Seat with lift-out carrier

Abstract

A child safety seat for placement on a vehicle seat includes a seat base and a seat body associable with the seat base, the seat body being configurable as both an infant seat and a toddler seat, and a restraint harness associated with the seat body and operable when the seat body is configured as both an infant seat and a toddler seat.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 489,570, filed March 10, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Child safety seats are used to transport children, typically in motor vehicles, and are designed to properly restrain the child in the event of an accident. Some infant carriers not only form part of a child safety seat in a vehicle, but are also designed to attach to strollers to form travel systems. The use of such carriers allows the child to be positioned and properly restrained within the carrier while the carrier is separated from the vehicle. However, such systems are not suitable for use with older children.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved child safety seat that not only allows for easy transport of a child when separated from the vehicle seat, but also allows for use with both infants and toddlers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one embodiment, a child safety seat for placement on a vehicle seat includes a seat base and a seat body associable with the seat base, the seat body being configurable as both an infant seat and a toddler seat, and a restraint harness associated with the seat body and operable when the seat body is configured as both an infant seat and a toddler seat.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat body further includes a seat shell fixed to the seat base and a seat insert removably connectable to the seat shell.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the restraint harness is secured to the seat insert.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat insert is separable from the seat shell when the child is coupled to the seat insert by a restraint harness.

[0009] In addition to or in place of one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat insert further includes a headrest, the headrest being movable between a first position associated with the infant seat and a second position associated with the toddler seat.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the restraint harness is operably coupled to the headrest.

[0011] In addition to or in place of one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat insert further comprises a body including an insert seat portion and an insert upright portion, and at least one sidewall, the at least one sidewall being connectable to a side of the body.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, at least one side wall is connected to the main body when the seat main body is configured as an infant seat, and at least one side wall is separated from the main body when the seat main body is configured as a toddler seat.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat body further includes an insert seat support surface on the seat insert for supporting a child, and a carrying handle rotatably connected to the seat insert, the carrying handle being rotatable between a carrying position and a storage position, in which the carrying handle is positioned below the insert seat support surface.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat proper is positionable relative to the seat base in both a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat proper is positionable relative to the seat base at a position between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position.

[0016] According to one embodiment, an infant seat of a child safety seat includes a seat body having a seat shell and a seat insert removably connectable to the seat shell, the seat insert having a body and a restraint harness coupled to the body.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat shell further includes a cavity, the seat insert being positionable within the cavity.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the insert further includes a plurality of side walls connected to the body to define an insert cavity that is receivable by a child.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the main body and the plurality of side walls of the infant seat are positionable within the cavity.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat insert is separable from the seat shell when the child is coupled to the seat insert by a restraint harness.

[0021] In addition to or in place of one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat insert, when separated from the seat shell, is an infant carrier.

[0022] In addition to or in place of one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat insert is convertible to a toddler configuration.

[0023] According to one embodiment, a child safety seat for an infant includes a seat body having a seat shell and a seat insert removably connectable to the seat shell, the seat insert having a body and a restraint harness coupled to the body.

[0024] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat shell further includes a cavity, the seat insert being positionable within the cavity.

[0025] In addition to or in place of one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat insert further includes a plurality of side walls removably connectable to the body, the plurality of side walls being separate from the body.

[0026] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat insert is separable from the seat shell when the child is coupled to the seat insert by a restraint harness.

[0027] In addition to or in place of one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat insert is convertible to an infant configuration.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a child safety seat includes positioning a seat shell relative to a seat base, placing a seat insert in one of an infant configuration and a toddler configuration, and connecting the seat insert to the seat shell.

[0029] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, positioning the seat shell relative to the seat base includes rotating the seat shell between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position.

[0030] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, positioning the seat insert includes adjusting the position of a head rest of the seat insert such that in the infant configuration, the head rest is lowered relative to the seat insert, and in the toddler configuration, the head rest is raised relative to the seat insert.

[0031] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, positioning the seat insert includes adjusting the position of at least one side wall of the seat insert, wherein in the infant configuration, the at least one side wall is attached to the seat insert and, in the toddler configuration, the at least one side wall is separated from the seat insert.

[0032] In addition to or in place of one or more of the features described above, further embodiments further include coupling the child to the seat insert via a restraint harness of the seat insert.

[0033] In addition to or in place of one or more of the features described above, further embodiments are operable to couple a child to the seat insert when the seat insert is in both the infant and toddler configurations.

[0034] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, connecting the seat insert to the seat shell includes positioning the seat insert within a cavity in the seat shell.

[0035] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, connecting the seat insert to the seat shell includes connecting a first portion of a coupling mechanism attached to the seat insert to a complementary second portion of a coupling mechanism attached to the seat shell.

[0036] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments include adjusting the position of the carrying handle of the seat insert.

[0037] In addition to or in place of one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, adjusting the position of the carrying handle includes rotating the carrying handle about an axis relative to the seat insert.

[0038] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, adjusting the position of the carrying handle includes separating the carrying handle from the seat insert.

[0039] According to one embodiment, a child safety seat for placement on a vehicle seat includes a seat base, a seat body associated with the seat base, and an accessory associated with one of the seat base and the seat body, the accessory being convertible between a stored configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the accessory is stored in a pocket formed in one of the seat base and the seat body.

[0040] In addition to or in place of one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the accessory is pivotable about an axis between a stored configuration and a deployed configuration.

[0041] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the accessory is translatable between a stored configuration and a deployed configuration.

[0042] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the accessory includes a tray having a recessed area formed therein.

[0043] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the accessory includes a cup holder.

[0044] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, in the stored configuration, the accessory is substantially flush with an adjacent surface of one of the seat base and the seat body.

[0045] The following description should not be considered limiting in any sense.With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1A] 1 is a perspective view of a child safety seat including an infant seat in a rear-facing configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1 is a perspective view of a child safety seat including an infant seat in a forward-facing configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a child safety seat including an infant seat in a sideways configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] 1 is a perspective view of a child safety seat including an infant seat in a rear-facing configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] 1 is a perspective view of a child safety seat including an infant seat in a forward-facing configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child safety seat insert with a carrying handle in a carrying position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] 5B is a perspective view of the insert of the child safety seat of FIG. 5A with the carrying handle in a rearward reclined position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a child safety seat insert in an infant configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] 5B is a front perspective view of an insert for the child safety seat of FIG. 5A according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a seat body of a child safety seat when the insert is separated from the seat shell, according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7A] 1 is a perspective view of a seat body of a child safety seat with an insert installed in the seat shell and a carrying handle in a carrying position, according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat body of a child safety seat with an insert installed in the seat shell and the carrying handle in a forward angled position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8]1 is a perspective view of a seat body of a child safety seat when the insert is installed in the seat shell and the carrying handle is separated from the insert, according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a carrying handle housed within a cavity in a seat shell, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a flexible region of a carrying handle of an insert, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a detailed perspective view of the flexible region of FIG. 10A according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view of a child safety seat with storable accessories according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a front perspective view of a seat shell of a child safety seat according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a rear perspective view of a child safety seat insert according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 4 is a cross-sectional view through a shell upright 42 of a seat shell according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] 1 is a top view of a seat shell with an insert shown in transparent form coupled thereto, according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a rear view of an insert coupled to a seat shell and an insert engaging member received within a shell engaging member, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method is illustrated herein with reference to the figures, by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0048] 1-3, a child safety seat 20 according to one embodiment is shown. The child safety seat 20 may be removably secured to the vehicle seat 10, such as via a latch or anchor mechanism (not shown). This commonly used latch or anchor system is sometimes referred to as a "lower anchor and tether for children" (e.g., the LATCH system). Alternatively, or in addition, the child safety seat 20 may be removably secured to the vehicle seat 10 via a vehicle belt (not shown) associated with the vehicle seat 10.

[0049] The child safety seat 20 may include a seat base 22 positionable in direct contact with a surface of the vehicle seat 10. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the seat base 22 includes a base seat assembly portion 24 and a base back portion 26 extending at an angle relative to the base seat assembly portion 24. However, embodiments in which the seat base 22 has alternative configurations are also contemplated herein.

[0050] The seat body 30 may be attached to the seat base 22. In one embodiment, the seat body 30 includes a seat shell 32 and an insert 34 disposed within the seat shell, as described in more detail below. At least a portion of the seat body 30, such as the insert 34, may be removably connected to the seat base 22. Alternatively, at least a portion of the seat body 30 and the seat base 22 may be permanently connected or secured together. For example, in one embodiment, the seat shell 32 may be permanently connected to the seat base 22. As used herein, the term "permanently connected" refers to an embodiment in which the seat body is not intended to be disassembled from the seat base 22 by a user.

[0051] The seat body 30 may be rotatably coupled to the seat base 22. In one embodiment, the seat body 30, when connected to the seat base 22, is rotatable relative to the seat base 22 between a first forward-facing position (see FIGS. 1B and 3B) and a second rearward-facing position (see FIGS. 1A and 3A). It should be understood that the seat body 30 may be positionable at one or more positions disposed along a path of movement of the seat body 30 between the first and second positions. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the seat body 30 is rotatable from both the first forward-facing position and the second rearward-facing position to a third sideways position disposed at approximately 90 degrees.

[0052] An example of a seat shell 32 is described in more detail herein. The seat shell 32 may include a shell seat portion 40 and a shell back or upright portion 42 disposed at an angle relative to the shell seat portion 40. The shell seat portion 40 may be removably or permanently connected to the seat base 22. The shell seat portion 40 and the shell upright portion 42 may be removably coupled, or alternatively, may be permanently coupled to one another. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the shell upright portion 42 and the shell seat portion 40 are integrally formed as a single, unitary structure from a rigid or semi-rigid material. In another alternative embodiment, the shell upright portion 42 may be rotatably connected to the shell seat portion 40 such that the shell upright portion 42 can tilt and recline relative to the shell seat portion 40.

[0053] The shell upright portion 42 of the seat shell 32 includes a shell upright support surface 46 that faces generally forward and extends from a first end or top 48 of the shell upright portion to an opposite second end or bottom 50 ( FIG. 9 ). A first shell upright side member 52 may be disposed on a first side 54 of the shell upright support surface 46, and a second shell upright side member 56 may be disposed on an opposite second side 58 of the shell upright support surface 46. Thus, the first shell upright side member 52 and the second shell upright side member 56 form the left and right sides, respectively, of the shell upright portion 42. As shown, the first shell upright side member 52 and the second shell upright side member 56 extend forward from the shell upright support surface 46. The first and second shell upright side members 52, 56 may extend generally perpendicular to the shell upright support surface 46, or alternatively may extend from the shell upright support surface at another angle, for example, an angle greater than 90 degrees.

[0054] Shell seat portion 40 includes a shell seat support surface 60 that faces generally upward and extends from a first end or front 62 to a second end or rear 64 (see FIG. 9 ) of shell seat portion 40. A first shell seat side member 66 may be disposed on a first side 68 ( FIG. 9 ) of shell seat support surface 60, and a second shell seat side member 70 may be disposed on an opposite second side 72 of shell seat support surface 60. First shell seat side member 66 and second shell seat side member 70 extend upward and form left and right sides of shell seat portion 40.

[0055] As shown, the shell seat side members 66, 70 extend at an angle from the shell seat support surface 60. The angle of the first shell seat side member 66 relative to the shell seat support surface 60 may, but need not, be the same as the angle of the first shell upright side member 52 relative to the shell upright support surface 46. Similarly, the angle of the second shell seat side member 70 relative to the shell seat support surface 60 may, but need not, be the same as the angle of the second shell upright side member 56 relative to the shell upright support surface 46. In one embodiment, the first shell upright side member 52 and the first shell seat side member 66 are integrally formed, and the second shell upright side member 56 and the second shell seat side member 70 are integrally formed.

[0056] The shell upright support surface 46 and the first and second shell upright side members 52, 56 generally define a back area or upright support cavity 74 in which a child's upper body may be received. Similarly, the shell seat support surface 60 and the first and second shell seat side members 66, 70 generally define a seat area or seat cavity 76 in which a child's lower body may be received. As shown, the upright support cavity 74 and the seat cavity 76 may be connected such that the two combine to form a single cavity 78 of the seat shell 32.

[0057] The insert 34 is receivable within the cavity 78. Referring now to FIGS. 4A-6, an example of the insert 34 for the seat body 30 is illustrated in more detail. As shown, the insert 34 includes a body having an insert seat portion 80 and an insert back or upright portion 82 disposed at an angle relative to the insert seat portion 80. The insert seat portion 80 and the insert upright portion 82 may be removably coupled to one another, or alternatively, may be permanently coupled. In one embodiment, the insert upright portion 82 is rotatably connected to the insert seat portion 80 such that the insert upright portion 82 can tilt and recline relative to the insert seat portion 80. However, embodiments in which the insert upright portion 82 and the insert seat portion 80 are fixed relative to one another are also contemplated herein. In such embodiments, the insert upright portion 82 and the insert seat portion 80 may be integrally formed as a single, unitary structure, such as from a rigid or semi-rigid material.

[0058] The insert upright portion 82 includes an insert upright support surface 84 that faces generally forward and extends from a first end or top 86 of the insert upright portion 82 to an opposite second end or bottom 88 of the insert upright portion 82. Similarly, the insert seat portion 80 includes an insert seat support surface 90 that faces generally upward and extends from a first end or front 92 to a second end or rear 94 of the insert seat portion 80. When connected to the insert 34, a child may be positioned such that the child's upper body is positioned in contact with the insert upright support surface 84 and the child's lower body is positioned in contact with the insert seat support surface 90.

[0059] The insert 34 is convertible between an infant configuration (also referred to herein as an infant seat) and a toddler configuration (also referred to herein as an infant seat). Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B , when the insert 34 is in the infant configuration, at least one side wall may be disposed on one or more sides of the body of the insert 34. For example, the first side wall 96 may be disposed adjacent a first side of one or both of the insert upright portion 82 and the insert seat portion 80, and the second side wall 98 may be disposed adjacent an opposite second side of one or both of the insert upright portion 82 and the insert seat portion 80. In such embodiments, the side walls 96, 98 disposed on the left and right sides of the insert 34 may be formed from a soft material such as cloth. In embodiments of the insert 34 including side walls 96, 98, the side walls cooperate with the insert seat portion 80 and the insert upright portion 82 to form an insert cavity 99 capable of receiving an infant. The insert 34 having a first side wall 96 and a second side wall 98 as shown in FIG. 6 may resemble an infant carrier suitable for use within a child safety seat 20 as well as for attachment to a stroller or other traveling device.

[0060] In one embodiment, the side walls 96, 98 are removably connectable to the body of the insert 34. For example, to adapt the insert 34 to an infant configuration suitable for use with an older child, the side walls 96, 98 may be removed from the insert 34 to provide more space for the child within the cavity 78 of the seat shell 32. When the side walls 96, 98 are removed, the first shell seat side member 66 and the second shell seat side member 70 of the seat shell 32 can act as side walls for the infant configuration to help position and retain the older child within the insert 34. The first shell seat side member 66 and the second shell seat side member 70 may include a soft material for the child's comfort. However, embodiments that do not include the side walls 96, 98 when the insert is in the infant configuration and / or that include the side walls 96, 98 when the insert 34 is in the infant configuration are also contemplated herein.

[0061] Furthermore, the insert 34 may include a carrying handle 100 so that the insert 34 can operate as a carrier when the insert 34 is detached or separated from the seat shell 32. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the carrying handle 100 has an arc shape, with its two opposing ends 102, 104 connected to the left and right sides of the insert body, respectively. The carrying handle 100 may be pivotally connected to the body of the insert 34. Thus, the carrying handle 100 may be convertible between a plurality of angular positions relative to the insert 34. Example angular positions include when the carrying handle 100 extends in a vertical plane, also referred to herein as the "carrying position" (FIGS. 4A and 7A), when the carrying handle 100 is reclined rearward, for example, behind the insert upright portion 82 (FIG. 4B), and when the carrying handle 100 is rotated forward to a position disposed adjacent the front portion 92 of the insert seat support surface 90 (FIG. 7B). In one aspect, the carrying handle 100 can be rotated toward the front 92 such that the carrying handle 100 is below the insert seat support surface 90 (e.g., in a storage position). The positioning of the carrying handle 100 below the insert seat support surface 90 can prevent the carrying handle 100 from obstructing the feet of a child positioned within the insert 34. It should be understood that the carrying handle 100 can also be positioned at other angular positions along the path of travel of the carrying handle 100.

[0062] In one embodiment, best shown in FIG. 8 , the carrying handle 100 may be releasably connected to the body of the insert 34. Any suitable mechanism for selectively coupling the carrying handle 100 to the insert 34 is contemplated herein. In one embodiment, the carrying handle 100, separated from the insert 34, may be stored within a cavity 78 in the seat shell 32 between the seat shell 32 and the insert 34 (see FIG. 9 ). In one embodiment, the carrying handle 100 may be convertible to a folded configuration before being installed within the seat shell 32. With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B , in one embodiment, a flexible region 106 may be formed within the carrying handle 100, such as near its center. The flexible region 106 may define a hinge axis X about which a first portion 110 of the carrying handle 100 may flex or bend relative to a second portion 112 of the carrying handle 100. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the rigid connector 114 is slidably coupled to the carrying handle 100 adjacent the flexible region 106. When the rigid connector 114 is in an overlapping position with the flexible region 106, particularly its axis X (as shown in FIG. 10B ), relative movement between the first and second portions 110, 112 of the carrying handle 100 about its axis X is restricted. Thus, the carrying handle 100 is locked in the deployed or use configuration. When the rigid connector 114 is moved, e.g., translated or rotated out of alignment with axis X, the first portion 110 of the carrying handle 100 is free to pivot about axis X relative to the second portion 112. This relative movement allows the carrying handle 100 to transform into a folded configuration in which at least one dimension of the carrying handle 100 is reduced compared to when the carrying handle 100 is in the use position.

[0063] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the insert upright portion 82 includes a headrest 120. The headrest 120 is attached to or integral with the insert upright portion 82. The headrest 120 may be stationary or, in some embodiments, configured to move relative to the insert upright support surface 84. For example, the headrest 120 may be configured to translate vertically relative to the insert upright support surface 84 between a stowed position ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ) and a deployed position ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ), allowing adjustment based on the size of a child positioned within the child safety seat 20. In one embodiment, when the insert 34 is in the infant configuration, the headrest 120 is in a lowered or stowed position, and when the insert 34 is in the toddler configuration, the headrest 120 is raised relative to the insert upright support surface 84.

[0064] The insert 34 receivable within the cavity 78 of the seat shell 32 may include a restraint harness 130 for restraining a child positioned on the insert 34. The restraint harness 130, best shown in FIG. 5B , may include multiple harness straps, including, but not limited to, shoulder straps, waist straps, and a crotch strap. A buckle may be connected to one of the harness straps and may be operable to couple the multiple harness straps together. In one embodiment, a buckle 132 is attached to the end of a crotch strap 134 and is operable to attach a shoulder strap 136 and / or a waist strap (not shown) to the crotch strap 134 to limit movement of the child's body relative to the insert 34.

[0065] In embodiments in which the restraint harness 130 includes one or more shoulder straps 136, each shoulder strap 136 may extend through a respective slit 138 formed in the insert upright support surface 84 or, alternatively, in a portion of the headrest 120. In embodiments in which the shoulder straps 136 extend through slits 138 formed in the headrest 120, the restraint harness 130 is operably coupled to the headrest 120. Thus, when the headrest 120 is in a lowered position relative to the insert upright support surface 84, such as to accommodate an infant or smaller child, a portion of the shoulder strap 136 is exposed beneath the headrest 120 adjacent the insert upright support surface 84, and another portion of the shoulder strap 136 is hidden within the interior of the body of the insert 34. Similarly, when the headrest 120 is raised relative to the insert upright support surface 84 to accommodate a taller child, the portion of the shoulder straps 136 exposed beneath the headrest 120 increases compared to when the headrest 120 is lowered, and the portion of the shoulder straps 136 hidden within the body of the insert 34 is reduced compared to when the headrest 120 is lowered. As a result, the length of the shoulder straps 136 is adjustable along with the headrest 120 to accommodate the size of the child positioned on the insert 34.

[0066] As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the insert 34 is receivable within a cavity 78 of the seat shell 32. The insert 34 may be connectable to the seat shell 32 when in either the infant or toddler configuration. The insert seat portion 80 may be disposed adjacent to and in an overlapping arrangement with the shell seat support surface 60 when installed within the cavity 78, and the insert upright portion 82 may be disposed adjacent to and in an overlapping arrangement with the shell upright support surface 46. In one embodiment, the insert 34 is configured to mechanically couple to the seat shell 32 when installed within the cavity 78. For example, the insert 34 may include a first portion of at least one coupling mechanism, and a complementary second portion of the at least one coupling mechanism may be disposed on an adjacent surface of the seat shell 32, such as the shell seat support surface 60 and / or the shell upright support surface 46.

[0067] It should be understood that because the restraint harness 130 is associated with the removable insert 34, rather than the seat shell 32, a child cannot be properly seated in the child safety seat 20 when the insert 34 is not installed on the seat shell 32. As described above, the insert 34 is convertible between an infant configuration and a toddler configuration to convert the seat main body 30 between an infant seat and a toddler seat, such as by adjusting the position of the headrest and / or adding or removing the side walls 96, 98 relative to the body of the insert 34. However, the restraint harness 130 remains secured to the insert 34 regardless of the configuration of the insert 34. Thus, the same restraint harness 130 secured to the insert 34 is operable to secure a child in the seat main body 30 of the child safety seat 20 when the seat main body 30 is configured as an infant seat and when the seat main body 30 of the child safety seat 20 is configured as a toddler seat. Additionally, a child may be easily separated from the vehicle seat 10 by simply removing the insert 34 from the seat shell 32 while the child remains attached to the insert 34 via the restraint harness 130. In this manner, the insert 34 can also function as a child carrier when separated from the rest of the child safety seat 20.

[0068] As previously mentioned, the insert 34 is removably receivable within the cavity 78 of the seat shell 32. Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13 , in one embodiment, the seat shell 32 includes at least one groove, such as, for example, a first groove 140 and a second groove 142, spaced apart from one another. The first groove 140 and the second groove 142 may be formed as recesses in the shell seat support surface 60 or one or more other suitable surfaces of the seat shell 32. Each of these grooves 140, 142 may be sized to receive and retain a seat connector 144, 146, such as, for example, a shaft disposed on the bottom surface of the insert 34. While not shown, it should be understood that each of the first groove 140 and the second groove 142 may include a catch with which a corresponding latch (not shown) can engage the seat connector 144, 146 to lock the insert 34 to the seat shell 32.

[0069] Alternatively, or in addition, the seat shell 32 may include at least one shell engaging member 150, and the insert 34 may include at least one corresponding insert engaging member 152 connectable to the shell engaging member 150 to couple the insert 34 to the seat shell 32. When the insert engaging member 152 and the shell engaging member 150 are coupled, the connection formed between the seat shell 32 and the insert 34 further stabilizes the rear portion of the seat main body 30. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the shell engaging member 150 is shown disposed on the shell upright support surface 46 of the shell upright portion 42, and the insert engaging member 152 is illustrated as being located on the back surface 154 of the insert upright portion 82 or the headrest 120. However, embodiments in which the engaging members 150, 152 are located on any adjacent surfaces of the seat shell 32 and the insert 34 are also contemplated herein.

[0070] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the shell engaging member 150 includes a channel or track extending downward from the upper portion 48 of the shell upright support surface 46. In such an embodiment, the insert engaging member 152 may include a rib or protrusion slidably receivable within the channel or track. Such a configuration is intended to facilitate engagement between the shell engaging member 150 and the insert engaging member 152 over a range of positions for the insert engaging member 152 as the insert 34 is converted or expanded for use with a growing child. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment best shown in FIGS. 13 and 16 , the insert engaging member 152 has a T-shaped configuration when viewed from the rear of the insert upright portion 82. The channel 150 configured to receive the T-shaped insert engaging member 152 may have a uniform configuration along its length, or alternatively, may have a varying configuration along its length. 14 , a contoured groove 156 having a size and shape complementary to that of the insert engaging member 152 may be positioned at a desired location relative to the channel 150, such as at or near the end of the channel 150. The location of the groove 156 may be positioned to properly position the insert 34 relative to the seat shell 32. While the channel 150 is illustrated and described as being formed in the seat shell 32 with the receivable projection 152 extending from the insert 34, it should be understood that embodiments in which the channel 150 is formed in the insert 34 and the projection 152 extends from the seat shell 32 are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0071] 11 , in one embodiment, the child safety seat 20, such as its seat base 22, includes one or more accessories 200 for storing one or more belongings when loading or unloading a child from the child safety seat 20. While the accessory 200 illustrated in the figure is located in the seat portion 24 of the seat base 22, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the accessory 200 may be located in the upright portion 26 of the seat base 22. Alternatively, or in addition, the accessory 200 may be located in the seat proper 30.

[0072] In one embodiment, accessory 200 includes tray 202 having recessed area 204 for receiving items such as keys, a phone, a wallet, or other items that are typically in a parent's hands while entering or exiting a vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition, accessory 200 may include cup holder 206 having an opening 208 sized to receive a standard-sized cup, bottle, or can. While opening 208 in cup holder 206 is illustrated as having a fixed diameter, embodiments in which opening 208 in cup holder 206 is adjustable are also contemplated herein.

[0073] The accessory 200 may be convertible, e.g., translatable or pivotable, between a deployed configuration (shown in the figures) and a stored configuration (not shown). In the stored configuration, substantially the entire accessory 200 is received within an opening or pocket 210 formed in the seat base 22. In one embodiment, when the accessory 200 is in the stored configuration, an edge or end of the accessory 200 is substantially flush with the adjacent surface of the seat base 22, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance and minimizing interference with access to the child safety seat 20. The accessory 200 may be convertible between the stored configuration and the deployed configuration in response to the application of an inward force to an exposed end or edge of the accessory 200. When an inward force is applied to an end of the accessory 200 positioned flush with the adjacent portion of the seat base 22, the accessory 200 may move outward to the deployed configuration. Similarly, when in the deployed configuration, application of an inward force to the same edge of the accessory 200 causes the accessory 200 to move into the opening 210 formed in the seat base 22.

[0074] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing.

[0075] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, components, steps, operations, elements, and / or ingredients, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, steps, operations, elements, ingredients, and / or groups thereof.

[0076] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings without departing from the essential scope of the invention. Therefore, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the disclosure, but rather that the disclosure will include all embodiments within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A child safety seat for placement on a vehicle seat, said child safety seat comprising: Seat base and a seat body associable with the seat base, the seat body being configurable as both an infant seat and a toddler seat; A child safety seat comprising: a restraint harness associated with the seat body, the restraint harness being operable when the seat body is configured as both the infant seat and the toddler seat.

2. The sheet body is a seat shell fixed to the seat base; 10. The child safety seat of claim 1, further comprising a seat insert removably connectable to the seat shell.

3. 3. The child safety seat of claim 2, wherein the restraint harness is secured to the seat insert.

4. 4. The child safety seat of claim 3, wherein the seat insert is separable from the seat shell when the child is coupled to the seat insert by the restraint harness.

5. 4. The child safety seat of claim 3, wherein the seat insert further comprises a headrest, the headrest being movable between a first position associated with the infant seat and a second position associated with the toddler seat.

6. 6. The child safety seat of claim 5, wherein the restraint harness is operably coupled to the headrest.

7. The seat insert is a body including an insert seat portion and an insert upright portion; 4. The child safety seat of claim 3, further comprising at least one side wall, the at least one side wall being connectable to a side of the main body.

8. 8. The child safety seat according to claim 7, wherein the at least one side wall is connected to the main body when the seat main body is configured as the infant seat, and the at least one side wall is separated from the main body when the seat main body is configured as the toddler seat.

9. The sheet body is an insert seat support surface on said seat insert for supporting a child thereon; 3. The child safety seat of claim 2, further comprising a carrying handle rotatably connected to the seat insert, the carrying handle being rotatable between a carrying position and a storage position, in which the carrying handle is positioned below the insert seat support surface.

10. 2. The child safety seat of claim 1, wherein the seat body is positionable relative to the seat base in both a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position.

11. 11. The child safety seat according to claim 10, wherein the seat proper is positionable relative to the seat base at a position between the forward-facing position and the rearward-facing position.

12. An infant seat for a child safety seat, the infant seat comprising: The seat body includes: Seat shell and An infant seat including a seat insert removably connectable to the seat shell, the seat insert having a body and a restraint harness coupled to the body.

13. 13. The infant seat of claim 12, wherein the seat shell further comprises a cavity, the seat insert being positionable within the cavity.

14. 14. The infant seat of claim 13, wherein the seat insert further comprises a plurality of side walls connected to the body to define an insert cavity capable of receiving a child.

15. The infant seat of claim 14, wherein the main body and the side walls of the infant seat are positionable within the cavity.

16. 15. The infant seat of claim 14, wherein the seat insert is separable from the seat shell when the child is coupled to the seat insert by the restraint harness.

17. 17. The infant seat of claim 16, wherein the seat insert, when separated from the seat shell, is an infant carrier.

18. 13. The infant seat of claim 12, wherein the seat insert is convertible to a toddler configuration.

19. An infant seat for a child safety seat, the infant seat comprising: The seat body includes: Seat shell and an infant seat including a seat insert removably connectable to the seat shell, the seat insert having a body and a restraint harness coupled to the body;

20. 20. The infant seat of claim 19, wherein the seat shell further comprises a cavity, the seat insert being positionable within the cavity.

21. 20. The infant seat of claim 19, wherein the seat insert further comprises a plurality of side walls removably connectable to the main body, the plurality of side walls being separate from the main body.

22. 20. The infant seat of claim 19, wherein the seat insert is separable from the seat shell when a child is coupled to the seat insert by the restraint harness.

23. 20. The infant seat of claim 19, wherein the seat insert is convertible to an infant configuration.

24. 1. A method for operating a child safety seat, comprising: positioning a seat shell relative to a seat base; placing a seat insert in one of an infant configuration and a toddler configuration; and connecting the seat insert to the seat shell.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein positioning the seat shell relative to the seat base further comprises rotating the seat shell between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position.

26. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein positioning the seat insert further comprises adjusting a position of a headrest of the seat insert, wherein in the infant configuration, the headrest is lowered relative to the seat insert and in the toddler configuration, the headrest is raised relative to the seat insert.

27. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein positioning the seat insert further comprises adjusting the position of at least one side wall of the seat insert, wherein in the infant configuration, the at least one side wall is attached to the seat insert and in the toddler configuration, the at least one side wall is separated from the seat insert.

28. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising coupling a child to the seat insert via a restraining harness of the seat insert.

29. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the restraint harness is operable to couple the child to the seat insert when the seat insert is in both the infant configuration and the toddler configuration.

30. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein connecting the seat insert to the seat shell further comprises positioning the seat insert within a cavity in the seat shell.

31. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein connecting the seat insert to the seat shell further comprises connecting a first portion of a coupling mechanism mounted on the seat insert to a complementary second portion of the coupling mechanism mounted on the seat shell.

32. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising adjusting the position of a carrying handle of the seat insert.

33. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein adjusting the position of the carrying handle further comprises rotating the carrying handle about an axis relative to the seat insert.

34. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein adjusting the position of the carrying handle further comprises separating the carrying handle from the seat insert.

35. A child safety seat for placement on a vehicle seat, said child safety seat comprising: Seat base and a seat body associated with the seat base; A child safety seat comprising: an accessory associated with one of the seat base and the seat body, the accessory being convertible between a stored configuration and an deployed configuration, wherein in the stored configuration, the accessory is stored in a pocket formed in the one of the seat base and the seat body.

36. 36. The child safety seat of claim 35, wherein the accessory is pivotable about an axis between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration.

37. 36. The child safety seat of claim 35, wherein the accessory is translatable between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration.

38. 36. The child safety seat of claim 35, wherein the accessory further comprises a tray having a recessed area formed therein.

39. 36. The child safety seat of claim 35, wherein the accessory further comprises a cup holder.

40. 36. The child safety seat of claim 35, wherein in the stowed configuration, the accessory is substantially flush with adjacent surfaces of the one of the seat base and the seat proper.

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