Car seat for children with retractable belt system

Abstract

Car seat for one child, comprising: - a backrest (2) comprising a headrest (21), - a seat (3) attached to the backrest (2) and defining an area adapted to allow the child to sit, - a belt system (4) configured to hold the child in a sitting position, the belt system (4) comprising: - a closure element (41) connected to the seat (3), - a variety of shoulder straps (42); - a plurality of shoulder straps (43), each shoulder strap passing through a respective shoulder strap (42), each shoulder strap comprising a hook element (431) for removably engaging the closure element (41), wherein the belt system (4) is switchable between a closed configuration in which the plurality of shoulder straps (43) is engaged with the closure element (41) and an open configuration in which the plurality of shoulder straps (43) is released from the closure element (41), - an opening system (5) configured to move the plurality of shoulder straps (43) away from the closure element when the belt system (4) is in the open configuration, characterized in that the opening system (5) comprises: - a plurality of first return elements (51) active on the plurality of shoulder straps (43) to retract the hook element (431) of each strap towards the respective shoulder strap (42) when the belt system (4) is in the open configuration.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The subject matter of the present utility model finds useful use in the field of car seats for children. Technical background

[0002] Child car seats are known in the art that feature safety belt systems designed to restrain the child in the seat, for example, in the event of a collision with another car. Such systems typically involve the use of a pair of belts that can be passed over the child's body and hooked onto a fastening element located between the child's legs when the child is in a sitting position.

[0003] However, once the safety belt system is opened, the belts prevent the child from being removed.

[0004] In addition, the loosened straps remain near the seating section of the seat after removal, making it more difficult to place the child on the seat later.

[0005] Therefore, seats have been manufactured that incorporate retractable means to ensure that, once the safety belts have been released, they can facilitate the removal of the child and, at the same time, provide a free seat area when a parent wishes to place the child in the seat. Document EP 2221212 shows an example of a seat with such a retractable belt system.

[0006] The applicant has observed that although the straps move away from each other once released from the buckle, the hooking tabs, which are the hardest and heaviest part of the shoulder straps, still remain caught near the seating portion, interfering with the child and the parent's efforts to unhook / unhook the child. Subject of the model

[0007] The aim of this model is to provide a car seat for children that is able to overcome the limitations of the state of the art.

[0008] Another aim of the present model is to provide a car seat for children that is an alternative to the seats of the state of the art.

[0009] The defined technical problem and the stated objectives are essentially achieved by a car seat for children having the technical features specified in one or more of the appended claims. SUMMARY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0010] This model refers to a car seat for a child, comprising a backrest with a headrest and a seat attached to the backrest, defining an area adapted to allow the child to sit.

[0011] The seat further includes a harness system configured to secure the child in a seated position. The harness system includes a locking member attached to the seat, a plurality of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap extending through a respective shoulder strap. Each shoulder strap includes a hook member for removably engaging the locking member.

[0012] In particular, the belt system is switchable between a closed configuration in which the plurality of shoulder straps are engaged with the closure element and an open configuration in which the plurality of shoulder straps are released from the closure element.

[0013] The seat of the present invention further includes an opening system configured to move the shoulder straps away from the closure element when the harness system is in the opened configuration. The opening system includes a plurality of first return elements active on the plurality of shoulder straps to elastically retract the hook element of each strap toward the respective shoulder strap when the harness system is in the opened configuration. Advantages of the model

[0014] Advantageously, thanks to this model, it is possible to provide a car seat for children that is able to free the child's seating area when the opening system is in an open configuration.

[0015] In particular, it is possible to obtain a seat with an opening system capable of retracting the hook element of the shoulder straps towards the shoulder straps, thus facilitating the removal and placement of the child in the seating area.

[0016] In preferred embodiments, the shoulder straps are again retracted to the outside of the headrest and the closure element is retracted to the front. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The advantages and technical features are sufficiently clarified by the following detailed description of a car seat for children according to the present utility model according to a preferred embodiment, which is shown by way of example in the series of drawings: - Fig. 1 shows a front view of a car seat for children according to the present utility model in a closed configuration according to an embodiment, - Fig. 2 shows a front view of the child car seat from Fig. 1 in open configuration, - Fig. 3 shows a front view of a car seat for children in an open configuration according to a second embodiment, - Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of some details of the child car seat of Fig. 1 according to one embodiment, - Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of some details of the seat from Fig. 1 according to a further embodiment, - Fig. Figure 6 shows a front view of a detail of the closure element of a car seat for children according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] With reference to Fig. 1 means a car seat for a child.

[0019] The seat 1 of the present model comprises a backrest 2, which includes a headrest 21. The backrest 2 has a support surface 22 adapted to support the child.

[0020] Preferably, the headrest 21 is connected to the backrest 2 in a height-adjustable manner. In the preferred form, the headrest 21 comprises a plate 23, preferably made of textile material, which is superimposed on the support surface 22. Advantageously, when the headrest 21 is raised or lowered, the plate 23 is moved accordingly to ensure, together with the support surface 22, comfortable support for the child.

[0021] The seat 1 comprises a seat 3 which is attached to the backrest 2 and defines a seating area 31 adapted to allow the child to sit.

[0022] The seat 1 also includes a belt system 4 configured to keep the child in a sitting position.

[0023] The belt system 4 comprises a closure element 41 and a plurality of shoulder straps 43, preferably two shoulder straps 43, which are arranged so that they pass over the shoulders of the child.

[0024] Each shoulder strap 43 includes a hook element 431, preferably a tab, configured to removably engage the closure element 41.

[0025] The fastening element 41 of the belt system 4 is attached to the seat 3 in such a way that it is located between the legs of the child when the child is resting on the seat 1.

[0026] Preferably, the shoulder straps 43 each have one end tied to the backrest 2 and an opposite end tied to the seat 3. In such a case, the hook element 431 is located between the two ends of the shoulder strap 43.

[0027] The harness system 4 comprises a plurality of shoulder straps 42, in particular two shoulder straps 42, arranged to lie over the child's shoulders. Each shoulder strap 43 passes through a respective shoulder strap 42. The shoulder straps 42 preferably include a lining adapted to protect the child's shoulders from contact with the shoulder straps 43.

[0028] Preferably, the shoulder straps 42 are connected to the headrest 21. Further preferably, the shoulder straps 42 are formed integrally with the headrest 21, i.e., they are movable together with the headrest 21 relative to the backrest 2.

[0029] In this way, it is possible to adjust the height of the headrest 21 depending on the growth of the child and thus to ensure that the shoulder straps 42 are always on the child's shoulders.

[0030] In alternative embodiments, the shoulder straps 42 can be tied to the backrest 2 near the support surface 22.

[0031] The closure element 41 preferably comprises a buckle with at least one recess that can engage the tab of the hook element 431.

[0032] In addition, the closure element 41 comprises a strap with which the buckle can be connected to the seat 3 of the seat 1.

[0033] As in the Fig. 1-3, the belt system 4 of the seat 1 is switchable between a closed configuration in which the plurality of shoulder belts 43 are engaged with the closure element 41 and an open configuration in which the plurality of shoulder belts 43 are released from the closure element 41.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment of the model, the closure element 41 comprises a push button 6. The push button 6 can be pressed to switch the belt system 4 from the closed to the open configuration.

[0035] In addition, the seat comprises an opening system 5 configured to move the shoulder belts 43 away from the seating area 31 when the belt system 4 is in the open configuration, e.g., when a parent wishes to remove (or place) the child from (onto) the seat 1.

[0036] The opening system 5 comprises a plurality of first return elements 51 that act on the plurality of shoulder straps 43 to retract, preferably elastically retract, the hook element 431 of each shoulder strap toward the respective shoulder strap 42 when the belt system 4 is in the open configuration. Thus, for each shoulder strap 43, a distance between the hook element 431 and the shoulder strap 42 is larger in the closed configuration and smaller in the open configuration.

[0037] Advantageously, this makes it possible to have a seating space 3 free of the hook elements 431 which, once released from the closure element 41, are retracted towards the shoulder straps 42, thus facilitating the removal and insertion of the child into the seat 1.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present model, each first return element 51 connects a respective shoulder strap 42 to a respective hook element 431. As in the embodiment of the Fig. 1, each return element 51 is arranged along a respective shoulder strap 43. In this way, the volume occupied by the first return element 51 is advantageously limited.

[0039] Preferably, each first return element 51 comprises an elastic band.

[0040] Furthermore, the opening system 5 may comprise at least a second return element 52 active on at least one shoulder strap 42 to bring it closer to the headrest 21 of the backrest 2 when the belt system 4 is in the open configuration.

[0041] Advantageously, this allows the plurality of shoulder straps 42 to be raised near the headrest 21 in order to have a larger free volume near the seating area 31 when a parent needs to take the child out or have him or her sit down.

[0042] It should be noted that, due to the combination of the first return elements 51 and the at least one second return element 52, when the belt system is switched to the open configuration, the shoulder straps 42 are brought closer to the headrest 21, preferably into abutment therewith. As a result of this movement, the hook elements 431, which are already retracted toward the plurality of shoulder straps 42, are moved further away from the seating area 31 due to the elastic return action of the first return elements 51.

[0043] The elastic restoring effect of the second restoring elements 52 is therefore also reflected in the hook elements 431.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present model, the seat 1 comprises a single second return element 52 extending behind the headrest 21 and having two ends tied to different shoulder straps 42. In particular, the single second return element 52 comprises a rubber band having one end tied to a first shoulder strap 42 and an opposite end tied to a second shoulder strap 42.

[0045] Preferably, the elastic band extends along the back of the headrest 21, which serves as a constraint for the elastic band itself. Due to the constraint exerted by the headrest 21, the plurality of shoulder straps 42, when lowered, cause the elastic band to stretch.

[0046] With more specific reference to Fig. 4, the headrest preferably has a plurality of openings 211 through which the elastic band extends, with the ends protruding from the openings 211. The openings 211 thus allow the elastic band to be disposed proximate the plurality of shoulder straps 42 and consequently to exert a tensile force along a vertical direction.

[0047] Therefore, to switch the harness system 4 to the closed configuration, the plurality of shoulder straps 42 are moved toward the closure element 41, pulling the ends of the elastic band and resulting in its stretching. Due to its configuration, the elastic band, when stretched, exerts a pulling force toward the headrest 21, thus ensuring that both shoulder straps 42 are brought upward to release the child's upper body when the harness system transitions to the open configuration.

[0048] As soon as the hook elements 431 engage with the closure element 41, the first return elements 51 are also tensioned in a similar manner, since they also experience an elongation, so that the hook elements 431 reach the hook element 41.

[0049] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, when the belt system 4 transitions to the open configuration, the first and second return elements 51, 52 of the opening system 5 exert on the hook elements 431 and on the plurality of shoulder straps 42, respectively, an elastic force which is proportional to the stretch experienced in order to retract the hook elements 431 towards the plurality of shoulder straps 42 and the plurality of shoulder straps 42 towards the headrest 21 and consequently release the seating area 31.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment described in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the opening system 5 comprises two different second return elements 52, preferably two elastic bands. Preferably, each second return element has one end attached to the headrest 21 and an opposite end attached to a respective shoulder strap 42.

[0051] Preferably, each second return element comprises a rubber band connecting a respective shoulder strap 42 to the headrest 21.

[0052] It should be noted that the return mechanism in this embodiment is analogous to the mechanism described above for the case of a single second return element 52.

[0053] Preferably, the opening system 5 comprises a third return element 53 which is active on the closure element 41 in order to bring it closer to the seat 3 in the opened configuration of the belt system 4.

[0054] Preferably, the third return element 53 comprises an elastic element. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the third return element 53 comprises a deformable plate, preferably made of polymer material, which is at least partially inserted into the seat 3 and into the closure element 41.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment described in Fig. 6, the third return element 53 comprises an elastic band tied to the seat 3 and to the closure element 41, more preferably a pair of elastic bands.

[0056] In the further embodiment of Fig. 3, the third return element 53 comprises a ring element, preferably made of a material selected from steel or plastic. Similar to the polymer plate, the profile is preferably inserted at least partially into the seat 3 and into the closure element 41. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2221212

[0005]

Claims

[1] Car seat for a child, comprising: - a backrest (2) comprising a headrest (21), - a seat (3) attached to the backrest (2) and defining an area adapted to allow the child to sit, - a belt system (4) configured to hold the child in a sitting position, the belt system (4) comprising: - a closure element (41) connected to the seat (3), - a variety of shoulder straps (42); - a plurality of shoulder straps (43), each shoulder strap passing through a respective shoulder strap (42), each shoulder strap comprising a hook element (431) for removably engaging the closure element (41), wherein the belt system (4) is switchable between a closed configuration in which the plurality of shoulder straps (43) is engaged with the closure element (41) and an open configuration in which the plurality of shoulder straps (43) is released from the closure element (41), - an opening system (5) configured to move the plurality of shoulder straps (43) away from the closure element when the belt system (4) is in the open configuration, characterized by that the opening system (5) comprises: - a plurality of first return elements (51) active on the plurality of shoulder straps (43) to retract the hook element (431) of each strap towards the respective shoulder strap (42) when the belt system (4) is in the open configuration. [2] Seat (1) according to claim 1, wherein each first return element (51) connects a respective shoulder strap (42) and a respective hook element (431). [3] Seat (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each first return element (51) comprises an elastic band. [4] Seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening system (5) comprises at least one second return element (52) active on at least one shoulder strap (42) to bring it closer to the headrest (21) when the belt system (4) is in the opened configuration. [5] Seat (1) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one second return element (52) extends behind the headrest (21) and has two ends which are tied to different shoulder straps (42). [6] Seat (1) according to claim 4, comprising a plurality of second return elements (52), each second return element having two ends which are tied to the headrest (21) and to a respective shoulder strap (42). [7] Seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening system comprises a third return element (53) active on the closure element (41) to bring it closer to the seat (3) when the belt system (4) is in an open configuration. [8] Seat (1) according to claim 7, characterized by in that the third return element (53) comprises an elastic element selected from a deformable plate which is at least partially inserted into the seat (3) and into the closure element (41), an elastic band and a deformable ring element, wherein the ring element is at least partially inserted into the seat (3) and into the closure element (41). [9] Seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the headrest (21) is height adjustable and the plurality of shoulder straps (42) are formed integrally with the headrest (21).

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