Latch and adjustment system for infant car seats

Abstract

An infant car seat system for use with a vehicle seat includes an infant car seat shell configured to support an infant, and an adjustable anchor system including at least one anchor that is releasably engaged with the vehicle seat. The adjustable anchor system is coupled to the seat shell such that at least one anchor is movable between a retracted state and an extended state. In the retracted state, at least one anchor of the adjustable anchor system is retracted and fixed to the infant car seat shell, and in the extended state, at least one anchor of the adjustable anchor system is extended and fixed in place relative to the infant car seat shell to secure the infant car seat to the vehicle seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 483,989, filed on February 9, 2023, and U.S. Application No. 63 / 492,889, filed on March 29, 2023, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background Art

[0002] Automobiles, buses, airplanes, boats, trains, etc. are common means of transportation (hereinafter referred to as "vehicles") for many parents, guardians, and caregivers (hereinafter referred to as "caregivers") of children around the world. Many conventional vehicles often include restraints (e.g., seat belts) designed to protect adults and / or children of a certain age (e.g., at least 9 years old) and / or size (e.g., at least 57 inches in height). However, in the case of relatively young and / or small children, and especially infants, restraints in various vehicles generally do not provide adequate protection. Considering the above, in order to provide appropriate protection for children during movement, caregivers often use child safety seats or infant car seats when transporting children in vehicles.

[0003] Because children grow and experience considerable physical development during the first five years of life, different types of child safety seats are used to ensure that children remain adequately restrained and protected during vehicle transport. More specifically, a given child safety seat is generally selected based on the child's size, weight, and / or age, and installed in the vehicle in a specific manner. A “baby car seat” is a type of child safety seat specifically tailored for babies being transported in a vehicle. “Baby” generally refers to a child who has not yet learned to walk, typically corresponding to a child aged 0 to approximately 12 months and / or weighing up to approximately 20 to 30 pounds. Baby car seats may more commonly be used to carry and hold babies beyond the confines of a vehicle or stroller. As a baby outgrows the baby car seat system in the vehicle, it is generally replaced by a “convertible” car seat. In contrast to infant car seat systems, convertible car seats are larger in size and generally accommodate both rear-facing and forward-facing configurations to adapt to a child's physical development. In addition, unlike infant car seats, convertible car seats are typically not portable but rather stationary devices that remain in the vehicle; that is, the child is placed in and / or removed from the convertible car seat at the start and end of vehicle travel. Because conventional convertible car seats are not intended for transporting children outside the vehicle, they do not include carrying handles like those found in infant car seats, and similarly, convertible car seats do not include a curved rocker bottom for rocking the infant. As a child grows out of a convertible car seat, it may then be replaced by an even larger seat, or eventually a booster seat. A child may continue to use a booster seat until they can safely use the vehicle's seats and restraints without the assistance of a booster seat.

[0004] Regarding installation within a vehicle, the child safety seat may utilize the existing seat belts in the vehicle to secure it within the vehicle. For this purpose, various child safety seats include a vehicle belt route through which the vehicle's existing seat belts can pass to hold the child safety seat to the vehicle's seat. An alternative to using existing vehicle seat belts is, for example, a “vehicle under anchor” located in the curved portion of the passenger car's seat and / or other vehicle mounting points.

[0005] The National Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Certification Program provides standards for child passenger safety certification. According to the CPS, a child safety seat, when properly installed in a vehicle, must pass an "inch test," meaning that a properly installed child safety seat must not move more than one inch forward, backward, or sideways when pulled along the seat belt path. This rule applies to forward-facing and rear-facing child safety seats, such as infant car seats, and where the child safety seat is secured to a vehicle seat using either an existing vehicle seat belt or a standardized anchoring system including under-vehicle anchors. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] According to several embodiments, an infant car seat system for use with a vehicle seat is provided. The infant car seat system includes an infant car seat shell configured to support an infant, and an adjustable anchor system including at least one anchor that is releasably engaged with a vehicle seat. The adjustable anchor system is coupled to the seat shell such that at least one anchor is movable between a retracted state and an extended state. In the retracted state, at least one anchor of the adjustable anchor system is retracted and fixed to the infant car seat shell. In the extended state, at least one anchor of the adjustable anchor system is extended and fixed in place relative to the infant car seat shell to secure the infant car seat to the vehicle seat.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a seat shell having a storage slot that receives at least a portion of an adjustable anchor system in a stowed position.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of an infant car seat system may include an adjustable frame comprising at least one anchor, two anchors, and an adjustable anchor system comprising an adjustable frame configured to be located within a seat shell and to slide relative to the seat shell, wherein the two anchors are located at the front end of the adjustable frame, and a cross member extending between the two anchors.

[0009] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a pivot member pivotably connected between a portion of the seat shell and a cross member.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a releasable locking connector configured to selectively and releasably fix the position of an adjustable frame relative to the seat shell.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a seat shell comprising two seat shell rails, with a portion of an adjustable frame extending through each of the two seat shell rails.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of infant car seat systems may include a releasable locking connector configured to selectively and releasably fix the position of at least one anchor relative to the seat shell.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of an infant car seat system may include at least one anchor connected to a cross member, wherein a releasable locking connector comprises an element having a fixed connector in the cross member and a releasable locking connector positioned on the seat shell and configured to selectively lock the length of the releasable locking connector.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of infant car seat systems may include a releaseable locking connection comprising webbing, a belt, or a strap.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of an infant car seat system may include at least one anchor comprising two anchors, wherein the adjustable anchor system comprises a cross member extending between the two anchors, and an adjustable anchor connector associated with each of the two anchors, wherein the adjustable anchor connector is wound around a portion of the cross member, and an adjustable locking member wound around a portion of the cross member.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include the winding direction of the adjustable anchor connector being opposite to the winding direction of the adjustable locking member.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a crank handle configured for manual rotation of the cross member.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of an infant car seat system may include at least one anchor comprising two anchors, wherein the adjustable anchor system includes a cross member extending between the two anchors and a pivot member pivotably positioned between the seat shell and the cross member.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may further include an adjustable anchor system comprising a link assembly in which at least one of a cross member and a pivot member is arranged between the seat shell in a pivotable connection.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of an infant car seat system may include an adjustable anchoring system comprising a rigid frame member fixedly positioned on or within a seat shell, and a movable frame member movably positioned relative to the rigid frame member, wherein at least one anchor is located at the end of the movable frame member.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may further include a releaseable locking connection configured to selectively fix the relative position between a rigid frame member and a movable frame member, within the adjustable anchoring system.

[0022] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include an adjustable anchoring system configured to be fixed to the vehicle seat in both the stowed and extended states, respectively.

[0023] According to several embodiments, an infant car seat system for use with a vehicle seat is provided. The infant car seat system includes an infant car seat shell having a front and a rear section, and an adjustable anchor system associated with the infant car seat shell. The adjustable anchor system includes at least one anchor configured to releasably engage with a portion of the vehicle seat, and a frame having at least a movable portion, wherein at least one anchor is coupled to the movable portion of the frame, and the movable portion of the frame is movable relative to the infant car seat shell between a retracted state and an extended state. In the extended state, the movable portion of the frame is unlocked and movable together with the at least one anchor with respect to at least one of an axial distance from the front of the infant car seat shell and an orientation angle relative to the infant car seat shell.

[0024] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that an adjustable anchor system is configured to have a locked state in which a movable part of the frame is locked relative to the seat shell.

[0025] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the seat shell comprises a storage slot for receiving at least a part of the adjustable anchor system in a storage state.

[0026] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that an adjustable anchor system includes an adjustable frame having two anchors, the adjustable frame being disposed within the seat shell and configured to slide relative to the seat shell, the two anchors being disposed at a front end of the adjustable frame, and a cross member extending between the two anchors.

[0027] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include that the adjustable anchor system comprises a releasable locking connection configured to selectively and releasably fix the position of at least one anchor relative to the seat shell.

[0028] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of an infant car seat system may include that at least one anchor comprises two anchors, and an adjustable anchor system includes a cross member extending between the two anchors and an adjustable anchor connector associated with each of the two anchors, the adjustable anchor connector being wound around a portion of the cross member, and an adjustable lock member wound around a portion of the cross member.

[0029] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of an infant car seat system may include that at least one anchor comprises two anchors, and an adjustable anchor system includes a cross member extending between the two anchors and a pivot member pivotally disposed between the seat shell and the cross member.

[0030] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of an infant car seat system may include that an adjustable anchor system includes a rigid frame member fixedly positioned on or within the seat shell and a movable frame member movably disposed relative to the rigid frame member, at least one anchor being disposed at an end of the movable frame member.

[0031] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of an infant car seat system may include that an adjustable anchor system is configured to be secured to a vehicle seat in each of a stored state and an extended state.

[0032] According to several embodiments, an infant car seat system for use with a vehicle seat is provided. The infant car seat system includes an infant car seat shell having a front and a rear section, and an adjustable anchor system associated with the infant car seat shell. The adjustable anchor system includes a pivot member coupled to the infant car seat shell, at least one anchor configured to releasably engage with a portion of the vehicle seat, the at least one anchor being attached to the pivot member and movable between a retracted and extended state, and an adjustable locking member that interacts with the pivot member to move the at least one anchor toward the retracted state.

[0033] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a cross member positioned between a pivot member and at least one anchor.

[0034] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include an adjustable locking member that is coupled at a first end to at least one of a pivoting member and a cross member, and at a second end is selectively attachable to the seat shell at a releaseable locking connection.

[0035] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include an adjustable anchoring system configured to be fixed to the vehicle seat in both the stowed and extended states, respectively.

[0036] According to several embodiments, an infant car seat system for use with a vehicle seat is provided. The infant car seat system includes an infant car seat shell having a front and a rear section, a carry handle rotatably attached to the seat shell in an attachment mechanism, and an adjustable anchor system including at least one anchor mounted on the carry handle, the at least one anchor being configured to releasably engage with a portion of the vehicle seat.

[0037] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a carry handle comprising a carry portion and a support portion, wherein at least one anchor is attached to the support portion.

[0038] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a support portion configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees around the mounting mechanism.

[0039] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the infant car seat system may include a support portion configured to be positioned at least in a carry position, a mounting position, and a support position.

[0040] According to one embodiment, a child seat that can be attached to a vehicle seat including a vehicle belt includes a seat shell that can be coupled to the vehicle seat via the vehicle belt, and a tensioning assembly that can operate to apply force to a portion of the vehicle belt that can be associated with the seat shell.

[0041] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the tensioning assembly includes at least one lock-off member. The at least one lock-off member is deformable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the at least one lock-off member applies force to a portion of the vehicle belt associated with the seat shell.

[0042] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one lock-off member includes a first lock-off member positioned adjacent to the first side of the seat shell and a second lock-off member positioned adjacent to the second side of the seat shell.

[0043] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the seat shell includes a seat side member, and at least one lock-off member is rotatably mounted on the seat side member.

[0044] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the seat shell includes a bottom, and at least one lock-off member is rotatably mounted to the bottom.

[0045] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, a further embodiment includes an actuator that can operate to deform at least one lock-off member between a stowed position and an extended position.

[0046] In a further embodiment, in addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, the actuator is operably coupled to at least one lock-off member by a link mechanism.

[0047] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, a further embodiment includes a movable assembly mounted on the seat shell and operably coupled to at least one lock-off member, and an actuator and a flexible member operably coupled to the movable assembly.

[0048] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments include a carrying handle movably coupled to the seat shell. The carrying handle is deformable between a plurality of positions, including a carrying position and a forward position.

[0049] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the carrying handle is operably coupled to at least one lock-off member. The carrying handle is movable to deform the at least one lock-off member between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0050] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one lock-off member includes a plurality of lock-off members. The carrying handle is movable to simultaneously deform the plurality of lock-off members between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0051] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, when the carrying handle is in the carrying position, at least one lock-off member is in the retracted position, and when the carrying handle is in the forward position, at least one lock-off member is in the extended position.

[0052] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, when the carrying handle is in the forward position, the carrying handle is a rebound bar.

[0053] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the carry handle includes a catch. The catch is engageable with at least one lock-off member while the carry handle is in motion.

[0054] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the tensioning assembly includes at least one tensioning mechanism, which includes a lever mounted movably on the seat shell between an open position and a closed position. A portion of the vehicle belt is receivable between the lever and the seat shell.

[0055] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, when the lever is in the closed position, a force is applied to a portion of the vehicle belt.

[0056] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the seat shell is capable of being positioned in direct contact with the surface of the vehicle seat.

[0057] According to one embodiment, a child seat that can be attached to a vehicle seat including a vehicle belt includes a seat shell that can be coupled to the vehicle seat, a carrying handle movably coupled to the seat shell, and at least one lock-off member disposed with the seat shell. The carrying handle is operably coupled to at least one lock-off member. The carrying handle is movable to deform at least one lock-off member between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0058] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the carrying handle is movable between a carrying position and a forward position.

[0059] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the distance between the carrying handle and a portion of the vehicle seat is minimized in a forward position.

[0060] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the carrying handle applies tension to the vehicle belt when the carrying handle is in the forward position.

[0061] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, when the carrying handle is in the forward position, the carrying handle is a rebound bar.

[0062] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, when the carrying handle is in the carrying position, at least one lock-off member is in the retracted position, and when the carrying handle is in the forward position, at least one lock-off member is in the extended position.

[0063] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the carrying handle is rotatably coupled to the seat shell.

[0064] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the seat shell includes at least one lock-off slot, and the vehicle belt is receivable within at least one lock-off slot.

[0065] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one lock-off member is positioned adjacent to at least one lock-off slot.

[0066] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one lock-off member is located remotely from at least one lock-off slot.

[0067] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the carrying handle is operably coupled to at least one lock-off member by a link mechanism.

[0068] In a further embodiment, in addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, a moving assembly operably coupled to at least one lock-off member and a flexible member operably coupled to a carrying handle.

[0069] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one lock-off member includes a first lock-off member positioned adjacent to the first side of the seat shell and a second lock-off member positioned adjacent to the second opposite side of the seat shell.

[0070] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one lock-off member includes a plurality of lock-off members. The carrying handle is operable to simultaneously deform the plurality of lock-off members between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0071] According to one embodiment, a child seat that can be attached to a vehicle seat including a vehicle belt includes a seat shell that can be coupled to the vehicle seat, at least one lever movably coupled to the seat shell, and a vehicle belt path disposed between the seat shell and the at least one lever. The at least one lever is movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the vehicle belt path.

[0072] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one lever is manually movable between a closed position and an open position.

[0073] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one lever is rotatable between a closed position and an open position.

[0074] In further embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, the present invention includes at least one groove. When at least one lever is in the closed position, at least one lever is receivable within at least one groove.

[0075] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one groove is formed within the seat shell, and the vehicle belt path extends between at least one groove and at least one lever.

[0076] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one lever includes a cam surface configured to clamp a vehicle belt in cooperation with at least one groove.

[0077] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments include a carrying handle movably coupled to the seat shell. The carrying handle is movable between a carrying position and a forward position.

[0078] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the distance between the carrying handle and a portion of the vehicle seat is minimized in a forward position.

[0079] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, when the carrying handle is in the forward position, the carrying handle is a rebound bar.

[0080] In addition to or alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one lever includes a first lever and a second lever. The first lever is located on a first side of the seat shell, and the second lever is located on a second side of the seat shell. The vehicle belt path extends between the seat shell and the first lever, and between the seat shell and the second lever. Each of the first and second levers is movable relative to the vehicle belt path between an open position and a closed position.

[0081] The features and elements described herein may be combined in various non-exclusive combinations unless otherwise explicitly indicated. 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 also be provided separately or in any preferred subcombination. These features and elements, as well as their operation, will become clearer in light of the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and descriptive, and are not limiting.

[0082] The subject matter is specifically pointed out and explicitly claimed in the conclusions of this specification. The above and other features, as well as advantages, of this disclosure are evident from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0083] [Figure 1A] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle in which an infant car seat system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be installed. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system attached to the vehicle seat of the vehicle shown. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic diagram of a typical vehicle seat and vehicle under-anchor in which the infant car seat system described herein may be installed. [Figure 2B]Figure 2A shows a typical lower anchor for a vehicle seat within the vehicle seat. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system installed on a vehicle seat, which may incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] This is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A is a side view of the infant car seat system shown in its extended state. [Figure 4C] Figure 4A is a side view of the infant car seat system shown in its stowed state. [Figure 4D] Figure 4A is a bottom view of the infant car seat system. [Figure 5A] This is a bottom view of an infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A is a rear view of the infant car seat system. [Figure 6A] This is a bottom view of an infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the infant car seat system along line BB. [Figure 7A] This is a front view of an infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A is a bottom view of the infant car seat system. [Figure 7C] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the infant car seat system shown in Figure 7A, along line CC. [Figure 7D] This is a cross-sectional view of the infant car seat system shown in Figure 7A, along line DD shown in Figure 7B. [Figure 8A] This is a bottom view of an infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] This is a cross-sectional view of the infant car seat system shown in Figure 8A, along line BB. [Figure 8C]This is a cross-sectional view of the infant car seat system shown in Figure 8A, along line CC. [Figure 9A] This is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] Figure 9A is a magnified view of a portion of the adjustable anchor system of the infant car seat system. [Figure 9C] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of the infant car seat system shown in its retracted state. [Figure 9D] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of the infant car seat system shown in its extended state. [Figure 10A] This is a schematic diagram of an extended infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, installed on a vehicle seat. [Figure 10B] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the infant car seat system in its tightened and extended state, installed on a vehicle seat. [Figure 11A] This is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] Figure 11A is a schematic diagram of the infant car seat system installed on a vehicle seat. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of a child seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, having a carrying handle in a carrying position and mounted around a vehicle seat. [Figure 14] This is a side view of a child seat, including a tensioning assembly when the carrying handle is in the carrying position, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a detailed side view of a child seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of a tensioning assembly for a child seat, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the carrying handle is in the carrying position. [Figure 17]This is a perspective view of a child seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, having a carrying handle that is mounted around a vehicle seat and rotated from a carrying position. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view of a child seat having a forward-positioned carrying handle mounted around a vehicle seat, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] Figure 18 is a detailed side view of a child seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view of a tensioning assembly for a child seat, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the carrying handle is in the forward position. [Figure 21] This is a side view of another tensioning assembly of a child seat, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the carrying handle is in the carrying position. [Figure 22] This is a side view of another tensioning assembly of a child seat, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the carrying handle is in an intermediate position. [Figure 23] This is a side view of another tensioning assembly of a child seat, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the carrying handle is in the forward position. [Figure 24] This is a side view of yet another tensioning assembly of a child seat, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the carrying handle is in the carrying position. [Figure 25] This is a side view of another tensioning assembly of a child seat, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the carrying handle is in an intermediate position. [Figure 26] This is a side view of another tensioning assembly of a child seat, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the carrying handle is in the forward position. [Figure 27] This is a perspective view of a child seat having an open tensioning assembly installed around a vehicle seat, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] This is a detailed perspective view of an open-configuration tensioning assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] This is a perspective view of a child seat having a tensioning assembly in a closed configuration, installed around a vehicle seat, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 30] This is a detailed perspective view of a tension-applying assembly in a closed configuration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0084] Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, schematic diagrams of a vehicle 100 and an infant car seat system 104, which may incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1A shows a vehicle 100 (e.g., a personal vehicle, ridehail, or rideshare vehicle) including a vehicle seat 102 on which an infant car seat system 104 according to various embodiments disclosed herein is installed. Figure 1A also shows an inset enlarged view of the infant car seat system 104 installed on the vehicle seat 102 of the vehicle 100. Figure 1B illustrates an enlarged detail of the infant car seat system 104 installed on the vehicle seat 102 of the vehicle 100.

[0085] The infant car seat system 104 includes an infant car seat 106, which is 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 bite 114 (i.e., the area where the vehicle seat back 110 and the vehicle seat pan 112 intersect). The anchor system 108 is configured to secure the infant car seat 106 to the vehicle seat 102 without using a removable vehicle mounting base and without using a vehicle seat belt (for example, one that passes over the infant's legs, knees, or pelvis when the infant is in the infant car seat for transport inside the vehicle). The anchor system 108 provides a secure fit to the vehicle seat 102 by installing the infant car seat 106 (for example, without using a removable base and / or without using a vehicle seat belt), thereby helping to ensure that the infant car seat system 104 passes the CPS “inch test” when installed. The anchor system 108 may be positioned to facilitate alignment with a standard arrangement of vehicle under-anchors (for example, as shown in Figure 1B).

[0086] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the infant car seat 106 is fixed to the vehicle seat 102 in a rearward orientation, with the front part 116 facing the vehicle seat back 110 and the rear part 118 facing away from the vehicle seat back 110. Therefore, when a child sits in the infant car seat 106, the child's feet are at the front part 116 and the child's head is at the rear part 118. Thus, the infant car seat 106 is a rearward-facing infant car seat.

[0087] As illustrated, the infant car seat 106 includes a seat shell 120 and a seat shell rim 122 that define together a child seat back 124 and a child seat pan 126. Seat pads, cushions, etc. (not shown) may be disposed on the child seat back 124 and the child seat pan 126 to support the infant placed in the infant car seat 106. In some embodiments, the seat shell 120 may be a single, substantially solid or partially hollow structure that defines the child seat back 124 and the child seat pan 126 and supports the infant seat pad. In some embodiments, and as shown in Figure 1B, the seat shell 120 may include a first seat shell rail 128 and a second seat shell rail 130 located on each of the opposing sides of the infant car seat 106. The seat shell rails 128, 130 may be positioned in contact with the vehicle seat pan 112 when the infant car seat system 104 is installed on the vehicle seat 102 (for example, as shown in Figure 1B). In some configurations, the seat shell rails 128, 130 may each have a curved rocker bottom to allow for rocking motion to soothe the infant when the infant car seat system 104 is used outside the vehicle (for example, in a home environment, restaurant, etc.).

[0088] The infant car seat 106 includes a carrying handle 136 coupled to opposing sides of the seat shell 120 (e.g., seat shell rails 128, 130) via mounting mechanisms 138, 140, as shown in Figure 1B. In some configurations, the mounting mechanisms 138, 140 may allow the carrying handle 136 to rotate relative to the seat shell 120 to provide access to the infant, and / or adjust the angle of the carrying handle 136, and / or allow it to be retracted. In some embodiments, the mounting mechanisms 138, 140 may include an integrated locking mechanism that maintains the carrying handle 136 in a desired orientation relative to the seat shell 120.

[0089] As illustrated, the anchor system 108 of the infant car seat system 104 is generally attached to the front lower portion of the seat shell 120. That is, the anchor system 108 is located at the front end or front side of the infant car seat system 104. In the exemplary example, the anchor system 108 is an adjustable anchor system, which may be formed of various rigid components that are adjustable to the seat shell 120. In other configurations, one or more components of the anchor system 108 may be fixed to the seat shell 120 and / or fixed in position relative to the seat shell 120. This is in contrast to other embodiments in which the anchor system may be a belted or flexible anchor system, and / or a combination of both a rigid and a belted / flexible anchor system. As shown in the non-limiting embodiment of Figure 1B, the anchor system 108 includes a pair of child seat anchors 142, 144 which are part of the infant car seat 106. Each child seat anchor 142, 144 is pivotally coupled to its respective mechanical restraint point 146, 148 on the seat shell rails 128, 130 of the seat shell 120, or on the frame supporting the seat anchors 142, 144, the frame being supported on and / or within the seat shell 120. While the two mechanical restraint points 146, 148 are shown on the respective sides of the infant car seat 106, in other exemplary embodiments the anchor system may more generally be coupled to the infant car seat at one or more mechanical restraint points not necessarily located on the side(s) of the infant car seat, and exemplary configurations are provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only.

[0090] The child seat anchors 142, 144 of the anchor system 108 may have an elongated shape (e.g., rectangular) and may include a locking mechanism (e.g., a latch) that engages with the corresponding lower vehicle anchors 150, 152 at anchor points 154, 156, respectively, within or adjacent to the seat bite 114 of the vehicle seat 102. In this way, the anchor system 108 may directly connect the infant car seat 106 to the vehicle seat 102 without using a removable vehicle mounting base and without using a vehicle seat belt. In addition, the child anchors 142, 144 may include (or be coupled to) a release mechanism (e.g., a button, knob, or sliding tab) for unlatching the child seat anchors 142, 144 from the vehicle seat anchors 150, 152 in order to remove the infant car seat system 104 from the vehicle 100. In various embodiments, the child seat anchors 142, 144 and the under-vehicle anchors 150, 152 may be configured to meet well-established safety standards and / or regulations, including, but not limited to, LATCH, ISOFIX, LUAS, and UCSS standards.

[0091] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, child seat anchors 142, 144 may be configured and positioned to facilitate the installation of an infant car seat system 104 in a vehicle 100, and mechanical restraint points 146, 148 for the anchor system 108 may be positioned to engage relatively easily with vehicle seat anchors 150, 152 located in or near the seat bite 114. Furthermore, the child seat anchors 142, 144 may be configured and positioned such that there is a tight fit between the infant car seat system 104 and the vehicle seat 102 when the child seat anchors 142, 144 engage with the vehicle lower anchors 150, 152 (for example, the installed infant car seat system passes the CPS “inch test”), and the mechanical restraint points 146, 148 may be positioned.

[0092] As shown in Figure 1B, the center of gravity of the infant car seat 106 is located near the intersection of the child seat back 124 and the child seat pan 126 of the infant car seat 106. The center of gravity of the infant car seat 106 substantially coincides with the axis 160 that passes through the respective mounting mechanisms 138, 140 of the carry handle 136. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the center of gravity of an object is the point on which the weight of the 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, the axis 160 is taken to suitably approximate the projection of the center of gravity toward each side of the infant car seat 106.

[0093] As shown in Figure 1B, the first restraint point 146 of the first seat anchor 142 and the second restraint point 148 of the second seat anchor 144 are positioned 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, and as shown, the first restraint point 146 is positioned between the front 116 of the infant car seat 106 and the position of the first carrying handle mounting mechanism 138. Similarly, the second restraint point 148 is positioned between the front 116 of the infant car seat 106 and the position of the second carrying handle mounting mechanism 140. As shown in the figure, the first infant car seat anchor 142 is configured to mechanically engage with the first vehicle under anchor 150 and has a first connecting end 154 that defines a first anchor point when the infant car seat system 104 is installed in the vehicle 100, and the second infant car seat anchor 144 is configured to mechanically engage with the second vehicle under anchor 152 and has a second connecting end 156 that defines a second anchor point when the infant car seat system 104 is installed in the vehicle 100.

[0094] As shown in Figure 1B, a line 162 is drawn from the second carrying handle mounting mechanism 140, through the shaft 160 and the second connecting end 156 of the second seat anchor 144, to the lower vehicle anchor 156. According to some embodiments, a second restraint point 148 is positioned above the line 162. Although not visible in the perspective view of Figure 1B, a similar line (i.e., extending from the first carrying handle mounting mechanism 138, through the shaft 160 and the first connecting end 154 of the first seat anchor 142, to the lower vehicle anchor 150) may be drawn on the opposite side of the infant car seat 106, and a first restraint point 146 may be positioned above this line. The placement of the mechanical restraint points 146, 148 above these lines is based in part on improving collision performance and reducing injury criteria, taking into account the center of gravity 158, and ensuring a tight seal between the infant car seat system 104 and the vehicle seat 102.

[0095] As shown in Figure 1B, the child seat anchors 142 and 144 are operably coupled together by a rigid cross member. This connection and coupling allows the child seat anchors 142 and 144 to operate together, so that rotation of the rigid cross member can cause rotation of both child seat anchors 142 and 144. In other embodiments, the two child seat anchors 142 and 144 may be connected by a rigid cross member, but may be rotatable independently with respect to an axis passing through the rigid cross member. Since these child seat anchors 142 and 144 are not located on webbing or belts, they can be considered substantially rigid anchors. The rigid connection may provide a relatively simple and strong connection between the infant car seat system 104 and the vehicle seat 102. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1B, the anchor system 108 is integrated into and / or mounted directly to the infant car seat 106, rather than using a separate base as may be present in other configurations.

[0096] As described above, the seat anchors of an infant car seat system may be positioned to facilitate alignment with the standard arrangement of vehicle under-anchors. For example, referring to Figures 2A-2B, schematic diagrams of a vehicle seat 200 for receiving a child seat (e.g., an infant child seat, a convertible child seat) are shown. The vehicle seat 200 includes several vehicle under-anchors 202a-f. Although six vehicle under-anchors 202a-f are shown in this exemplary example, various other configurations may include more or fewer vehicle under-anchors without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0097] In this exemplary example, the vehicle seat 200 includes three sets (pairs) of vehicle lower anchors 202a-b, 202c-d, and 202e-f. As shown, each pair of vehicle lower anchors 202a-f is positioned within or near the seat bite 204 of the vehicle seat 200 between the vehicle seat back 206 and the vehicle seat pan 208. Because the vehicle lower anchors 202a-f are located within or near the seat bite 204 of the vehicle seat 200, the anchoring system of the infant car seat system may be positioned on the front lower portion of the seat shell to facilitate convenient connection with the pair of vehicle lower anchors 202a-f.

[0098] In Figure 2A, each pair of lower vehicle anchors 202a-b, 202c-d, and 202e-f corresponds to a specific seating position on the vehicle seat 200 (i.e., the left (202a-b), center (202c-d), and right (202e-f) seating positions relative to the forward direction of the vehicle). The relative positions of each lower vehicle anchor 202a-f may be defined with respect to the centerline 210 of the vehicle seat 200. The centerline 210 may be defined as the seating reference point (SgRP) in accordance with 49 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Section 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 lower vehicle anchors at a given seating position is approximately 280 mm (i.e., D0 ≈ 280 mm). Therefore, the seat anchors in the anchoring system of the infant child seat may also be positioned to have a center-to-center distance of approximately 280 mm.

[0099] Figure 2B illustrates an enlarged view of an individual vehicle lower anchor 202. As shown, the vehicle lower anchor 202 may be a U-shaped rail having a nominal width in the range of approximately 25 mm to approximately 60 mm. The seat anchors of the infant child seat anchoring system may be configured to attach to the smallest size vehicle seat anchor 202 to ensure compatibility between different vehicle seats 200 for different manufacturers and / or models of vehicles.

[0100] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, infant car seats and associated systems include an improved anchoring mechanism 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 to enable the infant car seat to be securely fastened to the vehicle seat.

[0101] Referring next to Figure 3, a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system 300 installed on a vehicle seat 302 of a vehicle is shown. The infant car seat system 300 includes an infant car seat 304 having a seat shell 306, a carry handle 308, and an anchor system 310. The infant car seat 314 has a front section 312 and a rear section 314, positioned such that the infant car seat 304 is a rear-facing car seat. The seat shell 306 includes a seat shell rail 316, which is located opposite to the seat shell rail 316, exemplified by a second seat shell rail having a curved bottom. The anchor system 310 includes a latch arm 318 having a latch mechanism or anchor mechanism at its distal end for engaging with a vehicle lower anchor 320. The vehicle lower anchor 320 is located on a seat bite 322 of the vehicle seat 302. The seat bite 322 is defined at the intersection or connection between the vehicle seat pan 324 and the vehicle seat back 326.

[0102] When the latch of the latch arm 318 is connected to the vehicle lower anchor 320, the latch arm 318 is fixed in place, although it may be pivotable around the connection point with the vehicle lower anchor 320. When the latch mounting mechanism 328 is fixed at a specific angle (e.g., locked), the infant car seat 304 may be locked and fixed to the vehicle seat 302. That is, when the anchor of the latch arm 318 is locked in place together with the vehicle lower anchor 320, the infant car seat 304 is held and supported by the latch 318 and the vehicle lower anchor 320 in various tilt and recline positions. In other words, by locking the latch mounting mechanism 328 at a desired angle, the infant car seat 304 may be attached to the vehicle seat 302 and fixed at such a desired angle when installed on the vehicle seat 302 and held in such a place, by fixing the latch arm 318 at an angular position relative to the seat shell 316. Even with such characteristics, it can be advantageous to be able to secure the infant car seat 304 in a tight or contacting manner such that the front part 312 of the infant car seat 304 contacts the vehicle seat back 326 (for example, so that when installed, the infant car seat 304 is in close contact with the vehicle seat 302 so that it passes the CPS "inch test").

[0103] Next, referring to Figures 4A to 4D, schematic diagrams of an infant car seat system 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The infant car seat system 400 includes a seat shell 402, an optional carry handle 404, and an adjustable anchor system 406. Figure 4A is a perspective view of the infant car seat system 400, Figure 4B is a side view thereof with the adjustable anchor system 406 in an extended state, Figure 4C is a side view thereof with the adjustable anchor system 406 in a retracted state, and Figure 4D is a bottom view of the infant car seat system 400. The seat shell 402 includes a seat shell rail 408 extending in an approximate direction between the front 410 and rear 412 of the seat shell 402. The seat shell 402 may be configured to receive a seat or other support structure (e.g., a cushion) for receiving a child within the infant car seat system 400. As shown in the illustration, the seat shell rail 408 may have a curved bottom, which may allow for angle / tilt adjustment and / or rocker functionality for the infant car seat system 400.

[0104] The adjustable anchor system 406, in this exemplary configuration, includes two anchors 414 configured to selectively engage with a vehicle lower anchor, such as one that is part of the vehicle seat. The anchors 414 may include a latching function for selectively engaging and disengaging with the vehicle lower anchor. The adjustable anchor system 406 is configured to allow adjustment of the relative position of the anchors 414 with respect to the seat shell 402. In this exemplary configuration, the anchors 414 are mounted on the ends of an adjustable frame 416. The adjustable frame 416 is slidably positioned and mounted within the seat shell 402 such that moving the adjustable frame 416 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., from the front 410 to the rear 412) similarly moves the anchors 414 relative to the seat shell 402. In this configuration, the adjustable frame 416 includes a first portion extending through one of the seat shell rails 408 and a second portion extending through the other of the seat shell rails 408. At the rear end of the adjustable frame 416 is a handle 418 for manual operation of the adjustable anchor system 406. At the front end of the adjustable frame 416, the anchors 414 are pivotably attached to a cross member 420 extending between two anchors 414. In some embodiments, the anchors 414 may be pivotably movable independently about an axis passing through the cross member 420. In other embodiments, the anchors may be pivotably coupled together such that moving one anchor 414 similarly moves the other anchor 414. In some such embodiments, a connecting member (not shown) may be positioned within the cross member 420 to couple the anchors together. Thus, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the anchors 414 may be configured to rotate independently of the cross member 420, and in other configurations, the anchors 414 may be configured to be rotationally fixedly connected to the cross member 420, and thus rotate based on the rotation of the cross member 420.

[0105] In this configuration, the adjustable anchor system 406 includes an optional pivot member 422. The pivot member 422 is pivotally coupled at one end to the seat shell 402 and at the opposite end to a cross member 420 of the adjustable frame 416. The pivot member 422 ensures that the pivot position of the seat shell 402 moves from a pivot axis through the cross member 420 to which the anchor 414 is pivotally connected to a pivot point at the connection between the pivot member 422 and the seat shell 402. Thus, the amount of rotation experienced by the infant car seat system 400 (for example, during a vehicle collision) may be limited.

[0106] As shown in Figures 4B and 4C, the adjustable anchor system 406 is shown in an extended state (Figure 4B) and a retracted state (Figure 4C). The extended state (Figure 4B) may be fixed by locking the adjustable anchor system 406, and therefore the locked state and the extended state may be substantially the same except for the adjustability of the seat shell 402 relative to the adjustable anchor system 406. In the extended state, the anchor 414 may be attached to the lower vehicle anchor and therefore positioned in a fixed orientation, or the anchor 414 may be rotatable about a pivot axis passing through the cross member 420. That is, in the extended state, the anchor 414 may be adjusted in an angular orientation relative to the seat shell 402, and the seat shell 402 may be adjusted in position relative to the adjustable anchor system 406. In contrast, in the fixed state, the anchor 414 may be fixed to the cross member 420 (and / or the seat shell 402), and the seat shell 402 may be fixed to the adjustable anchor system 406. Accordingly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the adjustable anchor system may be configured in at least three states. The retracted state is a state in which the anchor 414 can be housed near the seat shell 402, or the anchor 414 is pulled near the seat shell 402 or retracted into the seat shell 402. The extended state is a state in which the anchor 414 is extended from the seat shell 402 and the seat shell 402 is adjustable with respect to the adjustable anchor system 406 (for example, the seat shell 402 is unlocked with respect to the adjustable anchor system 406). In such an unlocked state (extended state), the anchor 414 may be freely adjustable between the retracted and extended states, and the position and / or orientation of the seat shell 402 may be adjusted by the user. A third state of the adjustable anchor system 406 is the locked state. In the locked state, the anchor 414 is attached to the vehicle seat anchor and is therefore fixed in place.In the locked state, the seat shell 402 may be fixed in relation to the adjustable frame 416 such that it is in close contact with or in tight contact with the vehicle seat. In both the retracted and extended states, the anchor 414 may be configured to be fixed to the vehicle seat. Thus, the adjustable anchor system 406 may be in the installed state (i.e., mounted to the vehicle) in both the retracted and extended states.

[0107] In some embodiments, the adjustable anchor system 406 may include an angle locking mechanism that locks the angular position or orientation of the anchor 414 relative to the seat shell 402. When the angle locking mechanism is active and locks the orientation of the anchor 414, this may also refer to the locked state of the adjustable anchor system 406. Furthermore, when the anchor 414 is attached to and / or connected to the vehicle seat, the adjustable anchor system 406 may be referred to as being in the installed state.

[0108] The seat shell 402, and in particular the seat shell rail 408 in this exemplary configuration, may include a retraction slot 424 for receiving the cross member 420 when the adjustable anchor system 406 is moved to a retracted position (Figure 4C). In the retracted position, the anchor 414 is pulled towards or into the seat shell 402. As shown, the retraction slot 424 may be angled upward from the bottom of the seat shell 402 toward the top of the seat shell 402, thereby vertically adjusting the position of the cross member 420 and the pivot point of the anchor 414. When the anchor 414 is engaged with the lower vehicle anchor and the handle 418 is pulled away from the vehicle seat, or when the seat shell 402 is pushed along the adjustable frame 416, the front portion 410 of the seat shell 402 is biased toward the vehicle seat back, so that the seat shell 402 may be pushed in to engage tightly with the vehicle seat back.

[0109] In some embodiments, and as shown in this exemplary embodiment, an optional releasable locking connector 430 may be provided to ensure the relative position of the adjustable frame 416 with respect to the seat shell 402. The releasable locking connector 430 may be a retaining or pinning mechanism that can engage and disengage with the adjustable frame 416 to fix the adjustable frame 416 and prevent relative movement of the adjustable frame 416 with respect to the seat shell 402 when locked. It will be understood that other types of locking mechanisms may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the releasable locking connector 430 may be provided to fix the state of the adjustable anchor system 406 in a specific and set extended state, the fixed extended state being a locked state in which the seat shell 402 is not adjustable with respect to the adjustable anchor system 406.

[0110] Referring next to Figures 5A to 5B, schematic diagrams of an infant car seat system 500 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The infant car seat system 500 includes a seat shell 502, an optional carry handle 504, and an adjustable anchor system 506. The infant car seat system 500 of Figures 5A to 5B is substantially similar to the infant car seat system 400 of Figures 4A to 4D, and provides similar functions and operations, and therefore similar features may again not be labeled or described in detail. Figure 5A is a bottom view of the infant car seat system 500, and Figure 5B is a rear or rear view. The seat shell 502 includes a seat shell rail 508 extending in an approximate direction between the front 510 and rear 512 of the seat shell 502.

[0111] The adjustable anchor system 506 is similar in configuration to that shown in Figures 5A-5C and includes an anchor 514 configured to selectively engage with a vehicle lower anchor, which is part of the vehicle seat. The anchor 514 is attached to the end of an adjustable frame 516, which includes a handle 518 at its rear end. The adjustable frame 516 is slidably positioned and mounted within the seat shell 502 such that moving the adjustable frame 516 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., from the front 510 to the rear 512) similarly moves the anchor 514 relative to the seat shell 502. At the front end of the adjustable frame 516, the anchor 514 is pivotally attached to a cross member 520, which is supported on the seat shell 502 by a pivot member 522.

[0112] In this configuration, a frame locking mechanism 524 is provided to fix the adjustable frame 516 to the seat shell 502 in a predetermined position. At the front end, the frame locking mechanism 524 includes a fixed connector 526 that connects to at least one of the cross member 520 and the pivot member 522. At the rear end, the frame locking mechanism 524 includes a releasable locking connector 528 that is fixedly connected to the rear surface of the seat shell 502. Extending between the fixed connector 526 and the releasable locking connector 528 is an adjustable locking member 530. In this exemplary embodiment, the adjustable locking member 530 is a belt, webbing, or strap. At the fixed connector, the adjustable locking member 530 is fixedly connected to the cross member 520 and / or the pivot member 522. At the releasable locking connector 528, the adjustable locking member 530 is adjustablely coupled and connected to the seat shell 502. The releaseable locking connector 528 may be a releaseable ratchet connector, a buckle (e.g., a snap or prong frame), or the like.

[0113] During operation, the adjustable locking member 530 may be unlocked or loosened so that the position of the anchor 514 may be adjustable (for example, between an extended state and a retracted state, and / or pivotally adjustable). If the user wants to retract the anchor (for example, as shown in Figure 4C), the user may pull the adjustable locking member 530 to bias the cross member 520 toward the rear 512 of the seat shell 502 (retracted state). The releaseable locking connector 528 may then be fixed to lock the adjustable locking member 530 and prevent forward movement of the anchor 514. That is, the length of the adjustable locking member 530 may be set to the locked state and thus prevent movement in a direction that would require an additional length of the adjustable locking member 530.

[0114] When a user installs the infant car seat system 500 on a vehicle seat, the anchor 514 may be adjustable from a retracted to an extended state, allowing the user access to the anchor 514 and positioning the seat shell 502 on the vehicle seat as desired. The user may then engage the anchor 514 with a lower vehicle anchor, fixing the anchor 514 in place. When the anchor 514 is fixed in place (e.g., engaged with the lower vehicle anchor), the user pulls the adjustable locking member 530, which moves the seat shell 502 toward the anchor 514, thus pulling the front portion 510 of the seat shell 502 toward the vehicle seat back, potentially bringing it into contact with it and creating a tight seal between the seat shell 502 and the vehicle seat back. When the seat shell 502 is in the desired position (e.g., contact with the vehicle seat, desired tilt / recline, etc.), the releaseable locking connector 528 may lock the seat shell 502 to set its position and prevent further movement, thus placing the adjustable anchor system 506 in a locked state. The handle 518 may also be used to adjust the relative position of the seat shell 502 with respect to the anchor 514 when the frame locking mechanism 524 is unlocked or disengaged, and the frame locking mechanism 524 may then be locked or engaged to fix the position of the adjustable frame 516 relative to the seat shell 502. Thus, by locking the frame locking mechanism 524, the extended state (when the seat shell 502 is adjustable with respect to the adjustable anchor system 506) is locked, fixing the relative position and orientation of the seat shell 502 with respect to the adjustable anchor system 506. In both the retracted and extended states, it will be understood that the anchor 514 may be configured to be fixed to the vehicle seat. Thus, the adjustable anchor system 506 may be in the installed state (i.e., mounted to the vehicle) in both the retracted and extended states.

[0115] Referring next to Figures 6A and 6B, schematic diagrams of an infant car seat system 600 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The infant car seat system 600 includes a seat shell 602, an optional carry handle 604, and an adjustable anchor system 606. The infant car seat system 600 in Figures 6A and 6B may be substantially similar to the infant car seat systems illustrated and described above, providing similar functions and operations, and similar features may again not be labeled or described in detail. Figure 6A is a bottom view of the infant car seat system 600, and Figure 6B is a side cross-sectional view along line BB shown in Figure 6A. The seat shell 602 includes a seat shell rail 608 extending in an approximate direction between the front portion 610 and the rear portion 612 of the seat shell 602.

[0116] The adjustable anchor system 606 of this embodiment includes an anchor 614 configured to selectively engage with a vehicle lower anchor, such as one that is part of the vehicle seat. In this configuration, the anchor 614 may be pivotably mounted to a cross member 616, or fixed to the cross member 616 in such a manner that rotation of the cross member 616 causes rotation of the anchor 614. The cross member 616 is supported and pivotally mounted to the seat shell 602 by a pivot member 618. In this configuration, rather than including a frame or the like, the pivot member 618 and the cross member 616 are operably coupled to an adjustable locking member 620 (e.g., a belt, strap, webbing, cord, etc.). As shown in the figure, at the front end, the adjustable locking member 620 includes a fixed connector 622 that connects to at least one of the cross member 616 and the pivot member 618. At the rear end, the adjustable locking member 620 includes a releasable locking connector 624 that is fixedly connected to the rear surface of the seat shell 602.

[0117] As shown in Figure 6B, the seat shell 602 may include a storage slot 626, similar to that illustrated and described above. When the adjustable locking member 620 is pulled rearward (i.e., away from the front portion 610 of the seat shell 602), the cross member 616 may be pulled rearward and slide into the storage slot 626. When fully retracted and not installed on a vehicle seat with the anchor 614, the adjustable anchor system 606 may be in a retracted position. However, when the infant car seat system 600 is installed on a vehicle seat with the anchor 614, by retracting the cross member 616 into the storage slot 626, the seat shell 602 may be pulled and come into contact with or be in close contact with the vehicle seat (tight or fixed extended state). Thus, the adjustable anchor system 606 may provide improved safety and installation of the infant car seat system 600 in a vehicle. Once the desired stowage or tightening is achieved, the adjustable locking member 620 may be locked or secured by a releasable locking connector 624 (e.g., a buckle, clasp, tie, etc.) (locked state). That is, in the extended state, the relative position and orientation of the seat shell 602 with respect to the adjustable anchor system 606 may be adjusted, and once the desired position is set, the releasable locking connector 624 may secure the adjustable anchor system 606 in a locked state, fixing the relationship between the seat shell 602 and the adjustable anchor system 606. In both the stowed and extended states, it will be understood that the anchor 614 may be configured to be fixed to the vehicle seat. Thus, the adjustable anchor system 606 may be in the installed state (i.e., mounted to the vehicle) in both the stowed and extended states.

[0118] Referring next to Figures 7A to 7D, schematic diagrams of an infant car seat system 700 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The infant car seat system 700 includes a seat shell 702, an optional carry handle 704, and an adjustable anchor system 706. The infant car seat systems 700 in Figures 7A to 7D may be substantially similar to the infant car seat systems illustrated and described above, providing similar functions and operations, and similar features may again not be labeled or described in detail. Figure 7A is a front elevation view of the infant car seat system 700, and Figure 7B is a bottom view thereof. Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view along line CC shown in Figure 7B, and Figure 7D is a cross-sectional view along line DD shown in Figure 7B. The seat shell 702 includes a seat shell rail 708 extending in an approximate direction between the front portion 710 and the rear portion 712 of the seat shell 702.

[0119] The adjustable anchor system 706 of this embodiment includes an anchor 714 configured to selectively engage with a vehicle lower anchor, such as one that is part of the vehicle seat. In this configuration, the anchor 714 is attached to a cross member 716 by an adjustable anchor connector 718. The adjustable anchor connector 718 may be a strap, belt, webbing, coil, cord, rope, etc. As shown, the adjustable anchor connector 718 may be wound around the cross member 716. Thus, the adjustable anchor connector 718 may be spooled or configured to be spool-like relative to the cross member 716. The distance of separation of the anchor 714 from the seat shell 702 may be adjustable by pulling the anchor 714 outward from the front portion 710 of the seat shell 702 and unwinding or unwinding the adjustable anchor connector 718 from the cross member 716.

[0120] The adjustable anchor system 706 also includes an adjustable locking member 720. The adjustable locking member 720 is also wound around the cross member 716 or spooled. The winding of the adjustable locking member 720 around the cross member 716 may be in the opposite winding direction to that of the adjustable anchor connector 718. In this configuration, the adjustable locking member 720 is positioned to extend outward from the front portion 710 of the seat shell 702. Thus, the releaseable locking connector 722 is positioned at the front portion 710 of the seat shell 702. The releaseable locking connector 722 may be a ratchet-style mechanism. The releaseable locking connector 722 may be unlocked in the extended state, thus allowing adjustment of the position / orientation of the seat shell 702, for example, on a vehicle seat. The releaseable locking connector 722 may then be fixed to lock the relative position / orientation of the seat shell and the adjustable anchor system 706 in the locked state.

[0121] The rotation of the cross member 716, and therefore the winding / unwinding of the adjustable locking member 720 and / or adjustable anchor connector 718 around the cross member 716, may be achieved by directly pulling the anchor 714 and / or adjustable locking member 720. In other embodiments, an optional crank handle 724, etc., may be provided for rotating the cross member 716 and / or winding / unwinding the adjustable locking member 720 and / or adjustable anchor connector 718.

[0122] Referring next to Figures 8A to 8C, schematic diagrams of an infant car seat system 800 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The infant car seat system 800 includes a seat shell 802, an optional carry handle 804, and an adjustable anchor system 806. The infant car seat system 800 in Figures 8A to 8C may be substantially similar to the infant car seat systems illustrated and described above, providing similar functions and operations, and similar features may again not be labeled or described in detail. Figure 8A is a bottom view of the infant car seat system 800, Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view thereof, and Figure 8C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the infant car seat system 800 viewed along line CC in Figure 8A. The seat shell 802 includes a seat shell rail 808 extending in an approximate direction between the front portion 810 and the rear portion 812 of the seat shell 802.

[0123] The adjustable anchor system 806 of this embodiment includes an anchor 814 configured to selectively engage with a vehicle lower anchor, such as one that is part of the vehicle seat. The anchor 814 is pivotally or fixedly attached to the cross member 816. That is, in some configurations, the anchor 814 may be configured to rotate independently of the cross member 816, and in other configurations, the anchor 814 may be configured to be rotatably fixed to the cross member 816, and thus rotate based on the rotation of the cross member 816. The cross member 816 is pivotally supported on the seat shell 802 by a pivot member 818. The pivot member 818 and the cross member 816 are movably supported on the seat shell 802 by a link assembly 820. The link assembly 820 provides pivotal movement to the anchor 814 and the pivot member 818, thereby allowing the cross member 816 to be retracted into the storage slot 822, as described above, and to extend from there and be installed in the vehicle, as described above. As shown in the figure, the link assembly 820 may include a first link 824 and a second link 826 that are pivotally connected to each other. For example, the first link 824 may be pivotally connected between the seat shell 802 and the second link 826, and the second link may be pivotally connected between the first link 824 and at least one of the cross member 816 and the pivot member 818.

[0124] Referring next to Figures 9A to 9D, schematic diagrams of an infant car seat system 900 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The infant car seat system 900 includes a seat shell 902 and an adjustable anchor system 904 (an optional carry handle is not shown). The infant car seat systems 900 in Figures 9A to 9D may be substantially similar to the infant car seat systems illustrated and described above, providing similar functions and operations, and similar features may again not be labeled or described in detail. Figure 9A is an isometric schematic view of the infant car seat system 900, Figure 9B is an enlarged view of a portion of the adjustable anchor system 904, Figure 9C is a side view of the infant car seat system 900 in a retracted state, and Figure 9D is a side view of the infant car seat system 900 in an extended state, which may be fixed or locked in a locked state.

[0125] In this configuration, the adjustable anchor system 904 includes an anchor 906 configured to selectively engage with a vehicle lower anchor, such as one that is part of the vehicle seat. In this configuration, the anchor 906 is mounted on an adjustable frame 908. The adjustable frame 908 includes a cross member 910 extending between the anchors 906. The adjustable frame 908 further includes a rigid frame member 912 and a movable frame member 914. The rigid frame member 912 is fixedly installed in or against the seat shell 902, and the movable frame member 914 is configured to slide within and / or against the rigid frame member 912. In some configurations, and as shown, the rigid frame member 912 may define a track, slot, etc., along which the movable frame member 914 (e.g., a rail) may traverse. In this configuration, there are two sets of rigid frame members 912 and associated movable frame members 914, with the cross member 910 extending between the two movable frame members 914.

[0126] The movable frame member 914 is slidably positioned and mounted within the seat shell 902 (for example, within or along the rigid frame member 912) so as moving the movable frame member 914 in the front-rear direction moves the anchor 906 similarly relative to the seat shell 902. The rigid frame member 912 and the movable frame member 914 may be housed within the seat shell rails of the seat shell 902. The adjustable anchor system 904 includes a releasable locking connector 916 associated with at least one of the pair of rigid frame member 912 and movable frame member 914. The releasable locking connector 916 is configured to selectively lock the relative movement between the rigid frame member 912 and the movable frame member 914. When the releasable locking connector 916 is unlocked, the adjustable anchor system 904 is extended, and the seat shell 902 is adjustable around the adjustable anchor system 904 (for example, relative to the movable frame member 914). Once a desired orientation or position is set, the releasable locking connector 916 may be actuated or set to lock the seat shell 902 against the adjustable anchor system 904, and thus enter a locked state. As shown in Figure 9B, the releasable locking connector 916 may include a locking lever 918 fixedly connected to and rotatably mounted thereon on a rigid frame member 912. The locking lever 918 can be selectively operated to engage and disengage a locking recess 920 located on the movable frame member 914. The locking recess 920 may be located along the movable frame member 914, thereby providing extensions of different lengths for the anchor 906. Furthermore, when the infant car seat system 900 is installed in a vehicle, the locking recess 920 may provide a ratchet-type function that pulls the seat shell 902 into close contact with the vehicle seat.

[0127] According to non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, a releasable locking connector 916 is connected to a rigid frame member 912 and engages with a movable frame member 914, thereby locking the movable frame member 914 to the rigid frame member 912 in different positions (e.g., based on a locking recess 920). The releasable locking connector 916 is configured to allow the movable frame member 914 to slide freely in the storage direction but to be rigidly locked in the extension direction. To install the infant car seat system 900 in a vehicle, the user may use an actuator (e.g., on the front of the movable frame member 914) to unlock the releasable locking connector 916 and slide the movable frame member 914 to a fully extended use position (e.g., Figure 9D). The user may then connect the anchor 906 to the vehicle seat. The user then ratches the seat shell 902 along the movable frame member 914 until the seat shell 902 is in close contact with the vehicle seat, creating a snug fit.

[0128] Referring next to Figures 10A and 10B, schematic diagrams of an infant car seat system 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The infant car seat system 1000 includes a seat shell 1002 and an adjustable anchor system 1004 (an optional carry handle is not shown). The infant car seat system 1000 and the adjustable anchor system 1004 may be substantially similar to any of the above-described configurations, and such diagrams are provided to illustrate the fastening function provided by the adjustable anchor system described herein. Figure 10A illustrates the infant car seat system 1000 in which the seat shell 1002 is placed on a vehicle seat 1006 and the adjustable anchor system 1004 is installed on the vehicle seat 1006. As shown in Figure 10A, there is a gap 1008 between the front part 1010 of the seat shell 1002 and the vehicle seat back 1012 of the vehicle seat 1006. Figure 10A illustrates an extended adjustable anchor system 1004 when the anchor is not attached to the vehicle seat 1106. When the anchor is connected to the vehicle seat anchor and the adjustable anchor system 1004 is extended, the seat shell 1002 may be adjustable around the adjustable anchor system 1004, and then fixed in place or in relation to a predetermined position, entering a locked state and not allowing further adjustment (for example, the position of the infant car seat system 1000 may be firmly set and fixed).

[0129] However, as shown in Figure 10B, when the adjustable anchor system 1004 is operated, the front portion 1010 of the seat shell 1002 is pulled taut to contact the vehicle seat back 1012 of the vehicle seat 1006, eliminating the gap. In this state or position, the adjustable anchor system 1004 may be fixed or locked to securely and firmly install the infant car seat system 1000 onto the vehicle seat 1006.

[0130] Next, referring to Figures 11A to 11B, schematic diagrams of an infant car seat system 1100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. In this configuration, the infant car seat system 1100 includes a seat shell 1102 having a carry handle 1104 that is rotatably attached to the seat shell 1102 by a mounting mechanism 1106. The carry handle 1104 is configured to rotate relative to the seat shell 1102 about the mounting mechanism 1106. In this configuration, the infant car seat system 1100 includes an adjustable anchor system 1101 which has an anchor 1108 that is attached to the carry handle 1104, and which may extend and be stowing therein. As shown in Figures 11A to 11B, the carry handle 1104 is oriented to a mounting position for installation on a vehicle seat 1110, as shown in Figure 11B. The carry handle 1104 may be rotatable to a carry position, for example, as shown in Figure 1B, or it may be rotatable to an installation position for mounting on the vehicle seat 1110 (Figures 11A to 11B).

[0131] Once anchor 1108 engages with a lower vehicle anchor on the vehicle seat 1110 or a similar mounting mechanism on the vehicle seat 1110, the carry handle 1104 may be further rotated to pull or bias the seat shell 1102 into contact with the vehicle seat 1100 so that the seat shell 1102 is fixed or locked and the infant car seat system 1100 is tightly and securely installed on the vehicle seat 1100. In some embodiments, the mounting mechanism 1106 may include a ratchet mechanism or other rotational locking mechanism to fix the carry handle 1104 in a desired position (e.g., a carry position or an installation position). In an indefinite example of operation, the user may place the infant car seat system 1100 on the vehicle seat 1110, rotate the carry handle 1104 from the carry position to the installation position, and fix or latch the anchor 1108 to the vehicle seat 1110. When the anchor 1108 engages with the vehicle seat 1110, a fixed pivot point is defined. The seat shell 1102 may then be biased to move and / or rotate in the mounting mechanism 1106 to pull the seat shell 1102 into close contact or tight contact with the vehicle seat 1110. In some embodiments, the mounting mechanism 1106 may include a release or actuated element for locking and unlocking the carry handle 1104 at various angular positions relative to the seat shell 1102.

[0132] Referring next to Figure 12, a schematic diagram of an infant car seat system 1200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this configuration, the infant car seat system 1200 includes a seat shell 1202 having a carry handle 1204 that is rotatably attached to the seat shell 1202 by a mounting mechanism 1206. The carry handle 1204 is configured to rotate relative to the seat shell 1202 about the mounting mechanism 1206. In this configuration, the carry handle 1204 is positioned as part of an adjustable anchor system 1201. For example, as shown, the carry handle 1204 is positioned as a two-part structure having a carry portion 1208 and a support portion 1210, with at least the support portion 1210 defining part of the adjustable anchor system 1201. Each of the carry portion 1208 and the support portion 1210 may be configured to rotate about the mounting mechanism 1206. In some embodiments, the support portion 1210 may be configured to rotate independently around the mounting mechanism 1206, while the carry portion 1208 may be configured such that rotation of the carry portion 1208 causes rotation of the support portion 1210. In other embodiments, each of the carry portion 1208 and the support portion 1210 may be independently rotatable around the mounting mechanism 1206. In some embodiments, the support portion 1210 may be configured to nest within a slot or groove on the surface of the carry portion 1208. In some configurations, the infant car seat system 1200 may include a single carry portion 1208 that attaches to two sides of the seat shell 1202 at each mounting mechanism 1206 (for example, as shown in Figure 1B). In some such embodiments, the infant car seat system 1200 may be configured to have two support portions 1210, one on each side of the carry portion 1208.

[0133] As shown in the figures, the support portion 1210 includes an anchor 1212 at one end. The support portion 1210 may be an arm-like structure that is rotatably attached to one end of the mounting mechanism 1206, with the other end free and including the anchor 1212. The anchor 1212 may be configured to engage selectively and / or releasably with the vehicle seat anchor, as described above. The carry portion 1208 may be rotatable in a manner similar to that shown with respect to Figures 11A and 11B. Furthermore, the support portion 1210 may also be rotatable and / or fully rotatable 360 ​​degrees around the mounting mechanism 1206. As shown in Figure 12, the support portion 1210 may be positioned in a carry position 1214, an installation position 1216, and a support position 1218. In the carry position 1214, in some embodiments, the support portion 1210 may optionally be fixed to the carry portion 1208. The support portion 1210 is rotatable around the mounting mechanism 1206 from the carry position 1214 to the installation position 1216 or the support position 1218 (and may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to reach either position).

[0134] At installation position 1216, the anchor 1212 of the support portion 1210 may be fixed to the vehicle seat anchor. Once engaged, the support portion 1210 may provide a ratchet function that tightly fastens the infant car seat system 1200 to the vehicle seat. In some configurations, once the anchor 1212 of the support portion 1210 is fixed to the vehicle seat anchor, the carry portion 1208 may provide a ratchet function that pulls the seat shell 1202 into close contact or tight contact with the vehicle seat. The support portion 1210 is also configured to be located at support position 1218. At support position 1218, the support portion 1210 (and anchor 1212) may provide stability support to the seat shell 1202, such as a brace or support position that prevents the seat shell 1202 from swaying or tilting. In some embodiments, the support portion 1210 may be selectively lockable using a locking mechanism 1220, which may be located on or as part of the mounting mechanism 1206.

[0135] Referring to Figures 13 to 20, an example of a child seat 1302, such as an infant car seat that can be fixed to a vehicle seat 1304 in a rearward orientation, is illustrated according to another embodiment. The infant car seat 1302 includes a seat shell 1306 and a seat shell rim 1308 that define together a child seat back 1310 and a child seat pan 1312. A seat pad, cushion, etc. (not shown) may be disposed on the child seat back 1310 and / or child seat pan 1312 to support the infant placed in the infant car seat 1302. In some embodiments, the seat shell 1306 may be a single, substantially solid or partially hollow structure that defines the child seat back 1310 and the child seat pan 1312 and supports the infant seat pad. In some embodiments, the seat shell 1306 may include a first seat shell rail 1314 and a second seat shell rail 1316 (Figure 13) located on opposite sides of the infant car seat 1302. The seat shell rails 1314, 1316 may be positioned in contact with the vehicle seat pan 1303 when the infant car seat 1302 is installed on the vehicle seat 1304. In some configurations, the seat shell rails 1314, 1316 may each have a curved rocker bottom to allow for rocking motion to soothe the infant when the infant car seat 1302 is used outside the vehicle (e.g., in a home environment, restaurant, etc.).

[0136] As shown, the child seat back 1310 of the seat shell 1306 includes a generally forward-facing upright support surface 1318. The first upright side member 1320 may be positioned on the first side of the upright support surface 1318, and the second upright side member 1322 may be positioned on the second side opposite to the upright support surface 1318. Thus, the first and second upright side members 1320, 1322 form the left and right sides of the child seat back 1310, respectively. As shown, the first and second upright side members 1320, 1322 extend forward from the upright support surface 1318. The first and second upright side members 1320, 1322 may extend approximately perpendicular to the upright support surface 1318, or alternatively, they may extend from it at a different angle, such as an angle greater than 90 degrees. Therefore, the upright support surface 1318 and the first and second upright side members 1320, 1322 define a backrest area or upright support cavity that supports the child's upper body.

[0137] In the non-limiting embodiments described herein, the child seat back 1310 of the seat shell 1306 includes a headrest 1324. The headrest 1324 may be attached to or integrated with the child seat back 1310. The headrest 1324 may be stationary or, in some embodiments, may be configured to move relative to the upright support surface 1318. For example, the headrest 1324 may be configured to translate relative to the upright support surface 1318 between a retracted position and an extended position, thereby allowing adjustment based on the size of the child positioned in the infant car seat 1302. In other embodiments, the infant car seat 1302 may not include a headrest.

[0138] The child seat pan 1312 generally faces upward and includes a seat support surface 1326 extending from a first end adjacent to the front 1313 of the infant car seat 1302 to a second end or rear (not shown) of the child seat pan 1312. A first seat side member 1328 may be positioned on a first side of the seat support surface 1326, and a second seat side member 1330 may be positioned on a second opposite side 52 of the seat support surface 1326. The first and second seat side members 1328 and 1330 may extend upward from the seat support surface 1326 and form the left and right sides of the child seat pan 1312. The seat support surface 1326 and the first and second seat side members 1328, 1330 together define an area in which at least part of the child's lower body may be supported.

[0139] As shown in the figures, the seat side members 1328 and 1330 extend diagonally from the seat support surface 1326. The angle of the first seat side member 1328 with respect to the seat support surface 1326 may be the same as, but does not have to be, the angle of the first upright side member 1320 with respect to the upright support surface 1318. Similarly, the angle of the second seat side member 1330 with respect to the seat support surface 1326 may be the same as, but does not have to be, the angle of the second upright side member 1322 with respect to the upright support surface 1318. In one embodiment, the first upright side member 1320 and the first seat side member 1328 are integrally formed, and the second upright side member 1322 and the second seat side member 1330 are integrally formed. The infant car seat 1302 as illustrated and described herein is intended to be merely an example, and it should be understood that any child seat having any preferred configuration is within the scope of this disclosure.

[0140] The infant car seat 1302 may also include a carrying handle 1332 having ends 1334, 1336 connected to both sides of the seat shell 1306 (e.g., seat shell rails 1314, 1316) via respective mounting mechanisms (not shown). In some embodiments, the carrying handle 1332 is movably connected to the seat shell 1306. Thus, the carrying handle 1332 may be deformable, for example, rotatable, between multiple positions or angles relative to the seat shell 1306, for easier access to a child positioned within the child seat 20, or for storage purposes, for example. Examples of angular positions include when the carrying handle 1332 extends in a vertically oriented plane, which is also referred to herein as the “carrying position” (Figures 13-16); when the carrying handle 1332 is tilted backward, for example, behind the child seat back 1310; and when the carrying handle 1332 is rotated forward toward the front 1313 of the infant car seat 1302, which is referred to herein as the “forward position” (Figures 17-20). It should also be understood that the carrying handle 1332 may be positioned in other angular positions along its path of movement.

[0141] To attach the infant car seat 1302 directly to the vehicle seat 1304 without using a separate seat base, a portion of the vehicle belt 1305, such as its wrap portion 1307, is wrapped around a portion of the infant car seat 1302. Once wrapped around the infant car seat 1302, the vehicle belt 1305 may be positioned in contact with the rim 1308 of the seat shell 1306. In one embodiment, the wrap portion 1307 of the vehicle belt 1305 is screwed into an opening or lock-off slot 1340 formed on at least one side of the infant car seat 1302, and in some embodiments, on each side. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the lock-off slot 1340 may be located on, but not necessarily adjacent to, the top surface or rim 1308 of the seat shell 1306, such as the first and second seat side members 1328, 1330 of the child seat pan 1312. In one embodiment, the lock-off slot 1340 is positioned between the ends 1334, 1336 and the front 1313 of the child seat pan 1312, in front of the ends 1334, 1336 of the carrying handle 1332. However, in other embodiments, the lock-off slot 1340 may be positioned in another preferred location around the seat portion or seat shell 1306. Furthermore, although the lock-off slot 1340 is exemplified as generally having an L-shape, embodiments having a different shape or configuration of the lock-off slot 1340 are also contemplated herein. When the free end (not shown) of the vehicle belt 1305 is inserted into the corresponding buckle, a retractor (not shown) acting on the vehicle belt 1305 applies force to it, tightening the vehicle belt 305 around the infant car seat 1302.

[0142] It may be desirable to further tighten the vehicle belt 1305 to further restrict the movement of the infant car seat 1302 relative to the vehicle seat 1304. Therefore, in one embodiment, additional tension can be applied to the vehicle belt 1305 to further tighten the vehicle belt 1305 around the infant car seat 1302. This additional tension may be applied via one or more tensioning assemblies integrated into the child seat 1302. Continuing to refer to Figures 13–20, in the non-limiting embodiments illustrated, the tensioning assembly 1350 includes at least one lock-off member 1352, and in some embodiments, includes multiple lock-off members 1352. In one embodiment, at least one lock-off member 1352 of the tensioning assembly 1350 is positioned approximately adjacent to the corresponding lock-off slot 1340. It should be understood that the lock-off members 1352 may be mounted on or near the outer surface of the seat shell 1306, or alternatively or additionally, located on or near the inner surface of the seat shell 1306. In embodiments where the lock-off slot 1340 is located near the rim 1308 of at least one seat-side member 1328, 1330, the ends 1334, 1336 of the carrying handle 1332 may be connected to the seat shell 1306 near the first side of the lock-off slot 1340, and the lock-off member 1352 may be connected to the seat shell 1306 on or near the second opposite side of the lock-off slot 1340. However, embodiments in which the lock-off member 1352 is located on the same side as the ends 1334, 1336 of the carrying handle 1332 and the lock-off slot 1340 are also within the scope of the disclosure.

[0143] In one embodiment, the lock-off member 1352 is pivotally or rotatably mounted on the infant car seat 1302. As shown in the figures, the lock-off member 1352 is movable about axis A between a released position (Figures 13-16) and an engaged position (Figures 17-20). In the released position, the lock-off member 1352 is offset from the adjacent lock-off slot 1340 so that the lock-off member 1352 does not interfere with the screwing in of the vehicle belt 1305 through the lock-off slot 1340. The lock-off member 1352 may be rotated from the released position to the engaged position, for example, by rotating the free end 1354 of the lock-off member 1352 downward toward the bottom of the infant car seat 1302 in the direction indicated by arrow L. In the engagement position, the lock-off member 1352 may be positioned to at least partially overlap the lock-off slot 1340, or it may be rotated from a first side of the lock-off slot 1340, such as vertically above the lock-off slot 1340, to a second opposite side of the lock-off slot 1340, such as below the lock-off slot 1340.

[0144] When at least one lock-off member 1352 deforms from a first release position to a second engagement position, the lock-off member 1352 contacts and applies force to the portion of the vehicle belt 1305 associated with the lock-off slot 1340. This force applied to the vehicle belt 1305 increases the tension of the vehicle belt 1305 without drawing any additional length of the vehicle belt 1305 from the retractor. A biasing mechanism (not shown) may be operably coupled to the lock-off member 1352. In such an embodiment, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the lock-off member 1352 to the release position.

[0145] The movement of the lock-off member 1352 from the released position to the engaged position is driven by the operation of an actuator. In one embodiment, the carrying handle 1332 is configured as an actuator. Thus, when the vehicle belt 1305 is screwed in through at least one lock-off slot 1340, rotation of the carrying handle 1332 from a first position to a second position about its axis is operable to increase the tension applied to the vehicle belt 1305. In one embodiment, when the carrying handle 1332 is in the first carrying position, the lock-off member 1352 is in the released position, and rotation of the carrying handle 1332 toward the front portion 1313 of the seat shell 1306, or toward the forward position, deforms the lock-off member 1352 to the engaged position. However, it should be understood that any type of actuator located remotely from the carrying handle 1332 and operably coupled to the lock-off member 1352 is also contemplated herein.

[0146] Continuing to refer to Figures 13 to 20, in the exemplary non-limiting embodiments, when the carrying handle 1332 is configured as an actuator, the tensioning assembly 1350 further includes at least one catch 1356 protruding from the surface of the carrying handle 1332, for example, near the axis of rotation of the carrying handle 1332. In the exemplary non-limiting embodiments, the catch 1356 is located on the inward-facing surface 1358, but embodiments in which the catch 1356 is located on another surface of the carrying handle 1332 are also within the scope of the disclosure. When the carrying handle 1332 is actuated or rotated from the carrying position to the rotation position, the catch 1356 is configured to engage with the distal end 1354 of the lock-off member 1352 and apply force. This engagement between the catch 1356 and the lock-off member 1352 pivots the lock-off member 1352 about its axis A from the released position to the extended position. The engagement between the catch 1356 and the lock-off member 1352 may hold the lock-off member 1352 in the engaged position and thus maintain the resulting tension applied to the vehicle belt 1305 until the carrying handle 1332 is returned to the carrying position. In embodiments in which a biasing mechanism is operably coupled to the lock-off member 1352, when the carrying handle 1332 moves from the rotation position to the carrying position and thus the catch 1356 moves out of engagement with the lock-off member 1352, the biasing mechanism automatically biases the lock-off member 1352 from the engaged position to the released position.

[0147] Referring next to Figures 21 to 23, another embodiment of the child seat 1402, such as an infant car seat, is illustrated as being connectable to a vehicle seat (not shown) using a vehicle belt (not shown). Similar to the previous embodiment, the lock-off slot 1410 is formed in the infant car seat 1402 in or adjacent to the rim 1408 of the seat shell 1406 of the infant car seat 1402. The infant car seat may have another embodiment of a tensioning assembly 1420 that is operable to apply tension to a vehicle belt positioned within at least one lock-off slot 1410 of the infant car seat 1402.

[0148] Similar to the previous embodiment, the tensioning assembly 1420 includes at least one lock-off member 1422, and in some embodiments, includes a plurality of lock-off members 1422 positioned substantially adjacent to the corresponding lock-off slots 1410. The lock-off members 1422 may be pivotally or rotatably mounted on the infant car seat 1402 between a released position (Figure 21) and an engaged position (Figure 23). In the released position, the lock-off member 1422 is offset from the adjacent lock-off slot 1410, and in the engaged position, the lock-off member 1422 may be positioned to at least partially overlap the lock-off slot 1410, or it may be rotated from a first side of the lock-off slot 1410, such as vertically above the lock-off slot 1410, to a second opposite side of the lock-off slot 1410, such as below the lock-off slot 1410. When the lock-off member 1422 rotates and engages with the vehicle belt associated with the lock-off slot 1410, it generally increases the tension in the vehicle belt without pulling any additional length of the vehicle belt out of the retractor.

[0149] As described above, the actuator's operation drives the movement of the lock-off member 1422 from the released position to the engaged position. In one embodiment, a carrying handle 1412 movably mounted on the seat shell 1406 is configured as the actuator. In such an embodiment, rotation of the carrying handle 1412 may directly or indirectly move the lock-off member 1422.

[0150] In the exemplary non-limiting embodiments, an actuator, such as a carrying handle 1412, is operably coupled to the lock-off member 1422 via a link mechanism 1430. As shown, the lock-off member 1422 may include a first portion 1424 and a second portion 1426 separated from each other by a clearance. In the exemplary non-limiting embodiments, the first portion 1424 and the second portion 1426 are arranged such that the lock-off member 1422 has a generally V-shaped configuration. However, any preferred configuration is contemplated herein. The link mechanism 1430 is pivotally connected to a portion of the lock-off member 1422, for example, its second portion 1426. When the lock-off member 1422 is in the released position (see Figure 21), at least a portion of the lock-off member 1422 is offset from the lock-off slot 1410. For example, the first portion 1424 of the lock-off member 1422 may be positioned on a first side of the lock-off slot 1410, such as above the lock-off slot 1410, and the second portion 1426 of the lock-off member 1422 may be positioned adjacent to a second opposite side of the lock-off slot 1410, such as below the lock-off slot 1410. However, embodiments in which both portions 1424 and 1426 of the lock-off member 1422 are positioned on the same side of the lock-off slot 1410 when in the released position are also contemplated herein.

[0151] As shown in the figure, the distal end 1432 of the link mechanism 1430 is pivotally coupled to a portion of the lock-off member, such as the free end 1428 of the second portion 1426, via, for example, a pin 1434. Furthermore, the pin 1434 may be slidably positioned within a slot 1436 formed in a seat-side member, such as the seat-side member 1416 of the seat shell 1406. When the carrying handle 1412 is in the carrying position, the pin 1434 may be positioned in a first position, such as adjacent to the first end 1438 of the slot 1436, and the lock-off member 1422 is in the released position. When the carrying handle 1412 is pivoted forward toward the rotation position (see Figure 22), the link mechanism 1430 rotates relative to both the carrying handle 1412 and the lock-off member 1422. The movement of the link mechanism 1430 translates the pin 1434 within the slot 1436 to a second position, for example, adjacent to the second opposite end 1440 of the slot 1436. As the pin 1434 is translated within the slot 1436, the lock-off member 1422 rotates about its axis B from the released position to the engaged position and contacts the surface of the vehicle belt (Figure 23). While the carrying handle 1412 is in the rotated position, the lock-off member 1422 remains in this engaged position. To release tension from the vehicle belt, the carrying handle 1412 is pivoted back toward the carrying position. This movement of the carrying handle 1412 toward the carrying position applies force to the second end 1442 of the link mechanism 1430, translating the pin 1434 within the slot 1436 and rotating the lock-off member 1422 back toward the released position.

[0152] Referring next to Figures 24-26, another embodiment of a child seat 1502 that can be connected to a vehicle seat (not shown) using a vehicle belt (not shown) is illustrated. Similar to the previous embodiment, a lock-off slot 1510 is formed in the infant car seat 1502 in or adjacent to the rim 1508 of the seat shell 1506 of the infant car seat 1502. The infant car seat may have another embodiment of a tensioning assembly 1520 that is operable to apply tension to a vehicle belt (not shown) positioned in at least one lock-off slot 1510 of the infant car seat 1502.

[0153] Unlike the embodiments illustrated in Figures 13 to 23, the lock-off member 1522 of the tensioning assembly 1520 may be located away from the lock-off slot 1510. In the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in Figures 24 to 26, the lock-off member 1522 is configured as a foot positioned adjacent to the bottom surface 1524 of the seat shell 1506. Similar to the earlier embodiments described herein, the lock-off member 1522 is rotatable about axis C relative to the seat shell 1506 between a retracted position (Figure 24) and an extended position (Figure 26). The lock-off member 1522 is operably coupled to an actuator, such as a carrying handle 1512, via a moving assembly 1530. In the non-limiting embodiments illustrated, the moving assembly 1530 includes a first link mechanism 1532 rotatably mounted on the seat shell 1506 and a second link mechanism 1534 pivotally connected to both the first link mechanism 142 and the lock-off member 102. As the first link mechanism 1532 rotates relative to the seat shell 1506 about its axis X in the first direction indicated by arrow R, the second link mechanism 1534 applies a downward force to the lock-off member 1522, such as near its distal end, thereby rotating the lock-off member 1522 to an extended position away from the bottom 1524 of the seat shell 1506. Similarly, as the first link mechanism 1532 rotates in the opposite direction about its axis X, an upward force is applied to the second link mechanism 1534, rotating the lock-off member 1522 toward the bottom 1524 of the seat shell 1506 to a retracted position. The configuration of the moving assembly 1530 exemplified and described herein is intended to be merely an example, and it should be understood that any moving assembly having any preferred configuration for moving the lock-off member between the retracted and extended positions is within the scope of this disclosure.

[0154] Continuing to refer to Figures 24-26, actuators operably coupled to the mobile assembly 1530 may be positioned around the infant car seat 1502 in a position accessible to the user. In one embodiment, the carrying handle 1512 is configured as an actuator. In such an embodiment, when the carrying handle 1512 rotates about its axis, a force F is transmitted to the mobile assembly 1530, for example, via a cable, link mechanism, or other flexible member 1536. This force F causes the mobile assembly 1530 to move the lock-off member 1522 to an extended position away from the seat shell 1506. In one embodiment, the force F applied to the mobile assembly 1530 causes a first link mechanism 1532 to rotate relative to the seat shell 1506 in a first direction about its axis X, as described above, and causes a second link mechanism 1534 to push the lock-off member 1522 away from the bottom 1524 of the seat shell 1506. The bottom surface 1538 of the lock-off member 1522 is oriented generally parallel to the upper surface (not shown) of the vehicle seat and remains in contact with the upper surface (not shown) of the vehicle seat. Therefore, rotation of the lock-off member 1522 from the stowed position to the extended position results in upward movement of the child seat pan 1514 of the seat shell 1506 relative to the lock-off member 1522. This upward movement of the seat shell 1506 applies force to the portion of the vehicle belt (not shown) that is threaded through at least one lock-off slot 1510.

[0155] Each of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 13 to 26 describes tension-applying assemblies 1350, 1420, and 1520 that include lock-off members 1352, 1422, and 1522. However, it should be understood that any of these tension-applying assemblies 1350, 1420, and 1520 may also include first lock-off members 1352, 1422, and 1522 positioned adjacent to a first side of the infant car seat 1302, 1402, and 1502, and second lock-off members 1352, 1422, and 1522 positioned adjacent to a second opposite side of the infant car seat 1302, 1402, and 1502. However, it should be understood that embodiments in which multiple lock-off members 1352, 1422, 1522 of the tension-applying assemblies 1350, 1420, 1520 are positioned at different locations around the infant car seat 1302, 1402, 1502 are also within the scope of this disclosure. In such embodiments, each of the multiple lock-off members 1352, 1422, 1522 of the tension-applying assemblies 1350, 1420, 1520 may be operated by the same actuator, for example, the carrying handles 1332, 1412, 1512. Thus, rotation of the carrying handles 1332, 1412, 1512 about their axis simultaneously operates the multiple lock-off members 1352, 1422, 1522, such as first and second lock members positioned on the opposite side of the child seat, to tighten the vehicle seat belt.

[0156] Next, referring to Figures 27 to 30, an alternative tensioning assembly 1620 is illustrated for applying tension to a vehicle belt 1605 associated with a child seat 1602 mounted on a vehicle seat 1604, such as an infant car seat. As shown, the tensioning assembly 1620 includes at least one tensioning mechanism 1622 disposed on the outer surface of the seat shell 1606. For example, the tensioning assembly 1620 may include a first tensioning mechanism 1622 disposed on a first side of the seat shell 1506, such as a first seat side member 1614, and a second tensioning mechanism (not shown) disposed on a second side of the seat shell 1506, such as a second seat side member 1516. The first and second tensioning mechanisms 1622 may be substantially identical, but do not need to be substantially identical. Embodiments comprising only a single tensioning mechanism, or alternatively, multiple tensioning mechanisms located on one or both sides of the sheet shell 1506, are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0157] At least one tensioning mechanism 1622 may be positioned to intersect the vehicle belt path of the vehicle belt 1605 when the vehicle belt is installed around the child seat 1602. The vehicle belt 1605 may be screwed into one or more lock-off slots 1610 formed in the seat shell 1606, or alternatively, it may be positioned in contact with the upper surface 1608 of the seat shell 1606. In the non-limiting embodiments described herein, the tensioning mechanism 1622 is positioned vertically below the lock-off slots 1610, such as in a substantially vertical alignment. However, embodiments in which the tensioning mechanism 1622 is positioned at other locations around the seat shell 1606 are also contemplated herein.

[0158] As illustrated, at least one tensioning mechanism 1622 includes a lever 1624 movably connected to the seat shell 1606. A corresponding groove 1626 for receiving at least a portion of the lever 1624 may be formed in the seat shell 1606. The groove 1626 may, but does not need to be, complementary to the size and shape of the lever 1624. The lever 1624 is deformable, for example, rotatable, between an open position (Figures 27 and 28) and a closed position (Figures 29 and 30) with respect to the seat shell 1606 and the vehicle belt path. In the open position, the lever 1624 is not located in the groove 1626 and does not intersect the vehicle belt path, while in the closed position, the lever 1624 is positioned in the groove 1626 and intersects the vehicle belt path. In the exemplary non-limiting embodiments, the lever 1624 is manually deformable between the open and closed positions. However, embodiments in which the lever 1624 is movable via the operation of an actuator or other device are also contemplated herein.

[0159] Lever 1624 is in the open position while the vehicle belt 1605 is installed around the child seat 1602. The vehicle belt path of the vehicle belt 1605 extends between the seat shell 1606 and lever 1624. As a result, when the vehicle belt 1605 is installed, a portion of the vehicle belt 1605, such as the lap portion 1607, is positioned between the groove 1626 and lever 1624. To activate the tensioning mechanism 1622 and increase the tightening of the vehicle belt 1605 around the seat shell 1606, lever 1624 is rotated toward groove 1626 to the closed position. In the closed position, the lap portion 1607 of the vehicle belt 1605 is clamped between the surface 1628 of groove 1626, as formed by the seat shell 1606, and the surface 1630 of lever 1624 facing the surface of groove 1626. In one embodiment, the surface 1630 of the lever 1624 is a cam surface such that the force applied to the portion of the vehicle belt 1605 located between the groove 1626 and the lever 1624 gradually increases as the lever 1624 rotates toward a closed position about its axis. Each of the tensioning assemblies 1350, 1420, 1520, and 1620 exemplified and described herein is intended to be merely an example, and it should be understood that other tensioning assemblies are also within the scope of this disclosure. By incorporating at least one tensioning assembly 1350, 1420, 1520, or 1620 into a child car seat such as the infant car seat 1302, 1402, 1502, or 1602, the user can more securely install the child car seat in a vehicle that does not have a corresponding seat base.

[0160] In embodiments where the child seats 1302, 1402, 1502, and 1602 are infant car seats, the child seats 1302, 1402, 1502, and 1602 are typically installed in the vehicle in a rear-facing configuration. In this rear-facing configuration, when the carrying handles 1332, 1412, 1512, and 1632 are in the forward position (see Figures 17 and 18), the carrying handles 1332, 1412, 1512, and 1632 are angled toward the upright portion of the vehicle seats 1304, 1504, and 1604. Therefore, in such a configuration, the distance between the carrying handles 1332, 1412, 1512, 1632 in the forward position and the upright portion of the vehicle seats 1304, 1504, 1604 is reduced compared to the distance between the carrying handles 1332, 1412, 1512, 1632 in the carrying position and the upright portion of the vehicle seats 1304, 1504, 1604. In one embodiment, the distance between the carrying handles 1332, 1412, 1512, 1632 and the upright portion of the vehicle seats 1304, 1504, 1604 is minimized when the carrying handles 1332, 1412, 1512, 1632 are in the forward position. In some embodiments, when the carrying handles 1332, 1412, 1512, and 1632 are in the forward position, a portion of the carrying handles 1332, 1412, 1512, and 1632, for example, the approximately central portion thereof, may contact or even apply force to the upright portion of the vehicle seat 1304, 1504, and 1604.

[0161] When the child seats 1302, 1402, 1502, and 1602 are installed in a rearward-facing position within the vehicle, the carrying handles 1332, 1412, 1512, and 1632 can be positioned forward, thereby enabling them to function as rebound bars that limit the rebound movement of the child seats 1302, 1402, 1502, and 1602 during collisions or other impact events. The engagement between the carrying handles 1332, 1412, 1512, and 1632 and the upright portions of the vehicle seats 1304, 1504, and 1604, in combination with the connections formed between the child seats 1302, 1402, 1502, and 1602 and the vehicle seats 1304, 1504, and 1604 (either by the vehicle belts 1305, 1505, and 1605 or the seat base), restricts the movement of the child seats 1302, 1402, 1502, and 1602 toward the upright portions of the vehicle seats 1304, 1504, and 1604.

[0162] Advantageously, embodiments described herein provide an improved infant car seat having an adjustable feature, and in particular, the ability to adjust and set the tightness of the infant car seat's installation to the vehicle seat. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an adjustable anchor system is provided which is incorporated within the structure of the infant car seat, such as within a seat shell, and provides an adjustable anchor and a tight installation to the vehicle seat.

[0163] In the context of the description (particularly in the context of the claims below), the use of the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar referents is to be interpreted as encompassing both singular and plural forms unless otherwise indicated herein or specifically contradicts the context. The modifiers “about” or “substantially” used in relation to quantities include the presented value and have meanings determined by the context (e.g., including the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity). All scopes disclosed herein encompass endpoints, which are independently combinable with each other. When used herein, the terms “about” and “substantially” are intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity, based on the equipment available at the time of filing. For example, the terms may include a range of ±8% of a given value or other percentage variation, as understood by those skilled in the art for specific measurements and / or dimensions referred herein. When used in relation to non-numerical descriptions, these terms include variations of absolute terms, as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, a substantially flat plane may have some deviation from a purely flat plane without such dispersion, since such a plane may not be physically attainable. Therefore, the terms substantially and about are used to refer to descriptions that a person skilled in the art would understand to mean.

[0164] While this disclosure has been described in detail in relation to only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that this disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, this disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, subcombinations, or equivalent arrangements that are not described herein but are equivalent to the scope of this disclosure. In addition, while various embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it should be understood that aspects of this disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. An infant car seat system for use with a vehicle seat, wherein the infant car seat system is An infant car seat shell configured to support infants, The system includes an adjustable anchoring system comprising at least one anchor that can be releasably engaged with the vehicle seat, The adjustable anchor system is coupled to the infant car seat shell such that at least one anchor is movable between a retracted state and an extended state. In the aforementioned stowed state, at least one of the adjustable anchor systems is stowed and fixed to the infant car seat shell. In the extended state, the at least one anchor of the adjustable anchor system is extended and fixed in place relative to the infant car seat shell for securing the infant car seat system to the vehicle seat, the infant car seat system.

2. The infant car seat system according to claim 1, wherein the infant car seat shell comprises a storage slot that receives at least a portion of the adjustable anchor system in the stored state.

3. The at least one anchor comprises two anchors, and the adjustable anchor system is An adjustable frame disposed within the infant car seat shell and configured to slide relative to the infant car seat shell, wherein the two anchors are located at the front end of the adjustable frame, The infant car seat system according to claim 1, further comprising a cross member extending between the two anchors.

4. The infant car seat system according to claim 3, further comprising a pivot member pivotably connected between a part of the infant car seat shell and the cross member.

5. The infant car seat system according to claim 3, further comprising a releasable locking connector configured to selectively and releasably fix the position of the adjustable frame relative to the infant car seat shell.

6. The infant car seat system according to claim 3, wherein the infant car seat shell comprises two seat shell rails, and a portion of the adjustable frame extends through each of the two seat shell rails.

7. The infant car seat system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable anchor system comprises a releasable locking connector configured to selectively and releasably fix the position of the at least one anchor relative to the infant car seat shell.

8. The infant car seat system according to claim 7, wherein the at least one anchor is connected to a cross member, and the releasable locking connector comprises an element having a fixed connector on the cross member, and a releasable locking connector disposed on the infant car seat shell and configured to selectively lock the length of the releasable locking connector.

9. The infant car seat system according to claim 7, wherein the releaseable locking connection comprises webbing, a belt, or a strap.

10. The at least one anchor comprises two anchors, and the adjustable anchor system is A cross member extending between the two anchors, An adjustable anchor connector associated with each of the two anchors, wherein the adjustable anchor connector is wrapped around a portion of the cross member, An infant car seat system according to claim 1, comprising an adjustable locking member, wherein the adjustable locking member is wrapped around a portion of the cross member.

11. The infant car seat system according to claim 10, wherein the winding direction of the adjustable anchor connector is opposite to the winding direction of the adjustable locking member.

12. The infant car seat system according to claim 10, further comprising a crank handle configured for manual rotation of the cross member.

13. The at least one anchor comprises two anchors, and the adjustable anchor system is A cross member extending between the two anchors, The infant car seat system according to claim 1, further comprising a pivot member pivotably disposed between the infant car seat shell and the cross member.

14. The adjustable anchor system, The infant car seat system according to claim 13, further comprising a link assembly disposed between at least one of the cross member and the pivot member and the infant car seat shell in a pivotable connection.

15. The adjustable anchor system, A rigid frame member fixedly positioned on or within the infant car seat shell, The infant car seat system according to claim 1, comprising a movable frame member movably disposed with respect to the rigid frame member, wherein at least one anchor is disposed at the end of the movable frame member.

16. The adjustable anchor system, The infant car seat system according to claim 15, further comprising a releasable locking connection configured to selectively fix the relative position between the rigid frame member and the movable frame member.

17. The infant car seat system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable anchor system is configured to be fixed to the vehicle seat in both the retracted state and the extended state.

18. An infant car seat system for use with a vehicle seat, wherein the infant car seat system is An infant car seat shell having a front and rear section, The car seat shell for infants and toddlers is associated with an adjustable anchor system, and the adjustable anchor system is At least one anchor configured to engage releasably with a portion of the vehicle seat, A frame comprising at least a movable portion, wherein at least one anchor is connected to the movable portion of the frame, and the movable portion of the frame is movable relative to the infant car seat shell between a retracted state and an extended state, In the extended state, the movable portion of the frame is unlocked and movable together with the at least one anchor with respect to at least one of the axial distance from the front of the infant car seat shell and the orientation angle relative to the infant car seat shell, in an infant car seat system.

19. The infant car seat system according to claim 18, wherein the adjustable anchor system is configured to have a locked state in which the movable portion of the frame is locked to the infant car seat shell.

20. The infant car seat system according to claim 18, wherein the infant car seat shell comprises a storage slot for receiving at least a portion of the adjustable anchor system in the stored state.

21. The at least one anchor comprises two anchors, and the adjustable anchor system is An adjustable frame disposed within the infant car seat shell and configured to slide relative to the infant car seat shell, wherein the two anchors are located at the front end of the adjustable frame, The infant car seat system according to claim 18, further comprising a cross member extending between the two anchors.

22. The infant car seat system according to claim 18, wherein the adjustable anchor system comprises a releasable locking connector configured to selectively and releasably fix the position of the at least one anchor relative to the infant car seat shell.

23. The at least one anchor comprises two anchors, and the adjustable anchor system is A cross member extending between the two anchors, An adjustable anchor connector associated with each of the two anchors, wherein the adjustable anchor connector is wrapped around a portion of the cross member, The infant car seat system according to claim 18, further comprising an adjustable locking member wrapped around a portion of the cross member.

24. The at least one anchor comprises two anchors, and the adjustable anchor system is A cross member extending between the two anchors, The infant car seat system according to claim 18, further comprising a pivot member pivotably disposed between the infant car seat shell and the cross member.

25. The adjustable anchor system, A rigid frame member fixedly positioned on or within the infant car seat shell, The infant car seat system according to claim 18, comprising a movable frame member movably disposed with respect to the rigid frame member, wherein at least one anchor is disposed at the end of the movable frame member.

26. The infant car seat system according to claim 18, wherein the adjustable anchor system is configured to be fixed to the vehicle seat in both the retracted state and the extended state.

27. An infant car seat system for use with a vehicle seat, wherein the infant car seat system is An infant car seat shell having a front and rear section, The car seat shell for infants and toddlers is associated with an adjustable anchor system, and the adjustable anchor system is A pivot member coupled to the infant car seat shell, At least one anchor configured to engage releasably with a portion of the vehicle seat, wherein the at least one anchor is attached to the pivot member and is movable between a retracted state and an extended state, An infant car seat system comprising: an adjustable locking member that interacts with the pivoting member to move the at least one anchor toward the stowed position.

28. The infant car seat system according to claim 27, further comprising a cross member disposed between the pivot member and the at least one anchor.

29. The infant car seat system according to claim 28, wherein the adjustable locking member is coupled at a first end to at least one of the pivoting member and the cross member, and at a second end is selectively attachable to the infant car seat shell at a releaseable locking connection.

30. The infant car seat system according to claim 27, wherein the adjustable anchor system is configured to be fixed to the vehicle seat in both the retracted state and the extended state.

31. An infant car seat system for use with a vehicle seat, wherein the infant car seat system is An infant car seat shell having a front and rear section, In the mounting mechanism, a carry handle is attached to the infant car seat shell by rotation, An infant car seat system comprising an adjustable anchoring system including at least one anchor mounted on the carry handle, wherein the at least one anchor is configured to releasably engage with a portion of the vehicle seat.

32. The infant car seat system according to claim 31, wherein the carry handle comprises a carry portion and a support portion, and the at least one anchor is attached to the support portion.

33. The infant car seat system according to claim 32, wherein the support portion is configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees around the mounting mechanism.

34. The infant car seat system according to claim 32, wherein the support portion is configured to be positioned at least in a carry position, an installation position, and a support position.

35. A child seat that can be attached to a vehicle seat including a vehicle belt, wherein the child seat is A seat shell that can be attached to the vehicle seat via the vehicle belt, A child seat comprising: a tensioning assembly operable to apply force to a portion of the vehicle belt that can be associated with the seat shell.

36. The child seat according to claim 35, wherein the tensioning assembly further comprises at least one lock-off member, the at least one lock-off member being deformable between a retracted position and an extended position, and in the extended position, the at least one lock-off member applies the force to the portion of the vehicle belt associated with the seat shell.

37. The child seat according to claim 36, wherein the at least one lock-off member includes a first lock-off member disposed adjacent to the first side of the seat shell and a second lock-off member disposed adjacent to the second side of the seat shell.

38. The child seat according to claim 36, wherein the seat shell further comprises a seat side member, and the at least one lock-off member is rotatably mounted on the seat side member.

39. The child seat according to claim 36, wherein the seat shell further comprises a bottom, and the at least one lock-off member is rotatably mounted on the bottom.

40. The child seat according to claim 36, further comprising an actuator capable of operating to deform the at least one lock-off member between the stowed position and the extended position.

41. The child seat according to claim 40, further comprising a link mechanism that operably connects the actuator to the at least one lock-off member.

42. A movable assembly mounted on the seat shell and operably coupled to the at least one lock-off member, The child seat according to claim 40, further comprising the actuator and a flexible member operably coupled to the moving assembly.

43. The child seat according to claim 36, further comprising a carrying handle movably coupled to the seat shell, wherein the carrying handle is deformable between a plurality of positions, including a carrying position and a forward position.

44. The child seat according to claim 43, wherein the carrying handle is operably coupled to the at least one lock-off member, and the carrying handle is movable to deform the at least one lock-off member between the retracted position and the extended position.

45. The child seat according to claim 44, wherein the at least one lock-off member comprises a plurality of lock-off members, and the carrying handle is movable to simultaneously deform the plurality of lock-off members between the retracted position and the extended position.

46. The child seat according to claim 44, wherein when the carrying handle is in the carrying position, the at least one lock-off member is in the retracted position, and when the carrying handle is in the forward position, the at least one lock-off member is in the extended position.

47. The child seat according to claim 46, wherein when the carrying handle is in the forward position, the carrying handle is a rebound bar.

48. The child seat according to claim 44, wherein the carry handle further comprises a catch, the catch is capable of engaging with the at least one lock-off member while the carry handle is in motion.

49. The child seat according to claim 36, further comprising at least one tensioning mechanism, the tensioning assembly further comprising a lever mounted movably between an open position and a closed position on the seat shell, wherein the portion of the vehicle belt is receivable between the lever and the seat shell.

50. The child seat according to claim 49, wherein when the lever is in the closed position, the force is applied to the portion of the vehicle belt.

51. The child seat according to claim 36, wherein the seat shell can be positioned by directly contacting the surface of the vehicle seat.

52. A child seat that can be attached to a vehicle seat including a vehicle belt, wherein the child seat is A seat shell that can be attached to the aforementioned vehicle seat, A carrying handle is movably attached to the aforementioned seat shell, It comprises at least one lock-off member disposed together with the seat shell, A child seat wherein the carrying handle is operably coupled to the at least one lock-off member, and the carrying handle is movable to deform the at least one lock-off member between a retracted position and an extended position.

53. The child seat according to claim 52, wherein the carrying handle is movable between a carrying position and a forward position.

54. The child seat according to claim 53, wherein the distance between the carrying handle and a portion of the vehicle seat is minimized at the forward position.

55. The child seat according to claim 53, wherein when the carrying handle is in the forward position, the carrying handle applies tension to the vehicle belt.

56. The child seat according to claim 53, wherein when the carrying handle is in the forward position, the carrying handle is a rebound bar.

57. The child seat according to claim 53, wherein when the carrying handle is in the carrying position, the at least one lock-off member is in the retracted position, and when the carrying handle is in the forward position, the at least one lock-off member is in the extended position.

58. The child seat according to claim 52, wherein the carrying handle is rotatably coupled to the seat shell.

59. The child seat according to claim 52, wherein the seat shell further comprises at least one lock-off slot, and the vehicle belt is receivable within the at least one lock-off slot.

60. The child seat according to claim 59, wherein the at least one lock-off member is positioned adjacent to the at least one lock-off slot.

61. The child seat according to claim 59, wherein the at least one lock-off member is located remotely from the at least one lock-off slot.

62. The child seat according to claim 52, wherein the carrying handle is operably connected to the at least one lock-off member by a link mechanism.

63. A movable assembly operably coupled to at least one of the lock-off members, The child seat according to claim 52, further comprising a flexible member operably coupled to the carrying handle.

64. The child seat according to claim 52, wherein the at least one lock-off member further comprises a first lock-off member disposed adjacent to the first side of the seat shell and a second lock-off member disposed adjacent to the second opposite side of the seat shell.

65. The child seat according to claim 52, wherein the at least one lock-off member further comprises a plurality of lock-off members, and the carrying handle is operable to deform the plurality of lock-off members simultaneously between the retracted position and the extended position.

66. A child seat that can be attached to a vehicle seat including a vehicle belt, wherein the child seat is A seat shell that can be attached to the aforementioned vehicle seat, At least one lever movably coupled to the seat shell, A vehicle belt path is provided between the seat shell and the at least one lever, A child seat wherein at least one lever is movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the vehicle belt path.

67. The child seat according to claim 66, wherein the at least one lever is manually movable between the closed position and the open position.

68. The child seat according to claim 66, wherein the at least one lever is rotatable between the closed position and the open position.

69. The child seat according to claim 66, further comprising at least one groove, wherein the at least one lever is receivable within the at least one groove when the at least one lever is in the closed position.

70. The child seat according to claim 69, wherein the at least one groove is formed in the seat shell, and the vehicle belt path extends between the at least one groove and the at least one lever.

71. The child seat according to claim 70, wherein the at least one lever includes a cam surface configured to clamp the vehicle belt in cooperation with the at least one groove.

72. The child seat according to claim 66, further comprising a carrying handle movably coupled to the seat shell, wherein the carrying handle is movable between a carrying position and a forward position.

73. The child seat according to claim 72, wherein the distance between the carrying handle and a portion of the vehicle seat is minimized at the forward position.

74. The child seat according to claim 72, wherein when the carrying handle is in the forward position, the carrying handle is a rebound bar.

75. The child seat according to claim 66, wherein the at least one lever further comprises a first lever and a second lever, the first lever being located on a first side of the seat shell and the second lever being located on a second side of the seat shell, the vehicle belt path extending between the seat shell and the first lever and between the seat shell and the second lever, and each of the first lever and the second lever being movable relative to the vehicle belt path between an open position and a closed position.

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