Child safety seat

Abstract

The child safety seat includes a seat shell having an upright support surface including a first side and a second side. A first upright side member is disposed on the first side and extends forward from the upright support surface. A second upright side member is disposed on the second side and extends forward from the upright support surface. An upright support cavity for receiving the child's upper body is defined between the upright support surface, the first upright side member, and the second upright side member. At least one armrest is located within the upright support cavity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 426,937, filed November 21, 2022, U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 496,528, filed April 17, 2023, U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 500,109, filed May 4, 2023, U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 500,798, filed May 8, 2023, U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 581,050, filed September 7, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 595,120, filed November 1, 2023, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure directed to a child safety seat for use in a vehicle.

[0003] Child safety seats are typically used in automobiles to properly restrain children in the event of an accident. Installation of a child safety seat usually requires the child safety seat to be securely attached to the vehicle seat using a separate vehicle seat belt or harness. Depending on whether the child safety seat is installed in a rear-facing or forward-facing configuration, the vehicle seat belt or harness generally threads along a different path, and the belt is properly fastened via an attachment system provided on the child safety seat. Unfortunately, existing child safety seat attachment systems do not allow for adjustment of the child safety seat once installed on the vehicle seat.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved child safety seat that allows for convenient adjustment of the child safety seat while installing it on a vehicle seat with minimal effort. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one embodiment, a child safety seat includes a seat shell having an upright support surface including a first side and a second side. A first upright side member is disposed on the first side and extends forward from the upright support surface. A second upright side member is disposed on the second side and extends forward from the upright support surface. An upright support cavity for receiving the child's upper body is defined between the upright support surface and the first and second upright side members. At least one armrest is located within the upright support cavity.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the at least one armrest is located on at least one of the first upright side member and the second upright side member.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, at least one armrest is disposed on an inwardly facing surface of at least one of the first upright side member and the second upright side member.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, at least one armrest further includes a support surface formed by a lateral offset on an inwardly facing surface of at least one of the first and second upright side members.

[0009] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments further include a pad attached in an overlapping arrangement with the support surface.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment the pad projects in at least one direction beyond the support surface.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, a cavity is formed in an inwardly facing surface of at least one of the first upright side member and the second upright side member, and at least one armrest is disposed within the cavity.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the cavity includes a curved surface and the at least one armrest is disposed at an end of the curved surface.

[0013] In addition to or in place of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the seat shell further includes a seat support surface including another first side and another second side, the first seat side member being disposed on the other first side and extending upward from the seat support surface, and the second seat side member being disposed on the second side and extending upward from the seat support surface.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the first sheet side member and the first upright side member are integrally formed, and the second sheet side member and the second upright side member are integrally formed.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the first seat side member and the second seat side member each have a slot formed therein for receiving a vehicle restraint.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the at least one armrest is positioned behind the slot.

[0017] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments further include a seat bottom, wherein the seat shell is permanently connected to the seat bottom.

[0018] According to one embodiment, a child safety seat includes a seat bottom, a seat shell connected to the seat bottom, and a light disposed on the seat shell.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the seat shell further includes an upright support surface including a first side and a second side, a first upright side member disposed on the first side and extending forward from the upright support surface, a second upright side member disposed on the second side and extending forward from the upright support surface, and a light attached to one of the first upright side member and the second upright side member.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the light is disposed on an inwardly facing surface of one of the first and second upstanding side members.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, a cavity is formed in an inwardly facing surface of one of the first and second upstanding side members, and a light is disposed within the cavity.

[0022] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the cavity includes a curved surface and the light extends beyond the curved surface.

[0023] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the light is positioned adjacent a front edge of one of the first and second upright side members.

[0024] In addition to or in place of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the seat shell further comprises an upright support cavity for receiving a child's upper body, the upright support cavity being defined between the upright support surface, the first upright side member, and the second upright side member, and the light is operable to illuminate the upright support cavity.

[0025] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the light has an elongated configuration.

[0026] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment the light further comprises a plurality of lights.

[0027] According to one embodiment, a child safety seat suitable for installation on a vehicle seat includes a seat bottom, a seat shell secured to the seat bottom, and a mechanism for adjusting the inclination of the child safety seat relative to the vehicle seat, the mechanism being operable while the child safety seat is secured to the vehicle seat and while the vehicle seat back angle of the vehicle seat is changed.

[0028] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment at least a portion of the seat bottom is movable in response to operation of a mechanism that adjusts the inclination of the child safety seat.

[0029] In addition to or in place of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the seat bottom further comprises a housing and a support member, the support member being movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position to adjust the inclination of the child safety seat.

[0030] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, in the first position, the bottom surface of the support member is flush with the bottom of the housing, and in the second position, the bottom surface of the support member protrudes beyond the bottom of the housing.

[0031] In addition to or in place of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the mechanism further includes a rack attached to the housing. The rack includes a plurality of first teeth. The catch is movably attached to the support member. The catch includes at least one second tooth. In both the first position and the second position, the at least one second tooth intermeshes with the plurality of first teeth.

[0032] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the catch is located on an upper surface of the support member.

[0033] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the catch is located within the support member at a position adjacent to the rack.

[0034] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments further include a biasing member for biasing the at least one second tooth of the catch into engagement with the plurality of first teeth.

[0035] In addition to or in place of one or more of the above features, further embodiments further include an actuator positioned on an exterior surface of the child safety seat, and a flexible member operably coupling the actuator to the catch, wherein operation of the actuator counteracts the biasing force of the biasing member.

[0036] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment the actuator is positioned in the seat shell.

[0037] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the seat shell further comprises a seat portion and an upright portion, and the actuator is positioned in the upright portion.

[0038] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the actuator is convertible between an engaged position and a released position, and the mechanism further includes an actuator lock operable to selectively lock the actuator in the released position.

[0039] According to one embodiment, a method for configuring a child safety seat on a vehicle seat includes positioning the child safety seat on the vehicle seat, securing the child safety seat to the vehicle seat, and adjusting the inclination of the child safety seat relative to the vehicle seat while the child safety seat is secured to the vehicle seat and the vehicle seat back angle of the vehicle seat is changed.

[0040] According to one embodiment, a child safety seat suitable for installation on a vehicle seat includes a seat bottom having a movable support member, a seat shell secured to the seat bottom, and a mechanism for adjusting the inclination of the child safety seat relative to the vehicle seat. The mechanism includes an actuator, a catch for selectively locking the support member relative to the seat bottom, and a flexible member connecting the actuator and the catch. The actuator is movable in a first direction and the flexible member is movable in a second direction in response to operation of the actuator. The second direction is disposed at an angle to the first direction.

[0041] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0042] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the first direction is lateral and the second direction is vertical.

[0043] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the actuator is convertible between an engaged position and a released position, and the mechanism further includes an actuator lock operable to selectively lock the actuator in the released position.

[0044] According to one embodiment, a child safety seat includes a seat bottom, a seat shell connected to the seat bottom, and a light removably coupled to the seat shell.

[0045] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment the light is part of an assembly, the assembly being removably coupled to the seat shell.

[0046] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the seat shell includes a cavity, and the assembly is receivable within the cavity.

[0047] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the assembly includes a housing and a power source disposed within an interior of the housing, the power source operably coupled to the light.

[0048] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the power source includes a replaceable battery.

[0049] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment the power source includes a rechargeable battery.

[0050] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the assembly includes a charging port formed in the housing.

[0051] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments include an actuator for selectively energizing the light, the actuator being disposed external to the housing.

[0052] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments include at least one other light positioned about the seat shell, the at least one other light being located away from the assembly.

[0053] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the power source is operably coupled to at least one additional light when the assembly is removably coupled to the seat shell.

[0054] In addition to or in place of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the housing includes a flexible member including a radial catch, the flexible member being biased radially outward.

[0055] In addition to or in place of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the seat shell includes a support surface extending at least partially vertically from the seat bottom, the seat shell includes a side member extending forwardly from the support surface, and the light is removably coupled to the side member.

[0056] According to one embodiment, a child safety seat includes a seat bottom, a seat shell connected to the seat bottom, and a charger removably coupled to the seat shell, the charger being connectable to a portable device for charging the portable device.

[0057] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment the charger is operable to charge the portable device when the charger is separated from the seat shell.

[0058] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment the charger is operable to charge the portable device when the charger is connected to the seat shell.

[0059] In addition to or in place of one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, a charger includes a housing, a power source disposed within an interior of the housing, and a charging port formed within the housing.

[0060] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the seat shell includes a cavity, and the charger is receivable within the cavity.

[0061] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, when the charger is received in the cavity, a first end of the housing is disposed within the cavity and a second end of the housing is external to the cavity, and the charging port is formed in the second end of the housing.

[0062] According to one embodiment, a seat shell for a child safety seat includes a seat portion, an upright back portion extending from the seat portion, a first upright side member disposed on a first side of the upright back portion, and a second upright side member disposed on a second side of the upright back portion. Each of the first and second upright side members includes a first end portion, a second end portion positioned below the first end portion, a central portion positioned between the first and second end portions, and an inward-facing surface extending from the first end portion to the second end portion. The inward-facing surfaces on the second end portions of the first and second upright side members are laterally offset toward the interior of the seat shell relative to the inward-facing surfaces of the central portions of the first and second upright side members, respectively.

[0063] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the second end portions of the first and second upstanding side members are positioned adjacent the seat portion.

[0064] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one armrest is disposed on an inwardly facing surface of at least one of the first upright side member and the second upright side member.

[0065] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the at least one armrest is formed by a lateral offset of at least one of the inwardly facing surfaces of the second end portion.

[0066] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the cavity is formed in a portion of at least one of the inwardly facing surfaces of at least one of the first upstanding side member and the second upstanding side member.

[0067] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the cavity is formed on a central portion of at least one of the first and second upstanding side members.

[0068] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the inwardly facing surface on the central portion of at least one of the first upright side member and the second upright side member is a curved surface that defines a cavity.

[0069] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, an inwardly facing surface on a central portion of at least one of the first and second upright side members extends outwardly, away from the interior of the seat shell, relative to the first and second end portions.

[0070] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the inwardly facing surface on a central portion of at least one of the first upright side member and the second upright side member extends from approximately shoulder height of a child positioned in the child safety seat to approximately waist height of a child sitting in the child safety seat.

[0071] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the cavity is formed between approximately shoulder height and approximately waist height.

[0072] According to one embodiment, a seat shell for a child safety seat includes a seat portion, an upright back portion extending from the seat portion, and at least one upright side member disposed on a side of the upright back portion. The at least one upright side member includes a first end portion, a second end portion positioned below the first end portion, a central portion positioned between the first and second end portions, and inwardly facing surfaces on the first and second end portions. The inwardly facing surfaces on the first and second end portions are laterally offset toward the interior of the seat shell relative to the central portion.

[0073] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the central portion comprises at least one of a cavity and a void.

[0074] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the central portion extends from the first end portion to the second end portion.

[0075] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the central portion includes an inwardly curved surface.

[0076] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the inwardly curved surface extends outwardly from the interior to the second end portion, the inwardly curved surface defining a cavity between the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0077] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the first end portion is positioned at a first height such that an inwardly facing surface of the first end portion is generally aligned with the shoulders of a child when the child is positioned in the child safety seat, and the second end portion is positioned at a second height such that an inwardly facing surface of the second end portion is generally aligned with the waist of a child when the child is positioned in the child safety seat.

[0078] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the central portion extends from the first end portion to the second end portion and defines a cavity therebetween, the cavity being sized such that a child's arm is at least partially receivable within the cavity when the child is positioned within the child safety seat.

[0079] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, an inwardly facing surface of at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion defines a planar surface.

[0080] According to one embodiment, a seat shell for a child safety seat includes a seat portion, an upright back portion extending from the seat portion, and at least one upright side member disposed on a side of the upright back portion. The at least one upright side member has an inward-facing upright surface. The at least one side seat member is disposed on a side of the seat portion adjacent to the at least one upright side member. The at least one side seat member has an inward-facing side surface. The inward-facing upright surface is laterally offset toward the interior of the seat shell relative to the inward-facing side surface.

[0081] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, at least one upstanding side member is positioned in a forward direction between the upstanding back portion and the at least one side sheet member.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the seat shell includes a seat portion, an upright back portion extending from the seat portion, at least one upright side member disposed on a side of the upright back portion, and at least one side impact protector disposed on the at least one upright side member, the at least one side impact protector extending towards the interior of the seat shell.

[0083] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the at least one upstanding side member includes an upper region and a lower region, and the at least one side impact protector is disposed in one of the upper region and the lower region.

[0084] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the inward facing surface of at least one side impact protector is laterally offset towards the interior of the seat shell relative to the inward facing surface of at least one upright side member between the upper and lower regions.

[0085] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment the lateral offset of the inward facing surface of the at least one side impact protector is formed by a contour of the seat shell.

[0086] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the soft goods are attached to the seat shell, and the lateral offset of the inward facing surface of the at least one side impact protector is formed by the soft goods.

[0087] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, at least one upright side member includes a first end portion, a second end portion positioned below the first end portion, and a central portion positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0088] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the upper region includes a first end portion.

[0089] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the upper region further comprises a portion of the central portion.

[0090] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the lower region includes a second end portion.

[0091] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the lower region further comprises a portion of the central portion.

[0092] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the at least one upright side member includes a first upright side member disposed on a first side of the upright rear portion and a second upright side member disposed on a second side of the upright rear portion, and the at least one side impact protector includes a first side impact protector on the first upright side member and a second side impact protector disposed on the second upright side member.

[0093] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment the at least one side impact protector is aligned with the shoulders of a child positioned within the seat shell.

[0094] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in a further embodiment, the at least one side impact protector is aligned with the hips of a child positioned within the seat shell.

[0095] The following description should not be considered limiting in any sense.With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0096] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a child safety seat according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a front view of the child safety seat of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is another front view of the child safety seat of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a rear view of the child safety seat of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a child safety seat according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the child safety seat of FIG. 5, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a side view of a child safety seat according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the child safety seat of FIG. 7 according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a perspective view of a child car seat having an assembly including a light according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of the child car seat of FIG. 9, according to one embodiment. [Figure 11A] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an assembly including a light, according to one embodiment. [Figure 11B] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an assembly including a light, according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 11A, according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly including a light installed within a seat shell, according to one embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 1 is a side view of a child car seat including an assembly including a light, according to one embodiment. [Figure 15A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanism for adjusting the inclination of a child safety seat in an engaged position according to one embodiment. [Figure 15B] 15B is a cross-sectional view of a mechanism for adjusting the tilt of the child safety seat of FIG. 15A in the disengaged position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 16A] 10 is a cross-sectional view of another mechanism for adjusting the inclination of a child safety seat in an engaged position according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16B] 16B is a cross-sectional view of a mechanism for adjusting the tilt of the child safety seat of FIG. 16A in the disengaged position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 17] 1 is a perspective view of an actuator of a mechanism for adjusting the inclination of a child safety seat, according to one embodiment; FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another actuator of a mechanism for adjusting the inclination of a child safety seat, according to one embodiment. [Figure 19] 1 is a perspective view of a child car seat with an integrated harness according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20A] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a child car seat without a harness, according to one embodiment. [Figure 20B] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a child car seat without a harness, according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] 1 is a perspective view of a child car seat having an open storage compartment, according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of a storage area for a crotch buckle of a harness, according to one embodiment. [Figure 23A] 1 is a perspective view of a child car seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 23B] 1 is a perspective view of a child car seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 24] 1 is a perspective view of a child car seat including a side impact protector according to one embodiment. [Figure 25] 1 is a perspective view of another child car seat including a side impact protector according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0097] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method is illustrated herein by way of example and not by way of limitation with reference to the figures.

[0098] 1-3, a child safety seat 20 according to one embodiment is shown. The child safety seat 20 can be removably secured to a vehicle seat 10 (FIG. 7), such as via a latch or anchor mechanism 12, partially shown in FIG. 5. This commonly used latch or anchor system is sometimes referred to as a "lower anchor and tether for children" (e.g., the LATCH system). Alternatively, or in addition, the child safety seat 20 can be removably secured to the vehicle seat 10 via a vehicle belt (not shown) associated with the vehicle seat 10, as described in more detail below.

[0099] The child safety seat 20 may include a seat bottom 22 and a rigid seat shell 24 coupled to the seat bottom 22, the seat shell 24 adapted to receive a child. In one embodiment, the seat shell 24 is removably connected to the seat bottom 22, thereby allowing the seat shell 24 to be separated from the seat bottom 22. Alternatively, the seat bottom 22 and the seat shell 24 may be permanently connected or secured together. As used herein, the term "permanently connected" refers to embodiments in which the seat shell 24 is not intended to be disassembled from the seat bottom 22 by a user.

[0100] The seat shell 24 may include a seat portion 26 and a back or upright portion 28 disposed at an angle relative to the seat portion 26. The seat portion 26 and the upright portion 28 may be removably coupled or permanently coupled. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the upright portion 28 and the seat portion 26 are integrally formed as a single, unitary structure. In another alternative, the upright portion 28 may be rotatably coupled to the seat portion 26 such that the upright portion 28 can tilt and recline relative to the seat portion 26.

[0101] As shown, the upright portion 28 of the seat shell 24 includes an upright support surface 30 that faces generally forward and extends from a first end or top 32 of the upright portion 28 to a second, opposite end or bottom 34 (not shown). A first upright side member 36 may be disposed on a first side 38 of the upright support surface 30, and a second upright side member 40 may be disposed on a second, opposite side 42 of the upright support surface 30. Thus, the first and second upright side members 36, 40 form the left and right sides, respectively, of the upright portion 28. As shown, the first and second upright side members 36, 40 extend forward from the upright support surface 30. The first and second upright side members 36, 40 may extend generally perpendicular to the upright support surface 30 or may extend at another angle therefrom, for example, at an angle greater than 90 degrees. Thus, the upright support surface 30 and the first and second upright side members 36, 40 define a back support area or upright support cavity 43 which receives the child's upper body.

[0102] The side members 36, 40 may facilitate proper positioning of a vehicle belt when the child safety seat 20 is installed in a 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 safety seat 20 to a vehicle seat in a forward-facing, high-back configuration.

[0103] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the upright portion 28 of the seat shell 24 includes a headrest 46. The headrest 46 is attached to or integral with the upright portion 28. The headrest 46 may be stationary or, in some embodiments, 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 stowed position and an extended position, thereby allowing adjustment based on the size of a child positioned within the child safety seat 20.

[0104] The seat portion 26 includes a seat support surface 50 that faces generally upward and extends from a first end or front 52 to a second end or rear 54 of the seat portion 26. A first seat side member 56 may be disposed on a first side 58 of the seat support surface 50, and a second seat side member 60 may be disposed on an opposite second side 62 of the seat support surface 50. The first seat side member 56 and the second seat side member 60 extend upward and form left and right sides of the seat portion 26. The seat support surface 50 and the first and second seat side members 56, 60 combine to define an area 64 in which at least a portion of a child's lower body may be received.

[0105] As shown, the seat side members 56, 60 extend at an angle from the seat support surface 50. The angle of the first seat side member 56 relative to the seat support surface 50 may, but need not, be the same as the angle of the first upright side member 36 relative to the upright support surface 30. Similarly, the angle of the second seat side member 60 relative to the seat support surface 50 may, but need not, be the same as the angle of the second upright side member 40 relative to the upright support surface 30. In one embodiment, the first upright side member 36 and the first seat side member 56 are integrally formed, and the second upright side member 40 and the second seat side member 60 are integrally formed.

[0106] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each seat side member 56, 60 has a slot 66 formed therein configured to function as a lap belt guide during at least one use mode of the child safety seat 20. The slot 66 may be configured to receive and position a lap belt portion or a separate restraint belt of a vehicle restraint to attach the child safety seat 20 to the vehicle seat 10 when the child safety seat 20 is in a forward-facing, high-back configuration, as shown in FIG.

[0107] In one embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 1-3 , 5-6 , and 9-10 , at least one armrest 70 is disposed on an interior surface of the upright portion 28, such as within the upright support cavity 43 in which a child's upper body is received. As shown, the inwardly facing surface 72 of at least one of the first upright side member 36 and the second upright side member 40 may have a non-planar configuration. For example, a cavity or recess 74 (best shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 ) may be formed in a portion of the inwardly facing surface 72. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each upright side member 36, 40 has a first end portion 76 disposed near the first end 32 of the upright support surface 30, a second end portion 78 disposed near the second end 34 of the upright support surface 30, and a central portion 80 disposed between the first end portion 76 and the second end portion 78. As shown, the cavity 74 may be formed within the central portion 80. In one embodiment, the inwardly facing surface of the central portion is an arcuate or curved surface 82 that defines the cavity 74. The curved surface 82 may extend from approximately shoulder height to waist height of a child seated in the child safety seat. As shown, the curved surface 82 may be concave and extend outward, away from a plane defined by the inwardly facing surface 72 of either the first end portion 76 or the second end portion 78. As a result, the thickness of the first and second upright side members 36, 40 may gradually decrease from a first end 84 of the central portion 80 located adjacent the first end portion 76 to a second end 86 disposed near the second end portion 78.

[0108] In one embodiment, the armrest 70 is disposed at the second end 86 of the curved surface 82 within the cavity 74. As best shown in FIG. 3 , the second end 86 of the curved surface 82 is not flush with the inwardly facing surface 72 of the second end portion 78. Rather, the inwardly facing surface 72 adjacent the second end 86 of the curved surface 82 may have a stepped configuration such that the inwardly facing surface 72 of the second end portion 78 is laterally offset from the second end 86 of the curved surface 82 toward the interior or child safety seat 20. This lateral offset, which extends the depth of the upright side members 36, 40 at that location, may form a shelf or support surface 88 suitable for the armrest 70. Alternatively, in one embodiment, a separate member 90, such as a pad, is attached in an overlapping arrangement with this support surface 88. In embodiments in which a pad or other member 90 is attached to the support surface 88 to form the armrest 70, the member 90 may protrude beyond the support surface 88 in at least one direction, such as forward of the upright side members 36, 40, rearward from the upright side members 36, 40 into the opening 44, and / or inward from the support surface 88. Locating the armrest 70 within the upright support cavity 43 provides a more ergonomic configuration for a child seated within the child safety seat 20. Furthermore, vertically offsetting the armrest 70 from and locating it behind the slot 66 minimizes interference between the armrest and the positioning of the vehicle restraint within the slot 66.

[0109] As best shown in FIGS. 1 , 5 , 6 , 8 , and 9 , in one embodiment, the child safety seat includes at least one light 92. The at least one light 92 may be selectively operable to illuminate at least a portion of the upright support cavity 43 of the upright portion 28 in which the child's upper body is received, or an area immediately in front of the upright support cavity 43. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 , 5 , 6 , and 8 , the at least one light 92 is positioned on the inwardly facing surface 72 of each of the upright side members 36, 40. In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the at least one light 92 is disposed on the forward-facing surface of the central portion 80 of the side members 36, 40. While a single light 92 having an elongated configuration is shown in FIGS. 1 , 5 , 6 , and 8 , it should be understood that embodiments having a light 92 with other shapes, and embodiments having multiple lights, are within the scope of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the lights 92 may include a variety of colors. For example, a child may select a white light, a blue light, a yellow light, a combination of colored lights, or another color light. The child may select a color, for example, by activating a switch or other mechanism for controlling a light (not shown) positioned on the curved surface 82. In embodiments in which the upstanding side members 36, 40 include a cavity 74, at least one light 92 may be positioned within the cavity, such as adjacent a front edge of the upstanding side members 36, 40. However, embodiments having lights 92 positioned in other suitable locations relative to the cavity 74 and / or the upstanding side members 36, 40 are also contemplated herein.

[0110] In one embodiment, the child car seat 20 includes one or more lights 92 permanently attached thereto. However, in other embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 10, at least one light 92 is removably connectable to the child car seat 20. Although only the lights 92 located on the side members 36, 40 of the child car seat 20 are shown as actually being removable, it should be understood that lights located anywhere around the child car seat 20 may be permanently or removably coupled to the child car seat 20.

[0111] 11A-12, an example of a removable light 92 is shown in more detail. In one embodiment, the light 92 may be integrated into an assembly 100, which in its entirety is removably connectable to the child car seat 20. The assembly 100 may be at least partially receivable within a corresponding socket or cavity 102 formed in a portion of the child car seat 20, such as, for example, within the side members 36, 40. In such an embodiment, the light 92 is positioned in a location on the assembly 100 that is visible from and / or not disposed within the cavity 102.

[0112] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the assembly 100 includes a housing 104 having a first end 106, a second end 108, and at least one sidewall 110 extending between the first end 106 and the second end 108. The housing 104 may include a resilient or flexible member 112 for selectively coupling the assembly 100 to the child car seat 20. As shown, the flexible member 112 extends from the sidewall 110 to the second end 108 of the housing 104 such that a distal end 114 of the flexible member 112 is exposed at the second end 108. A bias on the flexible member 112 urges the distal end 114 of the flexible member 112 radially outward from the sidewall 110. In some embodiments, a flange or catch 116 projects outward from a central portion of the flexible member 112.

[0113] 13 , when the assembly 100 is installed in the cavity 102 formed in the seat shell 24, the first end 106 of the housing 104 abuts the end of the cavity 102, and the second end 108 of the housing 104 is positioned near an adjacent outer surface of the child seat 20, such as the forward-facing surface of the side members 36, 40. During installation, the flexible member 112 is forced radially inward toward the side wall 110 against its bias. In this forced or compressed position, the catch 116 of the resilient member 112 is held out of the way of interference with the inner surface 118 of the cavity 102. Once the assembly 100 is fully inserted, the flexible member 112 is released. As a result of the bias, the distal end 114 of the flexible member 112 moves outward from the side wall 110, thereby moving the catch into alignment with the adjacent inner surface 118 of the cavity 102. A surface of the catch contacts and abuts an inner surface 118 of the cavity 102, thereby restricting movement of the assembly 100 from the cavity 102. To remove the assembly 100, the flexible member 112 is compressed toward the side wall 110, moving the catch 116 out of alignment with the inner surface 118. It should be understood that the flexible member 112 and catch 116 shown and described herein are intended as examples only, and that any suitable mechanism for selectively coupling the assembly to the child seat 20 is contemplated herein, including, but not limited to, a twist lock, a friction fit, or a threaded engagement.

[0114] The interior of the housing 104 may be generally hollow so that one or more additional components can be positioned therein. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 12 , the assembly 100 includes a power source 120 for energizing the light 92 disposed within the housing 104. The power source 120 may be replaceable, such as one or more batteries. In other embodiments, the power source 120 may be rechargeable, such as a rechargeable battery. In such embodiments, the power source 120 may be rechargeable upon removal from the assembly 100, or alternatively, may be rechargeable within the assembly 100. In embodiments in which the power source 120 is rechargeable within the assembly 100, the assembly 100 includes a charging port 122 including corresponding charging circuitry 124, for example, formed in the first end 106 of the housing 104. Thus, when the assembly 100 is separated from the child seat 20, a charger, such as a USB charger, may be connected to the charging port 122 to recharge the power source 120. Although assembly 100 is shown and described herein as including light 92, it should be understood that embodiments in which assembly 100 does not have a light embedded therein are also contemplated herein. Rather, as described in more detail below, assembly 100 may provide the necessary power for light 92 located remotely from assembly 100.

[0115] One or more lights 92 of the child safety seat 20 may be automatically operable, such as in response to an input. For example, the lights 92 may be activated or energized in response to the application of force or movement to a button, switch, or other actuator located around the child safety seat 20. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the figures, the assembly 100 includes a depressible button 126 located at the second end 108 of the housing 104, and application of force to the button 126 may be used to selectively energize the lights 92. In one embodiment, one or more lights 92 may be operated or selectively energized for a predetermined period of time, such as via a timer. For example, at least one light 92 may automatically turn off after 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes. In other embodiments, the same input used to energize the lights 92, such as the button 126, or a different input, may be used to selectively de-energize the lights 92.

[0116] In one embodiment, the one or more lights 92 may be operably connected to one or more sensors (not shown). The one or more sensors may include, for example, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, or another sensor for sensing the proximity of the child seat 20 relative to a vehicle seat or stroller seat, or the position or movement of a component of the child seat 20. The one or more sensors may be configured to transmit a signal to the one or more lights 92 for activation and / or deactivation.

[0117] 14 , in one embodiment, when the assembly 100 is installed within the cavity 102, the power source 120 embedded within the assembly 100 may be operatively coupled to a plurality of lights 92 located at several different locations on the child safety seat 20, such as lights associated with the car's seat belt path or lights intended to aid in installation of the child safety seat 20 within the vehicle. Thus, actuation of the lights 92 embedded within the assembly 100, such as via a button 126 or a sensor, may similarly energize or de-energize one or more lights 92 associated with the child safety seat 20 and located remotely from the assembly 100. Additionally, via the aforementioned coupling with the plurality of lights 92, the power source 120 of the assembly 100 may function to provide power to the plurality of lights 92 when installed within the cavity 102.

[0118] In one embodiment, assembly 100 is operable as a battery or power source for charging a portable device, for example, but not limited to, a phone, tablet, computer, or watch. Thus, in some embodiments, assembly 100 may be considered a portable device charger. In an embodiment in which the assembly is a portable device charger, assembly 100 may, but need not, have light 92. In such an embodiment, the portable device may be electrically connectable to power source 120 via a charging port formed in housing 104. The charging port for coupling the portable device to power source 120 may be the same charging port 122 used to recharge power source 120, or may be separate from it. For example, in one embodiment, charging port 122 used to recharge power source 120 may be a USB micro-A or micro-B port, and the charging port used to transfer power from power source 120 to the portable device may be a USB-A port. In other embodiments, housing 104 may include a plug or connector (not shown) receivable within the charging port of the portable device. In one embodiment, a charging port used to power a portable device may be located at the front or second end 108 of the housing 104. Through such location of the charging port, the assembly 100 may be used to charge a portable device not only when the assembly 100 is separated from the seat shell 24, but also when the assembly 100 is installed around, e.g., within, the seat shell 24.

[0119] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the seat bottom 22 is movable to adjust the tilt of the child safety seat 20. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 15A-17, the seat bottom 22 includes a housing 200 and a support member 202 movable relative to the housing 200 between a plurality of positions, including a first position, such as a tilted position, and a second position, such as a reclined position. However, it should be understood that the first position and the second position may both be tilted positions, and the first and second positions have various degrees of tilt. Furthermore, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the support member 202 may be positioned at one or more positions along the path of movement of the support member 202 between the first and second positions to provide a greater degree of adjustability of the child safety seat 20. When the support member 202 is positioned in the first position, the support member 202 may be positioned substantially or entirely within the interior of the housing 200. In the first position, the bottom 206 of the support member 202 may be substantially flush with the bottom surface 208 of the housing 200. In the second position, at least a portion, and in some embodiments a substantial majority, of the support member 202 protrudes beyond the bottom surface 208 of the housing 200. In the second position, the bottom 206 of the support member 202 is configured to contact the vehicle seat, rather than the bottom surface 208 of the seat.

[0120] The mechanism 203 may be used to adjust the inclination of the child safety seat 20 relative to the vehicle seat 10. The support member 202 may be selectively locked in a first position, a second position, or any position therebetween. Referring to FIGS. 15A-16B , in the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the mechanism 203 includes a rack 210 mounted within the interior of the housing 200 and having a plurality of first teeth 212. A catch 214 having at least one second tooth 216, and in some embodiments, a plurality of second teeth, is attached to the support member 202. For example, the catch 214 may be mounted on or near the top surface of the support member 202, as shown in FIG. 15A , or may be mounted within the support member 202 adjacent to the rack 210, as shown in FIG. 16A . In each of the plurality of positions, the at least one second tooth 216 is engaged with the plurality of first teeth 212 to selectively lock the support member 202 relative to the housing 200.

[0121] The actuator 220, operably coupled to the catch 214, may be located on an exterior surface of the child safety seat 20 in a location accessible by a user. In one embodiment, the actuator 220 (see FIG. 4 ) is located, for example, adjacent the upright side members 36, 40 of the backrest portion 28. While the actuator 220 is shown in the backrest portion 28 of the seat shell 24, it should be understood that the actuator 220 may be located in any location easily accessible by a user when the child safety seat 20 is installed on a vehicle seat. For example, in one aspect, the actuator 220 may be positioned on at least one of the first and second upright side members 36, 40 and may extend into the respective openings 44. A user can access and actuate the actuator 220 by grasping the first and second upright side members 36, 40 and positioning their hands through the respective openings 44.

[0122] 15A and 15B , the catch 214 is configured to translate relative to the rack 210 in response to operation of the actuator 220. A force F is transmitted to the catch 214 in response to operation of the actuator 220, such as via a cable, linkage, or other flexible member 222. The force F disengages and separates the at least one second tooth 216 of the catch 214 from the plurality of first teeth 212 of the rack 210. In this separated configuration, the support member 202 may be moved relative to the housing 200 to adjust the tilt angle of the child safety seat 20. In one embodiment, a biasing member 224 is operably coupled to the catch 214 and configured to bias the catch 214 into engagement with the rack 210. Thus, when force F is removed from actuator 220, the biasing force of biasing member 224 translates catch 214, engaging at least one second tooth 216 with the plurality of first teeth 212, thereby locking support member 202 in position relative to housing 200.

[0123] 16A and 16B, the catch 214 is configured to pivot relative to the catch 214 about axis P. In response to operation of the actuator 220, a force F transmitted to the catch 214 causes the catch 214 to pivot about axis P, thereby separating at least one second tooth 216 of the catch 214 from the plurality of first teeth 212 of the rack 210. In this separated configuration, the support member 202 is movable relative to the housing 200 to adjust the tilt angle of the child safety seat 200. Upon removal of the force from the actuator 220, the biasing force of the biasing member 224 causes the catch 214 to pivot toward the rack 210 about axis P. While a vertically oriented spring 224 is shown, it should be understood that other biasing members 224 capable of pivoting the catch 214 about its axis P, such as, for example, a torsion spring, are contemplated herein. The biasing force of the biasing member 224 causes the at least one second tooth 216 of the catch 214 to pivot into engagement with the plurality of first teeth 212 , thereby locking the support member 202 in place relative to the housing 200 .

[0124] The actuator 220 can be configured to transition between an engaged position and a released position. In the engaged position, the actuator 220 is not actuated and the catch 214 is engaged with the rack 210 to lock the support member 202 in place. In the released position, the actuator 220 is actuated (e.g., compressed or rotated) and the catch 214 is disengaged from the rack 210, allowing the support member 202 to move relative to the housing 200 to adjust the inclination of the child safety seat 20.

[0125] 17 , an example of an actuator 220 according to one embodiment is shown in more detail. As shown, the actuator 220 includes a pivot member 230 connected to a flexible member 222. The pivot member 230 may have a slot 232 formed therein, and a pin or other member 234 extending from an inner surface of the seat shell 24 is received within the slot 232. Thus, the pivot member 230 is translatable relative to the pin 234. An engagement member 236, such as, for example, a depressible button, protrudes through an opening in the seat shell 24. The engagement member 236 is operably coupled to the pivot member 230. In one embodiment, the pivot member 230 is configured to rotate about a pivot axis R relative to the engagement member 236.

[0126] To operate the actuator 220, a force F is applied to the engagement member 236 in a first direction. This force F causes the engagement member 236 to translate inwardly into the seat shell 24 in the same first direction from an engaged position to a disengaged position. As the engagement member 236 translates, the pivot member 230 rotates relative to the engagement member 236 about a pivot axis R. During this rotation, the pivot member 230 is also configured to translate relative to the seat shell 24, moving the pin 234 from a position near a first end of the slot 232 ( FIG. 17 ) to a position near a second, opposite end 238 of the slot 232. The rotation of the pivot member 230 about the pivot axis R results in translation of the pivot member 230 in a second direction different from the first direction. The second direction, or translation direction, of the pivot member 230 is disposed at an angle relative to the direction of movement of the engagement member 236 or the direction of the force F applied to the engagement member 236. In one embodiment, the second direction is disposed generally perpendicular to the first direction. This movement of the pivot member 230 in the second direction applies a force to the flexible member 222, disengaging the catch 214 from the rack 210, as described above.

[0127] In one embodiment, a biasing member 240, such as a coil spring, extends between the engagement member 236 and the pivot member 230. When the force F is removed from the engagement member 236, gravity and / or the biasing force of the biasing member 240 causes the pivot member 230 to translate relative to the seat shell and rotate relative to the engagement member 236. This translation and rotation of the pivot member 230 causes the engagement member 236 to translate outward to the engaged position.

[0128] Another example of an actuator 220 associated with mechanism 203 is shown in more detail in Figure 18. In one embodiment, actuator 220 includes an engagement member 236 pivotally mounted to the seat shell 24. The engagement member 236 may be rotatable inwardly into the interior of the seat shell 24 when rotated about its axis A from an engaged position to a disengaged position. However, embodiments in which the actuator is rotatable relative to the seat shell 24 in other orientations are also contemplated herein.

[0129] A cable, linkage, or other flexible member 222 is coupled to the engagement member 236, for example. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the flexible member 222 is directly coupled to the engagement member 236. When the engagement member 236 is rotated about its axis A from an engaged position to a disengaged position in response to application of a force F thereto, the force is transmitted to the flexible member 222. The flexible member 222 may also be connected to the support member 202 for moving the support member relative to the housing 200 to adjust the tilt angle of the child safety seat 20. The biasing member 223 is operably coupled to the actuator 220 such that the biasing force of the biasing member 223 biases the actuator 220 toward the first, unactuated position. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, biasing member 223 is a coil spring positioned between seat shell 24 and the surface of actuator 220, although embodiments in which biasing member 223 is located in another location or has another configuration, such as, for example, a torsion spring aligned with axis A, are also contemplated herein.

[0130] Regardless of the structure of the actuator 220, the actuator lock 250 is operably connected to the actuator 220. The actuator lock 250 may be configured to releasably lock the actuator 220 in the released position. For example, when a user transitions the actuator 220 from the engaged position to the released position by manipulating the actuator 220, the user can lock the actuator 220 in the released position such that the support member 202 is movable relative to the housing 200 even after the user removes force from the actuator 220. If the actuator is locked in the released position when the child safety seat 20 is installed on the vehicle seat 10, the recline of the child safety seat 20 may be configured to automatically match the recline of the vehicle seat as the vehicle seat back angle of the vehicle seat is adjusted. Once the support member 202 is positioned on the vehicle seat 10 with the child safety seat 20 at a desired angle, the actuator lock 250 can be unlocked to transition the actuator 220 to the engaged position, thereby locking the support member 202 in place. Although the actuator lock 250 is described herein as being operable to lock the actuator 220 in a released position, it should be understood that the actuator lock 250 may additionally or alternatively be operable to lock the actuator 220 in an engaged position, such as to prevent intentional release of the actuator 220.

[0131] As described herein, the mechanism 203 for adjusting the tilt angle of the child safety seat 20 allows a user to adjust the tilt angle of the child safety seat 20 after the child safety seat 20 is positioned on and coupled to the vehicle seat 10 either via a vehicle restraint or the LATCH system. When the angle of the vehicle seat 10 is adjusted, it is not necessary to remove and recouple the child safety seat 20 to the vehicle seat 10. Instead, the mechanism 203 allows the child safety seat 20 to be tilted and reclined without disengaging the vehicle restraint or the LATCH system.

[0132] 19, in one embodiment, the seat shell 24 of the child safety seat 20 includes a harness 300, separate from the vehicle belts, for securing a child within the child safety seat 20. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the harness 300 includes two straps 302, 304 with clips (not shown) that are both connectable to a buckle 306 (see FIG. 22), such as attached to a crotch strap (not shown), to form both a shoulder strap and a lap strap around a child positioned within the child safety seat 20. The shoulder portions of the straps 302, 304 may also include respective portions of clips or buckles (not shown) that are connectable to each other across the occupant's chest.

[0133] When the child seat 20 is converted into a high-back booster, the harness of the child seat 20 is removed or stowed out of the way of the upright support cavity 43 and / or the area 64 in which at least a portion of the child's lower body is received. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the seat shell 24 may include one or more storage compartments or pockets for storing all or a portion of the harness out of the way of the cavity 43 and the area 64. At least one of the side members 36, 40 of the seat shell 24, such as a location below the armrest 70, includes a pocket or compartment 310. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 20A and 20B, the compartment 310 is formed in each side member 36, 40. Alternatively, or in addition, the support surface 30 of the seat back 28 includes at least one compartment (see FIG. 20B). The compartment 313 may be disposed in the support surface 50 of the seat bottom 26. However, it should be understood that compartments located in any suitable location around the child seat 20 to receive or house portions of the harness 300 or LATCH system are within the scope of this disclosure. The compartments 310, 312 may be open or may have movable doors for selective access to the interior of the compartment.

[0134] To stow the harness 300, the user loosens the harness 300 and places each strap 302, 304 and buckle and / or chest clip in a corresponding compartment 310, such as formed in the side members 36, 40. Similarly, the crotch strap and buckle 306 of the harness 300 may be stored in a compartment 313 formed in the support surface 50. A latch (not shown) used to secure the child seat 20 to the vehicle seat 10 when the child seat 20 is configured as a booster may be stored in a compartment 312 located in the seat back 28, such as the support surface 30.

[0135] 20B and 21, compartment 312 includes a door 314 that is movable to provide access to its interior 316. In one embodiment, compartment 312 is operable as a belt lock-off for securing child seat 20 to vehicle seat 10 using a vehicle belt. The vehicle belt is fed behind door 314, which is then closed to lock the vehicle belt to child seat 20.

[0136] 23A and 23B show a child safety seat 20' having soft goods at least partially positioned thereon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Portions of the alternative embodiment of the child safety seat 20' disclosed in FIGS. 23A and 23B are similar to the embodiment of the child safety seat 20 described above in FIGS. 1-22, and those portions function similarly to those described above. The child safety seat 20' includes an armrest 70' positioned within the interior of the child safety seat 20'. The armrest 70' is positioned above a support portion 71'. In one embodiment, the support portion 71' is integrally formed with the seat shell of the child safety seat 20'. In an alternative or additional embodiment, the support portion 71' can be positioned directly below the armrest 70'. The support portion 71' is configured to receive and / or support padding or soft goods 73' thereon. The padding or soft goods 73' may, for example, help to support the lumbar region of a child positioned on the child safety seat 20'.

[0137] 23A, 23B, 24, and 25, a child safety seat such as seat 20 or 20′ may be further designed to provide improved side impact protection to an occupant of seat 20, 20′. Side impact protection, as used herein, is intended to describe protection for an occupant involved in a collision or impact at the side of a vehicle, for example, at or near a vehicle door. The child safety seat 20 or 20′ as shown may include at least one side impact protector, and in some embodiments, multiple side impact protectors (illustrated as 400a, 400b) disposed about the seat 20, 20′. In exemplary embodiments, one or more side impact protectors 400a, 400b are one or more protruding structures that extend into the upright support cavity 43 a distance greater than the portion of the seat 20, 20′ adjacent to the side impact protectors 400a, 400b.

[0138] An exemplary embodiment of a side impact protector is shown in FIGS. 23A-25 as a shoulder impact protector 400a positioned at or near the area of ​​the seat 20, 20′ located adjacent the occupant's shoulder. As shown in FIGS. 23A-25, the shoulder impact protector 400a is disposed in an upper region 402 of at least one or both of the first and second upright side members 36, 40 or 36′, 40′ of the seat shell 24. As shown, this upper region 402 includes at least a portion of the first end portion 76 or 76′. In some embodiments, the upper region 402 may alternatively or additionally include a portion of the central region 80 or 80′, such as adjacent the first end portion 76, 76′. However, it should be understood that any suitable portion of the upright portion 28 may be designed as part of the shoulder impact protector.

[0139] Shoulder impact protector 400a may be formed by an inwardly extending contour of seat shell 24 (see FIG. 24) and / or by inwardly extending padding or soft goods of soft goods, such as soft goods 73′ (FIGS. 23A and 23B). In some embodiments, shoulder impact protector 400a may additionally or alternatively be formed by a portion of central region 80. In one embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 25, central region 80 includes a flange 81 located at a relatively upper end 84 of central region portion 80 and extending inwardly toward upright support cavity 43.

[0140] The shoulder impact protector 400a extends or protrudes into the upright support cavity 43 to limit or reduce occupant chest displacement during a side impact event. Through this extension into the upright support cavity 43, the inwardly facing surface of the shoulder impact protector 400a in the upper region 402 is laterally offset from the inwardly facing surfaces of the adjacent portions of the first and second upright side members 36, 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 24 , the inwardly facing surface 72a of the seat shell 24 at the first end portion 76 of the upright side members 36, 40 may form the shoulder impact protector 400a. This surface 72a extends further toward the interior of the upright support cavity 43 than the inwardly facing surface 82 of the adjacent region of the upright side members 36, 40, such as the central portion 80 of the seat shell 24 in FIG. 24 . Similarly, as shown in Figures 23A and 23B, the inwardly facing surface 75'a defined by the soft goods 73' in the upper region 402 of the upright side members 36', 40' may also form the shoulder impact protector 400a. This surface 75'a extends further inward toward the center of the upright support cavity 43 than the inwardly facing surface 75'b of the soft goods 73' in the adjacent region of the upright side members 36, 40. In the non-limiting embodiment of Figure 25, the flange 81 located at the upper end 84 of the central portion 80 similarly extends further toward the interior of the upright support cavity 43 than the inwardly facing surface 82 of the adjacent section of the central portion 80. It should be understood that the protrusion of shoulder impact protector 400a towards the interior of upright support cavity 43 as shown in Figures 23A and 23B may be the result of one or more of the contours of seat shell 24, the construction of soft goods 73, and the positioning of additional components such as flange 81 in Figure 25 below the material of surface 75a.

[0141] Alternatively, or in addition to the shoulder impact protector 400a described above, a side impact protector is shown in FIGS. 23A-25 as a lumbar impact protector 400b positioned at or near the area of ​​the seat 20, 20′ located adjacent to the occupant's lumbar region. In one embodiment, the lumbar impact protector 400b is disposed in a lower region 404 of at least one or both of the first and second upright side members 36, 40 or 36′, 40′. As shown, this lower region 404 includes at least a portion of the second end portion 78 or 78′. In some embodiments, the lower region 404 may alternatively or additionally include a portion of the central region 80 or 80′, such as adjacent the second end portion 78, 78′. However, it should be understood that any suitable portion of the upright portion 28 may be designed as part of the lumbar impact protector 400b.

[0142] Lumbar impact protector 400b may be formed by the contours of seat shell 24 (see FIG. 24) and / or by padding or soft goods, such as, for example, soft goods 73' (FIGS. 23A and 23B). In some embodiments, lumbar impact protector 400b may additionally or alternatively be formed by a portion of central region 80, 80'. For example, the end of central region 80 adjacent second end portion 78 may include a shelf 83 that projects inwardly toward the center of upright support cavity 43.

[0143] The lumbar impact protector 400b may extend or protrude into the upright support cavity 43 to limit or reduce occupant thorax displacement during a side impact event. Through this extension into the upright support cavity 43, the inwardly facing surface of the lumbar impact protector 400b is laterally offset from the inwardly facing surfaces of the adjacent portions of the first and / or second upright side members 36, 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 24 , the inwardly facing surface 72b of the second end portion 78 of the upright side members 36, 40 may form the lumbar impact protector 400b. This surface 72b may be laterally offset from the inwardly facing surface of the adjacent region of the upright side members 36, 40. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the inwardly facing surface 72b of the second end portion 78 extends further toward the upright support cavity 43 than the inwardly facing surface 82 of the adjacent region of the upright side members 36, 40. 23A and 23B, the inwardly facing surface 75'c of the soft goods 73' in the lower regions of the upright side members 36', 40' may also form the lumbar impact protector 400b. This surface 75'c may extend laterally further inward into the upright support cavity 43 than the inwardly facing surfaces 75'b of the soft goods 73' located in adjacent portions of the upright side members 36, 40, for example, between the upper and lower regions 402, 404. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 25, the shelf 83 located at the end of the central portion 80 adjacent the lower region 404 similarly extends further into the upright support cavity 43 than the inwardly facing surfaces 82 in adjacent regions of the central portion 80. It will be appreciated that the protrusion of the lumbar impact protector 400b towards the interior of the upright support cavity 43 as shown in Figures 23A and 23B may be the result of one or more of the contours of the seat shell 24, the construction of the soft goods 73, and the positioning of additional components such as flange 83 of Figure 25 below the material of surface 75'c.

[0144] In addition to limiting thoracic displacement, the inclusion of at least one side impact protector (e.g., 400a and / or 400b) in the seat 20, 20′ near or aligned with the shoulder and / or lumbar region of a child seated therein may also reduce the occupant's head injury criteria or specific head movement occurring during a side impact event. While the side impact protectors 400a, 400b are described as being located in the shoulder and lumbar regions of the seat 20, 20′, it should be understood that embodiments including side impact protectors located in other regions of the seat 20, 20′ are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, any combination of side impact protectors is contemplated herein. It should be understood that the first upright side member 36 may have a side impact protector that is similar to, or alternatively different from, the second upright side member 40. For example, the first upright side member 36, 36' may have no impact protectors or may include one or both of the shoulder impact protectors 400a and the lumbar impact protectors 400b. Similarly, regardless of the configuration of impact protectors in the first upright side member 36, 36', the second upright side member 40, 40' may have no impact protectors or may include one or both of the shoulder and lumbar impact protectors 400a, 400b.

[0145] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing.

[0146] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, components, steps, operations, elements, and / or ingredients, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, steps, operations, elements, ingredients, and / or groups thereof.

[0147] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for the 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 without departing from the essential scope of the invention. Therefore, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the disclosure, but rather that the disclosure will include all embodiments within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A child safety seat, A seat shell is provided, the seat shell comprising: an upright support surface including a first side and a second side; a first upright side member disposed on the first side and extending forward from the upright support surface, and a second upright side member disposed on the second side and extending forward from the upright support surface; an upright support cavity for receiving a child's upper body, said upright support cavity being defined between said upright support surface, said first upright side member, and said second upright side member; and at least one armrest located within said upright support cavity.

2. 2. The child safety seat of claim 1, wherein the at least one armrest is located on the at least one of the first upright side member and the second upright side member.

3. 3. The child safety seat of claim 2, wherein the at least one armrest is disposed on an inwardly facing surface of the at least one of the first and second upright members.

4. 4. The child safety seat of claim 3, wherein the at least one armrest further comprises a support surface, the support surface being formed by a lateral offset on the inwardly facing surface of the at least one of the first and second upright side members.

5. 5. The child safety seat of claim 4, further comprising a pad attached in an overlapping arrangement with said support surface.

6. 6. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 5, wherein said pad projects beyond said support surface in at least one direction.

7. 4. The child safety seat of claim 3, wherein a cavity is formed in the inwardly facing surface of at least one of the first upright side member and the second upright side member, and the at least one armrest is positioned within the cavity.

8. 8. The child safety seat of claim 7, wherein the cavity includes a curved surface, and the at least one armrest is located at an end of the curved surface.

9. The seat shell is a sheet support surface including another first side and another second side; 2. The child safety seat of claim 1, further comprising: a first seat side member disposed on the other first side surface and extending upward from the seat support surface; and a second seat side member disposed on the second side surface and extending upward from the seat support surface.

10. 10. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first seat side member and the first upright side member are integrally formed, and the second seat side member and the second upright side member are integrally formed.

11. 10. The child safety seat of claim 9, wherein the first seat side member and the second seat side member each have a slot formed therein for receiving a vehicle restraint.

12. 12. The child safety seat of claim 11, wherein the at least one armrest is positioned behind the slot.

13. 10. The child safety seat of claim 1, further comprising a seat bottom, said seat shell being permanently connected to said seat bottom.

14. A child safety seat, The seat bottom and a seat shell connected to the seat bottom; A child safety seat comprising: a light disposed on the seat shell.

15. The seat shell is an upright support surface including a first side and a second side; 15. The child safety seat of claim 14, further comprising a first upright side member disposed on the first side and extending forward from the upright support surface, and a second upright side member disposed on the second side and extending forward from the upright support surface, wherein the light is attached to one of the first upright side member and the second upright side member.

16. 16. The child safety seat of claim 15, wherein the light is disposed on an inwardly facing surface of one of the first and second upright members.

17. 17. The child safety seat of claim 16, wherein the one of the first and second upright members has a cavity formed in the inwardly facing surface thereof, the light being disposed within the cavity.

18. 18. The child safety seat of claim 17, wherein the cavity includes a curved surface and the light extends beyond the curved surface.

19. 17. The child safety seat of claim 16, wherein the light is located adjacent a front edge of the one of the first and second upright members.

20. 16. The child safety seat of claim 15, wherein the seat shell further comprises an upright support cavity for receiving the upper body of a child, the upright support cavity being defined between the upright support surface, the first upright side member, and the second upright side member, and the light is operable to illuminate the upright support cavity.

21. 16. The child safety seat of claim 15, wherein the light has an elongated configuration.

22. 16. The child safety seat of claim 15, wherein the light further comprises a plurality of lights.

23. A child safety seat suitable for installation on a vehicle seat, said child safety seat comprising: The seat bottom and a seat shell fixed to the seat bottom; and a mechanism for adjusting the inclination of the child safety seat relative to the vehicle seat, the mechanism being operable while the child safety seat is fixed to the vehicle seat and while the vehicle seat back angle of the vehicle seat is changed.

24. 24. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 23, wherein at least a portion of the seat bottom is movable in response to operation of the mechanism to adjust the tilt of the child safety seat.

25. 25. The child safety seat of claim 24, wherein the seat bottom further comprises a housing and a support member, the support member being movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position to adjust the inclination of the child safety seat.

26. 26. The child safety seat of claim 25, wherein in the first position, a bottom surface of the support member is flush with a bottom of the housing, and in the second position, the bottom surface of the support member protrudes beyond the bottom of the housing.

27. The mechanism comprises: a rack attached to the housing, the rack including a plurality of first teeth; 26. The child safety seat of claim 25, further comprising a catch movably attached to the support member, the catch including at least one second tooth, the at least one second tooth intermeshing with the plurality of first teeth in both the first position and the second position.

28. 28. The child safety seat according to claim 27, wherein the catch is located on an upper surface of the support member.

29. 28. A child safety seat according to claim 27, wherein the catch is located within the support member adjacent to the rack.

30. 28. The child safety seat of claim 27, further comprising a biasing member for biasing the at least one second tooth of the catch into engagement with the plurality of first teeth.

31. an actuator positioned on an outer surface of the child safety seat; a flexible member operably coupling the actuator to the catch; 31. The child safety seat of claim 30, wherein operation of the actuator opposes the biasing force of the biasing member.

32. 32. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 31, wherein the actuator is positioned in the seat shell.

33. 33. The child safety seat of claim 32, wherein the seat shell further comprises a seat portion and an upright portion, and the actuator is positioned in the upright portion.

34. 32. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 31, wherein the actuator is convertible between an engaged position and a released position, and the mechanism further comprises an actuator lock operable to selectively lock the actuator in the released position.

35. 1. A method for configuring a child safety seat on a vehicle seat, comprising: positioning the child safety seat on the vehicle seat; Fixing the child safety seat to the vehicle seat; adjusting the inclination of the child safety seat relative to the vehicle seat while the child safety seat is secured to the vehicle seat and while the vehicle seat back angle of the vehicle seat is changed.

36. A child safety seat suitable for installation on a vehicle seat, said child safety seat comprising: a seat bottom, the seat bottom having a movable support member; a seat shell fixed to the seat bottom; a mechanism for adjusting the inclination of the child safety seat relative to the vehicle seat, the mechanism comprising: An actuator; a catch for selectively locking the movable support member relative to the seat bottom; a flexible member connecting the actuator and the catch. A child safety seat, wherein the actuator is movable in a first direction, the flexible member is movable in a second direction in response to operation of the actuator, and the second direction is disposed at an angle relative to the first direction.

37. 37. The child safety seat of claim 36, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

38. 37. The child safety seat of claim 36, wherein the first direction is lateral and the second direction is vertical.

39. 37. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 36, wherein the actuator is convertible between an engaged position and a released position, and the mechanism further comprises an actuator lock operable to selectively lock the actuator in the released position.

40. A child safety seat, The seat bottom and a seat shell connected to the seat bottom; and a light removably coupled to the seat shell.

41. 41. The child safety seat of claim 40, wherein the light is part of an assembly, the assembly being removably coupled to the seat shell.

42. 42. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 41, wherein the seat shell further comprises a cavity, the assembly being receivable within the cavity.

43. the assembly comprising: Housing and 42. The child safety seat of claim 41, further comprising: a power source disposed within the interior of the housing, the power source operably coupled to the light.

44. 44. The child safety seat of claim 43, wherein the power source comprises a replaceable battery.

45. 44. The child safety seat of claim 43, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

46. 46. ​​The child safety seat of claim 45, wherein the assembly further comprises a charging port formed within the housing.

47. 44. The child safety seat of claim 43, further comprising an actuator for selectively energizing said light, said actuator being disposed external to said housing.

48. 44. A child safety seat as described in claim 43, further comprising at least one other light positioned about said seat shell, said at least one other light being located remotely from said assembly.

49. 49. The child safety seat of claim 48, wherein the power source is operably coupled to the at least one additional light when the assembly is removably coupled to the seat shell.

50. 44. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 43, wherein the housing further comprises a flexible member including a radial catch, the flexible member being biased radially outward.

51. 41. The child safety seat of claim 40, wherein the seat shell includes a support surface extending at least partially vertically from the seat bottom, the seat shell further including a side member extending forwardly from the support surface, the light being removably coupled to the side member.

52. A child safety seat, The seat bottom and a seat shell connected to the seat bottom; a charger removably coupled to the seat shell, the charger being connectable to a portable device for charging the portable device.

53. 53. A child safety seat according to claim 52, wherein the charger is operable to charge the portable device when the charger is separated from the seat shell.

54. 53. A child safety seat according to claim 52, wherein the charger is operable to charge the portable device when the charger is connected to the seat shell.

55. The charger Housing and a power source disposed within the interior of the housing; 53. The child safety seat of claim 52, further comprising: a charging port formed within the housing.

56. 56. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 55, wherein the seat shell further comprises a cavity, the charger being receivable within the cavity.

57. 57. The child safety seat of claim 56, wherein when the charger is received in the cavity, a first end of the housing is disposed within the cavity and a second end of the housing is external to the cavity, and the charging port is formed in the second end of the housing.

58. A seat shell for a child safety seat, the seat shell comprising: The seat part and an upright back portion extending from said seat portion; a first upright side member disposed on a first side of the upright back portion; a second upright side member disposed on a second side of the upright back portion; each of the first and second upright side members including a first end portion, a second end portion positioned below the first end portion, a central portion positioned between the first and second end portions, and an inwardly facing surface extending from the first end portion to the second end portion; the inwardly facing surfaces on the second end portions of the first and second upright side members are laterally offset toward an interior of the seat shell relative to the inwardly facing surfaces of the central portions of the first and second upright side members.

59. 59. The seat shell of claim 58, wherein the second end portions of the first and second upright side members are positioned adjacent the seat portion.

60. 60. The seat shell of claim 58, wherein at least one armrest is disposed on the inwardly facing surface of at least one of the first upright side member and the second upright side member.

61. 61. The seat shell of claim 60, wherein the at least one armrest is formed by the lateral offset of at least one of the inwardly facing surfaces of the second end portion.

62. 60. The seat shell of claim 58, wherein a cavity is formed in at least a portion of the inwardly facing surface of at least one of the first and second upstanding side members.

63. 63. The seat shell of claim 62, wherein the cavity is formed on the central portion of at least one of the first upstanding side member and the second upstanding side member.

64. 64. The seat shell of claim 63, wherein the inwardly facing surface on the central portion of at least one of the first and second upright side members is a curved surface that defines the cavity.

65. 64. The seat shell of claim 63, wherein the inwardly facing surface on the central portion of at least one of the first and second upright side members extends outwardly, away from the interior of the seat shell, relative to the first and second end portions.

66. 66. The seat shell of claim 65, wherein the inwardly facing surface on the central portion of at least one of the first and second upright side members extends from approximately shoulder height of a child positioned in the child safety seat to approximately waist height of the child sitting in the child safety seat.

67. 67. The seat shell of claim 66, wherein the cavity is formed between the approximate shoulder height and the approximate waist height.

68. A seat shell for a child safety seat, the seat shell comprising: The seat part and an upright back portion extending from said seat portion; and at least one upright side member disposed on a side of the upright back portion, the at least one upright side member comprising: a first end portion; and a second end portion positioned below the first end portion; a central portion positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion; inwardly facing surfaces on the first end portion and the second end portion; The seat shell, wherein the inwardly facing surfaces on the first end portion and the second end portion are laterally offset toward an interior of the seat shell relative to the central portion.

69. 69. The seat shell of claim 68, wherein the central portion comprises at least one of a cavity and a void.

70. 69. The seat shell of claim 68, wherein the central portion extends from the first end portion to the second end portion.

71. 71. The seat shell of claim 70, wherein the central portion includes an inwardly curved surface.

72. 72. The seat shell of claim 71, wherein the inwardly curved surface extends outwardly from the interior from the first end portion to the second end portion, the inwardly curved surface defining a cavity between the first end portion and the second end portion.

73. 69. The seat shell of claim 68, wherein the first end portion is positioned at a first height such that the inwardly facing surface of the first end portion is generally aligned with the shoulders of a child when the child is positioned in the child safety seat, and the second end portion is positioned at a second height such that the inwardly facing surface of the second end portion is generally aligned with the waist of the child when the child is positioned in the child safety seat.

74. 74. The seat shell of claim 73, wherein the central portion extends from the first end portion to the second end portion and defines a cavity therebetween, the cavity being sized such that an arm of the child is at least partially receivable within the cavity when the child is positioned within the child safety seat.

75. 69. The seat shell of claim 68, wherein the inwardly facing surface of at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion defines a planar surface.

76. A seat shell for a child safety seat, the seat shell comprising: The seat part and an upright back portion extending from said seat portion; at least one upright side member disposed on a side of the upright back portion, the at least one upright side member having an inwardly facing upright surface; and at least one side sheet member disposed adjacent to the at least one upstanding side member on a side of the seat portion, the at least one side sheet member having an inward-facing side surface; The inwardly facing upright surface is laterally offset toward the interior of the seat shell relative to the inwardly facing side surface.

77. 77. The seat shell of claim 76, wherein the at least one upstanding side member is positioned forwardly between the upstanding back portion and the at least one side seat member.

78. A seat shell for a child safety seat, the seat shell comprising: The seat part and an upright back portion extending from said seat portion; at least one upstanding side member disposed on a side of the upstanding back portion; at least one side impact protector disposed on said at least one upright side member, said at least one side impact protector extending towards an interior of said seat shell.

79. 79. The seat shell of claim 78, wherein the at least one upstanding side member includes an upper region and a lower region, and the at least one side impact protector is disposed in one of the upper region or the lower region.

80. 80. The seat shell of claim 79, wherein an inwardly facing surface of the at least one side impact protector is laterally offset toward the interior of the seat shell relative to the inwardly facing surface of the at least one upright side member between the upper region and the lower region.

81. 81. The seat shell of claim 80, wherein the lateral offset of the inwardly facing surface of the at least one side impact protector is defined by a contour of the seat shell.

82. 81. The seat shell of claim 80, further comprising soft goods attached to the seat shell, the lateral offset of the inward facing surface of the at least one side impact protector being formed by the soft goods.

83. The at least one upstanding side member is a first end portion; and a second end portion positioned below the first end portion; 80. The seat shell of claim 79, including a central portion positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion.

84. 84. The seat shell of claim 83, wherein the upper region includes the first end portion.

85. 85. The seat shell of claim 84, wherein the upper region further comprises a portion of the central portion.

86. 84. The seat shell of claim 83, wherein the lower region includes the second end portion.

87. 87. The seat shell of claim 86, wherein the lower region further comprises a portion of the central portion.

88. 79. The seat shell of claim 78, wherein the at least one upright side member comprises a first upright side member disposed on a first side of the upright rear portion and a second upright side member disposed on a second side of the upright rear portion, and the at least one side impact protector comprises a first side impact protector on the first upright side member and a second side impact protector disposed on the second upright side member.

89. 79. The seat shell of claim 78, wherein the at least one side impact protector is aligned with the shoulders of a child positioned within the seat shell.

90. 79. The seat shell of claim 78, wherein the at least one side impact protector is aligned with the hips of a child positioned within the seat shell.

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