposed at or adjacent to a second side portion 17308 of the inner member 17302. The head SIP devices 17310a, 17310b may be mounted near the rear of the inner member 17302, for example at the interface between the central body portion 17304 and the corresponding side portions 17306, 17308 of the inner member 17302. In the embodiment, the first head SIP device 17310a and the second head SIP device 17310b are integrally formed with the inner member 17302. In such an embodiment, the inner component 17302 and the head SIP devices 17310a, 17310b can be considered together as the head SIP assembly 17301.

[0807] As described in the previous embodiments, the headrest housing 17320 may comprise or be formed of a first material having a first hardness and / or stiffness, and the inner member 17302 may be formed of a second material having a second hardness and / or stiffness less than the first hardness and / or stiffness. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the side portions 17306, 17308 of the inner member 17302 are elongated such that the distal ends 17312a, 17312b of each side portion 17306, 17308 extend beyond the corresponding front ends 17328a, 17328b of the corresponding headrest housing side members 17324, 17326 of the headrest housing 17320. Therefore, the distal ends 17312a, 17312b of each side portion 17306, 17308 may define the front or forward extent of the headrest 17300. Each head SIP device 17310a, 17310b may extend to cover the entire length or only a portion of the length of each side portion 17306, 17308. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, at least one head SIP device 17310a, 17310b extends to cover approximately half the length of the respective side portion 17306, 17308. However, embodiments in which at least one head SIP device 17310a, 17310b is longer or shorter are also covered herein.

[0808] Similar to previously disclosed embodiments, each head SIP device 17310a, 17310b includes inward surfaces 17318a, 17318b, each inward surface having a first side impact protection region 17330a, 17330b positioned closest to the body portion 17304, and a second side impact protection region 17332a, 17332b extending forward away from the first side impact protection regions 17330a, 17330b. As shown, the first side impact protection regions 17330a, 17330b may be arranged at an angle to the body portion 17304 of the inner member 17302. The second side impact protection regions 17332a, 17332b may be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the corresponding first side impact protection regions 17330a, 17330b. The first head SIP device 17310a and the second head SIP device 17310b may define corresponding recesses (not shown) within the head receiving region 17328 of the inner member 17302, as previously described herein.

[0809] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the headrest 17300 further includes a rear head SIP device 17340, also referred to herein as a headrest support member. As shown, the rear head SIP device 17340 can be positioned to directly contact the central body portion 17304 of the inner member 17302, for example, between the first head SIP device 17310a and the second head SIP device 17310b. In this embodiment, the rear head SIP device 17340 is positioned between corresponding first side impact protection regions 17330a, 17330b of the first head SIP device 17310a and the second head SIP device 17310b. A gap may be formed between a portion of the rear head SIP device 17340 and the adjacent head SIP devices 17310a, 17310b. Alternatively, the rear head SIP device 17340 may be on at least a portion of one or both of the first head SIP device 17310a and the second head SIP device 17310b, and in some embodiments, may directly contact one or both of them over their entire side surface. Although the rear head SIP device 17340 is shown in the figures as a separate component attached to the inner member 17302, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the rear head SIP device 17340 may be integrally formed with the inner member 17302 and / or the head SIP devices 17310a, 17310b, for example, by varying the thickness of the inner member. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the rear head SIP device 17340 may be integrated into a soft article (not shown) that can be positioned to form an overlapping arrangement with the inner member 17302. In embodiments where the rear head SIP device 17340 and the inner member 17302 are integrally formed, the rear head SIP device 17340 and the inner member 17302 may be formed of the same material. However, in other embodiments, the inner member 17302 and the rear head SIP device 17340 may be made of different materials. For example, the inner member 17302 may be formed of a material with a hardness greater than that of the material of the rear head SIP device 17340. In an embodiment, the inner member 17302 is formed of expanded polypropylene, and the rear head SIP device 17340 is formed of foam material.

[0810] The rear head SIP device 17340 may, but does not need to, have a shape complementary to the adjacent side portions 17306, 17308 of the inner member 17302 and / or the head SIP devices 17310a, 17310b. Although a rectangular rear head SIP device 17340 is shown, it should be understood that a rear head SIP device 17340 with a different profile, such as tapered or angled sides near the first head SIP device 17310a and the second head SIP device 17310b, is also covered herein. The rear head SIP device 17340 may, but does not need to, have a uniform thickness measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the headrest 17300. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the thickness of the rear head SIP device 17340 is less than the thickness of the first side impact protection regions 17330a, 17330b measured parallel to the CLA. Compared to the case without the rear head SIP device 17340, the inclusion of the rear head SIP device 17340 positions the occupant's head more forward along the CLA. Therefore, the rear head SIP device 17340 can facilitate forward roll of the occupant's head during a side impact event.

[0811] Now for reference Figures 243A-243B The image shows a headrest 17400 according to another embodiment. Similar to... Figure 132A-135C In a previous embodiment, the headrest 17400 may include an inner member 17402 having a central body portion 17404, a first side portion 17406 extending from a first side of the central body portion 17404, and a second side portion 17408 extending from a second opposite side of the central body portion 17404. The central body portion 17404, the first side portion 17406, and the second side portion 17408 may define a head receiving region 17407 of the inner member 17402.

[0812] The inner member 17402 may be removably connected to the structural housing 17410 of the headrest 17400, or may be permanently connected to the structural housing. As in the previous embodiments, the headrest housing 17410 may include a rear portion 17412 and at least one headrest housing side member, such as a first headrest housing side member 17414 and a second headrest housing side member 17416 disposed on opposite sides of the rear portion 17412 and extending toward the front of the headrest housing 17410. The inner member 17402 may be positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the housing 17410 of the headrest 17400. For example, the central body portion 17404 of the inner member 17402 may be positioned adjacent to the rear portion 17412 of the headrest housing 17410, the first side portion 17406 of the inner member 17402 may be positioned adjacent to the first headrest housing side member 17414 of the headrest housing 17410 (the first side portion 17406 is in direct contact with the first headrest housing side member 17414), and the second side portion 17408 of the inner member 17402 may be positioned adjacent to the second headrest housing side member 17416 (the second side portion 17408 is in direct contact with the second headrest housing side member 17416). At least a portion of the outer surface 17417 of the inner member 17402 may have a profile complementary to the profile of the inner surfaces of the rear portion 17412 and the headrest housing side members 17414, 17416 to facilitate engagement between them.

[0813] The inner component 17402 may be an assembly comprising multiple components. In an embodiment, the inner component 14702 includes a connector component 17420 having a central body 17422, a first side portion 17424 extending from a first side of the central body 17422, and a second side portion 17426 extending from a second opposite side of the central body 17422. The central body 17422 of the connector component 17420 may form a central body portion 17404 of the inner component 17402, the first side portion 17424 of the connector component 17420 may form a portion of a first side portion 17406 of the inner component 17402, and the second side portion 17426 of the connector component 17420 may form a portion of a second side portion 17408 of the inner component 17402.

[0814] As described in the previous embodiments, the headrest housing 17410 may comprise or be formed of a first material having a first hardness or stiffness, and the connector member 17420 may be formed of a second material having a second hardness or stiffness less than the first hardness or stiffness. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the sides 17424, 17426 of the connector member 17420 are shortened such that the front ends 17418a, 17418b of the headrest housing side members 17414, 17426 extend beyond the distal ends 17412a, 17412b of each respective side 17424, 17426 of the connector member 17420.

[0815] A first head SIP device 17430a may be disposed at or near a first side portion 17424 of the connector member 17420, and another first head SIP device 17430b may be disposed at or near a second side portion 17426 of the connector member 17420. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first head SIP devices 17430a and 17430b are mounted near the rear portion of the connector member 17420, for example at the interface between the main body portion 17422 of the connector member 17420 and the corresponding sides 17424 and 17426. Each first head SIP device 17430a, 17430b includes inward surfaces 17432a, 17432b, which have first side impact protection regions 17434a, 17434b positioned closest to the body portion 17322, and second side impact protection regions 17436a, 17436b extending forward away from the first side impact protection regions 17434a, 17434b. As shown, the first side impact protection regions 17434a, 17434b may be arranged at an angle to the central body portion 17422 of the connector member 17420. The second side impact protection regions 17436a, 17436b may be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the corresponding first side impact protection regions 17434a, 17434b.

[0816] The first side impact protection regions 17434a and 17434b can be adjacent to the corresponding second side impact protection regions 17436a and 17436b of each head SIP device 17430a and 17430b at a generally vertical intersection line represented by L18a and L18b, respectively. The intersection lines L18a and L18b can be positioned at the portion of the head SIP device 17430a and 17430b that is laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region 17407.

[0817] The first head SIP devices 17430a and 17430b may define corresponding recesses (not shown) within the head receiving area 17407 of the inner member 17402. Each of these recesses may be partially defined by the second side impact protection areas 17436a and 17436b, a plane extending laterally from the inner edge of the front ends 17418a and 17418b of the headrest housing side portions 17414 and 17416, and a plane extending laterally from the intersection lines L18a and L18b to the inner edge of the front ends 17418a and 17418b of the headrest housing side portions 17414 and 17416.

[0818] The inner component 17402 further includes at least one second component, such as an auxiliary side component. As shown, the auxiliary side component 17450a (e.g., its outer surface 17454a) can be positioned to directly contact the first headrest housing side component 17414. The auxiliary side component 17450a can extend from the front end 17428a of the adjacent first side portion 17242 of the connector component 14720 and / or the front end 17418a of the first headrest housing side component 17414. Similarly, another auxiliary side component 17450b, such as its outer surface 17454b, can be positioned to directly contact the second headrest housing side component 17416 at a location between the front end 17418b of the second headrest housing side component 17416 and the adjacent second side portion 17244 of the connector component 17420 and / or the front end 17428b of the adjacent first headrest housing side component 17430b. In an embodiment, the shapes of each auxiliary side member 17450a, 17450b are complementary to the shapes of the first headrest housing side member 17414 and the second headrest housing side member 17416 in front of the sides 17424, 17426 of the connector member 17420, respectively. Therefore, the connector member 17420 and the auxiliary side members 17450a, 17450b can be combined to overlap the entire inner surface of the headrest housing 17410 defined by the rear portion 17412 and the headrest housing side members 17414, 17416.

[0819] The inner member 17402 of the headrest 17400 may additionally include at least one third component, such as another head SIP device. In an embodiment, one head SIP device 17452a is arranged adjacent to a first side portion 17406 of the inner member 17402, and another head SIP device 17452b is arranged adjacent to a second side portion 17408 of the inner member 17402. Each auxiliary side member 17450a, 17450b of the inner member 17402 has a generally planar inward surface 17456a, 17456b facing the head receiving region 17407. In an embodiment, the head SIP devices 17452a, 17452b are positioned to overlap with the inward surfaces 17456a, 17456b of the respective auxiliary side members 17450a, 17450b. For example, head SIP device 17452a may be positioned near a first side 17424 of connector member 17420, contacting the inward surface 17456a of auxiliary side member 17450a, and head SIP device 17452b may be positioned near a second side 17426 of connector member 17420, contacting the inward surface 17456b of auxiliary side member 17450b. The size and shape of each head SIP device 17452a, 17452b may be complementary to the size and / or shape of the corresponding auxiliary side member 17450a, 17450b to which the head SIP devices 17452a, 17452b are mounted. Therefore, the distal ends 17412a, 17412b of each headrest housing side member 17414, 17416, combined with the distal ends 17460a, 17460b of each auxiliary side member 17450a, 17450b and the distal ends 17462a, 17462b of each head SIP device 17452a, 17452b, can define the front or forward extent of the headrest 17400. However, embodiments in which the side portions 17406, 17408 of the inner member 17402 extend beyond the ends 17418a, 17418b of the headrest housing 17420 are also covered herein.

[0820] In one embodiment, the ends 17458a, 17458b of each head SIP device 17452a, 17452b are configured to adjoin the second side impact protection regions 17436a, 17436b of the corresponding first head SIP devices 17430a, 17430b. In embodiments where the second side impact protection regions 17436a, 17436b are angled relative to the CLA, the ends 17458a, 17458b of the head SIP devices 17452a, 17452b may have complementary angled surfaces to maintain contact with the second side impact protection regions 17436a, 17436b across the entire surface of the ends 17458a, 17458b. The thickness of each head SIP device 17452a, 17452b, measured perpendicular to the headrest housing side members 17414, 17416, can be less than the thickness of the first head SIP device 17430a, 17430b at the interface formed between the respective first side impact protection regions 17434a, 17434b and the second side impact protection regions 17436a, 17436b. Furthermore, the thickness of the head SIP devices 17452a, 17452b can be uniform along their length (parallel to the CLA) or can vary along their length.

[0821] Connector component 17420 and, in some embodiments, first head SIP devices 17430a, 17430b may be formed of a first material. The first material may be expanded polypropylene. In embodiments, the first head SIP devices 17430a, 17430b are integrally formed with connector component 17420. Auxiliary side components 17450a, 17450b may be formed of a second material. In embodiments, the first and second materials are substantially the same. However, in other embodiments, the first and second materials may be different. In embodiments, auxiliary side components 17450a, 17450b are formed of expanded polypropylene material. However, the expanded polypropylene of connector component 17420 may have different mechanical properties than the expanded polypropylene material of auxiliary side components 17450a, 17450b. Head SIP devices 17452a, 17452b are formed of a third material. The third material may be the same as or different from the first and second materials. In some embodiments, the hardness or stiffness of the third material is less than that of the second material, and in some embodiments, it is less than that of the first material. In some embodiments, the third material is a foam material, such as polyurethane foam.

[0822] Now for reference Figure 244A-245CAn example of a headrest SIP assembly 17500 suitable for use with a headrest (not shown) in a child car seat is shown. The headrest SIP assembly 17500 includes a body having a rear portion 17502, a first side portion 17504 extending from a first side of the rear portion 17502, and a second side portion 17506 extending from a second opposite side of the rear portion 17502. The rear portion 17502, the first side portion 17504, and the second side portion 17506 can cooperate to define a head receiving area 17508 of the headrest SIP assembly 17500. The headrest SIP assembly 17500 can be removably attached to or can be permanently attached to the structural housing (not shown) of the headrest.

[0823] The main body of the head SIP assembly 17500 is at least partially formed by an inner member or connector member 17510, the inner member or connector member having a central body 17512, a first side portion 17514 extending from a first side of the central body 17512, and a second side portion 17516 extending from a second opposite side of the central body 17512. A first head SIP device 17520a may be disposed at or adjacent to the first side portion 17514 of the connector member 17510, and a second head SIP device 17520b may be disposed at or adjacent to the second side portion 17516 of the connector member 17510. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the head SIP devices 17520a, 17520b are mounted near the rear of the head SIP assembly 17500, for example at the interface between the main body 17512 of the connector member 17510 and the corresponding sides 17514, 17516.

[0824] Each head SIP device 17520a, 17520b may extend to cover the entire length or only a portion of the length of each side 17514, 17516. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, at least one head SIP device 17520a, 17520b extends to cover approximately half the length of the corresponding side 17514, 17516. However, embodiments in which at least one head SIP device 17520a, 17520b is longer or shorter are also covered herein. Each head SIP device 17520a, 17520b includes inward surfaces 17522a, 17522b having first side impact protection regions 17524a, 17524b positioned closest to the body 17512 and second side impact protection regions 17526a, 17526b extending forward away from the first side impact protection regions 17524a, 17524b. As shown in the figure, the first side impact protection areas 17524a and 17524b can be arranged at an angle with the main body 17512 of the connector component 17510. The second side impact protection areas 17526a and 17526b can be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the corresponding first side impact protection areas 17524a and 17524b.

[0825] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first head SIP device 17520a forms a first recess 17530a in the head receiving region of the head SIP assembly 17500 (see [link]). Figure 244A The second head SIP device 17520b forms a second recess 17530b within the head receiving region 17508 of the head SIP assembly 17500. First side impact protection regions 17524a, 17524b may respectively adjoin the corresponding second side impact protection regions 17526a, 17526b of each head SIP device 17520a, 17520b at a generally vertical intersection line represented by L19a and L19b. The intersection lines L19a, L19b may be positioned at the portion of the head SIP device 17520a, 17520b laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region.

[0826] The first recess 17530a is partially defined by a second side impact protection area 17526a and a plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 17528a, 17528b of the side portions 17504, 17506 of the head SIP assembly 17500. The surface of the first side portion 17506, extending between the second side impact protection area 17526a and the front end 17528a, may also partially define the first recess 17530a. The recess 17530a is further defined by a plane P19a extending laterally from the intersection line L19a to the inner edges of the front ends 17528a, 17528b of the side portions 17504, 17506. This plane P19a of the recess 17530a may, but does not need to, be coplanar with the first side impact protection area 17524a of the head SIP assembly 17530a. Similarly, the second recess 17530b is partially defined by the second side impact protection region 17526b, and in some embodiments, by the surface of the second side portion 17506 extending between the second side impact protection region 17526b and the front end 17528b of the head SIP assembly 17500. The recess 17530b also extends from the intersecting line L19b toward a plane that extends laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 17528a, 17528b of the side portions 17504, 17506. The plane of the recess 17530b, indicated by line P19b, extending laterally from the intersecting line L19b toward the plane extending laterally between the front ends 17528a, 17528b, may, but does not need to, be coplanar with the first side impact protection region 17524b of the head SIP device 17520b.

[0827] exist Figures 244A-244C and Figure 245A-245C In each of the embodiments shown, the body of the head SIP assembly 17500 is further formed by at least one energy-absorbing assembly 17540. The energy-absorbing assembly 17540 may be arranged near the side portions 17504, 17506 of the head SIP assembly 17500. Although the energy-absorbing assembly 17540 is shown in the figures only near the first side portion 17504 of the head SIP assembly 17500, it should be understood that in some embodiments, a similar energy-absorbing assembly may also be arranged at the second side portion 17506 of the head SIP assembly 17500.

[0828] The energy-absorbing assembly 17540 includes an energy-absorbing member 17542. The energy-absorbing member 17542 may be located near the sides 17514, 17516 of the connector member 17510. The energy-absorbing member 17542 may be formed of a different material than the connector member 17502. The hardness or stiffness of the energy-absorbing member 17542 may be less than that of the connector member 17502. For example, the energy-absorbing member 17542 may be formed of a foam material.

[0829] exist Figures 244A-244F In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the first side portion 17514 of the connector member 17510 is less than the length of the first side portion 17504 of the head SIP assembly 17500. Therefore, the end portion 17517a of the first side portion 17514 of the connector member 17510 is offset from the end portion 17528a of the head SIP assembly 17500. As shown, the energy-absorbing member 17542 may extend between the front end portion 17528a and the end portion 17517a of the first side portion 17514 of the connector member 17510. In this embodiment, the end portion 17514 is offset from the head SIP device 17520a. However, in other embodiments, the end portion 17517a may be positioned at the head SIP device 17520a. In such embodiments, the energy-absorbing member 17542 may form part of the head SIP device 17520a, as... Figures 244A-244C As shown.

[0830] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the energy-absorbing assembly 17540 further includes an energy-absorbing sheet or outer reinforcing layer 17544 positioned around the energy-absorbing member 17542. As shown, the outer reinforcing layer 17544 may be arranged to directly contact the inward surface 17546 of the energy-absorbing member 17542. In an embodiment, the outer reinforcing layer 17544 overlaps substantially the entire inward surface of the energy-absorbing member 17542 (see Figure 17544). Figure 245A-245C ); however, as Figures 244A-244C As shown, the outer reinforcing layer 17544 does not need to extend to the front end 17528a of the side portion 17504 and / or does not need to cover the entire energy absorption member 17542. The outer reinforcing layer 17544 may also overlap with a portion of the connector member 17510. For example, the outer reinforcing layer 17544 may overlap with the surface of the first side portion 17514 and / or the head SIP device 17520a ( Figure 245A-245CThe outer reinforcing layer 17544 overlaps with the surface of the adjacent energy-absorbing member 17542, for example, a portion of the second side impact region 17526a. The outer reinforcing layer 17544 may be formed of a different material than the energy-absorbing member 17542, and in some embodiments, it is formed of a different material than the connector member 17502. In an embodiment, the outer reinforcing layer 17544 is formed of a polypropylene material, such as a polypropylene sheet. Including the outer reinforcing layer 17544 on the energy-absorbing member 17542 disperses the impact force of the occupant's head across the surface of the energy-absorbing member 17542.

[0831] In other embodiments, the head SIP assembly may include a weak region that facilitates movement or bending of the head SIP assembly to absorb energy in response to an impact to the rider's head. (See now) Figures 246A-247C In the illustrated embodiment, the head SIP assembly 17600 may include a connector member 17602 having a central body portion 17604, a first side portion 17606 extending from a first side of the central body portion 17604, and a second side portion 17608 extending from a second opposite side of the central body portion 17604. The connector member 17602 may be removably connected to or may be permanently connected to the structural housing of the headrest (not shown). A first head SIP device 17610a may be disposed at or adjacent to the first side portion 17606 of the connector member 17602, and a second head SIP device 17610b may be disposed at or adjacent to the second side portion 17608 of the connector member 17602. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, head SIP devices 17610a, 17610b are mounted near the rear of head SIP assembly 17600, for example at the interface between the central body portion 17604 and the corresponding side portions 17606, 17608 of connector member 17602.

[0832] Each head SIP device 17610a, 17610b may extend to cover the entire length or only a portion of the length of each side portion 17606, 17608. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, at least one head SIP device 17610a, 17610b extends to cover approximately half the length of the corresponding side portion 17606, 17608. However, embodiments in which at least one head SIP device 17610a, 17610b is longer or shorter are also covered herein. Similar to several embodiments previously disclosed herein, each head SIP device 17610a, 17610b includes inward surfaces 17618a, 17618b having first side impact protection regions 17620a, 17620b positioned closest to the body portion 17604, and second side impact protection regions 17622a, 17622b extending forward away from the first side impact protection regions 17620a, 17620b. As shown in the figure, the first side impact protection areas 17620a and 17620b can be arranged at an angle with the main body 17604 of the connector component 17602. The second side impact protection areas 17622a and 17622b can be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the corresponding first side impact protection areas 17620a and 17620b.

[0833] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a first head SIP device 17610a forms a first recess 17630a within a head receiving region 17612 of the head SIP assembly 17600, and a second head SIP device 17610b forms a second recess 17630b within the head receiving region. First side impact protection regions 17620a and 17620b may respectively abut against the corresponding second side impact protection regions 17622a and 17622b of each head SIP device 17610a and 17610b at a generally vertical intersection line represented by L20a and L20b. The intersection lines L20a and L20b may be positioned at the portion of the head SIP devices 17610a and 17610b laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region 17612.

[0834] The first recess 17630a is partially defined by a second side impact protection area 17622a and a plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 17524a and 17624b of the side portions 17606 and 17608 of the connector member 17602. The surface of the first side portion 17606, extending between the second side impact protection area 17622a and the front end 17624a, may also partially define the first recess 17630a. The recess 17630a is further defined by a plane P20a extending laterally from the intersection line L20a to the inner edges of the front ends 17624a and 17624b of the side portions 17604 and 17606. This plane P20a of the recess 17630a may, but does not need to, be coplanar with the first side impact protection area 17620a of the head SIP device 17610a. Similarly, the second recess 17630b is partially defined by the second side impact protection region 17622b, and in some embodiments, by the surface of the second side portion 17606 extending between the second side impact protection region 17622b and the front end 17624b. The recess 17630b also extends from the intersecting line L20b toward a plane that extends laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 17624a, 17624b of the side portions 17606, 17608. The plane of the recess 17630b, indicated by line P20b, extending laterally from the intersecting line L20b toward the plane that extends laterally between the front ends 17624a, 17624b, may, but does not need to, be coplanar with the first side impact protection region 17620b of the head SIP device 17610b.

[0835] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the head SIP assembly 17600 includes at least one weak region defined by a material area removed from the connector member 17602. The term "removed material area" is intended to identify a removed material area in the connector member 17602 that forms a hollow recess or channel 17640 with a reduced thickness compared to the surrounding area. These removed material recesses or areas 17640 may extend only a small portion of the thickness of the connector member 17602, or alternatively, may extend to cover substantially the entire thickness of the connector member 17602, leaving a solid opposing surface there. Although Figures 246A-248C Each of the head SIP assemblies 17600 shown has a single weak region or removed material region 17640 disposed only at one of the first side portion 17606 and the second side portion 17608 of the connector member 17602. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, one or more similar removed material regions 17640 may be disposed at both the first side portion 17606 and the second side portion 17608 of the connector member 17602.

[0836] exist Figures 246A-247C In the non-limiting embodiment shown, an elongated recess 17641 is formed at the corresponding side portions 17606 and 17608 after the material is removed from the area 17640. Figures 246A-246C In this process, material has been removed from the inward surface 17634 of the second side portion 17608 of the connector component 17602 in the material-removed area 17640, thereby forming a hollow channel 17641 at the inward surface 17632. Figures 247A-247C In this process, a material region 17640 is removed from the outward surface 17632 of the first side portion 17606, thereby forming a hollow channel 17641 at the outward surface 17632. As shown, the removed material region 17640 and the resulting hollow channel 17641 can extend substantially from the top surface 17642 of the respective side portions 17606, 17608 to the bottom surface 17644 of the side portions 17606, 17608. The hollow channel 17641 can have a linear construction, or alternatively, it can have another construction, such as a curved construction. Although Figures 246A-246C and Figures 247A-247C The hollow channels 17641 are all positioned between the front ends 17642a and 17642b of the corresponding head SIP units 17610a and 17610b and the corresponding side portions 17606 and 17608. However, it should be understood that embodiments in which the hollow channels 17641 are formed at a portion of the head SIP units 17610a and 17610b are also covered herein. The connector member 17602 is configured to flex at the weak area defined by the hollow channels 17641 in response to the impact force of the occupant's head, thereby absorbing the energy from the impact.

[0837] Figures 248A-248CThe head SIP assembly 17700 shown similarly includes a weak region defined by a material-removed area 17740, thereby forming a recess 17742. As described in the previous embodiment, the non-limiting head SIP assembly 17700 may include a connector member 17702 having a central body portion 17704, a first side portion 17706 extending from a first side of the central body portion 17704, and a second side portion 17708 extending from a second opposite side of the central body portion 17704. The connector member 17702 may be removably connected to or may be permanently connected to the structural housing of the headrest (not shown). A first head SIP device 17710a may be arranged at or adjacent to the first side portion 17706 of the connector member 17702, and a second head SIP device 17710b may be arranged at or adjacent to the second side portion 17708 of the connector member 17702. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, head SIP devices 17710a, 17710b are arranged at the rear of head SIP assembly 17700, for example, extending between the surface of the central body portion 17704 of connector member 17702 and the corresponding side portions 17706, 17708.

[0838] Each head SIP device 17710a, 17710b may extend to cover the entire length or only a portion of the length of each side portion 17706, 17708. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, at least one head SIP device 17710a, 17710b extends to cover less than half the length of the corresponding side portion 17706, 17708. However, embodiments in which at least one head SIP device 17710a, 17710b is longer or shorter are also covered herein. Each head SIP device 17710a, 17710b includes inward surfaces 17718a, 17718b. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, each inward surface 17718a, 17718b has a single side impact protection region 17720a, 17720b. As shown in the figure, the side impact protection areas 17720a and 17720b can be arranged at an angle to the main body portion 17704 of the connector component 17702 and to the first side portion 17706 and the second side portion 17708, respectively.

[0839] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a first head SIP device 17710a forms a first recess 17730a within a head receiving region 17712 of the head SIP assembly 17700, and a second head SIP device 17710b forms a second recess 17730b within the head receiving region 17712. Side impact protection regions 17720a and 17720b may abut the central body portion 17704 at a generally vertical intersection line represented by L21a and L21b, respectively. The intersection lines L21a and L21 may be positioned at the portion of the head SIP devices 17710a and 17710b laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region 17712.

[0840] The first recess 17730a is partially defined by a side impact protection area 17720a, a surface of a first side portion 17706 extending between the side impact protection area 17620a and the front end 17724a, and a plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 17724a and 17724b of the side portions 17706 and 17708 of the connector members 17702. The recess 17730a may also be defined by a plane P21a extending laterally from the intersection line L21a to the inner edges of the front ends 17724a and 17724b of the side portions 17704 and 17706. Similarly, the second recess 17730b is partially defined by the side impact protection area 17720b, the surface of the second side portion 17706 extending between the second side impact protection area 17622b and the front end 17624b, and a plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 17724a and 17724b of the side portions 17706 and 17708. The recess 17730b also extends from the intersection line L21b toward the plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 17724a and 17724b of the side portions 17706 and 17708.

[0841] Similar to Figures 246A-247CIn the illustrated embodiment, the head SIP assembly 17700 includes at least one removed material region 17740. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the material region 17740 is removed from the outer surface 17732 of the first side portion 17706 of the connector member 17702, thereby forming a hollow recess 17742. As in the previous embodiments, although a single hollow recess 17742 is shown as being disposed only at the first side portion 17706, it should be understood that in some embodiments, one or more material regions 17740 may be removed instead or additionally from the second side portion 17708 of the connector member 17702 to form a hollow recess 17742 at the second side portion 17708. As shown, the hollow recess 17742 may be formed near the front end 17724a of the side portion 17706, for example, between the head SIP device 17710a and the front end 17724a. In other embodiments, the hollow recess 17742 may be formed at the inward surface 17734 of the side portion 17706, and in some embodiments, may overlap with a portion of the head SIP device 17710a. The hollow recess 17742 may have a non-uniform shape, such as a shape complementary to the profile of the side portion 17706 at the location. The hollow recess 17742 defines a weak region of the connector member 17702. Therefore, the side portions 17706, 17708 of the connector member 17702 are configured to flex at the weak region in response to an impact force on the occupant's head, thereby absorbing energy from the impact.

[0842] In other embodiments, the head SIP assembly may include a hollow recess 17841 formed by a region of removed material 17840 and auxiliary material disposed therein. Figure 249A-251C The non-limiting embodiment shown includes a head SIP assembly 17800 having a connector member 17802. The connector member includes a central body portion 17804, a first side portion 17806 extending from a first side of the central body portion 17804, and a second side portion 17808 extending from a second opposite side of the central body portion 17804. The connector member 17802 may be removably connected to or may be permanently connected to a structural housing (not shown) of the headrest. A first head SIP device 17810a may be disposed at or adjacent to the first side portion 17806 of the connector member 17802, and a second head SIP device 17810b may be disposed at or adjacent to the second side portion 17808 of the connector member 17802. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, head SIP devices 17810a, 17810b are mounted near the rear of head SIP assembly 17800, for example at the interface between the main body portion 17804 and the corresponding side portions 17806, 17808 of connector member 17802.

[0843] Each head SIP device 17810a, 17810b may extend to cover the entire length or only a portion of the length of each side portion 17806, 17808. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, at least one head SIP device 17810a, 17810b extends to cover approximately half the length of the corresponding side portion 17806, 17808. However, embodiments in which at least one head SIP device 17810a, 17810b is longer or shorter are also covered herein. Similar to several embodiments previously disclosed herein, each head SIP device 17810a, 17810b includes inward surfaces 17818a, 17818b having first side impact protection regions 17820a, 17820b positioned closest to the body portion 17804, and second side impact protection regions 17822a, 17822b extending forward away from the first side impact protection regions 17820a, 17820b. As shown in the figure, the first side impact protection areas 17820a and 17820b can be arranged at an angle with the main body portion 17804 of the connector component 17802. The second side impact protection areas 17822a and 17822b can be arranged at a non-parallel angle relative to the corresponding first side impact protection areas 17820a and 17820b.

[0844] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a first head SIP device 17810a forms a first recess 17830a within a head receiving region 17812 of the head SIP assembly 17800, and a second head SIP device 17810b forms a second recess 17830b within the head receiving region 17812. First side impact protection regions 17820a and 17820b may be adjacent to corresponding second side impact protection regions 17822a and 17822b of each head SIP device 17810a and 17810b at a generally vertical intersection line represented by L22a and L22b. The intersection lines L22a and L22b may be positioned at the portion of the head SIP devices 17810a and 17810b laterally positioned closest to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the head receiving region 17812.

[0845] The first recess 17830a is partially defined by a second side impact protection area 17822a and a plane extending laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 17824a, 17824b of the side portions 17806, 17808 of the connector member 17802. The surface of the first side portion 17806, extending between the second side impact protection area 17822a and the front end 17824a, may also partially define the first recess 17830a. The recess 17830a is further defined by a plane P22a extending laterally from the intersection line L22a and from the inner edges of the front ends 17824a, 17824b of the side portions 17806, 17808. This plane P22a of the recess 17830a may, but does not need to, be coplanar with the first side impact protection area 17820a of the head SIP device 17810a. Similarly, the second recess 17830b is partially defined by the second side impact protection region 17822b, and in some embodiments, by the surface of the second side portion 17806 extending between the second side impact protection region 17822b and the front end 17824b. The recess 17830b also extends from the intersecting line L22b toward a plane that extends laterally from the inner edges of the front ends 17824a, 17824b of the side portions 17806, 17808. The plane of the recess 17830b, indicated by line P22b, extending laterally from the intersecting line L22b toward the plane extending laterally between the front ends 17824a, 17824b, may, but does not need to, be coplanar with the first side impact protection region 17820b of the head SIP device 17810b.

[0846] As shown in the figure, the connector member 17802 of the head SIP assembly 17800 may additionally include at least one removed material region 17840 forming a hollow channel or recess 17841, similar to the figure regarding Figures 245A-248C Described as 17641 and 17742. The thickness of the first side portion 17806, measured between its outer surface 17832 and inner surface 17834, decreases at the removed material region 17840 compared to the thickness of the area surrounding the first side portion 17806. These removed material recesses or regions 17841 may extend only a small portion of the thickness of the connector member 17802, or alternatively, may extend to cover substantially the entire thickness of the connector member 17802, leaving a solid opposing surface there.

[0847] In the example shown Figures 249A-249C In a non-limiting embodiment, a material region 17840 is removed from the outer surface 17832 of the first side portion 17806, thereby forming a hollow recess 17841 at its outer surface 17832, and Figure 250A-251CIn a non-limiting embodiment, a material region 17840 is removed from the inward surface 17834 of the first side portion 17806, thereby forming a hollow channel or recess 17841 at the inward surface 17834 of the first side portion 17806. The hollow recess 17841 formed by the removed material region 17840 may, but does not need to, extend to cover the entire vertical height of the first side portion 17806, and may be arranged at any suitable location around the first side portion 17806.

[0848] Energy-absorbing assembly 17850 may be associated with at least one recess 17841 formed in connector member 17802. Energy-absorbing assembly 17850 includes at least one energy-absorbing member 17852 formed of a material different from connector member 17802. The hardness of energy-absorbing member 17852 may be less than that of connector member 17802. For example, energy-absorbing member 17852 may be formed of foam material, and connector member 17802 may be formed of expanded polypropylene. Energy-absorbing member 17852 may be positioned within at least one hollow recess or channel 17841 of connector member 17802. In embodiments, the shape of energy-absorbing member 17852 is complementary to the shape of the corresponding hollow recess 17841 (defined by one or more walls of connector member 17802) in which energy-absorbing member 17852 may be accommodated. Furthermore, the thickness of the energy-absorbing member 17852 that can be accommodated in the hollow recess 17841 and the thickness of the side portion 17806 at the hollow recess 17841 can be equal to or greater than the thickness of the surrounding area of ​​the first side portion 17806.

[0849] exist Figure 249A-250C In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the hollow recess 17841 extends from the front end 17824a of the first side portion 17806 toward its central region. In such an embodiment, the energy-absorbing member 17852, combined with the front end 17824a of the side portion 17806, can form the front end of the head SIP assembly 17800. In other embodiments, regardless of whether the hollow recess 17841 and the energy-absorbing member 17852 are disposed on the inner surface 17834 or the outer surface 17832 of the side portion 17806, the hollow recess 17841 and the energy-absorbing member 17852 disposed therein can be spaced apart from the front end 17624a of the first side portion 17806. Reference Figure 251A-251C The hollow cavity 17841 formed in the first side portion 17806 and the energy absorption member 17852 arranged in the hollow cavity 17841 are offset from the front end 17824a of the first side portion 17806.

[0850] With the hollow recess 17841 located at the inward surface 17834, the hollow recess 17841 can be offset from the head SIP device 17810a. For example, the hollow recess 17841 and the corresponding energy-absorbing member 17852 can extend to the edge of the head SIP device 17810a positioned closest to the front end 17824a. However, in other embodiments, the hollow recess 17841 can be located at a portion of the head SIP device 17810a, for example, at a portion of the second side impact protection region 17822a (see...). Figures 247A-247C In such an embodiment, the hollow recess 17841 may, but does not need to, extend to the front end 17824a of the first side portion 17806.

[0851] In an embodiment, for example Figure 249A-250C In the embodiment shown, the side portion 17806 may be formed with an energy-absorbing layer or an outer reinforcing layer. An energy-absorbing layer may be formed on the continuous surface of the first portion 17806 arranged opposite to the energy-absorbing member 17852. For example, Figures 249A-249C The inward surface 17834 of the first portion 17806 shown in the figure and Figure 250A-250C The outer surface 17832 of the first portion 17806 shown may form a corresponding outer reinforcing layer. In an embodiment, the outer reinforcing layer extends substantially from the head contact location, which is defined at the interface between the first side impact region 17820a and the second side impact region 17822b of the head SIP device 17810a and the front end 17824a of the side portion 17806. Embodiments in which individual sheets are positioned at the energy absorption member 17852 in an overlapping manner with the side portion 17806 to distribute the load on the energy absorption member 17852 are also within the scope of this disclosure. Although the weak region 17840 defined by the hollow recess 17841 and the corresponding energy absorption assembly 17850 are shown in the figure only at the first side portion 17806 of the connector member 17802, it should be understood that in some embodiments, a similar weak region 17840 and the corresponding energy absorption assembly 17850 may alternatively be arranged at the second side portion 17608 of the connector member 17802.

[0852] Now for reference Figures 252A-253BAnother embodiment of a headrest 17900 including a head SIP assembly 17902 is shown. The head SIP assembly 17900 includes a central body portion 17904, a first side portion 17906 extending from a first side of the central body portion 17904, and a second side portion 17908 extending from a second opposite side of the central body portion 17904. The head SIP assembly 17902 may be removably attached to the inner surface of the structural housing 17901 of the headrest 17900, or may be permanently attached to the inner surface of the structural housing. In one embodiment, the distal ends 17912a, 17912b of the side portions 17906, 17908 extend beyond the end of the headrest housing 17901. However, embodiments in which the headrest housing 17901 and the distal ends 17912a, 17912b of the side portions 17906, 17908 are substantially coplanar are also covered herein.

[0853] In one embodiment, a first head SIP device 17910a is disposed at or near a first side portion 17906, and a second head SIP device 17910b is disposed at or near a second side portion 17908. Although the head SIP devices 17910a and 17910b are shown mounted near the rear of the head SIP assembly 17902, for example at the interface between the body portion 17904 and the first side portion 17906 or the second side portion 17908, embodiments in which the head SIP devices 17910a and 17910b are disposed in another location are also covered herein.

[0854] Each head SIP device 17910a, 17910b may extend to cover the entire length or only a portion of the length of each side portion 17906, 17916. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, at least one head SIP device 17910a, 17910b extends to cover approximately half the length of the respective side portion 17906, 17908. However, embodiments in which at least one head SIP device 17910a, 17910b is longer or shorter are also covered herein. Although not described in detail, it should be understood that the head SIP devices 17910a, 17910b may have the construction of any head SIP device described herein.

[0855] As shown in the figure, the first side portion 17906 and the second side portion of the head SIP assembly 17900 can each have different regions. For example, the first regions 17920a and 17920b can extend from the side of the central body portion 17904 to the central region of one of the first side portions 17906 and the second side portion 17908, and the second regions 17922a and 17922b can extend from the front ends 17912a and 17912b of the first side portions 17906 and the second side portion 17908 to the central region and can be adjacent to the ends of the first regions 17920a and 17920b. The different regions 17920a, 17922a, 17920b, and 17922b can have different mechanical properties, such as hardness. For example, the first regions 17920a and 17920b closest to the central body 17904 may have a first hardness, and the second regions near the distal ends 17912a and 17912b of the side portions 17906 and 17908 may have a second hardness that is reduced relative to the first hardness. In the non-limiting embodiments shown in Figures 252a-252b, the first regions 17920a and 17920b and the second regions 17922a and 17922b of each side member 17906 and 17908 are formed of different materials to achieve different properties. In an embodiment, the first regions 17920a and 17920b are formed of expanded polypropylene, and the second regions 17922a and 17922b are formed of a foam material such as polyurethane foam. In embodiments where the regions are formed of different materials, the regions are typically formed as separate components that can be positioned adjacent to each other and / or connected to each other. Therefore, in some embodiments, the headrest SIP assembly 17902 includes a connector member 17930 that forms at least a portion of the central body portion 17904 and the first side portion 17906 and the second side portion 17908 of the headrest SIP assembly 17902, such as a first region 17920a, 17920b of each side portion 17906, 17908. In such embodiments, the connector member 17930 and corresponding auxiliary components 17932a, 17932b for forming the second regions 17922a, 17922b of each side portion 17906, 17908 can be individually mounted to the headrest housing 17901.

[0856] In other embodiments, for example Figures 253A-253BAs shown, the first regions 17920a, 17920b and the second regions 17922a, 17922b with different mechanical properties in each side portion 17906, 17908 can be formed of the same material. For example, the first regions 17920a, 17920b and the second regions 17922a, 17922b can all be formed of expanded polypropylene; however, the density of the expanded polypropylene in the first regions 17920a, 17920b can be greater than the density of the expanded polypropylene in the adjacent second regions 17922a, 17922b. In embodiments where the first regions 17920a, 17920b and the second regions 17922a, 17922b of each side portion 17906, 17908 are formed of the same material, the first regions 17920a, 17920b and the second regions 17922a, 17922b can be integrally formed into a single body. In such an embodiment, the connector component 17930 may form the central body portion 17904 of the head SIP assembly 17900, as well as the entire first side portion 17906 and the second side portion 17908.

[0857] Continue to refer to Figures 252A-253B And further refer to Figure 254 The headrest SIP assembly 17900 may additionally include an energy-absorbing layer. The corresponding first energy-absorbing layer or outer reinforcement layer 17924a and second energy-absorbing layer or outer reinforcement layer 17924b may be arranged close to or overlapping with the second regions 17922a, 17922b of the first side portion 17906 and the second side portion 17908. In some embodiments, the energy-absorbing layers 17924a, 17924b are arranged at the headrest 17900, for example, in direct contact with the second regions 17922a, 17922b. Figure 252A In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the outer reinforcing layers 17924a and 17924b are located at the head SIP assembly 17900, and a separate soft article may be positioned on the head SIP assembly 17900 containing the outer reinforcing layers 17924a and 17924b.

[0858] In other embodiments, such as Figure 254As shown, outer reinforcing layers 17924a and 17924b can be disposed on a soft article 17940 that can be positioned to overlap with the main body portion 17904 and side portions 17906 and 17908 of the head SIP assembly 17900. In an embodiment, the outer reinforcing layers 17924a and 17924b are positioned around the soft article 17940 such that each outer reinforcing layer 17924a and 17924b is positioned to overlap with the second regions 17922a and 17922b of the corresponding side portions 17906 and 17908. The outer reinforcing layers 17924a and 17924b may overlap only a portion of the corresponding second regions 17922a and 17922b, or alternatively, they may overlap entirely with them. In addition, in some embodiments, the outer reinforcing layers 17924a, 17924b are positioned around the soft article to additionally overlap a portion of the first regions 17920a, 17920b.

[0859] Each outer reinforcing layer 17924a, 17924b may be permanently attached to the soft article 17940. In such embodiments, the outer reinforcing layers 17924a, 17924b may be attached to the surface of the side-facing portions 17906, 17908 of the soft article 17940 via chemical adhesive, by stitching, or any other suitable method. Alternatively, the outer reinforcing layers 17924a, 17924b may be removably attached to the soft article 17940. In such embodiments, a recess 17942 may be formed in the soft article 17940, and each outer reinforcing layer 17924a, 17924b may be inserted into and removed from the corresponding recess 17942. However, any other mechanism for removably attaching the outer reinforcing layers 17924a, 17924b to the soft article 17940 is also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0860] In this embodiment, the head support unit or head support assembly can be adjusted relative to the headrest. For example, the orientation of one or more head support units can be selected based on the direction in which the child seat is installed in the vehicle seat, i.e., rearward or forward. Figures 24A-24DIn the non-limiting embodiment shown, head SIP assemblies 2302a, 2302b are mounted to the inner surfaces of corresponding headrest side members 2304, 2305 of the ...

Claims

1. A child seat for receiving a passenger, characterized in that, The child seat includes: A seat body having a seat portion, a rear portion extending from the seat portion, and a headrest, the rear portion defining a cavity for receiving the upper body of the occupant; and A side impact protection device, also known as a SIP device, is attached to the seat body within the cavity, and the position of the SIP device is adjustable relative to the seat body.

2. The child seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The SIP device is capable of rotating between multiple positions relative to the seat body.

3. The child seat according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of positions includes a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the distal end of the SIP device is arranged adjacent to the inward surface of the headrest, and in the second position, the distal end of the SIP device is arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the headrest.

4. The child seat according to claim 2, characterized in that, The headrest also includes a head SIP device.

5. The child seat according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of positions includes a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the distal end of the SIP device is arranged adjacent to the head SIP device, and in the second position, the distal end of the SIP device is spaced apart from the head SIP device.

6. The child seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The SIP device is installed on the headrest.

7. The child seat according to claim 6, characterized in that, The SIP device is movable relative to the headrest between multiple positions.

8. The child seat according to claim 6, characterized in that, The headrest is movable relative to the rear portion of the seat body, and the SIP device is movable together with the headrest relative to the seat body.

9. The child seat according to claim 8, characterized in that, The SIP device is rotatable about an axis oriented generally parallel to the movement path of the headrest.

10. The child seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The SIP device is mounted to the rear portion of the seat body.

11. The child seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear portion also includes an upright support surface and at least one upright side member extending from the upright support surface, the SIP device being disposed at the at least one upright side member.

Images