Child safety system

Abstract

A support base of a child seat system positionable on a vehicle seat and including a child seat positionable on the support base includes a body having a base bottom sized to receive the child seat thereon. The base bottom defines a front end of the support base. A base back extends from the base bottom and defines a rear end of the support base. A tether assembly extends from at least one tether location at the base back. The front end of the support base is spaced from the rear end of the support base. A central plane extends through a center of the support base parallel to a front direction extending between the rear end and the front end. The at least one tether location at the base back is offset from the central plane.

Description

CHILD SAFETY SYSTEMCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 730,302, filed on December 10, 2024, and U.S. Application No. 63 / 798,268, filed on May 1, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the art of child safety systems for use in a vehicle, and more particularly to an anchoring device of a child safety system.BACKGROUND

[0002] A child safety system is designed to protect a child from injury or death during a collision of a vehicle. A child safety system is usually provided with a restrain harness that allows to hold the child in place and protect the child against collision of the vehicle. Moreover, some child safety systems also include a tether comprised of a strap that can extend to a rear surface of the vehicle seat, to attach with a fixed anchor point provided on the vehicle seat. When the vehicle is subject to a frontal crash or suddenly brakes, the tether can prevent movement of the top of the child safety seat, which can reduce the head excursion of the child and reduce the risk of injury.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0003] According to an embodiment, a support base of a child seat system positionable on a vehicle seat and including a child seat positionable on the support base includes a body having a base bottom sized to receive the child seat thereon. The base bottom defines a front end of the support base. A base back extends from the base bottom and defines a rear end of the support base. A tether assembly extends from at least one tether location at the base back. The front end of the support base is spaced from the rear end of the support base. A central plane extends through a center of the support base parallel to a front direction extending between the rear end and the front end. The at least one tether location at the base back is offset from the central plane.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the base back has a back surface and the at least one tether location is arranged at the back surface.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the base back has a front surface and the at least one tether location is arranged at the front surface.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the base back has an upper edge that defines an uppermost location of the support base and the at least one tether location is spaced from the upper edge.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the base back has an upper edge that defines an uppermost location of the support base and the at least one tether location is arranged at the upper edge.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one tether location includes a first tether location and a second tether location, and the tether assembly extends from both the first tether location and the second tether location.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second tether location is offset from the central plane.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first tether location is located at a first side of the central plane and the second tether location is located at an opposite, second side of the central plane.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the tether assembly is connected to the base back at the at least one tether location via at least one connector.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the support base includes a rigid frame structure. The at least one connector is mechanically coupled to the rigid frame structure.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one connector is arranged at an exterior of the support base.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one connector includes a first connector and a second connector. The tether assembly is connected to the base back at the first tether location via the first connector and the tether assembly is connected to the base back at the second tether location via the second connector.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the tether assembly includes a first tether strap and a first end of the first tether strap is connected to the base back at the first tether location via the first connectorand a second end of the first tether strap is connected to the base back at the second tether location via the second connector.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the tether assembly includes a second tether strap coupled to the first tether strap.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second tether strap is affixed to the support base via the first tether strap.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second tether strap is movably coupled to the first tether strap.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second tether strap is translatable along a length of the first tether strap.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second tether strap includes a tether fastener is connectable to an anchor of the vehicle seat.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the tether assembly includes a first tether strap and a second tether strap. The first tether strap is connected to the base back at the first tether location via the first connector and the second tether strap is connected to the base back at the second tether location via the second connector.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first tether strap is connected to the support base independently from the second tether strap.

[0023] According to an embodiment, a support base of a child seat system positionable on a vehicle seat and including a child seat positionable on the support base includes a body having a base bottom sized to receive the child seat thereon. The base bottom defines a front end of the support base. A base back extends at a non-parallel angle from the base bottom and defines a rear end of the support base. A tether assembly is coupled to the base back of the support base at a plurality of tether locations. The plurality of tether locations are spaced apart in a lateral direction.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the base back has a back surface, and the plurality of tether locations are arranged at the back surface.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the base back has a front surface, and the plurality of tether locations are arranged at the front surface.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the base back has an upper edge that defines an uppermost location of the support base, and the plurality of tether locations are spaced from the upper edge.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the base back has an upper edge that defines an uppermost location of the support base, and the plurality of tether locations are arranged at the upper edge.

[0028] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of tether locations are offset from a central plane extending between the front end and the rear end of the support base.

[0029] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least one of the plurality of tether locations is offset from the central plane in a first direction and at least another of the plurality of tether locations is offset form the central plane in a second direction.

[0030] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the tether assembly is connected to the base back at the plurality of tether locations via a plurality of connectors.

[0031] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the support base includes a rigid frame structure, and the plurality of connectors are mechanically coupled to the rigid frame structure.

[0032] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the tether assembly includes a first tether strap and a second tether strap and only the first tether strap is coupled to the base back at the plurality of tether locations.

[0033] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the tether assembly includes a first tether strap and a second tether strap, and the first tether strap is coupled to the base back at the plurality of tether locations.

[0034] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second tether strap is connected to the first tether strap.

[0035] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second tether strap is affixed to the base back via the first tether strap.

[0036] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second tether strap is translatable along a length of the first tether strap.

[0037] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second tether strap includes a tether fastener connectable to an anchor of the vehicle seat.

[0038] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of connectors are arranged at an exterior of the support base.

[0039] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the tether assembly includes a first tether strap and a second tether strap. The first tether strap is connected to the base back at a first tether location of the plurality of tether locations and the second tether strap is connected to the base back at a second tether location of the plurality of tether locations.

[0040] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments wherein the first tether strap is connected to the support base independently from the second tether strap.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child restraint system according to an embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 2 is a side view of a child restraint system of FIG. 1 mounted to a vehicle seat in a forward-facing configuration according to an embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a support base of a child safety system according to an embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of the support base of FIG. 3 with a rear housing of the housing removed from the support base according to an embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 4B is another rear perspective view of the support base of FIG. 3 with a rear housing of the housing removed from the support base according to an embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 5A is front perspective view of a support base of a child safety system according to another embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of the support base of FIG. 5 A with a rear housing of the housing removed from the support base according to an embodiment; and

[0049] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a front of the support base of FIGS 5A-5B according to an embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 7 is a front view of a support base of a child seat system according to an embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a front of the support base of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment; and

[0052] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a front of the support base according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] 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.

[0054] With reference now to the FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of a child safety system 20 is illustrated according to an embodiment. The child safety system 20 includes a support base 22 that can be detachably fixed to a vehicle seat 10 (see FIG. 2), such as via a latch or anchor mechanism (not shown). 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, as will be described in more detail below, the support base 22 may be detachably fixed to a vehicle seat 10 via a vehicle belt associated with the vehicle seat 10.

[0055] The child safety system 20 additionally includes a rigid child seat 24 connectable to the support base 22. In an embodiment, the child seat 24 is detachably coupled to the support base 22, thereby allowing the child seat 24 to be separated from the support base 22. Alternatively, the support 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.

[0056] 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. In another alternativeaspect, the seat back portion 28 can be rotationally connected to the seat portion 26 such that the seat back portion 28 can incline and recline relative to the seat portion 26.

[0057] The support base 22 for mounting the child seat 24 includes base body 30 having a base seat portion or base bottom 32 and a base back portion or base back 34. The base bottom 32 may define a front end of the support base 22 and in some embodiments, the base back 34 may define a back or rear end of the support base 22. The front end of the support base 22 is spaced from the rear end of the support base 22 in a front direction. As shown, the base back 34 may extend at a non-parallel angle from the base bottom 32. Suitable materials for making the base body 30 include but are not limited to rigid plastic or composite materials for example. The base bottom 32 and the base back 34 may be integrally formed as a unitary body, or alternatively, may be formed by separate components removably or permanently connected together. As shown, the base bottom 32 is sized to receive the child seat 24 thereon and the seat portion 26 of the child seat 24 is positionable in overlapping arrangement with an upper surface of the base bottom 32. Similarly, the seat back portion 28 of the child seat 24 may extend generally parallel to the base back 34 when the child seat 24 is coupled to the support base 22 in a forward-facing configuration. In some embodiments, the seat back portion 28 may contact and / or couple to the base back when the child seat 24 is coupled to the support base 22.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 3-4B, the support base 22 may include a tether assembly 60 connectable to an anchor of a vehicle seat 10. The tether assembly 60 may extend from at least one tether location 62a, 62b arranged at or proximate the base back 34 of the support base 22. With continued reference to FIGS. 1-2, and further reference to FIGS. 3 -4 A, the tether assembly 60 according to an embodiment is illustrated in more detail. In the illustrated, nonlimiting embodiment, the at least one tether location 62a, 62b is arranged at a back surface 36 of the base back 34. When the support base 22 is mounted to a vehicle seat 10, as shown in FIG. 2, the back surface 36 of the base back 34 is positioned closest to the seat back 11 of the vehicle seat 10. In an embodiment, the at least one tether location 62a, 62b is located near an upper edge 38 of the base back 34. The upper edge 38 may define an uppermost location of the base back 34. As shown, the at least one tether location 62a, 62b may be offset or spaced from the upper edge 38. In some embodiments, the tether location 62a, 62b is offset from a central longitudinal plane P (illustrated by axis P in FIG. 3) of the support base 22. The at least one tether location 62a, 62b may be arranged at either a first side of the central longitudinal P, such as between the central plane P and a first lateral side 40 of the base back 34, or alternatively, at an opposite, second side of the central longitudinal plane P, such as between the central plane P and a second lateral side 42 of the base back 34.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 3-4B, in an embodiment, the tether assembly 60 is connected or connectable to the base back 34 at a plurality of tether locations 62a, 62b. The plurality of tether locations may be spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the tether assembly 60 is connected to the base back 34 at a first tether location 62a and a second tether location 62b. The first tether location 62a may be spaced a first distance from the central longitudinal plane P in a first direction, and the second tether location 62b may be spaced a second distance from the central longitudinal plane P in the second direction. The first distance and the second distance may be equal, or in some embodiments may vary. Although the first tether location 62a and a second tether location 62b are illustrated as being arranged at opposing sides of the central longitudinal plane P, it should be appreciated that embodiments where the first tether location 62a and a second tether location 62b are both arranged at the same side of the central longitudinal plane P are also contemplated herein. In such embodiments, the first tether location 62a and the second tether location 62b may similarly be equidistantly spaced from the central longitudinal plane P or may be arranged at different distances therefrom.

[0060] The tether assembly 60 may be coupled to one or both tether locations 62a, 62b of the base back 34 via one or more connectors. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the one or more connectors are arranged within an interior of the base back 34 of the support base 22. With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a rigid frame structure 45 is arranged within the interior of the base back 34. As shown, the frame structure 45 may include a first rail 46a and a second rail 46b, such as disposed at opposing sides of the central longitudinal plane P. In an embodiment, a first rail slot 48a is formed in the first rail 46a and a second rail slot 48b is formed in the second rail 46b. A corresponding first slot 50a and second slot 50b may be formed in an outer housing or shell 52 of the support base 22 proximate or in alignment with the adjacent first and second rail slots 48a, 48b. A portion of the tether assembly 60 is extendable through an aligned first slot 50a and first rail slot 48a into a hollow interior 52a of the first rail 46a and / or a portion of the tether assembly 60 is extendable through an aligned second slot 50b and second rail slo48b into a hollow interior 52b of the second rail 46b. A connector 54 may be used to retain the portion of the tether assembly 60 within the hollow interior 52a, 52b of the first and second rails 46a, 46b, respectively. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the portion of the tether assembly 60 inserted into the hollow interior 52a, 52b of the first rail 46a and second rail 46b includes a closed loop 62. The connector 54 (only 1 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) may be a pin or shaft having a diameter larger than the rail slot 48a, 48b. The pin 54 is extendable through the loop 62 to prevent separation of the loop 62 from the hollowinterior 52a, 52b of a corresponding rail 46, 46B. It should be appreciated that the connector 54 illustrated and described herein is intended as an example only and that any suitable connector couplable to any portion of the tether assembly 60 is within the scope of the disclosure.

[0061] The tether assembly 60 may include a single tether strap, or in some embodiments, may include a plurality of tether straps. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the tether assembly 60 includes a primary or first tether strap 64 and a secondary or second tether strap 66 (see FIG. 3). However, embodiments including more than two tether straps are also contemplated herein. The first tether strap 64 may be affixed to the base back 34 at the one or more tether locations 62a, 62b. As shown, a first end 68 of the first tether strap 64 may be affixed to the base back 34 at the first tether location 62a and second, opposite end 70 of the first tether strap 64 may be affixed to the base back 34 at the second tether location 62b. In such embodiments, a first connector 54 may be used to couple the first end 68 of the first tether strap 64 to the base back 34, such as at the first rail 46a for example, and a second connector (not shown) may be used to couple the second end 70 of the first tether strap to the base back 34, such as at the second rail 46b for example.

[0062] The second tether strap 66 may be operably coupled to the first tether strap 64. In an embodiment, the second tether strap 66 is coupled to the base back 34 via the first tether strap 64. As shown, the second tether strap 66 may be slidable along a length of the first tether strap 64 generally between the first end 68 and the second end 70. In such embodiments, the first tether strap 64 may extend through a loop 72 formed in the second tether strap 66, such as formed at an end 74 of the second tether strap 66 for example. In other embodiments, the second tether strap 66 may be fixedly connected to the first tether strap 64. For example, a portion of the second tether strap 66 may be stitched, adhered, or fixed in another suitable manner to the first tether strap 64. In embodiments where the second tether strap 66 is fixedly connected to the first tether strap 64, the second tether strap 66 may be arranged at or proximate a center of the first tether strap 64 and / or may be centered relative to the central longitudinal plane P of the support base 22. However, it should be understood that embodiments where the second tether strap 66 is connected to the base back 34 of the support base 22 separately from the first tether strap 64 are also within the scope of the disclosure.

[0063] The second tether strap 66 of the tether assembly 60 may be selectively couplable to an anchor 12 (see FIG. 2) of the vehicle seat 10. In an embodiment, a tether fastener 76 configured to connect to the anchor 12 of the vehicle seat 10 is mounted to the second tether strap 66. The tether fastener 76 may be movably mounted to the second tetherstrap 66 so as to provide adaptability for use with vehicles having varying seat heights and configurations. However, embodiments where the tether fastener 76 is affixed to the second tether strap 66 at a specific location, such as at a free end 78 of the second tether strap 66 for example, are also contemplated herein.

[0064] With reference now to FIGS. 5A-6, another embodiment of a tether assembly 160 associated with a support base 122, similar to support base 22 for example, is illustrated according to an embodiment. As in the previous embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 3-4B, the tether assembly 160 may be mounted to a base back 134 of the support base 122 at one or more tether locations 162a, 162b. However, unlike the previous embodiment where the at least one tether location 62a, 62b is arranged at a back surface of the base back 134, in the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 A and 5B, the tether locations 162a, 162b are arranged at or proximate a front surface 137 of the base back 134. The front surface 137 faces toward a child seat (not shown) receivable on the support base 122.

[0065] In an embodiment, the tether locations 162a, 162b are located near the upper edge 138 of the base back 134. The upper edge 138 may define the uppermost location of the base back 134. As shown, the one or more tether locations 162a, 162b may be offset or spaced from the upper edge 138. In embodiments where one or more vehicle belt guides 139 are arranged at the front surface 137 of the base back 134, such as proximate the lateral sides 140, 142 thereof, the at least one tether location 162a, 162b may be located vertically below the upper edge 138 and vertically above the at least one belt guide 139. In some embodiments, the tether locations 162a, 162b are offset from a central longitudinal plane P2 of the support base 122. The tether locations 162a, 162b may be arranged at either a first side of the central longitudinal plane P2, such as between the central longitudinal plane P2 and the first lateral side 140 of the base back 134, or alternatively or additionally, at an opposite, second side of the central longitudinal plane P2, such as between the central longitudinal plane P2 and a second lateral side 142 of the base back 134.

[0066] As in the previous embodiment, the tether assembly 160 may be connected to the base back 134 at a plurality of tether locations 162a, 162b. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the tether assembly 160 is connected to the base back 134 at a first tether location 162a arranged at a first side of the central longitudinal plane P and at a second tether location 162b arranged at a second, opposite side of the central longitudinal plane P2. However, embodiments where the first and second tether locations 162a, 162b are arranged at the same side of the central longitudinal plane P2 are also within the scope of the disclosure. The firstand second tether locations 162a, 162b may be equidistantly spaced from the central longitudinal plane P2 or may be spaced at varying distances therefrom.

[0067] The tether assembly 160 may be coupled to the first tether location 162a and the second tether location 162b at the base back 134 via one or more connectors. As shown in FIG. 5B, one or more mounting bars 154a, 154b are rigidly affixed to a frame structure 145 arranged within the interior of the base back 134 of the support base 122. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the frame structure 145 includes a first rail 146a and a second rail 146b disposed at opposing sides of the central longitudinal plane P. The at least one mounting bar may include a first mounting bar 154a arranged within the interior of the support base 134 at a first side of the first rail 146a and a second mounting bar 154b arranged within the interior of the support base 134 at a second, opposite side of the second rail 146b. The first mounting bar 154a may be affixed to the first rail 146a and the second mounting bar 154b may be affixed to the second rail 146b. Although the first and second mounting bars 154a, 154b are illustrated as being bolted to the first and second rails 146a, 146b respectively, it should be appreciated that embodiments where the mounting bars 154a, 154b are mounted to another portion of the frame structure 145 in any suitable manner are within the scope of the disclosure.

[0068] Similar to the previous embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-4B, the tether assembly 160 may include a first tether strap 164 and a second tether strap 166. The first tether strap 164 may be directly affixed to the base back 34 at the one or more tether locations 162a, 162b. In an embodiment, a first end 168 of the first tether strap 164 is affixed to the base back 34 at the first tether location 162a, such as via the first mounting bar 154a for example, and a second, opposite end 170 of the first tether strap 164 is affixed to the base back 34 at the second tether location 162b, such as via the second mounting bar 154b for example. At least one slot, such as a first slot 150a and second slot 150b for example, are formed in the shell 52 surrounding the frame structure 45. Each slot 150a, 150b may be associated with each respective connector 154a, 154b. In an embodiment, a first slot 150ais generally aligned with a corresponding first mounting bar 154a and a second slot 150b is generally aligned with a second mounting bar 154b. The first tether strap 164 may extend from the first mounting bar 154a, through a first slot 150a formed in the shell 52, and may extend through a second slot 150b formed in the shell 52, to the second mounting bar 154b.

[0069] The second tether strap 166 may be operably coupled to the first tether strap 164. In an embodiment, the second tether strap 166 is coupled to the base back 34 via the first tether strap 164. As shown, the secondary strap may be slidable along a length of the first tether strap 164 generally between the first end 168 and the second end 170. In such embodiments,the first tether strap 164 extends through a loop formed in the second tether strap 166, such as a loop 172 formed at an end 174 of the second tether strap 166 for example. In other embodiments, the second tether strap 166 may be fixedly connected to the first tether strap 164. In embodiments where the second tether strap 166 is fixedly connected to the first tether strap 164, the second tether strap 166 may be arranged at a center of the first tether strap 164 and / or may be centered relative to the within the central longitudinal plane P of the support base 22. However, it should be understood that embodiments where the second tether strap 166 is connected to the base back 34 of the support base 22 separately from the first tether strap 164 are also within the scope of the disclosure.

[0070] The second tether strap 166 of the tether assembly 160 may be selectively couplable to an anchor 12 of the vehicle seat 10. In an embodiment, a tether fastener 176 configured to connect to the anchor 12 of the vehicle seat 10 is mounted to the second tether strap 166. The tether fastener 176 may be movably mounted to the second tether strap 166 so as to provide adaptability for use with vehicles having varying seat heights and configurations. However, embodiments where the tether fastener 176 is affixed to the second tether strap 166 at a specific location, such as at a free end 178 of the second tether strap 166 for example, are also contemplated herein.

[0071] Yet another embodiment of a tether assembly 260 associated with a support base 222 of a child safety system is illustrated in FIGS. 7-8. As shown, the tether assembly 260 is mounted to a base back 234 of the support base 222, positionable adjacent to a vehicle seat back (not shown), at one or more tether locations 262a, 262b. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the tether assembly 260 is connected to the tether locations 262a, 262b arranged at or proximate an upper edge 238 of the base back 234. As in the previous embodiments described herein, the one or more tether locations 262a, 262b may be offset from the central longitudinal plane P3 of the support base 222. The one or more tether locations 262a, 262b may be arranged at either a first side of the central longitudinal plane P3, such as between the central longitudinal plane P3 and the first lateral side 240 of the base back 234, or alternatively or additionally, at an opposite, second side of the central longitudinal plane P3, such as between the central longitudinal plane P3 and a second lateral side 242 of the base back 234.

[0072] In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the tether assembly 260 is connected to the base back 234 at a plurality of tether locations including a first tether location 262a arranged at a first side of the central longitudinal plane P3 and at a second tether location 262b arranged at a second, opposite side of the central longitudinal plane P3. Although two tether locations are described herein, it should be appreciated that embodiments having only asingle tether location or alternatively, more than two tether locations are also within the scope of the disclosure. In other embodiments, a plurality of tether locations 262a, 262b may be arranged at the same side of the central longitudinal plane P3. The first and second tether locations 262a, 262b may be equidistantly spaced from the central longitudinal plane P3 or may be spaced at varying distances therefrom.

[0073] The tether assembly 260 is coupled to the first and second tether locations 262a, 262b at the base back 234 via one or more connectors. As shown, the connectors 254a, 254b may be arranged at an exterior of the support base 222. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the one or more connectors 254a, 254b are a rigid pin or post that is coupled to and extends generally orthogonally from the upper edge 238 of the base back. The tether assembly 260 may be connected to the base back 234 via a plurality of connectors 254a, 254b. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a first connector 254a extends from the upper edge 238 at the first tether location 262a and a second connector 254b extends from the upper edge 238 at the second tether location 262b. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments the first and second connectors 254a, 254b may be rigidly connected to a frame structure 245 within the interior of the support base 222. For example, the first connector 254a may be rigidly affixed to a first rail 246a of the frame structure 245 and the second connector 254b may be rigidly affixed to a second rail 246b of the frame structure 245. However, embodiments where the one or more connectors 254a, 254b are not coupled to the frame structure 245 of the support base 222 are also contemplated herein.

[0074] The illustrated tether assembly 260 includes a first tether strap 264 and a second tether strap 266. As shown, the first tether strap 264 may be directly affixed to the base back 234 at the one or more tether locations 262a, 262b. In an embodiment, a first end 268 of the first tether strap 264 is affixed to the base back 234 at the first tether location 262a, such as via the first connector 254a for example, and a second, opposite end 270 of the first tether strap 264 is affixed to the base back 234 at the second tether location 262b, such as via the second connector 254b for example. The second tether strap 266 may be operably coupled to the first tether strap 264. In an embodiment, the second tether strap 266 is coupled to the base back 234 via the first tether strap 264. In some embodiments, the first tether strap 264 extends through a loop 272 formed at an end 274 of the second tether strap 266 such that the second tether strap 266 is slidable along a length of the first tether strap 264. In other embodiments, the second tether strap 266 may be fixedly connected to the first tether strap 264. In embodiments where the second tether strap 266 is fixedly connected to the first tether strap 264, the second tether strap 266 may be arranged at a center of the first tether strap 264 and / or may be centered relativeto the within the central longitudinal plane P of the support base 22. Although the second tether strap 266 is illustrated proximate a front surface 237 of the base back 234, it should be understood that the second tether strap 266 may alternatively be positioned proximate the back surface of the base back 234.

[0075] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 9, the second tether strap 266 is connected to the base back 234 of the support base 222 separately from the first tether strap 264. As shown, a first end 268 of the first tether strap 264 may be affixed to the base back 234 at the first tether location 262a via a first connector 254a and a first end 274 of the second tether strap 266 may be affixed to the base back 234 at the second tether location 262b via the second connector 254b. In such embodiments, a second, distal end 270 of the first tether strap 264 may be fixedly or movably coupled to the second tether strap 266.

[0076] The second tether strap 266 of the tether assembly 260 of either FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 may be selectively couplable to an anchor 12 of the vehicle seat 10. In an embodiment, a tether fastener 276 configured to connect to the anchor 12 of the vehicle seat 10 is mounted to the second tether strap 266. The tether fastener 276 may be translatable along a length of the second tether strap 266 so as to provide adaptability for use with vehicles having varying seat heights and configuration or may be fixedly mounted to the second tether strap 266 at a specific location, such as at a free end 278 of the second tether strap 266 for example.

[0077] 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 of similar 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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 support base of a child seat system, the child seat system being positionable on a vehicle seat and including a child seat positionable on the support base, the support base comprising: a body having a base bottom sized to receive the child seat thereon, wherein the base bottom defines a front end of the support base; a base back extending from the base bottom, wherein the base back defines a rear end of the support base; a tether assembly extending from at least one tether location at the base back; wherein the front end of the support base is spaced from the rear end of the support base, wherein a central plane extends through a center of the support base parallel to a front direction extending between the rear end and the front end, and wherein the at least one tether location on the base back is offset from the central plane.

2. The support base of claim 1, wherein the base back has a back surface, the at least one tether location being arranged at the back surface.

3. The support base of claim 1, wherein the base back has a front surface, the at least one tether location being arranged at the front surface.

4. The support base of claim 1, wherein the base back has an upper edge that defines an uppermost location of the support base, the at least one tether location being spaced from the upper edge.

5. The support base of claim 1, wherein the base back has an upper edge that defines an uppermost location of the support base, the at least one tether location being arranged at the upper edge.

6. The support base of claim 1, wherein the at least one tether location includes a first tether location and a second tether location, the tether assembly extending from both the first tether location and the second tether location.

7. The support base of claim 6, wherein the second tether location is offset from the central plane.

8. The support base of claim 6, wherein the first tether location is located at a first side of the central plane and the second tether location is located at an opposite, second side of the central plane.

9. The support base of claim 6, wherein the tether assembly is connected to the base back at the at least one tether location via at least one connector.

10. The support base of claim 9, wherein the support base includes a rigid frame structure, the at least one connector being mechanically coupled to the rigid frame structure.

11. The support base of claim 9, wherein the at least one connector is arranged at an exterior of the support base.

12. The support base of claim 9, wherein the at least one connector includes a first connector and a second connector, the tether assembly being connected to the base back at the first tether location via the first connector and the tether assembly being connected to the base back at the second tether location via the second connector.

13. The support base of claim 12, wherein the tether assembly includes a first tether strap, a first end of the first tether strap being connected to the base back at the first tether location via the first connector and a second end of the first tether strap being connected to the base back at the second tether location via the second connector.

14. The support base of claim 13, wherein the tether assembly includes a second tether strap, the second tether strap being coupled to the first tether strap.

15. The support base of claim 14, wherein the second tether strap is affixed to the support base via the first tether strap.

16. The support base of claim 14, wherein the second tether strap is movably coupled to the first tether strap.

17. The support base of claim 14, wherein the second tether strap is translatable along a length of the first tether strap.

18. The support base of claim 14, wherein the second tether strap includes a tether fastener being connectable to an anchor of the vehicle seat.

19. The support base of claim 12, wherein the tether assembly includes a first tether strap and a second tether strap, the first tether strap being connected to the base back at the first tether location via the first connector and the second tether strap being connected to the base back at the second tether location via the second connector.

20. The support base of claim 12, wherein the tether assembly includes a first tether strap and a second tether strap, the first tether strap being connected to the base back at the plurality of tether locations, wherein the first tether strap is connected to the support base independently from the second tether strap.

21. A support base of a child seat system, the child seat system being positionable on a vehicle seat and including a child seat positionable on the support base, the support base comprising:a body having a base bottom sized to receive the child seat thereon, wherein the base bottom defines a front end of the support base; a base back extending at a non-parallel angle from the base bottom, wherein the base back defines a rear end of the support base; and a tether assembly coupled to the base back of the support base at a plurality of tether locations, the plurality of tether locations being spaced apart in a lateral direction.

22. The support base of claim 21, wherein the base back has a back surface, the plurality of tether locations being arranged at the back surface.

23. The support base of claim 21, wherein the base back has a front surface, the plurality of tether locations being arranged at the front surface.

24. The support base of claim 21, wherein the base back has an upper edge that defines an uppermost location of the support base, the plurality of tether locations being spaced from the upper edge.

25. The support base of claim 21, wherein the base back has an upper edge that defines an uppermost location of the support base, the plurality of tether locations being arranged at the upper edge.

26. The support base of claim 21, wherein the plurality of tether locations are offset from a central plane extending between the front end and the rear end of the support base.

27. The support base of claim 26, wherein at least one of the plurality of tether locations is offset from the central plane in a first direction and at least another of the plurality of tether locations is offset form the central plane in a second direction.

28. The support base of claim 21, wherein the tether assembly is connected to the base back at the plurality of tether locations via a plurality of connectors.

29. The support base of claim 28, wherein the support base includes a rigid frame structure, the plurality of connectors being mechanically coupled to the rigid frame structure.

30. The support base of claim 28, wherein the tether assembly includes a first tether strap and a second tether strap and only the first tether strap is coupled to the base back at the plurality of tether locations.

31. The support base of claim 28, wherein the tether assembly includes a first tether strap and a second tether strap and the first tether strap is coupled to the base back at the plurality of tether locations.

32. The support base of claim 31, wherein the second tether strap is connected to the first tether strap.

33. The support base of claim 32, wherein the second tether strap is affixed to the base back via the first tether strap.

34. The support base of claim 32, wherein the second tether strap is translatable along a length of the first tether strap.

35. The support base of claim 32, wherein the second tether strap includes a tether fastener being connectable to an anchor of the vehicle seat.

36. The support base of claim 32, wherein the plurality of connectors are arranged at an exterior of the support base.

37. The support base of claim 28, wherein the tether assembly includes a first tether strap and a second tether strap, the first tether strap being connected to the base back at a first tether location of the plurality of tether locations, and the second tether strap being connected to the base back at a second tether location of the plurality of tether locations.

38. The support base of claim 37, wherein the first tether strap is connected to the support base independently from the second tether strap.

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