Headrest cover for child restraint system and child restraint system

Abstract

A headrest and child restraint system, wherein the child restraint system has a movable headrest, wherein the headrest includes: a main body portion connected to the movable headrest; and a padding portion connected to the main body portion on one side, the padding portion including: a first segment connected to the main body portion for torso support, wherein the thickness of the first segment is greater than the thickness of the main body portion. The padded headrest includes a suspended padding portion that is securely padded and movable with the headrest of the restraint system, thereby providing adequate support for the chest of a child or infant and ensuring an open airway for the child or infant.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a headrest and a child restraint device. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Child restraint systems provide safety support for children in vehicles to prevent them from being hit or injured by sudden changes in vehicle speed. However, for thinner or younger children (e.g., infants or toddlers), it may be necessary to provide additional cushioning attached to the vehicle in which the child restraint system is attached to provide stable support and restraint for the child.

[0003] When an infant or toddler 100 is restrained in a child restraint system with such a cushioning pad, the infant or toddler 100 faces the rear of the vehicle at an angle of approximately 45°, and the torso plane A' on which the infant's body is located may be lower than the head plane B' on which the infant's head is located. That is, the infant's chest or body may be positioned lower than the head, resulting in the so-called "chin-to-chest" situation as shown in Figure 1. In this situation, since the infant's head 110 is located on the relatively higher head plane B', the infant's head 110 may be pushed down towards the chest or body, and his or her airway may be potentially blocked, thereby hindering his or her breathing. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a child restraint system. The child restraint system includes a child restraint device or carrier that provides space therein for accommodating a child and a padded headrest. The child restraint device includes a movable headrest. The padded headrest includes a main body portion connected to the headrest of the child restraint device, and a padding portion connected to the main body portion whose thickness is phased or gradually changing. The padding portion is suspended and hangs downward relative to the main body portion, and is therefore movable with the headrest. According to one aspect of this application, a headrest for a child restraint system is provided, the child restraint system having a movable headrest, wherein the headrest includes: a main body portion connected to the movable headrest; and a padding portion connected to the main body portion on one side, the padding portion including: a first segment connected to the main body portion for torso support; wherein the thickness of the first segment is greater than the thickness of the main body portion. According to one embodiment, the padding portion includes: a second segment connected to the first segment for thickness transition; and a third segment connected to the second segment for hip support. According to one embodiment, the main body includes: a head receiving portion; and a pair of cheek portions connected to opposite sides of the head receiving portion. According to one embodiment, the connection between the cheek portions of the main body and the head receiving portion, and the connection between the pad portion and the main body, are both achieved by sewing. According to one embodiment, a third section of the pad portion has a through-hole for the crotch strap of the child restraint system to pass through. According to one embodiment, the pad portion is suspended and hangs downward relative to the main body and is restrained by the crotch strap, but allows the pad portion to move up and down. According to one embodiment, the pad portion has a pair of first side wings connected to opposite sides of the first section. According to one embodiment, the pad portion has a pair of second side wings connected to opposite sides of the third section. According to one embodiment, the main body does not include padding material (lining material, filling material) with a thickness of TM. The first section of the padding part is padded with one or two layers of EPP / EPE with a thickness of TA1, where TA1 > TM. The second section of the padding part is padded with two layers of soft foam. The third section of the padding part is not padded.According to one embodiment, the main body portion does not include padding material and has a thickness of TM. The first section of the padding portion is padded with a layer of EPP / EPE with a thickness of X mm and two layers of soft foam, each layer of soft foam having a thickness of Y mm. The thickness TA1 of the first section is equal to X + 2Y mm. The second section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of soft foam, each layer of soft foam having a thickness of Z mm, where Z = Y, and the thickness TA2 of the second section is equal to 2Z mm. The thickness TA1 of the first section is greater than the thickness TM of the main body portion, and the thickness TA2 of the second section is less than the thickness TA1 of the first section. The third section of the padding portion is unpadded. According to one embodiment, the EPP / EPE layer is arranged on the back away from children or infants, and the two layers of soft foam are arranged on the front for contact with children or infants. According to one embodiment, the main body portion does not include padding material and has a thickness of TM. The first section of the padding portion is padded with a layer of EPP / EPE with a thickness of X mm. The thickness of the first section TA1 is equal to X mm. The second section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of soft foam, each layer of soft foam having a thickness of Z mm. The thickness of the second section TA2 is equal to 2Z mm. The thickness of the first section TA1 is greater than the thickness of the main body portion TM. The thickness of the second section TA2 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the first section TA1. The third section of the padding portion is not padded. According to one embodiment, the main body portion does not include padding material and has a thickness of TM. The first section of the padding portion is padded with a layer of EPP / EPE with a thickness of X mm and a layer of soft foam with a thickness of Y mm, where X = Y. The thickness TA1 of the first section is equal to X + Y mm. The second section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of soft foam, each layer of soft foam having a thickness of Z mm, where X = Z. The thickness TA2 of the second section is equal to 2Z mm. The thickness TA1 of the first section is greater than the thickness TM of the main body portion, and the thickness TA2 of the second section is equal to the thickness TA1 of the first section. The third section of the padding portion is not padded. According to one embodiment, the main body portion does not include padding material and has a thickness of TM. The first section of the padding portion is padded with a layer of EPP / EPE with a thickness of X mm and a layer of soft foam with a thickness of Y mm, where X = Y. The thickness TA1 of the first section is equal to X + Y mm. The second section of the padding portion is padded with a layer of soft foam with a thickness of Z mm, where Z = Y. The thickness TA2 of the second section is equal to Z mm. The thickness TA1 of the first section is greater than the thickness TM of the main body portion, and the thickness TA2 of the second section is less than the thickness TA1 of the first section. The third section of the padding portion is not padded.According to another aspect of this application, a child restraint system is also provided, comprising: a child restraint device providing a space therein for accommodating a child, the child restraint device including a movable headrest; and a headrest cover as described above, the main body portion of the headrest cover being connected to the headrest portion, the padding portion of the headrest cover having a phased thickness and being connected to the main body portion, the padding portion being movable together with the headrest portion.

[0005] Preferably, the thickness of the pad portion is greater than the thickness of the main portion.

[0006] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a headrest for a child restraint system, having a movable headrest portion. The headrest includes a main body portion for connecting to the movable headrest portion, and a pad portion connected to the main body portion on one side thereto. The pad portion includes a first section for torso support connected to the main body portion, a second section for thickness transition connected to the first section, and a third section for hip support connected to the second section.

[0007] Preferably, the thickness of the first segment of the pad portion is greater than the thickness of the main body portion.

Implementation Method

[0018] The following detailed description is intended to enable those skilled in the art to manufacture and use headrests for child restraint systems, as well as child restraint systems of the present disclosure. Specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary for practicing embodiments of the present disclosure. Descriptions of specific applications are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but rather to be consistent with the maximum possible scope of the principles and features disclosed herein. Furthermore, it should be noted that the designations of the embodiments, such as first, second, etc., are used only to distinguish these embodiments and do not indicate any preference for these embodiments.

[0019] In the context of this disclosure, various aspects of the disclosure are illustrated using child restraint systems as an example. However, it should be noted that the headrests according to this disclosure can also be used in other applications to support and / or restrain children, infants, or toddlers. Examples of such applications may include high chairs, strollers, vehicles, or mobility devices.

[0020] Referring to FIG2, which is a schematic front view of a child restraint system 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the child restraint system 200 includes a carrier 210 for accommodating a child or infant therein, a seat belt assembly 220 connected to the carrier 210, and a carrier cover 230 that substantially covers the carrier 210. In one embodiment, the child restraint system 200 can be detachably mounted in a vehicle such as a car for carrying and restraining a child or infant therein. More specifically, the child restraint system 200 can be detachably mounted on a car seat with the child or infant facing the rear of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the child restraint system 200 can be, for example, a toddler car seat or an infant car seat (e.g., an infant carrier).

[0021] The carrier 210 includes a headrest 212, a backrest 214, and a seat 216. In one embodiment, the headrest 212, which protrudes from the carrier cover 230, is connected to the backrest 214 and can slide or move relative to the backrest 214 in the longitudinal direction. In this way, the position of the headrest 212 relative to the carrier 210 can be adjusted according to the size of the child or infant. The backrest 214 is connected to the seat 216, thus defining a seating space for accommodating and restraining a child or infant.

[0022] The seat belt assembly 220 is primarily used to restrain children or infants within the seating space of the vehicle 210. The seat belt assembly 220 includes a pair of shoulder straps 222, a pair of lap belts 224, and a crotch strap 226. One end 226A of the crotch strap 226 is connected to the vehicle 210, and the seat belt assembly 220 is also provided with a buckle 2261 connected to the other end 226B of the crotch strap 226. Each shoulder strap 222 and lap belt 224 on the same side has a connector (e.g., a latch) at one end, which can be attached to the crotch strap 226 by inserting the respective connector into the buckle 2261, or can be detached from the crotch strap 226. In one embodiment, the length of the crotch strap 226 can be adjusted according to the size of the child or infant. The crotch strap 226 may also include a fixing member 2262 (e.g., an adjusting buckle, a figure-eight buckle, etc.) at a defined location to fix the length of the crotch strap 226 after adjustment. When contained within the seating space of vehicle 210, a child or infant can be stably restrained by the seatbelt assembly 220 of child restraint system 200 in a five-contact manner. That is, a pair of shoulder straps 222, a pair of lap belts 224, and a crotch strap 226 of seatbelt assembly 220 provide stable support and restraint for the child or infant in vehicle 210.

[0023] Please refer to Figures 3 and 4, which schematically illustrate a child restraint system 200 with a padded (lined, padded) headrest 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the padded headrest 300 is attached to the child restraint system 200 by covering or wrapping the headrest portion 212 (as shown in Figure 2) of the carrier 210. As described above, the position of the headrest portion 212 (as shown in Figure 2) relative to the carrier 210 can be adjusted according to the size of the child or infant by sliding or moving relative to the backrest 214 (as shown in Figure 2) in the longitudinal direction, forming a low position as shown in Figure 3 and a high position as shown in Figure 4.

[0024] Please refer to Figures 5A and 5B, which are schematically front and side views, respectively, illustrating a padded headrest 300 for a child restraint system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the padded headrest 300 includes: a main body portion 310 (thickness TM), a headrest portion 212 for wrapping the child restraint system 200 (as shown in Figure 3 or 4); and a pad portion 320, one side 320A of which is connected to the main body portion 310. The main body portion 310 may include a head receiving portion 311 and a pair of cheek portions 3121, 3122, which are connected to opposite sides of the head receiving portion 311. In one embodiment, the cheek portions 3121, 3122 may be padded (lined, filled) to provide a more comfortable feel and more stable support for the child or infant. In one embodiment, the connection between the cheek portions 3121 and 3122 of the main body portion 310 and the head receiving portion 311, as well as the connection between the pad portion 320 and the main body portion 310, can be achieved by sewing.

[0025] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, in one embodiment, the padding portion 320 of the padded headrest 300 may include: a first segment 321 (thickness TA1), a second segment 322 (thickness TA2), and a third segment 323 (thickness TA3). The first segment 321 serves as a torso support; the second segment 322 connects to the first segment 321 and transitions from the first segment 321 to the third segment 323; the third segment 323 connects to the second segment 322 and serves as a seat support. More specifically, the first segment 321 of the padding portion 320 is configured as a backrest support for at least supporting the chest and / or torso of a child or infant. The third segment 323 of the padding portion 320 is configured as a seat support for at least supporting the pelvis and / or hips of a child or infant. The second segment 322 serves as a transition between the first segment 321 and the third segment 323, thereby allowing the thickness of the padding portion 320 of this disclosure to be reduced in stages or gradually.

[0026] In one embodiment, the padded headrest 300 is connected to the carrier 210 of the child restraint system 200 (as shown in FIG. 2), the main body portion 310 of which wraps around and is suspended from the headrest portion 212, while the padding portion 320 is suspended from the main body portion 310 (i.e., thus from the headrest portion 212) and hangs down. In this way, when the headrest portion 212 moves or slides relative to the backrest 214 of the carrier 210, the main body portion 310 of the headrest portion 212 wrapping around the carrier 210 can move up and down with the padding portion 320 along with the headrest portion 212, thereby ensuring that the first segment 321 of the padding portion 320 can always be located behind the infant's shoulders and upper torso to provide continuous torso support.

[0027] In this disclosure, the thickness of the padding portion 320 can be designed to be phased or gradual. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG5B, the padding portion 320 of the padded headrest 300 can be formed such that its first segment 321, second segment 322, and third segment 323 have different thicknesses. In one embodiment, the first segment 321 (i.e., the segment used to support the infant's shoulders and upper torso) has the largest thickness TA1 (i.e., TA1 > TA1, TA1 > TA2, and TA1 > TA3) among all three segments of the main body portion 310 and the padding portion 320. In one embodiment, the second segment 322, transitioning from the first segment 321 to the third segment 323, has a thickness that gradually decreases from the first segment 321. According to this disclosure, the various thicknesses of the first segment 321 and the second segment 322 of the padding portion 320 can be achieved by means of corresponding padding materials (lining materials, filling materials), which will be described in further detail below. In one embodiment, the padding material may be selected from, but is not limited to, expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded polyethylene (EPE), soft foam, and any combination thereof. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first segment 321 used to support the infant's shoulders and upper torso has the greatest thickness; however, those skilled in the art will understand that the first segment 321 of the padding portion 320 does not necessarily have to be the thickest part, as long as its thickness is greater than the thickness of the main body portion 310.

[0028] Referring also to Figure 6, since the thickness of the first segment 321 is greater than the thickness of the main body 310, for example, the thickness of the first segment 321 is the greatest (i.e., greater than the thickness of the main body 310, the second segment 322, and the third segment 323), and its position can be adjusted to support the upper torso of the infant, the torso plane A' can be raised to the same height as the head plane B', or even slightly higher than the head plane B'. The relatively high torso plane A' allows the infant 600 to tilt his head 610 back, thereby avoiding the situation of "chin touching chest" and ensuring that the airway is unobstructed when the infant 600 is restrained in the child restraint system.

[0029] Referring again to Figures 3, 4, and 5A, in one embodiment, the third segment 323 of the padding portion 320 of the padded headrest 300 is provided with a through-hole 324 for the crotch strap 226 to pass through. More specifically, one end 226A of the crotch strap 226 is connected to the carrier 210, and the other end 226B passes through the through-hole 324 of the padded headrest 300 and is then connected to the shoulder strap 222 and waist belt 224 as described in Figure 2. Once the main body portion 310 of the padded headrest 300 is connected (e.g., by wrapping) to the headrest portion 212 of the carrier 210, and the crotch strap 226 passing through the through-hole 324 is connected or attached to the shoulder strap 222 and waist belt 224, the padded headrest 300 can be attached to the child restraint system 200, with the padding portion 320 suspended and hanging downward relative to the main body portion 310, but restrained by the crotch strap 226. This prevents the padded headrest 300 from detaching from the carrier 210, but allows the padding portion 320 of the padded headrest 300 to move up and down to adjust the position of the padding portion 320 to support the torso as the headrest 212 moves relative to the backrest 214 to accommodate the infant's body shape. As the headrest 212 moves up or down (i.e., raises or lowers) within the carrier 210, the padded headrest 300 of this disclosure ensures that the headrest support and torso support are always together, thus avoiding unwanted gaps when the headrest 212 begins to rise.

[0030] Please refer to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 schematically shows a padded headrest 700 for a child restraint system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 schematically shows a child restraint system 800 to which the padded headrest 700 is attached according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the padded headrest 700 has a structure and configuration similar to the padded headrest 300 of Figures 5A and 5B, including a main body portion 710 and a pad portion 720. One side 720A of the pad portion 720 is connected to the main body portion 710. The main body portion 710 may include a head receiving portion 711 and a pair of cheek portions 7121, 7122, which are connected to opposite sides of the head receiving portion 711. The pad portion 720 includes a first segment 721, a second segment 722, and a third segment 723, the third segment 723 having a through hole 724 formed thereon. As shown in Figure 8, the child restraint system 800 has a structure and configuration similar to the child restraint system 200 of Figures 2 to 4, including a vehicle 810, a seat belt assembly 820, and a vehicle cover 830. The vehicle 810 further includes a headrest 812, a backrest 814, and a seat 816. Similarly, the seat belt assembly 820 includes a pair of shoulder straps 822, a pair of lap belts 824, and a crotch strap 826. The seat belt assembly 820 is also provided with a buckle 8261 connected to one end of the crotch strap 826. The crotch strap 8226 may also include a fixing member 8262 (e.g., an adjusting buckle, a figure-eight buckle, etc.) at a defined location, so that the length of the crotch strap 826 is fixed after adjustment. The difference between the two embodiments is that in this embodiment, the pad portion 720 is provided with side wings. The pair of first side wings 7211 and 7212 are connected to opposite sides of the first segment 721. Optionally, a pair of second flanks 7231 and 7232 are connected to opposite sides of the third segment 723. In one embodiment, the flanks 7211, 7212, 7231, and 7232 are connected to the respective segments by stitching. However, in other embodiments, other methods of securely connecting the flanks to the respective segments are also possible.

[0031] As shown in FIG8, in one embodiment, the child restraint system 800 includes a padded headrest 700 attached thereto. A pair of first side wings 7211 and 7212 and an optional pair of second side wings 7231 and 7232 make the seating space of the vehicle 810 relatively small and more suitable for small-sized children or infants or toddlers (e.g., newborns). This allows children or infants to be restrained in the child restraint system 800 in a more stable manner, thereby improving safety while in the vehicle.

[0032] As described above, the thickness of the padding portion of the padded headrest of this disclosure can be designed to be phased or gradual. The thickness of the first segment (i.e., the segment used to support the infant's shoulders and upper torso) can be greater than the thickness of the main body. Of all its segments, the first segment (i.e., the segment used to support the infant's shoulders and upper torso) can have the greatest thickness. Furthermore, since the padded headrest of this disclosure can be used to support newborn infants, it is preferable to provide the infant with a padded headrest having a soft and comfortable surface without any hard lumps or protrusions. The phased or gradual thickness design of the padding portion allows the most critical area (i.e., the area corresponding to the infant's head and torso) to not have a large thickness drop from the first segment to below the infant's buttocks, and avoids the problem of "chin touching chest". Taking the padded headrest 300 shown in FIG. 5B as an example, the following are some illustrative examples of various variations of the padded headrest of this disclosure, giving details of the thickness of the padded headrest including the main body and the padding portion and the padding material / material.

[0033] Illustrative Example 1:

[0034] The padded headrest of Illustrative Example 1 includes a main body portion having two cheek portions, and a padding portion having a first section, a second section, and a third section. The main body portion, with a thickness of TM, does not include padding material, while the cheek portions are padded (lined, filled) to varying thicknesses depending on the model of the child restraint system. The first section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of EPP with a thickness of TA1, where TA1 > TM. The second section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of soft foam with a thickness of TA2. The third section of the padding portion is unpadded. Furthermore, other and optional variables may include the addition of wings for the padding of the first and third sections, such as the material, the number of padding layers, and their thickness.

[0035] Illustrative Example 2:

[0036] The padded headrest of Illustrative Example 2 includes a main body portion having two cheek portions, and a padding portion having a first section, a second section, and a third section. The main body portion, with a thickness of TM, does not include padding material, while the cheek portions are padded with varying thicknesses depending on the model of the child restraint system. The first section of the padding portion is padded with a single layer of EPP / EPE with a thickness of TA1, where TA1 > TM. The second section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of soft foam with a thickness of TA2. The third section of the padding portion is unpadded. Furthermore, other and optional variables may include the addition of wings for the padding of the first and third sections, such as the material, the number of padding layers, and their thickness.

[0037] Illustrative Example 3:

[0038] The padded headrest of illustrative example 3 includes a main body portion having two cheek sections, and a padding portion having a first section, a second section, and a third section. The main body portion, with a thickness of TM, does not include padding material, while the cheek sections are padded with varying thicknesses depending on the model of the child restraint system. The first section of the padding portion is padded with one layer of EPP / EPE with a thickness of X mm and two layers of soft foam (each layer with a thickness of Y mm). Therefore, the thickness TA1 of the first section is equal to X + 2Y mm, where X = 2Y. The second section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of soft foam (each layer with a thickness of Z mm, where Z = Y), and its thickness TA2 is equal to 2Z mm. In this illustrative example, the thickness TA1 of the first section is greater than the thickness TM of the main body portion, and the thickness TA2 of the second section is less than the thickness TA1 of the first section (i.e., TA1 > TM and TA2 < TA1). The third section of the padding portion is not padded. In addition, other and optional variables may include the addition of padding flanks for the first and third segments, such as the material, the number of padding layers and their thickness.

[0039] Illustrative Example 4:

[0040] Example 4's padded headrest includes a main body portion with two cheek sections and a padding portion with a first, second, and third section. The main body portion, with a thickness of TM, does not include padding material, while the cheek sections are padded with varying thicknesses depending on the model of the child restraint system. The first section of the padding portion is padded with a single layer of EPP / EPE with a thickness of X mm, so the thickness TA1 of the first section is equal to X mm. The second section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of soft foam (each layer with a thickness of Z mm, where X = 2Z mm), with a thickness TA2 equal to 2Z mm. In this illustrative example, the thickness TA1 of the first section is greater than the thickness TM of the main body portion, and the thickness TA2 of the second section is the same as the thickness TA1 of the first section (i.e., TA1 > TM and TA2 = TA1). The third section of the padding portion is unpadded. Furthermore, other and optional variables may include the addition of wings for the padding of the first and third sections, such as the material, the number of padding layers, and their thickness.

[0041] Illustrative Example 5:

[0042] The padded headrest of illustrative example 5 includes a main body portion having two cheek portions, and a padding portion having a first section, a second section, and a third section. The main body portion, with a thickness of TM, does not include padding material, while the cheek portions are padded with varying thicknesses depending on the model of the child restraint system. The first section of the padding portion is padded with a single layer of EPP / EPE with a thickness of X mm, so the thickness TA1 of the first section is equal to X mm. The second section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of soft foam (each layer with a thickness of Z mm, where X = Z), and its thickness TA2 is equal to 2Z mm. In this illustrative example, the thickness TA1 of the first section is greater than the thickness TM of the main body portion, and the thickness TA2 of the second section is greater than the thickness TA1 of the first section (i.e., TA1 > TM and TA2 > TA1). The third section of the padding portion is not padded. Furthermore, other and optional variables may include the addition of wings for the padding of the first and third sections, such as the material, the number of padding layers, and their thickness.

[0043] Illustrative Example 6:

[0044] The padded headrest of Illustrative Example 6 includes a main body portion having two cheek sections, and a padding portion having a first section, a second section, and a third section. The main body portion, with a thickness of TM, does not include padding material, while the cheek sections are padded with varying thicknesses depending on the model of the child restraint system. The first section of the padding portion is padded with a layer of EPP / EPE with a thickness of X mm and a layer of soft foam with a thickness of Y mm, where X = Y. Therefore, the thickness TA1 of the first section is equal to X + Y mm. The second section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of soft foam (each with a thickness of Z mm, where X = Z), and its thickness TA2 is equal to 2Z mm. In this illustrative example, the thickness TA1 of the first section is greater than the thickness TM of the main body portion, and the thickness TA2 of the second section is equal to the thickness TA1 of the first section (i.e., TA1 > TM and TA2 = TA1). The third section of the padding portion is not padded. In addition, other and optional variables may include the addition of padding flanks for the first and third segments, such as the material, the number of padding layers and their thickness.

[0045] Illustrative Example 7:

[0046] The padded headrest of Illustrative Example 7 includes a main body portion having two cheek sections, and a padding portion having a first section, a second section, and a third section. The main body portion, with a thickness of TM, does not include padding material, while the cheek sections are padded with varying thicknesses depending on the model of the child restraint system. The first section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of soft foam, each layer being X mm thick and Y mm thick, where X = Y. Therefore, the thickness TA1 of the first section is equal to X + 2Y mm. The second section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of soft foam (each layer being Z mm thick, where Z = Y), and its thickness TA2 is equal to 2Z. In this illustrative example, the thickness TA1 of the first section is greater than the thickness TM of the main body portion, and the thickness TA2 of the second section is less than the thickness TA1 of the first section (i.e., TA1 > TM and TA2 < TA1). The third section of the padding portion is not padded. In addition, other and optional variables may include the addition of padding flanks for the first and third segments, such as the material, the number of padding layers and their thickness.

[0047] Illustrative Example 8:

[0048] The padded headrest of illustrative example 8 includes a main body portion having two cheek portions, and a padding portion having a first section, a second section, and a third section. The main body portion, with a thickness of TM, does not include padding material, while the cheek portions are padded with varying thicknesses depending on the model of the child restraint system. The first section of the padding portion is padded with a layer of EPP / EPE with a thickness of X mm and a layer of soft foam with a thickness of Y mm, where X = Y. Therefore, the thickness TA1 of the first section is equal to X + Y mm. The second section of the padding portion is padded with a layer of soft foam with a thickness of Z mm, where Z = Y, and its thickness TA2 is equal to Z mm. In this illustrative example, the thickness TA1 of the first section is greater than the thickness TM of the main body portion, and the thickness TA2 of the second section is less than the thickness TA1 of the first section (i.e., TA1 > TM and TA2 < TA1). The third section of the padding portion is not padded. Furthermore, other and optional variables may include the addition of wings for the padding of the first and third sections, such as the material, the number of padding layers, and their thickness.

[0049] Illustrative Example 9:

[0050] The padded headrest of Illustrative Example 9 includes a main body portion having two cheek sections, and a padding portion having a first section, a second section, and a third section. The main body portion, with a thickness of TM, does not include padding material, while the cheek sections are padded with varying thicknesses depending on the model of the child restraint system. The first section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of soft foam, each layer being X mm thick and Y mm thick, where X = Y. Therefore, the thickness TA1 of the first section is equal to X + 2Y mm. The second section of the padding portion is padded with two layers of soft foam (each layer being Z mm thick, where Z = Y), and its thickness TA2 is equal to 2Z mm. In this illustrative example, the thickness TA1 of the first section is greater than the thickness TM of the main body portion, and the thickness TA2 of the second section is less than the thickness TA1 of the first section (i.e., TA1 > TM and TA2 < TA1). The third section of the padding portion is unpadded. In addition, other and optional variables may include the addition of padding flanks for the first and third segments, such as the material, the number of padding layers and their thickness.

[0051] The variables of the padded headrest in illustrative example 9 are similar to those in illustrative example 7. However, the layering order of the first segment of the padding portion can be different. In exemplary embodiment 9, a relatively hard EPP / EPS layer is arranged on the back side, while two layers of soft foam are arranged on the front side for contact with children or infants, thereby providing a more comfortable and softer touch for the infant or child on it.

[0052] In this disclosure, when a child or infant is restrained in a child restraint system, the padded headrest (having a padded pad portion with a progressively decreasing thickness) elevates the upper torso, including the shoulders and chest, so that the head plane is on the same plane as the torso plane, or even lower. This avoids the potential problem of "chin touching chest" and ensures an unobstructed airway for the child or infant restrained in the child restraint system. Since the pad portion is not attached to the carrier of the child restraint system, but is suspended and hangs downwards only from the main body of the padded headrest (i.e., the portion connected to the headrest of the carrier), the pad portion can move up and down appropriately when the headrest moves relative to the backrest to correspond to the body size of the child or infant. This ensures that chest / torso support in the appropriate position can always be provided for toddlers of different body sizes.

[0053] In addition, the padded headrest provides a more comfortable and stable environment for children or infants restrained in a child restraint system through phased padding.

[0054] It should be noted that the illustrations and descriptions of the examples and embodiments shown in the figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various embodiments are contemplated in this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that the concepts described in the above examples and embodiments can be used alone or in combination with any other examples and embodiments described above. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the various alternative examples and embodiments described above with respect to one illustrated embodiment can be applied to all examples and embodiments described herein.

[0055] Unless otherwise expressly stated, each value and range shall be interpreted as approximate, as if the words “approximately,” “approximately,” or “substantially” preceded the value or range. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “approximately,” “approximately,” and “substantially” may be understood as describing a range within a specific range of a particular value.

[0056] The conditional language used herein, such as “can,” “may,” “will,” “can,” “for example,” etc., unless otherwise specifically stated or understood in the context, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not. Therefore, such conditional language generally does not imply that these features, elements, and / or steps are necessary in any respect for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily contain logic that determines whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included or whether they are to be performed in any particular embodiment, with or without author input or prompting. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are synonymous and used inclusively in an open-ended manner, without excluding additional elements, features, actions, operations, etc. Furthermore, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (rather than its exclusive sense), and therefore, when used, for example, to connect a series of elements, the term “or” indicates one, some, or all of the series of elements.

[0057] While certain examples have been described, these examples are not intended to limit the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Therefore, the foregoing description does not imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or unit is necessary or indispensable. In fact, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the form of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover these forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of certain inventions disclosed herein.

[0058] It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods described herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the described order, and the order of steps in such methods should be understood as merely exemplary. Similarly, in methods consistent with various embodiments of this disclosure, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined.

[0059] Although the elements in the following method request are described in a particular order and marked accordingly, the elements are not necessarily limited to being implemented in that particular order unless the description of the request implies that some or all of these elements are implemented in that particular order.

[0060] The terms “inward,” “outward,” “upward,” and “downward” refer to directions toward or away from the geometric center of a component, respectively.

[0061] It should be understood that the use of "a" or "an" to describe a feature such as a component or step does not exclude additional features or multiple features. For example, referring to a device having, including, encompassing, or defining "an" feature does not exclude that the device having, including, encompassing, or defining more than one feature, provided that the device has, includes, encompassing, or defines at least one feature. Similarly, "an" of a plurality of features mentioned herein does not exclude that this disclosure includes two or more features. For example, referring to a device having, including, encompassing, or defining "one of a protrusion and a recess" does not exclude that the device having both a protrusion and a recess. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0008] The following illustrative examples can be better understood when read in conjunction with the diagrams. It should be understood that potential implementations of the disclosed system are not limited to those described.

[0009] Figure 1 schematically illustrates the "chin-to-chest" situation that occurs when an infant or toddler is restrained in a child restraint system according to the prior art.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic front view of a child restraint system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic front view of a child restraint system with a padded headrest according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of a child restraint system with a padded headrest according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5A is a schematic front view of a padded headrest for a child restraint system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5B is a schematic side view of a padded headrest for a child restraint system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a child restraint system in use according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 is a schematic front view of a padded headrest for a child restraint system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 8 is a front view of a child restraint system with a padded headrest according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A headrest for use in a child restraint system, the child restraint system having a movable headrest portion, wherein, The headrest includes: a main body portion for connection to the movable headrest; and a cushion portion connected to the main body portion on one side, the cushion portion including: a first segment connected to the main body portion for torso support; wherein the thickness of the first segment is greater than the thickness of the main body portion; when the headrest portion moves, the main body portion, along with the cushion portion, moves up and down together with the headrest portion.

2. The headrest cover according to claim 1, wherein, The padding portion includes: a second segment connected to the first segment for thickness transition; and a third segment connected to the second segment for hip support.

3. The headrest cover according to claim 1, wherein, The main body includes: a head receiving portion; and a pair of cheek portions connected to opposite sides of the head receiving portion.

4. The headrest cover according to claim 3, wherein, The connection between the cheek portion of the main body and the head receiving portion, as well as the connection between the pad portion and the main body, are both achieved by sewing.

5. The headrest cover according to claim 1, wherein, The third section of the padding body has a through hole through which the crotch strap of the child restraint system passes.

6. The headrest cover according to claim 1, wherein, The pad portion is suspended and hangs downward relative to the main body portion to allow the pad portion to move up and down.

7. The headrest cover according to claim 1, wherein, The pad portion is suspended and hangs downward relative to the main body portion and is restrained by the crotch strap of the child restraint system, but the pad portion is allowed to move up and down.

8. The headrest cover according to claim 1, wherein, The pad portion is provided with a pair of first side wings, which are connected to opposite sides of the first segment.

9. The headrest cover according to claim 1, wherein, The pad portion is provided with a pair of second side wings, which are connected to opposite sides of the third segment of the pad portion.

10. A child restraint system, comprising: A child restraint device, the child restraint device including a movable end rest; The headrest cover includes: a main body portion for connection to the movable headrest; and a cushion portion connected to the main body portion on one side, the cushion portion including: a first segment connected to the main body portion for torso support; wherein the thickness of the first segment is greater than the thickness of the main body portion; the main body portion of the headrest cover is connected to the headrest, the thickness of the cushion portion of the headrest cover is phased and connected to the main body portion, and the cushion portion is movable together with the headrest.

11. The child restraint system according to claim 10, wherein, The padding portion includes: a second segment connected to the first segment for thickness transition; and a third segment connected to the second segment for hip support.

12. The child restraint system according to claim 10, wherein, The main body includes: a head receiving portion; and a pair of cheek portions connected to opposite sides of the head receiving portion.

13. The child restraint system according to claim 12, wherein, The connection between the cheek portion of the main body and the head receiving portion, as well as the connection between the pad portion and the main body, are both achieved by sewing.

14. The child restraint system according to claim 13, wherein, The third section of the padding body has a through hole through which the crotch strap of the child restraint system passes.

15. The child restraint system according to claim 10, wherein, The pad portion is suspended and hangs downward relative to the main body portion to allow the pad portion to move up and down.

16. The child restraint system according to claim 10, wherein, The pad portion is suspended and hangs downward relative to the main body portion and is restrained by the crotch strap of the child restraint system, but the pad portion is allowed to move up and down.

17. The child restraint system according to claim 10, wherein, The pad portion is provided with a pair of first side wings, which are connected to opposite sides of the first segment.

18. The child restraint system according to claim 10, wherein, The pad portion is provided with a pair of second side wings, which are connected to opposite sides of the third segment of the pad portion.

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