U.S. patent application number 10/999144 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-25 for lock-off mechanism for a child seat.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graco Children's Products Inc.. Invention is credited to Billman, Craig M., Brunick, Daniel J., Carpenter, Jason A., Lamos, Damaso, Langmaid, Michael N., Weber, Craig S..
Application Number | 20050184567 10/999144 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34658167 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050184567 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carpenter, Jason A. ; et
al. |
August 25, 2005 |
Lock-off mechanism for a child seat
Abstract
A forward-facing child seat includes a base, a seat removably
attachable to the base in a forward-facing orientation relative to
a front of the vehicle, and at least one lock-off mechanism mounted
to the base to secure a vehicle seat belt to the base. The lock-off
mechanism may be one of a variety. For example, the lock-off
mechanism may include a lower jaw mounted to the base, and an upper
jaw movable relative to the lower jaw between an open position and
a closed position.
Inventors: |
Carpenter, Jason A.;
(Reinholds, PA) ; Lamos, Damaso; (Reading, PA)
; Weber, Craig S.; (Philadelphia, PA) ; Langmaid,
Michael N.; (West Chester, PA) ; Brunick, Daniel
J.; (Birdsboro, PA) ; Billman, Craig M.;
(Phoenixville, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER
SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Assignee: |
Graco Children's Products
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34658167 |
Appl. No.: |
10/999144 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60525846 |
Dec 1, 2003 |
|
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|
60525849 |
Dec 1, 2003 |
|
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60560964 |
Apr 12, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/256.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/2875 20130101;
B60N 2/2821 20130101; B60N 2/2863 20130101; B60N 2/286 20130101;
B60N 2/2845 20130101; B60N 2/2806 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/256.16 |
International
Class: |
A47C 001/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A forward-facing child seat, comprising: a base; a seat
removably attachable to the base in a forward-facing orientation
relative to a front of the vehicle; and at least one lock-off
mechanism mounted to the base to secure a vehicle seat belt to the
base.
2. The child seat according to claim 1, wherein the lock-off
mechanism comprises a lower jaw mounted to the base, and an upper
jaw movable relative to the lower jaw between an open position and
a closed position.
3. The child seat according to claim 2, wherein the upper jaw
slides relative to the lower jaw.
4. The child seat according to claim 2, wherein the upper jaw is
pivotably attached to the lower jaw.
5. The child seat according to claim 2, wherein the upper jaw and
the lower jaw create a belt path therebetween when the upper jaw is
in the closed position.
6. The child seat according to claim 5, wherein the lower jaw
includes a contact surface and at least two ridges formed on the
contact surface and at least partially traversing the belt path to
deflect the vehicle seat belt in the belt path.
7. The child seat according to claim 6, wherein the ridges are
formed perpendicular to the belt path.
8. The child seat according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a
back, and the lock-off mechanism is mounted to the back.
9. The child seat according to claim 8, wherein the back includes a
front surface, and the lock-off mechanism is mounted to the front
surface of the back.
10. The child seat according to claim 9, wherein the at least one
lock-off mechanism comprises a pair of lock-off mechanisms mounted
to opposite sides of the front surface of the back.
11. The child seat according to claim 1, wherein the seat includes
a seat back and the base includes a back portion, and the seat back
is pivotally and detachably coupled to the back portion.
12. The child seat according to claim 11, wherein the back portion
includes a cross bar, and the seat back includes a latch mechanism
to detachably couple to the cross bar.
13. The child seat according to claim 12, wherein the latch
mechanism includes a first latch member fixed to the seat back and
a second latch member movably coupled to the seat back to move upon
contact with the cross bar of the back portion, and wherein the
first and second latch members are configured to latch around the
cross member.
14. The child seat according to claim 13, wherein the first latch
member comprises a hook, and the second latch member comprises a
pivotal jaw to pivot between an open position and a closed position
relative to the hook.
15. The child seat according to claim 12, wherein the seat back
includes a release mechanism to release the latch mechanism from
the cross bar.
16. The child seat according to claim 15, wherein the latch
mechanism includes a first latch member fixed to the seat back and
a second latch member movably coupled to the seat back to move upon
contact with the cross bar of the back portion, and wherein the
first and second latch members are configured to latch around the
cross bar.
17. The child seat according to claim 16, wherein the release
mechanism includes a latch actuator movably coupled to the seat
back, and wherein the second latch member is coupled to the latch
actuator such that movement of the latch actuator causes movement
of the second latch member from a closed position to an open
position relative to the first latch member.
18. A method of installing a child seat in a vehicle having a
combination shoulder and lap belt, comprising: providing the child
seat with a base and a seat removably attachable to the base in a
forward-facing orientation relative to a front of the vehicle;
positioning the base on a vehicle seat; placing the combination
shoulder lap and belt across the base and securing the combination
shoulder and lap belt to a vehicle belt socket; locking a shoulder
belt portion of the combination shoulder and lap belt to the base
in a lock-off mechanism mounted to the base; and attaching the seat
to the base in the forward-facing orientation.
19. A lock-off mechanism for a child seat, comprising: a lower jaw
to couple to the child seat; an upper jaw movably connected to the
lower jaw and movable between an open position and a closed
position; an actuator connected to one of the lower jaw and the
upper jaw; and an actuator receptacle located on the other of the
lower jaw and the upper jaw, wherein, movement of the upper jaw
from the open position to the closed position causes engagement of
the actuator and the actuator receptacle to lock the upper jaw
relative to the lower jaw.
20. The lock-off mechanism according to claim 19, wherein the
actuator is slidably connected to the upper jaw.
21. The lock-off mechanism according to claim 20, wherein the
actuator includes an actuator body and at least one actuator handle
to move the actuator body relative to the upper jaw.
22. The lock-off mechanism according to claim 21, wherein the
actuator body includes an extended portion, and the actuator
receptacle includes a lip, and wherein the extended portion is
configured to slide under and engage the lip.
23. A lock-off mechanism for a child seat, comprising: a lower jaw
to couple to the child seat; and an upper jaw movably connected to
the lower jaw and movable between an open position and a closed
position; wherein, movement of the upper jaw from the open position
to the closed position automatically causes the upper jaw to lock
relative to the lower jaw.
24. A child seat to secure to a vehicle seat, comprising: a
lock-off mechanism coupled to the child seat, the lock-off
mechanism including, a lower jaw to couple to the child seat; and
an upper jaw movably connected to the lower jaw and movable between
an open position and a closed position; wherein, movement of the
upper jaw from the open position to the closed position
automatically causes the upper jaw to lock relative to the lower
jaw.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
application No. 60/525,846, filed on Dec. 1, 2003, U.S. provisional
application No. 60/525,849, filed on Dec. 1, 2003, and U.S.
provisional application No. 60/560,964, filed on Apr. 12, 2004, all
of which are incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a lock-off mechanism for a child
seat. More specifically, this invention relates to a lock-off
mechanism for a forward-facing child seat to secure a vehicle seat
belt to the child seat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Child caregivers currently have a variety of methods to
install child seats in vehicles. For example, toddler child seats
often require the vehicle seat belt to be routed through a narrow
opening behind the child seat. Also, in order to install the child
seat properly, the installer (child caregiver) must put weight into
the child seat while tightening the vehicle seat belt. In addition,
more and more commonly, automobile manufacturers provide
combination shoulder and lap belts in rear seats, which may be
equipped with emergency locking retractors and sliding latch
plates. These combination shoulder and lap belts require the
application of additionally supplied pre-crash positioners (often
referred to as locking clips) for installation of child seats.
Finally, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) restraints
are mandatory on cars manufactured after September 2002. These
anchors and tethers provide a standardized, common method of
installing child seats and eliminate the above-described problems
with conventional mechanisms to install child seats in vehicles.
However, they will not be present in the majority of the existing
vehicle fleet for many years. Therefore, there is a need for a
simplified mechanism to install a forward-facing child seat in a
vehicle.
[0004] Reclinable toddler child seats present an additional
challenge. Most reclinable toddler child seats sold on the US
market cannot be reclined without loosening or removing the vehicle
seat belts or LATCH restraint. Thus, there is a need for a
forward-facing child seat that can be reclined while the child seat
remains secured to the vehicle seat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An aspect of the present invention relates to a
forward-facing child seat. The child seat comprises: a base; a seat
removably attachable to the base in a forward-facing orientation
relative to a front of the vehicle; and at least one lock-off
mechanism mounted to the base to secure a vehicle seat belt to the
base.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
of installing a child seat in a vehicle having a combination
shoulder and lap belt. The method comprises: providing the child
seat with a base and a seat removably attachable to the base in a
forward-facing orientation relative to a front of the vehicle;
positioning the base on a vehicle seat; placing the combination
shoulder lap and belt across the base and securing the combination
shoulder and lap belt to a vehicle belt socket; locking a shoulder
belt portion of the combination shoulder and lap belt to the base
in a lock-off mechanism mounted to the base; and attaching the seat
to the base in the forward-facing orientation.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a
lock-off mechanism for a child seat. The lock-off mechanism
comprises: a lower jaw to couple to the child seat; an upper jaw
movably connected to the lower jaw and movable between an open
position and a closed position; an actuator connected to one of the
lower jaw and the upper jaw; and an actuator receptacle located on
the other of the lower jaw and the upper jaw, wherein, movement of
the upper jaw from the open position to the closed position causes
engagement of the actuator and the actuator receptacle to lock the
upper jaw relative to the lower jaw.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a
lock-off mechanism for a child seat. The lock-off mechanism
comprises: a lower jaw to couple to the child seat; and an upper
jaw movably connected to the lower jaw and movable between an open
position and a closed position; wherein, movement of the upper jaw
from the open position to the closed position automatically causes
the upper jaw to lock relative to the lower jaw.
[0009] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a child
seat to secure to a vehicle seat. The child seat comprises: a
lock-off mechanism coupled to the child seat, the lock-off
mechanism including, a lower jaw to couple to the child seat; and
an upper jaw movably connected to the lower jaw and movable between
an open position and a closed position; wherein, movement of the
upper jaw from the open position to the closed position
automatically causes the upper jaw to lock relative to the lower
jaw.
[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several
embodiments of the invention and, together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat assembly according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the seat assembly
of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a base of the seat assembly
on a vehicle seat according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base on a vehicle seat
with a seat belt attached to a lock-off mechanism on the base
according to an exemplary embodiment
[0016] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a lock-off mechanism in an
open position according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the lock-off mechanism of
FIG. 5A in a closed position.
[0018] FIG. 5C is a perspective exploded view of the lock-off
mechanism of FIG. 5A.
[0019] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a lock-off mechanism in a
closed position according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 6B is a perspective exploded view of the lock-off
mechanism of FIG. 6A.
[0021] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the lock-off mechanism of
FIG. 6A in an open position.
[0022] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a lock-off mechanism in a
closed position according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 7B is a perspective exploded view of the lock-off
mechanism of FIG. 7A.
[0024] FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the lock-off mechanism of
FIG. 7A in an open position.
[0025] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a lock-off mechanism in a
closed position on a base of an infant car seat according to
another exemplary embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 8B is a cutaway view of the lock-off mechanism on the
seat base of FIG. 8A.
[0027] FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the lock-off mechanism only
of FIG. 8A in a closed position.
[0028] FIG. 8D is a perspective view of the lock-off mechanism of
FIG. 8C in an open position.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective exploded view of a seat and a base
with a latch mechanism according to another exemplary
embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat with the latch
mechanism of FIG. 9 illustrating the left side only of the latch
mechanism.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective exploded view of a latch and
release mechanism relative to the back of the seat according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the latch and release
mechanism on a seat back of a seat of the seat assembly of FIG.
11.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a seat assembly with a seat
in a first recline position according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the seat assembly of FIG.
13 with the seat in another recline position.
[0035] FIG. 15 is a perspective exploded view of a seat assembly
with a recline mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a base of the seat assembly
of FIG. 15.
[0037] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a seat with a recline
positioner of the seat assembly of FIG. 15.
[0038] FIG. 18 is a perspective exploded view of a recline
positioner, recline actuator, and recline lock of the seat assembly
of FIG. 15.
[0039] FIG. 19A is a perspective exploded view of the recline
positioner and recline actuator of the seat assembly of FIG.
15.
[0040] FIG. 19B is a top view of the recline positioner of the seat
assembly of FIG. 15.
[0041] FIG. 20 is a perspective exploded view of the recline
positioner, recline actuator, and recline adjustment handle of the
seat assembly of FIG. 15.
[0042] FIG. 21 is a side view of the recline positioner, recline
actuator, and recline adjustment handle of the seat assembly of
FIG. 15, with the recline adjustment handle in the unactuated
position.
[0043] FIG. 22 is a side view of the recline positioner, recline
actuator, and recline adjustment handle of the seat assembly of
FIG. 15, with the recline adjustment handle in the actuated
position.
[0044] FIG. 23 is a perspective exploded view of a seat assembly
with a recline mechanism according to another exemplary
embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 24 is a perspective exploded view of a recline
positioner, recline actuator, and recline lock of the seat assembly
of FIG. 23.
[0046] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a seat with a recline
positioner of the seat assembly of FIG. 23.
[0047] FIG. 26 is a perspective exploded view of a recline
positioner, recline actuator, and recline lock of the seat assembly
of FIG. 23.
[0048] FIG. 27 is a perspective exploded view of the recline lock
and base of the seat assembly of FIG. 23.
[0049] FIG. 28 is a perspective exploded view of the recline
positioner, recline actuator, recline lock, and recline adjustment
handle of the seat assembly of FIG. 23.
[0050] FIG. 29 is a side view of the recline positioner, recline
actuator, and recline adjustment handle of the seat assembly of
FIG. 23, with the recline adjustment handle in the unactuated
position.
[0051] FIG. 30 is a side view of the recline positioner, recline
actuator, and recline adjustment handle of the seat assembly of
FIG. 23, with the recline adjustment handle in the actuated
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. An effort has been made to use the same
reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same or
like parts.
[0053] A child seat for a toddler and/or young child in accordance
with one aspect of the invention includes a separable seat and base
to be installed in the forward facing position only. The separable
base simplifies installation because it may be placed in the
desired vehicle seat location and the vehicle seat belt wrapped
around the base and buckled in a manner similar to a seated
passenger. Providing for only forward facing installation
simplifies installation because many toddler seats provide forward
and rear facing belt paths, which can be confusing to the installer
(child caregiver). The top surface of the separable base may be
contoured in such a way that the installer (child caregiver) may
apply their weight comfortably using their hand, elbow or knee so
that a more secure installation may be obtained.
[0054] The separable base may be provided with one or more vehicle
belt lockoff mechanisms positioned substantially in the path of the
vehicle belt shoulder portion. These vehicle belt lockoff
mechanisms will allow the vehicle belt shoulder portion to be
locked to the base once it has been pulled tight and eliminates the
need for additionally supplied pre-crash positioners (locking
clips).
[0055] The separable seat and base may be provided with a latch
mechanism for securely latching the seat to the securely installed
base. The seat or base may also be provided with a seat release
mechanism to easily release the seat from the base for
re-installation. The seat or base may be provided with a recline
mechanism for reclining the child seat without requiring vehicle
belt, tether or LATCH belt loosening or reinstallation.
[0056] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a child seat assembly 10 that
includes one or more lock-off mechanisms 20 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the invention. The seat assembly 10
includes a base 30 and a seat 40 that may be movably and detachably
coupled to the base 30 in a forward-facing orientation relative to
a front of a vehicle. The seat 40 includes a seat back 70 and a
seat bottom 72. The base 30 includes a bottom portion 33 and a back
portion 35. The lockoff mechanisms 20 may be mounted to the base 30
and act to secure a vehicle seat belt 32 of the vehicle to the base
30. The lockoff mechanisms 20 may be mounted to a front surface 37
of the back portion 35, for example, and the lock-off mechanisms 20
may be a pair of lock-off mechanisms 20 mounted to opposite sides
of the front surface 37 of the back portion 35. Mounting the
lock-off mechanisms 20 on opposite sides allows for the base 30 to
be secured either the left or right vehicle seat.
[0057] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate the base 30 of the seat assembly 10
during steps in a method of installing the seat assembly 10 in a
vehicle with a vehicle seat 38 having a seat belt 32. The method of
installing is described for the situation where the seat belt 32 is
a combination shoulder and lap belt and comprises a shoulder belt
portion 34, lap belt portion 36, and a vehicle belt buckle 31.
Initially, the base 30 is positioned on the vehicle seat 38. The
shoulder belt portion 34 and the lap belt portion 36 are then
placed across the base 30 and the buckle 31 is secured to a vehicle
belt socket. The seat belt 32 may be tightened as desired by
pressing the base 30 down into the vehicle seat 38, and pulling the
shoulder belt portion 34 tight in the direction of the arrow A. The
shoulder belt portion 34 is locked to the base 30 in one of the
lock-off mechanisms 20 mounted to the base 30. The seat 40 is
attached to the base 30 in a forward-facing orientation (towards
the front of the vehicle), as discussed further below.
[0058] Because the seat belt is not secured to the seat 40 itself,
the seat can be reclinably adjusted, or removed to clean a wash
cover of the seat, for example, without altering the seat belt.
[0059] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the lock-off mechanism 20 as part of a
base 30 of a seat assembly 10 having a separate base 30 and seat
40. Alternatively, the lock-off mechanism 20 may be part of a seat
assembly without a separate base.
[0060] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate one embodiment of the lock-off
mechanism 20. The lock-off mechanism in this embodiment includes a
lower jaw 510, upper jaw 520, and an actuator 530. The lower jaw
510 may be coupled to a child seat (such as being attached to the
base 30 shown in FIG. 1, for example). The lower jaw 510 may be
molded as part of the base 30, for example, or may be attached with
fasteners. The upper jaw 520 is movably connected to the lower jaw
510 and movable between an open position (see FIG. 5A) and a closed
position (see FIG. 5B), by means of, for example, a hinge 535 that
allows the upper jaw 520 to move relative to the lower jaw 510 via
rotation about an axis of the hinge 535. When the upper jaw 520 and
the lower jaw 510 are in the closed position, the upper jaw 520 and
the lower jaw 510 create a belt path therebetween to receive a
vehicle seat belt.
[0061] Both the upper jaw 520 and the lower jaw 510 may include a
gripping geometry to enhance the grip of the lock-off mechanism 20
on a seat belt (not shown in FIGS. 5A-5C) when the lock-off
mechanism 20 is in a closed position with the seat belt between the
upper jaw 520 and the lower jaw 510. For example, the lower jaw 510
may have a contact surface 515 which is roughened or ridged, and
the upper jaw 520 may also have a contact surface 525 which is
roughened or ridged. When the lock-off mechanism 20 is closed with
a seat belt between the upper jaw 520 and the lower jaw 510, the
contact surfaces 515 and 525 contact the seat belt to enhance the
grip on the seat belt.
[0062] The contact surface 515 of the lower jaw 510 may include at
least two ridges 517 formed on the contact surface 515 and at least
partially traversing the belt path to deflect the vehicle seat belt
in the belt path. The ridges 517 may be perpendicular to the belt
path, or angled relative to the belt path.
[0063] The actuator 530 of the lock-off mechanism 20 acts to lock
or unlock the lock-off mechanism 20 in the closed position. The
actuator 530 is slidably connected to the upper jaw 510. In this
regard, the upper jaw 520 may include a slot 518 to engage the
actuator 530 so that the actuator 530 may slide relative to the
upper jaw 520.
[0064] When the upper jaw 520 is moved relative to the lower jaw
510 so that the lock-off mechanism 20 is in a closed position, the
actuator 530 acts to lock the lock-off mechanism 20. In this
regard, the actuator 530 includes a tongue 519 that engages and
interlocks with an actuator receptacle 550 on the lower jaw 510.
When the upper jaw 520 is moved relative to the lower jaw 510
towards the closed position, the tongue 519, which has a cam shape,
slides over ramps 552 of the actuator receptacle 550 and engages
within a recess 554 of actuator receptacle 550.
[0065] Thus, the lock-off mechanism 20 in this embodiment allows
for a one-step automatic closure of the lock-off mechanism 20
simply by closing the upper jaw 520 relative to the lower jaw
510.
[0066] When the lock-off mechanism 20 is in the closed and locked
position, the actuator 530 may be slid relative to the upper jaw
520 in the direction of the arrow so that the tongue 519 slides out
of the recess 554 and over the ramps 552, and thus becomes
disengaged from the actuator receptacle 550, thus unlocking the
lock-off mechanism 20. When the lock-off mechanism 20 is unlocked,
the upper jaw 520 may be moved relative to the lower jaw 510 to an
open position.
[0067] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate the actuator 530 connected to the
upper jaw 520, and the actuator receptacle 550 on the lower jaw
510. Alternatively, the actuator 530 may be connected to the lower
jaw 510, and the actuator receptacle 550 may be on the upper jaw
520.
[0068] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate another embodiment of the lock-off
mechanism 20. The lock-off mechanism in this embodiment includes a
lower jaw 610, an upper jaw 620, and an actuator 630. The lower jaw
610 may be coupled to a child seat (such as being attached to the
base 30 shown in FIG. 1, for example). The upper jaw 620 is movably
connected to the lower jaw 610 and movable between an open position
(see FIG. 6C) and a closed position (see FIG. 6B), by means of, for
example, a hinge 635 that allows the upper jaw 620 to move relative
to the lower jaw 610 via rotation about an axis of the hinge
635.
[0069] Both the upper jaw 620 and the lower jaw 610 may include a
gripping geometry to enhance the grip of the lock-off mechanism 20
on a seat belt (not shown in FIGS. 6A-6C) when the lock-off
mechanism 20 is in a closed position with the seat belt between the
upper jaw 620 and the lower jaw 610. For example, the lower jaw 610
may have a contact surface 615 which is roughened or ridged, and
the upper jaw 620 may also have a contact surface 625 which is
roughened or ridged. When the lock-off mechanism 20 is closed with
a seat belt between the upper jaw 620 and the lower jaw 610, the
contact surfaces 615 and 625 contact the seat belt to enhance the
grip on the seat belt.
[0070] The actuator 630 of the lock-off mechanism 20 acts to lock
or unlock the lock-off mechanism 20 in the closed position. The
actuator 630 is pivotably connected to an end of the lower jaw 610
opposite to the end of the lower jaw 610 that connects to the upper
jaw 620.
[0071] When upper jaw 620 is moved relative to the lower jaw 610 so
that the lock-off mechanism 20 is in a closed position, the
actuator 630 may be actuated to lock the lock-off mechanism 20. In
this regard, the actuator 630 includes a bail 619 that may be
rotated (clockwise in FIG. 6A) about a hinge 618 so that the bail
619 engages an extension portion 613 on the upper jaw 620. The
extension portion 613 has a self tightening cam shape so that that
as the bail 619 is rotated to engage the extension portion 613, the
lock-off mechanism may be locked tight.
[0072] When the lock-off mechanism 20 is in the closed and locked
position, the bail 619 may be rotated (counterclockwise in FIG. 6A)
to disengage the extension portion 613, thus unlocking the lock-off
mechanism 20. When the lock-off mechanism 20 is unlocked, the upper
jaw 620 may be moved relative to the lower jaw 610 to an open
position.
[0073] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate the actuator 630 connected to the
lower jaw 610, and the extension portion 613 on the upper jaw 620.
Alternatively, the actuator 630 may be connected to the upper jaw
620, and the extension portion 613 may be on the lower jaw 610.
[0074] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate yet another embodiment of the
lock-off mechanism 20. The lock-off mechanism in this embodiment
includes a lower jaw 710, an upper jaw 720, and an actuator 730.
The lower jaw 710 may be coupled to a child seat (such as being
attached to the base 30 shown in FIG. 1, for example). The upper
jaw 720 is movably connected to the lower jaw 710 and movable
between an open position (see FIG. 7C) and a closed position (see
FIG. 7A), by means of, for example, a hinge 735 that allows the
upper jaw 720 to move relative to the lower jaw 710 via rotation
about an axis of the hinge 735.
[0075] Both the upper jaw 720 and the lower jaw 710 may include a
gripping geometry to enhance the grip of the lock-off mechanism 20
on a seat belt (not shown in FIGS. 7A-7C) when the lock-off
mechanism 20 is in a closed position with the seat belt between the
upper jaw 720 and the lower jaw 710. For example, the lower jaw 710
may have a contact surface 715 which is roughened or ridged, and
the upper jaw 720 may also have a contact surface 725 which is
roughened or ridged. When the lock-off mechanism 20 is closed with
a seat belt between the upper jaw 720 and the lower jaw 710, the
contact surfaces 715 and 725 contact the seat belt to enhance the
grip on the seat belt.
[0076] The actuator 730 of the lock-off mechanism 20 acts to lock
or unlock the lock-off mechanism 20 in the closed position. The
actuator 730 is slidably connected to the upper jaw 710. The upper
jaw 720 includes an inner cavity 717 to receive the actuator 730 so
that the actuator 730 may be slid relative to the upper jaw 720
within the inner cavity 717.
[0077] When the upper jaw 720 is moved relative to the lower jaw
710 to the closed position, the actuator 730 acts to lock the
lock-off mechanism 20. In this embodiment, when the upper jaw 720
is moved relative to the lower jaw 710 to move to the closed
position, the lock-off mechanism 20 is automatically locked. The
movement of the upper jaw 720 from the open position to the closed
position automatically causes the upper jaw 720 to lock relative to
the lower jaw 710.
[0078] The actuator 730 includes an actuator body 732 and grips
734. The actuator body 732 has an extended portion 736 that engages
and interlocks with an actuator receptacle 750 on the lower jaw 710
automatically when the upper jaw 720 and lower jaw 710 are pressed
closed together into the closed position. The actuator receptacle
750 comprises a ramp 752. When the upper jaw 720 and lower jaw 710
are pressed closed together to be in the closed position, a cam
surface of the extended portion 736 slides over the ramp 752, and
then the extended portion 736, slides into a socket under the ramp
to prevent the lock-off mechanism 20 from opening. In this regard
the actuator body 732 is biased outwards towards the socket.
[0079] When the lock-off mechanism 20 is in the closed and locked
position, the actuator 730 may be slid relative to the upper jaw
720 by engaging the grips 734 and sliding the actuator 730 away
from the actuator receptacle 750, thus moving the extended portion
736 out of the socket under the ramp 752. When the lock-off
mechanism 20 is unlocked, the upper jaw 720 may be moved relative
to the lower jaw 710 to an open position.
[0080] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate the actuator 730 connected to the
upper jaw 720, and the actuator receptacle 750 on the lower jaw
710. Alternatively, the actuator 730 may be connected to the lower
jaw 710, and the actuator receptacle 750 may be on the upper jaw
720.
[0081] FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate another embodiment of the lock-off
mechanism 20. The lock-off mechanism in this embodiment includes a
lower jaw 810, an upper jaw 820, and a latch 830. The lower jaw 810
may be coupled to a child seat (such as being attached to the base
30 shown in FIG. 1, for example). Alternatively, the lock-off
mechanism 20 (of this embodiment or the embodiments discussed
above) may be attached to a base of an infant child seat along the
belt path of the base, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The upper jaw
820 is movably connected to the lower jaw 810 and movable between
an open position (see FIG. 8D) and a closed position (see FIG. 8C),
by means of, for example, a hinge 835 that allows the upper jaw 820
to move relative to the lower jaw 810 via rotation about an axis of
the hinge 835.
[0082] Both the upper jaw 820 and the lower jaw 810 may include a
gripping geometry to enhance the grip of the lock-off mechanism 20
on a seat belt 32 when the lock-off mechanism 20 is in a closed
position with the seat belt 32 between the upper jaw 820 and the
lower jaw 810. For example, the lower jaw 810 may have a slot 815,
and the upper jaw 820 may have a ridge 825 configured to fit within
the slot 815. When the lock-off mechanism 20 is closed with a seat
belt between the upper jaw 820 and the lower jaw 810, the ridge 825
presses the seat belt into the slot 815 to enhance the grip on the
seat belt, such as shown in FIG. 8B.
[0083] The latch 830 of the lock-off mechanism 20 acts to lock or
unlock the lock-off mechanism 20 in the closed position. The latch
830 is pivotably connected to an end of the lower jaw 810 opposite
to the end of the lower jaw 810 that connects to the upper jaw
820.
[0084] When upper jaw 820 is moved relative to the lower jaw 810 so
that the lock-off mechanism 20 is in a closed position, the latch
830 may be moved relative to the lower jaw 810 to lock the lock-off
mechanism 20. In this regard, the latch 830 includes a recess 832
that engages a protrusion 822 on the upper jaw 820. In locking the
lock-off mechanism 20, the seat belt 32 is pulled tight, and moving
the latch 830 so that the recess 832 engages the protrusion 822
provides leverage in holding the belt 32.
[0085] When the lock-off mechanism 20 is in the closed and locked
position, the latch 830 may be lifted to disengage the recess 832
from the protrusion 822, thus unlocking the lock-off mechanism 20.
When the lock-off mechanism 20 is unlocked, the upper jaw 820 may
be moved relative to the lower jaw 810 to an open position.
[0086] FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate the latch 830 connected to the lower
jaw 810, and the protrusion 822 on the upper jaw 820.
Alternatively, the latch 830 may be connected to the upper jaw 820,
and the protrusion 822 on the lower jaw 810.
[0087] The above described lock-off mechanism 20, while described
above for use with a forward facing child seat, may alternatively
be used with a rearward facing infant seat, where the lock-off
mechanism acts to secure a base of an infant seat assembly
including the base to an infant seat removably attachable to the
base.
[0088] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a latch mechanism and release
mechanism for respectively latching and releasing the seat 40 to
and from the base 30. The latch mechanism 1020 detachably couples
to a cross bar 65 on the back portion 35 of the base 30 (FIG. 10
shows only one latch mechanism 1020 and part of the cross bar 65
for ease of illustration). The latch mechanism 1020 includes a
first latch member 1010 fixed to a seat back 70 of the seat 40 and
a second latch member 1015 movably coupled to the seat back 70. The
second latch member 1015 moves upon contact with the cross bar 65
as the seat 40 is being attached to the base 30. The first and
second latch members 1010 and 1015 are configured to latch around
the cross bar 65 to secure the seat 40 to the base 30. When the
seat 40 is secured to the base 30, the seat back 70 is pivotally
and detachably coupled to the back portion 35.
[0089] The first latch member 1010 may comprise a hook, and the
second latch member 1015 may comprise a pivotable jaw pivotably
attached to the seat back 70 at a pivot point 1017, for example.
When the seat 40 is attached to the base 30, the first latch member
1010 is guided in towards the cross bar 65 by the shape of the base
30. As the seat 40 is guided into the base 30, the second latch
member 1015 strikes the cross bar 65, and pivots about its pivot
point 1017 to an unbiased position allowing the cross bar 65 to fit
between the first latch member 1010 and the second latch member
1015. The second latch member 1015 then springs back into a biased
position, thereby securing the cross bar 65 between the first latch
member 1010 and the second latch member 1015.
[0090] The seat back 70 includes a release mechanism 1030 that
releases the latch mechanism 1020 so that the seat 40 may be
separated from the base 30. The release mechanism 1030 includes a
latch actuator 1040 movably coupled to the seat back 70. The second
latch member 1015 is coupled to the latch actuator 1040 such that
movement of the latch actuator 1040 causes movement of the second
latch member 1015 from a closed position to an open position
relative to the first latch member 1010. In the closed position the
cross bar 65 may be secured. In the open position the cross bar 65
may be removed from the first and second latch members 1010 and
1015. The release mechanism 1030 allows the seat 40 to be easily
released from the base 30 for re-installation.
[0091] The latch actuator 1040 may include a handle portion 1042
and arm portions 1044, where the arm portions 1044 are coupled to
the second latch member 1015. When the first and second latch
member 1010 and 1015 are in the closed position, the handle portion
1042 may be raised so that pin on the arm portions 1044 rides in a
slot 1016 of the second latch member 1015 to cause the second latch
member 1015 to rotate into the open position. The cross bar 65 may
then be removed from the first and second latch members 1010 and
1015.
[0092] As mentioned above, the seat 40 can be adjusted to different
recline positions relative to the base 30. FIGS. 13-14 respectively
illustrate two of the recline positions of the seat 40 relative to
the base 30. In general the number of recline positions may be two
or more. The different recline positions allow the seat assembly to
be used for different situations as desired. For example, an
upright recline position may be desired for an older child, while a
more reclined position may be desired for a younger child.
[0093] To facilitate adjustment between recline positions, the seat
40 can pivot relative to the base 30 about the cross bar 65 mounted
to the back portion 35 of the base 30. In addition, the seat 40 and
the base 30 each include components of a recline mechanism, as
described and illustrated fully in FIGS. 15-22 and 23-30. The
recline mechanism allows for reclining the seat 40 without
requiring a vehicle belt, tether or LATCH belt
loosening/reinstallation.
[0094] Briefly, as best shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 20, the recline
mechanism includes a recline positioner 1110, 1210, a recline
actuator 1130, 1230, a recline lock 1140, 1240, and a recline
adjustment handle 1150, 1250. The recline positioner 1110, 1210 is
permanently mounted to an underside of a seat bottom 72 of the seat
40. The recline positioner 1110, 1210 includes a number of slots
1112, 1212, such as three slots, for example, corresponding to
respectively different recline positions. The recline actuator
1130, 1230 is located between the recline positioner 1110, 1210 and
the seat bottom 72. The recline actuator 1130, 1230, may be moved
relative to the recline positioner 1110, 1210 to be engaged within
slots 1112, 1212 in the recline positioner 1110, 1210.
[0095] The recline lock 1140, 1240 is movably mounted to the base
30 of the child seat assembly 10. The recline lock 1140, 1240 can
travel into and out of a slot 1111, 1211 in the base 30 for
engagement with a selected slot 1112, 1212 in the recline
positioner 1110, 1210 to lock the seat 40 in place at a selected
recline position. The recline lock 1140, 1240 is disengaged from
the recline positioner 1110, 1210 upon actuation of the recline
adjustment handle 1150, 1250, which is mounted to the seat 40. When
the handle 1150, 1250 is moved so to actuate the recline actuator
1130, 1230, the handle 1150, 1250 forces the recline actuator 1130,
1230 toward the recline positioner 1110, 1210 pushing the recline
lock 1140, 1240 clear of the slots 1112, 1212 in the recline
positioner 1110, 1210 so that the seat 40 can be adjusted to a
different recline position. The details of the recline mechanism
now will be described with reference to FIGS. 15-30.
[0096] FIGS. 15-22 illustrate one embodiment of the recline
mechanism. The recline positioner 1110 is mounted to the seat 40 at
an underside of the seat bottom 72. The recline positioner 1110 is
configured to slide along a contoured upper surface 37 of the
bottom portion 33 of the base 30 so that the seat 40 may be
adjusted in its recline position. As can be seen in FIG. 20, the
front face 1118 of the recline positioner 1110 is contoured the
same as the upper surface 37 of the bottom portion 33. The upper
surface has a slot 1111 through which the recline lock 1140 can
protrude. The recline lock 1140 is biased by one or more springs
1142 towards an engaging position at which the recline lock 1140
engages one of the slots 1112 of the recline positioner 1110. Thus
when the recline lock 1140 is aligned with the desired slot 1112 of
the recline positioner 1110, the spring(s) 1142 biases the recline
lock 1140 into the desired slot 1112 so as to engage and lock the
seat 40 relative to the base 30.
[0097] In this embodiment each of the slots 1112 has a stop portion
1113 in the center of the slot 1112 so that the recline lock 1140
is stopped from further penetration into the slot 1112 upon
engaging with the stop portion 1113.
[0098] A pair of recline actuators 1130 are positioned between the
underside of the seat bottom 72 and the recline positioner 1110.
The recline actuators 1130 are biased to a disengaged position by
springs 1114 arranged between a back wall P of the recline
postioner 1110 and the recline actuator 1130 (see FIGS. 18-19B).
The recline actuators slide in and are guided in channels defined
by ribs 1116 on the recline positioner 1110 between an engaged and
disengaged position. The springs 1114 act to bias the recline
actuators 1130 away from the back wall P so that, until the
actuators are actuated, the actuators 1130 do not prevent the
recline lock 1140 from extending in its engaged position (biased
position) within one of the slots 1112.
[0099] The recline actuators 1130 may be moved between an engaged
position with ridges 1132 extending into slots 1112 (see FIGS. 19B
and 22), and a disengaged position (see FIG. 21). The recline
actuators 1130 have a number of ridges 1132 sized to fit within the
slots 1112 of the recline positioner 1110. When the recline
actuators 1130 are actuated and move in the direction shown by the
arrow in FIG. 21, the actuators 1130 move counter to the biasing
from the springs 1114, and the ridges 1132 move into respective of
the slots 1112 as shown in FIG. 22. When the ridges 1132 move into
the slots, one of the ridges necessarily moves into the slot where
the recline lock 1140 is positioned and engages the recline lock
1140, forcing the recline lock 1140 from the slot to a disengaged
position. The seat 30 may then be moved to a different recline
position and the lock 1140 slid along the contoured surface 1118
until the lock 1140 engages another slot 1112.
[0100] The recline actuators 1130 are movable relative to the seat
bottom 72 into engagement with slots 1112 of the recline positioner
1110 upon actuation by the recline adjustment handle 1150 to cause
the recline lock 1140 to move from the engaged position to the
disengaged position. The actuators 1130 are actuated by means of
the recline adjustment handle 1150. The recline adjustment handle
1150 is pivotably mounted to the recline positioner 1110, such as
by pivot bosses 1152 engaging pivot holes 1117 on the recline
positioner 1110. The handle 1150 extends through the seat 40 to the
front surface of the seat bottom 72 and includes a grip 1154 for a
user to grasp to pivot the handle 1150. When the handle 1150 is
pivoted in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 22, a handle
engagement surface 1154 of the handle 1150 engages with the
actuator engagement surfaces 1136 of the recline actuator 1130 and
forces the recline actuators 1130 towards the back wall P of the
recline positioner 1110 in a direction opposite to the biasing by
the springs 1114. The ridges 1132 then move into respective slots
1112 and disengage the recline lock 1140 as discussed above.
[0101] FIGS. 23-30 illustrate another embodiment of the recline
mechanism. The recline mechanism in this embodiment has a number of
features similar to those of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
15-22. For example, in this embodiment the recline positioner 1210
is mounted to the seat 40 at an underside of the seat bottom 72 as
shown in FIG. 25, and is configured to slide along a contoured
upper surface 37 of the bottom portion 33 of the base 30 so that
the seat 40 may be adjusted in its recline position. The upper
surface 35 has a slot 1211 through which the recline lock 1240
protrudes. As shown in FIG. 27, the recline lock 1240 is assembled
from a back side of the base 30 and slides within slot 1211. The
recline lock 1240 is biased by one or more springs 1242 towards the
engaging position of the recline lock 1240 where the recline lock
1240 engages with a slot 1212. Thus, when the recline lock 1240 is
aligned with the desired slot 1212 of the recline positioner 1210,
the springs 1242 bias the recline lock 1240 into the desired slot
1212 so as to engage the desired slot and lock the seat 40 relative
to the base 30.
[0102] In this embodiment the recline actuator 1230 is positioned
between the underside of the seat bottom 72 and the recline
positioner 1210. In this embodiment, however, the recline actuator
1230 is biased away from the recline positioner 1210 toward the
underside of the seat back 33 by springs 1214 arranged around posts
1216 on the recline positioner 1210. The springs 1214 engage
respective recesses 1238 of the recline actuator 1230 to bias the
recline actuator 1230 in a direction away from the recline
positioner 1210. The recline actuator 1230 is movable relative to
the recline positioner 1210 in a direction normal to the slots 1212
of the recline positioner 1210. The springs 1214 act to bias the
recline actuators 1230 away from the slots 1212 in a direction
normal to the slots 1212, so that until the actuator 1230 is
actuated, the actuator 1230 does not prevent the recline lock 1240
from extending in its engaged (biased) position with one of the
slots 1212. In contrast to the slots 1112 in the embodiment of
FIGS. 15-22, in this embodiment the slots 1212 each have two stop
portions 1213 on opposite ends of the slot 1212 so that the recline
lock 1140 is stopped from further penetration into the slot 1212
upon engaging with the stop portions 1213. By contrast, the slots
1112 in the embodiment of FIGS. 15-22 have a stop portion 1113 in
the center of the slot 1112 (see FIG. 19B).
[0103] As seen in FIGS. 26 and 28, the recline actuator 1230 has a
number of ridges 1232 on a raised portion 1233. The raised portion
1233 fits between walls of the stop portions 1213 of the slots
1212. The ridges 1232 are sized to fit within the slots 1212 of the
recline positioner 1210. When the recline actuators 1230 are
actuated, the actuators 1230 move in a direction opposite to the
biasing from the springs 1214, and the ridges 1232 move into
respective slots 1212 as shown in FIG. 30. When the ridges 1232
move into the slots, the recline lock 1240 present in one of the
slots 1212 is engaged with one of the ridges 1232 forcing the
recline lock 1140 from the slot. The seat 30 may then be reclined
to a different recline position.
[0104] FIG. 29 illustrates a recline adjustment handle 1250 in an
unactuated position, while FIG. 31 illustrates the recline
adjustment handle 1250 in an actuated position. The recline
actuator 1230 is movable relative to the seat bottom 72 into
engagement with the recline positioner 1210 upon actuation by the
recline adjustment handle 1250 to cause the recline lock 1240 to
move from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The
actuators 1230 are actuated by means of the recline adjustment
handle 1250. The recline adjustment handle 1250 is mounted to the
seat bottom 72, and the grip 1254 of the handle 1250 is visible on
the front of the seat 40. When the handle 1250 is pulled forward by
a user, a handle engagement portion 1252 of the handle 1250 engages
with the actuator 1230 and forces the recline actuator 1230 towards
the recline positioner 1210 in a direction opposite to the biasing
by the springs 1242. The ridges 1232 then move into respective
slots 1212 and disengage the recline lock 1240 as discussed
above.
[0105] The preferred embodiments have been set forth herein for the
purpose of illustration. This description, however, should not be
deemed to be a limitation on the scope of the invention. Various
modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one
skilled in the art without departing from the claimed inventive
concept. The true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated
by the following claims.
* * * * *