Child dress train with rotating seats

Abstract

To provide parents and / or caregivers with the convenience of a single child safety seat that can be used to care for a child over a longer period of time. [Solution] The convertible child restrain includes a lower base 1100 for contacting a vehicle seat 100, a seat shell 1300 for supporting a child, and an intermediate base 1200 between the lower base and the seat shell to facilitate reclining and rotational adjustment of the seat shell relative to the lower base. The child restrain can be used as a rear-facing car seat, a forward-facing car seat, and a belt-positioning booster seat. With respect to the rear-facing car seat configuration, the belt 110 is mounted along a rear-facing belt path that passes through the child restrain. A portion of the belt is accessed via a belt access panel when the seat shell is in the rear-facing position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 064,837, titled "Child Restraint with Rotating Seat," filed on 13 August 2020, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 959,428, titled "Child Restraint with Rotating Seat," filed on 10 January 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 899,410, titled "Child Restraint with Rotating Seat," filed on 12 September 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Automobiles are a common form of transport for many parents and caregivers of children around the world. Sometimes, parents and caregivers may also rely on other modes of transport (e.g., buses, airplanes, and trains) (collectively, these various modes of transport are generally referred to herein as “vehicles”). Many conventional vehicles (among others, automobiles) often include restraints (e.g., seat belts) designed to protect adults and / or children of a certain age (e.g., 9 years and older) and / or size (e.g., 57 inches and taller). However, restraints in various vehicles generally do not provide adequate protection for relatively younger and / or smaller children. In some cases, restraints in vehicles may actually increase the risk of injury in the event of a collision. Given the foregoing, to provide adequate protection for children during travel, parents and caregivers often utilize child safety seats (also referred to herein as “child restraints”) when transporting children in vehicles.

[0003] Children typically experience significant physical development during the first few years of life, so different types of child safety seats are used to ensure that children remain adequately restrained and protected during transport in vehicles as they grow. More specifically, a given child safety seat is generally selected and installed in a vehicle in a specific style based on the child's size, weight, and / or age.

[0004] Various governments and regulatory bodies around the world recommend, identify, regulate, and / or require different types of child safety seats based on these factors. One example of government guidelines on child safety seats includes the document “Child Passenger Safety” published by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, which is incorporated herein by reference (see www.cdc.gov / injury / features / child-passenger-safety / index.html). Another relevant example of government oversight regarding child safety seats is given by the United Nations European Regional standard ECE R44 / 04, “Uniform provisions concerning the approval of restraining devices for child occupants of power-driven vehicles,” which is incorporated herein by reference. ECE R44 / 04 classifies child safety seats into four groups (e.g., Group 0, Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3) based in part on the various characteristics of the seats in question.

[0005] For example, a "convertible" car seat (i.e., a "group 0+" seat according to the United Nations European Regional standard ECE R44 / 04) is a type of child restraint that typically supports both infants (i.e., children who have not yet learned to walk) and toddlers (i.e., children who have learned to walk). Convertible car seats generally support both rear-facing and forward-facing configurations to accommodate the child's physical development, which distinguishes them from other types of child safety seats that have a dedicated rear-facing configuration (e.g., infant carrier) or a forward-facing configuration (e.g., belt-positioning booster seat). Additionally, a convertible car seat is a stationary device that remains in the vehicle and is not portable; that is, the child is placed in and / or removed from the convertible car seat at the beginning and end of the vehicle journey.

[0006] When installing a conventional convertible car seat in a vehicle, the car seat is typically configured by the parent and / or caregiver for either a rear-facing or forward-facing configuration only. For example, the car seat may include a base, which is adjustable (e.g., via an adjustable foot) to accommodate the recline angle of the vehicle seat pan depending on the orientation of the base relative to the vehicle seat in the rear-facing or forward-facing configuration. If the parent and / or caregiver wishes to change the configuration (e.g., from a rear-facing to a forward-facing configuration), the conventional convertible car seat should be removed from the vehicle seat (i.e., the child restraint is physically removed from the vehicle seat), reconfigured based on the desired configuration, and then reinstalled in the vehicle.

[0007] Conventional convertible car seats are typically limited to children weighing less than 65 pounds. As a child grows larger than a convertible car seat, it should be replaced with a larger seat (for example, a Group 1 or Group 2 child safety seat, which is a permanent restraint in the vehicle that uses an adult seat belt and holds it in place) or eventually a booster seat (i.e., a Group 3 seat, which also uses the vehicle's seat belt to restrain the child)). A child may continue to use a booster seat until they are able to safely use the vehicle's seat and restraints without the assistance of the booster seat. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The inventors recognized and understood that convertible car seats offer parents and / or caregivers the convenience of a single child safety seat that can accommodate a child over a longer period as the child grows older and matures, compared to other types of child safety seats. However, the inventors also recognized that conventional convertible car seats are often difficult to properly and securely install into vehicle seats, especially when child safety seats support different types of installations to accommodate both rear-facing and forward-facing configurations.

[0009] Firstly, the installation of conventional convertible car seats often requires routing one or more vehicle belts or Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) belts through various openings in the car seat for securing it to the vehicle seat. These openings may be configured for rear-facing or forward-facing configurations only, but are often shaped and positioned to allow the vehicle belts or LATCH belts to pass through regardless of the orientation of the child restraint. As a result, conventional convertible car seats are often prone to being installed incorrectly, which can, in some cases, compromise the safety of the child. Secondly, conventional convertible car seats are also typically very heavy, partly due to the inclusion of L-shaped tubes or bulky plastic structures to structurally reinforce the seat shell, which can further exacerbate the difficulty in positioning the car seat on the vehicle seat during installation and / or when inserting or removing the car seat from the vehicle.

[0010] Furthermore, the inventors have further recognized that conventional convertible car seats are typically cumbersome to use, particularly when placing a child into and / or removing a child from the convertible car seat. For example, when a convertible car seat is installed in a vehicle in a rear-facing configuration, the limited space between the restraint and the car seat and the vehicle interior can make it difficult for parents and / or caregivers to lift the child over the side of the child restraint in order to place the child into and / or remove the child from the seat. The presence of vehicle door frames and roofs can further increase the difficulty of moving and positioning a child into or out of the car seat, especially as the child's weight and height increase with age. These difficulties can ultimately lead parents and / or caregivers to prematurely change the convertible car seat to a forward-facing configuration, or, in some cases, to remove the child restraint altogether, thus potentially putting the child at risk.

[0011] While convertible car seats reduce the need for parents and / or caregivers to purchase different car seats during their child's first few years of life, conventional convertible car seats can typically only support children weighing up to 65 pounds. Once a child exceeds 65 pounds, parents and / or caregivers are typically required to swap the convertible car seat for a larger seat (e.g., a booster seat). Thus, parents and / or caregivers still end up having to purchase and use multiple different child safety seats until the child is large and / or heavy enough to sit in the vehicle seat without the assistance of a child safety seat, which results in greater cost and inconvenience for parents and / or caregivers.

[0012] The inventors further recognize that previously demonstrated all-in-one child safety seats may also present challenges to parents and / or caregivers when placing a child in or removing a child from the car seat, particularly when the safety seat is configured to face backward. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In consideration of the foregoing, this disclosure is therefore directed toward various implementations of the invention of a convertible child restraint (also referred to herein as a “convertible car seat”) configured to support infants, toddlers, and young children requiring a belt-positioning booster seat (e.g., children weighing approximately 100 pounds or less), with a rotatable seat that is more easily accessible when placing a child in or out of the child restraint, and several features for improved ease of installation. A convertible child restraint can generally include a lower base for mounting the child restraint to a vehicle seat, an intermediate base that provides recline adjustment relative to the lower base via a recline mechanism, and a seat shell that is rotatable up to 360 degrees relative to the intermediate base between a rear-facing and a forward-facing position via a rotation mechanism. Thus, a convertible child restraint offers multiple degrees of freedom for adjusting the child's orientation (rear-facing or forward-facing) and recline angle without requiring the base of the convertible child restraint to be repositioned and / or removed from the vehicle. The convertible child restraint can be securely attached to the vehicle seat using either a vehicle seat belt or a LATCH belt. Furthermore, the convertible child restraint may include an integrated harness with an aloc strap for securing the child to the child restraint.

[0014] In one embodiment, a convertible child restrain can incorporate several features to reduce, or in some cases prevent, improper installation of the child restrain in rear-facing and / or forward-facing configurations. For example, a convertible child restrain can support dedicated rear-facing and / or forward-facing belt routes for each configuration (e.g., rear-facing car seat, forward-facing seat, belt-positioning booster seat), which may, in some cases, be accessible and / or usable only when the seat shell is oriented in the rear-facing or forward-facing position, respectively.

[0015] For example, the lower base and intermediate base can define a rearward belt path (i.e., a path through which the belt can be installed and / or routed when the child dress train is used in a rearward configuration), which is preferably used when the child dress train is installed in a rearward configuration (e.g., when the child dress train is supporting an infant or toddler). To prevent parents and / or caregivers from using the rearward belt path when the child dress train is installed in a forward configuration, the rearward belt path can pass through an internal portion of the intermediate base, where at least a portion of the rearward belt path is made inaccessible by the seat shell when the seat shell is in the forward position (i.e., the seat shell can make access to the internal portion of the intermediate base more difficult).

[0016] To provide access to a portion of the rearward-facing belt path within the intermediate base, the seat shell may include a belt access panel, which is positioned on the seat pan of the seat shell toward the front end of the seat shell. When the seat shell is rotated to the rearward position, the belt access panel may be aligned with a portion of the rearward-facing belt path within the intermediate base. Thus, when the belt access panel is open, the cover of the belt access opening can be removed, allowing a parent and / or caregiver to access a portion of the rearward-facing belt path located within the intermediate base. In this way, the convertible child restraint can encourage a parent and / or caregiver to use the rearward-facing belt path only when the child restraint is installed in the rearward-facing configuration.

[0017] The intermediate base can additionally include one or more openings disposed along a side portion and / or a bottom portion of the intermediate base for the belt to pass into or out of the intermediate base when installing the child restraint using a rearward belt path. The openings are shaped, sized, and / or positioned relative to other features of the intermediate base (e.g., belt locking arm, rotational lockout), and prevent a parent and / or caregiver from routing the belt through the intermediate base along the rearward belt path by pushing or pulling the belt through the openings when the belt access panel is closed and / or when the seat shell is in the forward position. For example, the openings can be positioned relative to the belt locking arm such that when pushing the belt through the opening of the intermediate base, the belt is forced to go around the belt locking arm (i.e., the belt locking arm acts as an obstacle), thus making it more difficult for a parent and / or caregiver to route the belt through the intermediate base along the rearward belt path when the belt access opening is not in use (i.e., the child restraint is in the forward configuration).

[0018] In some implementations, the intermediate base further includes a belt tightening mechanism that can secure the belt along a rearward belt path accessible only when the seat shell is in the rearward position. For example, the intermediate base includes a rearward belt locking arm (also referred herein as a “lock-off arm” or “rearward lock-off arm”) that can fasten and / or clamp the vehicle seat belt and / or LATCH belt to the intermediate base. The rearward belt locking arm can act as a lever, which displaces a portion of the belt, tightening the belt so that it is under tension when secured to the childless train. For example, when the rearward belt locking arm is in the open position, the belt may be positioned across a portion of the intermediate base that spans a recess or channel. When the rearward belt locking arm is closed, the belt locking arm presses and / or corrugates a portion of the belt into the recess or channel, thus fastening the belt to the childless train. In some implementations, the rearward-facing belt locking arm can only be opened when the seat shell is in the rearward-facing position (i.e., when the seat shell is in the forward-facing position, the belt locking arm can interfere with the seat shell).

[0019] In some implementations, the belt access opening can be sized to be large enough (e.g., at least 4.5 inches wide) to provide sufficient access for a parent and / or caregiver to route the belt through the intermediate base and sufficient leverage to secure and tighten the belt to the intermediate base. Also, the intermediate base and / or seat shell can be shaped and / or sized to provide sufficient clearance for different parts of the belt to pass through the intermediate base and / or to reduce or, in some cases, prevent interference with various features (e.g., belt locking arms, etc.) that couple the belt to the child restraint. For example, a vehicle seat belt can include a belt buckle, a belt tongue, a plurality of overlapping straps, and / or convenience buttons (also referred to as vehicle belt buttons) that provide a mechanical stop and limit the range in which the belt can be retracted into the vehicle when not in use. The clearance provided by the intermediate base and / or seat shell when the seat shell is in the rear-facing position can allow these various features to pass through the intermediate base and / or be disposed within the intermediate base without affecting the operation of the child restraint (e.g., recline adjustment or rotation adjustment, tightening the belt to the child restraint).

[0020] In some implementations, the rearward belt path can be symmetrical with respect to a plane that bisects the child restraint, where the plane intersects the front and rear portions of the child restraint. In some implementations, the rearward belt path is preferably positioned near the rear and bottom portions of the lower base to accommodate various vehicle stomp lengths and / or reduce the displacement of the child restraint between the child restraint and the vehicle seat in the event of a crash. In some implementations, the rearward belt path is preferably positioned near the center of gravity of the child restraint and the child in the event of a crash. In some implementations, the rearward belt path may be positioned above the reclining mechanism of the child restraint, which can reduce the size and / or weight of the reclining mechanism and / or lower the center of gravity of the child restraint.

[0021] Furthermore, the seat shell can define a forward-facing belt path (i.e., a path through which the belt can be installed and / or routed when the child restraint is used in a forward-facing configuration), where the belt only connects the child restraint to the vehicle seat, and is preferably used when the child restraint is installed in a forward-facing configuration and when a separate harness is used to restrain the child (e.g., when the child restraint is supporting an infant). The seat shell may include one or more openings, which are arranged along opposite sides of the seat shell near the seat back section (in particular, the seat back insert) that supports the child's back. When the child restraint is installed on the vehicle seat, the belt can pass through the openings and be installed in contact with the seat back insert. After the child restraint is installed, the belt can restrict the rotational adjustment of the seat shell. The seat shell may further include a forward-facing belt locking arm (also referred to herein as a “lock-off arm” or “forward lock-off arm”), which is positioned on the seat back insert and clamps and tightens the belt against the seat back insert of the seat shell. Similar to the rearward-facing belt locking arm, the forward-facing belt locking arm may be a lever, which presses and / or wavy a portion of the belt into a recess or channel in the seat back insert and tightens the belt against the child restraint.

[0022] The seat shell may further define a forward-facing belt path, where the belt connects a child restraint train to the vehicle seat and restrains the child, preferably when the child restraint train is installed in a forward-facing configuration (for example, when the child restraint train is used as a belt positioning booster to support a child larger and / or heavier than an infant). The forward-facing belt path for the belt positioning booster configuration may be substantially different from the forward-facing belt path for the infant configuration. The seat shell may include one or more notches, which are arranged along opposite sides of the seat shell near the seat pan of the seat shell where the child's thighs will be positioned when the child is placed in the child restraint train. The notches may define a portion of the forward-facing belt path through which the lap strap of the vehicle seat belt is routed. The seat shell may further include a headrest with one or more openings that define another portion of the forward-facing belt path through which the shoulder strap of the vehicle seat belt is routed. In some implementations, the headrest can provide multiple openings to accommodate shoulder straps located on the right or left side of the vehicle seat. After the childless train is installed, the belt can restrict the rotational adjustment of the seat shell.

[0023] In some implementations, different mounting configurations may be selected based in part on the child's size and / or weight. For example, a convertible child restrain mounted in a rear-facing configuration can support children weighing approximately 40 pounds or less. A convertible child restrain mounted in a forward-facing configuration, with a separate harness used to restrain the child, can support children weighing between approximately 22 pounds and 65 pounds. A convertible child restrain mounted in a forward-facing configuration, with the vehicle's seat belt used to connect the child restrain to the vehicle and to restrain the child, can support children weighing between approximately 40 pounds and 100 pounds. It should be further recognized that child restrains can generally include one, two, or three belt routes selected from a rear-facing belt route for rear-facing car seat configurations, as well as two forward-facing belt routes for forward-facing car seat configurations and belt-positioning booster seat configurations.

[0024] In another example, a convertible child restraint may include a rotation lockout mechanism that limits the range of rotation of the seat shell when the child restraint is installed in a rear-facing configuration. When activated, the rotation lockout can prevent the seat shell from rotating from the rear-facing position to the forward-facing position, so that the rear-facing belt path cannot be used to support the forward-facing configuration. In some implementations, the rotation lockout cannot lock the rotational position of the seat shell, but instead can still allow the seat shell to rotate to a side-facing position, providing greater access when placing a child in or taking a child out of the child restraint. For example, the rotation lockout mechanism can allow the seat shell to rotate from 0 degrees to + / - 120 degrees, corresponding to the rear-facing position, and can accommodate installation on the left or right side of the vehicle.

[0025] In some implementations, the rotation lockout can be a spring-driven mechanism configured to engage with one or more rotation stops when the childless train is mounted in a rearward configuration. In some implementations, the rotation lockout can be actuated by the belt being pressed against one end of the rotation lockout (e.g., a plunger end) when the belt is tightened to the childless train via a rearward belt locking arm. When the belt is removed from the childless train, a spring can disengage the rotation lockout from the rotation stop, thus allowing the seat shell to rotate freely 360 degrees (e.g., from the rearward position to the forward position, or vice versa).

[0026] In yet another example, a convertible child restraint may include a locking pin mechanism, which is housed within the seat shell and locks the seat shell's rotational position relative to the intermediate base. The locking pin mechanism may include one or more locking pins, each configured for insertion into an opening located along the upper side of the intermediate base. In some implementations, the openings in the intermediate base may be positioned to accept the locking pin only when the seat shell is in either the rearward or forward position. The locking pin may be coupled to a spring that holds it in place within one of the openings in the intermediate base. The locking pin may be further coupled to one or more operating handles. When a parent and / or caregiver wishes to rotate the seat shell, they can operate one of the operating handles, which releases the locking pin from the opening in the intermediate base, thus allowing the seat shell to rotate accordingly. In some implementations, the operating handle may also include a secondary lock, making it more difficult for children and / or non-occupants (e.g., passengers) inside the vehicle to operate the operating handle, especially while the vehicle is in motion.

[0027] In yet another example, different parts of a convertible child restraint can be color-coded and / or labeled to provide parents and / or caregivers with visual instructions and / or commands regarding the proper installation of the child restraint in relation to a configuration of particular interest (e.g., rear-facing car seat configuration, forward-facing car seat configuration, belt-positioning booster seat configuration). For example, the rear portion of the lower base (e.g., hinged door or back panel) may be labeled to indicate that the rear portion should be installed in contact with the vehicle seat back. Also, different rear-facing and forward-facing belt routes may be color-coded to better distinguish which belt route should be used based on the desired configuration of the child restraint.

[0028] In another embodiment, the rotation mechanism may include a turn ring, which is mounted on the seat shell and one or more brackets attached to the intermediate base. The turn ring is rotatably connected to the bracket, which facilitates the rotational displacement of the seat shell relative to the intermediate base. In some implementations, the bracket can force the turn ring to rotate only around a single axis of rotation corresponding to the rotational degrees of freedom of the seat shell. Thus, the turn ring can resist and / or efficiently transmit forces applied to the child restraint during a crash event, regardless of the rotational position of the turn ring (and consequently the seat shell). In some implementations, a rearward belt path may be positioned between the reclining mechanism in the lower base / intermediate base and the turn ring. At least one bracket in the intermediate base may be further positioned immediately below the rearward belt path. Thus, forces applied to the seat shell and / or child can be more easily transmitted from the seat shell to the vehicle seat belt and / or LATCH belt via the turn ring and bracket.

[0029] Furthermore, the turn ring can define a sufficiently large opening so that a portion of the seat shell (e.g., the seat pan) can pass through the opening, thus allowing the seat shell to be positioned closer to the lower base, thereby lowering the center of gravity and / or reducing the overall envelope or size of the child restraint.

[0030] In another embodiment, the reclining mechanism can provide reclining adjustment of the seat shell relative to the lower base. In some implementations, the reclining mechanism can eliminate the need for secondary reclining features (e.g., adjustable footrests). In some implementations, the reclining angle defined between a representative plane of the seat back section of the seat shell and a horizontal reference plane can range from about 40 to about 70 degrees with respect to both rearward and forward-facing configurations. In some implementations, the lower base and / or intermediate base can be shaped to provide an offset angle of about 13 degrees (i.e., the rotation plane of the child restrain can be tilted by the offset angle). As a result, the reclining angle of the seat shell can differ with respect to a given reclining position, depending on whether the seat shell is in the rearward or forward-facing position. For example, when installed in a vehicle, the seat shell can position a child at a recline angle of approximately 45 degrees in a rear-facing configuration and approximately 65 degrees in a forward-facing configuration. The recline angle can be adjusted within a range of approximately 15 degrees. For example, a child restraint can provide a recline angle in the range of approximately 34 to 49 degrees in a rear-facing configuration and approximately 59 to 74 degrees in a forward-facing configuration.

[0031] In some implementations, the reclining mechanism may be mechanically separated from the rotation mechanism, allowing the seat shell's recline position to be adjusted independently of its rotation position. Additionally, the rearward-facing belt path may be accessible via a belt access panel on the seat shell, regardless of the seat shell's recline angle, when the seat shell is in the rearward-facing position. The reclining mechanism may generally be located below the rotation mechanism and / or the rearward-facing belt path. In some implementations, the reclining mechanism may define two or more indexed recline positions (preferably at least four indexed recline positions) for supporting the seat shell. In other words, the reclining mechanism may not be able to support a continuous range of recline positions, but instead, the parent and / or caregiver should select a recline position from a limited number of positions.

[0032] In some implementations, the reclining mechanism may include an actuation mechanism, which is configured to occupy less space than a conventional reclining mechanism, and thus provide greater clearance for other features of the child restraint (e.g., a rotation mechanism) without increasing the overall size and / or envelope of the child restraint. The actuation mechanism may include a pair of rails, which are mounted on a lower base having one or more openings and / or slots corresponding to indexed reclining positions. A pair of locking pins, mounted in an intermediate base, are inserted into the respective openings of the respective rails to fix the seat shell in a specific reclining position and / or can be removed from the openings of the respective rails to change the reclining position of the seat shell. Each locking pin may be connected to an actuation handle via a flexible member (e.g., a band, strap, or cable). When the actuation handle is actuated (for example, translated), the flexible member can move along the guide path, causing the locking pin to be removed from the opening in the rail, which allows the reclining position of the seat shell to be changed. The guide path for each flexible member can preferably be curved to reduce frictional resistance between the flexible member and the various feature parts of the intermediate base defining the guide path. To reduce the space occupied by the flexible members within the intermediate base, the guide path of one flexible member can overlap with the guide path of another flexible member (for example, the guide paths are curved along opposite directions). This allows the distance between a pair of rails to be about 5.5 inches or less.

[0033] In some implementations, the seatback insert in the seatback section can form a triangular structure together with the seatback or rear portion of the seat shell and the turn ring of the rotation mechanism. In this way, the seatback insert part can structurally reinforce the seat shell. In some implementations, including the seatback insert allows the child restraint to eliminate other structural features (e.g., tubing (e.g., metal tubing, L-shaped tubing, bulky plastic box structures)), thus reducing the overall weight of the child restraint and / or allowing the child to be positioned lower toward the vehicle seat pan, which lowers the center of gravity. Also in some implementations, the seatback insert part can provide a track for adjusting the headrest. In some implementations, the distance between the seat pan of the seat shell and the bottom portion of the headrest may be adjustable between approximately 8.8 inches and approximately 18.7 inches.

[0034] In another embodiment, the child restraint may include a LATCH belt, which is attached to the lower base via a tether strap to prevent removal and / or loss of the LATCH belt and to comply with various regulatory requirements. When the vehicle seat belt is used to connect the child restraint to the vehicle seat, the LATCH belt may be stored in a storage compartment located in the lower base. The storage compartment may be accessible via a hinged door located on the back cover of the lower base.

[0035] In another embodiment, the child restraint includes an integrated harness capable of restraining a child when the child restraint is used to support an infant or toddler. The integrated harness may include an alloy strap, which is routed under the seat pan of the seat shell and behind the seat back insert to secure the harness to the seat shell. To reduce the possibility of the harness (in particular the alloy strap) getting caught on various internal structural features of the intermediate base when the seat shell is rotated, the intermediate base may include one or more shields, which cover at least a portion of the interior of the intermediate base and provide a surface for the alloy strap to slide along. In some implementations, the seat shell may further include one or more belt routing features, which hold the alloy strap firmly against the seat shell (i.e., the alloy strap is less likely to sag) and reduce, or possibly prevent, the alloy strap from getting caught on various features of the intermediate base.

[0036] Convertible child restraints can generally be shaped and / or sized to occupy a volume of approximately 7 cubic feet, with envelopes compatible with various vehicle seat types and / or vehicles. In some implementations, convertible child restraints can weigh less than approximately 28 pounds.

[0037] In some implementations, the convertible child restraint may further include a level indicator that guides the adjustment of the seat shell's recline angle in both rear-facing and forward-facing configurations. The level indicator is mounted on the seat shell and, among other things, can provide the parent and / or caregiver with the seat shell's recline angle after the child restraint has been installed on the vehicle seat (the vehicle seat can also be reclined to various angles). The level indicator may be a bubble level indicator or a ball indicator.

[0038] In one exemplary implementation, a child restraint for a vehicle includes a base having a rear portion configured to abut against a portion of the vehicle seat back of a vehicle seat in the vehicle when the child restraint is installed in the vehicle, and a seat shell for supporting a child, the seat shell being rotatably connected to the base such that the base remains stationary while the seat shell rotates relative to the base. The seat shell includes a front side portion and a rear side portion, and is rotatable relative to the base between (1) a rearward-facing position and (2) a forward-facing position, where (1) the front side portion of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the rear side portion of the seat shell, and (2) the forward-facing position, the rear side portion of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the front side portion of the seat shell. The seat shell includes one or more first forward belt path features that partially define a first forward belt path, wherein one or more first forward belt path features are configured to receive the belt, connect the child restraint train to the vehicle seat, and restrain the child within the seat shell when the seat shell is in a forward position and the belt is a vehicle seat belt when the child restraint train is installed in the vehicle.

[0039] In another exemplary implementation, a child restraint for a vehicle includes a base having a rear portion configured to abut against a portion of the vehicle seat back of a vehicle seat in the vehicle when the child restraint is installed in the vehicle, and a seat shell for supporting a child, the seat shell being rotatably connected to the base such that the base remains stationary while the seat shell rotates relative to the base. The seat shell has a front side portion and a rear side portion, and is rotatable relative to the base between (1) a rearward-facing position and (2) a forward-facing position, in (1) the rearward-facing position, the front side portion of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the rear side portion of the seat shell, and in (2) the forward-facing position, the rear side portion of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the front side portion of the seat shell. The base further includes one or more rear belt path features that partially define a rearward belt path, the rear belt path features configured to receive the belt and connect the childless train to the vehicle seat when the childless train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the rearward position. Furthermore, at least one of the one or more rear belt path features is accessible only when the seat shell is in the rearward position.

[0040] In another exemplary implementation, the child restraint includes a lower base having a rear portion configured to abut against a portion of the seatback of a vehicle seat in the vehicle when the child restraint is installed in the vehicle; a seat shell for supporting a child; and an intermediate base disposed between the lower base and the seat shell, wherein the seat shell is connected to the lower base via a reclining mechanism for adjusting the reclining position of the intermediate base relative to the lower base, and is connected to the intermediate base via a rotation mechanism for adjusting the rotational position of the seat shell relative to the lower base, such that the lower base remains stationary while the seat shell rotates relative to the lower base. The seat shell has a front side portion and a rear side portion, and is rotatable relative to the lower base between (1) a rearward-facing position and (2) a forward-facing position, wherein in (1) the rearward-facing position, the front side portion of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the lower base than the rear side portion of the seat shell, and in (2) the forward-facing position, the rear side portion of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the lower base than the front side portion of the seat shell. In this implementation, the seat shell is not removable from the intermediate base, and the rotation mechanism and reclining mechanism are separated so that the rotational position of the seat shell can be adjusted independently of the reclining position of the intermediate base. The rotation mechanism includes at least one rotation stop, and the intermediate base includes a rotation lockout, which engages with at least one rotation stop only when the childless train is installed in the vehicle and the seat shell is in the rearward position, thereby limiting the range of rotation of the seat shell, and preventing the seat shell from rotating from the rearward position to the forward position.

[0041] In another exemplary implementation, a child restraint for a vehicle includes a base having a rear portion configured to abut against a portion of the vehicle seat back of a vehicle seat in the vehicle when the child restraint is installed in the vehicle, and a seat shell for supporting a child, the seat shell being rotatably connected to the base such that the base remains stationary while the seat shell rotates. The base has one or more rear belt path features defining a rearward belt path, the one or more rear belt path features configured to receive a belt and connect the child restraint to a vehicle seat when the child restraint is installed in the vehicle. The seat shell has a front side and a rear side, and is rotatable relative to the base between (1) a rearward position and (2) a forward position, in (1) the rearward position, the front side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the rear side of the seat shell, and in (2) the forward position, the rear side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the front side of the seat shell. The seat shell further includes a seat pan and a belt access panel located in the front portion of the seat pan to provide access to a portion of the rearward belt path located within the base, only when the seat shell is in the rearward position.

[0042] In another exemplary implementation, a child restraint for a vehicle includes a base having a rear portion configured to abut against a portion of the vehicle seat back of a vehicle seat in the vehicle when the child restraint is installed in the vehicle; a seat shell for supporting a child, the seat shell being rotatably connected to the base such that the base remains stationary while the seat shell rotates; and a locking mechanism connected to the seat shell for locking the seat shell to the base. The seat shell has a front side portion and a rear side portion and is rotatable relative to the base between (1) a rearward-facing position and (2) a forward-facing position, in (1) the rearward-facing position, the front side portion of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the rear side portion of the seat shell; and in (2) the forward-facing position, the rear side portion of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the front side portion of the seat shell. The locking mechanism includes a first actuation handle and a secondary lock connected to the first actuation handle such that the seat shell is rotatably adjustable relative to the base only when the first actuation handle and the secondary lock are actuated simultaneously.

[0043] In another exemplary implementation, a child restraint for a vehicle includes a lower base configured to abut against a portion of a vehicle seat in the vehicle when the child restraint is installed inside the vehicle; a seat shell for supporting a child; and an intermediate base disposed between the lower base and the seat shell, the intermediate base being connected to the lower base via a reclining mechanism. The reclining mechanism includes a pair of rails disposed on a lower base, a pair of locking pins disposed in an intermediate base, each locking pin having a pair of locking pins engaged with one of the pair of rails, and a first flexible member connected to one of the pair of locking pins, the first flexible member having a first flexible member disposed in the intermediate base along a first path, and a second flexible member connected to the remaining one of the pair of locking pins, the second flexible member having a second flexible member disposed in the intermediate base along a second path, the second path overlapping the first path, and an operating handle connected to the first flexible member and the second flexible member for disengaging the pair of locking pins from the pair of rails when the operating handle is operated.

[0044] In another exemplary implementation, a child restraint for a vehicle includes a lower base having a rear portion configured to abut against a portion of the seatback of a vehicle seat in the vehicle when the child restraint is installed in the vehicle, the lower base having a storage compartment disposed on the rear portion. The child restraint further includes Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) belts connected to the lower base for securing the child restraint to a vehicle seat, wherein the LATCH belts are stored in the storage compartment when not in use. The child restraint further includes an intermediate base connected to the lower base via a reclining mechanism that adjusts the reclining position of the intermediate base relative to the lower base, the reclining mechanism defining at least four indexed reclining positions, and the reclining position of the intermediate base corresponds to at least one of the four indexed reclining positions. The intermediate base and the lower base include one or more rear belt path features that partially define a rearward belt path, the one or more rear belt path features configured to receive one of a vehicle seat belt or a LATCH belt and connect the childless train to a vehicle seat when the childless train is installed in the vehicle in a rearward configuration. The intermediate base further includes a first belt locking arm for securely connecting one of a vehicle seat belt or a LATCH belt to the intermediate base when the rearward belt path is used to install the childless train into the vehicle, and a rotation lockout connected to the first belt locking arm, the rotation lockout being activated by the first belt locking arm pressing one of the vehicle seat belt or a LATCH belt against the rotation lockout only when the rearward belt path is used to install the childless train into the vehicle.The child restraint further includes a seat shell for supporting a child, the seat shell being rotatably connected to an intermediate base via a rotation mechanism such that the lower base remains stationary while the seat shell rotates. The seat shell has a front side and a rear side and is rotatable relative to the lower base between (1) a rearward position and (2) a forward position, in (1) the rearward position, the front side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the lower base than the rear side of the seat shell, and in (2) the forward position, the rear side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the lower base than the front side of the seat shell.The seat shell comprises a seat pan for supporting the child's thighs, a seat back section connected to the seat pan for supporting the child's back, a first side section connected to the seat pan and the seat back section, an adjustable headrest disposed on the seat back section for supporting the child's head, and at least one first opening disposed on the first side section that partially defines a first forward-facing belt path different from a rear-facing belt path, the at least one first opening configured to receive one of a vehicle seat belt or a LATCH belt and connect the child dress train to a vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in a forward-facing configuration, at least one notch disposed on the first side section of the seat shell, and at least one second opening disposed on the adjustable headrest, the at least one second opening The opening and at least one notch partially define a second forward-facing belt path distinct from a first forward-facing belt path and a rear-facing belt path, and further includes at least one second opening and at least one notch configured to receive a vehicle seat belt, connect the child restraint train to a vehicle seat, and restrain a child within the seat shell when the child restraint train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in a forward-facing configuration; a belt access panel disposed on the front portion of the seat pan for providing access to a first belt locking arm only when the seat shell is in a rear-facing position; and a second belt locking arm disposed on the seat back section for securely connecting one of a vehicle seat belt or a LATCH belt to the seat shell when the first forward-facing belt path is used to install the child restraint train in the vehicle.The rotation mechanism further includes at least one rotation stop, and the rotation lockout engages with at least one rotation stop only when the childless train is installed inside the vehicle and the seat shell is in the rearward position, thereby limiting the range of rotation of the seat shell so that the seat shell cannot rotate from the rearward position to the forward position.

[0045] It should be recognized that all combinations of the aforementioned concepts and any additional concepts discussed in more detail below (provided that such concepts are not mutually contradictory) are intended to be part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are intended to be part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein. It should also be recognized that any technical terms explicitly used herein (which may also appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference) should be given the most consistent meaning with any particular concept disclosed herein.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are primarily for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter of the invention described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In some cases, different aspects of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein may be exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate the understanding of different features. In the drawings, similar reference letters generally refer to similar feature parts (e.g., functionally similar and / or structurally similar elements). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0047] [Figure 1] This is a side view of an exemplary convertible child restraint mounted on a vehicle seat in a rearward-facing configuration. [Figure 2]This is a side view of the convertible child restraint shown in Figure 1, which has been rotated to a side-facing position. [Figure 3A] Figure 1 is a side view of a convertible child restraint, which is mounted on a vehicle seat in a forward-facing configuration via a belt, where the belt is used solely to secure the child restraint to the vehicle seat. [Figure 3B] Figure 1 is a side view of a convertible child restraint, which is mounted on a vehicle seat in a forward-facing configuration via a belt, where the belt is used to secure the child restraint to the vehicle seat and to restrain the child. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a convertible child restraint, showing the belt access panel in the open position, exposing a portion of the rearward-facing belt path. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a convertible child restraint with an annotated reclining arc. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a convertible child restraint, with an annotated plane of rotation (i.e., a turning surface) between the intermediate base and the lower base. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows a close-up of the rotation lockout of the convertible child restraint, which is engaged by a vehicle seat belt or LATCH belt mounted along the rearward belt path. The seat shell is not shown for clarity. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows a magnified view of the rotation lockout on a convertible child restrain, with the rotation lockout disengaged. The seat shell is not shown for clarity. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a convertible child restraint, with the belt locking arm in the open position and the vehicle belt or LATCH belt routed along the rearward belt path. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a convertible child restraint with the belt locking arm in the closed position for clamping a vehicle belt or LATCH belt to the child restraint. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the convertible child restraint in a rear-facing configuration with the belt access panel closed. [Figure 12] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a convertible child restraint, with the belt access panel open and disengaged from the latch connected to the belt locking arm. [Figure 13] Figure 12 shows a side cross-sectional view of a convertible child restraint, with the belt access panel closed and engaged with a latch connected to the belt locking arm. [Figure 14] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a convertible child restraint, in which the seat shell is rotated away from the rearward-facing position along with the belt access panel. [Figure 15] Figure 1 is a side view of the locking pin mechanism of the convertible child restrain for locking the seat shell to the intermediate base in either a forward-facing or rearward-facing configuration. [Figure 16] Figure 15 shows a top perspective view of a convertible child restraint, in which a pair of spring-driven lock pins in the lock pin mechanism are linked together by a torsion wire. [Figure 17] This is a side view of another exemplary convertible child restraint mounted on a vehicle seat in a rearward-facing configuration. [Figure 18] This is a side view of the convertible child restraint shown in Figure 17, which has been rotated to face sideways. [Figure 19]Figure 17 is a side view of a convertible child restraint, which is mounted on a vehicle seat in a forward-facing configuration via a belt, and the belt is used solely to secure the child restraint to the vehicle seat. [Figure 20] Figure 17 is a side view of a convertible child restraint, which is mounted on a vehicle seat in a forward-facing configuration via a belt. The belt is used to secure the child restraint to the vehicle seat and to restrain the child. [Figure 21] Figure 17 is a side view of a convertible child restraint, with annotated reclining arc and transverse rotation axis. [Figure 22] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the convertible child restrain in a rearward-facing configuration, with the hinged door of the back cover open to provide access to the LATCH storage pocket. [Figure 23] Figure 17 is a side view of a convertible child restraint, with an annotated rotating plane between the intermediate base and the lower base. [Figure 24] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the rotating mechanism of a convertible child restrain, which includes a turning ring mounted on a seat shell that is rotatably connected to several brackets mounted on an intermediate base. The seat shell is not shown for clarity. [Figure 25] Figure 17 is a top view of the convertible childless train, without mounting points for connecting the belt access panel and seat shell to the turn ring. [Figure 26] This is a close-up cross-sectional view of a bracket located beneath the rearward-facing belt path, connected to the turn ring. [Figure 27] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the seat back insert positioned on the seat shell of the convertible child restraint. [Figure 28]Figure 17 is a magnified cross-sectional view of the headrest and seatback insert of the convertible-type child restraint. [Figure 29] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a convertible child restraint, showing that the seat back insert, seat shell, and turn ring form a triangular structure. [Figure 30] Figure 17 shows a magnified view of the seat back insert part and headrest of the convertible-type child restraint. [Figure 31] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the rotating lockout and belt locking arm of the convertible child restraint. The seat shell is not shown for clarity. [Figure 32] Figure 31 is a perspective view of the child restraint, with the belt locking arm in the closed position for engaging with the vehicle belt or LATCH belt. The seat shell is not shown for clarity. [Figure 33] This is a magnified view of the rotation lockout and rotation stop on the intermediate base. [Figure 34] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a convertible child restraint, with the seat shell in the rearward-facing position and the belt access panel closed. [Figure 35] Figure 34 is a perspective view of a convertible child restraint with the belt access panel open. [Figure 36] Figure 17 is an upper perspective view of the intermediate and lower bases of the convertible child restraint. The seat shell is not shown for clarity. [Figure 37A] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the locking pin mechanism of the child restraint, which has an operating handle connected to the locking pin and a secondary lock. [Figure 37B] Figure 37A shows the locking pin mechanism, and in particular, an enlarged view of the operating handle and secondary lock. [Figure 37C]Figure 37A is an enlarged view of the locking pin mechanism, where the secondary lock engages with the ribs of the seat shell. [Figure 37D] Figure 37C is an enlarged view of the lock pin mechanism, where the secondary lock is released from the rib on the seat shell via the operation of the secondary lock. [Figure 37E] Figure 37D is an enlarged view of the locking pin mechanism, where the operating handle is being operated to release the locking pin from the intermediate base. [Figure 38A] Figure 17 is a side view of a convertible child restraint, with annotations illustrating the various features and degrees of freedom of the child restraint. [Figure 38B] Figure 38A is an enlarged side view of the convertible child dress train. [Figure 39A] Figure 17 is a side view of the convertible child restraint in a reclined position and rear-facing configuration. [Figure 39B] Figure 39A is a side view of the convertible child restraint in the upright and rear-facing configuration. [Figure 39C] Figure 39A is a side view of the convertible child restraint in an upright and forward-facing configuration for use as a belt positioning booster. [Figure 40A] Figure 17 is a close-up view of the belt tongue on the vehicle seat belt, which is engaged with the vehicle seat buckle when the convertible child dress train is mounted on the vehicle seat as a belt positioning booster. [Figure 40B] Figure 40A shows the belt tongue catching on the first side of a notch on the seat shell when the belt tongue is released from the vehicle seat buckle. [Figure 40C] This figure shows the belt tongue of Figure 40B, which tilts in response to contact with the first side of the notch. [Figure 40D]This figure shows the inclined belt tongue of Figure 40C being pulled through the notch. [Figure 41A] Figure 17 is an upper perspective view of a convertible child restraint, with the belt access panel open and the lock straps routed under the seat pan and behind the seat back of the seat shell. [Figure 41B] This is a close-up view of the belt routing feature for the lock strap shown in Figure 41A, located below the seat pan of the seat shell. [Figure 42A] Figure 17 is an upper perspective view of a convertible child restraint, in which the headrest is positioned lower. [Figure 42B] Figure 42A is an upper perspective view of a convertible child restraint, in which the headrest is positioned higher. [Figure 43A] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of the lower and middle bases of the convertible childless train. The seat shell is not shown for clarity. [Figure 43B] Figure 17 is an upper perspective view of the lower and middle bases of the convertible childless train. The seat shell is not shown for clarity. [Figure 43C] Figure 43A is a rear cross-sectional view of the convertible child restraint. The dashed line represents the rearward-facing belt path. [Figure 43D] Figure 43B is a rear cross-sectional view of the convertible child restraint. The dashed line represents the rearward-facing belt path. [Figure 43E] This is a rear cross-sectional view of the convertible child restrain shown in Figure 43A, superimposed on the convertible child restrain shown in Figure 43B. [Figure 44A] Figure 17 is a top view of a convertible child restraint train, showing the guide path of the reclining mechanism. The seat shell and shield are not shown for clarity. [Figure 44B] Figure 44A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the child restrain, where the cross-sectional plane divides the reclining mechanism into two equal parts. [Figure 44C] Figure 44A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the child restrain, where the cross-sectional plane intersects with the rails of the reclining mechanism. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] What follows is a more detailed description of various concepts related to convertible child restraints (and their implementation forms) that support multiple installation configurations (e.g., rear-facing car seat, forward-facing car seat, belt-positioning booster seat) to accommodate children of varying size and weight, different belt paths to facilitate proper installation of the child restraint, and a seat shell that can rotate between rear-facing, side-facing, and forward-facing positions for ease of use. It should be recognized that the various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in multiple ways. Examples of specific implementation forms and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to implement implementation forms and alternative examples that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0049] The figures and exemplary implementations described below are not intended to limit the scope of this implementation to a single embodiment. Other implementations are possible by replacing some or all of the elements described or illustrated. Furthermore, where certain elements of the disclosed exemplary implementations can be partially or completely implemented using known components, in some cases only those parts of such known components necessary for understanding this implementation are described, and detailed descriptions of other parts of such known components are omitted to avoid ambiguity of this implementation.

[0050] In the following discussion, various examples of the convertible child restraint of the present invention are provided, and a given example or set of examples shows one or more specific features of a lower base, intermediate base, seat shell, reclining mechanism, rotation mechanism, lockout mechanism, turn ring, seat back insert, belt locking arm, and lock pin mechanism. It should be recognized that one or more features discussed in relation to a given example of the convertible child restraint may be used in other examples of the convertible child restraint according to the present disclosure, and that the various features disclosed herein can be readily combined into a given convertible child restraint according to the present disclosure (provided that each feature is not inconsistent with the others). First example of a convertible child dress train with rotatable seats

[0051] Figure 1 shows an exemplary convertible child restraint (CR) 1000a, which is mounted on a vehicle seat 100 in a rear-facing configuration and preferably supports an infant or toddler by a harness (not shown). As shown, the child restraint 1000a may include a lower base 1100 that abuts against the vehicle seat pan 102 and the vehicle seat back 104, an intermediate base 1200 connected to the lower base 1100 via a reclining mechanism 1120, and a seat shell 1300 connected to the intermediate base 1200 via a rotating mechanism 1332 for supporting a child. Figure 1 further shows that the child restraint 1000a may be secured to the vehicle seat 100 using a belt 110. The belt 110 can generally be a vehicle seat belt or a LATCH belt, depending on the desired mounting configuration. In some implementations, the Childless Train 1000a can occupy a volume of approximately 7 cubic feet or less. Furthermore, the Childless Train 1000a can weigh approximately less than 28 pounds.

[0052] In the rearward configuration, the front side portion 1301a of the seat shell 1300 is positioned near the rear portion 1102a of the lower base 1100, while the rear side portion 1301b of the seat shell 1300 is positioned further away from the rear portion 1102a. In other words, the seat shell 1300 is oriented so that the child faces the vehicle seat back 104 of the vehicle seat 100. Thus, the belt 110 can be routed along the rearward belt path 1010a, which is defined by the intermediate base 1200 and the lower base 1100 for fastening to the vehicle seat 100. For example, Figure 1 shows that the intermediate base 1200 may include an opening 1204, which allows the belt 110 to be routed through the internal portion of the intermediate base 1200 when the seat shell 1300 is in the rearward position.

[0053] In some implementations, the rearward-facing belt path 1010a may be positioned so that the belt 110 forces only the intermediate base 1200 and / or the lower base 1100 when the child dresser train 1000a is installed in a rearward-facing configuration. This allows the seat shell 1300 to remain rotatable via the rotation mechanism 1332 even after the child dresser train 1000a has been installed on the vehicle seat 100 in a rearward-facing configuration. For example, the seat shell 1300 may be rotated from a rearward-facing position to a side-facing position, making it easier for parents and / or caregivers to place a child in or remove a child from the child dresser train 1000a without having to reposition the child dresser train 1000a and / or remove it from the vehicle seat 100. Figure 2 shows the child dresser train 1000a of Figure 1, where the seat shell 1300 is rotated to a right-facing position. It should also be recognized that the seat shell 1300 can similarly be rotated to a left-facing position to accommodate mounting on different rear seats of the vehicle. As shown, the seat shell 1300 can be rotated while the lower base 1100 and the intermediate base 1200 remain stationary.

[0054] In some implementations, the intermediate base 1200 further includes a rotation lockout 1220 (which will be described in more detail below) that can limit the range of rotation of the seat shell 1300 when the child dress train 1000a is installed in a rearward configuration. For example, when engaged, the rotation lockout 1220 can prevent the seat shell 1300 from rotating from the rearward position to the forward position. In this way, parents and / or caregivers can be prevented, or in some cases prevented, from using the rearward belt path 1010a to support the forward configuration. When the child dress train 1000a is removed from the rearward configuration, the rotation lockout 1220 can be disengaged, allowing the seat shell 1300 to rotate freely relative to the intermediate base 1200 (for example, the seat shell 1300 can rotate 360 ​​degrees).

[0055] The intermediate base 1200 may further include various features (e.g., belt locking arm 1230, rotation lockout 1220) that define a portion of the rearward belt path 1010a, which are accessible only when the seat shell 1300 is in the rearward position, and thus further prevent the inappropriate use of the rearward belt path 1010a to support a forward configuration. These features will be described in more detail below.

[0056] In some implementations, the lower base 1100 and the intermediate base 1200 are capable of positioning the rearward belt path 1010a, so that the belt 110 is positioned toward the rear portion 1102a and bottom portion 1102b of the lower base 1100. In this way, the childless train 1000a can accommodate various vehicle stomp lengths. Additionally, the distance between the anchor points on the childless train 1000a (e.g., the points or areas where the belt 110 is in contact with the childless train 1000a) and the vehicle anchor points on the vehicle seat 100 (e.g., the points or areas where the belt 110 is rigidly connected to the vehicle seat 100) can be reduced, which can reduce the displacement of the childless train 1000a relative to the vehicle seat 100 in the event of a crash. In some implementations, the rearward belt path 1010a may be positioned near the child dresser train 1000a and the child's center of gravity, thereby reducing the displacement of the child and / or the child dresser train 1000a relative to anchor points on the child dresser train 1000a. In some implementations, the rearward belt 1010a may also be symmetrical with respect to a plane that bisects the child dresser train 1000a and intersects the front side 1301a and rear side 1301b (see, for example, Figures 43A and 43C).

[0057] Furthermore, the child restraint train 1000a can be installed in a forward-facing configuration (i.e., the rear side portion 1301b of the seat shell 1300 is closer to the rear portion 1102a of the lower base 1100 than the front side portion 1301a) and can support infants and / or larger or heavier children who require a belt positioning booster. For example, Figure 3A shows the child restraint train 1000a installed in a forward-facing configuration for use with a separate harness (not shown) to restrain a child. As shown, the seat shell 1300 may include one or more openings 1310 disposed along one or both of the sides 1301c and 1301d of the seat shell 1300, which in part define a forward-facing belt path 1010b.

[0058] The opening 1310 may be positioned toward the rear side 1301b of the seat shell 1300 so that the opening 1310 aligns with the seat back section 1303, in particular with the seat back insert 1350 that supports the child's back. Thus, the belt 110 can be routed through the opening 1310 and installed against the seat back insert 1310. In other words, the belt 110 is used only to secure the child restraint train 1000a to the vehicle seat 100 and not to restrain the child. Instead, the child may be secured to the seat shell 1300 using a harness (not shown).

[0059] In another example, Figure 3B shows a child restraint train 1000a mounted in a forward-facing configuration via a forward-facing belt path 1010c to support a child requiring a belt positioning booster. In this configuration, the belt 110 can be a vehicle seat belt, which secures the child restraint train 1000a to the vehicle seat 100 and restrains the child to the child restraint train 1000a. The vehicle seat belt typically includes a lap strap 116a to cover the lower back and / or thighs of the child and a shoulder strap 116b to cover the upper body of the child. To accommodate the different parts of a vehicle seat belt, the seat shell 1300 may include one or more notches 1312, which are arranged along one or both of the sides 1301c and 1301d of the seat shell 1300, defining a portion of the forward-facing belt path 1010c and supporting at least the lap strap 116a and, optionally, a portion of the shoulder strap 116b which is joined to the belt tongue (not shown). The seat shell 1300 may further include an adjustable headrest 1360 with one or more openings 1362, which define another portion of the forward-facing belt path 1010c to support the shoulder strap 116b. In this way, the forward-facing belt path 1010c can mimic a typical vehicle seat belt configuration for restraining an adult on a vehicle seat 100.

[0060] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the forward-facing belt path 1010c may be different from the forward-facing belt path 1010b, and in some cases, they may not overlap when a child is placed in the child dress train 1000a. However, when either the forward-facing belt path 1010b or 1010c is used, the belt 110 can limit or, in some cases, prevent the rotation of the seat shell 1300.

[0061] In some implementations, the child restraint 1000a is capable of supporting both a rear-facing belt path 1010a and forward-facing belt paths 1010b and 1010c, providing parents and / or caregivers with the ability to use the child restraint 1000a in various configurations as the child physically develops and ages. However, it should be recognized that other child restraints of the present invention may include only one or two belt paths selected from the rear-facing belt path 1010a and the forward-facing belt paths 1010b and 1010c. For example, the child restraint may be configured to support only infants and toddlers and thus may provide only the features for the rear-facing belt path 1010a and the forward-facing belt path 1010b.

[0062] Additionally, different parts of the convertible child restraint train 1000a are color-coded and / or labeled to provide parents and / or caregivers with visual instructions and / or commands regarding the proper installation of the child restraint train 1000a with respect to configurations of particular interest (e.g., rear-facing car seat configuration, forward-facing car seat configuration, belt positioning booster seat configuration). For example, the rear portion 1102a of the lower base 1100 may be labeled to indicate that the rear portion 1102a should be installed in contact with the vehicle seat back 104. Also, the rear-facing and forward-facing belt paths 1010a-1010c may be color-coded to better distinguish which belt path should be used based on the desired configuration of the child restraint train 1000a. For example, the openings 1204, 1310, and 1362, as well as the notch 1312, may be color-coded according to the supported belt path.

[0063] The lower base 1100 provides a platform for supporting the childless train 1000a on the vehicle seat 100. As described above, the lower base 1100 is connected to the intermediate base 1200 via a reclining mechanism 1120, which allows adjustment of the reclining position of the seat shell 1300 relative to the lower base 1100. In some implementations, the reclining mechanism 1120 may be configured to rotate the intermediate base 1200, and by extension the seat shell 1300, around a transverse axis (not shown) located near the center of gravity of the childless train 1000a and the occupant (e.g., a child). For example, Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the childless train 1000a, in particular the reclining arc 1002. The reclining positions of the intermediate base 1200 and the seat shell 1300 can be forced to follow the reclining arc 1002. In some implementations, the reclining arc 1002 may be positioned below the portion of the backward-facing belt path 1010a that passes through the intermediate base 1200.

[0064] In some implementations, the reclining mechanism 1120 is capable of defining two or more indexed reclining positions, and in two or more indexed reclining positions, the reclining positions of the intermediate base 1200 and the seat shell 1300 can be locked to the lower base 1100. In some implementations, the reclining mechanism 1120 is preferably capable of defining at least four indexed reclining positions. The reclining mechanism 1120 includes an operating mechanism with an operating handle 1122, which facilitates changes between the various indexed reclining positions. The reclining mechanism 1120 will be described in more detail below in relation to the child restraint train 1000b. It should be recognized that various features of the reclining mechanism 1120 of the child restraint train 1000b can be easily incorporated into the reclining mechanism 1120 of the child restraint train 1000a. In some implementations, including the reclining mechanism 1120 allows the child rest train 1000a to exclude other secondary reclining mechanisms (e.g., an adjustable footrest).

[0065] The intermediate base 1200 can mechanically link the seat shell 1300 to the lower base 1100, while allowing the seat shell 1300 to be rotatable relative to the lower base 1100. As described above, the intermediate base 1200 can be connected to the seat shell 1300 via a rotation mechanism 1332, which allows the seat shell 1300 to rotate 360 ​​degrees. The rotation mechanism 1332 can define a plane of rotation 1006, as shown in Figure 6, and the seat shell 1300 is rotatable relative to the intermediate base 1200 along the plane of rotation 1006.

[0066] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rotation mechanism 1332 and the rotation plane 1006 may generally be positioned above the reclining mechanism 1120 and the reclining arc 1002. Figures 5 and 6 further show that the lower base 1100 and / or intermediate base 1200 may be shaped so that the rotation plane 1006 is inclined when the childless train 1000a is mounted on a horizontal plane. The inclination may be chosen to (at least partially) compensate for the reclining angle of the vehicle seat pan 102 supporting the childless train 1000a so that the rotation plane 1006 is approximately horizontal with respect to at least one reclining position when the childless train 1000a is mounted on the vehicle seat 100. In some implementations, the rotating plane 1006 can be intentionally tilted when the child restraint 1000a is installed, so that the range of recline positions for the seat shell 1300 can be changed depending on whether the child restraint 1000a is installed in a rearward or forward-facing configuration. The effect of the tilted rotating plane 1006 on recline adjustment will be discussed in more detail below.

[0067] In some implementations, the reclining mechanism 1120 and the rotation mechanism 1332 can be mechanically separated, allowing the reclining and rotational positions of the seat shell 1300 to be adjusted independently of each other. Alternatively, the seat shell 1300 can be permanently fixed to the intermediate base 1200. In other words, unlike the infant carrier of conventional infant car seats, the seat shell 1300 does not need to be removable from the intermediate base 1200 during normal operation of the child rest train 1000a.

[0068] The rotation mechanism 1120 may include a turn ring 1330, which is mounted to the seat shell 1300 via one or more mounting features 1334. The turn ring 1330 is rotatably connected to one or more brackets 1240 mounted to the intermediate base 1200 (see, for example, Figures 9 and 10). In some implementations, the brackets 1240 can force the turn ring 1330 to rotate around a single axis of rotation. In other words, the brackets 1240 can limit, or in some cases prevent, the turn ring 1300 from rotating around another axis of rotation and / or translating along any direction relative to the brackets 1240.

[0069] As shown, the bracket 1240 and the turn ring 1330 are positioned around the intermediate base 1200 and / or along the bottom portion of the seat shell 1300, making it possible to provide space for other components of the childless train 1000a. For example, the turn ring 1330 may include an opening 1331, through which a portion of the seat shell 1300 (e.g., the seat pan 1302) can be installed at least partially through the turn ring 1330, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In this way, the seat shell 1300 is positioned closer to the lower base 1100, and thus it is possible to reduce the overall height of the childless train 1000a. A childless train 1000a with a lower height can make it easier to install the childless train 1000a into a vehicle with limited interior space.

[0070] The turn ring 1330 can have various cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to, square C-shapes and I-shapes. The turn ring 1330 can further be formed from various materials, including, but not limited to, steel and magnesium.

[0071] To secure the belt 110 to the childless train 1000a using the rearward belt path 1010a, the intermediate base 1200 may include a belt locking arm 1230 (see, for example, Figures 1, 5-8). The belt locking arm 1230 may be disposed within the internal portion of the intermediate base 1200, and the belt locking arm 1230 may be a lever mechanism pivotably mounted on the upper part of the rearward belt path 1010a within the intermediate base 1200. When the belt locking arm 1230 is open, the belt 110 may be placed across the recess of the intermediate base 1200 below the belt locking arm 1230, as shown in Figure 9. Then, when the belt locking arm 1230 is closed and locked to the intermediate base 1200, the belt 110 is pressed into the recess and / or corrugated, as shown in Figure 10. In this way, the belt locking arm 1230 can consume some of the length of the belt 110, which applies tension to the belt 110 and allows the childless train 1000a to be more firmly secured to the vehicle seat 100 when the belt locking arm 1230 is closed.

[0072] In some implementations, the belt locking arm 1230 can only be accessed and opened when the seat shell 1300 is in a rearward-facing position and the belt access panel 1320 (which will be discussed in more detail below) is open to remove the cover of the belt access opening 1322. When the child dress train 1000a is installed in a forward-facing configuration, the belt locking arm 1230 can remain closed. In some implementations, the belt locking arm 1230 can prevent, or in some cases prevent, the belt 110 from routing through the intermediate base 1200 along the rearward-facing belt path 1010b by forcing the belt 110 around the belt locking arm 1230. In this way, the belt locking arm 1230 can prevent a parent and / or caregiver from pushing or pulling the belt 110 through the intermediate base 1200 via the opening 1204 without utilizing the belt access opening 1322.

[0073] Furthermore, the intermediate base 1200 may include a rotation lockout feature 1220, which can limit the range of rotation adjustment of the seat shell 1300 when the childless train 1000a is installed in a rearward configuration, preventing the seat shell 1300 from being rotated to a forward position. Figure 8 shows that the rotation lockout 1220 may be a lever mechanism, which is rotatably connected to the intermediate base 1200 and includes a plunger end 1224 and a lockout end 1226. When the plunger end 1224 is actuated, the rotation lockout 1220 can rotate, causing the lockout end 1226 to be positioned along the same plane of rotation as the rotation stop 1222 formed on the turn ring 1330. Subsequently, when the seat shell 1300 is rotated sufficiently far from the rearward position, the lockout end 1226 can contact the rotation stop 1222 to prevent further rotation of the seat shell 1300. In some implementations, the turn ring 1330 can include two or more rotation stops 1222 to limit the rotation of the seat shell 1300 to the lateral position. For example, the rotation stops 1222 can allow the seat shell 1300 to rotate only between -120 degrees and +120 degrees, where 0 degrees corresponds to the rearward position. It should also be recognized that the rotation stops 1222 can be formed directly on the seat shell 1300 and / or similarly on various feature parts disposed on the seat shell 1300.

[0074] The rotational lockout 1220 may be spring-biased so that the lockout end 1226 does not engage with the rotational stop 1222 until the plunger end 1224 is actuated. In some implementations, the belt 110 may be used to actuate the rotational lockout 1220. For example, Figure 7 shows that the belt 110 can be positioned across the plunger end 1224 when it is placed across the intermediate base 1200 along the rearward belt path 1010a. Then, when the belt locking arm 1230 is closed, the belt 110 is pressed against the plunger end 1224, and thus it is possible to actuate the rotational lockout 1220. When the belt 110 is removed from the rearward belt path 1010a, the rotation lockout 1220 is able to return to its spring-driven open position, as shown in Figure 8, thereby disengaging the stop 1222 and allowing the seat shell 1300 to rotate a full 360 degrees on the intermediate base 1200.

[0075] The seat shell 1300 generally includes a seat pan 1302 and a seat back section 1303 and is capable of supporting a child. As described above, the seat shell 1300 may include side sections 1301c and 1301d, and openings 1310 or notches 1312 may be formed in the side sections 1301c and 1301d to define portions of the forward-facing belt paths 1010b and 1010c. The seat shell 1300 may further include various mounting features (not shown) for mounting to the turn ring 1330.

[0076] In some implementations, the seat shell 1300 may include a belt access panel 1320, which is positioned along the front end 1301a of the seat pan 1302, as shown in Figure 11. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the belt access panel 1320 may be hinged to the seat pan 1302 near the joint between the seat pan 1302 and the seat back insert 1350. When the belt access panel 1320 is closed, its distal end is locked to the seat shell 1300 via a latch 1326 near the edge where the child's feet are positioned when placed in the child dress train 1000a. When the belt access panel 1320 is open, the belt access opening 1322 is not covered, which allows the parent and / or caregiver to have access to the belt 110, belt locking arm 1230, and / or rotation lockout 1220, which are disposed within the intermediate base 1200, as shown in Figures 4 and 12. In some implementations, the belt access opening 1322 is at least about 4.5 inches wide, which can provide sufficient space for the parent and / or caregiver to install the belt 110 and / or remove the belt 110 from the child dress train 1000a.

[0077] In some implementations, the belt access panel 1320 may include a cam 1328 configured to mechanically contact the tail section 1232 of the belt locking arm 1230. In particular, the cam 1328 is positioned on the belt access panel 1320 and can provide a mechanical advantage in pushing the belt locking arm 1230 slightly beyond its locking point (i.e., a parent and / or caregiver can provide less force), thus closing the belt locking arm 1230 when the belt access panel 1320 is closed. Once the belt locking arm 1230 is closed, the cam 1328 continues to move away from the tail section 1232, and can provide sufficient clearance for the cam 1328 and other features of the seat shell 1300 to rotate relative to the intermediate base 1200 and the belt locking arm 1230, as shown in Figure 14. By utilizing the belt access panel 1320 to close the belt locking arm 1230, parents and / or caregivers do not need to apply significant force to achieve a secure installation.

[0078] In some implementations, the seat back section 1303 can be an assembly including a seat back 1304 and a seat back insert 1350 formed as part of the seat shell 1300, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The seat back insert 1350 can include a base end 1358a connected to the seat shell 1300 via a pin joint 1358b and a tail end 1357a connected to the seat shell 1300 via a pin joint 1357b. The seat back insert 1350 can structurally reinforce the seat back section 1303. In some implementations, including the seat back insert 1350 allows the seat shell 1300 to exclude other heavier structures typically found in conventional convertible car seats (including, but not limited to, metal tubing, L-shaped tubing, and bulky plastic structures), and thus can reduce the overall weight of the childless train 1000a.

[0079] The seat back insert 1350 includes a belt locking arm 1352 which can secure the belt 110 to the seat shell 1300 when the forward belt path 1010b is used for installation. The belt locking arm 1352 can operate in a similar manner to the belt locking arm 1230 (i.e., the belt locking arm 1352 can press the belt 110 into a recess or channel and / or corrugate it, thereby tightening the belt 110). The seat back insert 1350 also includes a storage compartment 1356 which can store the harness when it is not in use (for example, when the childless train 1000a is used as a belt positioning booster).

[0080] The seat shell 1300 also includes an adjustable headrest 1360 capable of supporting a child's head. As described above, the headrest 1360 includes one or more openings 1362 capable of supporting and guiding the shoulder straps 116b of the vehicle seat belt. Generally, the openings 1362 may be located near the bottom portion of the headrest 1360 where a child's shoulders are likely to be positioned. In some implementations, the openings 1362 may be offset from the bottom portion of the headrest 1360. In some implementations, the seat back insert 1350 may include a track (not shown) that defines two or more indexed headrest positions for the headrest 1360 to be positioned and locked to the seat shell 1300. The headrest 1360 may further include an actuation handle 1364 that, when actuated, can release the headrest 1360 from one indexed headrest position, allowing the position of the headrest 1360 to be changed.

[0081] Furthermore, in some implementations, the seat shell 1300 may include a level indicator 1390 to provide a visual indication to the parent and / or caregiver regarding the appropriate recline angle of the seat shell 1300 for both rear-facing and forward-facing configurations. For example, Figures 3A and 3B show that the level indicator 1390 may be mounted directly on one side of the seat shell 1300. By installing the level indicator 1390 on the seat shell 1300, the level indicator 1390 can provide a reading for the recline angle relative to an overall horizontal reference plane. Thus, the level indicator 1390 can enable the parent and / or caregiver to easily compensate for the recline angle of the vehicle seat 100 (which may vary for different vehicle seat types and / or different vehicles). The level indicator 1390 may be various types of level indicators, including, but not limited to, bubble indicators and ball indicators.

[0082] In some implementations, the seat shell 1300 may further include a locking pin mechanism that locks the rotational position of the seat shell 1300 to the intermediate base 1200. For example, Figures 15 and 16 show an exemplary locking pin mechanism 1370. As shown, the locking pin mechanism 1370 may include a pair of locking pins 1372, the pair of locking pins 1372 being inserted into openings (not shown) located on the intermediate base 1200 along the rotation plane 1006, and thus capable of restricting the rotation of the seat shell 1300 relative to the intermediate base 1200. It should be noted that in other implementations, the locking pin mechanism 1370 may include a single locking pin or three or more locking pins. The locking pins 1372a and 1372b may be connected to springs, respectively, which provide the force to insert and / or hold the locking pins 1372a and 1372b into the openings in the intermediate base 1200. In some implementations, the lock pin mechanism 1370 may be configured to lock the seat shell 1300 only when the seat shell 1300 is in a rearward or forward position.

[0083] As shown in Figure 15, the locking pin 1372a may be mechanically linked to the operating handle 1374a via a linkage member 1373 located on the left side 1301c of the seat shell 1300. The operating handle 1374a may be located along the ridge of the seat shell 1300 that forms part of the armrest, and the linkage member 1373 may be located along the portion of the seat shell 1300 that defines the notch 1312. The locking pin 1372b may similarly be linked to the operating handle 1374b via the linkage member 1373 on the opposite side of the seat shell 1300 (for example, the right side 1301d).

[0084] In this example, the actuation handle 1374a and the locking pin 1372a may be rotatably connected to the seat shell 1300, respectively. When the actuation handle 1374a is actuated, the linkage member 1373 is displaced downward toward the intermediate base 1200, which causes the locking pin 1372a to rotate outward from the opening in the intermediate base 1200, as shown in Figure 16. The locking pin 1372b may be actuated similarly via the actuation handle 1374b. When both locking pins 1372a and 1372b are released, the seat shell 1300 can then be rotated. In some implementations, the locking pins 1372a and 1372b may be mechanically linked via a cable or torsion wire 1376, as shown in Figure 16, so that the actuation of either actuation handle 1374a or 1374b releases both locking pins 1372a and 1372b. A second example of a child dress train with rotatable seats.

[0085] Figure 17 shows another exemplary convertible child restraint train 1000b mounted on a vehicle seat 100 in a rearward-facing configuration. As before, the child restraint train 1000b may include a lower base 1100 for supporting the child restraint train 1000b on the vehicle seat 100, a seat shell 1300 for supporting a child, and an intermediate base 1200, the intermediate base 1200 positioned between the lower base 1100 and the seat shell 1300, facilitating the recline adjustment of the intermediate base 1200 (and thus the seat shell 1300) relative to the lower base 1100 via a recline mechanism 1120, and the rotation adjustment of the seat shell 1300 relative to the intermediate base 1200 via a rotation mechanism 1332. Depending on the specific mounting configuration, the child restraint train 1000b may be secured to the vehicle seat 100 via belts (e.g., vehicle seat belts or LATCH belts). It should be recognized that Child Dress Train 1000b can incorporate some of the same features as Child Dress Train 1000a, and similarly, Child Dress Train 1000a can incorporate some of the same features as Child Dress Train 1000b.

[0086] As before, the lower base 1100 and the intermediate base 1200 allow the belt 110 to define a rearward belt path 1010a for connecting the child dress train 1000b to the vehicle seat 100 when the child dress train 1000b is installed in a rearward configuration. For example, Figure 17 shows that the rearward belt path 1010a can pass through the interior of the intermediate base 1200 through one or more openings 1204. In some implementations, the rearward belt path 1010a may preferably be located near the rear portion 1102a and bottom portion 1102b of the lower base 1100 to accommodate various vehicle stalk lengths. The rearward belt path 1010 may also be located close to the child dress train 1000b and the child's center of gravity.

[0087] After the child dress train 1000b is installed on the vehicle seat 100 using the rear-facing belt path 1010a, the seat shell 1300 may still be rotatable, allowing a parent and / or caregiver to rotate the seat shell 1300 from the rear-facing position to the side-facing position, as shown in Figure 18, making it easier to place a child into or remove a child from the child dress train 1000b. The intermediate base 1200 further includes a rotation lockout 1220 which can prevent the seat shell 1300 from rotating to the forward-facing position when the rear-facing belt path 1010a is used and the rotation lockout 1220 is engaged. When the rotation lockout 1220 is disengaged, the seat shell 1300 may rotate freely 360 degrees (for example, from the rear-facing position to the forward-facing position).

[0088] Furthermore, the seat shell 1300 supports forward-facing belt routes 1010b and 1010c, and is capable of supporting infants and children requiring belt positioning boosters, respectively. For example, Figure 19 shows a child restraint train 1000b mounted on a vehicle seat 100 in a forward-facing configuration using the forward-facing belt route 1010b, where the belt 110 is routed through openings 1310 in the sides 1301c and 1301d of the seat shell 1300. In this configuration, the belt 110 may be used solely to secure the child restraint train 1000b to the vehicle seat 100, and a separate, integrated harness (not shown) may be used to restrain the child.

[0089] In another example, Figure 20 shows a child restraint train 1000b mounted on a vehicle seat 100 in a forward-facing configuration using a forward-facing belt route 1010c. In this configuration, a vehicle seat belt with a lap strap 116a and a shoulder strap 116b is used to secure the child restraint train 1000b to the vehicle seat 100 and to restrain a child to the child restraint train 1000b. In other words, the forward-facing belt route 1010c can enable the child restraint train 1000b to be used as a belt positioning booster or a high-back booster. As shown, the seat shell 1300 may include one or more notches 1312, one or more of which are located on one or both of the sides 1301c and 1301d, defining a portion of the forward-facing belt route 1010c for the lap strap 116a. The seat shell 1300 may further include a headrest 1360 having one or more openings 1362, the one or more openings 1362 defining a portion of the forward-facing belt path 1010c for the shoulder straps 116b.

[0090] The lower base 1100 may include a rear portion 1102a and a bottom portion 1102b that abut against the surface of the vehicle seat 100 (e.g., the vehicle seat pan 102 and the vehicle seat back 104). In some implementations, the lower base 1100 may include a LATCH storage compartment 1140, which is formed on a portion of the lower base 1100 near the rear portion 1102a. Figure 22 shows that the lower base 1200 may include a hinged door 1142 on the rear portion 1102a, which, when open, provides access to the LATCH storage compartment 1140. As shown, the childless train 1000b may include a LATCH belt 110a with one or more LATCH anchors 120, each of which can be connected to a vehicle seat anchor. The tether strap 122 allows the LATCH belt 110a to be attached to the lower base 1100, complying with regulatory guidelines that require the LATCH belt 110a to be permanently fixed to the child dress train 1000b.

[0091] The lower base 1100 can be connected to the intermediate base 1200 via a reclining mechanism 1120. As before, the reclining mechanism 1120 is capable of defining a reclining arc 1002, as shown in Figure 21, and along the reclining arc 1002, the reclining positions of the intermediate base 1200 and seat shell 1300 can be adjusted relative to the lower base 1100. As shown, the intermediate base 1200 and seat shell 1300 can be rotated around a transverse axis 1004 corresponding to the reclining arc 1002, so that they can be positioned near the center of gravity of the occupant in the childless train 1000b.

[0092] In some implementations, the reclining mechanism 1120 is capable of defining two or more indexed reclining positions, preferably at least four indexed reclining positions, in which the reclining positions of the intermediate base 1200 and the seat shell 1300 can be locked to the lower base 1100. In some implementations, including the reclining mechanism 1120 can allow the child restraint train 1000a to exclude other secondary reclining mechanisms (e.g., an adjustable footrest).

[0093] The reclining mechanism 1120 can be an actuation mechanism, which is operated by an actuation handle 1122 positioned toward the front end of the child restraint train 1000b when changing the reclining position of the intermediate base 1200 and / or seat shell 1300. In some implementations, the reclining mechanism 1120 can be operated by a parent and / or caregiver using one hand. Figures 44A–44C show some illustrations of exemplary reclining mechanisms 1120 within the lower base 1100 and intermediate base 1200 of the child restraint train 1000b. As shown in Figure 44C, the reclining mechanism 1120 can include one or more rails 1130 mounted on the lower base 1100. Each rail 1130 can include one or more openings / slots (e.g., slots 1132a–1132d) corresponding to indexed reclining positions. In some implementations, the reclining mechanism 1120 may include a pair of rails 1130, which are aligned parallel to each other (i.e., each slot 1132a to 1132d of each rail 1130 is aligned) and are positioned on opposite sides of the operating handle 1122.

[0094] Figures 44A and 44B further illustrate that the reclining mechanism 1120 may include a pair of locking pins 1127a and 1127b, which are aligned along the axis 1121 and inserted through their respective openings 1123 in the intermediate base 1200 into one of the openings / slots 1132a to 1132d in the rail 1130, thereby fixing the intermediate base 1200 and the seat shell 1300 in a specific reclining position. The locking pins 1127a and 1127b may be connected to the operating handle 1122 via flexible members 1125a and 1125b, respectively. The flexible members 1125a and 1125b can be various elongated components capable of supporting tensile and / or compressive loads, such that pushing the actuation handle 1122 (towards the rear side 1301b) or pulling it (towards the front side 1301a) causes the locking pins 1127a and 1127b to move in or out of the openings / slots 1132a-1132d, respectively. For example, the flexible members 1125a and 1125b can include, but are not limited to, straps, bands, and cables. When the actuation handle 1122 is actuated and the locking pins 1127a and 1127b are disengaged from the rail 1130, the recline position of the intermediate base 1200 and seat shell 1300 can then be adjusted. The reclining mechanism 1120 may include a spring 1128, which is housed in an intermediate base 1200 and connected to an operating handle 1122, such that when the operating handle 1122 is not operated, locking pins 1127a and 1127b engage with the rail 1130.

[0095] Figure 44A further illustrates that the flexible members 1125a and 1125b can be forced to follow guide paths 1126a and 1126b, respectively, within the intermediate base 1200. The guide paths 1126a and 1126b can be partially defined by various protruding features within the intermediate base 1200. As shown, the guide paths 1126a and 1126b can define curved paths having a curvature chosen to reduce frictional resistance between the flexible members 1125a and 1125b and the protruding features defining the guide paths 1126a and 1126b. In some implementations, the guide paths 1126a and 1126b can be arranged to intersect and / or overlap each other. For example, Figure 44A shows that the guide path 1126a can be curved to the right and the guide path 1126b can be curved to the left, resulting in a single crossover point. This arrangement of guide paths 1126a and 1126b allows the reclining mechanism 1120 to occupy less space within the intermediate base 1200, which can result in greater clearance for other features of the childless train 1000b (e.g., the rotation mechanism 1332) and / or reduce the size of the childless train 1000b without increasing its overall size and / or envelope. For example, the separation distance between rails 1130 (w recline ) can be approximately 5.5 inches or less.

[0096] The intermediate base 1200 may be connected to the seat shell 1300 via a rotation mechanism 1332, which defines a rotation plane 1006, and along the rotation plane 1006, the seat shell 1300 is rotatable relative to the intermediate base 1200, as shown in Figure 23. As before, the rotation mechanism 1332 may allow the seat shell 1300 to rotate 360 ​​degrees when the childless train 1000b is not mounted on the vehicle seat 100. Similar to the childless train 1000a, the rotation mechanism 1332 may be positioned above the reclining mechanism 1120. In some implementations, the portion of the rearward belt path 1010a within the intermediate base 1200 is positioned above the reclining mechanism 1120 and below the rotation mechanism 1332, which reduces the load applied to the reclining mechanism 1120 while allowing any force or load experienced by the child restraint train 1000b to be effectively transmitted between the belt 110 and the rotation mechanism 1332.

[0097] The rotation mechanism 1332 may include a turn ring 1330, which is mounted on the seat shell 1300 and rotatably connected to one or more brackets 1240 mounted on the intermediate base 1200, as shown in Figure 24. The turn ring 1330 may be used in part to mechanically reinforce the childless train 1000b. As shown, the brackets 1240 may be arranged at regular intervals along the turn ring 1330 and around the intermediate base 1200. In some implementations, the brackets 1240 can force the turn ring 1330 to rotate about a central axis relative to the intermediate base 1200, while the bottom flange of the turn ring 1330 remains under the brackets 1240. Figure 25 shows that the turn ring 1330 may include one or more mounting features 1334, which align and connect to corresponding mounting features 1336 on the seat shell 1300.

[0098] Therefore, the arrangement of the turn ring 1330 and bracket 1204 allows for rotation of the seat shell 1300 relative to the intermediate base 1200 while firmly holding the seat shell 1300 and intermediate base 1200 together in all other directions except the intended axis of rotation. The turn ring 1330 can be shaped and / or dimensioned to have similar (or, in some cases, equal) strength around the entire ring 1330. This allows the turn ring 1330 to easily resist, for example, any force experienced by the childless train 1000b during a crash, and any force transmitted through the turn ring 1330 regardless of the rotational position of the seat shell 1300. Figure 26 further shows that one of the frame brackets 1240 can be positioned directly below the rearward belt path 1010a in the intermediate base 1200. The bracket 1240 can extend from below the belt path 1010a toward the outer circumference of the intermediate base 1200 and engage with the turn ring 1330. This allows for highly efficient and direct force transmission from the seat shell 1300 to the turn ring 1330, from the turn ring 1330 to the bracket 1240, and finally from the bracket 1240 to the belt 110.

[0099] In some implementations, the turn ring 1330 and / or bracket 1240 may be formed from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, steel and magnesium. The turn ring 1330 may also have a cross-sectional shape adjusted to increase mechanical rigidity, including, but not limited to, square C-shapes and I-shapes. In some implementations, the cross-sectional shape of the turn ring 1330 may be selected in part to facilitate connection with the bracket 1240.

[0100] The intermediate base 1200 further includes a belt locking arm 1230, which allows the belt 110 to be securely coupled and tightened to the childless train 1000b when the rearward belt path 1010a is used for installation. The belt locking arm 1230 can be pivotably mounted on the upper part of the belt path 1010a within the intermediate base 1200. During installation, the belt locking arm 1230 can be opened, and the belt 110 can be placed across a recess or channel along the rearward belt path 1010a below the belt locking arm 1230 (see, for example, Figure 31). When the belt locking arm 1230 is pushed downward, the belt 110 can be corrugated into the recess or channel (for example, a portion of the belt 110 may be consumed) and / or pressed, allowing the belt 110 to be tightened as shown in Figure 32. Next, the belt locking arm 1230 is locked in place, and thus it is possible to secure the belt 110 to the child restraint train 1000b and apply tension.

[0101] The intermediate base 1200 further includes a rotation lockout 1220 that can limit the range of rotation of the seat shell 1300 when the child dresser train 1000b is installed in a rearward configuration. For example, when activated, the rotation lockout 1220 can prevent the seat shell 1300 from rotating from the rearward position to the forward position, but still allow the seat shell 1300 to rotate to the sideways position, making it easier to access the child dresser train 1000b when loading or unloading a child. In some implementations, the child dresser train 1000b can also include multiple rotation stops 1222. For example, the turn ring 1330 can include a pair of rotation stops 1222, which are arranged to allow the seat shell 1300 to rotate by approximately + / - 120 degrees, where 0 degrees corresponds to the rearward position.

[0102] As before, the rotation lockout 1220 can be a lever mechanism, which is rotatably connected to the intermediate base 1200 and includes a plunger end 1224 and a lockout end 1226. When the belt 110 is secured to the childless train 1000b via the belt locking arm 1230, the belt 110 can compress the plunger end 1224, causing the lockout end 1226 to rotate so that it is in the same plane as the rotation stop 1222 on the turn ring 1330, as shown in Figure 33. When the seat shell 1300 is subsequently rotated, the lockout end 1226 can contact the rotation stop 1222, and thus prevent further rotation of the seat shell 1300. The rotation lockout 1220 may be spring-driven, and when the belt 110 is removed, the rotation lockout 1220 can be disengaged from the rotation stop 1222, thus allowing the seat shell 1300 to rotate freely 360 degrees.

[0103] In some implementations, the convertible childless train 1000b can include multiple rotary lockouts 1220. For example, Figures 31 and 33 show a childless train 1000b with a pair of rotary lockouts 1220, arranged such that the respective plunger ends 1224 of the rotary lockouts 1220 are located on opposite sides of the belt locking arm 1230. When the belt 110 is routed under the belt locking arm 1230 during rearward installation, the belt 110 is able to activate both rotary lockouts 1220.

[0104] The seat shell 1300 may include a seat pan 1302 and a seat back section 1303 for supporting a child, and various features to facilitate the installation of a child restraint train 1000b onto a vehicle seat 100 using belt paths 1010a-1010c. For example, Figure 34 shows that the seat shell 1300 may include a belt path access panel 1320, which may open to expose the interior portion of the intermediate base 1200 through a belt access opening 1322. The belt access panel 1320 (also referred herein as the “center front adjuster (CFA) panel”) may be connected to the seat shell 1300 at a first end by a hinged joint near the curved portion (bight) of the seat pan 1302. When closed, the second end of the belt access panel 1320 can be locked to the seat shell 1300 near the front side 1301a of the seat shell 1300 where the child's feet are positioned. With the belt access panel 1320 open, a parent and / or caregiver has clear and unobstructed access to the rearward belt path 1010a and can install a vehicle belt or LATCH belt 110 via the belt locking arm 1230, as shown in Figure 35.

[0105] In another example, Figure 27 shows that the seat shell 1300 may include a seat back insert part 1350, which forms the upper portion of the occupant seat space. The seat back insert 1350 may be held in place at its lower end by a steel pin that forms part of a pin joint 1358b, which passes through the base 1358a of the seat back insert 1350, the turn ring 1330, and the seat shell 1300, holding these components together. Figure 28 shows that the upper end 1357a of the seat back insert 1350 is attached to the upper end of the seat shell 1300 via another pin joint 1357b. In some implementations, the seat back insert 1350 may form one leg of a triangular structure, as shown in Figure 29, with the seat shell 1300 forming a second leg and the turn ring 1330 forming a third leg. This triangular arrangement allows for sufficient reinforcement of the seat shell 1300, and additional metal frame tubing, L-shaped tubing, and / or other auxiliary plastic structures within the seat back section 1303 can be excluded from the childless train 1000b, thus reducing the overall weight of the convertible childless train 1000b.

[0106] In some implementations, the seatback insert 1350 includes a belt locking arm 1352 which can secure the belt 110 to the childless train 1000b when the forward-facing belt path 1010b is in use for installation. The belt locking arm 1352 operates in a similar manner to the belt locking arm 1230 and can clamp and fasten the belt 110 to the childless train 1000b. In some implementations, the seatback insert 1350 also includes a storage compartment 1356 which can store the integrated harness when the harness is not in use (for example, when the childless train 1000b is not installed on the vehicle seat 100, or when the childless train 1000b is installed using a belt positioning booster configuration).

[0107] Furthermore, the seat shell 1300 is capable of supporting an adjustable headrest 1360. Figure 30 shows that the seat back insert 1350 includes a track 1354 which is capable of guiding the movement of the headrest portion 1360 from a lower position to a higher position. The track 1354 is capable of partially defining an indexed headrest position, positioning the headrest 1360, and locking the headrest 1360 to the seat shell 1300 at various heights. For example, Figure 42A shows the headrest 1360 in a lower position along the seat shell 1300, and Figure 42B shows the headrest 1360 in a higher position along the seat shell 1300. In some implementations, the distance between the bottom portion of the headrest 1360 and the seat pan 1302 can range between approximately 8.8 inches and approximately 18.7 inches.

[0108] In some implementations, the seat back section 1303, and in particular the seat back insert 1350, can be curved. The curvature of the seat back insert 1350 can cause the headrest 1360 to move forward toward the front side 1301a of the seat shell 1300 when the headrest 1360 is raised to a higher position. The forward displacement of the headrest 1360 can provide sufficient clearance to avoid collision between the headrest 1360 and the headrest on the vehicle seat 100. Thus, the curved seat back insert 1350 can provide a wider range of height adjustment with respect to the headrest 1360. In addition, the vertical and horizontal movement of the headrest 1360 can function as a secondary reclining mechanism, making it possible to position the child's head in a more upright position when the headrest 1360 is raised to a higher position.

[0109] As described above, the convertible child restraint train 1000b also includes an integrated harness capable of restraining a child in both rear-facing and forward-facing configurations. In some implementations, the harness can be a five-point harness, in which multiple straps covering the child's torso and waist are connected in a single location and fastened, for example, via one or more cam locks. The harness may be attached to the seat shell 1300 using alock straps 1400, which are routed below the seat pan 1302 and behind the seat back 1304. Thus, the alock straps 1400 may be partially disposed within the internal portion of the intermediate base 1200. Generally, it is preferable that the alock straps 1400 are connected only to the seat shell 1300 and / or the belt access panel 1320, so that the alock straps 1400 move with the seat shell 1300 when the seat shell 1300 is rotated. The Alloy Strap 1400 further includes a cam lock, allowing the integrated harness to be tightened when the child is placed inside the convertible child dress train 1000b.

[0110] In some implementations, the convertible child dress train 1000b may include several features to reduce, or in some cases prevent, the alloy strap 1400 from catching on various structural features within the intermediate base 1200. In one example, the intermediate base 1200 may include a shield component 1260, which is positioned above the bracket 1240 and below the seat shell 1300 (see, for example, Figures 32 and 36). The shield 1260 may cover the internal portion of the intermediate base 1200 and provide a substantially smooth surface for the alloy strap 1400 to contact if the alloy strap is loose. For example, Figures 41A and 41B show that the alloy strap 1400 may be positioned below the belt access panel 1320 and above the shield 1260. If the alloy strap 1400 is loose, the alloy strap 1400 can therefore slide along the surface of the shield 1260 when the seat shell 1300 is rotated.

[0111] In another example, the sheet shell 1300 includes a belt routing feature 1324 (also referred to as the “CFA strap control rib”) which can reduce, or in some cases prevent, the alloy strap 1400 from hanging down and coming into contact with, for example, the shield 1260. As shown in Figures 41A and 41B, the belt routing feature 1324 can contact the bottom of the belt access panel 1320 and / or the sheet pan 1302 to hold the alloy strap 1400, thereby reducing the possibility of the alloy strap 1400 getting caught on the intermediate base 1200.

[0112] In some implementations, the seat shell 1300 includes a locking pin mechanism 1370 that can lock the seat shell 1300 to the intermediate base 1200 at a specific rotational position. For example, Figure 36 shows that the intermediate base 1200 may include openings 1250a and 1250b, which are located on the upper side 1202a of the intermediate base. The locking pin mechanism 1360 may include at least one locking pin 1372, which is spring-biased to move into one of the openings 1250a and 1250b, thereby locking the seat shell 1300 to the intermediate base 1200. In some implementations, the openings 1250a and 1250b may be located on the intermediate base 1200, so that the seat shell 1300 can be locked to either a rearward or forward position relative to the intermediate base 1200. In some implementations, the intermediate base 1200 does not need to include an opening for locking the seat shell 1300 in a rotational position between the rear-facing and forward-facing positions (e.g., the lateral-facing position), and is designed to prevent the parent and / or caregiver from leaving the seat shell 1300 in the lateral-facing position and / or treating the lateral-facing position as another configuration of the convertible child dress train 1000b. Thus, the seat shell 1300 is able to rotate freely between the rear-facing and forward-facing positions.

[0113] Figures 37A to 37E show that the lock pin mechanism 1370 may further include an actuation handle 1374a, which is directly mechanically connected to a lock pin 1372. When the actuation handle 1374a is pressed, the lock pin 1372 can be released from the intermediate base 1200, allowing the seat shell 1300 to rotate. Figure 37B shows that the seat shell 1300 may include a mechanical stop 1371b, which can limit the range over which the actuation handle 1374a can be pressed. Figure 37A shows that the lock pin mechanism 1370 may further include springs 1382 and 1384, which can insert or hold the lock pin 1372 in an opening in the intermediate base 1200 (e.g., opening 1250a or 1250b), which can hold the actuation handle 1374a in a position accessible by a parent and / or caregiver. In some implementations, the actuation handle 1374a may be located on the right side 1301d of the seat shell 1300, and the locking pin mechanism 1370 may further include another actuation handle 1374b located on the left side 1301d of the seat shell 1300. The actuation handles 1374a and 1374b may be linked together by a cable 1376 so that the locking pin 1372 can be released by either the actuation handle 1374a or 1374b.

[0114] In some implementations, the first actuation handle 1374a and the second actuation handle 1374b each incorporate a secondary lock 1378. The secondary lock 1378 makes it more difficult for a child or non-occupant (e.g., a passenger in the vehicle) to release the lock pin mechanism 1370 while the childless train 1000b is in use (e.g., while the childless train 1000b is installed inside the vehicle and the vehicle is in operation).

[0115] Figures 37B–37E show some enlarged views of the actuation handle 1374a and the secondary lock 1378, illustrating the operation of the secondary lock 1378. As shown, the secondary lock 1378 is disposed within the internal portion of the actuation handle 1374 and can be rotatably connected to the actuation handle 1374 via a pin joint 1371a. When the locking pin mechanism 1370 is in the locked position, a portion of the secondary lock 1378 can engage with a rib 1380 formed on the seat shell 1300. The rib 1380 may be oriented so that the actuation handle 1374a cannot be actuated (e.g., pressed) when the secondary lock 1378 is engaged with the rib 1380 (see Figure 37C). When the secondary lock 1378 is actuated (for example, by rotation around the pin joint 1371a), the portion of the secondary lock 1378 that is in contact with the rib 1380 can be released (see Figure 37D). When the secondary lock 1378 is released, the actuating handle 1374a can then be pressed to disengage the lock pin 1372, thus allowing the seat shell 1300 to be rotated.

[0116] Figures 38A and 38B show a side view of the convertible childless train 1000b, with several components and belt paths labeled to show their effect on the overall dimensions and / or shape of the childless train 1000b, particularly with respect to the vehicle envelope. As shown, 'A' represents the vehicle design envelope, 'B' represents the child seat surface (e.g., seat pan 1302, seat back section 1303), 'C' represents the rotation axis for rear-facing and forward-facing configurations, 'D' represents the reclining axis 1004, 'E' represents the internal seat shell rotation clearance, 'F' represents the rear-facing belt path 1010a, 'G' represents the rear-facing lockout 1220, 'H' represents the belt mounting lower access (e.g., opening 1204), and 'I' represents the vehicle belt 110.

[0117] As shown, the geometry of the seat shell 1300 is partially based on "B" and "E," and they are able to maintain a constant geometry relative to each other regardless of the orientation of the seat shell 1300 (for example, the relative proportions and shapes of these feature parts are fixed relative to each other). In some implementations, it is preferable that the geometry of the seat shell 1300 is positioned downward and toward the right side of Figure 38B where the rearward belt path 1010a is positioned. This allows for a lower center of gravity and a larger envelope, for example, to adjust the recline angle and / or headrest position of the child restraint train 1000b.

[0118] The geometric shape of the rearward vehicle belt path 1010a is partially defined by "G", "F", and "H", which can maintain a constant geometric shape relative to each other (for example, the relative proportions and shapes of these feature parts are fixed relative to each other). In some implementations, it is preferable that this geometric shape is positioned upward and toward the left side where the center of gravity (CG) of the system is located. In some implementations, the geometric shape of the childless train 1000b can be enforced by the relationship between "E" and "G", which should preferably maintain clearance for the rotational movement of the seat shell 1300.

[0119] Generally, the overall geometric shape and arrangement of the various structural features within the convertible child restraint train 1000b are selected based in part on the various fits, dimensions, and buckle and latch designs of different vehicles, enabling the installation of the child restraint train 1000b in a wide variety of vehicles. For example, the desired recline angle of the convertible car seat can be varied between rear-facing and forward-facing configurations. Generally, the recline angle can be measured as the angle between the seat back of the convertible car seat and a horizontal reference plane. With respect to the rear-facing configuration, it is desirable that the recline angle be approximately 45 degrees (relative to the horizontal plane). With respect to the forward-facing configuration, it is desirable that the recline angle be between approximately 60 and 70 degrees.

[0120] In both rear-facing and forward-facing configurations, to achieve desired recline angles with respect to different vehicle seats and / or vehicles, the childless train 1000b can provide different ranges of recline angles with respect to rear-facing and forward-facing configurations. This can be partially achieved by shaping the lower base 1100 such that the seat shell 1300 is initially reclined by an offset angle (for example, tilted even when the seat shell 1300 is installed on a horizontal plane). The offset angle can be tilted to tilt the rotation plane 1006 so that the recline angles in the rear-facing and forward-facing configurations are different without adjustment via the recline mechanism 1120. The offset angle can be selected so that when the convertible childless train 1000b is installed in a vehicle, the recline angles in the rear-facing and forward-facing configurations are close to the desired angles described above. Then, a reclining mechanism 1120 is used to adjust (for example, fine-tune) the reclining angle of the seat shell 1300, positioning the child as desired and accommodating different vehicle seat types and / or vehicles.

[0121] To illustrate this approach, FIGS. 39A - 39C show several side views of a convertible - type child restraint 1000b having various reclining angles, both in a rear - facing configuration and a forward - facing configuration, when installed in a representative vehicle. The vehicle seat 100 generally includes a vehicle seat pan 102 and a vehicle seat back 104 and is capable of supporting the child restraint 1000b. The vehicle seat pan 102 in most vehicles is reclined by an angle (θ vs ), and the angle (θ vs ) is typically in the range between about 5 degrees and about 18 degrees.

[0122] ]The angle (θ vs ) of the vehicle seat pan 102 can be partially compensated by an offset angle provided by the lower base 1100. For example, FIGS. 39A and 39B show a seat shell 1300 reclined at two limiting reclining angles (θ rf1 and θ rf2 ) with respect to the rear - facing configuration. The reclining angles (θ rf1 and θ rf2 ) are measured with respect to the bottom plane of the lower base 1100. As shown, the rotation plane 1006 can be angled above the horizontal plane at an angle (θ r1 ) in FIG. 39A and angled below the horizontal plane at an angle (θ r2 ) in FIG. 39B. Thus, the rotation plane 1006 can be made horizontal with the horizontal plane at an intermediate reclining angle between θ rf1 and θ rf2 . In some implementations, the offset angle can be about 13 degrees.

[0123] Additionally, tilting the rotation plane 1006 in the manner shown in Figures 39A and 39B can also allow for different ranges of recline angles for the rearward and forward-facing configurations. For example, Figures 39A and 39C show the same recline position (i.e., the rotation plane 1006 tilts at an angle θ) for the rearward and forward-facing configurations. r1 The convertible child dress train 1000b is shown (only tilted upwards on the horizontal plane). The recline angle (θ) with respect to the rearward configuration is shown as shown. rf1 ) is the recline angle (θ) in the forward-facing configuration. ff1 It is possible to make it considerably smaller than ).

[0124] In some implementations, the offset angle of the lower base 1100 is set by the reclining mechanism 1120 for most vehicles to a specific reclining position (for example, θ r1 At the corresponding reclining position, the reclining angle (θ) rf1 The angle becomes approximately 45 degrees, and the reclining angle (θ ff1 The angle (θ) can be selected to be approximately 65 degrees. This allows the reclining mechanism 1120 to be smaller and / or lighter in weight. The reclining mechanism 1120 may have a more limited range of reclining adjustment, but the child restraint train 1000b is still capable of achieving the desired reclining angle. In some implementations, the reclining mechanism 1120 can provide an adjustment of approximately 15 degrees in the reclining angle of the seat shell 1300. In some implementations, the child restraint train 1000b is thus capable of a reclining angle (θ) in the range of approximately 34 to approximately 49 degrees with respect to the rearward configuration. rf1 It is possible to provide a forward-facing configuration. The Childless Train 1000b has a reclining angle (θ) in the range of approximately 59 to 74 degrees. ff1 It is possible to provide ).

[0125] As described above, the child restraint train 1000b may be used as a belt positioning booster seat via a forward-facing belt route 1010c. In this configuration, the vehicle seat belt 110b may be routed through notches 1312 along the sides 1301c and 1301d of the seat shell 1300, where the child's thighs are positioned when the child is placed in the child restraint train 1000b. In some implementations, the notches 1312 may be shaped to deter, or in some cases prevent, the belt tongue 112 on the vehicle seat belt 110b from catching on the seat shell 1300 when released from the belt buckle 114 on the vehicle seat 100. Thus, accidental release of the vehicle seat belt 110b can provide clear and visual instructions for a parent, caregiver, and / or user (e.g., a child) to reattach the belt tongue 112 to the belt buckle 114.

[0126] For example, Figures 40A to 40D show some enlarged views of a notch 1312 on a convertible childless train 1000b. The notch 1312 may include a projecting section 1313 extending outward from the side 1301c of the seat shell. The projecting section 1313 may include a first side or edge 1314 positioned forward of the seat shell 1300 and a second side or edge 1316 positioned rearward of the seat shell 1300.

[0127] As shown, the first side 1314 can be aligned parallel to the second side 1316, but can be offset perpendicularly to the second side 1316 (for example, the first side 1314 is positioned below the second side 1316). This arrangement makes it possible to cause the belt tongue 112 to rotate when the belt tongue 112 is retracted through the notch 1312. For example, Figure 40A shows the belt tongue 112 of a belt 100b securely connected to a belt buckle 114. When the belt 100b is released, a portion of the belt tongue 112 can physically contact the first side 1314 without contacting the second side 1316 (see Figure 40B). The contact between the first side portion 1314 and the belt tongue 112 causes the belt tongue 112 to rotate, allowing it to pass through the notch 1312 without getting caught. Modifications of the rearward belt path

[0128] In some implementations, it may be preferable for the rearward-facing belt path 1010a to be positioned toward the bottom and rear portion of the lower base 1100, where the belt buckle and / or vehicle seat anchor are typically located on the vehicle seat 100. A lower rearward-facing belt path 1010a offers several advantages to the overall design of the convertible child restraint train 1000b (including, but not limited to, a smaller sized child restraint train 1000b, and more space for the convertible child restraint train 1000b and, above all, the headrest 1360), making it possible to accommodate smaller sized vehicles with more limited interior space. However, a lower-positioned rearward-facing belt path may negatively affect the fit of the convertible child restrain to the vehicle seat. Therefore, the installation of the rearward-facing belt path 1010a in a convertible childless train can be adjusted to balance the benefits of a lower-positioned belt path with the ease of fitting the childless train to a wide range of vehicle seats.

[0129] For example, the convertible childless train 1000a can provide a rearward-facing belt path 1010a that is positioned lower compared to the childless train 1000b. This allows the childless train 1000a to achieve a lower positioning of children in the vehicle, and consequently a lower center of gravity, and / or a smaller sized device compared to the childless train 1000b. However, the childless train 1000b may be easier to install than the childless train 1000a due to its greater ability to fit different vehicle seat types and different vehicle harness configurations.

[0130] Figures 43A to 43E show several diagrams comparing the geometric shapes of the childless trains 1000a and 1000b, in particular the lower base 1100 and the intermediate base 1200. Specifically, Figure 43A shows a perspective view of the lower base 1100 and the intermediate base 1200 with the seat shell 1300 absent from the childless train 1000a. Figure 43C shows a cross-sectional view of the childless train 1000a. As shown, the rearward belt path 1010a can extend upward along a portion of the intermediate base 1200 where the belt locking arm 1230 and the lockout mechanism 1220 are positioned. This portion of the intermediate base 1200 can be approximately 102 mm above the lowest part of the childless train 1000a, which has a width of approximately 67 mm.

[0131] Figure 43B shows a perspective view of the lower base 1100 and intermediate base 1200 with the seat shell 1300 absent from the childless train 1000b. Figure 43D shows a cross-sectional view of the childless train 1000b. As shown, the rearward belt path 1010a can similarly extend upward along a portion of the intermediate base 1200, which is located approximately 128 mm above the lowest part of the childless train 1000b, which has a width of approximately 130 mm. Figure 43E shows a cross-sectional view in which the childless trains 1000a and 1000b are superimposed on each other, illustrating the differences in the rearward belt path 1010a in both variations of the convertible childless train. conclusion

[0132] All parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are illustrative, and the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on one or more specific applications in which the teachings of the present invention are used. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are presented primarily as examples, and that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described and claimed, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The embodiments of the present invention in this disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein.

[0133] In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the scope of the present invention as long as such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made with respect to the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of each element of the exemplary implementation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The use of numerical ranges does not exclude equivalents that fall outside those ranges but perform the same function in the same manner and produce the same results.

[0134] Furthermore, various inventive concepts can be embodied in one or more methods, and at least one example of such methods has been provided. The actions performed as part of a method may, in some cases, be ordered in different ways. Thus, in some implementations of the invention, each action of a given method may be performed in a different order than that specifically illustrated, and this may include performing several actions simultaneously (even if in exemplary embodiments such actions are shown as sequential actions).

[0135] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference.

[0136] All definitions as defined and used herein should be understood to govern dictionary definitions, definitions in literature incorporated by reference, and / or the ordinary meaning of the defined terms.

[0137] In the specification and claims, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" as used herein should be understood to mean "at least one" unless explicitly indicated otherwise.

[0138] In the specification and claims, the phrase “and / or” as used herein should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements that are thus coordinated; that is, elements that exist connectively in some cases and separately in others. Multiple elements enumerated with “and / or” should be interpreted in the same manner; that is, they should be interpreted as “one or more” of the elements that are thus coordinated. Other elements may optionally exist, whether related to or not to those elements that are specifically identified, in addition to the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause. Thus, as a non-restrictive example, when used with open language such as “comprising,” a reference to “A and / or B” may, in one embodiment, refer to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, refer to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, refer to both A and B (optionally including other elements), and so on.

[0139] In the specification and claims, “or” as used herein should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” should be interpreted as inclusive, that is, including at least one (but more than one) of the elements of the group or list, and optionally, any additional unlisted items. For example, only terms that explicitly indicate the opposite, such as “one of” or “exactly one of” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” refer to including exactly one element of the group or list. In general, the term “or” as used herein should be interpreted only as indicating an exclusive alternative when preceded by an exclusive term (e.g., “either,” “one of,” “one of,” or “exactly one of”) (i.e., “one or the other, but not both”). When used in the claims, “essentially from” shall have its ordinary meaning as it is used in the field of patent law.

[0140] In the specification and claims, the phrase “at least one” in relation to a list of one or more elements, as used herein, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and all of the elements specifically enumerated in the list of elements, nor excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. Furthermore, this definition allows for the arbitrary presence of elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements referred to by the phrase “at least one,” whether or not they relate to those specifically identified elements. Therefore, as a non-restrictive example, “at least one of A and B” (or equivalently, “at least one of A or B” or equivalently, “at least one of A and / or B”) could refer to, in one embodiment, at least one A (optionally including two or more A's) in a state where B is absent (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, at least one B (optionally including two or more B's) in a state where A is absent (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, at least one A (optionally including two or more A's) and at least one B (optionally including two or more B's) (and optionally including other elements); and so on.

[0141] In the claims and in the above specification, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” and “composed of” should be understood as open, that is, to mean “including, but not limited to.” Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as described in Section 2111.03 of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Manual of Patent Examination Procedure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0142] 100 seats per vehicle 102 Vehicle seat pan 104 Vehicle seat back 110 belt 110a LATCH belt 110b Vehicle seat belts 112 Belt Tongue 114 Belt buckle 116a Lap Strap 116b Shoulder strap 120 LATCH Anchors 122 Tetherstrap 1000a Child Dress Train 1000b Child Dress Train 1002 Reclining Arc 1004 Reclining axis 1006 Rotation Plane 1010a Reverse belt path 1010b Forward Belt Route 1010c Forward Belt Route 1100 Lower base 1102a rear part 1102b bottom part 1120 Reclining Mechanism 1121 axis 1122 Operating handle 1123 Opening 1125a Flexible member 1125b Flexible member 1126a Guide Route 1126b Guide Route 1127a Locking pin 1127b Locking pin 1128 Spring 1130 Rail 1132a~1132d Slots 1140 LATCH storage compartment 1142 Hinged Door 1200 Intermediate Base 1202a Upper side 1204 Opening 1220 RPM lockout 1222 rotations stop 1224 Plunger end 1226 Lockout end 1230 Belt Locking Arm 1232 Tail Section 1240 bracket 1250a opening 1250b opening 1260 Shield Components 1300 Seat Shell 1301a Front side 1301b Rear side 1301c Side 1301d Side 1302 Sheet Pan 1303 Seat back section 1304 Seatback 1310 Opening 1312 Notch 1313 Projecting Section 1314 First side or edge 1316 Second side or edge 1320 Belt Access Panel 1322 Belt access opening 1324 Belt Routing Features 1326 Latch 1328 Cam 1330 Turn Ring 1331 Opening 1332 Rotation Mechanism 1334 Mounting Features 1336 Mounting Features 1350 Seat Back Insert 1352 Belt Locking Arm 1354 Trucks 1356 Storage compartment 1357a Top end 1357b Pin joint 1358a Base end 1358b Pin joint 1360 Headrest 1362 Opening 1364 Operating handle 1370 Locking Pin Mechanism 1372 Lock Pin 1371a Pin joint 1371b Stop 1372a Lock pin 1372b Lock pin 1373 Linkage Member 1374a Operating handle 1374b Operating handle 1376 Cables, Torsion Wires 1378 Secondary Rock 1380 Rib 1382 Spring 1384 Spring 1390 Level Indicator 1400 Alloy Strap A Vehicle Design Envelope B Child seat surface C Rotation axis D Reclining axis E Internal seat shell rotation clearance F Rearward belt path G Rear-facing lockout H-belt installation, lower access I. Vehicle belt w recline separation distance θ ff1 Reclining angle θ r1 angle θ r2 angle θ rf1 Reclining angle θ rf2 Reclining angle θ vs angle

Claims

1. A child restraint for a vehicle (1000a, 1000b), wherein the child restraint is When the Childless Train is installed inside the vehicle, it has a base (1100, 1200) having a rear portion (1102a) configured to abut against a portion of the vehicle seat back (104) of the vehicle seat (100) inside the vehicle; A seat shell (1300) for supporting a child, wherein the seat shell (1300) is rotatably connected to the base such that the base remains stationary while the seat shell rotates relative to the base, and the seat shell has a front side portion (1301a) and a rear side portion (1301b), and is rotatable relative to the base between a rearward position and a forward position. In the rearward-facing position, the front side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the rear side of the seat shell. In the forward-facing position, the rear side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the front side of the seat shell. Seat shell (1300) and; Includes, The seat shell includes one or more first forward belt path features (1312, 1362) that partially define a first forward belt path (1010c), and the one or more first forward belt path features are configured to receive the belt, connect the child restraint train to the vehicle seat, and restrain a child within the seat shell when the child restraint train is installed in the vehicle, when the seat shell is in the forward position, and when the belt is a vehicle seat belt. The seat shell further includes one or more second forward belt path features (1310), each of which partially defines a second forward belt path (1010c) different from the first forward belt path, and each of which is configured to receive the belt and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the forward position. Child dress train (1000a, 1000b), wherein the one or more second front belt path features include an opening (1310), the opening (1310) is located on a first side (1301c, 1301d) of the seat shell, adjacent to a seat back section (1303) for supporting the child's back in the seat shell, and the belt is positioned to contact the front of the seat back section when the belt is routed through the opening and when the belt is tensioned.

2. The seat shell includes a headrest (1360), the headrest (1360) being positioned on the seat back section of the seat shell and supporting the child's head; The one or more first forward belt path feature portions are, When the child dress train is installed inside the vehicle and the belt is the vehicle seat belt, a notch (1312) is provided on the first side of the seat shell adjacent to the seat pan (1302) of the seat shell to define a first portion of the first forward-facing belt path for the strap portion (116a) of the belt; When the child dress train is installed inside the vehicle and the belt is the vehicle seat belt, an opening (1362) is provided on the headrest to define a second portion of the first forward-facing belt path for the shoulder portion (116b) of the belt; The child dress train according to claim 1, including the following.

3. The belt includes a belt tongue (112); The child dress train according to claim 2, wherein the notch is shaped to rotate the belt tongue when the belt tongue is pulled through the notch.

4. The notch includes a protruding section (1313), the protruding section (1313) extending outward from the first side of the seat shell, and the protruding section is The first edge portion (1314) of the seat shell is disposed toward the front side portion; A second edge (1316) is provided toward the rear side of the seat shell, wherein the second edge (1316) is aligned substantially parallel to the first edge and offset perpendicularly from the first edge; The child dress train according to claim 2, including the following.

5. The child restraint further includes the belt, The child dress train according to claim 1, wherein when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle via the first forward belt path or the second forward belt path, the belts restrict the rotational adjustment of the seat shell relative to the base.

6. The child dress train according to claim 1, wherein the seat shell includes a belt locking arm (1352) that securely connects the belt to the seat shell when the second forward belt path is used to install the child dress train into the vehicle, and the belt locking arm displaces a portion of the belt, ensuring that the belt is under tension when it is secured to the child dress train.

7. The child dress train according to claim 1, wherein the base includes one or more rear belt path feature portions (1204, 1230), the one or more rear belt path feature portions (1204, 1230) partially define a rearward belt path (1010a), and the one or more rear belt path feature portions are configured to receive the belt (110) and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the rearward position.

8. The child dress train according to claim 7, wherein the rearward-facing belt path positions the belt in close proximity to the rear and bottom portions (1102b) of the base when the child dress train is installed inside the vehicle.

9. The child dress train according to claim 7, wherein the rearward-facing belt path positions the belt in close proximity to the center of gravity of the child dress train and the child when the child dress train is installed inside the vehicle.

10. The child restraint further includes the belt, The child dress train according to claim 7, wherein the belt is one of a vehicle seat belt (110b) or a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) belt (110a).

11. The aforementioned belt is a LATCH belt, The child dress train according to claim 10, wherein the base includes a storage compartment (1140) for storing the LATCH belt when it is not in use.

12. The aforementioned base is The lower base (1100) having the aforementioned rear portion; An intermediate base (1200) disposed between the lower base and the seat shell, wherein the intermediate base is connected to the lower base via a reclining mechanism (1120) that adjusts the reclining position of the seat shell relative to the lower base, and the intermediate base is connected to the seat shell via a rotation mechanism (1332) that adjusts the rotational position of the seat shell relative to the intermediate base; The child dress train according to claim 1, further comprising:

13. The child dress train according to claim 12, wherein the reclining mechanism is located below the rotating mechanism.

14. The intermediate base includes one or more rear belt path features (1204, 1230) that partially define a rearward belt path (1010a), and the one or more rear belt path features are configured to receive the belt (110) and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the rearward position; The child dress train according to claim 13, wherein the reclining mechanism is located below the rearward-facing belt path.

15. The child restraint according to claim 12, wherein the reclining mechanism defines a plurality of indexed reclining positions, and the reclining position of the seat shell corresponds to one of the plurality of indexed reclining positions.

16. The child dress train according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of indexed reclining positions include at least four indexed reclining positions.

17. The aforementioned reclining mechanism is A pair of rails (1130) disposed on the lower base that define the plurality of indexed reclining positions; A pair of locking pins (1127a, 1127b) disposed within the intermediate base, each locking pin engaging with one of the pair of rails in one of the plurality of indexed reclining positions; A first flexible member (1125a) connected to one of the pair of locking pins, wherein the first flexible member (1125a) is disposed within the intermediate base along a first path (1126a); A second flexible member (1125b) is connected to the remaining one of the pair of locking pins, the second flexible member (1125b) is disposed within the intermediate base along a second path (1126b), the second path overlapping the first path with the second flexible member (1125b); An operating handle (1122) is connected to the first flexible member and the second flexible member to disengage the pair of lock pins from the pair of rails when the operating handle is operated; The child dress train according to claim 15, including the following.

18. The aforementioned reclining mechanism is The first rail (1130) is disposed on the lower base; A second rail is disposed on the lower base in alignment parallel to the first rail, wherein the first rail and the second rail define the plurality of indexed reclining positions and are separated by a distance of less than 5.5 inches; The child dress train according to claim 15, including the following.

19. The rotation mechanism defines a rotation plane (1006), and the sheet shell is rotatable relative to the intermediate base along the rotation plane (1006); The child dress train according to claim 12, wherein the lower base and the intermediate base are shaped such that when the lower base is installed on a horizontal reference plane, the rotation plane is inclined by a predetermined offset angle with respect to the horizontal reference plane.

20. The aforementioned predetermined offset angle is approximately 13 degrees; The child restraint according to claim 19, wherein the reclining angle of the seat shell defined between the seat back section of the seat shell and the horizontal reference plane is in the range of approximately 34 to approximately 49 degrees when the seat shell is in the rearward position, and in the range of approximately 59 to approximately 74 degrees when the seat shell is in the forward position.

21. The aforementioned rotation mechanism is One or more brackets (1240) rigidly connected to the intermediate base; A turn ring (1330) rigidly connected to the seat shell, wherein the turn ring is connected to one or more brackets, and the turn ring is movable relative to the one or more brackets only along a single degree of rotational freedom; The child dress train according to claim 12, including the following.

22. The child dress train according to claim 21, wherein the turn ring has at least one of a C-shaped cross-section or an I-shaped cross-section.

23. The child dress train according to claim 21, wherein the turn ring is formed from at least one of steel or magnesium.

24. The turn ring defines a central opening (1334); The child dress train according to claim 21, wherein at least a portion of the seat shell is disposed through the central opening to position the seat shell closer to the lower base.

25. The rotation mechanism includes a turn ring rigidly connected to the sheet shell; The seat shell includes a seat back section, and the seat back section is Seat back (1304) and; A seat back insert (1350) connected to the seat back and the turn ring, wherein the turn ring, the seat back, and the seat back insert together form a triangular structure that increases the structural rigidity of the seat shell; The child dress train according to claim 12, including the following.

26. The child dress train according to claim 25, wherein the seat shell does not include a metal tube or an L-shaped tube.

27. The lower base and the intermediate base include one or more rear belt path features (1204, 1230) defining a rearward belt path (1010a), and the one or more rear belt path features are configured to receive the belt (110) and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the rearward position; The child dress train according to claim 12, wherein the one or more rear belt path features include a belt locking arm (1230) that securely connects the belt to the intermediate base when the rearward belt path is used to install the child dress train into the vehicle, and the belt locking arm displaces a portion of the belt, ensuring that the belt is under tension when it is fixed to the child dress train.

28. The child dress train according to claim 27, wherein the seat shell includes a belt access panel (1320) disposed on the front portion of the seat pan of the seat shell, the belt access panel providing access to the belt locking arm when the seat shell is in the rearward position.

29. The child dress train according to claim 27, wherein the seat shell blocks access to the belt locking arm when the seat shell is in the forward-facing position.

30. The rotation mechanism includes at least one rotation stop (1222); The child dress train according to claim 27, wherein the intermediate base further includes a rotational lockout (1220) having a plunger end (1224) and a lockout end (1226), the lockout end engaging with the at least one rotational stop when the plunger end is actuated to limit the rotational adjustment of the seat shell, and the rotational lockout is spring-biased so that the lockout end disengages from the at least one rotational stop when the plunger end is not actuated.

31. The child dress train according to claim 30, wherein the plunger end of the rotation lockout is actuated by the belt locking arm pressing the belt against the plunger end when the rearward belt path is used to install the child dress train into the vehicle.

32. The rotational position of 0 degrees corresponds to the seat shell being in the rearward-facing position; The child dress train according to claim 30, wherein the rotational position of the seat shell relative to the intermediate base is limited to between approximately -120 degrees and approximately +120 degrees when the lockout end of the rotation lockout is engaged with the at least one rotation stop.

33. The child dress train according to claim 30, wherein the at least one rotation stop prevents the seat shell from being rotated to the forward position when the rotation lockout is activated.

34. The base includes an upper side portion (1202a) having a plurality of openings (1250); The seat shell includes a locking pin mechanism (1370) that locks the seat shell to the base, and the locking pin mechanism is A lock pin (1372a) configured to be inserted into one of the multiple openings; A first operating handle (1374a), which is connected to the locking pin, for removing the locking pin from the opening when the first operating handle is operated, thereby enabling rotational adjustment of the seat shell; A spring (1382, 1384) connected to the locking pin for at least one of inserting or holding the locking pin into the opening when the first operating handle is not operated; The child dress train according to claim 1, including the following.

35. The child dress train according to claim 34, wherein the plurality of openings in the base are arranged to receive the lock pin only when the seat shell is in either the forward-facing position or the rearward-facing position.

36. The child dress train according to claim 34, wherein the lock pin mechanism further includes a secondary lock (1378) connected to the lock pin for preventing the lock pin from being released when the secondary lock is not activated.

37. The locking pin, the first operating handle, and the spring are disposed on the first side of the seat shell; The child dress train according to claim 34, wherein the lock pin mechanism further includes a second operating handle (1374b), the second operating handle (1374b) disposed on the second side of the seat shell opposite the first side, and connected to the lock pin via at least one of a torsion wire or cable (1376), the operation of at least one of the first operating handle or the second operating handle removes the lock pin from the opening.

38. The seat shell includes a harness for securing the child to the seat shell, the harness having an alloy strap (1400) partially disposed beneath the seat pan of the seat shell; The child dress train according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a shield (1260), the shield (1260) is disposed in close proximity to the seat shell, and provides the surface along which the alloy strap slides when the seat shell is rotated relative to the base and when the alloy strap is in physical contact with the surface.

39. The aforementioned seat shell is A harness for securing the child to the seat shell, the harness having lock straps partially positioned beneath the seat pan of the seat shell; A belt routing feature (1324) connected to the sheet pan for contacting and holding the alock strap to the sheet pan when the sheet shell is rotated relative to the base; The child dress train according to claim 1, including the following.

40. The child dress train according to claim 1, wherein the seat shell includes a headrest, the headrest is positioned on the seat back section of the seat shell to support the child's head, the headrest is adjustable relative to the seat pan of the seat shell, and the distance between the bottom portion of the headrest and the seat pan is in the range of about 8.8 inches to about 18.7 inches.

41. The child restraint according to claim 1, wherein the child restraint occupies a volume of approximately 7 cubic feet or less.

42. The child restraint according to claim 1, wherein the child restraint does not include an adjustable foot.

43. A child restraint for a vehicle (1000a, 1000b), wherein the child restraint is When the Childless Train is installed inside the vehicle, it has a base (1100, 1200) having a rear portion (1102a) configured to abut against a portion of the vehicle seat back (104) of the vehicle seat (100) inside the vehicle; A seat shell (1300) for supporting a child, wherein the seat shell (1300) is rotatably connected to the base such that the base remains stationary while the seat shell rotates relative to the base, and the seat shell has a front side portion (1301a) and a rear side portion (1301b), and is rotatable relative to the base between a rearward position and a forward position. In the rearward-facing position, the front side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the rear side of the seat shell. In the forward-facing position, the rear side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the front side of the seat shell. Seat shell (1300) and; Includes, The base includes one or more rear belt path features (1204) that partially define a rearward belt path (1010a), the rear belt path features being configured to receive a belt (110) and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the rearward position; At least one of the one or more rear belt path feature portions (1220, 1230) is accessible only when the seat shell is in the rearward position. The seat shell includes one or more forward belt path feature portions (1310), each of which partially defines a forward belt path (1010b) different from the rearward belt path, and the forward belt path feature portions are configured to receive the belt and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the forward position. Child dress trains (1000a, 1000b), wherein one or more forward belt path features include an opening (1310), the opening (1310) is located on a first side (1301c, 1301d) of the seat shell, adjacent to a seat back section (1303) for supporting the child's back in the seat shell, and the belt is positioned to contact the front of the seat back section when the belt is routed through the opening and when the belt is tensioned.

44. A child dress train (1000a, 1000b) for a vehicle, wherein the child dress train (1000a, 1000b) is When the Childless Train is installed inside the vehicle, it has a lower base (1100) having a rear portion (1102a) configured to abut against a portion of the vehicle seat back (104) of the vehicle seat (100) inside the vehicle; A seat shell (1300) for supporting a child, the seat shell having a front side portion (1301a) and a rear side portion (1301b), and being rotatable with respect to the lower base between a rearward-facing position and a forward-facing position. In the rearward-facing position, the front side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the lower base than the rear side of the seat shell. In the forward-facing position, the rear side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the lower base than the front side of the seat shell. Seat shell (1300) and; An intermediate base (1200) disposed between the lower base and the seat shell, wherein the seat shell is connected to the lower base via a reclining mechanism (1120) for adjusting the reclining position of the intermediate base relative to the lower base, and is connected to the intermediate base via a rotation mechanism (1332) for adjusting the rotational position of the seat shell relative to the lower base, such that the lower base remains stationary while the seat shell rotates relative to the lower base; Includes, The aforementioned seat shell is not removable from the intermediate base; The rotation mechanism and the reclining mechanism are separated such that the rotation position of the seat shell can be adjusted independently of the reclining position of the intermediate base; The rotation mechanism includes at least one rotation stop (1222); The intermediate base includes a rotation lockout (1220), which engages with the at least one rotation stop and limits the range of rotation of the seat shell only when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and the seat shell is in the rearward position, so that the seat shell is not rotatable from the rearward position to the forward position. The seat shell further includes one or more forward belt path features (1310), each of which partially defines a forward belt path (1010c), and each of which is configured to receive the belt and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the forward position. Child restraints (1000a, 1000b) wherein one or more forward belt path features include an opening (1310), the opening (1310) is disposed on a first side (1301c, 1301d) of the seat shell, adjacent to a seat back section (1303) for supporting the child's back in the seat shell, and the belt is positioned in contact with the seat back section when the belt is routed through the opening and when the belt is tensioned.

45. The rotational position of 0 degrees corresponds to the seat shell being in the rearward-facing position; The child dress train according to claim 44, wherein the rotational position of the seat shell relative to the intermediate base is limited to between approximately -120 degrees and approximately +120 degrees when the rotation lockout is engaged with the at least one rotation stop.

46. The child dress train according to claim 44, wherein the at least one rotation stop prevents the seat shell from being rotated to the forward position when the rotation lockout is activated.

47. The lower base and the intermediate base define a rearward belt path (1010a), which is configured to receive a belt (110) and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the rearward position; The child dress train according to claim 44, wherein the intermediate base includes a belt locking arm (1230) that securely connects the belt to the intermediate base when the rearward belt path is used to install the child dress train into the vehicle, and the belt locking arm displaces a portion of the belt, ensuring that the belt is under tension when it is fixed to the child dress train.

48. The aforementioned rotation lockout is, Plunger end (1224) and; The belt locking arm presses the belt against the plunger end, thereby engaging with the at least one rotation stop when the plunger end is actuated, and the lockout end (1226) connected to the plunger end; A spring connected to the plunger end and the lockout end for maintaining the lockout end disengaged from the at least one rotation stop when the plunger end is not actuated; The child dress train according to claim 47, further comprising:

49. A child restraint train for a vehicle, wherein the child restraint train is A base (1100, 1200) having a rear portion (1102a) configured to abut a portion of the vehicle seat back (104) of a vehicle seat (100) inside the vehicle when the child dress train is installed inside the vehicle, wherein the base has one or more rear belt path features (1204) defining a rearward belt path (1010a), and the one or more rear belt path features are configured to receive a belt (110) and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed inside the vehicle; A seat shell (1300) for supporting a child, wherein the seat shell (1300) is rotatably connected to a base such that the base remains stationary while the seat shell rotates, and the seat shell has a front side portion (1301a) and a rear side portion (1301b), and is rotatable relative to the base between a rearward position and a forward position. In the rearward-facing position, the front side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the rear side of the seat shell. In the forward-facing position, the rear side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the front side of the seat shell. Seat shell (1300) and; Includes, The aforementioned seat shell is Sheet pan (1302) and; A belt access panel (1320) located in the front portion of the seat pan, to provide access to a portion of the rearward belt path located within the base, only when the seat shell is in the rearward position; It further includes, The seat shell includes one or more forward belt path feature portions (1310), each of which partially defines a forward belt path (1010b) different from the rearward belt path, and the forward belt path feature portions are configured to receive the belt and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the forward position. Child dress train, wherein one or more forward belt path features include an opening (1310), the opening (1310) is located on a first side (1301c, 1301d) of the seat shell, adjacent to a seat back section (1303) for supporting the child's back in the seat shell, and the belt is positioned to be in contact with the front of the seat back section when the belt is routed through the opening and when the belt is under tension.

50. The aforementioned base is Lower base (1100) and; An intermediate base (1200) is connected to the lower base via a reclining mechanism (1120) that adjusts the reclining position of the seat shell relative to the base, wherein the intermediate base (1200) is rotatably connected to the seat shell; Includes, The child dress train according to claim 49, wherein the portion of the rearward-facing belt path disposed within the base is accessible independently of the reclining position of the seat shell.

51. The child dress train according to claim 49, wherein the seat shell blocks access to the portion of the rearward-facing belt path disposed within the base when the seat shell is in the forward-facing position.

52. The seat shell is connected to the base via a rotation mechanism (1332) that adjusts the rotational position of the seat shell relative to the base, and the rotation mechanism includes at least one rotation stop (1222); The aforementioned base is A belt locking arm (1230) disposed below the belt access panel for securely connecting the belt to the base when the rearward belt path is used to install the child dress train into the vehicle, wherein the belt locking arm (1230) is configured to displace a portion of the belt and ensure that the belt is under tension when it is secured to the child dress train; A rotation lockout (1220) that engages with the at least one rotation stop to prevent the seat shell from rotating from the rearward position to the forward position only when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and the seat shell is in the rearward position, wherein the rotation lockout (1220) is actuated by the belt locking arm pressing the belt against the rotation lockout; The child dress train according to claim 49, further comprising:

53. A child restraint train for a vehicle, wherein the child restraint train is When the Childless Train is installed inside the vehicle, it has a base (1100, 1200) having a rear portion (1102a) configured to abut against a portion of the vehicle seat back (104) of the vehicle seat (100) inside the vehicle; A seat shell (1300) for supporting a child, wherein the seat shell (1300) is rotatably connected to a base such that the base remains stationary while the seat shell rotates, and the seat shell has a front side portion (1301a) and a rear side portion (1301b), and is rotatable relative to the base between a rearward position and a forward position. In the rearward-facing position, the front side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the rear side of the seat shell. In the forward-facing position, the rear side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the base than the front side of the seat shell. Seat shell (1300) and; A locking mechanism (1370) connected to the seat shell for locking the seat shell to the base; Includes, The locking mechanism is, First operating handle (1374a) and; A secondary lock (1378) is connected to the first operating handle such that the seat shell can be adjusted to rotate relative to the base only when the first operating handle is operated and the secondary lock is released; Includes, The seat shell further includes one or more forward belt path features (1310), each of which partially defines a forward belt path (1010c), and each of which is configured to receive the belt and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the forward position. Child dress train, wherein one or more forward belt path features include an opening (1310), the opening (1310) is disposed on a first side (1301c, 1301d) of the seat shell, adjacent to a seat back section (1303) for supporting the child's back in the seat shell, and the belt is positioned in contact with the seat back section when the belt is routed through the opening and when the belt is under tension.

54. The base includes an upper portion (1202a) having a plurality of openings (1250); The locking mechanism is, A lock pin (1372a) configured to be inserted into one of the multiple openings, wherein the lock pin is connected to the first operating handle, and when the first operating handle is operated, the first operating handle removes the lock pin from the opening, and the lock pin is further connected to the secondary lock, and when the secondary lock is not operated, the secondary lock prevents the release of the lock pin; A spring (1382, 1384) connected to the locking pin for at least one of inserting or holding the locking pin into the opening when the first operating handle is not operated; The child dress train according to claim 53, further comprising:

55. The child dress train according to claim 54, wherein the plurality of openings in the base are located on the upper portion and accept the lock pin only when the seat shell is in either the forward-facing or rearward-facing position.

56. The locking pin, the first operating handle, and the spring are disposed on the first side of the seat shell; The child dress train according to claim 54, wherein the locking mechanism further includes a second operating handle (1374b), the second operating handle (1374b) disposed on the second side of the seat shell opposite the first side, and connected to the lock pin via at least one of a torsion wire or cable (1376), the operation of at least one of the first operating handle or the second operating handle dislodges the lock pin from the opening.

57. A child restraint for a vehicle (1000a, 1000b), wherein the child restraint is When the Childless Train is installed inside the vehicle, it has a lower base (1100) configured to contact a portion of the vehicle seat (100) inside the vehicle; A seat shell (1300) for supporting a child; An intermediate base (1200) disposed between the lower base and the seat shell, wherein the intermediate base (1200) is connected to the lower base via a reclining mechanism; Includes, The aforementioned reclining mechanism is A pair of rails (1130) are arranged on the lower base; A pair of locking pins (1127a, 1127b) disposed within the intermediate base, each locking pin engaging with one of the pair of rails; A first flexible member (1125a) connected to one of the pair of locking pins, wherein the first flexible member (1125a) is disposed within the intermediate base along a first path (1126a); A second flexible member (1125b) is connected to the remaining one of the pair of locking pins, the second flexible member (1125b) is disposed within the intermediate base along a second path (1126b), the second path overlapping the first path with the second flexible member (1125b); An operating handle (1122) is connected to the first flexible member and the second flexible member to disengage the pair of lock pins from the pair of rails when the operating handle is operated; Includes, The lower base has a rear portion (1102a), which is configured to contact the vehicle seat back (104) of the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed inside the vehicle; The seat shell has a front side portion (1301a) and a rear side portion (1301b), and is rotatable with respect to the lower base between a rearward-facing position and a forward-facing position. In the rearward-facing position, the front side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the lower base than the rear side of the seat shell. In the forward-facing position, the rear side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the lower base than the front side of the seat shell. The intermediate base rotatably connects the seat shell to the lower base, and the lower base remains stationary while the seat shell rotates relative to the lower base. The seat shell further includes one or more forward belt path features (1310), each of which partially defines a forward belt path (1010c), and each of which is configured to receive the belt and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the forward position. Child restraints (1000a, 1000b) wherein one or more forward belt path features include an opening (1310), the opening (1310) is disposed on a first side (1301c, 1301d) of the seat shell, adjacent to a seat back section (1303) for supporting the child's back in the seat shell, and the belt is positioned in contact with the seat back section when the belt is routed through the opening and when the belt is tensioned.

58. The child dress train according to claim 57, wherein the first flexible member and the second flexible member include at least one of a band, a strap, or a cable.

59. The childless train according to claim 57, wherein the pair of rails are separated by a distance of less than approximately 5.5 inches.

60. A child restraint train for a vehicle, wherein the child restraint train is A lower base (1100) having a rear portion (1102a) configured to abut against a portion of the vehicle seat back (104) of a vehicle seat (100) inside the vehicle when the child dress train is installed inside the vehicle, wherein the lower base has a storage compartment (1140) disposed on the rear portion; A Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) belt (110a) connected to the lower base for securing the Childless Train to the vehicle seat, wherein the LATCH belt is stored in the storage compartment when the LATCH belt is not in use; An intermediate base (1200) connected to the lower base via a reclining mechanism (1120) that adjusts the reclining position of the intermediate base relative to the lower base, wherein the reclining mechanism defines at least four indexed reclining positions, the reclining position of the intermediate base corresponds to one of the at least four indexed reclining positions, the intermediate base and the lower base include one or more rear belt path features (1204, 1230) that partially define a rearward belt path (1010a), the one or more rear belt path features configured to receive either a vehicle seat belt (110b) or the LATCH belt when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle in a rearward configuration, and to connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat, the intermediate base is, A first belt locking arm (1230) for securely connecting one of the vehicle seat belts or the LATCH belt to the intermediate base when the rearward-facing belt path is used to install the child dress train into the vehicle; and, Rotary lockout (1220) connected to the first belt locking arm, wherein the rotary lockout (1220) is activated by the first belt locking arm pressing one of the vehicle seat belts or the LATCH belt against the rotary lockout only when the rearward belt path is used to install the child dress train into the vehicle. Further including, Intermediate base (1200) and; A seat shell (1300) for supporting a child, wherein the seat shell (1300) is rotatably connected to an intermediate base via a rotation mechanism such that the lower base remains stationary while the seat shell rotates, and the seat shell has a front side portion (1301a) and a rear side portion (1301b), and is rotatable relative to the lower base between a rearward position and a forward position. In the rearward-facing position, the front side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the lower base than the rear side of the seat shell. In the forward-facing position, the rear side of the seat shell is closer to the rear portion of the lower base than the front side of the seat shell, with respect to the seat shell (1300); Includes, The aforementioned seat shell is A sheet pan (1302) for supporting the child's thighs; A seat back section (1303) connected to the seat pan for supporting the child's back; The first side portions (1301c, 1301d) connected to the sheet pan and the sheet back section; An adjustable headrest (1360) disposed on the seatback section for supporting the child's head; At least one first opening (1310) disposed on the first side partially defines a first forward-facing belt path (1010b) different from the rear-facing belt path, the at least one first opening (1310) is configured to receive one of the vehicle seat belts or the LATCH belt and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the forward-facing configuration; At least one notch (1312) disposed on the first side of the seat shell; At least one second opening (1362) disposed on the adjustable headrest, wherein the at least one second opening and the at least one notch partially define a second forward-facing belt path (1010c) distinct from the first forward-facing belt path and the rear-facing belt path, and the at least one second opening and the at least one notch are configured to receive the vehicle seat belt, connect the child restraint train to the vehicle seat, and restrain a child within the seat shell when the child restraint train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the forward-facing configuration; A belt access panel (1320) positioned above the front portion of the seat pan to provide access to the first belt locking arm only when the seat shell is in the rearward position; A second belt locking arm (1352) disposed on the seat back section for securely connecting one of the vehicle seat belts or the LATCH belt to the seat shell when the first forward-facing belt path is used to install the child dress train into the vehicle; Includes, The rotation mechanism includes at least one rotation stop (1222); The rotation lockout engages with the at least one rotation stop only when the child restraint is installed in the vehicle and the seat shell is in the rearward position, thereby limiting the range of rotation of the seat shell, so that the seat shell cannot rotate from the rearward position to the forward position. The seat shell includes one or more forward belt path features (1310), each of which partially defines a forward belt path (1010b) different from the rearward belt path, and the forward belt path features are configured to receive the vehicle seat belt and connect the child dress train to the vehicle seat when the child dress train is installed in the vehicle and when the seat shell is in the forward position. Childless train, wherein one or more forward belt path features include an opening (1310), the opening (1310) is located in the first side portions (1301c, 1301d) of the seat shell, adjacent to the seat back section (1303) of the seat shell, and the vehicle seat belt is positioned in contact with the seat back section when the vehicle seat belt is routed through the opening and when the vehicle seat belt is tensioned.

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