Infant car seat latch and adjustment system

Abstract

An infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat includes an infant car seat having a seat shell and an anchor system connected to the seat shell, the anchor system including a latch arm having a latch at an end thereof, the latch configured to releasably engage the vehicle anchor system, the latch arm movably mounted to the seat shell and selectively securable at two or more angles relative to the seat shell.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 481,889, filed January 27, 2023, U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 489,282, filed March 9, 2023, U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 508,552, filed June 16, 2023, U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 511,037, filed June 29, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 586,147, filed September 29, 2023, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. [Background technology]

[0002] Cars, buses, airplanes, boats, trains, and the like are common modes of transportation (hereinafter "vehicles") for many parents, guardians, and caregivers (hereinafter "caregivers") of children worldwide. Many conventional vehicles often include restraint devices (e.g., seat belts) designed to protect adults and / or children of a certain age (e.g., age 9 or older) and / or size (e.g., height 57 inches or greater). However, for relatively young and / or small children, particularly infants, the restraint devices in various vehicles generally do not provide sufficient protection. In light of the foregoing, to provide adequate protection for children while traveling, caregivers often utilize child car seats or infant car seats when transporting children in vehicles.

[0003] Because children grow and experience substantial physical development during the first five years of life, various types of child car seats are used to ensure that children are adequately restrained and protected while traveling in vehicles. More specifically, a given child car seat is generally selected based on the child's size, weight, and / or age and installed in the vehicle in a specific manner. An "infant car seat" is a type of car seat specifically designed for infants transported in vehicles. "Infants" generally refer to children who have not yet learned to walk, typically ranging in age from birth to approximately 12 months and / or weighing approximately 20 to 30 pounds. Infant car seats can more commonly be used to transport and hold infants outside of a vehicle or stroller. When a child outgrows an infant car seat, the infant car seat system in the vehicle is typically replaced with a "convertible" car seat. In contrast to infant car seat systems, convertible car seats are larger in size to accommodate the child's physical development and generally support both rear-facing and forward-facing positions. Furthermore, unlike infant car seats, convertible car seats are typically not portable but rather are stationary devices that remain within the vehicle; that is, the child is placed in and removed from the convertible car seat at the beginning and end of a vehicle trip. Because traditional convertible car seats are not intended for carrying a child outside of a vehicle, they do not include carry handles like those found on infant car seats. Similarly, convertible car seats do not include a curved rocker bottom for rocking an infant. Once a child outgrows a convertible car seat, the convertible car seat can be replaced with a larger seat or eventually a booster seat. The child can continue to use the booster seat until they are able to safely use the vehicle's seat and restraints without the assistance of a booster seat.

[0004] For installation in a vehicle, the child car seat can utilize the vehicle's existing seat belt to secure the child car seat to the vehicle. To this end, various child car seats include a vehicle belt path through which the vehicle's existing seat belt can pass to secure the child car seat to the vehicle seat. Alternatives to using the existing vehicle seat belt include, for example, "under-vehicle anchors" located in the fold-down portion of the vehicle seat and / or other vehicle attachment points in passenger cars. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The U.S. Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Certification Program provides the standards for child passenger safety certification. According to CPS, a child car seat, when properly installed in a vehicle, must pass the "inch test." That is, a properly installed child car seat must not move more than one inch forward, backward, or side to side when pulled in the seat belt path. This rule applies to forward-facing and rearward-facing child car seats, such as infant car seats, and applies whether the child car seat is secured to the vehicle seat using either the existing vehicle seat belt or a standardized anchor system, including under-vehicle anchors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to some embodiments, an infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat is provided, the infant car seat system including an infant car seat having a seat shell and an anchoring system connected to the seat shell, the anchoring system including a latch arm having a latch at one end, the latch configured to releasably engage the vehicle anchoring system, the latch arm movably mounted to the seat shell and selectively securable at two or more angles relative to the seat shell.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the latch arm is rotatably mounted to the seat shell.

[0008] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the latch arms being configured to lock at two or more angles and to retain and support the infant car seat at a respective one of the two or more angles when locked at the respective one of the two or more angles.

[0009] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the anchoring system comprising a memory hub configured to set a recline angle of the infant car seat based on each of the two or more angles, and the latch arm being operably coupled to the memory hub.

[0010] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the anchoring system including a latch arm hub, with the latch arm extending from the latch arm hub, a recliner hub, a recliner gear, and one or more ramp hubs, and a hub shaft extending from the latch arm hub, through the recliner hub, the recliner gear, and the one or more ramp hubs, and defining an axis of rotation therethrough.

[0011] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, a further embodiment of the infant car seat system may include the one or more lamp hubs comprising a first lamp hub and a second lamp hub, and wherein rotation of the first lamp hub relative to the second lamp hub causes the recline gear to move axially to selectively engage or disengage from the memory hub.

[0012] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that in response to the recline gear engaging the recline hub and disengaging from the memory hub, the latch arm is rotatable relative to the memory hub.

[0013] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that in response to the recline gear engaging the recline hub and engaging the memory hub, the latch arm is locked in a rotational relationship with the memory hub.

[0014] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a tilt actuator disposed on the seat shell and operably coupled to the first lamp hub, wherein operation of the recline switch rotates the first lamp hub and axially biases the second lamp hub along the hub shaft.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a locking plate pivotally coupled to the seat shell and selectively operable to engage the memory hub to lock the memory hub at one of two or more angles.

[0016] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include wherein the locking plate comprises a locking tooth, and the memory hub comprises a first locking recess associated with a first angle of the two or more angles and a second locking recess associated with a second angle of the two or more angles, and the locking tooth is configured to selectively engage with the first locking recess and the second locking recess.

[0017] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a first release connector operably coupled to the locking plate and configured to selectively operate the locking plate.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a second release connector operably coupled to the latch and configured to selectively operate the latch.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a carry handle rotatably coupled to the seat shell by an attachment mechanism, and an anchor system operably coupled to the attachment mechanism, wherein rotation of the carry handle operates the anchor system.

[0020] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the anchoring system comprising a handle linkage, a connecting linkage, and a locking linkage, wherein the handle linkage is coupled at one end to the attachment mechanism and at an opposite end to the connecting linkage, the connecting linkage is coupled between the handle linkage and the locking linkage, and the locking linkage is coupled to a latch arm, wherein rotation of the carry handle locks the latch arm at at least one of the two or more angles.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a rear linkage pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the connecting linkage and the locking linkage.

[0022] 16. The infant car seat system of claim 15, wherein the locking linkage comprises a reclining rack, the reclining rack having a plurality of locking positions corresponding to two or more angles.

[0023] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a first locked position of the recline rack defining a maximum recline of the infant car seat and a second locked position of the recline rack defining an upright position of the infant car seat.

[0024] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a front linkage pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the locking linkage and the latch arm.

[0025] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that in the carrying position of the carry handle, the latch arm is adjustable between two or more angles, and in the anti-rebound position, the latch arm is pulled toward the seat shell and locked into place.

[0026] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include an anchor system defining a first locked position associated with a first angle of the two or more angles and defining a maximum recline of the infant car seat, and a second locked position of the anchor system defining an upright position of the infant car seat.

[0027] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include at least a portion of the anchoring system being housed within the seat shell.

[0028] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a recline actuation handle disposed on the seat shell, operably coupled to the anchoring system, and configured to selectively release the latch arms to adjust the tilt angle of the infant car seat.

[0029] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a recline actuation connector that operably connects the recline actuation handle to a portion of the anchoring system.

[0030] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that part of the anchoring system is a driving ramp hub.

[0031] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a connector element positioned to connect the recline actuation handle and the recline actuation connector.

[0032] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the recline actuation handle comprising a storage lock extension configured to selectively secure the latch arm in a stowed position.

[0033] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a storage lock disposed between the storage lock extension of the recline actuation handle and the latch arm, the storage lock selectively operable to lock and release the latch arm from a stowed state.

[0034] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat, the infant car seat system including an infant car seat having a seat shell, an anchor system connected to the seat shell, a latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage the vehicle anchor system, the latch arm being movably mounted to the seat shell such that the latch arm is releasably securable between a stowed position and a use position, and a release handle operably connected to the latch arm, wherein actuation of the release handle releases engagement between the latch and the vehicle anchor system and releases the latch arm, thereby allowing the latch arm to move between the stowed position and the use position.

[0035] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that in the use position of the latch arm, the latch arm is selectively fixable at two or more angles relative to the seat shell, and the anchoring system further comprises a memory hub configured to set the recline angle of the infant car seat based on the two or more angles, and the latch arm is operably coupled to the memory hub.

[0036] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a locking plate pivotally coupled to the seat shell, the locking plate operably connected between the release handle and the latch arm, and further operably connected between the release handle and the latch, such that actuation of the release handle pivots the locking plate to release engagement between the latch and the vehicle anchor system and releases the latch arm to allow movement between the stowed position and the use position.

[0037] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a memory hub configured to move with the latch arm between a storage position and a use position.

[0038] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the anchoring system further comprising a tilt actuator, the tilt actuator operably coupled to the memory hub and the latch arm, wherein actuation of the tilt actuator enables the latch arm to rotate relative to the memory hub to set a tilt angle of the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

[0039] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a first release connector, a slide connector, and a second release connector, where the release handle is connected to the first release connector, the first release connector is connected to the slide connector, and the slide connector is connected to the second release connector.

[0040] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a second release connector extending through the latch arm to operate the latch.

[0041] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a locking plate connector connected to the slide connector and configured to selectively operate a locking mechanism of the anchoring system.

[0042] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a connection element positioned to selectively extend outward from the seat shell for engaging the stroller frame.

[0043] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the connection element including a first actuation tab, the first release connector including a second actuation tab, and actuation of the first release connector causing the second actuation tab to interact with the first actuation tab to retract the connection element into the seat shell.

[0044] According to some embodiments, an infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat includes an infant car seat having a seat shell and an anchor system, the anchor system including a latch attachment mechanism connected to the seat shell and a latch arm extending from the latch attachment mechanism to a latch, the latch configured to releasably engage with the vehicle anchor system. The latch attachment mechanism is configured to transition the latch arm between a stored position, a first use position, and a second use position, the latch attachment mechanism further configured to transition from the stored position to one of the first use position and the second use position based on a most recent previous use position.

[0045] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the most recent previous use position being the first use position, and the latch arm transitioning from the stowed position causes the latch arm to transition to the first use position.

[0046] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat, the infant car seat system including an infant car seat having a seat shell, a latch arm movably mounted to the seat shell, the latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchoring system, and a carry handle movably coupled to the seat shell, the carry handle operably coupled to the latch arm by a connecting member, such that movement of the carry handle causes movement of the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

[0047] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the latch arm is selectively securable at two or more angles relative to the seat shell.

[0048] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a carry handle rotatably coupled to the shell by an attachment mechanism, and rotation of the carry handle moves the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

[0049] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a connecting member operably connected between the attachment mechanism and the latch arm.

[0050] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may further include a handle linkage coupled at one end to the attachment mechanism and at an opposite end to the connecting linkage, a connecting linkage coupled between the handle linkage and the locking linkage, and a locking linkage coupled to the latch arm, wherein rotation of the carry handle is configured to retract the latch arm toward the seat shell.

[0051] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a rear linkage pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the connecting linkage and the locking linkage.

[0052] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the locking linkage comprises a recline rack, the recline rack having multiple locking positions corresponding to two or more angles.

[0053] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a first locked position of the recline rack defining a maximum recline of the infant car seat and a second locked position of the recline rack defining an upright position of the infant car seat.

[0054] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a front linkage pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the locking linkage and the latch arm.

[0055] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that in the carrying position of the carry handle, the latch arm is adjustable between two or more angles, and in the anti-rebound position, the latch arm is pulled toward the seat shell and locked into place.

[0056] According to some embodiments, an infant car seat system is provided, the infant car seat system including an infant car seat having a seat shell, an anchor system disposed on the seat shell and configured to selectively connect to a vehicle seat, and a connection element disposed on the seat shell, the connection element configured to selectively engage and secure the seat shell to an external structure.

[0057] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the connection element is configured to be selectively retracted within the seat shell.

[0058] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a release handle disposed on the seat shell and operably connected to the anchor system, the release handle configured to operate at least a portion of the anchor system.

[0059] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a release connector extending between the release handle and the anchor system, the release connector configured to retract the connection element upon actuation of the release handle.

[0060] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the outer structure is a stroller frame.

[0061] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a stroller frame, wherein the connection element is configured to selectively secure the seat shell to the stroller frame.

[0062] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include wherein the connection element includes a first actuation tab and the release connector includes a second actuation tab, the second actuation tab configured to contact the first actuation tab when the release handle is operated to retract the connection element into the seat shell.

[0063] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the anchor system comprising a slide connector and a second release connector, and the release handle being operably connected to the anchor system via the release connector, the slide connector, and the second release connector.

[0064] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the second release connector being configured to operate a latch on a latch arm of the anchor system.

[0065] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the release connector being configured to move in a first direction when the release handle is actuated, and the sliding connector being configured to move in a second direction different from the first direction when the release handle is actuated.

[0066] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the release handle is located on the rear side of the seat shell.

[0067] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the anchoring system being located on the front side of the seat shell.

[0068] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include wherein the anchor system includes a latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage the vehicle anchor system, the latch arm being movably mounted to the seat shell for releasably securing the latch arm between a stowed position and a use position; and a release handle operably connected to the latch arm, wherein actuation of the release handle releases engagement between the latch and the vehicle anchor system and releases the latch arm, thereby allowing the latch arm to move between the stowed position and the use position.

[0069] According to some embodiments, there is provided an infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat, the infant car seat system including: an infant car seat having a seat shell; a latch arm movably mounted to the seat shell, the latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchoring system; and a carry handle movably coupled to the seat shell, the carry handle being movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the carry handle being operably coupled to the latch arm by a connecting member, and when the carry handle is transitioned to the locked position, the latch arm is locked in place to substantially prevent movement of the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

[0070] According to some embodiments, an infant car seat system is provided, the infant car seat system including: an infant car seat having a seat shell, the infant car seat configured to be installed in a vehicle seat; an anchor system disposed on the seat shell and configured to be selectively connected to the vehicle seat; and a base configured to be selectively connected to the vehicle seat, the base further configured to selectively receive and connect the infant car seat.

[0071] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the seat shell comprising at least one connecting tube, and the base configured to receive and engage the at least one connecting tube to connect the infant car seat to the base.

[0072] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include wherein the base includes at least one base connector configured to receive and selectively secure a portion of the seat shell to the base, and a release handle operably coupled to the at least one base connector to selectively operate the at least one base connector between a locked state and a released state.

[0073] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include two base connector actuators operably connected to the release handle and four base connectors, wherein the first two base connectors are operably connected to a first base connector actuator of the two base connector actuators and the second two base connectors are operably connected to a second base connector actuator.

[0074] According to some embodiments, an infant car seat system for use with a vehicle seat is provided, the infant car seat system including: an infant car seat having a seat shell, the seat shell including at least one seat connector; a base installable on the vehicle seat and configured to selectively receive and support the infant car seat; the base including at least one base connector configured to selectively secure the at least one seat connector to the base; and a release handle disposed on the base and operably coupled to the at least one base connector for selectively actuating the at least one base connector between a locked state and an released state at a plurality of attachment points on the at least one seat connector.

[0075] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the at least one seat connector is at least one seat rod.

[0076] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include at least one base connector being at least one latch.

[0077] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the at least one seat connector is a first seat rod and a second seat rod.

[0078] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the at least one base connector being a first latch, a second latch, a third latch, and a fourth latch, the first latch and the second latch selectively accommodating a first seat rod at the first and second attachment points of the plurality of attachment points, and the third latch and the fourth latch selectively accommodating a second seat rod at the third and fourth attachment points of the plurality of attachment points.

[0079] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include: the base includes a first latch actuator and a second latch actuator operably connected to the release handle; the first latch and the second latch are operably connected to the first latch actuator; and the third latch and the fourth latch are operably connected to the second latch actuator.

[0080] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the release handle is a single handle that selectively operates the at least one base connector between a locked state and a released state at all of the multiple attachment points on the at least one seat connector.

[0081] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the infant car seat is installable directly onto the vehicle seat without a base.

[0082] According to some embodiments, an infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat including a vehicle anchor system includes an infant car seat having a seat shell and an anchor system connected to the seat shell. The anchor system includes a latch attachment mechanism connected to the seat shell and a latch arm extending from the latch attachment mechanism and including a latch. The latch arm is movable between a stowed position and a use position. The latch is releasably engageable with the vehicle anchor system. When in the use position, the latch attachment mechanism applies a biasing force to the latch arm toward the stowed position.

[0083] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, a release actuator is operably coupled to the latch attachment mechanism and the latch, wherein operation of the release actuator disengages the latch from the vehicle anchor system.

[0084] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the release actuator is located on the seat shell.

[0085] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in further embodiments, the locking mechanism is operable to lock the latch arm in the use position against the biasing force applied by the latch attachment mechanism.

[0086] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the release actuator is operably coupled to the locking mechanism, and actuation of the release actuator unlocks the locking mechanism, causing the biasing force to move the latch arm toward the retracted position.

[0087] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the Lalatch attachment mechanism further includes a memory hub movable between a first position and a second position relative to the seat shell, and a biasing mechanism operably coupled to the memory hub, wherein a biasing force of the biasing mechanism biases the memory hub from the first position to the second position.

[0088] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, a locking mechanism is operably coupled to the memory hub, the locking mechanism being selectively operable to lock the memory hub in the second position.

[0089] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a locking plate and a locking plate biasing mechanism. The memory hub includes a locking recess. The locking plate is receivable within the locking recess when the memory hub is in the second position.

[0090] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, a release actuator is operably coupled to the locking mechanism to selectively disengage the locking plate from the locking recess.

[0091] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in further embodiments, the latch arm is movably mounted to the latch mounting mechanism and selectively securable at two or more angles relative to the latch mounting mechanism.

[0092] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in a further embodiment, the latch arm is rotatably mounted to the latch mounting mechanism.

[0093] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the latch attachment mechanism includes a recliner hub coupled to the latch arm, a recliner gear, and one or more lamp hubs, and a hub shaft extends from the latch arm through the recliner hub, the recliner gear, and the one or more lamp hubs to define a hub axis therethrough.

[0094] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the one or more lamp hubs include a first lamp hub and a second lamp hub, wherein rotation of the second lamp hub relative to the first lamp hub causes axial movement of the recliner gear to selectively engage or disengage from the memory hub.

[0095] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the latch arm is freely rotatable relative to the memory hub in response to the recliner gear engaging with and disengaging from the recliner hub.

[0096] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the latch arm is rotationally locked with the memory hub in response to the recliner gear engaging the recliner hub and engaging the memory hub.

[0097] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, further embodiments include a tilt actuator operably coupled to the second lamp hub, wherein operation of the tilt actuator rotates the second lamp hub.

[0098] According to some embodiments, an infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat including a vehicle anchor system includes an infant car seat having a seat shell and at least one seat connector, and a base having a seat retention assembly including at least one base connector configured to selectively receive and secure the at least one seat connector to the base. A first release actuator is operably coupled to the at least one base connector and selectively operates the at least one base connector between a locked state and an unlocked state. The first release actuator is located on the base. A second release actuator is operably coupled to the at least one base connector and selectively operates the at least one base connector between a locked state and an unlocked state. The second release actuator is located on the infant car seat.

[0099] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the at least one base connector includes a base connector housing attached to the base and a locking plate attached to the base connector housing, the locking plate being pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0100] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the seat retention assembly includes a base connector actuator operably coupled to the locking plate of the at least one base connector.

[0101] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, both the first release actuator and the second release actuator are selectively operable to move the locking plate to an unlocked position via movement of the base connector actuator.

[0102] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the at least one base connector includes an infant car seat release assembly operably coupled to the base connector actuator.

[0103] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the second release actuator is operably coupled to the base connector actuator via the infant car seat release assembly.

[0104] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the infant car seat release assembly includes a drive toggle rotatably mounted to the base connector housing. The drive toggle is movable to engage and transmit force to the base connector actuator. An actuation toggle is operably coupled to the drive toggle and operable to move the drive toggle to engage the base connector actuator.

[0105] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in further embodiments, the actuation toggle is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and when in the extended position, a portion of the actuation toggle is disposed outside the base.

[0106] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the infant car seat includes a drive device movable relative to the seat shell for selectively engaging the actuation toggle in response to operation of the second release actuator when the infant car seat is secured to the base.

[0107] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the drive device is movable relative to the seat shell by a slider, the slider being operably coupled to a second release actuator.

[0108] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the at least one base connector further comprises a first base connector and a second base connector associated with the base connector actuator, wherein only the first base connector includes the infant car seat release assembly.

[0109] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, an infant car seat includes an anchoring system having at least one child car seat anchor including a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of a vehicle seat, the at least one child car seat anchor being movable between a use position and a stowed position.

[0110] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, a second release actuator is operably coupled to the anchoring system and selectively moves at least one child seat anchor from the use position to the stowed position.

[0111] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, a second release actuator is operably coupled to the latch and selectively disengages the latch from the vehicle anchor.

[0112] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the infant car seat further includes a stroller mechanism configured to selectively engage and secure the seat shell to an external structure.

[0113] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, in further embodiments, a second release actuator is operably coupled to the stroller mechanism for selectively releasing the stroller mechanism from the external structure.

[0114] According to some embodiments, an infant car seat installable on a base includes a body having a seat shell and at least one seat connector receivable within a seat retention assembly of the base, and a release actuator located on the seat shell and operably couplable to the seat retention assembly of the base to release the infant car seat from the base.

[0115] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the driver is disposed on the seat shell and is movable to selectively engage a portion of the seat-retaining assembly to release the infant car seat from the base.

[0116] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the release actuator is operable to move the drive device into engagement with the sheet retaining assembly.

[0117] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the slider is connected to the release actuator via a connecting member.

[0118] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the driver includes a slot and the driver includes a boss disposed within the slot.

[0119] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the anchoring system is disposed on the seat shell and configured to selectively connect to the vehicle seat, and the stroller mechanism is disposed on the seat shell, the stroller mechanism being configured to selectively engage and secure the seat shell to an external structure.

[0120] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, a release actuator is operably coupled to the anchoring system for selectively moving the anchoring system from the use position to the storage position.

[0121] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the anchor system includes at least one latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat, and a release actuator operatively coupled to the at least one latch for selectively disengaging the at least one latch from the vehicle anchor.

[0122] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, a release actuator is operably coupled to the stroller mechanism and selectively releases the stroller mechanism from the external structure.

[0123] In addition to or in place of one or more features described herein, in a further embodiment, the anchoring system includes at least one latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat. A release actuator is operably coupled to the anchoring system and selectively moves the anchoring system from a use position to a stowed position. The release actuator is operably coupled to the at least one latch and selectively releases the at least one latch from the vehicle anchor. The release actuator is operably coupled to the stroller mechanism and selectively releases the stroller mechanism from the external structure.

[0124] The aforementioned features and elements may be combined in various non-exclusive combinations unless otherwise stated. Features described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments may be used together and / or interchangeable. Similarly, features described in the context of a single embodiment may be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. These features and elements, as well as their operation, will become more apparent in light of the following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description and drawings are exemplary and explanatory in nature and not limiting.

[0125] The subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0126] [Figure 1A] 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a vehicle in which an infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be installed. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system coupled to a vehicle seat of the vehicle of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a typical vehicle seat and under-vehicle anchors into which an infant car seat system according to the present disclosure may be installed. [Figure 2B] 2B shows a diagram of a typical vehicle seat lower anchor in the vehicle seat of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a first position. [Figure 3B] 3B is a schematic diagram of the infant car seat system of FIG. 3A in a second position. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of components of an anchoring system for an infant car seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 5A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an anchoring system for an infant car seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a first state. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is an alternative view of the anchor system of FIG. 5A in a first state. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5B is another alternative view of the anchor system of FIG. 5A in a first condition. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of the anchor system of FIG. 5A shown in a second state. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5B is an alternative view of the anchor system of FIG. 5A in a second state. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5B is another alternative view of the anchor system of FIG. 5A in a second condition. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an anchor system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 6B shows the anchoring system of FIG. 6A in a first operating state. [Figure 6C] 6C shows the anchoring system of FIG. 6B in a second operating state. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an anchoring system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure shown in a first, locked state. [Figure 8B] 8B shows the anchoring system of FIG. 8A in an unlocked state. [Figure 8C] 8B shows the anchoring system of FIG. 8A in a second, locked state. [Figure 9A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 9B shows the infant car seat system of FIG. 9A in a maximum reclined orientation. [Figure 9C] 9B shows the infant car seat system of FIG. 9A in a fully upright orientation. [Figure 9D] 9B shows the infant car seat system of FIG. 9A in a locked and tensioned state. [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates an infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure installed in a vehicle seat. [Figure 10B]10B shows the infant car seat system of FIG. 10A in a tensioned state. [Figure 11A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an infant car seat and anchoring system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a side view of the infant car seat of FIG. 11A in a first reclined / tilted position. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11B is a side view of the infant car seat of FIG. 11A in a second reclined / inclined position. [Figure 12A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an infant car seat and anchoring system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram of a portion of the anchor system of FIG. 12A. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C is a schematic diagram of the anchoring system of FIG. 12B shown in a recline locked state. [Figure 12D] FIG. 12C is a schematic diagram of the anchoring system of FIG. 12B shown in a recline unlocked state. [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an infant car seat with a recline actuation handle shown in an unactuated state. [Figure 13B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a recline actuation handle shown in an actuated state. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram of the infant car seat of FIG. 13A showing the connection between the recline actuation handle and the anchoring system of the infant car seat. [Figure 13D] FIG. 1 is a schematic view from a first side of a portion of the connection between the recline actuation handle and the anchoring system of the infant car seat. [Figure 13E] FIG. 10 is a schematic view from a second side of part of the connection between the recline actuation handle and the anchoring system of the infant car seat. [Figure 14A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a recline actuation handle for an infant car seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B]14B is a side schematic view of the recline actuation handle of FIG. 14A positioned on an infant car seat, showing a first operational state relative to the latch arm of the anchoring system. FIG. [Figure 14C] FIG. 14C is a side schematic view of the recline actuation handle of FIG. 14B positioned on an infant car seat, showing a second operational state relative to the latch arm of the anchoring system. [Figure 15A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat and anchoring system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a locked position. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a schematic diagram of the infant car seat and anchoring system of FIG. 15A shown in an unlocked state. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C is a schematic diagram of a portion of the anchor system of FIGS. 15A-15B. [Figure 15D] FIG. 15C is a schematic diagram of another portion of the anchoring system of FIGS. 15A-15B. [Figure 16A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an anchoring system and infant car seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure shown in a stowed position; FIG. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a schematic diagram of the anchoring system and infant car seat of FIG. 16A shown in a released state. [Figure 16C] FIG. 16B is a schematic diagram of the anchoring system and infant car seat of FIG. 16A shown in another released state. [Figure 16D] FIG. 16B is a schematic diagram of the anchoring system and infant car seat of FIG. 16A shown in a fully extended position. [Figure 16E] FIG. 16D is a schematic diagram of the components of the anchor system of FIGS. 16A-16D. [Figure 17A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat and anchoring system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a schematic diagram of a portion of the anchoring system of FIG. 17A shown in a locked state. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17B is a schematic diagram of a portion of the anchoring system of FIG. 17A shown in an unlocked state. [Figure 17D] FIG. 17D is a schematic diagram of the components of the anchoring system of FIGS. 17A-17C. [Figure 17E] FIG. 17D is a schematic diagram of another component of the anchoring system of FIGS. 17A-17C. [Figure 18A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat and stroller frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a detailed view of the connection between the infant car seat and the stroller frame of FIG. 18A. [Figure 19A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat and base according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is a bottom view of the infant car seat of FIG. 19A. [Figure 19C] FIG. 19B is a schematic diagram of the base of FIG. 19A. [Figure 19D] FIG. 19B is a side cross-sectional view of the infant car seat and base of FIG. 19A. [Figure 20A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a base for receiving an infant car seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a schematic diagram of a portion of the base of FIG. 20A shown in a locked state. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20B is a schematic diagram of a portion of the base of FIG. 20A shown in a released state. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded schematic view of a portion of an anchoring system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22A] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of the latch attachment mechanism of the anchor system of FIG. 21 in a retracted position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22B] FIG. 22B is an exploded view of a portion of the latch attachment mechanism of FIG. 22A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23A] FIG. 1 is a side view of an infant car seat having an anchoring system in a stowed position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23B] FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the anchor system of FIG. 23A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23C]FIG. 23B is a perspective view of a portion of the anchor system of FIG. 23A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24A] FIG. 1 is a side view of an infant car seat having an anchoring system in an in-use position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24B] FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the anchor system of FIG. 24A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24C] FIG. 24B is a perspective view of a portion of the anchor system of FIG. 24A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] 1 is a side view of an infant car seat installed in a vehicle seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 26A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a base according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26B] FIG. 26B is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the base of FIG. 26A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a sheet retention assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28A] FIG. 10 is a side view of a base connector and a base connector actuator of a seat retention assembly in a latched configuration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28B] FIG. 28B is a side view of the base connector and base connector actuator of FIG. 28A in an unlatched configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a base connector and a base connector actuator of a seat retention assembly in a latched configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a base connector and a base connector actuator of a seat retention assembly in an unlatched configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 30A] FIG. 29B is a side view of the base connector and base connector actuator of FIG. 29A according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 30B] FIG. 29C is a side view of the base connector and base connector actuator of FIG. 29B according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rear of an infant car seat with a driver in a stowed position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rear of an infant car seat with a driver in a deployed position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 32A] FIG. 10 is an end view of the interface between the infant car seat and the base when the driver is in a stowed position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 32B] FIG. 10 is an end view of the interface between the infant car seat and the base when the driver is in the deployed position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 33A] FIG. 10 is a top view of a drive unit in a retracted position according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 33B] FIG. 10 is a top view of a driver in a deployed position according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 34A] FIG. 33B is a bottom view of the driver of FIG. 33A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 34B] FIG. 33B is a bottom view of the driver of FIG. 33A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 35] FIG. 1 is a side view of an infant car seat having a release actuator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 36A] FIG. 1 is a top view of several components operatively coupled to a release actuator of an infant car seat in an inactivated position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 36B] FIG. 1 is a top view of several components operatively coupled to a release actuator of an infant car seat in an actuated position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recliner actuator mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 38A] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a recliner actuator mechanism in an unactuated position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 38B]FIG. 38B is a perspective view of the recliner actuator mechanism of FIG. 38A in an actuated position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a partial exploded view of a recliner actuator mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 40] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a portion of an anchoring system for an infant car seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 41] FIG. 1 is a front view of a portion of an anchoring system for an infant car seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 42A] FIG. 42 is a rear view of a portion of the anchoring system of the infant car seat of FIG. 41 in a stowed position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 42B] FIG. 42 is a rear view of a portion of the anchoring system of the infant car seat of FIG. 41 in an in-use position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0127] 1A-1B, schematic diagrams of a vehicle 100 and an infant car seat system 104 that can incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. FIG. 1A illustrates a vehicle 100 (e.g., a personal vehicle, a ride-hail vehicle, or a ride-share vehicle) including a vehicle seat 102 having an infant car seat system 104 installed therein, according to various embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 1A also illustrates, as an inset, a close-up view of the infant car seat system 104 installed in the vehicle seat 102 of the vehicle 100. FIG. 1B illustrates a close-up detail view of the infant car seat system 104 on the vehicle seat 102 of the vehicle 100.

[0128] The infant car seat system 104 includes an infant car seat 106 secured to a vehicle seat 102 of a vehicle 100 via an integrated anchor system 108. The vehicle seat 102 has a vehicle seat back 110, a vehicle seat pan 112, and a seat bight 114 (i.e., the intersection area of ​​the vehicle seat back 110 and the vehicle seat pan 112). The anchor system 108 is configured to secure the infant car seat 106 to the vehicle seat 102 without the use of a removable vehicle mounting base and without the use of a vehicle seat belt (e.g., one that passes over the legs, knees, or upper pelvis of an infant when the infant is seated in the infant car seat for transport in a vehicle). The anchor system 108 may assist in installing the infant car seat 106 (e.g., without the use of a removable base and / or without the use of a vehicle seat belt) to ensure a secure attachment to the vehicle seat 102, such that when installed, the infant car seat system 104 passes the CPS "inch test." The anchor system 108 may be positioned to facilitate alignment with standard placement of under-vehicle anchors (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B).

[0129] 1A-1B, the infant car seat 106 is secured to the vehicle seat 102 in a rear-facing orientation, with the front part 116 of the infant car seat 106 facing toward the vehicle seat back 110 and the rear part 118 of the infant car seat 106 facing away from the vehicle seat back 110. Therefore, when a child sits in the infant car seat 106, the child's feet are located at the front part 116 of the infant car seat 106 and the child's head is located at the rear part 118 of the infant car seat 106. Therefore, the infant car seat 106 is a rear-facing child car seat.

[0130] As shown, the infant car seat 106 includes a seat shell 120 and a seat shell rim 122, which together define a child seat back 124 and a child seat pan (not shown). A seat pad, cushion, or the like (not shown) may be disposed on the child seat back 124 and the child seat pan to support an infant seated in the infant car seat 106. In some embodiments, the seat shell 120 may be a unitary, substantially solid or partially hollow structure that defines the child seat back 124 and the child seat pan and supports the infant seat pad. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1B , the seat shell 120 may include a first seat shell rail 128 and a second seat shell rail 130 on opposite sides of the infant car seat 106. The seat shell rails 128, 130 may be positioned to contact the vehicle seat pan 112 when the infant car seat system 104 is installed in the vehicle seat 102 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B ). In some configurations, the seat shell rails 128, 130 may have curved rocker bottoms 132, 134, respectively, to allow for a rocking motion for cradling an infant when the infant car seat system 104 is used outside of a vehicle (e.g., in a home environment, restaurant, etc.).

[0131] The infant car seat 106 may include carrying handles (not shown) coupled to opposite sides of the seat shell 120 (e.g., to the seat shell rails 128, 130) via respective attachment mechanisms 138, 140. In some configurations, the attachment mechanisms 138, 140 may allow the carrying handles to rotate relative to the seat shell 120 to provide access to the infant and / or to adjust the angle of the carrying handles and / or for storage. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanisms 138, 140 may include an integrated locking mechanism to maintain the carrying handles in a desired orientation relative to the seat shell 120.

[0132] As shown, the anchor system 108 of the infant car seat system 104 is generally mounted to the lower, forward portion of the seat shell 120. That is, the anchor system 108 is located at the forward end or side of the infant car seat system 104. In the exemplary embodiment, the anchor system 108 is a rigid anchor system or is formed of various rigid components. This is in contrast to other embodiments in which the anchor system may be a belt-type or flexible anchor system, and / or a combination of both rigid and belt-type / flexible anchor systems. However, as shown in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 1B, the anchor system 108 includes a pair of child seat anchors 142, 144 that are part of the infant car seat 106. Each child seat anchor 142, 144 is pivotally coupled to a respective mechanical restraint point 146, 148 on the seat shell rails 128, 130 of the seat shell 120. Although two mechanical restraint points 146, 148 are shown on each side of the infant car seat 106, in other exemplary implementations, the anchor system may more generally be coupled to the infant car seat at one or more mechanical restraint points that are not necessarily located on a side(s) of the infant car seat, and the exemplary configuration is provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only.

[0133] The child car seat anchors 142, 144 of the anchoring system 108 may have an elongated shape (e.g., a vertically elongated rectangle) and may include locking mechanisms (e.g., latches) that engage corresponding vehicle lower seat anchors 150, 152, respectively, in or near the seat bight 114 of the vehicle seat 102 at anchor points 154, 156. In this manner, the anchoring system 108 may directly couple the infant car seat 106 to the vehicle seat 102 without the use of a removable vehicle installation base and without the use of a vehicle seat belt. Additionally, the child car seat anchors 142, 144 may include (or be coupled to) release mechanisms (e.g., buttons, knobs, sliding tabs) for unlatching the child car seat anchors 142, 144 from the vehicle lower seat anchors 150, 152 to remove the infant car seat system 104 from the vehicle 100. In various implementations, the child seat anchors 142, 144 and vehicle under seat anchors 150, 152 may be configured to meet well-established safety standards and / or regulations, examples of which include, but are not limited to, LATCH, ISOFIX, LUAS, and UCSS standards.

[0134] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the child car seat anchors 142, 144 may be configured and positioned, and the mechanical restraint points 146, 148 of the anchor system 108 may be positioned, to relatively easily engage with the vehicle lower seat anchors 150, 152 located in or near the seat bight 114, thereby facilitating installation of the infant car seat system 104 within the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the child car seat anchors 142, 144 may be configured and positioned, and the mechanical restraint points 146, 148 may be positioned, such that when the child car seat anchors 142, 144 engage with the vehicle lower seat anchors 150, 152, a tight fit is achieved between the infant car seat system 104 and the vehicle seat 102 (e.g., the installed infant car seat system passes the CPS "inch test").

[0135] As shown in Figure 1B, the center of gravity of the infant car seat 106 is located near the intersection of the seat back 124 and the seat pan of the infant car seat 106. The center of gravity of the infant car seat 106 is approximately coincident with an axis 160 that passes through each of the attachment mechanisms 138, 140 of the carry handles. As one skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the center of gravity of an object is the point at which the weight of a body or system can be considered to act (under uniform gravity, the center of gravity is the same as the center of mass of the object / system). In Figure 1B, axis 160 is considered to be a good approximation of the projection of the center of gravity toward each side of the infant car seat 106.

[0136] 1B, the first restraint point 146 of the first child car seat anchor 142 and the second restraint point 148 of the second child car seat anchor 144 are located closer to the front 116 of the infant car seat 106 than to the rear 118 of the infant car seat 106. In some embodiments, as shown, the first restraint point 146 is located between the front 116 of the infant car seat 106 and the location of the first transport handle attachment mechanism 138. Similarly, the second restraint point 148 is located between the front 116 of the infant car seat 106 and the location of the second transport handle attachment mechanism 140. As shown, the first child seat anchor 142 has a first connection end 154 configured to mechanically engage with the first vehicle lower seat anchor 150 and define a first anchor point when the infant car seat system 104 is installed in the vehicle 100, and the second child seat anchor 144 has a second connection end 156 configured to mechanically engage with the second vehicle lower seat anchor 152 and define a second anchor point when the infant car seat system 104 is installed in the vehicle 100.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 1B , line 162 is depicted extending from second carrying handle attachment mechanism 140, through pivot 160 and second connection end 156 of second child car seat anchor 144, to vehicle lower seat anchor 152. According to some embodiments, second restraint point 148 is located above line 162. Although not visible in the perspective view of FIG. 1B , a similar line may be depicted on the opposite side of infant car seat 106 (i.e., extending from first carrying handle attachment mechanism 138, through pivot 160 and first connection end 154 of first child car seat anchor 142, to vehicle lower seat anchor 150), with first restraint point 146 located above this line. Locating mechanical restraint points 146, 148 above these lines is based in part on improving crash performance and reducing injury criteria by taking into account center of gravity 158, as well as ensuring a tight fit between infant car seat system 104 and vehicle seat 102.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 1B , the child car seat anchors 142, 144 are operably coupled by a rigid cross member, similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 1D . This connection and coupling allows the child car seat anchors 142, 144 to move together, such that rotation of the rigid cross member may rotate both child car seat anchors 142, 144. In other embodiments, the two child car seat anchors 142, 144 may be connected by a rigid cross member and may be independently rotatable about an axis passing through the rigid cross member. These child car seat anchors 142, 144 may be considered substantially rigid anchors because they are not disposed on webbing or belts and are fixed in position and relationship relative to the seat shell 120, particularly the first seat shell rail 128 and the second seat shell rail 130. The rigid connection may provide a relatively simple and strong connection between the infant car seat system 104 and the vehicle seat 102. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1B, the anchoring system 108 is integrated into and / or attached directly to the infant car seat 106 rather than using a separate base, as may be present in other configurations.

[0139] As previously mentioned, the seat anchors of the infant car seat system may be positioned to facilitate alignment with standard placement of vehicle under seat anchors. For example, referring to Figures 2A-2B, a schematic diagram of a vehicle seat 200 for accommodating a child seat (e.g., an infant car seat, a convertible child seat) is shown. The vehicle seat 200 includes multiple vehicle under seat anchors 202a-f. While six vehicle under seat anchors 202a-f are shown in this exemplary embodiment, more or fewer vehicle under anchors can be included in various other configurations without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0140] In this exemplary embodiment, vehicle seat 200 includes three sets (pairs) of vehicle under seat anchors 202a-b, 202c-d, and 202e-f. As shown, each pair of vehicle under seat anchors 202a-f is positioned within or near a seat bight 204 of vehicle seat 200 between a vehicle seat back 206 and a vehicle seat pan 208. The locations of vehicle under seat anchors 202a-f within or near seat bight 204 of vehicle seat 200 allow an anchor system of an infant car seat system to be positioned at the front lower portion of the seat shell to facilitate convenient connection with the pairs of vehicle under seat anchors 202a-f.

[0141] 2A , each pair of vehicle under seat anchors 202a-b, 202c-d, and 202e-f corresponds to a specific seating position on vehicle seat 200 (i.e., left (202a-b), center (202c-d), and right (202e-f) seating positions relative to the forward direction of the vehicle). The relative position of each vehicle under seat anchor 202a-f may be defined with respect to centerline 210 of vehicle seat 200. Centerline 210 may be defined as the seating reference point (SgRP) in accordance with 49 CFR §571.3. As shown, the nominal center-to-center distance D0 between the left (202a-b), center (202c-d), and right (202e-f) pairs of vehicle under seat anchors at a given seating position is approximately 280 mm (i.e., D0≈280 mm). Thus, the seat anchors in the anchoring system of the infant car seat may similarly be arranged to have a center-to-center spacing of about 280 mm.

[0142] 2B shows a close-up view of an individual under vehicle seat anchor 202. As shown, the under vehicle seat anchors 202 may be U-shaped rails having a nominal width ranging from about 25 mm to about 60 mm. The seat anchors of the infant car seat anchoring system may be configured to attach to the smallest size under vehicle seat anchor 202 to ensure compatibility between different vehicle seats 200 for different makes and / or models of vehicles.

[0143] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, infant car seats and related systems are provided with improved anchoring mechanisms for securing the infant car seat to a vehicle seat. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a rigid anchoring system is integrated into the infant car seat in a manner that allows the infant car seat to be set to different reclined positions or angles after installation in the vehicle. According to some embodiments, the anchoring system may be connected to the carry handle by a connecting link, thereby allowing operation of the anchoring system through movement or actuation of the carry handle. For example, according to some embodiments, when the carry handle is rotated from a carrying position to an anti-rebound position, movement of the carry handle retracts the anchor connector into the shell of the infant car seat, thereby drawing the shell tighter against the vehicle seat. In other embodiments, operation or actuation of the anchor may be via direct manual action and / or a handle, etc., as shown and described herein.

[0144] 3A-3B, a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown installed in a vehicle seat 302 of a vehicle. The infant car seat system 300 includes an infant car seat 304 having a seat shell 306, a carry handle 308, and an anchoring system 310. The infant car seat 304 has a front portion 312 and a rear portion 314 arranged such that the infant car seat 304 is a rear-facing child car seat. The seat shell 306 includes a seat shell rail 316 having a curved bottom (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B), and a second seat shell rail having a curved bottom is positioned opposite the exemplary seat shell rail 316. It will be understood that the seat shell rail can have a flat or straight bottom. The anchoring system 310 includes a latch arm 318 with a latch or anchoring mechanism at a distal end for engaging an under-vehicle anchor 320. The under vehicle anchor 320 is located at a seat bight 322 of the vehicle seat 302. The seat bight 322 is defined at the intersection or connection between a vehicle seat pan 324 and a vehicle seat back 326.

[0145] As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the infant car seat system 300 is adjustable with respect to its orientation relative to a vehicle seat pan 324 and a vehicle seat back 326. In FIG. 3A, the infant car seat 304 has a forward tilt or forward inclination, while in FIG. 3B, the infant car seat 304 has a rearward tilt or rearward inclination. This tilt, incline, recline, and relative angle and orientation adjustment may be adjustable and selectively locked at a desired inclination angle. This adjustability is provided, according to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3B, by an anchoring system 310. The anchoring system 310 includes latch arms 318 rotatably coupled to the infant car seat 304 by respective latch attachment mechanisms 328. The latch attachment mechanisms 328 may be configured to connect the latch arms 318 to the infant car seat 304 while allowing selective rotation of the latch arms 318. For example, the latch attachment mechanisms 328 may be lockable and unlockable in one or more positions / orientations. In FIG. 3A, the infant car seat system 300 is shown in a first position or orientation with the infant car seat 304 positioned in its most upright orientation, while in FIG. 3B, the infant car seat system 300 is shown in a second position or orientation with the infant car seat 304 positioned in its most reclined orientation.

[0146] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the latch mounting mechanism 328 may include one or more elements for enabling rotation of the respective latch arm 318. In some configurations, in the unlocked state, the latch arm 318 may be freely rotatable (e.g., 360 degrees). In other embodiments, in the unlocked state, the latch arm 318 may have a limited range of rotation (e.g., less than 360 degrees, such as 120 degrees). The rotation is defined about an axis passing through the latch mounting mechanism 328 (e.g., from inside to outside the plane of the page in FIGS. 3A-3B). In this configuration, although the latch mounting mechanism 328 is rotatable about an axis passing through the latch mounting mechanism 328, the latch mounting mechanism 328 is otherwise fixed in position relative to the seat shell 306 and / or seat shell rail 316. In this exemplary configuration, the latch attachment mechanism 328 is attached to the infant car seat 304 on the seat shell rails 316, however, in other embodiments, the latch attachment mechanism 328 may be secured to a portion of the seat shell 306 that is not the seat shell rail (e.g., higher relative to the bottom of the infant car seat 304 than shown in Figures 3A-3B).

[0147] In the unlocked state, the latch attachment mechanism 328 may allow the rotation and orientation angle of the latch arm 318 (relative to the seat shell 306) to be freely or relatively freely adjusted. However, once a desired angle or orientation is selected, such as by adjusting the angle of the latch arm 318, the latch attachment mechanism 328 may be locked into a predetermined position and into a locked state in which the latch arm 318 cannot rotate relative to the infant car seat 304. Various types of locking mechanisms may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, locking mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, toothed or geared configurations, detent pins, clamps, quick release mechanisms, lockable angle adapters, and the like.

[0148] When the latch of the latch arm 318 is connected to the vehicle undercarriage anchor 320, the latch arm 318 is fixed in position but may be pivotable about its connection with the vehicle undercarriage anchor 320. When the latch attachment mechanism 328 is fixed (e.g., locked) at a particular angle, the infant car seat 304 can be locked and secured to the vehicle seat 302. That is, when the anchor of the latch arm 318 is locked in position with the vehicle undercarriage anchor 320, the infant car seat 304 is held and supported by the latch 318 and the vehicle undercarriage anchor 320 in the various tilt and reclined positions described above. In other words, by locking the latch attachment mechanism 328 at a desired angle, the infant car seat 304 can be secured at such desired angle when installed in the vehicle seat 302 and is held in that position due to the latch arm 318 being fixed in its angular position relative to the seat shell 306.

[0149] Referring now to Figure 4, a schematic diagram of components of an anchoring system 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In Figure 4, the components and elements of the anchoring system 400 are shown separated or exploded. The anchoring system 400 is configured to mount to a seat shell 402 and / or seat shell rails 404 of an infant car seat. In this exemplary configuration, the anchoring system 400 is configured to be installed in a mounting opening 406 formed in the seat shell rails 404, however, the location of such mounting opening 406 is not limited to the exemplary location and may be formed elsewhere along the seat shell 402 or seat shell rails 404.

[0150] The anchor system 400 includes a latch arm 408 having a latch 410 disposed at its distal end. The latch 410 may be configured to releasably connect to or attach to a vehicle anchor system such as those described above. The latch arm 408 includes a latch arm hub 412 rotatably mounted on a hub shaft 414. In some embodiments, the hub shaft 414 may be integrally formed with the latch arm hub 412. The anchor system 400 further includes a recliner hub 416, a recliner gear 418, a memory hub 420, and one or more lamp hubs 422, as shown in FIG. 4 . A latch attachment mechanism 428 having this configuration includes the recliner hub 416, the recliner gear 418, the memory hub 420, and one or more lamp hubs 422. The recliner hub 416, the recliner gear 418, the memory hub 420, and the one or more lamp hubs 422 may each have a central opening or through-hole through which the hub shaft 414 extends. Thus, in some embodiments, the recliner hub 416, the recliner gear 418, the memory hub 420, and one or more lamp hubs 422 may be mounted on or supported by the hub shaft 414. In other embodiments, one or more of these components may be positioned to allow the hub shaft 414 to pass through without direct contact or engagement, and in some such configurations, the hub shaft 414 may operate to ensure alignment of the components but may not provide other operating functions.

[0151] The anchor system 400 is configured such that the latch arm 408 is rotatable or pivotable about an axis (e.g., defined by a hub shaft 414). Additionally, the anchor system 400 is configured to secure or mount the components of the anchor system 400 within a mounting opening 406 in the infant car seat (e.g., the seat shell 402 and / or the seat shell rails 404). The recline gear 418 is configured as a sliding gear that locks the position of the latch arm 408 in one or more positions (e.g., four positions). Changing the angular position of the latch arm 408 changes the rear recline of the infant car seat relative to the vehicle seat. That is, the anchor system 400 is configured to allow adjustment of the recline angle or orientation of the associated infant car seat. For example, the anchor system 400 may be configured to allow rotation about an axis defined by the hub shaft 414 to change the angle of orientation of the latch arm 408, thereby forming at least a first position (e.g., FIG. 3A) and a second position (e.g., FIG. 3B) and locking the system in such orientation. In some embodiments, other positions, such as between the first and second positions, may be selected and locked in place to ensure a desired tilt or recline angle. Additionally, in some embodiments, the rotation of the latch arm 408 may be greater than or exceed the angles of the first and second positions.

[0152] 4, the recliner hub 416 includes one or more recesses 424. Additionally, the latch arm hub 412 includes one or more corresponding protrusions 426. The recesses 424 and protrusions 426 may engage or interact with one another to apply a rotational force from the latch arm 408 to the recliner gear 418 and / or ramp hub 422 (or vice versa). For example, in a manual operation, a user (e.g., a caregiver) may manually rotate the latch arm 408, which causes the components of the anchoring system 400 to interact with one another, sliding it, for example, along an inclined surface / ramp, thereby applying a force to the infant car seat and adjusting the orientation angle of the latch arm 408 relative to the infant car seat.

[0153] As described above, the latch attachment mechanism 428 includes the recliner hub 416, the recliner gear 418, the memory hub 420, and one or more ramp hubs 422. The latch attachment mechanism 428 may be configured to transition the latch arm 408 between at least a storage position, a first use position, and a second use position. Furthermore, the latch attachment mechanism 428 may be configured to transition from the storage position to either the first use position or the second use position based on the most recent previous use position. That is, the memory hub 420 may be configured to retain the most recent previous use position, such that switching from the storage position to the use position transitions to the most recent previous use position (i.e., back to the first use position or the second use position based on the last used use position).

[0154] 5A-5F, there are shown schematic diagrams of an anchoring system 500 in a locked state (FIGS. 5A-5C) and an unlocked state (FIGS. 5D-5F) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The anchoring system 500 is similar to that shown and described with respect to FIG. 4. The anchoring system 500 is disposed within and operably coupled to an infant car seat 502 (FIGS. 5A, 5D). The infant car seat 502 may be arranged and configured as shown and described, or may be of other shapes, configurations, or arrangements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0155] The anchor system 500 includes a latch arm 504 having a latch disposed at its distal end for releasably connecting or attaching to a vehicle anchor system. The latch arm 504 includes a latch arm hub 506 rotatably mounted on a hub shaft 508. In some embodiments, the hub shaft 508 may be integrally formed with the latch arm hub 506. The anchor system 500 further includes a recliner hub 510 configured to engage a portion of the latch arm hub 506 (e.g., by protrusion-and-recess engagement as shown and described with respect to FIG. 4 ) to provide a rotational force between the two elements. The recliner hub 510 is configured to rotate freely. A recliner gear 512 is positioned to fit within the recliner hub 510 and may rotate the recliner hub 510 (or may receive a rotational force from the rotation of the recliner hub 510). The recliner gear 512 is configured to move axially (e.g., along the hub shaft 508) relative to the recliner hub 510, and the recliner gear 512 is configured to selectively engage with the recliner hub 510. In an engaged state, the recliner gear 512 and the recliner hub 510 are engaged, and rotation of one rotates the other. In a disengaged state, the recliner gear 512 engages with the recliner hub 510 and also engages with the memory hub 514. The memory hub 514 may be fixed relative to the infant car seat (e.g., does not rotate about the hub shaft 508). Because the position or state of the memory hub 514 is fixed, when the recliner gear 512 is disengaged from the recliner hub 510, the recliner gear 512 at least partially engages the memory hub and is locked against rotation, thereby preventing rotation of the recliner hub 510 and, in turn, preventing rotation of the latch arm 504. That is, when the recliner gear 512 is disengaged from the recliner hub 510, the orientation angle of the latch arm 504 is locked or fixed.Figures 5A-5C show the anchoring system 500 in a locked state, with the recliner gear 512 engaged with both the recliner hub 510 and the memory hub 514, resulting in a locked latch arm 504. Figures 5D-5F show the anchoring system 500 in an unlocked state, with the recliner gear 512 engaged only with the recliner hub 510 and not with the memory hub 514, resulting in the latch arm 504 being unlocked and free to rotate relative to the infant car seat.

[0156] The recliner gear 512 is axially movable by application of an axial force to the recliner gear 512. In this exemplary configuration, the axial force is applied by movement of a first lamp hub 516 and a second lamp hub 518. The first lamp hub 516 may be fixedly coupled to the recliner gear 512 by one or more posts 519. Thus, when the first lamp hub 516 is moved axially (e.g., relative to the hub shaft 508), the first lamp hub 516 urges the recliner gear 512 to move axially with it. The axial movement of the first lamp hub 516 is caused by rotation and interaction with the second lamp hub 518. To cause the axial movement, the first lamp hub 516 includes one or more respective first lamps 520, and the second lamp hub 518 includes one or more respective second lamps 522 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 5E-5F ). As the second lamp hub 518 rotates, the second ramp 522 interacts with the first ramp 520 of the first lamp hub 516, causing the first lamp hub 516 to move axially away from the second lamp hub 518 (e.g., along the hub shaft 508 and / or the axis defined thereby). As the first lamp hub 516 moves axially away from the second lamp hub 518, the first lamp hub 516 urges the recliner gear 512 to also move axially by applying an axial force to the post 519. This axial movement urges the recliner gear 512 to engage with the recliner hub 510 and (partially) disengage from the memory hub 514, thus allowing the recliner gear 512, recliner hub 510, and latch arm 504 to rotate.

[0157] In this manner, actuation or operation of anchor system 500 is caused by rotation of second lamp hub 518. Rotation of second lamp hub 518 may be caused by tilt actuator 524. In this exemplary configuration, tilt actuator 524 includes a tilt switch 526 and a switch link 528 that operably connects and couples tilt switch 526 to second lamp hub 518. Tilt switch 526 may be movably mounted to seat shell 530. Similarly, switch link 528 may be disposed within seat shell 530 to protect seat shell 530. Switch link 528 is connected to second lamp hub 518 at hub connector 532.

[0158] As shown, the recliner gear 512 can be biased toward the locked state (FIGS. 5A-5C) by a hub biasing element 534. As shown in FIG. 5B, the hub biasing element 534 is extended to position the recliner gear 512 so that it engages both the memory hub 514 and the recliner hub 510. When the recliner switch 526 is operated or actuated, the switch link 528 applies a force to the second lamp hub 518, causing it to rotate. As shown in FIG. 5E, the rotation of the second lamp hub 518 urges the first lamp hub 516 axially toward the recliner hub 510, causing the post 519 to disengage the recliner gear 512 from the memory hub 514 and fully engage the recliner hub 510. During this transition, the hub biasing element 534 is compressed between the recliner gear 512 and the recliner hub 510. In this manner, the latch arm 504 may be freely rotatable relative to the seat shell 530. Once the latch arm 504 is in the desired position, the hub biasing element 534 may bias the recliner gear 512 to re-engage the memory hub 514 (FIG. 5B), thereby locking the latch arm 504 in the desired position.

[0159] 5A-5F also show a connecting shaft 536. The connecting shaft 536 may extend through the seat shell 530 and be operably connected to a second anchor system (e.g., similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 1B) on the opposite side of the seat shell 530. In some embodiments, one side of the seat shell 530 is provided with a single tilt actuator 524, and operation or actuation of the single tilt actuator 524 operates (locks and / or unlocks) the two connected anchor systems. In other embodiments, each side of the seat shell 530 is provided with a respective tilt actuator 524 coupled to a respective anchor system 500, and the two anchor systems operate independently and / or simultaneously.

[0160] In operation, when the recliner gear 512 is engaged with the recliner hub 510 and disengaged from the memory hub 514, the latch arm 504 is free to rotate. Thus, the latch arm 504 and the seat shell 530 are rotationally decoupled. As a result, when the latch arm 504 is placed in contact with the vehicle seat and / or engaged with a vehicle seat latch (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B ), relative rotation between the latch arm 504 and the seat shell 530 causes the seat shell 530 to adjust its relationship to the vehicle seat (e.g., transition from the position shown in FIG. 3A to the position shown in FIG. 3B ). That is, when the latch arm 504 is connected to the vehicle seat latch, it provides a fixed connection; therefore, angular adjustment of the respective anchor system 500 adjusts the orientation of the seat shell 530 relative to the vehicle seat.

[0161] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the recline mechanism may be divided into two layers of degrees of freedom. For example, referring again to FIGS. 5A-5F , according to another configuration, the recline gear mechanism (e.g., recline gear 512) may be configured to lock the angular position of the recline hub 510 and latch arm 504 relative to the memory hub 514. In this alternative embodiment, the memory hub 514 may be configured to be rotatable (rather than fixed) relative to the seat shell 530. The recline hub 510 may be positionally locked to the memory hub 514 by the recline gear 512 (via the axial movement described above), so that when the memory hub 514 rotates, the recline hub 510 rotates with it, and when the memory hub 514 locks, the recline hub 510 locks with it. In such a configuration, the memory hub 514 may be locked to the seat shell 530 at different angular positions. In some embodiments, the memory hub 514 may be configured to lock to the seat shell 530 in a storage position, a first use position, and a second use position.

[0162] Referring now to Figures 6A-6C, schematic diagrams of an anchoring system 600 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 6A illustrates the anchoring system 600 in an unlocked state, Figure 6B illustrates the anchoring system 600 in a first locked state (e.g., a stowed position), and Figure 6C illustrates the anchoring system 600 in a second locked state (e.g., a use position). The anchoring system 600 may be similar to that illustrated and described with respect to Figures 3, 4, and 5A-5F, with additional or alternative features and / or operations described herein. The anchoring system 600 is disposed within and operably coupled to a seat shell 602 of an infant car seat. The infant car seat may be arranged and configured as illustrated and described above, or may take on other shapes, configurations, or arrangements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The anchoring system 600 includes a latch arm 604 extending from a latch arm hub 606. Similar to the previously described embodiments, anchor system 600 includes a recliner hub 608 and a memory hub 610. A recliner gear may be disposed within and / or between recliner hub 608 and memory hub 610. In this configuration, memory hub 610 is rotatably disposed relative to seat shell 602. Anchor system 600 may further include various elements not shown, such as a lamp hub, an actuator, a switch, a connector, a link, etc.

[0163] As mentioned above, the latch arm 604 is rotatable about a shaft or axis that extends through the anchor system 600. FIG. 6B shows the latch arm 604 rotated and locked into a stowed position, and FIG. 6C shows the latch arm 604 rotated and locked into a use position. Each of these positions (the stowed and use positions) can be secured or locked when rotation of the latch arm 604 is not desired (e.g., when the infant car seat is being used in a vehicle or when the infant car seat is removed from the vehicle). As mentioned above, FIG. 6A shows the anchor system 600 in an unlocked state that allows the latch arm 604 to move freely (e.g., between the stowed and use positions). That is, while it may be desirable for the latch arm 604 to be movable or rotatable when installing and adjusting the infant car seat in a vehicle, it may be desirable to securely lock the latch arm 604 in that desired position or orientation once the desired position or orientation is set.

[0164] The anchor system 600 shown in FIGS. 6A-6C is divided into two degrees of freedom. The first degree of freedom is similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 5A-5F, in which a recliner gear is configured to move axially within the anchor system 600 and lock the angular position of the recliner hub 608 and latch arm 604 relative to the memory hub 610. In this embodiment, the memory hub 610 is arranged to be rotatable relative to the seat shell 602. The recliner gear can positionally lock the recliner hub 608 to the memory hub 610, so that when the memory hub 610 rotates, the recliner hub 608 rotates with it, and when the memory hub 610 is locked, the recliner hub 608 is locked with it. The memory hub 610 can be locked to the seat shell 602 in different angular positions. In this embodiment, the memory hub 610 is configured to lock to the seat shell 602 in the use position (FIG. 6B) and the storage position (FIG. 6A). The memory hub 610 is locked to the seat shell 602 by a locking mechanism 612 .

[0165] In this exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 612 includes a locking plate 614 having locking teeth 616 and a locking biasing element 618. The locking biasing element 618 is configured to bias the locking plate 614 toward a locked position (shown in FIGS. 6B-6C). In the locked position, the locking teeth 616 engage a portion of the memory hub 610 to rotationally fix the position of the memory hub 610. For example, as shown, the memory hub 610 has a first locking recess 620 corresponding to the storage position (FIG. 6B) and a second locking recess 622 corresponding to the use position (FIG. 6C).

[0166] When the memory hub 610 is rotated to either position, a locking tooth 616 on the locking plate 614 engages one of the recesses 620, 622, locking the memory hub 610 in that angular position. The locking plate 614 is configured to rotate about a pivot 624 on an axis on the seat shell 602. The locking plate 614 is connected to a release handle (not shown) (for manual operation) on the back of the seat shell 602. In some configurations, such a release handle may also be coupled to a mechanism that disengages the latch arm from the vehicle anchor. When such a release handle is actuated, the release handle pulls the locking tooth 616 of the locking plate 614 out of the recesses 620, 622 in the memory hub 610. Once the locking plate 614 is disengaged from the memory hub 610, the memory hub 610 is free to rotate (e.g., from one position to another). In the stored position (FIG. 6B), the locking teeth 616 of the locking plate 614 engage with first recesses 620 in the memory hub 610, thereby locking the memory hub 610 in the stored position. In the use position (FIG. 6C), the locking teeth 616 of the locking plate 614 engage with second recesses 622 in the memory hub 610, thereby locking the memory hub 610 in the use position.

[0167] A user or caregiver may release or deploy the latch arm 604 from the storage position ( FIG. 6B ) to the use position ( FIG. 6C ) by actuating the release handle. Operation of the release handle disengages the locking teeth 616 of the locking plate 614 from the memory hub 610, allowing the memory hub 610, recliner hub 608, latch arm hub 606, and latch arm 604 (having a latch connector at its end) to rotate to the use position ( FIG. 6C ). According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, at no point during this transition from the storage position to the use position does the angular position of the recliner hub 608 relative to the memory hub 610 change. For example, when the memory hub 610 is re-locked in the use position ( FIG. 6C ), the recliner hub 608, latch arm hub 606, and latch arm 604 are in the same reclined position as they were in the previous or last use.

[0168] 6A-6C, the locking mechanism 612 may have one or more release connectors connected to it. For example, a first release connector 626 may connect the locking plate 614 to a hub release handle (not shown), which is configured to allow manual operation of the locking mechanism 612 (e.g., engaging or disengaging the locking teeth 616 with the respective recesses 620, 622). A second release connector 628 may be configured to allow operation of a latch at the distal end of the latch arm 604 to release the connection to the vehicle seat.

[0169] 7, a schematic diagram of an infant car seat 700 positioned on a vehicle seat 702 is shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The infant car seat 700 may be configured substantially similar to embodiments described herein, including an adjustable and lockable anchor system 704 attached to a seat shell 706 of the infant car seat 700. The infant car seat 700 has a front portion 708 and a rear portion 710 arranged such that the infant car seat 700 is a rear-facing car seat. In this exemplary configuration, the anchor system 704 includes a first release actuator, such as a release handle 712 (e.g., a hub release handle), operably coupled to a locking mechanism 714 by a respective first release connector 716. Additionally, in this embodiment, a second release connector 718 is provided, by which the locking mechanism 714 is operably connected to a latch or similar structure at the end of the anchor system 704 (e.g., a portion that engages an under-vehicle anchor). In some embodiments, the second release connector 718 may be operated by actuation of the first release handle 712. In other embodiments, a second release handle may be provided (e.g., along the rear 710 and / or side of the seat shell 706) for operating the second release connector 718.

[0170] 6A-6C, the locking mechanism 714 may include one or more biased members that are biased toward a locked, locked, or engaged position (e.g., with a memory hub of the anchoring system 704). The locking mechanism 714 can be actuated to disengage from the locked or engaged position by pulling or otherwise actuating a first release handle 712, thereby allowing the anchoring system 704 to rotate relative to the seat shell 706. As shown, the first release handle 712 is located on a rear 710 of the seat shell 706 opposite the location of the anchoring system 704 and is connected to the rear 710 by a first release connector 716.

[0171] Such placement of the release handle 712 can improve ease of use for caregivers. For example, the infant car seat 700 can be placed on the vehicle seat 702, and the anchor system 704 can be securely engaged with a vehicle latch system that is part of the vehicle seat 702. Once installation is complete, the caregiver can adjust the tilt / recline angle by operating the first release handle 712, allowing rotational movement between the seat shell 706 and the anchor system 704, thereby adjusting the reclining angle of the seat shell 706 (e.g., compare FIGS. 3A and 3B ). Once the desired position is set, the caregiver can release the first release handle 712 to lock the anchor system 704 in the desired orientation. When the caregiver wishes to remove the infant car seat 700 from the vehicle, the caregiver can operate the release handle 712 (or the second release handle) to release the latch connection with the vehicle lower anchors, thereby allowing removal of the infant car seat 700.

[0172] 8A-8C, schematic diagrams of an anchoring system 800 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The anchoring system 800 may be similar to that illustrated and described above. For example, the anchoring system 800 includes a latch arm 804 attached to a seat shell 802 and extending from a latch arm hub. As with the above embodiment, the anchoring system 800 includes a recliner gear 806 and a memory hub 808, as well as other components illustrated and described above but not shown in FIGS. 8A-8C for clarity. The recliner gear 806 may be disposed within and / or between the recliner hub and the memory hub 808, as illustrated and described above. In this configuration, the memory hub 808 is rotatably disposed relative to the seat shell 802. The anchoring system 800 may further include various elements not shown, such as a lamp hub, an actuator, a switch, a connector, and a link. A locking mechanism 810 is provided that operates in conjunction with the anchoring system 800.

[0173] The locking mechanism 810 includes a locking plate 812 having a locking tooth 814 and a locking biasing element (not shown). The locking plate 812 is pivotally coupled to the seat shell 802. The locking plate 812 is operably connected between a release handle and a latch arm 804. In some configurations, actuation of the release handle causes the locking plate 812 to pivot and disengage the latch (at the end of the latch arm 804) from the vehicle anchor system, thereby releasing the connection to the vehicle seat. Actuation of the release handle may provide a mechanism to release the latch arm 804 to move between a stored position ( FIG. 8C ) and use position(s) ( FIGS. 8A-8B ). The memory hub 808 may be configured to move with the latch arm 804 as the latch arm 804 is moved between the stored position and use position. Further, the anchor system 800 includes a tilt actuator (e.g., a recliner gear 806) operably coupled to the memory hub 808 and the latch arm 804, and actuation of the tilt actuator causes the latch arm 804 to rotate relative to the memory hub 808, thereby setting the tilt angle of the latch arm 804 relative to the seat shell 802.

[0174] A lock biasing element (not shown) is configured to bias the lock plate 812 toward the locked position (shown in FIG. 8A ). In the locked position, the lock teeth 814 engage a portion of the memory hub 808 to rotationally fix the position of the memory hub 808 as described above. In the locked state ( FIG. 8A ), the lock teeth 814 of the lock plate 812 lock the memory hub 808 to the seat shell 802, for example, in the deployed position as shown in FIG. 8A . When it is desired to move the latch arm 804 from the deployed state (e.g., FIG. 8A ) to the stowed state (e.g., FIG. 8C ), the lock mechanism 810 can be operated (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 7 ) to disengage the lock teeth 814 from the memory hub 808 (e.g., FIG. 8B ).

[0175] When the locking mechanism 810 is actuated and the locking tooth 814 disengages from the memory hub 808, the latch arm 804 is free to rotate (e.g., from the deployed state to the stored state). In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 810 may include a toggle 816 to prevent the locking mechanism 810 from automatically re-engaging with the memory hub 808. For example, after a release handle is actuated to actuate the locking mechanism 810, the toggle 816 rotates to prevent the locking tooth 814 from re-engaging with the memory hub 808, thereby allowing the latch arm 804 to pivot to the stored position without having to re-actuate the release handle. Once the latch arm 804 has been rotated to a desired position (e.g., the stored position shown in FIG. 8C ), a user can actuate the release handle and / or the toggle 816 to re-engage the locking tooth 814 with the memory hub 808 and lock the latch arm 804 in the stored state. Similar operations may be performed to release the latch arm 804 from the stored state and allow it to transition to the deployed state. The memory hub 808 may be configured such that a particular orientation of the latch arm 804 is set in the deployed state and is not adjusted during transition from the deployed state to the stowed state; thus, the memory hub 808 can provide memory or the ability to restore the latch arm 804 to a particular angle in the deployed state without having to adjust it each time it is deployed.

[0176] As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, anchor system 800 is shown in a use position, with the latch of anchor system 800 movable and / or operable to engage with a vehicle seat anchor or the like. In contrast, FIG. 8C, for example, illustrates anchor system 800 in a stowed position. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, anchor system 800 is configured to be locked or secured in a use position or a stowed position based on the user's preference and the particular condition or use of the infant car seat. A release handle may be operably coupled to locking mechanism 810 to selectively operate anchor system 800, such as to lock anchor system 800 in the use position (FIGS. 8A-8B) and / or the stowed position (FIG. 8C). In the use position of latch arm 804, latch arm 804 is selectively securable at two or more angles relative to seat shell 802. Anchor system 800 includes a memory hub 808 configured to set the recline angle of the infant car seat based on two or more angles to which memory hub 808 can be set.

[0177] 9A-9D, there is shown a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system 900 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The infant car seat system 900 may be similar to those shown and described above and may have an anchoring system 902 configured to allow adjustment of the infant car seat 904 even after the infant car seat 904 has been installed in a vehicle seat. The infant car seat 904 includes a seat shell 908 and a carry handle 910 that is operably coupled to the seat shell 908 and is angularly adjustable relative to the seat shell 908 via an attachment mechanism 912 that rotatably couples the carry handle 910 to the seat shell 908.

[0178] In this embodiment, the anchoring system 902 is operably connected to a carry handle 910. The connection between the carry handle 910 and the anchoring system 902 allows movement of the carry handle 910 to cause movement and / or movement of the anchoring system 902 relative to the seat shell 908 (e.g., movement of a latch arm 914 and a latch 916). The anchoring system 902 includes a latch arm 914 having a latch 916 disposed at its distal end. The latch 916 may be configured to releasably connect or attach to a vehicle anchoring system, as described above (e.g., see FIGS. 10A-10B for a similar configuration attached to a vehicle seat). The latch arm 914 is operably coupled to the carry handle 910 via a set of linkages that allow movement of the carry handle 910 to cause movement and / or adjustment of the latch arm 914. For example, once the latch 916 is engaged and secured with a vehicle anchor system and locked in place, movement of the carry handle 910 also moves the seat shell 908 due to the fixed state of the latch 916. Additionally or alternatively, the latch arm 914 may be operably coupled to the carry handle 910 via a set of linkages to lock the latch arm 914 in place and release the latch arm 914, thereby allowing the latch arm 914 to move and / or rotate relatively to the seat shell 908.

[0179] As shown, the anchoring system 902 includes a handle linkage 918, a connecting linkage 920, a rear linkage 922, a locking linkage 924, and a front linkage 926. The handle linkage 918 connects the attachment mechanism 912 of the carry handle 910 to the connecting linkage 920. The connecting linkage 920 connects the handle linkage 918 to the rear linkage 922. The rear linkage 922 connects the connecting linkage 920 and the locking linkage 924 at one end of the rear linkage 922, providing a pivotal connection between the connecting linkage 920 and the rear linkage 922. The opposite end of the rear linkage 922 is pivotally connected to the seat shell 908. The locking linkage 924 is connected to the rear linkage 922 and the connecting linkage 920 at one end and to the latch arm 914 at the other end of the locking linkage 924. A front linkage 926 is connected at one end to the latch arm 914 and pivotally connected at the other end to the seat shell 908. The front linkage 926 and lock linkage 924 may be pivotally connected to the latch arm 914 at the same location or about the same pivot connection. The linkages 918, 920, 922, 924 are configured to provide a functional connection between the carry handle 910 and the latch arm 914, with the front linkage 926 providing a pivoting force to the latch arm 914 when the carry handle 910 is used to move the latch arm 914. The lock linkage 924 includes a recliner rack 928 configured to provide two or more locking positions or tilt angles that can be locked in place to set the recline of the infant car seat 904 and / or a tight fit of the infant car seat 904 to the vehicle seat.

[0180] FIG. 9B shows the infant car seat system 900 in a reclined position and the anchor system 902 in an unlocked and extended state. FIG. 9C shows the infant car seat system 900 in an upright position and the anchor system 902 in an unlocked and extended state. FIG. 9D shows the infant car seat system 900 and anchor system 902 in a locked and tensioned state. In operation, rotating the carry handle 910 can cause the attachment mechanism 912 to urge the handle linkage 918 to move, thereby applying a force to the connecting linkage 920. For example, when the carry handle 910 is pushed toward a leg 930 of the seat shell 908, the handle linkage 918 can rotate away from the leg 930. At its connection with the attachment mechanism 912, this rotation of the handle linkage 918 moves the connecting linkage 920 away from the leg 930 of the seat shell 908. This movement, in turn, acts to bias the locking linkage 924 away from the leg 930. Because the locking linkage 924 is connected to the connecting linkage 920 and the rear linkage 922, this movement causes the locking linkage 924 to be pulled away from the leg 930 and upward toward the seat shell 908 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9B-9D ). In this manner, movement of the carry handle 910 can be configured to retract the latch arm 914 (and latch 916) toward the seat shell 908.

[0181] The recliner rack 928 may include an opening with one or more ramps or recesses configured to accommodate a locking pin 932. The locking pin 932 is a pin that connects the connecting linkage 920, the rear linkage 922, and the locking linkage 924. The locking pin 932 is fixedly and pivotally connected to ends of the connecting linkage 920 and the rear linkage 922 and is disposed within an opening in the recliner rack 928 of the locking linkage 924. The locking pin 932 is movable within the opening in the recliner rack 928 between different positions selected to secure and lock the reclined position of the seat shell 908 relative to the latch arm 914. The different positions of the recesses or ramps in the recliner rack 928 may be configured to define a relative angle and relationship between the seat shell 908 and the latch arm 914, such that each recess or ramp can define a different tilt angle (or reclining angle). The recliner rack 928 may provide similar functionality for setting or presetting the tilt angle as shown and described above.

[0182] As shown in Figures 9B-9C, the angle or positional relationship between the seat shell 908 and the latch arm 914 (or latch 916) can be adjusted. Changes in position, angle, etc. are described with respect to a seat line 934, which is a horizontal line passing through the seat shell 908, and a latch line 936, which passes through the latch 916 and latch arm 914 along its longitudinal axis. Figure 9B shows the seat shell 908 in a fully reclined position, with a recline angle α between the seat line 934 and the latch line 936. r 9C shows that the seat shell 908 is in a fully upright position, with a recline angle α defined between the seat line 934 and the latch line 936. u The reclining angle α r is the upright angle α u In some configurations, the seat line 934 and latch line 936 may be parallel, so that the upright angle α uHowever, in a non-parallel configuration, the erection angle α u is the reclining angle α r The reclining angle α r and upright angle α u Each of the angles may be defined by a respective recess or ramp in the recliner rack 928. In some configurations, multiple different recline angles may be preset based on the placement of the recliner rack 928. For example, one end of the recliner rack 928 may be provided with an upright recess for accommodating the locking pin 932 and setting the seat shell 908 in an upright position. The opposite end of the recliner rack 928 may be provided with a maximum recline recess for accommodating the locking pin 932 and setting the seat shell 908 in a fully reclined position. One or more additional recline recesses may be located between the upright recess and the maximum recline recess to define recline angles that are less inclined than the fully reclined position but more inclined than the upright position.

[0183] The recess in the recliner rack 928 can be temporarily fixed, thereby fixing the tilt / recline angle of the seat shell 908 relative to the vehicle seat for each use. In this way, a caregiver can set a preferred recline level for the seat shell 908 (and therefore the child seated therein) and then install or remove the infant car seat system 900 from the vehicle. Once the angle between the latch 916 and latch arm 914 is set, the infant car seat system 900 can be installed in a predetermined orientation. However, even once installed, further movement of the carry handle 910 may trigger further manipulations to secure the infant car seat system 900 to the vehicle.

[0184] For example, referring now to Figures 10A-10B, there is shown a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system 1000 installed in a vehicle seat 1006, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The infant car seat system 1000 is substantially similar to that shown and described above with respect to Figures 9A-9D and has an anchor system 1002 configured to allow adjustment of the infant car seat 1004, even after the infant car seat 1004 has been installed in the vehicle seat 1006. The infant car seat 1004 includes a seat shell 1008 and a carry handle 1010 that is operably coupled to the seat shell 1008 and is angularly adjustable relative to the seat shell 1008 via an attachment mechanism 1012 that rotationally couples the carry handle 1010 to the seat shell 1008. The anchor system 1002 includes a latch arm 1014, which is adjustable as described above and may include a latch at its end for connecting to a vehicle latch system, similar to that shown and described above.

[0185] FIG. 10A shows the infant car seat system 1000 in a deployed position, and FIG. 10B shows the infant car seat system 1000 in a tensioned position. The deployed position shown in FIG. 10A can include any recline angle (e.g., between the upright position shown in FIG. 9C and the fully reclined position shown in FIG. 9B). This tilt angle is preset as described above and can be set by a caregiver to achieve a desired recline for the infant car seat system 1000. Once deployed, a caregiver can move the position of the carry handle 1010 from the transport position ( FIG. 10A ) to the anti-rebound position ( FIG. 10B ) by operating or pivoting the carry handle 1010. When moved to the anti-rebound position, the carry handle 1010 tilts and extends toward the seat back 1016, as shown in FIG. 10B . In this position, the carry handle 1010 is positioned to contact the seat back 1016 in the event of a collision or the like, preventing significant movement of the infant car seat system 1000 in such an event.

[0186] Additionally, because the carry handle 1010 is operably coupled to the latch arm 1014 via an anchor system 1002 (e.g., similar to the anchor system 1002 of FIGS. 9A-9D ), moving the carry handle 1010 toward the leg 1018 of the seat shell 1008 provides additional functionality. For example, by pushing the carry handle 1010 toward the leg 1018, the attachment mechanism 1012 applies a force to the handle linkage, the connecting linkage, the rear linkage, the locking linkage, and the front linkage, which in turn applies a force to the latch arm 1014. When the infant car seat system 1000 is installed in the vehicle seat 1006 and the latch of the latch arm 1014 is secured to the vehicle latch, movement of the linkages moves the seat shell 1008. That is, the latch arm 1014 is fixed at one end to the vehicle seat 1006 and pivotally connected to the seat shell 1008, so that retracting the linkage into the seat shell 1008 moves the seat shell 1008 toward the seat back 1016 of the vehicle seat 1006.

[0187] According to some non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, a rigid latch assembly or anchor system is integrated into the infant car seat. The anchor assembly's recline rack and / or linkage may be integrated to allow the infant car seat to be set to different reclined positions after installation in the vehicle. The recline rack and linkage are also connected to the carry handle as shown and described above (e.g., the linkage between the latch arm and the carry handle's attachment mechanism). When the carry handle is rotated from the transport position (FIG. 10A) to the anti-rebound position (FIG. 10B), the movement of the carry handle retracts the linkage in the opposite direction, thereby retracting the latch arm into the seat shell. Retracting the latch arm into the seat shell draws the seat shell more closely against the vehicle seat (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10B). The linkage's reclining mechanism (e.g., the locking linkage and recline rack) may allow the infant car seat to be set to one of several reclined positions. In some embodiments, when the carry handle is in the transport position (FIG. 10A), the latch arm (1014) can be pivotable through the entire range of possible reclining (e.g., between upright and maximum recline). After connecting to the vehicle seat, a caregiver can rotate the infant car seat to the desired reclined position. When the carry handle is then rotated to the locked position (transition from FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B), the connected linkage retracts the locking pin into the nearest recline slot, locking the latch arm in the reclined position. As the handle continues to rotate to the locked position (FIG. 10B), the latch arm retracts into the seat shell, thereby tightening the connection to the vehicle seat.

[0188] 11A-11C, there are shown schematic diagrams of the components and operation of an anchoring system 1100 installable in a seat shell 1102 of an infant car seat 1104, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 11A, the components and elements of the anchoring system 1100 are shown separated or exploded, while FIGS. 11B-11C show the infant car seat 1104 positioned at an inclined angle that may be achieved by operation of the anchoring system 1100. The anchoring system 1100 is configured to be mounted or otherwise attached to the seat shell 1102 (and / or its seat shell rails) of the infant car seat 1104. In this exemplary configuration, the anchoring system 1100 is configured to be mounted in a mounting opening 1106 formed in the seat shell 1102. It will be understood that the location of such mounting opening 1106 is not limited to the exemplary location and may be formed elsewhere on the seat shell 1102.

[0189] The anchor system 1100 includes a latch arm 1108 having a latch 1110 disposed at its distal end. The latch 1110 can be configured to releasably connect to or attach to a vehicle anchor system, as described above. The latch arm 1108 includes a latch arm hub 1112 rotatably mounted on a hub shaft (e.g., similar to that shown in FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the hub shaft can be integrally formed with the latch arm hub 1112. The latch arm 1108 can include or be housed within a latch arm housing 1114. While shown as separate components and structures, one or more components of the latch arm 1108, the latch 1110, and / or the latch arm housing 1114 can be formed as an integrated or single component (or some other configuration). That is, the exemplary structural configuration of the latch arm 1108 and associated elements is not intended to be limiting.

[0190] 11A, the anchor system 1100 further includes a recliner hub 1116, a recliner gear 1118, a memory hub 1120, and one or more lamp hubs 1122a, 1122b. The lamp hubs may be arranged as a buffer lamp hub 1122a and a drive lamp hub 1122b. While shown with two lamp hubs, it will be understood that other configurations of fewer or more lamp hubs may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0191] The latch attachment mechanism of this configuration is similar to that shown and described with respect to FIG. 4 and includes a recliner hub 1116, a recliner gear 1118, a memory hub 1120, and one or more lamp hubs 1122a, 1122b. Each of the recliner hub 1116, the recliner gear 1118, the memory hub 1120, and one or more lamp hubs 1122a, 1122b may have a central opening or through-hole through which a hub shaft may extend. Thus, in some embodiments, the recliner hub 1116, the recliner gear 1118, the memory hub 1120, and one or more lamp hubs 1122a, 1122b may be mounted to or supported on a hub shaft. In other embodiments, one or more of these components may be positioned to allow the hub shaft to pass without direct contact or engagement; in some such configurations, the hub shaft may function to ensure alignment of the components but may not provide any other operating function.

[0192] The anchoring system 1100 is configured such that the latch arm 1108 is rotatable or pivotable about an axis (e.g., an axis defined by a hub shaft or an axis passing through the mounting opening 1106). The anchoring system 1100 is configured such that the components of the anchoring system 1100 are secured or mounted within the mounting opening 1106 on the infant car seat 1104 (e.g., the seat shell 1102 and / or associated seat shell rails). The recline gear 1118 is configured as a sliding gear that locks the position of the latch arm 1108 in one or more positions (e.g., four positions). Changing the angular position of the latch arm 1108 changes the recline / tilt of the infant car seat 1104 relative to the vehicle seat, as shown in FIGS. 11B-11C. That is, the anchoring system 1100 is configured to allow adjustment of the reclining angle or orientation of the associated infant car seat 1104. For example, the anchoring system 1100 may be configured to allow rotation about an axis defined by the hub shaft to change the orientation angle of the latch arm 1108 to form at least a first position (e.g., FIG. 11B ) and a second position (e.g., FIG. 11C ), and to lock the system in such an orientation. As shown in FIG. 11B , the first position may be a position in which the infant car seat 1104 may be tilted at a first angle A1. In FIG. 11B , the first angle A1 is shown as 33.3 degrees relative to a plane 1124, which may represent a vehicle seat or the like. As shown in FIG. 11C , the second position may be a position in which the infant car seat 1104 may be tilted at a second angle A2. In FIG. 11C , the second angle A2 is shown as 49.3 degrees relative to the plane 1124. In some embodiments, other positions, such as those between the first and second positions, may be selected and locked to ensure a desired tilt or recline angle. Additionally, in some embodiments, the rotation of the latch arm 1108 may be greater than or exceed the angle of the first and second positions.

[0193] 11B-11C, the infant car seat 1104 includes a seat shell 1102 within which or on which a child can be supported and carried. The infant car seat 1104 includes a carry handle 1128 operably coupled to the seat shell 1102, and is angularly adjustable relative to the seat shell 1102 via an attachment mechanism 1128 that rotatably couples the carry handle 1126 to the seat shell 1102, as described above.

[0194] 12A-12D, there are shown schematic diagrams of the components and operation of an anchoring system 1200 installable in a seat shell 1202 of an infant car seat 1204, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12A shows a portion of an infant car seat 1204 having two anchoring systems 1200 operably coupled to one another by a connecting shaft 1206. The connecting shaft 1206 may be configured such that movement of one anchoring system 1200 causes similar or corresponding movement of the other anchoring system 1200. In this manner, the two anchoring systems 1200 are configured to operate simultaneously due to the connection provided by the connecting shaft 1206. Operation of the anchoring systems 1200 may be effected, at least in part, via a recline actuation handle 1208. The recline actuation handle 1208 may be located remotely from the anchoring systems and operably connected to the anchoring systems via one or more connections, as described herein. The location of the recline actuation handle 1208 may be anywhere on the infant car seat 1204 (e.g., on the seat shell 1202 and / or on the rails and / or seat shell rim of the seat shell 1202). The infant car seat 1204 may include one or more indicators 1210 to indicate the various different angles to which the infant car seat 1204 can be tilted / reclined by operation of the recline actuation handle 1208 and changing the orientation of the anchor system 1200, as shown and described above. The indicators 1210 may be markings, pips, indents, protrusions, letters, etc.

[0195] The components and elements of one anchor system 1200 are shown in FIGS. 12B-12D. Each anchor system 1200 includes a latch arm 1212 having a latch disposed at its distal end. The latch of the latch arm 1212 can be configured to releasably connect or attach to a vehicle anchor system, as described above. The latch arm 1212 includes a latch arm hub 1214 rotatably mounted to a hub shaft. In this configuration, the hub shaft is attached to or is part of the connecting shaft 1206. The anchor system 1200 further includes a recliner hub 1216, a recliner gear 1218, a memory hub 1220, and one or more lamp hubs 1222a, 1222b, as shown in FIG. 12B. The lamp hubs can be configured as a buffer lamp hub 1222a and a drive lamp hub 1222b. Although two lamp hubs are shown, it will be understood that other configurations of fewer or more lamp hubs may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0196] The latch attachment mechanism of this configuration includes a recliner hub 1216, a recliner gear 1218, a memory hub 1220, and one or more lamp hubs 1222a, 1222b, similar to that shown and described above. Each of the recliner hub 1216, the recliner gear 1218, the memory hub 1220, and the one or more lamp hubs 1222a, 1222b may have a central opening or through-hole through which the connecting shaft 1206 may extend. In this manner, in some embodiments, the recliner hub 1216, the recliner gear 1218, the memory hub 1220, and the one or more lamp hubs 1222a, 1222b may be mounted to or supported on the connecting shaft 1206. In other embodiments, one or more of these components may be positioned to permit the connecting shaft 1206 to pass through without direct contact or engagement, and in some such configurations, the connecting shaft 1206 may function to ensure alignment of the components but may not provide any other operating function. The anchoring system 1200 may also include or be operably configured to interface with a locking mechanism 1224 (e.g., similar to that shown and described above with respect to FIGS. 6A-6C, 7, 8A-8C). In this configuration, the locking mechanism 1224 may be operably connected to the recline actuation handle 1208, and / or the recline actuation handle 1208 may be operably connected to the driving ramp hub 1222b to enable selective actuation of the recline / tilt function of the infant car seat 1204. In some configurations, the locking mechanism 1224 may be operated using a first handle or actuator (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7), and operation of the driving ramp hub 1222b may be provided by a second handle or actuator (e.g., the recline actuation handle 1208).

[0197] 12C-12D show cross-sectional views of one of the anchor systems 1200 in a recline-locked state (FIG. 12C) and a recline-unlocked state (FIG. 12D). As shown in FIG. 12C, in the recline-locked state, the recline gear 1218 is engaged with both the recline hub 1216 and the memory hub 1220. In this state, the tilt or recline angle is fixed and cannot be adjusted. To adjust the angle (recline / tilt) of the infant car seat 1204, the anchor system(s) 1200 are operated, such as by the recline actuation handle 1208, which moves the recline gear 1218 so that it disengages from the memory hub 1220 and can be (or can be) rotationally driven by the recline hub 1216, thereby adjusting the tilt / recline angle of the infant car seat 1204.

[0198] As shown in FIG. 12C , in the locked state, the driving lamp hub 1222b is in a first position and the buffer lamp hub 1222a is in substantial contact with the driving lamp hub 1222b. When transitioning to the unlocked state, as shown in FIG. 12D , the driving lamp hub 1222b is rotated, causing one or more ramps 1226 to urge the buffer lamp hub 1222a away from the driving lamp hub 1222b and urge the recliner gear 1218 to disengage from the memory hub 1220. As shown, the buffer lamp hub 1222a may urge the recliner gear 1218 to move by contacting a post 1228 of the recliner gear 1218. It will be understood that in other configurations, the post 1228 may be part of the buffer lamp hub 1222a rather than the recliner gear 1218. Additionally, in some embodiments, the buffer lamp hub 1222a may include one or more lamps that correspond to the lamps 1226 of the drive lamp hub 1222b (eg, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5F).

[0199] 13A-13E, there are shown schematic diagrams of a portion of an infant car seat 1300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The infant car seat 1300 may be configured similarly to those illustrated and described above, particularly those shown in FIGS. 11A-11C and / or 12A-12D. That is, the infant car seat 1300 includes a recline actuation handle 1302 configured to operate the tilt / recline function of the infant car seat 1300. The infant car seat 1300 includes a seat shell 1304 and an anchoring system 1306 (FIG. 13C). The anchoring system 1306 may be configured similarly to one or more of the embodiments illustrated and described above, although only a driving lamp hub 1308 is shown for simplicity and clarity of explanation and illustration. Additionally, the driving ramp hub 1308 includes at least one ramp on the side opposite the side shown, which ramp is configured to engage and / or bias the recliner gear of the anchor system 1306 along the shaft 1310 (e.g., the connecting shaft and / or the hub shaft).

[0200] The recline actuation handle 1302 is operably connected to the anchor system 1306, specifically its drive ramp hub 1308. For example, as shown, there is at least one recline actuation connector 1312 (two are shown, one for each of the two anchor systems 1306 of the infant car seat 1300). The recline actuation connector(s) 1312 may be a wire, cable, strap, or other flexible or semi-flexible element, or may be configured as a fixed or rigid element such as a rod, shaft, or the like. FIGS. 13A-13B show first end connections of the recline actuation connectors 1312, which are connected to the recline actuation handle 1302 by a connector element 1314. In this exemplary and non-limiting configuration, the connector element 1314 is a carriage or carriage configured to move within a slot or track 1316. In this particular configuration, the connector element 1314 is configured to move substantially vertically (e.g., up and down) when a user operates or actuates a recline actuation mechanism, such as the actuation handle 1302. FIG. 13A illustrates the actuation handle 1302 in a normal state, and FIG. 13B illustrates the actuation handle 1302 in an actuated state. As shown, comparing FIGS. 13A and 13B, in the actuated state, the actuation handle 1302 moves upward, which causes the connector element 1314 to move upward along the track 1316. As the connector element 1314 moves upward, it applies a force to the recline actuation connector 1312 (e.g., relative to the seat shell 1304, in the plane of the pages of FIGS. 13A-13B) and pulls it. In some embodiments, as shown, the actuation handle 1302 can pivot such that one end or side of the actuation handle 1302 (e.g., the portion connected to the connector element 1314) moves upward. In this configuration, to ensure the desired pivoting movement, a handle pivot 1318 is provided. The handle pivot 1318 may be a pin, rod, boss, etc. configured to rotate relative to the seat shell 1304.

[0201] 13C , the opposite end of one recliner actuation connector 1312 (e.g., opposite the connection to the connector element 1314) is shown, illustrating its connection to the powered lamp hub 1308. As shown, the recliner actuation connector 1312 engages with, is securely attached to, or is connected to the powered lamp hub 1308. For example, a securing mechanism 1320 provides a connection between the end of the recliner actuation connector 1312 and the powered lamp hub 1308. In this exemplary embodiment, the securing mechanism 1320 comprises a clamp or compression configuration that locks the end of the recliner actuation connector 1312. In other embodiments, the recliner actuation connector 1312 may be attached to the powered lamp hub 1308 by other means or mechanisms, such as fasteners, pin and loop, bonding, adhesive, or threaded connection, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, it will be understood that other mechanisms capable of converting linear motion (e.g., of the actuation handle 1302) to rotational motion (e.g., of the drive lamp hub 1308) may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, in other configurations, the actuation handle may be configured as a knob or dial that, when turned or rotated, causes rotation of the drive lamp hub 1308 via the recline actuation connector 1312.

[0202] 13D-13E, schematic diagrams of one configuration of a connection between a recliner actuation connector 1312 and a driving lamp hub 1308 are shown. FIG. 13D shows a first side view of the driving lamp hub 1308, and FIG. 13E shows a second, opposite side view of the driving lamp hub 1308. One end of the recliner actuation connector 1312 has a locking element 1322 configured to provide secure engagement between the recliner actuation connector 1312 and the driving lamp hub 1308. As shown in FIG. 13D, the first side of the driving lamp hub 1308 includes at least one ramp 1324 configured to be rotated for engagement and to urge the buffer ramp hub 1308 along a shaft or the like (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 12C-12D).

[0203] During actuation of the actuation handle 1302, the connector element 1314 moves upward within the track 1316, pulling the recline actuation connector 1312 upward. As the recline actuation connector 1312 is pulled upward, a force is applied to the driving lamp hub 1308, causing the driving lamp hub 1308 to rotate about the shaft 1310. As the driving lamp hub 1308 rotates, the ramps of the driving lamp hub 1308 interact with the buffer lamp hub, causing the associated anchor system to change from a recline-locked state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12C ) to a recline-unlocked state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12D ). Thus, actuation of the actuation handle 1302 allows for tilt / recline adjustment of the infant car seat 1300.

[0204] 14A-14C, schematic diagrams of a portion of the structure of an infant car seat 1400 having an actuation handle 1402 are shown. The actuation handle 1402 may be similar to that shown and described with respect to FIGS. 13A-13B. As shown, the actuation handle 1402 may be housed within a portion of a seat shell 1404 of the infant car seat 1400. The actuation handle 1402 is pivotable about a handle pivot 1406. The handle pivot 1406 may define a pivot axis about which the actuation handle 1402 may be rotated during manual operation. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14A, the handle pivot 1406 may be located within a slot 1408 (e.g., a slot, channel, recess, saddle, etc.), which is part of the seat shell 1404 or other fixed housing within or part of the seat shell 1404. As mentioned above, the actuation handle 1402 may be operatively connected to a connector element (not shown), such that actuation or movement of the actuation handle 1402 causes movement of the connector element.

[0205] In this configuration, the actuation handle 1402 also includes a storage lock extension 1410. In this non-limiting embodiment, the storage lock extension 1410 is located at the end of the actuation handle 1402 from the handle pivot 1406. The storage lock extension 1410 is an optional feature configured to provide additional functionality. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14B-14C, the storage lock extension 1410 can be configured to interact with a storage lock 1412. The storage lock 1412 is pivotally located within or on the seat shell 1404 and is arranged to rotate or pivot when the actuation handle 1402 is actuated. In the locked state of the storage lock 1412 (FIG. 14B), the storage lock 1412 is arranged to secure a latch arm 1414 of the anchoring system in a storage state. When the actuation handle 1402 is actuated, the storage lock extension 1410 interacts with the storage lock 1412, transitioning it from a locked state (FIG. 14B) to an unlocked state (FIG. 14C). In the unlocked state of the storage lock 1412 (FIG. 14C), the latch arm 1414 is free to detach from the storage state and thus deploy to support the infant car seat 1400 at a desired angle and / or engage the vehicle seat, as described herein.

[0206] 15A-15D, schematic diagrams of an infant car seat 1500 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The infant car seat 1500 of FIGS. 15A-15B is configured with a mechanism for operating a latch of an anchoring system 1502 and / or for operating or transitioning a latch arm 1504 of the anchoring system 1502 between a stowed position and a use position. The anchoring system 1502 of this embodiment includes a latch arm 1504 having a latch at its end, such as those shown and described in (e.g., FIGS. 1B, 4, 9A-9D, etc.), and a memory hub 1506 (and other associated components, such as those shown and described in FIGS. 12C-12D or other embodiments described herein). The memory hub 1506 can be selectively locked in place by a locking mechanism 1508 including a locking plate 1510, as shown and described in (e.g., FIGS. 8A-8C). The locking plate 1510 is configured to pivot about an axis and engage an opening in the memory hub 1506 to lock the memory hub 1506 in an in-use position. The locking plate 1510 is biased toward the locked position by a spring or other biasing mechanism. Figure 15A shows the locked position, and Figure 15B shows the unlocked position.

[0207] In this configuration, the rear of the infant car seat 1500 is provided with a release handle 1512 to allow the latch(es) at the end of the latch arm 1504 to disengage from the vehicle seat. As shown, the release handle 1512 is connected to a first release connector 1514. The first release connector 1514 may be configured as a rigid strap, cable, wire, or other flexible or semi-flexible element, or may be a rigid element such as a rod, shaft, or the like. The first release connector 1514 engages a slide connector 1516 via a slide pin connection 1518. The slide connector 1516 may be a rigid structure such as a carriage, cartridge, or structural beam, and is configured to slide in a direction between the front and rear ends of the infant car seat 1500. The slide connector 1516 is connected to a locking plate connector 1520 and a second release connector 1522. The second release connector 1522 may be configured as a cable, flexible strap, or the like, having one end extending from the slide connector 1516 to a latch at the end of the latch arm 1504. The locking plate connector 1520 is connected to the locking plate 1510. When the handle 1512 is pulled, the first release connector 1514 is pulled in a direction toward the rear of the infant car seat 1500. In some configurations, and as shown in FIG. 15B , the first release connector 1514 may be pulled along a plane or line that is angled relative to the line or plane defined by the slide connector 1516.

[0208] According to this embodiment and configuration, the sliding connector 1516 is constrained to slide along a different plane than the first release connector 1514. When the first release connector 1514 is pulled by actuation of the handle 1512, the first release connector 1514 slides the sliding connector 1516 along the associated line / plane. The sliding connector 1516 then pulls the second release connector 1522, releasing the latch at the end of the latch arm 1504 from the vehicle seat. The sliding connector 1516 is also configured to pull the lock plate connector 1520 connected to the lock plate 1510. This movement of the lock plate connector 1520 forces the lock plate 1510 to pivot to the unlocked position (e.g., shown in FIG. 15B ). This allows the latch arm(s) 1504 to freely pivot to the retracted position.

[0209] 15C illustrates the structure of the locking plate connector 1520. The locking plate connector 1520 can be a rigid member, a semi-rigid / semi-flexible member, or a flexible member. A first end of the locking plate connector 1520 is provided with a first connecting end 1524 configured to connect to the slide connector 1516. A second, opposite end of the locking plate connector 1520 is provided with a second connecting end 1526 configured to connect to the locking plate 1510.

[0210] 15D illustrates the structure of the slide connector 1516. The slide connector 1516 is a rigid structure having a first end 1528 connected to the first release connector 1514 and an opposite second end 1530 connected to the lock plate connector 1520 and the second release connector 1522. As shown, the slide connector 1516 includes a pin connector 1532 at the first end 1528, the pin connector 1532 having an opening 1534 defined by the pin connector 1532. The opening 1534 of the pin connector 1532 is configured to receive a pin or other structure of the first release connector 1514. In this manner, the first release connector 1514 can be configured to be movably connected to the slide connector 1516 at the first end 1528 of the slide connector 1516. The slide connector 1516 includes a lock plate connection portion 1536 at a second end 1530 that attaches to the first connection end 1524 (e.g., shown in FIG. 15C ) of the lock plate connector 1520. Additionally, the slide connector 1516 includes a latch release connection portion 1538 at the second end 1530 that engages and attaches to the second release connector 1522. In this manner, sliding movement of the slide connector 1516, as caused by a force applied by the first release connector 1514 at the first end 1528, pulls or actuates both the lock plate connector 1520 and the second release connector 1522 rearward, thereby enabling the lock plate 1510 to unlock and the latches at the ends of the latch arms 1504 to unlock.

[0211] 16A-16E, schematic diagrams of an anchoring system 1600 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The anchoring system 1600 may be similar to those illustrated and described above. For example, the anchoring system 1600 is mounted to a seat shell 1602 and includes a latch arm 1604 extending from a latch arm hub and having a latch 1604a at its end for selectively engaging the vehicle seat. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the anchoring system 1600 includes a memory hub 1606 (shown in FIG. 16E) and other components not shown in FIGS. 16A-16E for clarity but illustrated and described above. In this configuration, the memory hub 1606 is rotatably disposed relative to the seat shell 1602. The anchoring system 1600 may further include various elements not shown, such as a lamp hub, an actuator, a switch, a connector, a link, etc. As shown, a locking mechanism 1608 is provided to interface with the anchoring system 1600.

[0212] The locking mechanism 1608 includes a locking plate 1610 having locking teeth and a lock biasing element 1612. The locking plate 1610 is pivotally coupled to the seat shell 1602. The locking plate 1610 is operably connected between a release handle and the anchor system 1600. In some configurations, actuation of the release handle pivots the locking plate 1610, disengaging the locking plate 1610 from the memory hub 1606. A mechanism may also be provided that releases the latch arm 1604 to move between the storage position ( FIG. 16A ) and the use position ( FIG. 16C ). The memory hub 1606 may be configured to move with the latch arm 1604 as it is moved between the storage position and the use position. The memory hub 1606 is configured to allow the tilt angle of the latch arm 1604 to be set relative to the seat shell 1602, as shown and described above. The locking mechanism 1608 further includes a toggle 1614 similar to that shown and described above with respect to Figures 8A-8C. The locking mechanism 1608 may be operable via a locking plate connector 1616, which may be configured similar to that shown in Figures 8A-8C or 15A-15B, for example, or variations thereof.

[0213] The lock biasing element 1612 is configured to bias the lock plate 1610 toward the locked position (shown in FIG. 16C ). In the locked position, the locking teeth of the lock plate 1610 engage a portion of the memory hub 1606 to rotationally fix the position of the memory hub 1606, as described above. As shown in FIG. 16E , the memory hub 1606 includes a locking feature 1618 and a switching feature 1620. The locking feature 1618 is configured to accommodate a portion of the lock plate 1610 (e.g., the locking teeth), and the switching feature 1620 is configured to accommodate and / or interact with the toggle 1614. In operation, when the lock plate 1610 is unlocked by operation of the lock plate connector 1616, the toggle 1614 pivots to the active position. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the toggle 1614 is biased toward the active position by a spring or other biasing element. When the toggle 1614 is in the active position (FIG. 16A), the locking plate 1610 is prevented from engaging the locking feature 1618 on the memory hub 1606. In the active position, the toggle 1614 extends into contact with the surface of the memory hub 1606, preventing the locking teeth of the locking plate 1610 from seating within the locking feature 1618. In such a state, the latch arm 1604 is free to pivot to the stowed or retracted position (FIG. 16A).

[0214] In the locked state ( FIG. 16C ), the locking teeth of the locking plate 1610 engage the locking features 1618, locking the memory hub 1606 to the seat shell 1602, such as in the use or deployed position shown in FIG. 16C . When it is desired to move the latch arm 1604 from the deployed state (e.g., FIG. 16C ) to the stowed state (e.g., FIG. 16A ), the locking mechanism 1608 can be operated to unlock the locking teeth from the locking features 1618 of the memory hub 1606. Activation or operation of the locking mechanism 1608 can be performed by pulling the locking plate connector 1616 (e.g., by a handle, a sliding connector, etc., as described above).

[0215] When the locking mechanism 1608 is actuated and the locking teeth disengage from the memory hub 1606, the latch arm 1604 is free to rotate (e.g., between the deployed and retracted positions). In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 1608 includes a toggle 1614 to prevent the locking mechanism 1608 from automatically re-engaging with the memory hub 1606. For example, after a release handle is actuated to actuate the locking mechanism 1608, the toggle 1614 rotates to block the locking plate 1610 from re-engaging with the memory hub 1606, thereby allowing the latch arm 1604 to pivot to the retracted position without re-actuating the release handle. Once the latch arm 1604 is rotated to a desired position (e.g., the retracted position shown in FIG. 16A ), a user can actuate the release handle and / or the toggle 1614 to re-engage the locking teeth of the locking plate 1610 with the locking feature 1618 of the memory hub 1606 and lock the latch arm 1604 in the retracted position. A similar action may release the latch arm 1604 from the stowed state and allow it to transition to the deployed state. The memory hub 1606 may be configured so that a particular orientation of the latch arm 1604 in the deployed state is set and not adjusted during transition from the deployed state to the stowed state, thus providing a memory or ability to return to a particular angle in the deployed state without having to be adjusted each time the latch arm 1604 is deployed. For example, as shown, the seat shell 1602 may be provided with one or more indicators 1622 to indicate various tilt or recline angles of the infant car seat.

[0216] As shown in FIGS. 16B-16D, the anchor system 1600 is shown in various usable positions, with the latch arm 1604 and associated latch 1604a of the anchor system 1600 movable and / or operable to engage with a vehicle seat anchor or the like. In contrast, for example, FIG. 16A shows the anchor system 1600 in a stowed position. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the anchor system 1600 is configured to be locked or secured in a use position or a stowed position based on the user's preference and the particular condition or use of the infant car seat. The release handle may be operably coupled to a locking mechanism 1608, such as by a locking plate connector 1616, for selective operation of the anchor system 1600, e.g., locking the anchor system 1600 in the use position (FIGS. 16B-16D) and / or the stowed position (FIG. 16A). In the use position of the latch arm 1604, the latch arm 1604 is selectively securable relative to the seat shell 1602 at two or more angles, such as angles designated or indicated by one or more indicators 1622. The anchoring system 1600 may include a memory hub 1606 configured to allow the recline angle of the infant car seat to be set based on two or more angles to which the memory hub 1606 may be set.

[0217] 17A-17E, a schematic diagram of an infant car seat 1700 and its components according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The infant car seat 1700 may incorporate the features illustrated and described above. In this exemplary embodiment, the infant car seat 1700 includes an anchoring system 1702, which includes a latch arm 1704 having a latch at its end for engaging a vehicle seat. The anchoring system 1702 may be configured similarly to one or more of the above-described embodiments. For example, and without limitation, the anchoring system 1702 may be similar to that illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 15A-15D, although other configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The anchoring system 1702 may be operable, at least in part, by operation of a release handle 1706.

[0218] In this embodiment, the infant car seat 1700 further includes a stroller attachment mechanism 1708. The stroller attachment mechanism 1708 includes a connection element 1710, such as a tab or protrusion, that can extend outward from a side of a seat shell 1712 of the infant car seat 1700. The connection element 1710 can be configured to extend from the seat shell and, in some configurations, can be selectively retracted into the seat shell 1712. FIG. 17B shows the connection element 1710 in an extended or in-use state, in which the connection element 1710 can engage a lip, rim, or other structure of the stroller, thereby holding the infant car seat 1700 in place relative to the stroller. To remove the infant car seat 1700 from the stroller, the connection element 1710 must be retracted to disengage it from the stroller structure.

[0219] The connection element 1710 is configured to be biased toward a locked or extended position (FIGS. 17A-17B). In the locked or extended position, the connection element 1710 protrudes from the exterior surface of the seat shell 1712 and can engage one or more features on a stroller or other device, structure, system, or assembly. The connection element 1710 includes or is attached to a first actuation tab 1714. The first actuation tab 1714 is configured to act to pull the connection element 1710 into the seat shell 1712 and disengage it from the structure of the stroller or other system. In this configuration, the first actuation tab 1714 is configured to interact with a portion of a release connector 1717 (e.g., similar to the first release connector 1514 of FIGS. 15A-15B). In this configuration, the release connector 1716 includes a second actuation tab 1718 disposed along the length of the release connector 1716. The position of the second actuation tab 1718 is positioned to align with the first actuation tab 1714, and movement of the second actuation tab 1718 caused by operation or movement of the release connector 1716 causes the second actuation tab 1718 to interact with the first actuation tab 1714. Movement of the release connector 1716 can be caused by manual operation of the release handle 1706. For example, when the release handle 1706 is pulled rearward (e.g., outward from the rear of the infant car seat 1700), the release connector 1716 moves rearward and the second actuation tab 1718 contacts and biases the first actuation tab 1714 inward (against the normal biasing force), thereby allowing the infant car seat to be released from a stroller or the like ( FIG. 17C ).

[0220] 17B-17C and as described above, the configuration of the infant car seat 1700 may be similar to other embodiments described herein. For example, the release handle 1706 is operably coupled to a sliding connector 1720, which in turn is connected to one or more additional components (e.g., as shown and described in FIGS. 15A-15D).

[0221] Referring to FIG. 17D, a schematic diagram of a release connector 1716 is shown. The release connector 1716 shown in FIG. 17D may represent one configuration of the first release connector 1514 shown in FIGS. 15A-15B, although such embodiments may have a first release connector with a different arrangement and / or configuration. As shown in FIG. 17D, the release connector 1716 includes a first connecting end 1722 at a first end 1724 and a second connecting end 1726 at a second end 1728 opposite the first end 1724. The first connecting end 1722 of the release connector 1716 may be configured to be attached to the handle 1706 or may be configured to be operably connected to the handle 1706. The second connecting end 1726 may be configured to be attached to the slide connector 1720. A second actuation tab 1718 is provided between the first end 1724 and the second end 1728. As noted above, the location of the second actuation tab 1718 is selected to ensure alignment and engagement with the first actuation tab 1714 of the connecting element 1710 during movement of the release connector 1716.

[0222] FIG. 17E illustrates a connection element 1710. As shown, the connection element 1710 includes a body 1730 that is positioned to fit within a corresponding opening formed in the seat shell 1712 and configured to slide along such opening between an extended position (FIGS. 17A-17B) and a retracted position (FIG. 17C). A locking projection 1732 extends from the body 1730 and is configured for engagement with or contact with a portion of a stroller or other device, assembly, system, or the like. The body 1730 also includes a first actuation tab 1714 extending from a surface of the body 1730. The positioning of the first actuation tab 1714 is provided to ensure interlocking operation with a second actuation tab 1718 of the release connector 1716. When second actuation tab 1718 contacts first actuation tab 1714, body 1730 is biased from the extended state (FIGS. 17A-17B) to the retracted state (FIG. 17C).

[0223] 18A-18B, there is shown a schematic diagram of an infant car seat 1800 and stroller frame 1802 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The infant car seat 1800 may be similar to one or more of the embodiments described above and includes one or more anchoring systems 1804 for securing the infant car seat 1800 to a vehicle seat, as shown and described above. The stroller frame 1802 is a structural configuration having a stroller handle 1806, one or more frame body elements 1808 and associated wheels 1810.

[0224] As shown in FIG. 18B, the infant car seat 1800 includes a seat shell 1812 similar to that illustrated and described above. In this configuration, the infant car seat 1800 and anchoring system 1804 are configured to releasably attach to a stroller frame 1802. The anchoring system 1804 includes a structure and arrangement similar to that illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 17A-17D, having a handle 1814 operably connected to a latch arm 1816 by a release connector (e.g., release connector 1716) having at least an actuation tab (e.g., second actuation tab 1718) configured to interact with a connection element 1816 (e.g., connection element 1710). As shown in FIG. 18B, the connection element 1816 extends outwardly from the seat shell 1812 and engages a stroller stop structure 1818. The stroller stop structure 1818 is configured to receive a connection element 1816 (or similar structure) to securely attach the infant car seat 1800 to the stroller frame 1802. The handle 1814 can be actuated or operated by a user to retract the connection element 1816 (or multiple connection elements) to allow the infant car seat 1800 to be removed from the stroller frame 1802, for example, for transport and / or installation in a vehicle.

[0225] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an infant car seat may be directly and securely attached to a vehicle seat, a stroller frame, and a base or similar structure. In the above description and exemplary configurations, the disclosed configurations were directed to a seat shell or its rails resting directly on the vehicle seat. While this may improve ease of use and operation and reduce or limit the number of components in an infant car seat system, it may be advantageous to use a base or similar structure with an infant car seat described herein. In such a configuration, the base may be installed on the vehicle seat, and the infant car seat may be installed on the base and releasably positioned to be supported on the base.

[0226] For example, referring now to Figures 19A-19D, a schematic diagram of an infant car seat 1900 and associated base 1902 is shown. The infant car seat 1900 may be similar to one or more of the above-described embodiments or variations thereof. The infant car seat 1900 includes a seat shell 1904 having rails 1906a, 1906b, anchoring systems 1908a, 1908b, associated actuation handles 1910, and a carry handle 1912. The actuation handle 1910 and / or the carry handle 1912 may be configured to enable operation of the anchoring systems 1908a, 1908b as illustrated and described above. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the infant car seat 1900 may include various features, structures, and components illustrated and described above, variations thereof, and / or other components, features, etc.

[0227] FIG. 19B shows the underside of the infant car seat 1900. As shown, the infant car seat 1900 includes one or more seat connectors 1914a, 1914b. The seat connectors 1914a, 1914b are configured to engage with or be received by a locking mechanism of the base 1902. One of the seat connectors 1914a, 1914b (e.g., the front seat connector 1914a) can be configured as part of the anchoring system 1908a, 1908b. For example, the front seat connector 1914a can be positioned to function as a hub shaft and / or a connecting shaft (e.g., shafts 508, 536 in FIGS. 5A-5F). The seat connectors 1914a, 1914b can be rods, tubes, shafts, axles, or other structures that can be structural support elements or positioned for connection to the base 1902 or similar types of connections. In some configurations, the seat connectors 1914a, 1914b may provide structural support (e.g., support side rails, resist external compression, etc.) to the structure of the infant car seat 1900. Additionally, while two seat connectors are shown, it will be understood that other infant car seats according to the present disclosure may have a single seat connector or more than two seat connectors without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0228] FIG. 19C shows a view of a base 1902 configured to receive and securely mount an infant car seat 1900. The base 1902 may be configured to be installable on a vehicle seat or other structure, vehicle, etc., or may be attached to the infant car seat 1900 to provide a flat base / surface. The base 1902 includes a first rail channel 1916a and a second rail channel 1916b. The rail channels 1916a, 1916b are sized, shaped, contoured, and / or otherwise configured to receive the rails 1906a, 1906b of the infant car seat 1900. The rail channels 1916a, 1916b are defined, in part, by a rim 1918 of a base body 1920. The rail channels 1916a, 1916b are also separated by an internal structure of the base 1902, which includes a seat belt locking mechanism 1922 and one or more sets or pairs of base connectors 1924a, 1924b. While shown as a pair, in other configurations, the base connectors may be configured as a single base connector, or more than two may be provided in a given set, and / or a combination of one or more base connectors may be provided to releasably receive the seat connectors 1914a, 1914b of the infant car seat 1900. The base connectors may be configured as plates, hooks, latches, or other structures that provide the functionality described herein; therefore, the exemplary configurations and structures are not intended to be limiting, but rather for purposes of illustration and description. The operation of the base connectors 1924a, 1924b is described in more detail herein.

[0229] As shown in Figure 19D, a side cross-sectional view shows the infant car seat 1900 seated and attached to the base 1902. As shown, the front seat connectors 1914a are locked by one or more respective front base connectors 1924a. Similarly, the rear seat connectors 1914b are locked by one or more respective rear base connectors 1924b. The base connectors 1924a, 1924b can be simultaneously operated by a single base handle 1926. That is, the base handle 1926 can be configured to release connections or couplings between the base 1902 and the infant car seat 1900 at multiple attachment points with a single operation.

[0230] As shown in FIGS. 19A-19D, the infant car seat 1900 is connected to the base 1902 via two seat connectors 1914a, 1914b and two sets of base connectors 1924a, 1924b. The seat connectors 1914a, 1914b may be rigidly fixed to the seat shell 1904 of the infant car seat 1900, and the base connectors 1924a, 1924b are connected to or are part of the base 1902. The base connectors 1924a, 1924b can each pivot about an axis and are biased toward a latched position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19D). When the infant car seat 1900 is placed on the base 1902, the base connectors 1924a, 1924b engage the seat connectors 1914a, 1914b, retaining the infant car seat 1900 to the base 1902. The base 1902 includes a base handle 1926 that acts as a release mechanism that pushes the base connectors 1924a, 1924b to an unlatched position, thereby releasing the seat connectors 1914a, 1914b and allowing the infant car seat 1900 to be removed from the base 1902.

[0231] 20A-20C, schematic diagrams of a base 2000 and its features for use with an infant car seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The base 2000 may be similar to the base shown in FIGS. 19A-19D and may be configured to receive and securely attach an infant car seat according to one or more of the embodiments and / or variations thereof described herein. In FIG. 20A, the base 2000 is shown largely in phantom lines, and structural features of the base body 2002 of the base 2000 may be omitted from this discussion. However, the base body 2002 of the base 2000 may have a substantially similar structure or configuration (e.g., including rail channels for receiving the rails of the infant car seat) as the base body 1920 of the base 1902 shown in FIG. 19C.

[0232] The base body 2002 can be a structural shell or assembly that includes a seat retention assembly 2004. The seat retention assembly 2004 is configured to allow a user to selectively secure and / or release an infant car seat from the base 2000. In this exemplary configuration, the seat retention assembly 2004 includes a release handle 2006, four base connectors 2008a-d, four base connector housings 2010a-d associated with each base connector 2008a-d, and two base connector actuators 2012a-b, with each base connector actuator 2012a-b associated with two base connector housings 2010a-d. Each of the base connectors 2008a-d is connected to or located within a respective base connector housing 2010a-d, and the base connector housings 2010a-d are rigidly or fixedly connected to the base body 2002. The release handle 2006 is movably connected to the base body 2002 and is arranged to pivot about an axis and / or relative to the base body 2002. Base connector actuators 2012a-b are connected to the release handle 2006. The base connector actuators 2012a-b extend from the release handle 2006, through the base body 2002, and through their respective base connector housings 2010a-d. According to some embodiments, the base connector actuators 2012a-b may be slidably restrained by respective openings in the base connector housings 2010a-d. The base connector actuators 2012a-b may include features that engage with the base connectors 2008a-d. When the release handle 2006 is actuated, the release handle 2006 pulls the base connector actuators 2012a-b. The base connector actuators 2012a-b slide through the base connector housings 2010a-d and pivot the base connectors 2008a-d to an unlatched position.

[0233] 20B-20C, schematic diagrams of a portion of the seat retention assembly 2004 are shown. In FIGS. 20B-20C, the release handle 2006 is shown connected to a base connector actuator 2012 (representative of base connector actuators 2012a-b). The base connector actuator 2012 may be configured as a rod, shaft, or other rigid structure, or may be a strap, band, cable, or other flexible or semi-flexible structure. The base connector actuator 2012 extends from the release handle 2006 and extends through the base connector housing 2010 (representative of base connector housings 2010a-d) to cause actuation or movement of the base connector 2008 (representative of base connectors 2008a-d). FIG. 20B shows the base connector 2008 in a locked state, and FIG. 20C shows the base connector 2008 in a released state. The base connector 2008 is normally biased to the locked state (FIG. 20B). For example, a base connector biasing element 2014 may be provided within or as part of the base connector housing 2010 and is positioned to normally bias the base connector 2008 toward the locked state. Actuation of the release handle 2006 may overcome the biasing force of the base connector biasing element 2014, thereby transitioning the base connector 2008 from the locked state to the released state.

[0234] In this non-limiting example configuration, release of the base connector 2008 from the locked position may be achieved by interaction between the base connector actuator 2012 and the base connector 2008. For example, as shown, the base connector actuator 2012 may include a base connector actuation member 2016 that is integrally formed with or fixedly attached to the base connector actuator 2012. The base connector actuation member 2016 may be a housing or structure extending from the base connector actuator 2012. The base connector actuation member 2016 may be disposed within and relative to the base connector housing 2010 and may be configured to receive a base connector extension 2018 of the base connector 2008. The base connector 2008 and the base connector extension 2018 may be integral or part of a single piece (e.g., a flat molded plate) and may be pivotable about a pivot axis 2020. Thus, when the release handle 2006 is operated, the base connector actuator 2012 is moved (e.g., to the left on the page of the drawing) and the base connector actuation member 2016 interacts with the base connector extension 2018 to rotate the base connector 2008 from a locked state to a released state.

[0235] The base connector 2008 is shaped to lock and securely retain the connection tube of the infant car seat (e.g., as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 19A-19D ). The base connector 2008 is normally biased to a locked state so that, when installing the infant car seat, the user presses downward, causing the seat connector of the infant car seat to overcome the biasing force of the base connector biasing element 2014 and become locked and secured by the base connector 2008. That is, once the biasing force is overcome, the base connector 2008 rotates and moves out of the way, allowing the seat connector to drop or mate into the latch locking area 2022. Once the connection tube is located within the latch locking area 2022, the base connector 2008 is biased back to the locked state by the biasing force of the base connector biasing element 2014, thereby locking the connection tube within the latch locking area 2022. To release the infant car seat from engagement with the base 2000, a user operates the release handle 2006, which operates the base connectors 2008 to transition them from a locked state to a released state and allow the infant car seat to be removed. In some embodiments, the base connector housing 2010 can include an auxiliary release mechanism, for example, a spring-loaded element for applying an upward force, such that when the base connector 2008 is moved to the released state by operation of the release handle 2006, the auxiliary release mechanism can apply an upward force to the seat connector, pushing it upward to assist the user in separating the infant car seat from the base 2000. While the base connector actuation member 2016 is shown integrally formed with or attached to the base connector actuator 2012, such a configuration is not limiting. For example, in other embodiments, the base connector extension may be directly coupled to the base connector actuator.

[0236] 21-24C, there are shown schematic diagrams of an anchoring system 2100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 23A-23C show the anchoring system 2100 in an unlocked state (e.g., a stowed position), and Figures 24A-24C show the anchoring system 2100 in a locked state (e.g., a use position). It should be understood that the term "use position," as used herein, is intended to describe any position of the latch arm 2110 in which the latch 2112 can be connected to the vehicle anchoring system while the infant car seat is installed relative to the vehicle seat in any manner suitable for carrying a child.

[0237] The anchoring system 2100 may be similar to that shown and described with respect to Figures 3, 4, and 5A-5F, with additional or alternative features and / or operation as described herein. The anchoring system 2100 is disposed within and operatively coupled to the seat shell 2102 of the infant car seat 2104. The infant car seat 2104 may be arranged and configured as shown and described above, or may be of other shapes, configurations, or arrangements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0238] The anchor system 2100 includes a latch arm 2110 having a latch 2112 or connecting end disposed at its distal end. The latch 2112 may be configured to releasably connect to or attach to a vehicle anchor system such as those described above. The latch arm 2110 includes a latch arm hub 2114 rotatably mounted on a hub shaft 2116. In some embodiments, the hub shaft 2116 may be integrally formed with the latch arm hub 2114. The anchor system 2100 may further include a latch attachment mechanism 2120 having a recliner hub 2122, a recliner gear 2124, a memory hub 2126, and one or more ramp hubs 2128. The recliner gear 2124 may be disposed within and / or between the recliner hub 2122 and the memory hub 2126. As described in more detail below, in this configuration, the memory hub 2126 is rotatably disposed relative to the seat shell 2102 between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The anchor system 2100 may further include various elements not shown, such as a lamp hub, actuators, switches, connectors, links, etc.

[0239] The recliner hub 2122, the recliner gear 2124, the memory hub 2126, and the one or more lamp hubs 2128 may each have a central opening or through-hole through which the hub shaft 2116 extends. As such, in some embodiments, the recliner hub 2122, the recliner gear 2124, the memory hub 2126, and the one or more lamp hubs 2128 may be mounted on or supported by the hub shaft 2116. In other embodiments, one or more of these components may be positioned to allow the hub shaft 2116 to pass through without direct contact or engagement; in some such configurations, the hub shaft 2116 may function to ensure alignment of the components but may not provide any other operating function.

[0240] The anchor system 2100 is configured such that the latch arm 2110 can rotate or pivot about an axis (e.g., defined by the hub shaft 2116). Similarly, as previously described, the recliner gear 2124 can be configured as a sliding gear that locks the position of the latch arm 2110 in one or more positions. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the anchor system 2100 can be divided into two degrees of freedom. For example, a first degree of freedom is formed by axial movement of a recliner gear mechanism (e.g., the recliner gear 2124) within the anchor system 2100, which locks the angular position of the recliner hub 2122 and latch arm 2110 relative to the memory hub 2126. In one embodiment, a second degree of freedom is formed by the memory hub 2126 being rotatably mounted relative to the seat shell 2102. The recliner hub 2122 can be positionally locked to the memory hub 2126 by the recliner gear 2124 so that when the memory hub 2126 rotates, the recliner hub 2122 rotates with it.

[0241] The latch attachment mechanism 2120 of the exemplary and non-limiting embodiment includes a memory hub 2126, a first lamp hub 2128a, and a second lamp hub 2128b, as described above. As with one or more of the embodiments previously described herein, rotation of the second lamp hub 2128b triggers actuation or operation of the anchor system 2100. Rotation of the second lamp hub 2128b can be caused by a recliner actuator (not shown). The recliner gear 2124 can be biased toward a locked state by a hub biasing element 2125 disposed between the recliner gear 2124 and the memory hub 2126. When the recliner actuator is actuated, rotation of the second lamp hub 2128b axially biases the first lamp hub 2128a toward the recliner hub 2122, disengaging the recliner gear 2124 from the memory hub 2126 via the post 2127 and fully engaging the recliner hub 2122. During this transition, the hub biasing element 2125 is compressed between the recliner gear 2124 and the recliner hub 2122. As such, the latch arm 2110 is free to rotate relative to the memory hub 2126 and, therefore, relative to the seat shell 2102. Once the latch arm 2110 is in the desired position, the hub biasing element 2125 biases the recliner gear 2124 to re-engage with the memory hub 2126, thereby locking the latch arm 2110 in the desired position.

[0242] A cartridge or housing 2130 having a cavity 2132 formed therein may be mounted within the infant car seat 2104, such as within the seat shell rails 2106. Portions of the latch attachment mechanism 2120, such as the memory hub 2126, the first lamp hub 2128a, and the second lamp hub 2128b, are disposed within the cavity 2132 (see FIGS. 21 and 22). In one embodiment, the memory hub 2126 is rotatable relative to the cartridge 2130, and thus relative to the seat shell 2102, between a first retracted or stored position (FIGS. 23A-23C) and a second extended or use position (FIGS. 24A-24C). As shown, a protrusion 2140, such as a tab, may extend radially outward from the periphery of the memory hub 2126. In such an embodiment, when the memory hub 2126 is in the retracted position, the protrusion 2140 may abut against a first side wall 2142 of the cartridge 2130, and when the memory hub 2126 is in the extended position, the protrusion 2140 may abut against a second side wall 2144 of the cartridge 2130.

[0243] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the angular position of the recliner hub 2122 relative to the memory hub 2126 remains substantially constant while the memory hub 2126 transitions from the retracted position to the extended position. For example, when the memory hub 2126 is locked in the extended position (FIGS. 24B-C), the recliner hub 2122, latch arm hub 2114, and latch arm 2110 may be in the same reclined position as during the previous or last use. Thus, the recliner hub 2122, and thus the latch arm 2110, may be positionally locked to the memory hub 2126 by the recliner gear 2124, so that when the memory hub 2126 rotates, the recliner hub 2122 and latch arm 2110 rotate with it, and when the memory hub 2126 is locked, the recliner hub 2122 and latch arm 2110 are locked together.

[0244] Similarly, in one embodiment, the first lamp hub 2128a and the second lamp hub 2128b may be rotatable together with the memory hub 2126 about the axis of the hub shaft 2116 relative to the cartridge 2130. However, the first lamp hub 2128a and the second lamp hub 2128b may also be rotatable about the hub axis independently of the memory hub 2126, thereby enabling the recliner gear 2124 to transform between engaged and disengaged states as described above.

[0245] The memory hub 2126 can be rotationally locked to the cartridge 2130 and seat shell 2102 in the extended position by a locking mechanism 2150. In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the locking mechanism 2150 includes a locking plate 2152 movably mounted to the cartridge 2130. As shown, the locking plate 2152 can axially align with a corresponding opening 2154 formed in the cartridge 2130. The body of the memory hub 2126 can have a locking groove or recess 2156 formed therein that can receive at least a portion of the locking plate 2152. In one embodiment, when the memory hub 2126 is in the extended position, the locking recess 2156 aligns with the opening 2154, and the biasing force of a locking plate biasing mechanism 2158 operably coupled to the locking plate 2152 biases the locking plate 2152 into engagement with the locking recess 2156 of the memory hub 2126 through the opening 2154. This engagement limits rotation of the memory hub 2126 about its axis, thereby locking the memory hub 2126 in the extended position.

[0246] The locking plate 2152 may be connected to a release actuator, such as a release handle 2170 ( FIGS. 23C and 25 ), such as disposed at the rear of the seat shell 2102 (e.g., for manual operation). In some configurations, such a release handle 2170 may also be coupled to a mechanism that disengages the latch arm 2110 from the vehicle anchor. When such a release handle 2170 is actuated, the release handle 2170 pulls the locking plate 2152, for example, via a tension member or cable 2172, against the biasing force of the locking plate biasing mechanism 2158 and out of the locking recess 2156 formed in the memory hub 2126. When the locking plate 2152 disengages from the memory hub 2126, the memory hub is free to rotate (e.g., from one position to another). Thus, operation of the release actuator unlocks the memory hub 2126.

[0247] 23C and 24C, a biasing mechanism 2160, such as a coil spring, is operably coupled to the memory hub 2126. As shown, a portion of the biasing mechanism 2160, such as an end thereof, may be connected to the protrusion 2140 such that a load is applied to the biasing mechanism 2160 as the memory hub 2126 is rotated from the retracted position to the extended position about the hub axis. The biasing force of the biasing mechanism 2160 resists the load applied to it by the rotation of the memory hub 2126 to the extended position.

[0248] A user or caregiver can actuate the release handle to disengage the latch arm 2110 from the vehicle anchor. Alternatively, or additionally, actuation of the release handle applies a force to the lock plate 2152, thereby moving the lock plate 2152 out of engagement with the memory hub 2126 against the biasing force of the lock plate biasing mechanism 2158. Once the lock plate 2152 is disengaged from the memory hub 2126, the memory hub 2126, recliner hub 2122, recliner gear 2124, latch arm hub 2114, and latch arm 2110 can be rotated in combination to a desired angular position, such as a stored position and / or a retracted position.

[0249] The engagement between the locking plate 2152 and the memory hub 2126 holds the memory hub in the extended position against the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 2160. When the locking plate 2152 disengages from the memory hub 2126, the memory hub 2126, and thus the recliner hub 2122, latch arm hub 2114, and latch arm 2110, which are coupled to the memory hub 2126 by the recliner gear 2124, are automatically biased from the extended position to the retracted position. Thus, operation of the release handle not only disengages the locking plate 2152 from the memory hub 2126, but also automatically rotates the memory hub 2126 and the remainder of the anchor system 2100 from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0250] 26-31B, a base 2600 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The base 2600 may be similar to the base shown in FIGS. 19A-19D and 20A-20D and may be configured to receive and securely attach an infant car seat according to one or more embodiments and / or variations thereof described herein. The base body 2602 of the base 2600 may have a substantially similar structure or configuration to the base body 1920 of the base 1902 shown in FIG. 19C (e.g., including rail channels for receiving the rails of the infant car seat).

[0251] The base body 2602 can be a structural shell or assembly that includes a seat retention assembly 2604. The seat retention assembly 2604 is configured to allow a user to selectively secure and / or release an infant car seat from the base 2600. The seat retention assembly 2604 includes at least one base connector 2608, which in this exemplary and non-limiting configuration includes four base connectors 2608a-d, each having a corresponding base connector housing 2610. Each base connector 2608 is connected to or located within a respective base connector housing 2610, which in turn is rigidly or fixedly connected to the base body 2602. When in a locked state, the base connectors 2608 are configured to secure and retain a corresponding seat connector 2616 of an infant car seat 2614 to the base 2600. The seat retention assembly 2604 may additionally include two base connector actuators 2612, each base connector actuator 2012 having two base connector housings 2010 associated therewith.

[0252] 27, an example of a base connector 2608 is illustrated in more detail. As shown, each base connector 2608 includes a locking plate 2620 that is attached to a corresponding base connector housing 2610 adjacent a latch locking region 2603 formed in the base body 2602. The locking plate 2620 has a first portion 2622, e.g., a first end (see FIG. 28A), associated with a base connector actuator 2612 and a second portion 2624, e.g., a second end, engageable with at least one seat connector 2616 ( FIG. 31A ) of an infant car seat 2614. In one embodiment, the second portion 2624 is shaped to lock and securely retain the seat connector 2616 of the infant car seat 2614.

[0253] In the exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the base connector actuator 2612 has an actuator slot 2626 formed therein, and a first portion 2622 of a locking plate 2620 is disposed within the actuator slot 2626. The locking plate 2620 is pivotally mounted to the base connector housing 2610 via a pin 2628 and is rotatable between a locked position ( FIG. 28A ) and an unlocked position ( FIG. 28B ). Rotation of the locking plate 2620 from the locked position to the unlocked position can be driven by engagement of the base connector actuator 2612 with the first portion 2622 of the locking plate 2620.

[0254] As described above, two base connector housings 2610 may be associated with respective base connector actuators 2612. For example, a first base connector, e.g., base connector 2608a, may be associated with a first actuator slot 2626, such as formed in a first end 2630 of the base connector actuator 2612, and a second base connector, e.g., base connector 2608b (not shown in FIG. 27 for clarity), may be associated with a second actuator slot 2626, such as formed in a second, opposite end 2632 of the base connector actuator 2612. The first base connector 2608a and the second base connector 2608b may be spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the base body 2602, such as between a front end 2634 and a rear end 2636 of the base body 2602. Thus, the first base connector 2608a is configured to cooperate with a first seat connector 2616, such as located near the rear 2618 of the infant car seat 2614, and the second base connector 2608 is configured to cooperate with a second seat connector 2616, such as located near the front 2619 of the infant car seat 2614. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the seat retention assembly 2604 includes one or more additional base connector actuators 2612, each of the base connector actuators 2612 having at least one of the first and second base connectors, e.g., base connectors 2608c and 2608d, associated therewith.

[0255] Each base connector actuator 2612 may be movable to unlock its associated base connector 2608 via operation of a release actuator 2640, such as a handle. In one embodiment, the release actuator 2640 is movably connected to the base body 2602, and at least one base connector actuator 2612 is operably coupled to the release actuator 2640. For example, the base connector actuator 2612 may extend from the release actuator 2640 through the base body 2602 and the base connector housings 2610 of each of the first and second base connectors 2608 a and 2608 b. According to some embodiments, the base connector actuators 2612 may be slidably constrained by each of the respective base connector housings 2610. When the release actuator 2640 is actuated, for example by application of a force, the release actuator 2640 transmits the force to the base connector actuator 2612, causing the base connector actuator 2612 to slide or translate. This movement pivots the locking plate 2620 of the base connector 2608 to an unlocked position as a result of the locking plate 2620 engaging the corresponding base connector actuator 2612 .

[0256] The base connector 2608, and specifically its locking plate 2620, may be normally biased to the locked state. For example, a base connector biasing element (not shown) may be provided within or as part of the base connector housing 2610 and positioned to normally bias the locking plate 2620 to the locked state. Operation of the release actuator 2640 may overcome the biasing force of the base connector biasing element, thereby transitioning the locking plate 2620 of the base connector 2608 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0257] 27 and with further reference to FIGS. 29-30B, in one embodiment, at least one base connector 2608 associated with each base connector actuator 2612 further includes an infant car seat release assembly 2641 operable to deform the locking plate 2620 to the unlocked position. As shown, the infant car seat release assembly 2641 has a drive toggle 2642 selectively operable to move the base connector actuator 2612 and unlock the locking plate 2620 of its associated base connector 2608. In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the base connector 2608 positioned closest to the front end 2634 of the base body 2602 includes the drive toggle 2642.

[0258] The drive toggle 2642 may be mounted within the base connector housing 2610, e.g., the interior of the housing. As shown, the drive toggle 2642 includes a first portion 2644, e.g., a first leg, that is generally disposed adjacent to the base connector actuator 2612 and is movable to engage the base connector actuator 2612. In one embodiment, the base connector actuator 2612 has a rib or protrusion 2646 extending therefrom, and the first portion 2644 is operable to engage and move the base connector actuator 2612. The drive toggle 2642 may further include a second portion 2648, e.g., a second leg, that is disposed at a non-parallel angle relative to the first portion 2644.

[0259] In one embodiment, the drive toggle 2642 is rotatably mounted to the base connector housing 2610 via a pin 2628, such that the drive toggle 2642 and the locking plate 2620 are coaxial. However, embodiments in which the axis of rotation of the drive toggle 2642 is different from the axis of rotation of the locking plate 2620 are also within the scope of this disclosure. The drive toggle 2642 is rotatable about an axis between a first, unactuated position ( FIGS. 29A and 30A ) and a second, actuated position ( FIGS. 29B and 30B ). As the drive toggle 2642 rotates toward the second actuated position, a first portion 2644 of the drive toggle 2642 contacts and applies a force to the base connector actuator 2612, causing the base connector actuator 2612 to translate within the base connector housing 2610. As described above, movement of the base connector actuator 2612 pivots the locking plate 2620 of the base connector 2608 associated with the corresponding base connector actuator 2612 to the unlocked position.

[0260] As shown, the actuation toggle 2650 of the infant car seat release assembly 2641 may be mounted to the base connector housing 2510 and operably coupled to the drive toggle 2642. The actuation toggle 2650 includes an engagement leg 2652 positionable to overlap the second portion 2648 of the drive toggle. The actuation toggle 2650 further includes an engagement head 2654 positionable on the exterior of the base body 2602. In the exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the engagement head 2654 extends outwardly toward a rail channel 2656 formed in the base body 2602. The actuation toggle 2650 may be pivotable relative to the base connector housing 2610 between an extended position ( FIGS. 29A and 30A ) and a retracted position ( FIGS. 29B and 30C ). In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the axis of rotation of the actuating toggle 2650 is disposed at an angle relative to the axis of rotation of the drive toggle 2642 and / or locking plate 2620. As shown, the axis of rotation of the actuating toggle 2650 may be approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive toggle 2642 and / or locking plate 2620.

[0261] As the actuation toggle 2650 rotates about its axis to the retracted position, the engagement leg 2652 contacts and transfers force to the second portion of the drive toggle 2642, rotating the drive toggle to engage the base connector actuator 2612 and unlocking the locking plate 2620. In one embodiment, a biasing mechanism (not shown) is operably coupled to the drive toggle 2642 and operable to bias the drive toggle toward the unactuated position. Thus, when the force acting on the engagement head 2654 of the actuation toggle 2650 is removed, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism biases the drive toggle 2642 toward the unactuated position. During this movement, the second portion 2648 engages and applies a force to the engagement leg 2652, similarly rotating the actuation toggle 2650 back to the extended position.

[0262] 31A-31B, an infant car seat 2614 accommodated on the base 2600 may include an actuator 2660 movable to engage a portion of the infant car seat release assembly 2641, such as an actuation toggle 2650, to unlock the base connector 2608 when the infant car seat 2614 is connected to the base 2600. As shown, the actuator 2660 may be a pin or other component that aligns with a corresponding opening 2662 formed in the seat shell 2615 of the infant car seat 2614. The actuator 2660 may be axially aligned with the engagement head 2654 of the actuation toggle 2650 when the infant car seat 2614 is connected to the base 2600. The driver 2660 is movable relative to the seat shell between a stowed or retracted position ( FIGS. 31A , 32A , 33A , 34A ) and a deployed or extended position ( FIGS. 31B , 32B , 33B , 34B ). In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the driver 2660 is movably mounted via a slider 2664 having a slot 2666 formed therein. As shown, the slot 2666 may be disposed at an angle relative to the opening 2662, and a boss 2668, e.g., a protrusion, extending from the driver 2660 is disposed within the slot 2666. When the driver 2660 is in the stowed position, the boss 2668 may be disposed adjacent a first end of the slot 2666. When a force is applied to the driver 2660 to move the driver relative to the seat shell 2615, the boss 2668 translates within the slot 2666 until it contacts its second end. Due to the angular configuration of the slot 2666, movement of the slider 2664 in a first direction causes movement of the driver 2660 in a second direction, e.g., a direction approximately perpendicular or orthogonal to the first direction. Thus, when the boss 2668 is placed against the second end of the slot 2666, the driver 2660 protrudes through an opening 2662 formed in the seat shell 2615 and onto the exterior surface of the infant car seat 2614.

[0263] In one embodiment, the slider 2664 is operably coupled to a release actuator, generally designated 2670 (see FIG. 35 ), disposed on the infant car seat 2614. For example, the release actuator 2670 may be attached to the seat back of the infant car seat 2614 and coupled to the slider 2664 via a connecting member 2672. The connecting member 2672 may include a wire, cable, strap, other flexible or semi-flexible element, or may be configured as a fixed or rigid element such as a rod, shaft, or the like. Once the infant car seat 2614 is connected to the base 2600, a user can apply a force to the release actuator 2670, translating the slider 2664 and moving the driver 2660 outward to engage the adjacent engagement head 2654 of the actuation toggle 2650. As described above, this engagement causes the actuation toggle 2650 to rotate the drive toggle 2642, thereby rotating the locking plate 2620 to the unlocked position. Once unlocked, a user can easily separate or disconnect the infant car seat 2614 from the seat retention assembly 2604 of the base 2600. Thus, the release actuator 2670 located on the infant car seat 2614 can provide an additional or alternative mechanism for unlocking the locking plate 2620 of the base connector 2608 relative to the release actuator 2640 attached to the base 2600.

[0264] 36A and 36B, in one embodiment, the infant car seat 2614 additionally includes a stroller mechanism 2680, which may be similar to that described above with respect to, for example, FIGS. 17A-17E. A portion of the stroller mechanism 2680 is configured to extend from the seat shell 2615 in a locked position (FIG. 36A), and in some configurations may be selectively retracted within the seat shell 2615 in an unlocked position (FIG. 36B). The stroller mechanism 2680 may be biased toward a locked or extended position in which a portion of the stroller mechanism 2680 protrudes from the exterior surface of the seat shell 2615. When in the locked position, a portion of the stroller mechanism 2680 may engage one or more features, such as a lip, rim, or other structure, of the stroller or other device, structure, system, or assembly, thereby holding the infant car seat 2614 in place relative to the stroller. To remove the infant car seat 2614 from the stroller, the stroller mechanism 2680 is retracted within the seat shell 2615, thereby disengaging it from the structure of the stroller. In one embodiment, a release actuator 2670 is operably coupled to the stroller mechanism. For example, the stroller mechanism 2680 may be movably attached to a slider 2664 such that, in response to operation of the release actuator 2670, movement of the slider 2664 causes the stroller mechanism to retract into the seat shell 2615.

[0265] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 36A and 36B, the infant car seat 2614, in some embodiments, can further include an anchoring system operably coupled to the seat shell 2615. The anchoring system 2690 can be similar to that shown and described with respect to FIGS. 21-25, with additional or alternative features and / or operation as described herein. For example, the anchoring system 2690 includes at least one child car seat anchor including a latch arm 2692 having a latch 2694 or connecting end disposed at its distal end. The latch 2694 can be configured to releasably connect or attach to a vehicle anchoring system such as those described above. In one embodiment, the latch arm 2692 is coupled to a memory hub 2696 that is rotatable relative to a cartridge 2698 attached to the seat shell 2615 between a first retracted or stored position and a second extended or use position. The memory hub 2696 can be retained in the extended position against a biasing force acting thereon. In such embodiments, the release actuator 2670 may be operable to move the locking plate 2700 out of engagement with the memory hub 2696. This movement of the locking plate 2700 may cause the memory hub 2696, and thus the at least one latch arm 2692 operably coupled to the memory hub, to automatically bias back to the stored position. Thus, operation of the release actuator 2670 may be configured to automatically rotate the anchoring system 2690 from the extended or use position to the retracted or stored position.

[0266] In one embodiment, the slider 2664 is operably coupled to a locking plate 2700 of the anchor system 2690 via a linkage 2702, such as a linkage including a pivot arm or the like. However, it should be understood that any suitable interface for transferring movement of the slider 2664 to the locking plate 2700 is within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in some embodiments, operation of the release actuator 2670 is also configured to release the latch 2694 from engagement with the vehicle anchor. In such embodiments, a secondary tension member 2704 may extend from the linkage 2702 to a component of the latch 2694 to transfer movement of the linkage 2702 to the latch 2694. Thus, a release actuator 2670 associated with the infant car seat 2614 may be operable to release the infant car seat 2614 from the seat retention assembly 2604 of the base 2600, to release the infant car seat 2614 from the stroller, to open a latch connecting one or more anchors to a vehicle anchor, and / or to rotate one or more anchors to a stowed position. Furthermore, the operation of the release actuator 2670 may be configured to perform each of these functions simultaneously, resulting in improved ease of use by the operator.

[0267] 37-39, an example of a recline actuator handle or mechanism 2800 integrated into an infant car seat is shown, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the recline actuator mechanism 2800 includes a housing 2802 and a corresponding actuator mechanism 2804. The housing 2802 has at least one slot 2806, and in some embodiments, multiple slots, formed therein. While the housing 2802 is shown in the figures as having two slots 2806, it should be understood that embodiments having a single slot and embodiments having more than two slots are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the multiple slots 2806 are oriented substantially parallel to one another and slightly offset from one another along one or more directions, e.g., the horizontal axis.

[0268] The actuator 2804 of the recliner actuator mechanism 2800 may also include one or more actuator slots 2808. In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the actuator 2804 includes multiple actuator slots 2808, such as two actuator slots. However, embodiments having a single actuator slot and embodiments having more than two actuator slots are within the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the number of actuator slots 2808 formed in the actuator 2804 is equal to the number of slots 2806 formed in the housing 2802. The multiple actuator slots 2808 may be oriented parallel to one another. Additionally, as shown, the actuator slots 2808 may be positioned at a non-parallel angle relative to the slots 2806 formed in the housing 2802.

[0269] The actuator 2804 is positionable within an opening 2810 formed in the housing 2802. When the actuator 2804 is positioned within the opening 2810, at least a portion of the actuator slot 2808 overlaps with the corresponding slot 2806. In one embodiment, the actuator 2804 is slidable within the opening 2810 relative to the housing 2802. As shown, a pin 2812 may extend through both the slot 2806 and the corresponding actuator slot 2808. While the pin 2812 is shown as generally connected to and extending from the housing 2802, embodiments in which one or more pins 2812 are generally connected to and extending from the actuator 2804 are also contemplated herein. By positioning the at least one actuator slot 2808 at an angle relative to the at least one slot 2806, the pin 2812 is configured to move through both the slot 2806 and the actuator slot 2808 simultaneously. When a user applies an upward force to the actuator 2804, the force, combined with the angle of the actuator slot 2808, causes the pin 2812 to translate within the slot 2806 of the housing 2802, for example, from its first end to its second end. A cable 2814 may be connected to the pin 2812, and as the pin 2812 moves within the slot 2806 formed in the housing 2802, the pin 2812 applies a force to the cable 2814 connected thereto. This force, in one embodiment, causes the cable 2814 to actuate a recline mechanism, as described above. It should be understood that this recline actuator mechanism could be adapted to operate other preferred types of mechanisms or systems associated with the infant car seat described above, such as, for example, a latch or anchor system.

[0270] 40-42B, there is shown an example of a portion of an anchoring system 2900 operable to automatically retract a seat anchor relative to an infant car seat 2902. The anchoring system 2900, as previously described herein, may include, for example, a housing 2904 secured to a seat shell 2906 of the infant car seat 2902. In one embodiment, the housing 2904 has one or more walls that interact with the seat shell 2906 to prevent exposure of the recline and / or memory mechanism of the infant car seat 2902 to contaminants or the user.

[0271] A memory hub 2908 disposed within the housing 2904 is rotatable between a first storage position ( FIG. 42A ) and a second use position ( FIG. 42B ). In one embodiment, a biasing mechanism 2910, such as a spring, is operably coupled to the memory hub 2908. The spring 2910 may be disposed between the memory hub 2908 and the housing 2904, with the biasing force of the spring 2910 operable to bias the memory hub 2908 toward the storage position. In one embodiment, a housing feature 2912 formed in the housing 2904 is operable to receive a first end or leg 2914 of the spring 2910 therein. The housing feature 2912 may be contoured to limit movement of the first leg 2914 of the spring 2910 relative to the housing 2904. Thus, the first leg 2914 may be considered to be generally fixedly attached to the housing 2904 via the housing feature 2912.

[0272] Alternatively, or additionally, the memory hub 2908 may include a hub feature 2916 operable to cooperate with or lock a portion of the spring 2910. In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the hub feature 2916 includes a protrusion operable to lock and engage a second end or leg 2918 of the spring 2910. The hub feature 2916 may be fixedly or movably coupled to the second leg 2918. When a rotational force is applied to the memory hub 2908 in a first direction, i.e., toward the use position, the first leg 2914 of the spring 2910 remains in a fixed position via engagement with the housing feature 2912. However, when the memory hub 2908 rotates toward the use position, a force is applied to the second end 2918 of the spring 2910 that counters the biasing force. As a result, the spring 2910 is compressed, allowing the memory hub 2908 to rotate to the use position. When the force is removed from the memory hub 2908, there is no force opposing the bias of the spring 2910. As a result, a biasing force acts on the hub feature 2916, causing the memory hub 2908 to rotate in the second direction, toward the stowed position.

[0273] Advantageously, the embodiments described herein provide an improved infant car seat with adjustable features, particularly the ability to adjust and set the tilt / recline angle of the infant car seat relative to the vehicle seat. A rigid anchor system connection is provided to the seat shell, providing a simple and strong connection between the infant car seat and the vehicle seat (e.g., compared to a belt configuration). The rigid connection and / or integration of the anchor system into the seat shell also allows for presetting of the tilt / recline angle of the infant car seat relative to the vehicle seat, and such angle can be set so that a caregiver does not have to reset it each time the infant car seat is used in the vehicle. For example, by using various mechanisms as described herein, a presetting or setting of the tilt angle of the infant car seat relative to the vehicle seat can be provided, and such angle presetting or setting can be retained during use. Such a configuration also provides additional fixation by allowing the infant car seat to be pulled into the vehicle seat during installation, thereby ensuring a tight fit and safe setting of the infant car seat in the vehicle. Other advantages and features are provided as shown and described herein.

[0274] The use of "a," "an," "the," and similar referents in the context of the descriptions herein (particularly the claims below) should be construed to encompass both the singular and the plural unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The modifiers "about" or "substantially," used in connection with quantities, are inclusive of the recited value and have the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., including the degree of error associated with measuring the particular quantity). All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, which are independently combinable with each other. As used herein, the terms "about" and "substantially" are intended to include the degree of error associated with measuring the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing. For example, these terms can include a range of ±8% of a given value, or other percentage variations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize for a particular measurement and / or dimension referred to herein. When used in connection with non-numerical descriptions, these terms include variations to the absolute terms that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand. For example, because a substantially flat plane may have some deviation from being purely flat, and such a flat plane may be physically unattainable, the terms "substantially" and "about" are used to refer to descriptions that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand to mean the terms.

[0275] While the present disclosure has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, subcombinations, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described and commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. 1. An infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat, comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell; an anchoring system connected to the seat shell, The anchor system includes a latch arm having a latch at one end, the latch configured to releasably engage with a vehicle anchor system, the latch arm being movably mounted to the seat shell and selectively securable at two or more angles relative to the seat shell.

2. 2. The infant car seat system of claim 1, wherein said latch arm is rotatably mounted to said seat shell.

3. 2. The infant car seat system of claim 1, wherein the latch arm is configured to be locked at the two or more angles and to hold and support the infant car seat at each one of the two or more angles when locked at each one of the two or more angles.

4. 2. The infant car seat system of claim 1, wherein the anchor system includes a memory hub configured to set a reclining angle of the infant car seat based on each of the two or more angles, and the latch arm is operably coupled to the memory hub.

5. The anchor system comprises: a latch arm hub, the latch arm extending from the latch arm hub; Reclining hub and Reclining gear and one or more lamp hubs; 5. The infant car seat system of claim 4, wherein a hub shaft extends from the latch arm hub through the recliner hub, the recliner gear, and the one or more ramp hubs, defining an axis of rotation therethrough.

6. 6. The infant car seat system of claim 5, wherein the one or more lamp hubs comprise a first lamp hub and a second lamp hub, and wherein rotation of the first lamp hub relative to the second lamp hub causes the recliner gear to move axially so as to selectively engage or disengage with the memory hub.

7. 7. The infant car seat system of claim 6, wherein the latch arm is rotatable relative to the memory hub in response to the recliner gear engaging with the recliner hub and disengaging from the memory hub.

8. 7. The infant car seat system of claim 6, wherein in response to the recliner gear engaging the recliner hub and engaging the memory hub, the latch arm is locked in a rotational relationship with the memory hub.

9. 7. The infant car seat system of claim 6, further comprising a recline switch disposed on the seat shell and operably coupled to the first lamp hub, wherein operation of the recline switch rotates the first lamp hub and axially urges the second lamp hub along the hub shaft.

10. 5. The infant car seat system of claim 4, further comprising a locking plate pivotally coupled to the seat shell and selectively operable to engage the memory hub to lock the memory hub at one of the two or more angles.

11. 11. The infant car seat system of claim 10, wherein the locking plate includes a locking tooth, and the memory hub includes a first locking recess associated with a first angle of the two or more angles and a second locking recess associated with a second angle of the two or more angles, and the locking tooth is configured to selectively engage with the first locking recess and the second locking recess.

12. 12. The infant car seat system of claim 11, further comprising a first release connector operably coupled to the locking plate and configured to selectively operate the locking plate.

13. 13. The infant car seat system of claim 12, further comprising a second release connector operably coupled to the latch and configured to selectively operate the latch.

14. a carry handle rotatably coupled to the seat shell by an attachment mechanism; the anchoring system is operably coupled to the attachment mechanism; 10. The infant car seat system of claim 1, wherein the anchoring system is configured to be activated by rotation of the carry handle.

15. the anchor system includes a handle linkage, a connecting linkage, and a locking linkage; the handle linkage is coupled at one end to the attachment mechanism and at an opposite end to the connecting linkage; the connecting linkage is coupled between the handle linkage and the lock linkage; the locking linkage is coupled to the latch arm; 15. The infant car seat system of claim 14, wherein rotation of the carry handle locks the latch arm at at least one of two or more angles.

16. 16. The infant car seat system of claim 15, further comprising a rear linkage pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the connecting linkage and the locking linkage.

17. 16. The infant car seat system of claim 15, wherein the locking linkage comprises a recliner rack, the recliner rack having a plurality of locking positions corresponding to the two or more angles.

18. 18. The infant car seat system of claim 17, wherein a first locked position of the recliner rack defines a maximum recline of the infant car seat and a second locked position of the recliner rack defines an upright position of the infant car seat.

19. 16. The infant car seat system of claim 15, further comprising a front linkage pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the locking linkage and the latch arm.

20. 15. The infant car seat system of claim 14, wherein in the carrying position of the carry handle, the latch arm is adjustable between the two or more angles, and in the anti-rebound position, the latch arm is pulled toward the seat shell and locked into place.

21. 10. The infant car seat system of claim 1, wherein the anchor system defines a first locked position associated with a first angle of the two or more angles and defining a maximum recline of the infant car seat, and a second locked position of the anchor system defines an upright position of the infant car seat.

22. 10. The infant car seat system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said anchoring system is housed within said seat shell.

23. 10. The infant car seat system of claim 1, further comprising a recline actuation handle disposed on the seat shell, operably coupled to the anchor system, and configured to selectively release the latch arm to adjust the tilt angle of the infant car seat.

24. 24. The infant car seat system of claim 23, further comprising a recline actuation connector operably connecting the recline actuation handle to a portion of the anchoring system.

25. 25. The infant car seat system of claim 24, wherein said portion of said anchoring system is a driving ramp hub.

26. 25. The infant car seat system of claim 24, further comprising a connector element positioned to connect the recline actuation handle and the recline actuation connector.

27. 24. The infant car seat system of claim 23, wherein the recline actuation handle includes a retraction lock extension configured to selectively secure the latch arm in a retracted position.

28. 28. The infant car seat system of claim 27, further comprising a storage lock disposed between the storage lock extension of the recline actuation handle and the latch arm, the storage lock being selectively operable to lock and release the latch arm from the stowed position.

29. 1. An infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat, comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell; an anchoring system connected to the seat shell, the anchoring system comprising: a latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchoring system, the latch arm being movably mounted to the seat shell so as to be releasably secured in a stowed position and an in-use position; a release handle operably connected to the latch arm, wherein actuation of the release handle releases engagement between the latch and a vehicle anchor system and releases the latch arm, thereby allowing the latch arm to move between the stowed position and the use position.

30. 30. The infant car seat system of claim 29, wherein in the use position of the latch arm, the latch arm is selectively securable at two or more angles relative to the seat shell, the anchoring system further comprising a memory hub configured to set a reclining angle of the infant car seat based on the two or more angles, the latch arm being operably coupled to the memory hub.

31. 31. The infant car seat system of claim 30, further comprising a locking plate pivotally coupled to the seat shell, the locking plate operably connected between the release handle and the latch arm, and further operably connected between the release handle and the latch, wherein actuation of the release handle pivots the locking plate to release engagement between the latch and a vehicle anchor system and releases the latch arm to allow movement between the stowed position and the use position.

32. 32. The infant car seat system of claim 31, wherein the memory hub is configured to move with the latch arm between the stowed position and the use position.

33. 33. The infant car seat system of claim 32, wherein the anchoring system further comprises a tilt actuator operably coupled to the memory hub and the latch arm, and wherein actuation of the tilt actuator causes the latch arm to rotate relative to the memory hub to set a tilt angle of the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

34. further comprising a first release connector, a slide connector, and a second release connector; the release handle is connected to the first release connector; the first release connector is connected to the slide connector; 30. The infant car seat system of claim 29, wherein the slide connector is connected to the second release connector.

35. 35. The infant car seat system of claim 34, wherein the second release connector extends through the latch arm to operate the latch thereof.

36. 35. The infant car seat system of claim 34, further comprising a locking plate connector connected to the slide connector and configured to selectively operate a locking mechanism of the anchoring system.

37. 35. The infant car seat system of claim 34, further comprising a connection element arranged to selectively extend outwardly from the seat shell for engaging a stroller frame.

38. 38. The infant car seat system of claim 37, wherein the connection element includes a first actuation tab and the first release connector includes a second actuation tab, and wherein operation of the first release connector causes the second actuation tab to interact with the first actuation tab to retract the connection element into the seat shell.

39. 1. An infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat, comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell; and an anchor system, the anchor system comprising: a latch attachment mechanism connected to the seat shell; a latch arm extending from the latch attachment mechanism to a latch, the latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor system; the latch attachment mechanism is configured to transition the latch arm between a stowed position, a first use position, and a second use position, and the latch attachment mechanism is further configured to transition from the stowed position to one of the first use position and the second use position based on a most recent previous use position.

40. 40. The infant car seat system of claim 39, wherein the most recent previous use position is the first use position, and wherein transitioning the latch arm from the stowed position transitions the latch arm to the first use position.

41. 1. An infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat, comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell; a latch arm movably mounted to the seat shell, the latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchoring system; a carry handle movably coupled to the seat shell; The carry handle is operably coupled to the latch arm by a connecting member, and movement of the carry handle causes movement of the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

42. 42. The infant car seat system of claim 41, wherein the latch arm is selectively securable at two or more angles relative to the seat shell.

43. 42. The infant car seat system of claim 41, wherein the carry handle is rotatably coupled to the shell by an attachment mechanism, and rotation of the carry handle moves the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

44. 44. The infant car seat system of claim 43, wherein the connecting member is operatively connected between the attachment mechanism and the latch arm.

45. a handle linkage coupled at one end to the attachment mechanism and at an opposite end to a connecting linkage; the connecting linkage coupled between the handle linkage and the lock linkage; the lock linkage coupled to the latch arm, 44. The infant car seat system of claim 43, wherein rotation of the carry handle retracts the latch arm toward the seat shell.

46. 46. ​​The infant car seat system of claim 45, further comprising a rear linkage pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the connecting linkage and the locking linkage.

47. 46. ​​The infant car seat system of claim 45, wherein the locking linkage comprises a recliner rack, the recliner rack having a plurality of locking positions corresponding to the two or more angles.

48. 48. The infant car seat system of claim 47, wherein a first locked position of the recliner rack defines a maximum recline of the infant car seat and a second locked position of the recliner rack defines an upright position of the infant car seat.

49. 46. ​​The infant car seat system of claim 45, further comprising a front linkage pivotally connected between the seat shell and a connection point between the locking linkage and the latch arm.

50. 43. The infant car seat system of claim 42, wherein in the carrying position of the carry handle, the latch arm is adjustable between the two or more angles, and in the anti-rebound position, the latch arm is pulled toward the seat shell and locked into place.

51. 1. An infant car seat system, comprising: An infant car seat, the infant car seat comprising: Seat shell and an anchor system disposed on the seat shell and configured to be selectively connected to a vehicle seat; a connection element disposed on the seat shell, the connection element configured to selectively engage and secure the seat shell to an external structure.

52. 52. The infant car seat system of claim 51, wherein the connection element is configured to be selectively retracted into the seat shell.

53. 52. The infant car seat system of claim 51, further comprising a release handle disposed on the seat shell and operably connected to the anchoring system, the release handle configured to operate at least a portion of the anchoring system.

54. 54. The infant car seat system of claim 53, further comprising a release connector extending between the release handle and the anchoring system, the release connector configured to retract the connection element upon actuation of the release handle.

55. 52. The infant car seat system of claim 51, wherein the exterior structure is a stroller frame.

56. 52. The infant car seat system of claim 51, further comprising a stroller frame, wherein the connecting element is configured to selectively secure the seat shell to the stroller frame.

57. 52. The infant car seat system of claim 51, wherein the connection element includes a first actuation tab and the release connector includes a second actuation tab configured to contact the first actuation tab when the release handle is operated to retract the connection element into the seat shell.

58. 52. The infant car seat system of claim 51, wherein the anchor system comprises a slide connector and a second release connector, and the release handle is operably connected to the anchor system via the release connector, the slide connector, and the second release connector.

59. 59. The infant car seat system of claim 58, wherein the second release connector is configured to operate a latch on a latch arm of the anchoring system.

60. 59. The infant car seat system of claim 58, wherein the release connector is configured to move in a first direction when the release handle is actuated, and the sliding connector is configured to move in a second direction different from the first direction when the release handle is actuated.

61. 52. The infant car seat system of claim 51, wherein the release handle is located on a rear side of the seat shell.

62. 62. The infant car seat system of claim 61, wherein the anchoring system is located on the front side of the seat shell.

63. the anchoring system is disposed on a front side of the seat shell; The anchor system comprises: a latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor system, the latch arm being movably mounted to the seat shell such that the latch arm is releasably secured in a stowed position and an in-use position; 63. The infant car seat system of claim 62, further comprising: a release handle operably connected to the latch arm, wherein actuation of the release handle releases engagement between the latch and a vehicle anchor system and releases the latch arm, thereby allowing the latch arm to move between the stowed position and the use position.

64. 1. An infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat, comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell; a latch arm movably mounted to the seat shell, the latch arm having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchoring system; a carry handle movably coupled to the seat shell, the carry handle being movable between an unlocked position and a locked position; The carry handle is operably coupled to the latch arm by a connecting member, and when the carry handle is transitioned to the locked position, the latch arm is locked in place, thereby substantially preventing movement of the latch arm relative to the seat shell.

65. 1. An infant car seat system, comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell, the infant car seat configured to be installed in a vehicle seat; an anchor system disposed on the seat shell and configured to be selectively connected to a vehicle seat; 1. An infant car seat system comprising: a base configured to be selectively connected to a vehicle seat, the base further configured to selectively receive and connect the infant car seat.

66. 66. The infant car seat system of claim 65, wherein the seat shell includes at least one connecting tube, and the base is configured to receive and engage the at least one connecting tube to connect the infant car seat to the base.

67. The base is at least one base connector configured to receive and selectively secure a portion of the seat shell to the base; 66. The infant car seat system of claim 65, comprising: a release handle operably coupled to the at least one base connector to selectively operate the at least one base connector between a locked state and an released state.

68. The base is two base connector actuators operatively connected to the release handles; 68. The infant car seat system of claim 67, comprising: four base connectors, wherein the first two base connectors are operably connected to a first base connector actuator of the two base connector actuators and the second two base connectors are operably connected to a second base connector actuator.

69. 1. An infant car seat system for use with a vehicle seat, comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell, the seat shell including at least one seat connector; a base mountable to the vehicle seat and configured to selectively receive and support the infant car seat, the base comprising: at least one base connector configured to selectively secure the at least one seat connector to the base; a release handle disposed on the base and operably coupled to the at least one base connector for selectively actuating the at least one base connector between a locked state and an released state at a plurality of attachment points on the at least one seat connector.

70. 70. The infant car seat system of claim 69, wherein the at least one seat connector is at least one seat rod.

71. 70. The infant car seat system of claim 69, wherein the at least one base connector is at least one latch.

72. 70. The infant car seat system of claim 69, wherein the at least one seat connector is a first seat rod and a second seat rod.

73. 73. The infant car seat system of claim 72, wherein the at least one base connector is a first latch, a second latch, a third latch, and a fourth latch, the first latch and the second latch selectively accommodating the first seat rod at a first attachment point and a second attachment point of the plurality of attachment points, and the third latch and the fourth latch selectively accommodating the second seat rod at a third attachment point and a fourth attachment point of the plurality of attachment points.

74. 74. The infant car seat system of claim 73, wherein the base includes a first latch actuator and a second latch actuator operably connected to the release handle, the first latch and the second latch being operably connected to the first latch actuator, and the third latch and the fourth latch being operably connected to the second latch actuator.

75. 70. The infant car seat of claim 69, wherein the release handle is a single handle that selectively operates the at least one base connector between the locked state and the released state at all of the plurality of attachment points on the at least one seat connector.

76. 70. The infant car seat system of claim 69, wherein the infant car seat is installable directly onto the vehicle seat without the base.

77. 1. An infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat including a vehicle anchor system, comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell; an anchor system connected to the seat shell, the anchor system comprising: a latch attachment mechanism connected to the seat shell; a latch arm extending from the latch attachment mechanism and including a latch, the latch arm being movable between a stored position and a use position, the latch being releasably engageable with the vehicle anchor system; When in the use position, the latch attachment mechanism biases the latch arm toward the stowed position.

78. 78. The infant car seat system of claim 77, further comprising a release actuator operably coupled to the latch attachment mechanism and the latch, wherein operation of the release actuator disengages the latch from the vehicle anchor system.

79. 79. The infant car seat system of claim 78, wherein the release actuator is located on the seat shell.

80. 79. The infant car seat system of claim 78, further comprising a locking mechanism operable to lock the latch arm in the use position against the biasing force applied by the latch attachment mechanism.

81. 81. The infant car seat system of claim 80, wherein the release actuator is operably coupled to the locking mechanism, and operation of the release actuator unlocks the locking mechanism, causing the biasing force to move the latch arm toward the stowed position.

82. The latch attachment mechanism includes: a memory hub movable between the first position and the second position relative to the seat shell; 81. The infant car seat system of claim 80, further comprising a biasing mechanism operably coupled to the memory hub, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism biasing the memory hub from the first position to the second position.

83. 83. The infant car seat system of claim 82, wherein the locking mechanism is operably coupled to the memory hub, the locking mechanism being selectively operable to lock the memory hub in the second position.

84. 84. The infant car seat system of claim 83, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a locking plate and a locking plate biasing mechanism, the memory hub further comprises a locking recess, and the locking plate is receivable within the locking recess when the memory hub is in the second position.

85. 85. The infant car seat system of claim 84, wherein the release actuator is operably coupled to the locking mechanism to selectively disengage the locking plate from the locking recess.

86. 83. The infant car seat system of claim 82, wherein the latch arm is movably mounted to the latch mounting mechanism and selectively securable at two or more angles relative to the latch mounting mechanism.

87. 87. The infant car seat system of claim 86, wherein the latch arm is rotatably mounted to the latch mounting mechanism.

88. The latch attachment mechanism includes: a recliner hub coupled to the latch arm; Reclining gear and one or more lamp hubs; 87. The infant car seat system of claim 86, wherein a hub shaft extends from the latch arm through the recliner hub, the recliner gear, and the one or more ramp hubs to define a hub axle therethrough.

89. 89. The infant car seat system of claim 88, wherein the one or more lamp hubs comprise a first lamp hub and a second lamp hub, and rotation of the second lamp hub relative to the first lamp hub causes the recliner gear to move axially and selectively engage or disengage with the memory hub.

90. 90. The infant car seat system of claim 89, wherein the latch arm is freely rotatable relative to the memory hub in response to the recliner gear engaging with and disengaging from the recliner hub.

91. 90. The infant car seat system of claim 89, wherein the latch arm is rotationally locked with the memory hub in response to the recliner gear engaging the recliner hub and engaging the memory hub.

92. 90. The infant car seat system of claim 89, further comprising a tilt actuator operably coupled to the second ramp hub, wherein operation of the tilt actuator causes the second ramp hub to rotate.

93. The latch attachment mechanism includes: a housing fixedly attached to the seat shell; a memory hub associated with the housing, the memory hub being movable relative to the seat shell between the first position and the second position; 78. The infant car seat system of claim 77, further comprising a biasing mechanism operably coupled to the memory hub, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism biasing the memory hub from the first position to the second position.

94. 94. The infant car seat system of claim 93, wherein the biasing mechanism includes a first end and a second end, and the memory hub includes a hub feature operably coupled to the first end of the biasing member.

95. 94. The infant car seat system of claim 93, wherein the housing includes a housing feature operably coupled to the second end of the biasing member.

96. 1. An infant car seat system for installation in a vehicle seat including a vehicle anchor system, comprising: an infant car seat having a seat shell and at least one seat connector; a base having a seat retention assembly including at least one base connector configured to selectively receive and secure the at least one seat connector to the base; a first release actuator operably coupled to the at least one base connector for selectively operating the at least one base connector between a locked state and an unlocked state, the first release actuator being located on the base; and a second release actuator operably coupled to the at least one base connector for selectively operating the at least one base connector between the locked state and the unlocked state, the second release actuator being located on the infant car seat.

97. The at least one base connector comprises: a base connector housing attached to the base; 97. The infant car seat system of claim 96, further comprising a locking plate mounted to the base connector housing, the locking plate being pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

98. 98. The infant car seat system of claim 97, wherein the seat retention assembly further comprises a base connector actuator operably coupled to the locking plate of the at least one base connector.

99. 99. The infant car seat system of claim 98, wherein both the first release actuator and the second release actuator are selectively operable to move the locking plate to the unlocked position via movement of the base connector actuator.

100. 99. The infant car seat system of claim 98, wherein the at least one base connector further comprises an infant car seat release assembly operably coupled to the base connector actuator.

101. 101. The infant car seat system of claim 100, wherein the second release actuator is operably coupled to the base connector actuator via the infant car seat release assembly.

102. the infant car seat release assembly comprising: a drive toggle rotatably mounted to the base connector housing, the drive toggle movable to engage and transmit force to the base connector actuator; 101. The infant car seat system of claim 100, further comprising an actuation toggle operably coupled to the drive toggle, the actuation toggle operable to move the drive toggle into engagement with the base connector actuator.

103. 103. The infant car seat system of claim 102, wherein the actuation toggle is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and when in the extended position, a portion of the actuation toggle is disposed outside of the base.

104. 103. The infant car seat system of claim 102, wherein the infant car seat further comprises a drive device movable relative to the seat shell for selectively engaging the actuation toggle in response to operation of the second release actuator when the infant car seat is secured to the base.

105. 105. The infant car seat system of claim 104, wherein the drive is movable relative to the seat shell by a slider, the slider being operably coupled to the second release actuator.

106. 101. The infant car seat system of claim 100, wherein the at least one base connector further comprises a first base connector and a second base connector associated with the base connector actuator, and wherein only the first base connector includes the infant car seat release assembly.

107. 98. The infant car seat system of claim 97, wherein the infant car seat further comprises an anchor system having at least one child seat anchor including a latch configured to releasably engage with a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat, the at least one child seat anchor being movable between an in-use position and a stowed position.

108. 108. The infant car seat system of claim 107, wherein the second release actuator is operably coupled to the anchor system for selectively moving the at least one child seat anchor from the use position to the stowed position.

109. 108. The infant car seat system of claim 107, wherein the second release actuator is operably coupled to the latch for selectively disengaging the latch from the vehicle anchor.

110. 98. The infant car seat system of claim 97, wherein the infant car seat further includes a stroller mechanism configured to selectively engage and secure the seat shell to an external structure.

111. 111. The infant car seat system of claim 110, wherein the second release actuator is operably coupled to the stroller mechanism for selectively releasing the stroller mechanism from the external structure.

112. An infant car seat that can be installed on a base, a body having a seat shell and at least one seat connector receivable within a seat retaining assembly of the base; a release actuator located on the seat shell and operably connectable to the seat retaining assembly of the base to release the infant car seat from the base.

113. 113. The infant car seat of claim 112, further comprising a drive device disposed on the seat shell, the drive device being movable to selectively engage a portion of the seat retaining assembly to release the infant car seat from the base.

114. 114. The infant car seat of claim 113, wherein the release actuator is operable to move the drive device into engagement with the seat retaining assembly.

115. 114. The infant car seat of claim 113, further comprising a slider connected to the release actuator via a connecting member.

116. 116. The infant car seat of claim 115, wherein the driver includes a slot, and the driver includes a boss disposed within the slot.

117. an anchor system disposed on the seat shell and configured to be selectively connected to a vehicle seat; 113. The infant car seat of claim 112, further comprising a stroller mechanism disposed on the seat shell, the stroller mechanism configured to selectively engage and secure the seat shell to an external structure.

118. 118. The infant car seat of claim 117, wherein the release actuator is operatively coupled to the anchoring system for selectively moving the anchoring system from a use position to a stowed position.

119. 118. The infant car seat of claim 117, wherein the anchor system includes at least one latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat, and the release actuator is operably coupled to the at least one latch for selectively disengaging the at least one latch from the vehicle anchor.

120. 118. The infant car seat of claim 117, wherein the release actuator is operably coupled to the stroller mechanism for selectively releasing the stroller mechanism from the external structure.

121. 118. The infant car seat of claim 117, wherein the anchor system comprises at least one latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat, the release actuator operably coupled to the anchor system and selectively moving the anchor system from a use position to a stowed position, the release actuator operably coupled to the at least one latch and selectively disengaging the at least one latch from the vehicle anchor, and the release actuator operably coupled to the stroller mechanism and selectively releasing the stroller mechanism from the external structure.

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