Child restraint system and impact shield

Abstract

Disclosed are a child restraint system and a method for arranging a child restraint system attached to a vehicle seat. The child restraint system includes: a seat body including two side wings on two sides respectively, wherein the side wing on each side is provided with at least two first positioning parts; and an impact shield including a shield body and at least one belt connected to the shield body, wherein the at least one belt is selectively coupled to one of the at least two first positioning parts. The method includes: arranging a seat body of the child restraint system relative to the vehicle seat; and using at least one belt of an impact shield of the child restraint system configured to position a shield body of the impact shield coupled to the seat body.

Description

CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND IMPACT SHIELDTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a child restraint system and an impact shield.BACKGROUND

[0002] A child restraint system is designed to be mounted on a vehicle seat for a child to sit, which can effectively guarantee safety of the child in the vehicle. Existing child restraint systems commonly include a base portion and a seat portion installed on the base portion. The base portion is designed to be connected to the vehicle seat through an ISOFIX connector or a vehicle safety belt, so as to secure the child restraint system to the vehicle seat. In addition, depending on the type of seat that is being used, the seat may be positioned either in a forward-facing or a rearward-facing orientation (e.g., relative to a front of the vehicle).

[0003] In order to protect the child from possible impact on a neck of the child due to leaning forward during a collision of a vehicle, the child restraint system may also be provided with an impact shield. The impact shield can buffer forward-leaning movement of the child. The impact shield is generally inserted into chutes on two sides of the seat portion through slide rails on two sides, and relative positions of the slide rails and the chutes are locked by a locking mechanism.SUMMARY

[0004] According to some embodiments, child restraint systems include a seat body and an impact shield. The seat body includes two side wings on two sides respectively, wherein the side wing on each side is provided with at least two first positioning parts. The impact shield includes a shield body and at least one belt connected to the shield body, wherein the at least one belt is selectively coupled to one of the at least two first positioning parts.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the at least two first positioning parts are arranged at intervals along an extension direction of the side wing on the corresponding side.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the at least two first positioning parts are arranged at different heights of the seat body.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the impact shield includes two of the belts, the two belts are each provided with a second positioning part configured to be selectively engaged to one of the first positioning parts on the corresponding side wing.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the two belts extend outwards from two sides of the shield body respectively.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the at least two first positioning parts are arranged at an edge of the side wing on the corresponding side.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that each of the first positioning parts comprises a recessed portion and a connecting pin mounted in the recessed portion; and that the second positioning part comprises a connecting hook configured to be selectively engaged with the connecting pin.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the impact shield is provided with a belt adjustment mechanism disposed on the shield body.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the belt adjustment mechanism comprises a retractor mounted on the shield body and connected to the at least one belt, wherein the retractor is configured to apply a retracting force to the at least one belt, and when the at least one belt is subjected to external tension, the retractor is adapted to be pulled by the at least one belt to release the at least one belt.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the beltadjustment mechanism further comprises a locking device, wherein the locking device has a locked state and an unlocked state; in the locked state, when the at least one belt is subjected to the external tension, the locking device restricting the retractor from releasing the at least one belt; and in the unlocked state, the locking device allowing the retractor to release the at least one belt.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the at least one belt extends outwards from two sides of the shield body, such that the at least one belt and the shield body defines a ring structure, and the at least one belt is configured to slide over the top of the seat body.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the at least two first positioning parts are disposed at an outer surface of the side wing on the corresponding side, and the belt is slidably coupled to the one of the first positioning parts on the corresponding side wing.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that each of the first positioning parts comprises a base and a receiving slot formed on the base.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the shield body comprises an upper end and a lower end, the upper end has a head rest section and two arm rest sections located on two sides of the head rest section, and the arm rest sections each are formed with a recess.

[0018] According to some embodiments, child restraint systems include a seat body and an impact shield, wherein the impact shield includes a shield body and at least one belt extending from two sides of the shield body, wherein the at least one belt is configured to be engaged with the seat body for positioning the shield body in front of a child seated in the seat body.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the seat body includes two side wings, and that each of the side wing is provided with at least two first positioning parts, to which the at least one belt is selectively coupled.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as analternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the impact shield includes two of the belts, and the two belts are each provided with a second positioning part configured to be selectively engaged to one of the first positioning parts on the corresponding side wing.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the at least one belt and the shield body defines a ring structure configured to slide over the top of the seat body, and the at least one belt is slidably coupled to one of the first positioning parts on the corresponding side wing.

[0022] According to some embodiments, methods for arranging a child restraint system attached to a vehicle seat includes the step of: arranging a seat body of the child restraint system relative to the vehicle seat; and using at least one belt of an impact shield of the child restraint system configured to position a shield body of the impact shield coupled to the seat body.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method for arranging the child restraint system may include that using a belt adjustment mechanism configured to tension the at least one belt.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method for arranging the child restraint system may include that the seat body includes two side wings wherein each of the side wing is provided with at least two first positioning parts; and the method may include coupling the at least one belt to one of the first positioning parts on the corresponding side wing.

[0025] According to some embodiments, child restraint systems include a seat body and an impact shield, wherein the impact shield includes a shield body, the shield body is a one-piece formed structure of shock-absorbing material, and a top portion of the shield body is positioned in front of a chest area of a child seated in the seat body.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the shield body includes an upper end and a lower end, and the upper end is formed with an inclined part facing toward a backrest portion of the seat body.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that a top surface of the inclined part is recessed inward.

[0028] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the child restraint systems may include that the lower end of the shield body is formed with a protrusion part extending toward the backrest portion of the seat body.

[0029] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. Features which are described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments may be used together and / or be interchangeable. Similarly, features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and non-limiting.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle seat and a child restraint system in a forward-facing position in accordance with an embodiment, with an impact shield in a first position;

[0032] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the impact shield in FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates another perspective view of the impact shield of FIG. 2;

[0034] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exploded view of a belt adjustment mechanism of the impact shield of FIG. 2;

[0035] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a front perspective view of the child restraint system of FIG. 1, with a child seated therein;

[0036] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the child restraint system of FIG. 1 in a rearward-facing position, with the impact shield removed;

[0037] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a side perspective view of the child restraint system of FIG. 1, in a rearward-facing position;

[0038] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a child restraint system in a forwardfacing position in accordance with an embodiment, with a child seated therein and an impact shield in a second position;

[0039] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a front perspective view of the child restraint system of FIG. 8, with a child seated therein and an impact shield in a third position;

[0040] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle seat and a child restraint system in a forward-facing position in accordance with an embodiment, with an impact shield in a first position;

[0041] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the impact shield in FIG. 10;

[0042] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a side perspective view of the child restraint system of FIG. 10, in a rearward-facing position;

[0043] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle seat and a child restraint system in a forward-facing position in accordance with an embodiment, with an impact shield in a first position;

[0044] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a side view of the child restraint system of FIG. 13, in a rearward-facing position.

[0045] FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle seat and a child restraint system in accordance with an embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle seat and a child restraint system in accordance with an embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a child restraint system in a forwardfacing position in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0048] FIGS. 18 and 19 schematically illustrate perspective views of the shield body of the impact shield in FIG. 17.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0049] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic illustration of a vehicle seat 2000 and a child restraint system 1000 in a forward-facing position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown, wherein the child restraint system 1000 is provided with an impact shield 2 in a first position. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the impact shield 2 that may incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, The child restraint system 1000 can be detachably fixed to or supported on a vehicle seat 2000, such as via a latch or anchor mechanism 31. This latch or anchor system may be referred to as a “lower anchor and tether for children” (e.g., a LATCH system). Alternatively, or in addition, the child restraint system 1000 may be detachably fixed to the vehicle seat 2000 via a vehicle belt associated with the vehicle seat 2000. The child restraint system 1000 includes a seat body 1 and a base 3. The base 3 is configured to rest upon the vehicle seat 2000 and provide a firm support for the seat body 1 thereon. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the base 3 includes a base portion 30, a support leg 32 connected to a front end of the base portion 30, and an abutment portion 33 extending upward from a rear end of the base portion 30 (see FIG. 6). The base portion 30 is configured to rest upon a vehicle seat pan 51 of the vehicle seat 2000. The support leg 32 having a fixed or adjustable length is configured to abut against a floor of a vehicle and provide support to the child restraint system 1000, so as to prevent forward tipping of the child restraint system 1000 during a collision of the vehicle. The abutment portion 33 is configured to abut against a backrest 52 of the vehicle seat 2000, such as for use in a rearward-facing position (e.g., as shown in illustrative FIG. 6), so as to prevent backward tipping of the child restraint system 1000 during a collision of the vehicle. In some embodiments, left and right sides of the rear end of the base portion 30 may each be provided with an ISOFIX connector 31, and the ISOFIX connector 31 is connected to a socket 53 of the vehicle seat 2000 to fix the base 3 to the vehicle seat 2000. In some embodiments, the child restraint system 1000 may be further provided with a top tether (not shown in the figure). The top tether has one end connected to the seat body 1 or the base 3 and the other end connected to an anchor point at the rear of the vehicle seat 2000.

[0052] Still referring to FIG. 1 , the seat body 1 includes a seat portion 11 , a backrest portion 12, and side wings 13 on two sides of the seat body 1. The seat portion 11 isconfigured to support buttocks of a child 3000 (see FIG. 5). The backrest portion 12 is configured to support a back of the child 3000. The backrest portion 12 is provided with a height- adjustable headrest 15. The headrest 15 is configured to support a head of the child 3000. The side wings 13 on the two sides of the seat body 1 are configured to a range of side-to-side movement of the child 3000. In some embodiments, the side wings 13 each include a first portion 131 disposed at a side of the seat portion 11 and a second portion 132 disposed at a side of the backrest portion 12. The first portions 131 of the side wings 13 on the two sides of the seat portion 11 may also be called armrests. With respect to a left-right direction of the seat body 1, the side wings 13 on the two sides are a left side wing 13A and a right side wing 13B.

[0053] In some embodiments, the seat body 1 is, for example, detachably or rotatably mounted on the base 3. FIG. 1 illustrates the seat body 1 installed on the base portion 30 of the base 3 in a first facing orientation (e.g., forward-facing), and FIG. 6 illustrates the seat body 1 as rotated to a second facing orientation (e.g., rearwardfacing). In some alternative embodiments, the seat body 1 and the base 3 may be non- rotatably connected or non-detachably connected.

[0054] It is to be noted that orientation terms such as "front", "rear", "left", and "right" of the seat body 1 in the embodiments of the present disclosure are based on "front", "rear", "left", and "right" orientations of the child seated in the seat body 1, and orientation terms such as "front", "rear", "left", and "right" of the base 3 refer to "front", "rear", "left", and "right" orientations of the vehicle when the base 3 is mounted on the vehicle seat 2000. These orientation terms are intended only to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to improperly limit the protection scope of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, when the seat body 1 is in the forward-facing position, the front, rear, left, and right orientations of the seat body 1 are consistent with those of the base 3. In FIG. 1, arrows F and B schematically show "front" and "rear" directions of the base 3, and arrows L and R schematically show "left" and "right" directions of the base 3. It may be understood that, when the seat body 1 is in the rearward-facing position (see FIG. 6), the front, rear, left, and right orientations of the seat body 1 are opposite to those of the base 3, respectively.

[0055] The side wing 13 is provided with at least two first positioning parts 14. Referring to FIG. 1, in this illustrated embodiment, the left side wing 13A and the right side wing 13B are each provided with three first positioning parts 14. The three firstpositioning parts 14 are disposed at a first position, a second position, and a third position of the corresponding left side wing 13A or right side wing 13B. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the number of the first positioning parts 14 on the side wing 13 A, 13B on each side is not limited to three, which may be set to two or more according to needs. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the first positioning parts 14 provided on the left side wing 13A are arranged at intervals along an extension direction of the left side wing 13A, and the first positioning parts 14 provided on the right side wing 13B are arranged at intervals along an extension direction of the right side wing 13B. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the first positioning parts 14 provided on the left side wing 13A are arranged at different heights of the seat body 1, and the first positioning parts 14 provided on the right side wing 13B are arranged at different heights of the seat body 1.

[0056] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the first positioning parts 14 at the first positions of the left side wing 13A and the right side wing 13B are disposed at the upper edges of the first portions 131 of left side wing 13 A and the right side wing 13B. The first positioning parts 14 at the second positions and the first positioning parts 14 at the third positions are disposed at the front edges of the second portions 132 of left side wing 13 A and the right side wing 13B.

[0057] With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, an example of the impact shield 2 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The impact shield 2 includes a shield body 21 and two belts 22. The shield body 21 has shock- absorbing performance, and is configured to buffer forward-leaning movement of the child. In some embodiments, the shield body 21 is a one-piece formed structure of shockabsorbing material, as a specific example, the shield body 21 may be a lightweight solid block structure made of a foamed material such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or expanded polypropylene (EPP) without any plastic housing. In some embodiments, the surface of the shield body 21 may be covered by a soft fabric layer.

[0058] The two belts 22 are, for example, webbings. In another example, the two belts 22 are elastic belts. With respect to the left-right direction of the seat body 1, the two belts 22 includes a left belt 22A and a right belt 22B. The two belts 22 extend outwards from two sides of the shield body 21, respectively. More specifically, the left belt 22A extends from the left side of the shield body 21, and the right belt 22B extends from the right side of the shield body 21. The two belts 22 are each provided with asecond positioning part 23. The second positioning part 23 is configured to be selectively connected to any first positioning part 14 on the side wing 13 on the corresponding side (the left side wing 13A or the right side wing 13B), so as to position the impact shield 2 on the seat body 1. Such selective connection may be provided by releasable pins, snaps, clips, slot-engagements, or the like.

[0059] As such, the child restraint system enables the caregiver to position the impact shield 2 at more proper height according the size of the child by coupling the left belt 22A to the left side wing 13A at one of the first position, the second position and the third position of the left side wing 13A and coupling the right belt 22B to the right side wing 13B at one of the first position, the second position and the third position of the right side wing 13B.

[0060] In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the child restraint system enables the caregiver to position the impact shield 2 at more proper height to restrain different area of the child. In the illustrated embodiment, when the second positioning parts 23 are coupled to the first positioning parts 14 at the first positions, the shield body 21 is positioned near the pelvic area of the child (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). When the second positioning parts 23 are coupled to the first positioning parts 14 at the second positions, the shield body 21 is positioned near the abdominal area of the child (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). When the second positioning parts 23 are coupled to the first positioning parts 14 at the third positions, the shield body 21 is positioned near the chest area of the child, (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9).

[0061] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 again, in some embodiments, a first end 221 of each belt 22 extends into the inside of the shield body 21, for example, through apertures 20 on the two sides of the shield body 21 and is connected to the shield body 21, and a second end 222 of each belt 22 is located outside the shield body 21. Each second positioning part 23 is disposed on the second end 222 of each belt 22. When the child is seated in the seat body 1, according to a height of the child, the second positioning part 23 of each belt 22 is configured to be selectively connected to one of the at least two first positioning parts 14 on the side wing 13 on the corresponding side. When each belt 22 is tensioned (for example, by elastic tension of the belt 22), the shield body 21 adapts to the height of the child and is positioned at a height according to needs.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an example of the first positioning part 14and the second positioning part 23 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first positioning parts 14 include latch components (e.g., the depicted recessed pins in the edge surface of the side wing) that are selectively engaged by the second positioning part 23 (e.g., the depicted hooks). As shown, the first positioning part 14 includes a recessed portion 140 formed on the side wing 13 and a connecting pin 141 mounted in the recessed portion 140. The second positioning part 23 includes a connecting hook configured to be selectively engaged with the connecting pin 141. Certainly, implementations of the first positioning part 14 and the second positioning part 23 are not limited to the above examples. For example, in other embodiments, one of the first positioning part 14 and the second positioning part 23 is a male buckle, and the other is a female buckle. The male buckle and the female buckle may be selectively engaged. In some alternative embodiments, one of the first positioning part 14 and the second positioning part 23 may be a button, and the other may be a button strap.

[0063] In some embodiments, the belts 22 may be webbings without great elasticity. Alternatively, or in addition, each belt 22 has an adjustable length. The impact shield 2 is provided with a belt adjustment mechanism 24. The belt adjustment mechanism 24 is configured to adjust a length of the belt 22 located outside the shield body 21. Specifically, when the child is loaded into the seat body 1, a length of each belt 22 outside the shield body 21 may be lengthened first, so that a caregiver can connect each second positioning part 23 with the corresponding first positioning part 14. Then, the length of each belt 22 outside the shield body 21 can be shortened by operating the belt adjustment mechanism 24, so that each belt 21 is tensioned to reliably restrain the child between the impact shield 2 and the seat body 1.

[0064] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show an exemplary implementation of the belt adjustment mechanism 24. The belt adjustment mechanism 24 may include a retractor 241. The retractor 241 is mounted on the shield body 21 and is simultaneously connected to the first ends 221 of the two belts 22. The retractor 241 is configured to apply a retracting force to each belt 22. In this way, the two belts 22 can be retracted by a same retractor 241, thereby shortening the length of each belt 22 outside the shield body 21. When any belt 22 is subjected to external tension, the retractor 241 may be pulled by the belt 22 to release the belt 22, and the other belt 22 may also be released from the retractor 241 accordingly, so as to lengthen the length of each belt 22 outside the shield body 21.Certainly, in some embodiments, a number of the belt 22 and a number of the retractor 241 may be in one-to-one correspondence, and one retractor 241 is configured to control retracting of one belt 22.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the retractor 241 may include a face shell 2402 and a bottom shell 2403, and the face shell 2402 and the bottom shell 2403 butt to form an accommodating cavity 240. The retractor 241 includes a reel 2411 and a reset member 2412 that are accommodated in the accommodating cavity 240. The first ends 221 of the two belts 22 are wound around the reel 2411. The reset member 2412 is connected to the reel 2411. The reset member 2412 applies the retracting force to each belt 22 through the reel 2411. In some embodiments, the reset member 2412 may be a coil spring.

[0066] Still referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the belt adjustment mechanism 24 may further include a locking device 242. The locking device 242 has a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, when the belt 22 is subjected to the external tension, the locking device 242 restricts the retractor 241 from releasing the belt 22. In the unlocked state, the locking device 242 allows the retractor 241 to release the belt 22. It may be understood that, in the process of connecting the second positioning part 23 on each belt 22 to the corresponding first positioning part 14, the locking device 242 may be in the unlocked state to allow the length of each belt 22 outside the shield body 21 to be lengthened. After the second positioning part 23 of each belt 22 is connected to the corresponding first positioning part 14 and each belt 22 is tensioned, the locking device 242 is in the locked state. In this way, ineffective protection against the impact shield 2 caused by undesirable releasing of the belt 22 when the child is leaning forward due to a vehicle accident can be prevented.

[0067] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary implementation of the locking device 242. Certainly, implementations of the locking device 242 are not limited to the following example. Referring to FIG. 4, the locking device 242 may include a ratchet 2421, a pawl 2422, an elastic member 2423, and an unlocking member 2424. The ratchet 2421, the pawl 2422, and the elastic member 2423 may be mounted in the accommodating cavity 240. The ratchet 2421 is arranged on the reel 2411, and the two are, for example, integrally formed. The pawl 2422 is rotatable about an axis X2-X2 parallel to an axis XI -XI of the reel 2411. In some embodiments, the pawl 2422 has a pivot 24221, the bottom shell 2403 may be provided with a structure for positioning the pivot 24221(for example, a plurality of convex posts 24031 protruding from the bottom shell 2403 form a space for accommodating the pivot 24221), and a center line of the pivot 24221 forms the axis X2-X2. The elastic member 2423 is configured to keep the pawl 2422 engaged with the ratchet 2421. More specifically, the elastic member 2423 applies a biasing force to the pawl 2422, so that the pawl 2422 has a tendency to rotate towards the ratchet 2421 around the pivot 24221. The elastic member 2423 is, for example, a torsion spring, which is connected to the pawl 2422 and the bottom shell 2403 respectively. The unlocking member 2424 is configured to drive the pawl 2422 to be disengaged from the ratchet 2421.

[0068] It may be understood that the pawl 2422 is kept in engagement with ratchet teeth of the ratchet 2421 under the action of the elastic member 2423, which corresponds to the locked state of the locking device 242. In this case, the locking device 242 does not interfere with the retractor 241 to retract each belt 22, so that each belt 22 can be automatically tensioned, but does not allow the retractor 241 to release each belt 22. When each belt 22 is required to be released, the unlocking member 2424 can drive the pawl 2422 to move away from the ratchet 2421 around the axis X2-X2, so that the pawl 2422 is disengaged from the ratchet teeth of the ratchet 2421, and the locking device 242 is switched to the unlocked state in which the retractor 241 is allowed to release each belt 22.

[0069] Still referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the face shell 2402 may be provided with a larger hole 24021, and the hole 24021 includes two opposite side walls 24021a and 24021b. A mask 2401 may be further mounted on the face shell 2402. The mask 2401 covers the hole 24021, and the mask 2401 is provided with a smaller hole 24011 at a position corresponding to the side wall 24021b. The pawl 2422 may be provided with a connecting portion 24222. When the pawl 2422 is engaged with the ratchet 2421, the connecting portion 24222 is close to the side wall 24021a. When the pawl 2422 is disengaged from the ratchet 2421, the connecting portion 24222 is close to the side wall 24021b. The unlocking member 2424 may be a deformable strip (such as a ribbon or a plastic belt). A first end of the unlocking member 2424 is connected to the connecting portion 24222, and a second end of the unlocking member 2424 passes through the holes 24021 and 24011 in sequence. When there is a need to switch the locking device 242 to the unlocked state, the second end of the unlocking member 2424 is pulled, the unlocking member 2424 pulls the connecting portion 24222 to movetowards the side wall 24021b, and the pawl 2422 is disengaged from the ratchet 2421.

[0070] In some alternative embodiments, the belt adjustment mechanism 24 may have other implementations, as long as the belt adjustment mechanism 24 can adjust the length of each belt 22 outside the shield body 21. For example, the belt adjustment mechanism 24 may include a tri-glide button provided on each belt 22.

[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the child restraint system, with a child seated therein. Each second positioning part 23 of the impact shield 2 is connected to the first positions of the side wings 13 on the two sides of the seat body 1.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 together, an example of the impact shield 2 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, the shield body 21 includes an upper end 201 and a lower end 202. The upper and lower ends 201, 202 can be along a first direction (which can correspond to a vertical direction of the seat body 1). The shield body 21 can be configured such that a child’s head is positioned closer to the upper end 201 than the lower end 202 when the child is seated properly in the seat body 1. The shield body 21 can comprise a front end 203 and a rear end 204. The front and rear ends 203, 204 can be along a second direction (which can correspond to a forward and backward direction of the seat body 1), perpendicular to the first direction. The shield body 21 can be configured such that a child faces in a direction from the rear end 204 towards the front end 203 when the child is seated properly in the seat body 1. The shield body 21 can comprise a first side 205 and a second side 206. The first and second sides 205, 206 can be along a third direction (which can correspond to a lateral direction of the seat body), perpendicular to both the first direction and second direction.

[0073] As shown, the surface of the upper end 201 specifically has an angle of less than 5° with respect to the horizontal (when the impact shield is installed). The upper end 201 has a head rest section 2011 and arm rest sections 2012 located on two sides of the head rest section 2011. The head rest section 2011 can be a softer section provided at the upper end 201. At each of the arm rest section 2012, a recess is formed, which is open at the top and to the front and rear sides or is shaped as a (rounded) concave, being adapted to place arm of a child. The lower end 202 can have two concave portions 2022, and the two concave portions 2022 are adapted to partially accommodate the legs of the child. Alternatively, or in addition, the front end 203 ofthe shield body 21 according to FIGS. 1-3 has an inclined surface which is designed to slope only slightly. As such, the child can embrace the shield body 21 with the head rest on the middle of the upper end 201 when the shield body 21 is positioned at any of the first, second, or third positions, wherein in the rest gesture, the head of the child is supported at a higher surface than the arms. The belts 22 extend from the first and second sides 205, 206 of the shield body 21, as to prevent the belts 22 from interfere the rest arms.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 6, a schematically perspective view of the child restraint system 1000 of FIG. 1, with the impact shield 2 removed, is shown, in which the seat body 1 is mounted on the base 3 in a rearward-facing manner. When the seat body 1 is mounted on the base 3 in the rearward-facing manner, the impact shield 2 (see FIG. 7) according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may still be applied.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, schematic illustrations of a child restraint system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown, wherein the seat body 1 is used in a forward-facing position. The child restraint system may be similar to that shown and described above. In FIG. 8, the two second positioning parts 23 of the impact shield 2 are connected to the first positioning parts 14 at the second positions of the side wings 13, such that the shield body 21 is positioned in front of the abdominal area of the child. FIG. 9 schematically illustrates another front perspective view of the child 3000 seated in the seat body 1. In FIG. 9, the two second positioning parts 23 of the impact shield 2 are connected to the first positioning parts 14 at the third positions of the side wings 13, such that the shield body 21 is positioned in front of the chest area of the child. In this illustrates embodiment, the shape of the shield body 21 in the child restraint system 1000 shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 is different from that shown and described above. At least in sections, especially in the middle area, there can be, for example, a rectangular, possibly parallelogram or trapezoidal, possibly also oval or round cross-section.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 10-12, schematic illustrations of a child restraint system and an impact shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The child restraint system 1000 may be similar to that shown and described above. In FIGS. 10-12, the first positioning part 14 and the impact shield 2 of the child restraint system 1000 according to another example are shown.

[0077] As show in FIGS. 10-12, the impact shield 2 of the child restraint system1000 includes a shield body 21 and a belt 22 having two ends connected to the two sides of the shield body 21. As shown, the belt 22 extends outwards from the two sides of the shield body 21. In this illustrated embodiment, the two ends of the belt 22 extend into the inside of the shield body 21 through the apertures 20 on the two sides of the shield body 21 respectively and are connected to the shield body 21. More specifically, the two ends of the belt 22 may be wound around the reel 2411 of the belt adjustment mechanism 24. The belt 22 and the shield body 21 define a ring structure, and the ring structure is configured to slide over the seat body 1, such that the belt 22 surrounds the back of the seat body 1.

[0078] In some embodiments, the belt 22 may be a webbing without great elasticity. Alternatively, or in addition, the belt 22 has an adjustable length. The impact shield 2 is provided with a belt adjustment mechanism 24. The belt adjustment mechanism 24 is configured to adjust a length of the belt 22 located outside the shield body 21. Specifically, when the child is loaded into the seat body 1, a length of the belt 22 outside the shield body 21 may be lengthened first, so that a caregiver can have the belt 22 sliding over the seat body 1 (e.g., on the backrest portion 12). Then, the length of the belt 22 outside the shield body 21 can be shortened by the belt adjustment mechanism 24, so that the belt 21 is tensioned to reliably restrain the child between the impact shield 2 and the seat body 1. With reference to the description hereinabove, the belt adjustment mechanism 24 of FIGS 10-12 is similar to that of FIGS 1-4. In some embodiments not shown, the belt adjustment mechanism 24 may include a tri-glide button provided on the belt 22.

[0079] According to this embodiment shown in FIG. 10 and FIGS 12, the side wing13 is provided with at least two first positioning parts 14, and each first positioning part14 is disposed at the outer surface of the side wing 13 on the corresponding side. For example, the second portions 132 of the left side wing 13A and the right side wing 13B are each provided with two first positioning parts 14. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the first positioning parts 14 provided on the side wing 13A are arranged at intervals along an extension direction of the side wing 13 A, and the first positioning parts 14 provided on the side wing 13B are arranged at intervals along an extension direction of the side wing 13B. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the first positioning parts 14 provided on the side wing 13A are arranged at different heights of the seat body 1, and the first positioning parts 14provided on the side wing 13B are arranged at different heights of the seat body 1, for example, which are a height of a chest area of a child seated in the seat body 1, and a height of an abdominal area of the child seated in the seat body 1.

[0080] In this exemplary embodiment, each first positioning part 14 includes a base 142 disposed on the outer surface of the side wing 13 on the corresponding side and receiving slot 1420 formed on the base 142. The receiving slot 1420 penetrates the base 142 from a front side of the base 142 to the rear side of the base 142. The receiving slot 1420 is configured for the belt 22 slidably passing through. In some embodiments, each first positioning part 14 has a passage 14201, communicated with the receiving slot 1420 and configured for the belt 22 entering or depart from the receiving slot 1420 therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the passage 14201 is located at a top end of the receiving slot 1420, such that the receiving slot 1420 is top opened.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, the belt 22 surrounding the seat body 1 is slidably coupled to the two first positioning parts 14 at the lower positions of the left and right side wings 13A, 13B and guided by the two first positioning parts 14 at the lower positions of the left and right side wings 13A, 13B, such that the shield body 21 is positioned closer to the seat portion 11. When the belt 22 is slidably coupled to the two first positioning parts 14 at the upper positions of the left and right side wings 13A, 13B and guided by the two first positioning parts 14 at the upper positions of the left and right side wings 13A, 13B, the shield body 21 is positioned distal from the seat portion 11.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, schematic illustrations of a child restraint system and an impact shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The child restraint system 1000 may be similar to that shown and described above.

[0083] In this configuration, each first positioning part 14 has a passage 14201, communicated with the receiving slot 1420 and configured for the belt 22 entering or depart from the receiving slot 1420 therethrough. The passage 14201 is located at a side of the receiving slot 1420, and the size of the passage 14201 is smaller than that of the receiving slot 1420, such that the receiving slot 1420 and the passage 14201 form a T-shaped section.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 15, a schematic illustration of a child restraint system and an impact shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure isshown. The child restraint system 1000 may be similar to that shown and described above. In this configuration, each side wing 13 is provided with one first positioning part 14 on an edge thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the first portions 131 of the left side wing 13A and the right side wing 13B are each provided with one first positioning part 14.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 16, a schematic illustration of a child restraint system and an impact shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The child restraint system 1000 may be similar to that shown and described above. In this configuration, each side wing 13 is provided with one first positioning part 14 on an outer surface thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the second portions 132 of the left side wing 13A and the right side wing 13B are each provided with one first positioning part 14.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 17-19, schematic illustrations of a child restraint system and an impact shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The child restraint system 1000 may be similar to that shown and described above.

[0087] As show in FIG. 17, for example, the belt 22 surrounding the seat body 1 is slidably coupled to the two first positioning parts 14 at the lower positions of the left and right side wings 13A, 13B and guided by the two first positioning parts 14 at the lower positions of the left and right side wings 13A, 13B, and the belt 22 is tensioned to reliably restrain the child 3000 between the impact shield 2 and the seat body 1. The shield body 21 is positioned in front of the child 3000 such that a lower portion 213 of the shield body 21 is positioned near the pelvic area of the child 3000, a middle portion 212 of the shield body 21 is positioned near the abdominal area of the child 3000, and a top portion 211 of the shield body 21 is positioned near the chest area of the child 3000.

[0088] As show in FIGS. 17-19, the upper end 201 of the shield body 21 is formed with an inclined part 215 facing toward the backrest portion 12 of the seat body 1. In some embodiments, as show in FIGS. 18-19, a top surface 2150 of the inclined part 215 is recessed inward such that the inclined part 215 can be used as a head rest portion and / or an arm rest portion.

[0089] Referring again to FIG. 17, in some embodiments, a rear side of the lower end 202 of the shield body 21 is formed with a protrusion part 2131 extending towardthe backrest portion 12 of the seat body 1. In some embodiments, when the impact shield 2 is attached on the seat body 1, the lower end 202 is for resting on the seat portion 11 of the seat body 1 while a gap 214 is formed between the impact shield 2 and the abdominal area and / or the chest area of the child 3000, whereby the child 3000 can have more room to put his / her arms in the gap 214.

[0090] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. As used herein, the term “substantially” and derivatives thereof, and words of similar import, when used to describe a size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship, or other parameter includes the stated size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship, or other parameter, and can also include a range up to 10% more and up to 10% less than the stated parameter, including 5% more and 5% less, including 3% more and 3% less, including 1% more and 1% less.

[0091] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0092] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A child restraint system, comprising: a seat body comprising two side wings on two sides respectively, wherein the side wing on each side is provided with at least two first positioning parts; and an impact shield comprising a shield body and at least one belt connected to the shield body, wherein the at least one belt is selectively coupled to one of the at least two first positioning parts.

2. The child restraint system according to claim 1, wherein the at least two first positioning parts are arranged at intervals along an extension direction of the side wing on the corresponding side.

3. The child restraint system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least two first positioning parts are arranged at different heights of the seat body.

4. The child restraint system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the impact shield includes two of the belts, the two belts are each provided with a second positioning part configured to be selectively engaged to one of the first positioning parts on the corresponding side wing.

5. The child restraint system according to claim 4, wherein the two belts extend outwards from two sides of the shield body respectively.

6. The child restraint system according to claim 2, wherein the at least two first positioning parts are arranged at an edge of the side wing on the corresponding side.

7. The child restraint system according to claim 4, wherein each of the first positioning parts comprises a recessed portion and a connecting pin mounted in the recessed portion; and the second positioning part comprises a connecting hook configured to beselectively engaged with the connecting pin.

8. The child restraint system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the impact shield is provided with a belt adjustment mechanism disposed on the shield body.

9. The child restraint system according to claim 8, wherein the belt adjustment mechanism comprises a retractor mounted on the shield body and connected to the at least one belt; the retractor being configured to apply a retracting force to the at least one belt, and when the at least one belt is subjected to external tension, the retractor being adapted to be pulled by the at least one belt to release the at least one belt.

10. The child restraint system according to claim 9, wherein the belt adjustment mechanism further comprises a locking device, the locking device having a locked state and an unlocked state; in the locked state, when the at least one belt is subjected to the external tension, the locking device restricting the retractor from releasing the at least one belt; and in the unlocked state, the locking device allowing the retractor to release the at least one belt.

11. The child restraint system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one belt extends outwards from two sides of the shield body, such that the at least one belt and the shield body defines a ring structure, and the at least one belt is configured to slide over the top of the seat body.

12. The child restraint system according to claim 11, wherein the at least two first positioning parts are disposed at an outer surface of the side wing on the corresponding side, and the belt is slidably coupled to one of the first positioning parts on the corresponding side wing, wherein each of the first positioning parts comprises a base and a receiving slot formed on the base.

13. The child restraint system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the shieldbody comprises an upper end and a lower end, the upper end has a head rest section and two arm rest sections located on two sides of the head rest section, and the arm rest sections each are formed with a recess.

14. A method for arranging a child restraint system attached to a vehicle seat, the method comprising: arranging a seat body of the child restraint system relative to the vehicle seat; and using at least one belt of an impact shield of the child restraint system configured to position a shield body of the impact shield coupled to the seat body.

15. The method for arranging a child restraint system according to claim 14, comprising: using a belt adjustment mechanism configured to tension the at least one belt.

16. The method for arranging a child restraint system according to any one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the seat body includes two side wings and each of the side wing is provided with at least two first positioning parts; and the method comprises coupling the at least one belt to one of the first positioning parts on the corresponding side wing.

17. A child restraint system, comprising: a seat body; and an impact shield comprising a shield body, wherein the shield body is a one-piece formed structure of shock-absorbing material, wherein a top portion of the shield body is positioned in front of a chest area of a child seated in the seat body.

18. The child restraint system according to claim 17, wherein the shield body comprises an upper end and a lower end, the upper end is formed with an inclined part facing toward a backrest portion of the seat body.

19. The child restraint system according to claim 18, wherein a top surface of the inclined part is recessed inward.

20. The child restraint system according to any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the lower end of the shield body is formed with a protrusion part extending toward the backrest portion of the seat body.

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