Energy absorbing child car seat

Abstract

A child restraint system includes a belt channel and at least one energy absorbing member positioned in the at least one belt channel. The energy absorbing member is to absorb crash forces during a crash event.

Description

AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044ENERGY ABSORBING CHILD CAR SEATCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.: 63 / 985,286, filed on February 18, 2026; 63 / 801,494, filed on May 7, 2025; and 63 / 761,587, filed on February 21, 2025, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference into this application.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the art of child restraint systems for use in a vehicle, and more particularly to child car seats having an energy absorbing portion.BACKGROUND

[0003] Typical child car seats have multiple use configurations that allow for the seats to continue to be used as a child grows. For example, some forward-facings can be selectively used in one or more of (1) a rear facing, reclined configuration for infants (e.g., about 4-30 lbs.), (2) a forward facing, reclined configuration for toddlers (e.g., about 20-45 lbs.), (3) a forward facing, high-back booster configuration for children weighing between, e.g., 40 pounds and 100 pounds, and (4) a forward facing, backless booster configuration for children weighing between, e.g., 40 pounds and 120 pounds. Many of these child seats are designed to mitigate or minimize forces on the occupant during a crash event. These typical child car seats use the inherent stiffness and geometry of the seat to absorb and channel forces from the vehicle to the child during a crash event. Most do not include any intentional crash force dissipation to limit the peak force on the occupant. Generally, child car seats protect a child during a crash event by retaining a child within the seat using a harness, but the seat may not absorb or dissipate crash forces before they are transferred to the child. Car seat structure, therefore, needs to be a fine balance of rigidity and flexibility. If the structure is too rigid it will transfer forces into the child too quickly near the beginning of the crash event. If the structure is too flexible it will stretch and excessively allow contact between the seat and vehicle interior. Designing an intentional deformation feature with an otherwise rigid structure will start to transfer high but safe forces to the child as soon as possible but then limit peak force.AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044SUMMARY

[0004] An embodiment of the present disclosure is a child restraint system that includes a base. The base is configured for securement to a vehicle seat. The base has a first side, a second side opposite the first side along a lateral direction, a belt channel that extends in the lateral direction through the first and second sides, and at least one energy absorbing member positioned in the at least one belt channel.

[0005] In the embodiment above, further comprising a child seat coupled to or configured for coupling to the base and operable in a forward or rearward direction, the child seat configured to receive an occupant.

[0006] In the embodiment above, the base has an upper surface configured to face the child seat and a lower surface configured to face the vehicle seat, wherein the at least one belt channel extends from the upper surface and into, but not through, the base.

[0007] In the embodiment above, the base has an upper surface configured to face the child seat and a lower surface configured to face the vehicle seat, wherein the at least one belt channel extends from the lower surface and into, but not through, the base.

[0008] In the embodiment above, the at least one belt channel has a top portion with an exposed top and a bottom portion, wherein a vehicle belt is positionable at the bottom portion lower relative to the top portion of the at least one belt channel.

[0009] In the embodiment above, the base has an upper portion and a horizontal portion, wherein the at least one belt channel extends through sides of the upright portion.

[0010] In the embodiment above, the base includes a belt access member that opens to the at least one belt channel, the belt access member sized and shape to permit the belt to enter and exit the at least one belt channel.

[0011] In the embodiment above, the at least one energy absorbing member extends substantially along a width of the base in the at least one belt channel.

[0012] In the embodiment above, the at least one energy absorbing member is a honeycomb structure or a matrixed structure, or an additive manufactured structure.AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044

[0013] In the embodiment above, the at least one energy absorbing member is configured for a) plastic deformation upon application of a force or b) elastic deformation upon application of a force.

[0014] In the embodiment above, the at least one energy absorbing member deforms in line with vehicle crash forces in a crash event.

[0015] An embodiment of the present disclosure is a child restraint system that includes a child seat. The child seat is configured for securement to a vehicle seat or base coupled to a vehicle seat. The child seat has a first side, a second side opposite the first side along a lateral direction, belt channel that extends in the lateral direction through the first and second sides, and at least one energy absorbing member positioned in the at least one belt channel.

[0016] In the embodiment above, the vehicle belt is positionable at a forward end of the at least one energy absorbing member.

[0017] In the embodiment above, the child seat has an upper child receiving portion and a bottom portion, wherein the at least one belt channel extends entirely through the child seat and is spaced from both the upper child receiving portion and a bottom portion.

[0018] In the embodiment above, the at least one belt channel has a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein a vehicle belt is positionable at the bottom portion lower relative to the top portion of the at least one belt channel.

[0019] In the embodiment above, further including a belt access member that opens to the at least one belt channel, the belt access member sized and shape to permit the belt to enter and exit the at least one belt channel.

[0020] In the embodiment above, the at least one energy absorbing member extends substantially along a width of the child seat in the at least one belt channel.

[0021] In the embodiment above, the at least one energy absorbing member is a honeycomb structure or a matrixed structure, or an additive manufactured structure.

[0022] In the embodiment above, the at least one energy absorbing member is configured for a) plastic deformation upon application of a force or b) elastic deformation upon application of a force.AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044

[0023] In the embodiment above, the at least one energy absorbing member deforms in line with vehicle crash forces in a crash event.

[0024] The embodiment above, the system includes a base configured for securement to a vehicle seat, the base having a first side, a second side opposite the first side along the lateral direction, an upper surface configured to face the child seat, and a lower surface configured to face the vehicle seat, wherein the child seat is securable to the base.

[0025] Another embodiment is a child restraint system has a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is configured for securement to a vehicle seat and has a lower surface for facing the vehicle seat, an upper surface opposite the lower surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side along a lateral direction. The upper portion is coupled to or configured for coupling to the lower portion or the vehicle seat and is operable in a forward or rearward direction, the upper portion configured to receive an occupant. The system includes a belt channel defined by either or both of the lower portion and the upper portion, the at least one belt channel extending along the lateral direction, and at least one energy absorbing member positioned in the at least one belt channel.

[0026] In the embodiment above, the lower portion has an upper surface configured to face the upper portion and a lower surface configured to face the vehicle seat, wherein the at least one belt channel extends from the upper surface and into, but not through, the lower portion.

[0027] In the embodiment above, the lower portion has an upper surface configured to face the upper portion and a lower surface configured to face the vehicle seat, wherein the at least one belt channel extends from the lower surface and into, but not through, the lower portion.

[0028] In the embodiment above, the system includes a belt access member that opens to the at least one belt channel, the belt access member sized and shaped to permit the belt to enter and exit the at least one belt channel.

[0029] In the embodiment above, in the upper portion has a first side and a second side and the at least one belt channel extends through the first and second sides.

[0030] In the embodiment above, the at least one energy absorbing member is a honeycomb structure or a matrixed structure, or an additive manufactured structure.AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044

[0031] In the embodiment above, the at least one energy absorbing member is configured for a) plastic deformation upon application of a force or b) elastic deformation upon application of a force.

[0032] In the embodiment above, the at least one energy absorbing member deforms in line with a vehicle crashes forces in a crash event when the child seat is secured to the vehicle seat during the crash event.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the present application, they are shown in the drawing’s illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a child restraint system with an energy absorbing member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 is a top schematic view of the child restraint system shown in Figure 1, with the child seat shown in dashed lines;

[0036] Figure 3 illustrates a side schematic view of a child safety restraint system with the energy absorbing member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an infant car seat including an energy absorbing member to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5 is a side view of the infant car seat shown in Figure 4;

[0039] Figure 6 is a side view of a convertible car seat including at least one energy absorbing member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0040] Figure 7 is a side view of a booster seat including at least one energy absorbing member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a child restraint system that includes an energy absorbing member (or more than one) positioned to receive, and be adjacent to, a vehicle belt when secured in place. The energy absorbing member is configured to reduce the amount of impact force on a child during a crash event, such as an impact collision. The energy absorbing member and design as described here increase the protection of a child in a car from an impact collision by absorbing forces applied to a child restraint system during a crash event. For example, such systems and components may reduce head injury criterion (HIC) values and / or other measurable results on an anthropomorphic testing device (ATD) during standardized crash testing.

[0042] Embodiments of child restraint systems disclosed herein may be configured to be installed within a vehicle, such as a car, minivan, sport utility vehicle, truck, or still other type of vehicle. In embodiments, the child restraint includes a child seat connected to a base. The base can be anchored or otherwise secured to a vehicle seat of the vehicle. The child seat can be mounted on and secured (either removably or fixed) to the base. In embodiments, the system may include a child seat usable without a base, e.g. placed on a vehicle seat and connected to the vehicle seat by a vehicle seatbelt. In certain embodiments, the child seat is connected to the vehicle seat via isofix anchors (e.g., LATCH, tether, etc.). In embodiments, the car seat assembly includes an infant car seat (ICS), convertible car seat (CCS) that may be rotatable (or not rotatable), or a booster seat (high-back and / or no back), and the like.

[0043] Referring to Figure 1, in an embodiment child restraint system 100 has a base 104 and child seat 102 associated with the base 104. The child seat 102 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 2) can be shaped and sized to receive a child. The child seat 102 includes a seat (or seat pan portion) 110, a seat back panel (or seat back portion) 112, and optionally a headrest (depending on system type) that is movable relative to the back panel 112. The child restraint system may include a belt and harness system to secure the occupant in place in seat 102. The seat back portion 112 may include a headrest 114 attached to or integral with the seat back portion 112 or may be removably coupled thereto. The headrest 114 may be stationary, or in some embodiments, may be configured to move relative to seat back portion 112. For example, the headrest 114 may be configured to translate between various height positions, allowing for adjustment based on the size of the child positioned within the child restraint system 100.AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044

[0044] Any number of different child seat assemblies and child seats may be used, such as those disclosed in WO 2024 / 206806, entitled “Child Vehicle Seat System,” WO 2024 / 206804, entitled “Rotatable Child Seat with Removable Booster”, and WO 2024 / 072888 entitled “Child Vehicle Seat System,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference into the present disclosure. Furthermore, the child safety seat of the present disclosure can be convertible, which may be usable both forward-facing (FF) or rear-facing (RF). In embodiments, the child safety seat is rotatable between FF and RF while installed in a vehicle, and in other embodiments the child safety seat must be uninstalled to change positions. Features of the present disclosure may instead be implemented on an all-in-one child safety seat (e.g., a child safety seat with a booster mode or the like). While a type of child seat system is described below for illustrative purposes, other variations or designs for a child seat system and car seat could be used and the child seat system and car seat disclosed in the present application are not the only types of such systems contemplated by the inventors that may include one or more energy absorbing members.

[0045] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an embodiment child restraint system 100 can include a child seat 102 and a base 104 (e.g., a base). The child restraint system 100 can be installed on vehicle seat 106. The vehicle seat 106 includes a horizontal portion 140 and an upright portion 142 for receiving the child restraint system 100, as shown. As discussed above, embodiments include the base 104 and child seat 102 installed on the vehicle seat 106. In other embodiments, the child seat 102 is installed on a vehicle seat 106 directly without a base 104. Base 104 is also referred to in this application as a lower portion 104 of the system 100 and the child seat 102 may be referred to as the upper portion 102 of the system 100. In some instances, the upper and lower portions may be coupled together in the form of a booster (FIG. 7 and 8). The base 104 and seat 102 can include lateral sides 108a and 108b, respectively.

[0046] Continuing with Figures 1 and 2, the base 104 can include an upright portion 118 and a horizontal portion 120. The upright portion 118 may be referred to as the base back portion and the horizontal portion 120 may be referred to as the base seat portion. In certain embodiments, the base 104 may only include a horizontal portion as needed. The horizontal portion of base 104 has an upper surface 131 configured to face the child seat 108 and a lower surface (not numbered) configured to face the vehicle seat 106. As installed as shown in Figures 1 and 2, child restraint system 100 defines a gap 123 that extends laterally between the child seat 102 and the upright portion 118 of base 104. The base seat portion 120 and a baseAP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044back portion 118 may be formed monolithically or formed as separate components that are coupled together. In some instances, base 104 may include a base seat portion 120 and may exclude a base back portion 118. The base 104 itself may be formed from rigid polymeric materials, including thermoplastics, thermosets, combinations of both, or composite materials.

[0047] The upright portion 118 of the base 104 can include a passage 136 for receiving a part of the vehicle belt 143. The vehicle belt 143 includes the shoulder belt 138 and the lap belt 144. In embodiments, a Type 2 or the shoulder belt 138 (a tether) can be present for forward facing position to limit rotational movement during a crash. The shoulder belt 138 can extend along a forward surface of the upright portion of the base in gap 123 and buckled to the seat as is typical. The lap belt 144 can extend across the base in the belt channel 122 (Figure 2). In embodiments, the base 104 can include foam or another cushion member, e.g. 213B foam, to prevent rotation issues while using belt channel 122 as a path for a lap belt 144.

[0048] Continuing with Figures 1-2, the base 104 can be detachably fixed to a vehicle seat 106 via a vehicle belt 143. In certain examples, the base 104 may be attach to the vehicle seat 106 be a latch or anchor system which is sometimes referred to as a “lower anchor and tether for children” e.g., LATCH system. Alternatively, or in addition, the base 104 may be detachably fixed to a vehicle seat via a vehicle belt associated with the vehicle seat. The child restraint system 100 can be detachably fixed to the vehicle seat 106, such as via a latch or anchor mechanism. For example, the base 104 can be detachably fixed to vehicle seat 106, such as via a latch or anchor mechanism. In some embodiments, the child seat 102 can rotate relative to the base 104. In some embodiments, the child seat 102 can be removable from the base 104 as described above.

[0049] One or more belt channels 122 are included in system 100 to carry the energy absorbing member(s) 132 and position it for receiving belt 143. One belt channel may be include or more than one belt channel. As shown, at least one belt channel 122 may be defined at least partially by an upright portion 118 (front side 124 of the base 104) and the horizontal portion 120 of the base 104. The belt channel 122 can extend through sides 108a, 108b of the base 104 along a lateral direction L (Fig 2). The belt channel 122 can extend from the upper surface 131 and into, but not through, the base 104. In some embodiments, portion 129 of an upper surface 131 and of the base 104 can define an opening that forms the top portion of the belt channel 122. In addition, the belt channel 122 has a bottom portion positioned lowerAP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044relative to the top portion 139 of surface 131. The belt channel 122 can also include a lower surface 128 in the horizontal portion 120 of base 104 that defines a floor of the belt channel 122 in the embodiment shown. The lap belt 144 is positionable at the bottom portion relative to the top portion of the belt channel 122.

[0050] The base 104 includes a belt access member 130 that opens to the belt channel 122. Here, the belt access member 130 is the opening into the side 108a of the base that opens to the belt channel. The belt access member 130 is sized and shaped to permit a vehicle belt 143 to enter and exit the belt channel 122.

[0051] Continuing with Figures 1 and 2, the child restraint system 100 can include an energy absorbing member 132 to allow controlled movement during a crash. More specifically, the energy absorbing member 132 may be positioned in the belt receiving channel 122 so that it extends laterally across the base (or seat) as the needed. Thus, the energy absorbing member extends substantially along a width of the base in the belt channel 122. The lap belt 144 extends from a lateral side 108c of the vehicle seat 106 through the side 108b of belt channel 122 and across the energy absorbing member 132.

[0052] The energy absorbing member 132 may initially resist movement during a crash, but after a certain threshold is reached, the energy absorbing member 132 starts to permanently deform or break to allow movement. The deformation of the energy absorbing member 132 absorbs energy and increases the time that energy is transferred into an anthropomorphic test device (ATD) which reduces the peak accelerations, thereby reducing crash forces applied to an occupant during crash events. Thus, the energy absorbing member 132 is configured for plastic deformation upon application of a force. In other embodiments, however, the energy absorbing member is configured for elastic deformation upon application of a force but would only reconstitute after cessation of forces applied to the belt. With the energy absorbing member 132 positioned in belt channel 122, the lap belt 144 may be positioned in a lower portion of the channel and would thereby avoid downward seat movement and allow the energy absorbing member 132 to deform in line with the crash forces.

[0053] The energy absorbing member 132 has a width that extends along the lateral direction A, a height that extends along a vertical direction B that is perpendicular to the lateral direction, and a length that extends along a direction C (Fig. 2) (direction C extends along a forward direction) that is perpendicular to the width and the height. In the embodiment shown, the widthAP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044of energy absorbing member 132 is greater than the height and the length. In addition, the child seat restraint system 100 may include one or more energy absorbing members 132. For example, multiple energy absorbing members may be arranged in series along a lateral direction A in the belt channel 122. In another example, multiple energy absorbing members may be arranged in series along direct C in the forward direction in the belt channel 122 in a stacked configuration. Furthermore, in yet another example, multiple energy absorbing members may be arranged vertical direction B in the belt channel 122 in a stacked configuration. In addition, first and second energy absorbing members may along only the lateral sides of the belt channel 122.

[0054] The energy absorbing member 132 as described herein may be a three-dimensional structure configured to absorb energy, such as a honeycomb structure or a matrixed structure, or an additive manufactured structure. In certain embodiments, the energy absorbing member 132 can include a material such as metal or metal alloys that can deform and crumple to absorb energy. For example, the energy absorbing member 132 is at least partially formed of metallic honeycomb structure, a metallic matrix structure, or a metallic lattice structure, or a structure made via additive manufacturing. The energy absorbing structure could be made of aluminum or aluminum alloys. In other examples, the energy absorbing structure could be made of non-metallic materials, such as a foam. Such a foam may include expanded polypropylene foam (or EPP foam).

[0055] The energy absorbing 132 can help improve crash testing performance, including frontal and / or side impact crash testing, in the front-facing mode. During a collision, the energy absorbing member 132 absorbs, redirects, or dissipates energy from the impact. The energy absorbing member 132 can have one or more components that are permanently deformable or breakable. Alternatively, the energy absorbing member 132 can be elastic and return to its original position after a collision. The energy absorbing member 132 can improve crash testing performance in one or both of a rear-facing mode and a front-facing mode.

[0056] The belt may be positioned low relatively to the child car seat to avoid downward seat movement and allow a crash zone to deform in line with the crash forces. In some embodiments, a Type 2 or tether is always present for FF position to limit rotational movement during a crash. In embodiments, the rigid latch is only used for RF. In embodiments, stiffer material prevents rotation issues while using the lower belt path.AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044

[0057] Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the child restraint system 200 with a belt channel 146 built into the horizontal portion 120 of the base 104 of the child restraint system 100. The child restraint system 100 and child restraint system 200 are similar to each other and same reference numbers are used to identify structures that are common to each system 100 and 200. However, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the child seat 102 is configured to rotate relative to the base 104 about a rotation axis R. Thus, seat 102 can be configured for installation in the vehicle seat on base 104 in a forward-facing (FF) configuration or can be installed on base 104 in a rearward-facing (RF) configuration. The seat 102 can be rotatably coupled to the base 104 and rotated via an actuator (not shown) so seat 102 does not leave the base 104. Alternatively, seat 102 can be removed from the base and rotated and installed on the base in either the forward-facing configuration or a rearwardfacing configuration.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the system includes a belt channel 146 positioned toward the rear section 130 of the horizontal portion 120. The belt channel 146 can extend laterally from the lateral side 108b to the opposite lateral side 104. The base has an upper surface (not labeled in Fig. 3) configured to face the child seat and a lower surface 150 configured to face the vehicle seat. Here, belt channel 144 extends from the lower surface 150 and into, but not through, the base 104.

[0059] The belt channel 146 can include an opening 148, also referred to as a belt access member 148, that extends from the lower surface 150. The lap belt 144 can enter the belt channel 146 from the through the opening 150. Thus, the base 104 is uninterrupted across a top surface 152 of the base 104. The energy absorbing member 132 can be positioned in the belt channel 146, as shown. The lap belt 144 can extend through the belt channel 146 and can be positioned adjacent to a forward end of energy absorbing member 132 and can at least partially wrap around the energy absorbing member 132. Accordingly, the base 104 has a built-in crash zone at or about the lower lap belt path 146 but is provided with a lower installation location via the bel access member 148. As shown, the lower lap belt is loaded / secured on the underside of the base.

[0060] As with the system 100, the system 200 may include more than one energy absorbing member 132. For instance, in Figure 3, the energy absorbing member 132 has a width that extends along the lateral direction A, a height that extends along a vertical direction B that isAP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044perpendicular to the lateral direction, and a length that extends along a direction C (shown in Figs. 1 and 2 but similar directions apply to Figure 3) (direction C extends along a forward direction) that is perpendicular to the width and the height. In the embodiment shown, the width of energy absorbing member 132 is greater than the height and the length. In addition, the child seat restraint system 200 may include energy absorbing members that may be arranged in a series along a lateral direction A in the belt channel 122. In another example, multiple energy absorbing members may be arranged in series along direct C in the forward direction in the belt channel 122 in a stacked configuration. Furthermore, in yet another example, multiple energy absorbing members may be arranged in a vertical direction B in the belt channel 122 in a stacked configuration. In addition, first and second energy absorbing members may be located along only the lateral sides of the belt channel 122.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiments in Figures 1-3, the belt channel 122, 146 is the lower lap belt path, although other embodiments may additionally or alternatively include a belt channel and energy absorbing member along a shoulder belt path along an upper portion of the base or seat. For example, an embodiment of a child restraint system includes an upper portion of the base having a belt channel (not numbered) and an energy absorbing member in the belt guide channel. Here, the upper belt channel is spaced apart from the horizonal portion of the base and spaced from a top end of the upper portion of the base.

[0062] Referring to Figures 4-7, the energy absorbing member 132 may be on any type of child restraint system or car seat. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, an infant car seat 310 that includes a seat shell 312, a handle 314 movably coupled to the seat shell 312, and sidewalls 316 forming part of the seat shell 312. The seat 310 may include a softgoods assembly. The sides (not labeled) may include respective belt channels 350 each having an energy absorbing member 322. The vehicle belt may enter the channels 350 and lie across forward end of the energy absorbing member 322.

[0063] Turning to Figure 6, a convertible car seat (CCS) 510 is shown that includes a seat 512, a seat back 514 extending up from the seat 510, and side protection panels 516 extending generally forward from a seat back 515 with one or more belt channels 550a-550c extending through the side protection panels 516. The seat 510 may include a softgoods assembly for the seat 512 and the seat back 514. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, seat 510 is a non-rotating seat but otherwise could have all components of system 100 and car seat 102 described above.AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044The car seat 510 includes one or more energy absorbing members 522a-522c according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For instance, energy absorbing members 522a-522c can be in belt channels 550a-550c on the seat back 514 and the along the seat 510. More specifically, the energy absorbing member 522a can be positioned for the shoulder belt passing through the back of the seat through channel 550a and in some embodiments the shoulder belt and the lap belt both pass through the back of the seat through channel 550a. In another embodiment (not shown), the energy absorbing member 522a may be oriented such that the lap belt and the shoulder belt both are positioned on the energy absorbing member 522a when the energy absorbing member 522a is located on the seat back 514 separate from the channel 550a. The energy absorbing member 522c for the lap belt to passing across seat through channel 550c. And for rear facing orientation, the energy absorbing member 522b may be positioned in channel 550b to receive belt (belt not shown). Thus, the convertible car seat can include at least one belt channel for receiving a portion of the belt, and at least one energy absorbing member positioned in the at least one belt channel. The energy absorbing members 522 may be like the energy absorbing members as described above.

[0064] Referring to Figure 7, a booster seat 610 is shown that includes a seat pan 612, a seat back 614 removably coupled to the seat pan 612 and extending up from the seat pan 612, side protection panels 616 extending generally forward from the seat back 614 with belt path openings 618 extending through the side protection panels 616, and a headrest 620, which may be adjustable. The seat 610 may include a softgoods assembly for the seat pan 612 and the seat back 614. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the seat 610 includes one or more belt channels 650 with each including an energy absorbing member 622 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the belt channel 650 may be like belt channels 122, 146, 350, and 550 as described above. The seat 610 could include one, two, three, or four belt channels 650.

[0065] The energy absorbing members described here may be used with a number of base types. For example, the systems described may include an energy absorbing member that is secured to the vehicle seat with the seat belt for a base that does not include any latch or anchor system. In some embodiments, a rigid base frame is provided in the base (the base 104) and a rigid frame (“toddler seat frame) is provided in the toddler seat (the child seat 102). The frames can have one or more gaps between them. The energy absorbing member can be situated in the gap(s) between the frames.AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044

[0066] While a belt channel and energy absorbing member is shown as a base 104 or child seat 104 as discussed above, the system may include a base with at least one belt channel and at least one energy absorbing member and a child seat 104 with at least one belt channel and at least one energy absorbing member located therein. In other example, the base can include a horizontal portion with at least one belt channel and at least one energy absorbing member and an upright portion with at least one belt channel and at least one energy absorbing member located therein, e.g. a base with two belt channels and two energy absorbing members.

[0067] In another embodiment, the child restraint system may include a base with a lap belt containment structure. Here, the lap belt containment structure further includes an uninterrupted top enclosure along the base, which extends also in a lateral direction. The lap belt containment structure includes at least one lap belt receiving member. The lap belt receiving member is positioned on opposite lateral ends of the lap belt containment structure. The lap belt containment structure includes an energy absorbing member positioned along an interior portion of the lap belt receiving member. The energy absorbing member is capturable by at least one of a vehicle lap belt and or a vehicle shoulder belt. The base having a bottom surface (underside). The bottom surface being partially bifurcated in a lateral direction to form a lap belt receiving channel having a lap belt keeper mechanism.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 additionAP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0070] 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

AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.00044What is claimed is:

1. A child restraint system comprising:a base configured for securement to a vehicle seat, the base having a first side, a second side opposite the first side along a lateral direction, at least one belt channel that extends in the lateral direction through the first and second sides, and at least one energy absorbing member positioned in the at least one belt channel.

2. The child restraint system of claim 1, wherein the base has an upper surface and a lower surface configured to face the vehicle seat, wherein the at least one belt channel extends from the upper surface and into, but not through, the base.

3. The child restraint system of claim 1 , wherein the base has an upper surface and a lower surface configured to face the vehicle seat, wherein the at least one belt channel extends from the lower surface and into, but not through, the base.

4. The child restraint system of claim 1, wherein the at least one belt channel has a top portion with an exposed top and a bottom portion, wherein a lap belt is positionable at the bottom portion lower relative to the top portion of the at least one belt channel.

5. The child restraint system of claim 1, wherein the base has an upper portion and a horizontal portion, wherein the at least one belt channel extends through sides of the upright portion.

6. The child restraint system of claim 1, wherein the base includes a belt access member that opens to the at least one belt channel, the belt access member sized and shaped to permit the vehicle belt to enter and exit the at least one belt channel.

7. The child restraint system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one energy absorbing member extends substantially along a width of the base in the at least one belt channel.

8. The child restraint system of claim 1, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member is a honeycomb structure or a matrixed structure, or an additive manufactured structure.

9. The child restraint system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one energy absorbing member is configured for a) plastic deformation upon application of a force or b) elastic deformation upon application of a force.AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.0004410. The child restraint system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one energy absorbing member deforms in line with vehicle crash forces in a crash event.

11. The child restraint system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one energy absorbing member are multiple energy absorbing members and the at least one belt channel are multiple belt channels.

12. A child restraint system comprising:a child seat configured for securement to a vehicle seat, the child seat having a first side, a second side opposite the first side along a lateral direction, a belt channel that extends in the lateral direction through the first and second sides, and at least one energy absorbing member positioned in the at least one belt channel.

13. The child restraint system of claim 12, wherein a vehicle belt is positionable at a forward end of the at least one energy absorbing member.

14. The child restraint system of claim 12, wherein the child seat has an upper child receiving portion and a bottom portion, wherein the at least one belt channel extends entirely through the child seat and is spaced from both the upper child receiving portion and a bottom portion.

15. The child restraint system of claim 12, wherein the at least one belt channel has a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein a lap belt is positionable at the bottom portion lower relative to the top portion of the at least one belt channel.

16. The child restraint system of claim 12, further comprising a belt access member that opens to the at least one belt channel, the belt access member sized and shaped to permit a vehicle belt to enter and exit the at least one belt channel.

17. The child restraint system of claim 12, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member extends substantially along a width of the child seat in the at least one belt channel.

18. The child restraint system of claim 12, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member is a honeycomb structure or a matrixed structure, or an additive manufactured structure.AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.0004419. The child restraint system of claim 12, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member is configured for a) plastic deformation upon application of a force or b) elastic deformation upon application of a force.

20. The child restraint system of claim 12, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member are multiple energy absorbing members and the at least one belt channel are multiple belt channels.

21. The child restraint system of claim 12, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member deforms in line with a vehicle crashes forces in a crash event when the child seat is secured to the vehicle seat during the crash event.

22. The child restraint system of claim 12, wherein the child seat has an upper portion and a horizontal portion, wherein the at least one belt channel extends through sides of the upright portion or the horizontal portion.

23. A child restraint system comprising:a lower portion configured for securement to a vehicle seat, the lower portion having a lower surface for facing the vehicle seat, an upper surface opposite the lower surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side along a lateral direction;an upper portion coupled to or configured for coupling to the lower portion and operable in a forward or rearward direction, the upper portion configured to receive an occupant; and a belt channel defined by either or both of the lower portion and the upper portion, the at least one belt channel extending along the lateral direction; andat least one energy absorbing member positioned in the at least one belt channel.

24. The child restraint system of claim 23, wherein the lower portion has an upper surface configured to face the upper portion and a lower surface configured to face the vehicle seat, wherein the at least one belt channel extends from the upper surface and into, but not through, the lower portion.

25. The child restraint system of claim 23, wherein the lower portion has an upper surface configured to face the upper portion and a lower surface configured to face the vehicle seat, wherein the at least one belt channel extends from the lower surface and into, but not through, the lower portion.AP-26005-3520-WQ00004840079.0004426. The child restraint system of claim 23, wherein in the upper portion has a first side and a second side and the at least one belt channel extends through the first and second sides.

27. The child restraint system of claim 23, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member is a honeycomb structure or a matrixed structure, or an additive manufactured structure.

28. The child restraint system of claim 23, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member is configured for a) plastic deformation upon application of a force or b) elastic deformation upon application of a force.

29. The child restraint system of claim 23, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member deforms in line with a vehicle crashes forces in a crash event when the lower portion and upper portion are secured to the vehicle seat during the crash event.

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