Child vehicle seat system

Abstract

A child seat system installable on a vehicle seat includes a support base securable to the vehicle seat and a child seat rotatably coupled to the support base. The child seat is both rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the support base and translatable along the rotation axis between a first position and a second position. A biasing member is positioned between the support base and the child seat. The biasing member provides a force between the support base and the child seat in a direction toward the first position from the second position.

Description

CHILD VEHICLE SEAT SYSTEMCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 622,348, filed on January 18, 2024, and of U.S. Application No. 63 / 681,987, filed on August 12, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the art of child restraint systems for use in a vehicle, and more particularly to a support base and child seat of a child restraint system.BACKGROUND

[0002] A child restraint system is designed to protect a child from injury or death during a collision of a vehicle. Existing child restraint systems commonly include a base portion and a seat portion detachably installed on the base portion. When a child restraint system is secured on a vehicle by a lower anchor or a vehicle belt, the base portion must be adjusted to a proper reclined angle. In addition, depending on the type of seat that is being used, the seat may be positioned either in a forward-facing or a rearward-facing orientation. Existing base portions cannot support different types of seats in different orientations and at various angles of recline.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0003] According to an embodiment, a child seat system installable on a vehicle seat includes a support base securable to the vehicle seat and a child seat rotatably coupled to the support base. The child seat is both rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the support base and translatable along the rotation axis between a first position and a second position. A biasing member is positioned between the support base and the child seat. The biasing member provides a force between the support base and the child seat in a direction toward the first position from the second position.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the child seat is a toddler seat.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the child seat is fixedly mounted to the support base.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the biasing member is positioned about the rotation axis of the child seat.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the biasing member is a wave spring.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the child seat system includes a shaft that extends along the rotation axis. The biasing member is positioned about the shaft.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the shaft is coupled to both the support base and the child seat.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a nut is affixed to the shaft to couple the child seat to the support base.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the support base includes a pivot plate and the shaft is arranged within an opening formed in the pivot plate.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the biasing member is positioned between the nut and the pivot plate.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the shaft is rotatable with the child seat about the rotation axis.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the child seat is rotatable relative to the shaft about the rotation axis.

[0015] According to an embodiment, a child seat installable on a vehicle seat includes a seat portion, a seat back extending from the seat portion, and a harness assembly connected with at least one of the seat portion and the seat back. The harness assembly including a tensioning strap. A harness lock is arranged at the seat portion and is operably coupled to the tensioning strap. A harness cover is connected to the seat portion at a location at least partially above the harness lock.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the harness cover is in direct overlapping arrangement with the harness lock.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the harness cover is connected to the seat portion at a location at least partially above an interface between the harness lock and the tensioning strap.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the harness cover includes a lock opening for accessing a portion of the harness lock to selectively release the harness lock.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the harness lock includes a body having a flange, the flange being accessible via the lock opening.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the harness cover at least partially defines a first opening through with a first end of the tensioning strap is received. The first opening is located proximate to a front of the seat portion.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first opening is solely formed by the harness cover.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the harness cover at least partially defines a second opening through which a second end of the tensioning strap is received. The second opening is located rearward of the first opening.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the harness lock includes a body having a cam surface and the cam surface is engageable with the tensioning strap to restrict movement of the tensioning strap.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the cam surface includes a one or more teeth.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the harness lock includes a mounting bracket. The body is rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the harness cover is connected to the seat portion at a location at least partially above the mounting bracket.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the tensioning strap extends between a surface of the mounting bracket and the cam surface of the body.

[0028] According to an embodiment, a harness cover associated with a child seat for use in a vehicle includes a body connectable to the child seat in at least partially overlapping arrangement with a harness lock. The body includes a first opening through which a tensioning strap associated with a harness of the child seat is extendable.

[0029] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the harness cover is receivable within a recess formed in the child seat.

[0030] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the body includes at least one engagement feature and the at least one engagement feature cooperates with a groove formed adjacent to the recess.

[0031] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the harness cover is connectable to the child seat such that the first opening is located proximate to a front of the child seat.

[0032] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when connected to the child seat, the harness cover is aligned with a seat support surface of the child seat.

[0033] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first opening is solely formed by the harness cover.

[0034] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the body includes a second opening for receiving a second end of the tensioning strap.

[0035] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second opening is arranged rearward of the first opening.

[0036] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments an upper surface of the harness cover includes a lock opening for accessing the harness lock.

[0037] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description section. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not constrained to limitations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

[0039] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a child seat system according to an embodiment;

[0040] FIG. IB is a front view of the child seat system of FIG. 1 A according to an embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 1C is a side view of the child seat system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the child seat of FIGS. 1A-1C according to an embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of an interface between the child seat and the support base of the child seat system of FIGS. 1 A-1C according to an embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 4 is top perspective of a support base of the child seat system of FIGS. 1 A- 1C according to an embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along line 5-5 according to an embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the interface between the child seat and the support base of the child seat system of FIGS. 1A-1C according to an embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 7A is a detailed cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly when the child seat is in a first translational position along an axis of rotation according to an embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 7B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly when the child seat is in a second translational position along an axis of rotation according to an embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 8 is a plan view of another child seat system according to an embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 9A is a front view of a harness assembly in a coupled configuration according to an embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 9B is a front view of the harness assembly of FIG. 9A in a decoupled configuration according to an embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a locking mechanism associated with a tensioning strap of a harness assembly according to an embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 10B is a partially exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 10A according to an embodiment; and

[0054] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 10A taken along line 11-11 according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. With reference now to the FIGS. 1A-1C, an example of a child seat system is illustrated. As shown, the child seat system 20 includes a support base 22 and a child seat 24. The child seat 24 may include a seat shell 25 having a seat portion 26 and a seat back or upright portion 28 arranged at an angle relative to the seat portion 26. The seat portion 26 and the seat back portion 28 may be detachably coupled, or alternatively, may be permanently coupled. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the seat portion 26 and the seat back portion 28 are integrally formed as a single unitary body.

[0056] As shown, the upright portion 28 of the child seat 24 includes an upright support surface 30 generally facing forward and that extends from a first end or top 32 to a second, opposite end or bottom of the upright portion 28. A first upright side member 36 may be arranged at a first side 38 of the upright support surface 30, and a second upright side member 40 may be arranged at a second, opposite side 42 of the upright support surface 30. The first and second upright side members 36, 40 therefore form the left side and the right side of the upright portion 28, respectively. As shown, the first and second upright side members 36, 40 extend forward from the upright support surface 30. The first and second upright side members 36, 40 may extend generally orthogonally to the upright support surface 30 or alternatively, may extend therefrom at another angle, such as an angle greater than 90° for example. Accordingly, the upright support surface 30 and the first and second upright side members 36, 40 define a backrest region or upright support cavity 44 within which an upper body of a child is received.

[0057] In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the seat back portion 28 of the child seat 24 includes a headrest 46. The headrest 46 is attached to or integral with the seat back portion 28. The headrest 46 may be stationary or in some embodiments, may be configured to move relative to the upright support surface 30. For example, the headrest 46 may be configured to translate relative to the upright support surface 30 between a retracted position and an extended position, allowing for adjustment based on the size of the child positioned within the child seat 24.

[0058] The seat portion 26 of the seat shell 25 includes a seat support surface 50 facing generally upwardly and that extends from a first end or front 52 to a second end or back of the seat portion 26. A first seat side member 56 may be arranged at a first side 58 of the seat support surface 50 and a second seat side member 60 may be arranged at a second, opposite side of theseat support surface 50. The first seat side member 56 and the second seat side member 60 extend upwardly and from the left side and the right side of the seat portion. The seat support surface 50 and the first and second seat side members 56, 60 in combination define a region 64 within which at least part of a lower body of a child may be received.

[0059] As shown, the first and second seat side members 56, 60 extend at an angle from the seat support surface 50. The angle of the first seat side member 56 relative to the seat support surface 50 may but need not be the same as the angle of the first upright side member 36 relative to the upright support surface 30. Similarly, the angle of the second seat side member 60 relative to the seat support surface 50 may but need not be the same as the angle of the second upright side member 40 relative to the upright support surface 30. In an embodiment, the first upright side member 36 and the first seat side member 56 are integrally formed and the second upright side member 40 and the second seat side member 60 are integrally formed.

[0060] The support base 22 is configured to receive a child seat. The support base 22 can be detachably fixed to a vehicle seat, such as via a latch or anchor mechanism 71, (see FIG. 1C). This latch or anchor system often used is sometimes referred to as a “lower anchor and tether for children” e.g., LATCH system. Alternatively, or in addition, the support base 22 may be detachably fixed to a vehicle seat via a vehicle belt associated with the vehicle seat.

[0061] The support base 22 is operable to mount the child seat 24 about a vehicle seat and includes base body 70 having a base seat portion 72 and a base back portion 74. Suitable materials for making the base body 70 include but are not limited to rigid plastic or composite materials for example. The base seat portion 72 and the base back portion 74 may be integrally formed as a unitary body, or alternatively, may be formed by separate components removably or permanently connected together. With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, in the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the support base 22 includes a first base member 76 having a bottom surface 78 suitable for placement on a support surface, such as a vehicle seat for example, and a second base member 80 coupled to the first base member 76. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, at least a portion of the second base member 80 is positioned in overlapping arrangement with an upper surface 82 of the first base member 76. In the embodiments shown, the base back portion 74 of the support base 22 is formed solely by the second base member 80, and the base seat portion 72 of the support base 22 is formed by the first base member 76 and the second base member 80, in combination.

[0062] The child seat 24 may be detachably couplable to the support base 22, thereby allowing the child seat 24 to be separated from the support base 22 by a user. Alternatively, thesupport base 22 and the child seat 24 may be permanently connected or affixed together. As used herein the term “permanently connected” represents embodiments where the child seat 24 is not intended to be disassembled from the support base 22 by a user.

[0063] In the illustrated, non -limiting embodiment, the support base 22 includes a seat receiving assembly 84. The seat receiving assembly 84 is configured to receive and couple at least one child seat, such as child seat 24 for example, to the support base 22. The child seat 24 may be a convertible child seat or an infant child seat. As used herein, the term “convertible child seat” refers to a seat that may be used in both a rearward and forward-facing direction such as suitable for use by a child between 5 and 65 pounds, and / or up to 49” in height. The convertible child seat may also be referred to herein as an upright child seat or a toddler seat. Similarly, as used herein, the term “infant child seat” refers to such a seat as would be defined by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, an infant child seat may be described as a seat for use by an infant or child too small to use a convertible child seat and may include a carrying handle to allow for portability of the infant child seat external to the vehicle. However, embodiments where another type of child seat is alternatively or additionally connectable to the seat receiving assembly are also contemplated herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the support base 22 may receive a convertible child seat or an infant child seat.

[0064] In an embodiment, the child seat 24 is directly connectable to the seat receiving assembly 84. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the seat receiving assembly 84 may include a third base member 86 connected to a portion of the second base member 80. The third base member 86 may be arranged at only the base seat portion 72 of the support base 22, or alternatively, may also be arranged at the base back portion 74 of the support base 22. In some embodiments, the third base member 86 is movable, for example translatable, relative to the second base member 80. However, embodiments where the third base member 86 is fixedly mounted to the second base member 80 are also contemplated herein.

[0065] The seat receiving assembly 84 includes an opening 88 for receiving a portion of the child seat therein 24. Although the opening 88 is illustrated as being formed in the base seat portion 72 of the third base member 86, embodiments where support base 22 does not include a third base member 86 and therefore the opening 88 is formed in the second base member 80 are also within the scope of the disclosure. A bottom end 90 of the child seat 24 is receivable within the opening 88. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, an annular collar 92 is arranged at the bottom end 90 of the seat portion 26 of the child seat 24 and an outer diameter of the collar 92 is generally equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 88. When positioned within the opening 88, the bottom end 90 of the child seat 24may be affixed to the support base 22, thereby restricting separation of the child seat 24 from the support base 22. As shown in FIG. 3, one or more support members 94 may extend between two or more points about the periphery of the collar 92 and a shaft 96, such as supported by the support member 94, may be arranged at a center of the collar 92, oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the collar 92. In an embodiment, the shaft 96 is defined by a bolt and / or may have a threaded region 97, such as arranged at a distal end thereof for example.

[0066] The shaft 96 may be used to affix the child seat 24 to the support base 22. With reference to FIG. 4, in an embodiment, the support base 22 additionally includes a pivot plate 98 arranged within the interior of the support base 22, in alignment with the opening 88. In an embodiment, the pivot plate 98 is fixedly mounted relative to the support base 22. The center of the pivot plate 98 includes an opening or through hole 100 through which the shaft 96 of the child seat 24 is extendable. Coupling the shaft 96 to the pivot plate 98 prevents separation of the child seat 24 from the support base 22.

[0067] A fastening assembly 102 may be operably coupled to the shaft 96 to couple the child seat 24 to the support base 22. The fastening assembly 102 may include a nut 104 configured to threadably engage the plurality of threads formed at or near the distal end of the shaft 96. The threaded region of the shaft 96, and therefore the nut 104 connectable thereto, is arranged at a position offset from the surface of the pivot plate 98, such as in a direction toward the bottom 78 of the support base 22. As shown, the fastening assembly 102 may include a biasing member 106 positioned about the shaft 96. Examples of the biasing member 106 include but are not limited to a wave spring, a disc spring, a coil spring, or another biasing or resilient member. In an embodiment, the biasing member 106 is positioned between the pivot plate 98 and the nut 104. One or more flat or planar washers 108 may further be arranged between the pivot plate 98 and the biasing member 106 and / or between the biasing member 106 and the nut 104. In an embodiment, the child seat 24 is not removable from the support base 22 when affixed thereto via the fastening assembly 102.

[0068] The child seat 24 may be rotatable relative to the support base 22 between a plurality of configurations. For example, the child seat 24 may be rotatable between a first rotational configuration, such as a configuration in which the child seat 24 is in a facingforward position and a second rotational configuration, such as a configuration in which a child seat 24 is in a rearward-facing position. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments where the child seat 24 is positionable in one or more additional configurations between the first rotational configuration and a second rotational configuration are also within the scope of the disclosure.

[0069] In an embodiment, the child seat 24 is rotatable relative to the first, second, and third base members 76, 80, 86 of the support base 22. For example, the engagement between the shaft 96 and the pivot plate 98 may define a path of rotation of the child seat 24 relative to the support base 22. In an embodiment, the shaft 96 defines an axis of rotation X and both the child seat 24 and the shaft 96 are rotatable about the axis X relative to the support base 22. For example, a non-threaded portion of the shaft 96 is disposed within the central opening 100 formed in the pivot plate 98. Accordingly, the child seat 24 and the shaft 96 may be freely rotatable about the axis of rotation X defined by the shaft 96 relative to the pivot plate 98, and therefore the support base 22. However, in other embodiments, the shaft 96 can be rotatably fixed to the support base 22 such that the child seat 24 rotates about the axis of rotation X relative to both the shaft 96 and the support base 22.

[0070] Although not shown, a spin locking mechanism may be associated with the support base 22. Such a locking mechanism may be operable to selectively lock the child seat 24 in one of the plurality of rotational configurations, including the first rotational configuration and the second rotational configuration. When the spin locking mechanism is engaged, rotation of the child seat 24 about the axis of rotation X is restricted. It should be appreciated that the spin locking mechanism may be operable to lock the child seat 24, and, at only the first and second rotational configurations, or alternatively, at any suitable position along the path of rotation between the first rotational configuration and the second rotational configuration. A spin release actuator may be operable to selectively disengage the spin locking mechanism and therefore allow rotation of the child seat about the rotation axis X.

[0071] The biasing member 106 may be operable to apply a preload to at least one of the child seat 24 and the support base 22. This preload may be applied in a direction substantially parallel to or along the rotation axis X. The preload resulting from the biasing force may act on at least one of the child seat 24 and the support base 22 in a direction away from the other of the child seat 24 and the support base 22.

[0072] The child seat 24 may be translatable relative to the support base 22 along the axis of rotation X. In an embodiment, the biasing member 106 (located between washers 108) is transformable in length between a neutral position (FIG. 7A) and a loaded position (FIG. 7B), such as when a force exceeding the biasing force of the biasing member 106 is applied thereto. This transformation in length may result in a corresponding translation of the child seat 24 along the rotational axis X of the shaft 96. Because the child seat 24 is operably coupled to the biasing member 106, the child seat 24 is in a first position along the rotational axis X when the biasing member 106 is in the neutral position (FIG. 7A), and the child seat 24 is in a secondposition along the rotational axis X when the biasing member 106 is in the loaded position (FIG. 7B). The distance between the child seat 24 and the support base 22 when the child seat 24 is in in the first position (and / or when the biasing member 106 is in the neutral position) may be less than the distance between the child seat 24 and the support base 22 when the child seat 24 is in the second position (and / or when the biasing member 106 is in the loaded position).

[0073] As the child seat 24 is rotated about the axis X relative to the support base 22, friction, such as due to tolerance mismatch for example, may restrict or impede the rotational movement of the child seat 24. The friction generated between the child seat 24 and the support base 22, may cause the child seat 24 to move, such as along the axis X in a direction away from the support base 22. This movement transmits a force to the biasing member 106 opposite its biasing force. The biasing force of the biasing member 106 is operable to bias or pull the child seat 24 back towards the support base 22. In FIG. 7A the child seat 24 is shown in a first position along the rotational axis X, and in FIG. 7B the child seat 24 is shown in a second position along the rotational axis X. The difference in clearance between the child seat 24 and support base 22 can be seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B at the gap 110. This clearance or gap 110 is shown between a portion of the seat shell 25 of the child seat 24 and a pivoting center 112 of the pivot plate 98 of the support base 22.

[0074] In an exemplary rotation of the child seat 24 by a user, the child seat 24 would begin, prior to rotation, in the first position of FIG. 7A. As the child seat 24 is rotated during this exemplary rotation, the child seat 24 may encounter friction via a “bump” or contour of the support base 22. In response to this contour, the child seat 24 translates along the rotational axis X away from the support base 22. A force opposing the biasing force is transmitted to the biasing member 106 in response to the translation. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, this force causes the biasing member 106 to compress and an increase in clearance between the child seat 24 and the support base 22, as shown at gap 110. This increased clearance allows the child seat 24 to rotate past the contoured area.

[0075] When the child seat 24 rotationally passes the above discussed contour of the support base 22 during its rotational movement relative to the support base 22, the opposing force acting on the biasing member 106 is removed allowing the biasing force of the biasing member 106 to translate the child seat 24 from the second translational position back towards the support base 22 and into the first translational position of FIG. 7A. This biasing force operable to bias the child seat 24 towards the support base 22 and first position may result in smoother rotation of the child seat 24 as it spins about the axis of rotation X of the shaft 96.Further, the biasing member 106 may resist rocking of the child seat 24 relative to the support base 22 as it spins about the axis of rotation X.

[0076] With reference now to FIGS. 8-11, another example of a child seat 200 suitable for use in a child seat system, such as child seat system 20 previously described herein for example, is illustrated. As previously described, the child seat 200 may have a seat shell 202 including a seat portion 204 and a seat back or upright portion 206 arranged at an angle relative to the seat portion 26. The seat portion 204 and the seat back portion 206 may be separate components coupled to one another or may be integrally formed as a single unitary body.

[0077] The upright portion 206 of the child seat 200 includes a forward-facing upright support surface 210 that extends from a first end or top 212 to a second, opposite end or bottom (not shown). A first upright side member 216 may be arranged at a first side 218 of the upright support surface 210 and a second upright side member 220 may be arranged at a second, opposite side 222 of the upright support surface 210 to form the left side and the right side of the upright portion 206, respectively. The first and second upright side members 216, 220 extend forward from the upright support surface 220 such that the upright support surface 210 and the first and second upright side members 216, 220 in combination define a backrest region or upright support cavity 224 within which an upper body of a child is received.

[0078] The seat portion 204 of the seat shell 202 includes a seat support surface 230 facing generally upwardly and that extends from a first end or front 232 to a second end or back of the seat portion 204. A first seat side member 236 may be arranged at a first side 238 of the seat support surface 230 and a second seat side member 240 may be arranged at a second, opposite side 242 of the seat support surface 230. The first seat side member 236 and the second seat side member 240 extend upwardly and from the left side and the right side of the seat portion. The first and second seat side members 236, 240 extend at an angle from the seat support surface 230. In an embodiment, the first upright side member 216 and the first seat side member 236 are integrally formed and the second upright side member 220 and the second seat side member 240 are integrally formed. The seat support surface 230 and the first and second seat side members 236, 240 in combination define a region 244 within which at least part of a lower body of a child may be received.

[0079] The child seat 200 may additionally include a harness assembly 250 operable to secure a child within the child seat 200. An example of the harness assembly 250 is illustrated in FIG. 9. As shown, the harness assembly 250 includes a first torso strap 252, a second torso strap 254, and a crotch strap 256. The first torso strap 252 and the second torso strap 254 each include a first buckle portion 258a, 258b such as a male buckle portion for example slidablyconnected thereto. In an embodiment, a portion of each of the first torso strap 252 and second torso straps 254 extending from the first buckle portion 258a, 258b toward a first end of the torso straps 252, 254 arranged near upper portion of a child seat 200 functions as a shoulder strap, and a portion of each of first torso strap 252 and the second torso strap 254 extending from the first buckle portion 258a, 258b toward a second end of the torso straps 252, 254 functions as a waist strap. The crotch strap 256 includes a second buckle portion 260, such as a female buckle portion for example, and the first buckle portions 258a, 258b are connectable to, for example insertable into, the second buckle portion 260. It should be understood that the illustrated harness assembly 250 is intended as an example only and that other harness assembly configurations are also contemplated herein.

[0080] An opening 262 may be formed in the seat portion 204 of the child seat 200, such as in the seat support surface 230 for example, to receive the crotch strap 256. In an embodiment, the opening 262 defines a single position at which the crotch strap 256 is arrangeable relative to the child seat 200. In other embodiments, the opening 262 may be configured to define a plurality of positions at which the crotch strap 256 is arrangeable, such as a front position and a back position for example.

[0081] A length of one or more of the harness straps may be adjustable to accommodate receipt of children of various sizes within the child seat 200. For example, the torso straps 252, 254 may be adjustable in length via a tensioning strap 264 (see FIG. 11) exposed at an exterior of the child seat 200, such as near a front 232 of the seat support surface 230. As shown, a recess 266 may be formed in the seat support surface 230. The recess 266 may be positioned between the opening 262 through which the crotch strap 256 extends and the front 232 of the seat support surface 230. The tensioning strap 264 may be arranged within the recess 266 such that a distal end 268 of the tensioning strap 264 extends from the recess 266 for access by a user.

[0082] With reference to FIGS. 10A-1, an example of a locking mechanism 270 for locking the tensioning strap 264 relative to the child seat 200 is illustrated in more detail. The locking mechanism 270 may be operable to engage a portion of the tensioning strap 264 within the recess 266. The locking mechanism 270 includes a harness lock 272 engageable with the tensioning strap 264 to restrict movement thereof relative to the child seat 200. As shown in FIG. 11, the harness lock 272 may include a cam surface 274 that pinches or applies a force to the adjacent tensioning strap 264. Although the cam surface 274 is illustrated as being generally smooth, embodiments where the cam surface 274 includes one or more teeth operable to engage or grip the tensioning strap 264 are also within the scope of the disclosure. In the illustrated,non-limiting embodiment, the locking mechanism 270 additionally includes a mounting bracket 276 receivable within the recess 266 and the harness lock 272 is pivotably mounted to the mounting bracket 276. As shown, the mounting bracket 276 may have a generally C or U- shaped configuration with a pivot pin 278 supporting the harness lock 272 extending between opposite sides of the mounting bracket 276. The harness lock 272 is rotatable about the axis of the pivot pin 278 relative to the mounting bracket 276 between a first position (see FIG. 11) in which the cam surface 274 is configured to engage an adjacent tensioning strap 264 and a second position in which the cam surface 274 is rotated out of engagement with the tensioning strap 264. In embodiments where the mounting bracket 276 has a C or U-shaped configuration, the tensioning strap 264 may extend between a surface of the mounting bracket 276 and the harness lock 272. However, in other embodiments, the tensioning strap 264 may be positioned directly adjacent to a surface of the recess 266 such that the cam surface 274 is configured to pinch the tensioning strap 264 against a surface of the recess 266.

[0083] A biasing member 280, such as a torsion spring for example, may be associated with the harness lock 272 and may be operable to bias the harness lock 272 to the first position to lock the tensioning strap 264. In an embodiment, the harness lock 272 includes a flange 282, such as extending in a direction away from the axis of rotation. The flange 282 and the cam surface 274 may be disposed at opposite sides of the harness lock 272. The flange 282 may be arranged near the top of the harness lock 272 to provide easy access thereto for a user. Application of a force to the flange 282 by a user may oppose the biasing force of the biasing member 280 and may cause the harness lock 272 to rotate about the pivot axis to the second position. As the harness lock 272 rotates toward the second position, the force applied to the tensioning strap 264 by the cam surface 274 gradually reduces until the tensioning strap 264 is free to move relative to the child seat 200. Once the force is removed from the flange 282, the biasing member 280 will bias the harness lock 272 back to the first position. As the harness lock 272 rotates from the second position toward the first position, the pressure applied to the tensioning strap 264 by the cam surface 274 increases, thereby preventing movement of the tensioning strap 264 relative to the child seat 200.

[0084] The locking mechanism 270 may additionally include a harness cover or housing 284 positionable about the seat portion 204 of the child seat 200, such as within the recess 266 for example. The harness cover 284 may be positioned at a location at least partially above the harness lock 272, such as above the interface between the harness lock 272 and the tensioning strap 264. Accordingly, the harness cover 284 may be considered in at least partially overlapping arrangement with the harness lock 272, and in some embodiments, may bepositioned directly upwardly adjacent to the harness lock 272. Further, the harness cover 284 may be connected to the seat portion 204 of the child seat 200 at a location

[0085] The harness lock 272 and / or mounting bracket 276 may but need not be mechanically connectable to the harness cover 284. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the body of the harness cover 284 has a size and / or shape complementary to the recess 266. Accordingly, when the harness cover 284 is installed therein, an upper surface 286 of the harness cover 284 may be substantially flush with the adjacent seat support surface 230. The harness cover 284 may have one or more features for mounting the harness cover 284 to the child seat 200. In an embodiment, the harness cover 284 includes at least one engagement feature 287 extending from a back surface thereof. The at least one engagement feature 287 is receivable within a corresponding groove 288 formed at the back of the recess 266, such as at a surface closest to the center of the seat support surface 230 for example. This engagement may restrict unintended separation of the harness cover 284 from the recess 266.

[0086] When the harness cover 284 is mounted to the child seat 200, the distal end 265 of the tensioning strap 264 extends through a slot or first opening 290 formed at least partially by the harness cover for access by a user. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the slot 290 in its entirety is formed by the harness cover 284; however, embodiments where the slot 290 is formed by the harness cover 284 and a surface of the recess 266, in combination, are also contemplated herein. The harness cover 284 may at least partially define another slot or second opening 292 through which a second end of the tensioning strap 264, such as the end connectable to the harness assembly 250 for example, is receivable. In an embodiment, the second opening 292 is arranged rearward of the first opening 290 about the harness cover 284.

[0087] The upper surface 286 of the harness cover 284 may extend from a portion of the harness lock 272 to the front 232 of the seat support surface 230. A lock opening 294 may be formed at the upper surface 286 of the harness cover 284 directly adjacent to or in overlapping arrangement with the flange 282. Accordingly, a user may access the flange 282 to selectively release the tensioning strap 264 and adjust the harness via the opening 294.

[0088] The harness cover 284 as illustrated and described herein forms a hand guard protecting a user’s fingers from being pinched via rotation of the harness lock 272. Further, the harness cover 284 prevents contamination of the harness lock 272 and / or the mounting bracket 276 and also accidental loosening of the harness via the tensioning strap 264.

[0089] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. As used herein, the term “substantially” and derivatives thereof, and words ofsimilar import, when used to describe a size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship, or other parameter includes the stated size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship, or other parameter, and can also include a range up to 10% more and up to 10% less than the stated parameter, including 5% more and 5% less, including 3% more and 3% less, including 1% more and 1% less.

[0090] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0091] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A child seat system installable on a vehicle seat, the child seat system comprising: a support base securable to the vehicle seat; a child seat rotatably coupled to the support base, the child seat being both rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the support base and translatable along the rotation axis between a first position and a second position; and a biasing member positioned between the support base and the child seat, wherein the biasing member provides a force between the support base and the child seat in a direction toward the first position from the second position.

2. The child seat system of claim 1, wherein the child seat is a toddler seat.

3. The child seat system of claim 1, wherein the child seat is fixedly mounted to the support base.

4. The child seat system of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is positioned about the rotation axis of the child seat.

5. The child seat system of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a wave spring.

6. The child seat system of claim 1, wherein the child seat system further comprises a shaft that extends along the rotation axis, the biasing member being positioned about the shaft.

7. The child seat system of claim 6, wherein the shaft is coupled to both the support base and the child seat.

8. The child seat system of claim 7, further comprising a nut affixed to the shaft to couple the child seat to the support base.

9. The child seat system of claim 8, wherein the support base includes a pivot plate, the shaft being arranged within an opening formed in the pivot plate.

10. The child seat system of claim 9, wherein the biasing member is positioned between the nut and the pivot plate.

11. The child seat system of claim 6, wherein the shaft is rotatable with the child seat about the rotation axis.

12. The child seat system of claim 6, wherein the child seat is rotatable relative to the shaft about the rotation axis.

13. A child seat installable on a vehicle seat, the child seat comprising: a seat portion; a seat back extending from the seat portion;a harness assembly connected with at least one of the seat portion and the seat back, the harness assembly including a tensioning strap; a harness lock arranged at the seat portion and operably coupled to the tensioning strap; and a harness cover connected to the seat portion at a location at least partially above the harness lock.

14. The child seat of claim 13, wherein the harness cover is in direct overlapping arrangement with the harness lock.

15. The child seat of claim 13, wherein the harness cover is connected to the seat portion at a location at least partially above an interface between the harness lock and the tensioning strap.

16. The child seat of claim 13, wherein the harness cover includes a lock opening for accessing a portion of the harness lock to selectively release the harness lock.

17. The child seat of claim 16, wherein the harness lock includes a body having a flange, the flange being accessible via the lock opening.

18. The child seat of claim 13, wherein the harness cover at least partially defines a first opening through with a first end of the tensioning strap is received, the first opening being located proximate to a front of the seat portion.

19. The child seat of claim 18, wherein the first opening is solely formed by the harness cover.

20. The child seat of claim 18, wherein the harness cover at least partially defines a second opening through which a second end of the tensioning strap is received, the second opening being located rearward of the first opening.

21. The child seat of claim 13, wherein the harness lock includes a body having a cam surface, the cam surface being engageable with the tensioning strap to restrict movement of the tensioning strap.

22. The child seat of claim 21, wherein the cam surface includes a one or more teeth.

23. The child seat of claim 21, wherein the harness lock further comprises a mounting bracket, the body being rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket.

24. The child seat of claim 23, wherein the harness cover is connected to the seat portion at a location at least partially above the mounting bracket.

25. The child seat of claim 23, wherein the tensioning strap extends between a surface of the mounting bracket and the cam surface of the body.

26. A harness cover associated with a child seat for use in a vehicle, the harness cover comprising: a body connectable to the child seat in at least partially overlapping arrangement with a harness lock; wherein the body includes a first opening through which a tensioning strap associated with a harness of the child seat is extendable.

27. The harness cover of claim 26, wherein the harness cover is receivable within a recess formed in the child seat.

28. The harness cover of claim 27, wherein the body includes at least one engagement feature, the at least one engagement feature cooperating with a groove formed adjacent to the recess.

29. The harness cover of claim 26, wherein the harness cover is connectable to the child seat such that the first opening is located proximate to a front of the child seat.

30. The harness cover of claim 26, wherein when connected to the child seat, the harness cover is aligned with a seat support surface of the child seat.

31. The harness cover of claim 26, wherein the first opening is solely formed by the harness cover.

32. The harness cover of claim 26, wherein the body further comprises a second opening for receiving a second end of the tensioning strap.

33. The harness cover of claim 32, wherein the second opening is arranged rearward of the first opening.

34. The harness cover of claim 26, wherein an upper surface of the harness cover includes a lock opening for accessing the harness lock.

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