U.S. patent application number 10/812313 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-13 for child seat linking device in a motor vehicle with tension indicator, and corresponding child seat.
This patent application is currently assigned to AMPAFRANCE. Invention is credited to Biaud, Richard, Rabeony, Haja.
Application Number | 20050006934 10/812313 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32893339 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050006934 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rabeony, Haja ; et
al. |
January 13, 2005 |
Child seat linking device in a motor vehicle with tension
indicator, and corresponding child seat
Abstract
A child seat linking device with a first portion of strap in a
motor vehicle is characterized in that it comprises two mutually
moveable linking components between an idle position and a working
position adopted when the first portion of strap is taut. A return
device tends to return the linking components to the idle position.
A tension indicator distinguishes whether the linking device is in
the idle position or in the working position.
Inventors: |
Rabeony, Haja; (Cholet,
FR) ; Biaud, Richard; (Toutlemonde, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert M. Angus
Westman, Champlin & Kelly
Suite 1600
900 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis
MN
55402-3319
US
|
Assignee: |
AMPAFRANCE
Cholet
FR
|
Family ID: |
32893339 |
Appl. No.: |
10/812313 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/250.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/2809 20130101;
B60R 2022/4866 20130101; B60N 2002/2815 20130101; B60R 2022/4841
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/250.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 001/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 2, 2003 |
FR |
FR 03 04121 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Child seat linking device with a first portion of strap in a
motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises two mutually
moveable linking components between an idle position and a working
position, adopted when said first portion of strap is taut, return
means tending to return said linking components to said idle
position, and tension indication means used to distinguish whether
said linking device is in said idle position or in said working
position.
2. Linking device according to claim 1, characterized in that a
first of said linking components comprises at least one slot
showing an indicator attached to the second of said linking
components, the appearance of said indicator being different
depending on whether said linking device is in said idle position
or in said working position.
3. Linking device according to claim 2, characterized in that said
indicator shows different colours depending on whether said linking
device is in said idle position or in said working position.
4. Linking device according to claim 1, characterized in that one
of said linking components is fitted on said seat.
5. Linking device according to claim 1, characterized in that one
of said moveable components is connected to said seat by a second
portion of strap.
6. Linking device according to claim 1, characterized in that at
least one of the linking components comprises means for adjusting
the length of said first and/or second portions of strap.
7. Linking device according to claim 6, characterized in that said
adjustment means comprise two parallel housings wherein said
portion of strap circulates.
8. Linking device according to claim 1, characterized in that said
return means comprise at least one spring extending parallel with
the axis of movement of said mutually moveable components.
9. Linking device according to claim 1, characterized in that said
linking components are mutually moveable in translation.
10. Linking device according to claim 1, characterized in that said
return means comprise at least one torsional or spiral spring.
11. Linking device according to claim 1, characterized in that said
indication means comprise and/or cooperate with a rotationally
moveable part.
12. Linking device according to claim 1, characterized in that said
indication means may comprise at least one electrical contact.
13. Linking device according to claim 12, characterized in that
said electrical contact(s) act selectively on at least one luminous
component, when said linking device is in one of said
positions.
14. Child seat intended to be fitted in a motor vehicle,
characterized in that it comprises or cooperates with a linking
device of said child seat with a first portion of strap in a motor
vehicle, comprising two mutually moveable linking components
between an idle position and a working position, adopted when said
first portion of strap is taut, return means tending to return said
linking components to said idle position, and tension indication
means used to distinguish whether said linking device is in said
idle position or in said working position.
15. Child seat according to claim 14, characterized in that said
linking device is fitted in the upper part of the back of said seat
or its base.
16. Child seat according to claim 14, characterized in that it
comprises attachment means to rigid components provided for this
purpose in a motor vehicle.
17. Linking device according to claim 2, characterized in that one
of said linking components is fitted on said seat.
18. Linking device according to claim 2, characterized in that one
of said moveable components is connected to said seat by a second
portion of strap.
19. Linking device according to claim 2, characterized in that at
least one of the linking components comprises means for adjusting
the length of said first and/or second portions of strap.
20. Linking device according to claim 2, characterized in that said
return means comprise at least one spring extending parallel with
the axis of movement of said mutually moveable components.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The field of the invention is that of child care, and more
specifically that of child seats intended to be fitted in a motor
vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to the checking
of the correct positioning and sufficient attachment of such a seat
in a motor vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] For a long time, there have been various types of child
seats designed to be fitted in motor vehicles. These child seats
are most frequently attached to the seat of the vehicle on which
they are fitted using the safety belt present at this point in the
vehicle.
[0003] Depending on the case, this belt may act directly on the
seat, for example by circulating to the rear of the back of said
seat, in areas provided for this purpose. Other types of seats have
been developed, which provide a base whereon they are attached. In
this case, this base is generally attached to the seat of the
vehicle.
[0004] Vehicle safety belts now being equipped with automatic
winders, a sufficient tension is generally obtained to hold the
seat in place effectively, even in the event of sudden movement due
to emergency braking, for example. In some cases, additional
pretension systems are also provided.
[0005] Recently, it was also proposed to equip motor vehicles with
fixed components, accessible between the seat base and back of the
vehicle's seat, and designed to cooperate with additional
components provided on the child seat.
[0006] This technique is known as the "isofix" standard. It proves
to be relatively advantageous in terms of easy fitting of the child
seat, since it is simply necessary to latch the child seat on the
corresponding vehicle components without requiring the use of the
safety belt which is frequently considered by users as a relatively
complex operation. In addition, the attachment is effective and the
risk of improper use is reduced.
[0007] However, it has been observed that this technique involved
drawbacks, under certain conditions. Indeed, attachment is only
carried out in one area, corresponding roughly to the connection
between the seat base and the back of the child seat. In the event
of sudden braking, for example, or an impact, it is understood that
the child seat may tilt forwards, sinking into the vehicle seat
base, which naturally represents a significant hazard for the
child.
[0008] Having observed this, the standardisation authorities
stipulated the presence of an additional attachment point
positioned in the vicinity of the upper part of the back of the
seat, so as to prevent, or at least limit, this forward movement.
For this, a strap is provided, fitted on the upper part of the back
of the seat, and which should be attached to the vehicle.
[0009] The invention also falls into the category of child seats
equipped with such a device.
[0010] To guarantee the child's safety, it is of course necessary
not only for the strap to be present, but also for it to be
attached correctly to the vehicle and sufficiently taut to prevent
the child seat from moving forwards.
[0011] The invention particularly aims to provide a technique
enabling users to check, easily and effectively, that such a strap
is taut, and therefore that the seat is fitted correctly.
[0012] In other words, one of the aims of the invention is to
provide such a technique, which makes it possible to ensure the
safety of the child being transported, and enables the user to
check easily.
[0013] Another aim of the invention is to provide such a technique,
which does not require costly complex means, and is easy to produce
and fit.
[0014] A further aim is to provide such a technique, which is easy
to use by any user, and enables an adjustment if required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] These aims, along with others, which will be seen more
clearly below, are achieved according to the invention using a
child seat linking device with a first portion of strap in a motor
vehicle, comprising two mutually moveable linking components
between an idle position and a working position, adopted when said
first portion of strap is taut, return means tending to return said
linking components to said idle position and tension indication
means used to distinguish whether said linking device is in said
idle position or in said working position.
[0016] In this way, it is possible to observe in a quick and
reliable manner whether the seat is attached correctly, with
respect to this linking device, without complex or costly
means.
[0017] Preferentially, a first of said linking components comprises
at least one slot showing an indicator attached to the second of
said linking components, the appearance of said indicator being
different depending on whether said linking device is in said idle
position or in said working position.
[0018] In this way, in an advantageous embodiment, said indicator
may shows different colours depending on whether said linking
device is in said idle position or in said working position.
Additionally or alternatively, it may also consist of a word and/or
a symbol.
[0019] According to a first embodiment of the invention, one of
said linking components is fitted on said seat. In this case, it
may particularly be fitted in the vicinity of the upper part of the
back of the seat, or the base of said seat.
[0020] According to a second embodiment of the invention, one of
said moveable components is connected to said seat by a second
portion of strap.
[0021] According to an advantageous characteristic of the
invention, at least one of the linking components comprises means
for adjusting the length of said first and/or second portions of
strap.
[0022] In this case, said adjustment means may for example comprise
two parallel housings wherein said portion of strap circulates.
[0023] According to a first advantageous embodiment, said return
means comprise at least one spring extending parallel with the axis
of movement of said mutually moveable components.
[0024] Said linking components are in this case advantageously
mutually moveable in translation.
[0025] According to a first advantageous embodiment, said return
means comprise at least one torsional or spiral spring.
[0026] In this case in particular, said indication means may
advantageously comprise and/or cooperate with a rotationally
moveable part.
[0027] According to another advantageous characteristic of the
invention, said indication means may comprise at least one
electrical contact.
[0028] In particular, said electrical contact(s) may act
selectively on at least one luminous component, when said linking
device is in one of said positions. It is also possible to provide
an audible signal (which is of course not permanent, but emitted
when a change in position occurs).
[0029] The invention also relates to child seats intended to be
fitted in a motor vehicle, comprising or cooperating with a linking
device such as that described above.
[0030] Preferentially, said linking device is then fitted in the
upper part of the back of said seat or its base.
[0031] Advantageously, this seat also comprises attachment means to
rigid components provided for this purpose in a motor vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The invention's other characteristics and advantages will
emerge upon reading the following description of a preferential
embodiment, given merely as an illustrative and non-limitative
example and the appended figures wherein:
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a child seat equipped with a linking
device according to the invention schematically;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a view of the linking device in FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 3 shows the means of the device in FIG. 2 in more
detail;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the device in FIG. 3;
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates, in a sectional view, another embodiment
of the invention, based on a rotationally moveable component.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Therefore, the invention is intended to be fitted in child
seats, intended to be fitted in a motor vehicle such as that for
example illustrated schematically in FIG. 1.
[0039] This seat 11 is added to a rear seat 12 of a motor vehicle
and attached to said vehicle using rigid means 13 provided for this
purpose, accessible between the back and seat base of the rear seat
12.
[0040] This technique is known as "isofix" and has been
standardised.
[0041] As already mentioned, it is observed that, while this
technique is practical and ergonomic, it involves a drawback in the
event of an impact or sudden braking. Indeed, in this case, the
child seat tends to move forwards and downwards as illustrated by
the arrow 14.
[0042] To prevent this problem, the standardising organism has
provided for the presence of a strap 14, fitted on the upper part
of the back of the seat 11, and planned to be attached to suitable
means provided for this purpose in the vehicle.
[0043] The invention relates more specifically to this aspect. An
embodiment of a linking device of the upper part of the back of the
child seat with the vehicle is illustrated in FIG. 2. It comprises
a connection unit 21, which connects two portions of strap:
[0044] a first portion of strap 22 connected to the back of the
child seat;
[0045] a second portion of strap 23, in this case equipped with a
hook 24, intended to be attached to the vehicle. This second
portion of strap is between one and two metres long, for
example.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, and even more clearly in the
corresponding sectional view in FIG. 4, this connection unit
consists, according to the invention, of two mutually moveable
linking components 31 and 32. This mobility is of course reduced,
but is designed to define two separate positions:
[0047] an idle position, when the portions of strap 22 and 23 are
not taut;
[0048] a working position when these portions of strap are taut (if
required, a minimum tension threshold may be planned to change to
the working position).
[0049] The linking component 31 comprises a slot 33, which is used
to view two separate portions of the linking component 32 depending
on whether it is in the idle position or the working position.
[0050] According to a particular embodiment, each of these portions
41 and 42 is assigned a different colour. For example,
conventionally, in the idle position, the red portion 41 will be
seen through the slot, indicating a danger to the user (in this
case, that the seat is attached incorrectly). On the other hand, if
the straps are taut, the green portion 42 may be seen, indicating
to the user that the fitting is correct.
[0051] Naturally, other signalling methods may be used,
alternatively or in addition. The portions 41 and 42 may for
example show taut and non-taut messages, respectively, or any other
suitable message. Electrical signalling (luminous and/or audible)
may also be provided, to indicate either one of the positions or a
change from one to the other.
[0052] As seen in FIG. 4, return means 43 and 44 are provided
between the two linking components 31 and 32. In FIG. 4, they
consist of two springs positioned symmetrically and acting parallel
with the direction of movement of the linking components with
respect to each other. These springs are configured to bring the
system into the idle position, in the absence of stress applied to
the portions of strap.
[0053] In this way, in the idle position, the "red" indication is
obtained directly and simply. When tension is applied to a portion
of strap, the two linking components 31 and 32 tend to move away
from each other, compressing the springs 43 and 44. The indicator
then becomes "green", indicating that the straps are taut.
[0054] Advantageously, the connection means also comprise means for
adjusting the length of at least one of the two portions of strap
22 and 23. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, these
adjustment means conventionally consist of two parallel slots,
extending perpendicular to the axis of the portion of strap 23.
[0055] In addition, the translation movement of the component 32
with respect to the component 3 may be replaced by another type of
movement. It is thus possible to obtain a similar device operating
rotationally, with a torsional spring. The portions indicating the
idle position or working position may then be produced on a
rotationally moveable part.
[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates schematically, in a sectional view, an
example of a device of this type.
[0057] The first portion of strap 51 is attached to a rotationally
moveable component 52, for example, for a few dozen degrees. A
spiral spring 53 tends to return this component 52 to its idle
position. A red indicating area (for example) 54 is then positioned
in front of the slot 55.
[0058] When the position of the strap 51 is sufficiently taut, this
tension opposes and is greater than the return force of the spring
53. The rotationally moveable component 52 is then shifted slightly
(to a stop) and the green indicating area (for example) 56 appears
in front of the slot 55.
[0059] The second portion of strap, not shown, is attached by
length adjustment means 57, for example, similar to those already
described, formed on the component 58 which forms a housing for the
rotationally moveable component 52.
[0060] According to other embodiments, if two straps are provided,
it is of course possible to see strap length adjustment means for
the two portions of strap, and not only for one as illustrated.
[0061] Finally, as already described, electrical or electronic
means may be used. For example, it is possible to plan that, when
the two linking components are in the working position, they close
an electrical circuit, which lights up a diode. This contact may
also be combined with one of the springs.
[0062] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *