U.S. patent application number 11/251396 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-20 for harness adjustment mechanism for a child vehicle seat.
Invention is credited to Mike Ayette, Guy Dingman, Tom Woellert.
Application Number | 20060082200 11/251396 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36203520 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060082200 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Woellert; Tom ; et
al. |
April 20, 2006 |
Harness adjustment mechanism for a child vehicle seat
Abstract
A child vehicle seat includes a seat assembly including an
upright portion having a first passage and a second passage defined
therein. The child vehicle seat further includes a harness system
including (i) a first shoulder belt portion extending through the
first belt passage, and (ii) a second shoulder belt portion
extending through the second belt passage. Also, the child vehicle
seat includes a retractor assembly configured to receive belt
portions of the harness system in a wound configuration, the
retractor assembly including a spring which urges belt portions of
the harness system into the retractor assembly. Moreover, the child
vehicle seat includes an actuator positionable between (i) a first
position in which the actuator prevents payout of belt portions
from the retractor assembly, and (ii) a second position in which
the actuator allows payout of belt portions from the retractor
assembly. The retractor assembly further includes a manual
adjustment mechanism, and manual movement of the manual adjustment
mechanism causes further belt portions of the harness system to be
advanced into the retractor assembly.
Inventors: |
Woellert; Tom;
(Indianapolis, IN) ; Dingman; Guy; (Westfield,
IN) ; Ayette; Mike; (Noblesville, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MAGINOT, MOORE & BECK, LLP;CHASE TOWER
111 MONUMENT CIRCLE
SUITE 3250
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
36203520 |
Appl. No.: |
11/251396 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60619182 |
Oct 15, 2004 |
|
|
|
60718458 |
Sep 19, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/250.1 ;
297/256.16; 297/484 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/2851 20130101;
B60N 2/2872 20130101; B60N 2/2812 20130101; B60N 2/2881 20130101;
B60N 2/2806 20130101; B60R 22/347 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/250.1 ;
297/256.16; 297/484 |
International
Class: |
A47D 1/10 20060101
A47D001/10 |
Claims
1. A child vehicle seat, comprising: a seat assembly including (i)
a seat portion having a first belt passage defined therein, and
(ii) an upright portion having a second passage defined therein; a
harness system including (i) a shoulder belt portion extending
through said first belt passage, and (ii) a crotch belt portion
extending through said second belt passage; a retractor assembly
configured to receive belt portions of said harness system in a
wound configuration, said retractor assembly including a spring
which urges belt portions of said harness system into said
retractor assembly; and an actuator positionable between (i) a
first position in which said actuator prevents payout of belt
portions from said retractor assembly, and (ii) a second position
in which said actuator allows payout of belt portions from said
retractor assembly, wherein said retractor assembly further
includes a manual adjustment mechanism, and wherein manual movement
of said manual adjustment mechanism causes further belt portions of
said harness system to be advanced into said retractor
assembly.
2. The child vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein: said retractor
assembly includes a spool on which belt portions of said harness
system are wound, and said spring is configured to urge said spool
in a rotating path of movement.
3. The child vehicle seat of claim 2, wherein: said manual
adjustment mechanism includes a handle coupled to said spool, and
rotation of said handle causes rotation of said spool.
4. The child vehicle seat of claim 3, wherein: ratchet teeth are
formed on said spool, and said actuator includes a pawl configured
to engage said ratchet teeth.
5. The child vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein manual movement of
said manual adjustment mechanism causes said shoulder belt portion
to move through said second belt passage defined in said upright
portion.
6. The child vehicle seat of claim 5, wherein urging of belt
portions of said harness system by said spring into said retractor
assembly causes said shoulder belt portion to move through said
second belt passage defined in said upright portion.
7. The child vehicle seat of claim 6, wherein: said harness system
further includes a coupling belt and a connector, said retractor is
operable to advance portions of said coupling belt into said
retractor, a second end of said coupling belt is secured to said
connector, and said shoulder belt portion of said harness system is
secured to said connector.
8. The child vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein: an access opening is
defined in a front portion of said seat assembly, and said actuator
is positioned adjacent to said access opening.
9. A child vehicle seat, comprising: a seat assembly including an
upright portion having a passage defined therein; a harness system
including a shoulder belt portion extending through said passage; a
retractor assembly configured to receive belt portions of said
harness system in a wound configuration, said retractor assembly
including a spring which urges belt portions of said harness system
into said retractor assembly; and an actuator positionable between
(i) a first position in which said actuator prevents payout of belt
portions from said retractor assembly, and (ii) a second position
in which said actuator allows payout of belt portions from said
retractor assembly, wherein said retractor assembly further
includes a manual adjustment mechanism, and wherein manual movement
of said manual adjustment mechanism causes further belt portions of
said harness system to be advanced into said retractor
assembly.
10. The child vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein: said retractor
assembly includes a spool on which belt portions of said harness
system are wound, and said spring is configured to urge said spool
in a rotating path of movement.
11. The child vehicle seat of claim 10, wherein: said manual
adjustment mechanism includes a handle coupled to said spool, and
rotation of said handle causes rotation of said spool.
12. The child vehicle seat of claim 11, wherein: ratchet teeth are
formed on said spool, and said actuator includes a pawl configured
to engage said ratchet teeth.
13. The child vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein manual movement of
said manual adjustment mechanism causes said shoulder belt portion
to move through said passage defined in said upright portion.
14. The child vehicle seat of claim 13, wherein urging of belt
portions of said harness system by said spring into said retractor
assembly causes said shoulder belt portion to move through said
passage defined in said upright portion.
15. The child vehicle seat of claim 14, wherein: said harness
system further includes a coupling belt and a connector, said
retractor is operable to advance portions of said coupling belt
into said retractor, a second end of said coupling belt is secured
to said connector, and said shoulder belt portion of said harness
system is secured to said connector.
16. The child vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein: an access opening
is defined in a front portion of said seat assembly, and said
actuator is positioned adjacent to said access opening.
17. A child vehicle seat, comprising: a seat assembly including an
upright portion having a first passage and a second passage defined
therein; a harness system including (i) a first shoulder belt
portion extending through said first belt passage, and (ii) a
second shoulder belt portion extending through said second belt
passage; a retractor assembly configured to receive belt portions
of said harness system in a wound configuration, said retractor
assembly including a spring which urges belt portions of said
harness system into said retractor assembly; and an actuator
positionable between (i) a first position in which said actuator
prevents payout of belt portions from said retractor assembly, and
(ii) a second position in which said actuator allows payout of belt
portions from said retractor assembly, wherein said retractor
assembly further includes a manual adjustment mechanism, and
wherein manual movement of said manual adjustment mechanism causes
further belt portions of said harness system to be advanced into
said retractor assembly.
18. The child vehicle seat of claim 17, wherein: said retractor
assembly includes a spool on which belt portions of said harness
system are wound, said spring is configured to urge said spool in a
rotating path of movement, said manual adjustment mechanism
includes a handle coupled to said spool, and rotation of said
handle causes rotation of said spool.
19. The child vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein: manual movement of
said manual adjustment mechanism causes both (i) said first
shoulder belt portion to move through said first belt passage, and
(ii) said second shoulder belt portion to move through said second
belt passage, and urging of belt portions of said harness system by
said spring into said retractor assembly causes both (i) said first
shoulder belt portion to move through said first belt passage, and
(ii) said second shoulder belt portion to move through said second
belt passage.
20. The child vehicle seat of claim 19, wherein: said harness
system further includes a coupling belt and a connector, said
retractor is operable to advance portions of said coupling belt
into said retractor, a second end of said coupling belt is secured
to said connector, and said shoulder belt portion of said harness
system is secured to said connector.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of both (i) U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/619,182, filed Oct. 15, 2004,
and (ii) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/718,458, filed
Sep. 19, 2005. The disclosure of both of the above-identified
provisional patent applications are hereby totally incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates to the field of child seats for motor
vehicles.
[0003] Child seats for motor vehicles are widely used by operators
of motor vehicles to protect children from harm in the event of an
accident. Child seats generally include a plastic shell with a
cushioned seat formed over the shell. A harness is provided on the
seat to restrain the child and retain the child in the seat in the
event of an accident. Harness systems typically include a shoulder
harness with belts designed to extend over the shoulders of the
child and a buckle harness with a crotch belt designed to extend
between the legs of the child. The belts included with the harness
system can typically be adjusted in length to accommodate children
of different sizes.
[0004] However, the ability to further adjust the harness system to
take up any slack present after a child has been buckled in the
seat with this type of length adjusting system has been lacking. In
particular, such systems do not automatically take up slack after
the child has been buckled in the seat. Therefore, a need exists
for a child seat which allows for automatic removal of slack after
the child has been buckled in the seat. Moreover, it would be
advantageous if such child seat allowed further manual slack
removal after a majority of the slack has been automatically
removed by the seat system. In addition, it would be desirable if
such child seat was easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a child vehicle seat that includes a seat
assembly including (i) a seat portion having a first belt passage
defined therein, and (ii) an upright portion having a second
passage defined therein. The child vehicle seat further includes a
harness system including (i) a shoulder belt portion extending
through the first belt passage, and (ii) a crotch belt portion
extending through the second belt passage. Moreover, the child
vehicle seat includes a retractor assembly configured to receive
belt portions of the harness system in a wound configuration, the
retractor assembly including a spring which urges belt portions of
the harness system into the retractor assembly. In addition, the
child vehicle seat includes an actuator positionable between (i) a
first position in which the actuator prevents payout of belt
portions from the retractor assembly, and (ii) a second position in
which the actuator allows payout of belt portions from the
retractor assembly. The retractor assembly further includes a
manual adjustment mechanism, and manual movement of the manual
adjustment mechanism causes further belt portions of the harness
system to be advanced into the retractor assembly.
[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a child vehicle seat that includes a
seat assembly including an upright portion having a passage defined
therein. The child vehicle seat also includes a harness system
including a shoulder belt portion extending through the passage.
Moreover, the child vehicle seat includes a retractor assembly
configured to receive belt portions of the harness system in a
wound configuration, the retractor assembly including a spring
which urges belt portions of the harness system into the retractor
assembly. The child vehicle seat further includes an actuator
positionable between (i) a first position in which the actuator
prevents payout of belt portions from the retractor assembly, and
(ii) a second position in which the actuator allows payout of belt
portions from the retractor assembly. The retractor assembly
further includes a manual adjustment mechanism, and manual movement
of the manual adjustment mechanism causes further belt portions of
the harness system to be advanced into the retractor assembly.
[0007] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a child vehicle seat that includes a
seat assembly including an upright portion having a first passage
and a second passage defined therein. The child vehicle seat
further includes a harness system including (i) a first shoulder
belt portion extending through the first belt passage, and (ii) a
second shoulder belt portion extending through the second belt
passage. Also, the child vehicle seat includes a retractor assembly
configured to receive belt portions of the harness system in a
wound configuration, the retractor assembly including a spring
which urges belt portions of the harness system into the retractor
assembly. Moreover, the child vehicle seat includes an actuator
positionable between (i) a first position in which the actuator
prevents payout of belt portions from the retractor assembly, and
(ii) a second position in which the actuator allows payout of belt
portions from the retractor assembly. The retractor assembly
further includes a manual adjustment mechanism, and manual movement
of the manual adjustment mechanism causes further belt portions of
the harness system to be advanced into the retractor assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 shows a partial cutaway perspective side view of a
child vehicle seat and restraint system;
[0009] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a frame of the child
vehicle seat of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of the child vehicle
seat of FIG. 1 with the seat cover and foam shell removed;
[0011] FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the child vehicle
seat of FIG. 1 with the headrest and seat cover removed;
[0012] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the child vehicle seat of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of the foam shell of
the child vehicle seat of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of the child vehicle
seat of FIG. 1 with a seat cover and headrest foam removed and the
headrest in a down position;
[0015] FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of the child vehicle
seat of FIG. 7 with the headrest in an up position;
[0016] FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of the headrest
support of the child vehicle seat of FIG. 1 with the headrest
removed from the headrest support;
[0017] FIG. 10 shows a fully assembled front perspective view of
the child vehicle seat of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 11 shows a rear perspective view of the child vehicle
seat of FIG. 10;
[0019] FIG. 12 shows the harness arrangement in relation to the
frame for the child vehicle seat of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 13 shows a front perspective view of the harness of the
child vehicle seat of FIG. 12 with the harness unbuckled;
[0021] FIG. 14 shows a top perspective view of the child vehicle
seat of FIG. 13 with a crotch strap in an extended position;
[0022] FIG. 14A shows a top perspective view of an alternative
embodiment to the arrangement shown in FIG. 14 in which a tether
belt is utilized to limit upward movement of the front buckle, and
showing the crotch strap in an extended position;
[0023] FIG. 15 shows a top perspective view of the child vehicle
seat of FIG. 13 with a crotch strap in a retracted position;
[0024] FIG. 15A shows a top perspective view of the alternative
embodiment of FIG. 14A in which the crotch strap is shown in a
retracted position;
[0025] FIG. 16 shows a front view of the headrest support of the
child vehicle seat of FIG. 1, and showing the adjustment bar;
[0026] FIG. 16A shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of
a headrest support of the child vehicle seat, and showing an
alternative embodiment of the adjustment bar in relation to that
shown in FIG. 16;
[0027] FIG. 17 shows a partial cutaway top perspective view of the
child seat of FIG. 1 exposing the retractor and latch
mechanism;
[0028] FIG. 18 shows a front perspective view of the retractor
mechanism of FIG.
[0029] FIG. 19A shows a cross-sectional view of the belt retractor
of FIG. 17;
[0030] FIG. 19B shows a rear elevational view of the belt retractor
of FIG. 19A;
[0031] FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view of the belt retractor
taken along the line A-A of FIG. 19A;
[0032] FIG. 20 shows a bottom perspective partial cutaway view of
the child vehicle seat of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 21 shows a top front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the child vehicle seat of FIG. 1 with a removable
seat cover;
[0034] FIG. 21A shows an alternative embodiment of the headrest
cover in relation to the headrest cover shown in FIG. 21;
[0035] FIG. 22 shows another top front perspective view of the
child vehicle seat of FIG. 21 with the seat cover partially
removed;
[0036] FIG. 23 shows an alternative front perspective view of the
shoulder belts of the child vehicle seat of FIG. 13;
[0037] FIG. 24 shows a front perspective view of the shoulder belts
and shoulder pads of FIG. 23;
[0038] FIG. 25 shows a rear perspective view of the child vehicle
seat of FIG. 1 including a carrying strap;
[0039] FIG. 25A shows a rear perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the child seat in relation to the embodiment shown in
FIG. 25, with the alternative embodiment including an anti-skid
material adhered or otherwise affixed to the bottom surface of the
bottom portion of the base shell of the child seat;
[0040] FIG. 26 shows a rear perspective view of the child vehicle
seat of FIG. 25 with the carrying strap hooked to the vehicle
seat;
[0041] FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of the child vehicle seat
of FIG. 25 being carried by a user;
[0042] FIG. 28 shows a top view of the child vehicle seat of FIG.
21;
[0043] FIG. 29 shows a top perspective view of the child vehicle
seat of FIG. 28 with the instruction flap pulled back;
[0044] FIGS. 30A and 30B show perspective views of two separated
locking pieces of a fastener for the child vehicle seat of FIG.
21;
[0045] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the locking pieces of
FIG. 30 in an engaged position; and
[0046] FIG. 32 shows a page of an instruction manual for the child
vehicle seat of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION
Overview
[0047] With general reference to FIG. 1, a child's vehicle seat and
restraint system 100 comprises a seat portion 104 and a headrest
102. The seat portion 104 of the child seat 100 includes a base
shell 118 which is secured to the posterior side of a rigid frame
122. A foam shell 120 is secured to the base shell 118 and covers
the anterior side of the rigid frame. The headrest 102 is attached
to an adjustable headrest support 130 which is slideably retained
upon the frame.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 12, the child seat 100 also includes a
harness 110 which is designed to secure an occupant within the
seat. The harness 110 includes a plurality of straps that form a
web 200 used to secure a child in the seat. The harness 110 also
includes a front buckle 112 and a front clip 114 used to properly
position the harness straps upon the child. A central belt
retractor 300 is secured to the rigid frame 122 and is operable to
remove slack in the harness once a child occupant is positioned in
the child seat 100.
Frame
[0049] With reference to FIG. 2, the frame 122 of the child seat
includes two L-shaped members 126 separated by a plurality of
metallic cross members 128 that extend between the L-shaped members
126. The cross members 128 extend through holes defined in the
L-shaped members 126 and are fastened to the L-members using means
commonly used in the art, such as welding or nuts and bolts. Each
L-shaped member includes a short leg 132, a curved portion 134, and
a long leg 136. Two parallel support bars 138 are also included in
the frame. Each support bar 138 includes a first end connected to
the short leg 132 of one of the L-shaped members 126 and a second
end that extends toward the top of the long leg 136 of the same
L-shaped member 126. An S-shaped plate 140 connects the second end
of each support member to the long leg 136 of the L-shaped member
126. One of the cross members 128 extends through the first end of
the support bars 138 to secure the support bars to the short legs
132 of the L-shaped members 126. An additional metallic cross
member 129 is provided that extends between the support bars 138
and through the S-shaped plates. The rigid frame 122 is made of a
lightweight metallic material, such as aluminum.
[0050] The frame 122 generally provides a strong skeletal structure
for the child seat 100 to which all load bearing components on the
child seat are attached. Because the frame 122 is comprised of a
metal material, the frame provides a stable support that resists
cracking and/or breaking. With this arrangement, force is directed
away from the occupant of the child seat in the event of a
crash.
Base Shell
[0051] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the base shell 118 cradles
the frame 122 about the posterior side of the frame 122. To this
end, the profile of the base shell 118 is generally L-shaped,
similar the L-shaped members 126 of the frame 122. The base shell
118 is made of a relatively stiff plastic material, such as
polypropylene. The base shell 118 includes a bottom portion 150
designed to receive the short legs 132 of the frame 122, and a back
portion 152 designed to receive the long legs 136 of the frame 122.
The frame 122 is secured to the base shell 118 in any means
commonly used in the art such as rivets, nuts and bolts, or other
fasteners.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the back portion 152 of the base
shell 118 includes a recessed angled panel 156 positioned between
two rear heels 158. A window 160 is formed in the back portion 152
above the recessed angled panel 156. The window 160 is flanked by
two side wings 162. A top panel 164 is formed above the window 160
and extends between the two side wings 162. Two columns 166 extend
from the top panel 164 down to the heels 158. The two columns 166
partially surround the long legs 136 of the L-shaped members 126 of
the frame 122. Triangular openings 168 are formed between the wings
162, columns 166 and heels 158, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0053] The bottom portion 150 of the base shell 118 includes a
generally flat portion designed to provide a surface for the base
shell that rests upon the vehicle seat. The bottom portion 150 of
the base shell is best seen in FIGS. 25 and 26. Anti-skid material
may be adhered or otherwise affixed to the bottom surface of the
bottom portion 150 of the base shell to discourage the base shell
from moving when it is placed in a vehicle seat as shown in an
alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 25A. The anti-skid material
is generally a resilient material such as rubber or soft plastic
and is textured to provide additional gripping ability on a vehicle
seat.
[0054] The two rear heels 158 also blend into the bottom portion
150 of the base shell and provide additional support for the base
shell when it is placed in the vehicle seat. The bottom portion 150
of the base shell 118 is cupped by the two side wings 162 which
extend down from the back portion 152 and into the bottom portion
150 of the base shell. The short legs 132 of the frame 122 are
located in the cupped bottom portion. As shown in FIG. 14, the
bottom portion 150 of the base shell 118 also includes a central
channel 154 through which a harness belt passes.
Foam Shell
[0055] With reference now to FIG. 6-8, the top foam shell 120 is
generally a single integral component. The foam shell generally
comprises a seat 170 and a backrest 172. Two arm rests 174 flank
the seat 170, and a recess 176 is formed in the front of the seat,
as shown in FIG. 6. The arm rests flow into two sidewalls 178 that
flank the backrest 172. An opening is formed in the backrest for
receiving the adjustable headrest support 130. The foam shell 120
is made of a dense foam material, such as ethylene propylene
copolymer, with a density ranging between 20 g/l and 180 g/l. In
one preferred embodiment, the dense foam material is ethylene
propylene copolymer with a density of 30 g/l. Such foam material is
sold by JPS International under the trademark ARPRO.RTM. expanded
polypropylene beads. The foam shell is relatively flexible compared
to the more rigid portions of the child seat 100, and is designed
to cradle the occupant of the child seat in the event of side
impacts. The foam shell is soft to the touch and is configured to
absorb a significant amount of energy in the event of a crash. In
addition, extreme temperatures have relatively little effect on the
foam shell so that cracking of the foam shell does not occur in the
event of a vehicular accident. The foam shell is designed and
configured to cushion the occupant and protect the occupant in the
event of an accident.
[0056] As described above, the foam shell is positioned over the
anterior sides of the frame 122 and base shell 118. The frame 122
is thus generally enclosed by a two-part shell which includes the
base shell 118 on one side and the foam shell 120 on the other
side. The foam shell 120 is secured to the frame 122 and/or base
shell 118 using any of various fastening methods known to those of
ordinary skill in the art. For example, the foam shell 120 may be
secured to the base and frame using hook and loop type fastener
strips, such as those sold under the trademark VELCRO.RTM., or nuts
and bolts or other fasteners.
[0057] An exemplary fastener 360 which may be used to secure the
foam headrest 102 to the headrest support 130 is shown in FIGS.
30A, 30B, and 31. The fastener 360 includes two complementary
molded locking pieces 362 and 364. Each locking piece includes a
circular anchor 366 with an extending post 368. The extending post
includes two opposing tines 370 and 372. Each tine 370, 372
includes a first plurality of teeth 374 axially positioned along
one interior side and a second plurality of teeth 376 axially
positioned along another interior side such that the first
plurality of teeth 374 are 90.degree. offset from the second
plurality of teeth 376. When the posts 368 are mated, the tines
370, 372 from one locking piece 362 slide along the tines 370, 372
of the opposite locking piece 364, and the teeth 374, 376 on the
tines act in a ratcheting fashion, such that the posts 368 can only
become further engaged, and are locked from disengagement. When the
posts 368 are fully engaged, the locking pieces 362, 364 are
fastened and cannot be pulled apart without destruction of the
locking pieces. When used on the seat 100, the circular anchor 366
from one locking piece 362 is embedded in the foam shell with its
post 368 extending through a hole 363 defined in the foam headrest
102 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). The post 368 of the other locking piece
364 extends through a hole 365 defined in the headrest support 130
(see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8). When the two posts 368 are engaged, the
ratcheting action on the teeth locks the posts together, thereby
securing the foam headrest 102 to the headrest support 130.
Headrest Support
[0058] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 7-9, the headrest support 130
is generally rectangular in shape and is adjustably mounted on the
parallel support bars 138 of the frame 122. The headrest support
130 includes a front face 182 and a rear face 184. As best seen in
FIG. 9, u-shaped channels 190 are positioned along the edges of the
headrest support. The u-shaped channels 190 are designed to curve
around and receive the support bars 138, thus guiding the headrest
support 130 as it slides up and down along the support bars 138.
The headrest support 130 includes a forward portion 131 (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 7 and 8) and a rear portion 133 (see, e.g., FIG. 9). The
forward portion 131 and the rear portion are secured together, and
thus, move in unison during adjustment of the headrest support
130.
[0059] As discussed above, the headrest is mounted directly on the
headrest support 130. For example, fasteners 360, such as those
shown in FIGS. 30A, 30B, and 31 may be used to secure the headrest
102 to the headrest support 130. In an alternative embodiment, a
resilient foam material is interposed between the forward portion
131 of the headrest 130 and the rear portion 133 of the headrest
130. The resilient foam material provides cushioned support for the
headrest.
[0060] The front face 182 of the headrest support 130 also includes
two belt guides 186. The two belt guides 186 extend from the front
face 182 and provide for passage of the harness straps 200 through
the headrest support. The headrest 102 includes holes designed to
allow the belt guides 186 to extend through the foam cushion of the
headrest. As explained in further detail below, the belt guides 186
also properly position the harness straps at various vertical
heights as the headrest support 130 and headrest 102 are moved to
account for children of different sizes in the child seat 100. A
slit 198 is also defined in the headrest support 130 to provide an
additional passage from the front face 182 to the rear face 184. As
explained in further detail below, the slit 198 is designed to
receive the end of one of the harness belts, and secure it to the
headrest support 130, thereby assisting in automatically adjusting
the harness as the headrest support 130 and headrest 102 are
moved.
[0061] Also included on the front face 182 of the headrest support
130, behind the headrest 102, is a panel adjustment mechanism 148.
With reference to FIGS. 9 and 16, the panel adjustment mechanism
includes a horizontal center track 191 defined in the headrest
support 130. Two pins 193 are positioned in the horizontal center
track 191. The two pins 193 are biased toward the outer edges of
the track 191 by a center spring 192. Each pin 193 includes a
locking post (not shown) designed to extend out of an end the track
191 and into one of a plurality of holes 149 in the support bar 138
of the frame. However, each of the two pins 193 are slideable
within the track 191 such that the locking posts may be removed
from the holes 149 in the support bar if the pins 193 are moved a
sufficient distance toward the center of the track 191 against the
bias of center spring 192. A knob 194 is provided on each pin 193
to facilitate movement of the pin within the track 191. As best
seen in FIG. 16, each knob 194 extends out of the track and
contacts an angled cam surface 146 on the end of an adjustment bar
144 that is slideably mounted to the front face 182 of the headrest
support 130. The angled cam surface 146 is defined by two angled
slots 187 (see, e.g., FIG. 16A) such that opposing sides of the
surface are further apart near the bottom than at the top. The
opposite end of the adjustment bar 144 includes a handle 142 (see
FIGS. 7-8). The handle 142 is spring biased in a downward
position.
[0062] According to the above arrangement, when a user pulls up the
handle 142, the adjustment bar 144 slides upward and the angled
surface 146 of an angled slot also moves upward. As the angled cam
surface 146 slides upward, the knobs 194 on the pins 193 ride along
the angled cam surface, forcing the pins 193 closer together,
toward the center of the track. When the pins 193 are moved to the
center of the track, the locking posts on the pins are removed from
the holes 149 in the support bar 138. Accordingly, the headrest
support 130 and connected headrest 102 are free to slide along the
support bar 138. When the proper position for the headrest 102 is
found, the user releases the handle 142 and the handle returns to a
downward position. As the handle 142 returns to the downward
position, the adjustment bar 144 and angled cam surface 146 also
move downward, allowing the knobs 194 on the pins 193 in the track
191 to move further apart. The spring 192 then forces the pins
apart, thereby forcing the locking posts into the holes 149 in the
support bar 138 when the locking posts are properly aligned with
the holes 149. FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of an
adjustment bar 144' possessing an alternative camming arrangement
configured generally to possess an inverted U-shape or inverted
V-shape. With such an alternative arrangement, the operator would
push down on the handle 142 in order to remove the pins 193 from
the corresponding holes 149 defined in the support bar 138 so that
the headrest support 130 could be adjusted.
Headrest
[0063] With reference to FIGS. 1, 10 and 11, the headrest 102 is
mounted on the top portion of the headrest support 130. The
headrest 102 is comprised of the same material as the foam shell
120. In particular, the headrest is comprised of a dense foam
material, such as ethylene propylene copolymer. Such foam material
is commercially available through JPS International under the
trademark ARPRO.RTM. expanded polypropylene beads.
[0064] The headrest 102 includes a central portion 101 that is
secured to the headrest support 130. The central portion 101
includes two shoulder harness slots 105 that are aligned with the
harness guides 186, allowing straps to pass through the headrest
support 130 and headrest 102. The central portion 101 of the
headrest 102 is integral with two flexible sidewalls 103 having
generally curved perimeters. Each sidewall 103 extends about 6 to
12 inches outward and away from the location where the central
portion 101 is attached to the headrest support 130. Each sidewall
103 also curves around the base shell 118 as it extends away from
the central portion 101. While the central portion 101 is securely
fastened to the headrest support 130, the sidewalls 103 are free to
bend in relation to the central portion 101. In particular, the
sidewalls 103 of the headrest 102 are free to pivot near the point
where the headrest 102 is fastened to the headrest support 130 and
toward an occupant's head sitting in the child seat 100 in the
event of an accident. This provides a significant amount of
protection for the occupant of the seat 100 in the event of a side
impact to the vehicle or a rollover. The dense foam material that
forms the headrest 102 not only cradles the occupant's head in the
event of an accident, but also serves as a cushion for
sleeping.
[0065] Any number of different types of fasteners may be used to
secure the headrest to the headrest support. For example, the
fasteners 360 described above with two locking pieces 362, 364 may
be used to secure the foam of the headrest 102 to the headrest
support 130. Alternatively, loop and hook fastener material, such
as VELCRO.RTM., may be positioned on the back side of the headrest
102 and used to secure the headrest 102 to the headrest support
130. Low-density foam cushioning 124 may be attached to the
headrest and headrest support to provide comfort padding for the
back and head of the occupant of the child seat.
Seat Cover
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a seat cover 108 covers the
seat portion 104, and a headrest cover 109 covers the headrest 102.
Foam cushioning 124 is placed on the foam shell, under the seat
cover 108, to make the seat 100 more comfortable for the occupant.
The seat cover 108 and headrest cover 109 provide a comfortable
feel to the seating surface of the child seat 100 and also provide
an aesthetically pleasing and desirable look to the child seat. The
seat cover and headrest cover may be constructed from any material
that is conventionally used with seats in the automotive vehicle
industry, such as leather, vinyl, cloth, or the like, or any
materials used as cover materials in the juvenile furniture
industry, such as polyester, terry cloth, or the like.
[0067] In one embodiment, the seat cover 108 is designed for
removal from the foam shell 120 and base shell 118 without the need
to remove any straps from the harness of the child seat 100. This
embodiment is generally shown with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. In
this embodiment, the seat cover 108 and headrest cover 109 include
a plurality of slits 380-384 and a plurality of flaps 390-394. The
slits and flaps allow the seat cover 108 and headrest cover 109 to
be manipulated around the harness straps. For example, slit 384
allows the buckle 112 of the buckle harness system 211 (described
below) to pass through the slit 384, and flap 394 may be opened to
re-insert the buckle through the slit when reattaching the cover to
the seat. The backrest flaps 390 and 392 and slits 380 and 382 are
other slits that may be manipulated when removing or attaching the
cover. Seat cover fasteners, for example hook and loop type
fasteners such as VELCRO.RTM., are used to connect the slits and
flaps and secure them in place on the seat while also providing a
smoother more uniform appearance to the seat. The periphery of the
seat cover 108 is designed to overlap the edges of the base shell
118. The periphery 198 of the seat cover 108 is lined with an
elastic material that helps retain the seat cover 108 on the base
shell 118.
Harness System
[0068] The harness system 110 is generally shown with reference to
FIGS. 12-16. The harness system 110 includes a web 200 comprised of
a plurality of belts/straps as well as several buckles. As shown in
FIG. 12, the harness system 110 may be considered a two-part
system, including a shoulder harness system 201 and a buckle
harness system 211. The configuration of the plurality of harness
belts in relation to the frame are described for both the shoulder
harness system and the buckle harness system with reference to FIG.
12. Thereafter, features of the harness system are described in
relation to other portions of the child seat 100.
[0069] Shoulder Harness System
[0070] With reference to FIG. 12. The shoulder harness system 201
includes a shoulder belt 202 that includes a first end 204 fastened
to one port of a Y-connector 250 and a second end 206 fastened to
another end of a Y-connector 250. Starting with the first end 204,
the shoulder belt moves up from the Y-connector 250, over the cross
member 129, and down under the frame 122. After passing under the
two short legs 132 of the L-shaped members 126, the shoulder belt
202 is passed back up to the cross member 129 on the other side of
the frame 122. The shoulder belt 202 then loops over the cross
member 129 on the opposite side of the cross member from where it
originally looped over, and follows back down to the Y-connector
250, where the shoulder belt 202 terminates and is again fastened
to the Y-connector (also see FIG. 4). The other belt fastened to
the Y-connector 250 is a retraction belt 208. The retraction belt
moves down along the angled panel 156 of the base shell and, after
making turn, passes into the central channel of the base shell. A
dotted line 118 is provided in FIG. 12 to represent this portion of
the base shell 118 in relation to the frame 122. After passing
through the central channel of the base shell, the retraction belt
208 feeds into the retractor (represented by dotted line 300). In
particular, the end of the retraction belt is fastened to the feed
bar 302 of the retractor. The feed bar may be turned in the
direction of arrow 232 using knob 234 (also see FIG. 1) to wind the
retraction belt 208 in the retractor 300, thereby tightening the
shoulder belt 202 and helping to secure an occupant in the child
seat 100. Conversely, the knob 234 and feed bar 302 may be turned
in the direction opposite arrow 232 to pay out additional portions
of the retraction belt 208 from the retractor, thereby providing
additional slack for the shoulder belt when a larger occupant is
seated in the child seat 100.
[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, the shoulder harness system is
shown with respect to the frame 122, base shell 118, and headrest
support 130. As shown in FIG. 13, the shoulder belt 202 passes
through both belt guides 186 on the headrest support 130 as the
shoulder belt 202 winds over cross bar 129 and under the bottom
portion of the base shell 118. Although the shoulder belt 202
passes through the belt guides 186 on the headrest support 130, the
shoulder belt only slideably engages the belt guides and does not
connect to the belt guides. This allows the headrest support 130
and attached headrest 102 to move up and down upon the frame 122
and move to various positions, as discussed above, without the need
for removal, loosening or other adjustment of the harness 110,
including the shoulder belt 202. Accordingly, the headrest 102 and
associated mechanism is independent of the harness 110.
Furthermore, this arrangement of the harness shoulder belt 202
passing through the belt guides 186 means that the headrest is not
a load-bearing component of the child seat 100. The arrangement of
the shoulder belt 202 upon the frame 122 means that most of the
load is applied to the frame in the event of a crash. The headrest
may be adjusted to any position without loosening the harness.
[0072] Buckle Harness System
[0073] Referring again to FIG. 12, the harness belts 200 of the
child seat further comprise belts in a buckle harness system 211.
The buckle harness system 211 includes a crotch adjustment belt 214
and a crotch belt 220. A first end 216 of the crotch adjustment
belt 214 is inserted through the slit 198 in the headrest support
130 (represented by dotted lines 130 in FIG. 12) and is fastened to
a buckle 260. The buckle 260 secures the first end 216 to the
headrest support 130, since the buckle is prevented from passing
through the slit 198 to the headrest support 130 (as shown in FIG.
16). The crotch adjustment belt 214 extends up from the buckle 260
and over the center portion of the cross bar 129. Then, the crotch
adjustment belt 208 passes down to the cross bar 128c and turns
toward cross bar 128b. After passing under cross bar 128b, the
crotch adjustment belt 208 is fastened to crotch adjustment bar
128a. An adjustable connector 240 is looped around the crotch
adjustment belt 208 between the cross bars 128a and 128b such that
the adjustable connector 240 is free to slide upon the crotch
adjustment belt 214. One end of a crotch belt 220 is securely
fastened to the adjustable connector 240. The opposite end of the
crotch belt 220 is connected to the buckle 112. As the headrest
support 130 and associated first end 216 of the crotch adjustment
belt 214 move up, slack is provided in the crotch adjustment belt
214. This slack allows the buckle 112 connected to the crotch belt
220 to extend further away from cross bars 128a and 128b.
Conversely, when the headrest support 130 and associated first end
216 of the crotch adjustment belt 214 move down, the crotch
adjustment belt 214 is tightened and less of the belt is available
between cross bars 128a and 128b. With less belt available between
these cross bars, the fastener 240 and buckle 112 are pulled
downward toward the cross bars 128a and 128b.
[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 14-15, the crotch adjustment belt 214
is shown in two different positions. In FIG. 14, the crotch belt
214 is in an extended position. In this extended position, the
headrest support 130 and headrest 102 are moved fully up, providing
slack in the crotch adjustment belt 214 that allows the adjustable
connector 240 and attached crotch belt 220 to move to the extended
position. In FIG. 15, the crotch adjustment belt is in a retracted
position. In this retracted position, the headrest support 130 and
headrest 102 are moved fully down, taking up slack in the crotch
adjustment belt 214 to move the crotch belt 220 to its retracted
position. In this retracted position, a spacer 222 is shown
encouraging the adjustable connector 240 more rearward. The spacer
222 is a plastic material that prevents the adjustable connector
from contacting the portion of the belt 214 covered by the spacer
222. Therefore, when little slack is available in the belt 214, the
adjustable connector and associated crotch belt are encouraged
toward the back of the seat. Accordingly, as the headrest 102 is
moved up for taller (and larger) occupants, the buckle harness
available to the occupant lengthens and moves toward the front of
the child seat. As the headrest is moved down, the buckle harness
available to the occupant reduces in length and moves toward the
rear of the seat. Accordingly, a child seat is provided that
includes a buckle harness system 211 that automatically adjusts to
the size of the occupant, based on the location of the headrest
102. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A, the
front buckle 112 is not slidable along the crotch adjustment belt
214 as is the case in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.
Rather, the front buckle 112 is attached to one end of the belt 214
as shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A. A tether belt 221 is added to limit
upward movement of the front buckle 112. To this end, one end of
the tether belt 221 is secured to the cross bar 128b while the
other end of the tether belt 221 is secured to the one end of the
belt 214 as shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A.
[0075] Altogether, the disclosed harness system 110, including the
shoulder harness system 201 and buckle harness system 211 provide
means of adjusting the shoulder and crotch strap heights to better
fit with ideal belt positioning for children of various ages.
Together, the shoulder harness system 201 and the buckle harness
system 211 provide an integrated child restraint system that can be
adjusted to ideally restrain children of various weights and sizes.
In one embodiment, the integrated child restraint system is
designed for restraining children from 22-65 lbs. The restraint
system includes a means to adjust shoulder belt heights while
simultaneously positioning the crotch belt height and fore and aft
position.
Central Belt Retractor
[0076] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 17-20, a central belt
retractor 300 is provided on the front portion of the base shell
118. As shown in FIG. 1, a decorative and protective covering 330
generally shields the central retractor 300 when the seat is
assembled. Removal of the protective covering 330 exposes the
retractor 300.
[0077] As best shown in FIG. 18, the central retractor 300 includes
a spool 306 and latch 116 that cooperate in a ratchet fashion to
wind the retraction belt 208 on the spool. The spool 306 is
retained within a retractor housing 304 that is secured to cross
bar 128a. The spool 306 is mounted to an axle 302 that extends
through the housing 304. As shown in FIGS. 19A-19C, a wound power
spring 320 connects the spool 306 to the axle 302 and biases the
spool toward clockwise movement, in the direction of arrow 350,
which will wind the retraction belt 208 on the spool. The spool 306
includes two circular sidewalls 308 with ratchet teeth 310 formed
on the circular sidewalls. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 20, a handle
324 is fixed to the end of the axle 302 to allow for manual
rotation of the axle 302 and spool 306. In particular, manual
rotation of the handle 324 by a user will cause the retraction belt
208 to be wound upon the spool. As described previously, because
the retraction belt 208 is connected to the shoulder harness system
201, winding the retraction belt 208 upon the spool will tighten
the retraction belt 208 and shoulder belt 202 and generally tighten
the shoulder harness on an occupant of the seat.
[0078] Returning to FIG. 18, the latch 116 is provided for locking
the spool 306 in place. The latch 116 includes a front handle 318
and two pawls 312 that extend rearwardly from the front handle 318.
Each pawl 312 includes a plurality of pawl teeth 310 designed to
engage the spool teeth 310 in a ratchet fashion. The latch 116
includes two pivot posts 316 that connect the latch to the
retractor housing 304. The latch 116 also pivots within the housing
304 on the pivot posts 316. The front handle portion 318 of the
latch 116 is biased downward by two springs 326. Because the latch
116 is biased downward, the pawl teeth 314 are encouraged toward
engagement with the spool teeth 310.
[0079] Rotation of the spool 306 in the clockwise direction, as
noted by arrow 350 in FIG. 18, results in the retraction belt 208
winding upon the spool 306. Because the spool 306 is spring biased,
this rotation is generally automatic and acts to tighten the
shoulder harness, as described above. Because of the ratchet action
between the spool teeth 310 and the pawl teeth 314, the spool is
normally blocked from counter-clockwise rotation, opposite the
direction of arrow 350, which would allow the retraction belt 208
to be paid out. Furthermore, if the user wishes to take up
additional slack in the retraction belt 208 and attached shoulder
belt 202, the handle 324 connected to the axis 302 may be rotated
in the direction of arrow 350, causing additional lengths of the
retraction belt 208 to be wound upon the spool 306, and thereby
tightening the shoulder belt 202 upon the occupant of the seat.
Additional lengths of belt wound upon the spool 306 are retained by
the spool because of the ratchet action of the spool teeth 310 with
the pawl teeth 314. When the user desires to pay out previously
wound lengths of the retraction belt 208 in order to loosen the
connected shoulder belt 202, the latch handle 318 is moved upward.
Upward movement of the latch handle 318 releases the pawl teeth 314
from the spool teeth 310. This separation allows the spool to
rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, opposite the direction of
arrow 350, and pay out additional lengths of the retraction belt
208 when the shoulder harness system 201 is pulled outwardly.
However, because the spool 308 is spring biased, slack in the
retraction belt 208 and shoulder harness system 201 is removed once
the user stops pulling on the shoulder harness system. In this
fashion, the shoulder harness system automatically tightens upon
the occupant of the child seat and secures the occupant in the
seat.
Connection to Vehicle Seat
[0080] Returning to FIGS. 1, 3-5, 13, 17 and 20 a system is
provided for mounting the child seat 100 in a vehicle. In
particular, vehicle connection straps 270 are provided that are
connected to vehicle connection buckles 280. The connection straps
are partially wound on retractable spools of retractors 290 (see
FIG. 20) located under cross bar 128a. The retractors 290 for the
vehicle connection straps 270 operate in a similar fashion to the
retractor 300 for the retraction belt 208 and connected shoulder
belts 202 (as described above with reference to FIGS. 17-20). For
example, similar to retractor 300, the retractors 290 for the
vehicle connection straps 270 are spring biased and automatically
tighten the vehicle connection straps 270. The retractors 290 may
be released by pressing the buttons 284 located next to the
retraction latch 116 on the bottom front portion of the seat.
Depression of one of the buttons 284 rotates a lever that releases
a pawl from engagement with teeth on the retractor 290. When the
pawl is otherwise engaged with the teeth, the pawl locks the
retractor 290 from rotating in a direction that would pay out the
vehicle connection strap 270. When the pawl is released from the
teeth by depression of the button 284, the retractor 290 is allowed
to rotate and pay out the vehicle connection strap 270. In one
embodiment, the buttons 284 are connected by a connecting bar such
that depression of either button 284 will release both of the
retractors 290. It should be appreciated that the retractors 290
and the vehicle connection buckles 280 may, respectively, be
constructed and operate in the same or similar manner to any of the
retractors and vehicle connection buckles disclosed in Patent
Publication No. U.S. 2004/0084939, the disclosure of which is
hereby totally incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0081] The vehicle connection straps 270 extend horizontally from
the spools of the retractor 290 along the bottom portion of the
base shell 118. At one of the cross members 128 of the frame 122,
the straps 270 make a perpendicular turn and extend vertically
along the base shell. Thereafter, the connection straps pass
through 45.degree. slots 282 in the base shell 118. The 45.degree.
slots 282 redirect the straps 270 in a generally horizontal
direction such that the straps 270 extend sideways relative to the
upright child seat 100. The straps terminate in connection buckles
280 operable to connect to anchors in the vehicle seat.
[0082] In addition to the above method for connecting the vehicle
seat to an automobile, the vehicle seat may also be secured to an
automobile by passing the shoulder belt of the automobile through
the triangular shaped openings 168 in the posterior portion of the
base shell 118 and frame 122. After passing the shoulder belt
through the openings 168, the belts may be buckled to the shoulder
belt anchors of the vehicle seat belt and tightened, thus securing
the child seat 100 to the vehicle seat.
Proper Harness Position Indicators
[0083] The child seat 100 is equipped with both a clip position
indicator and a shoulder slot position indicator. The clip location
indicator 396 is provided on the clip itself. The clip position
indicator 396 includes a design, icon, wording, or other indicia to
show the proper position of the clip relative to the child. For
example, as shown in FIG. 23, the clip position indicator includes
the words, "Adjust to armpit level." As also shown in FIG. 23,
shoulder pads 395 in the form of TPE pads are slideably positioned
on the shoulder belts to provide shoulder padding for the child. As
shown in FIG. 24, the shoulder pads 395 include a textured surface
designed to provide friction against a child's clothing, and thus
prevent the TPE pads from slipping on the child when the child is
secured in the seat by the harness.
[0084] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 21A, the shoulder
slot position indicator is provided on the headrest cover 109. The
shoulder slot position indicator includes a design, icon, wording,
or other indicia to show the proper position of the shoulder slot
relative to the child. For example, as shown in FIG. 21A, the
shoulder slot position indicator 398 includes a dotted line with
words "Adjust this line above shoulders." Together with the
automated adjustment features of the child seat, the clip location
indicator and the shoulder slot position indicator help the
consumer with proper positioning of the seat harness on the
child.
Carrying Strap/Tether Combination
[0085] With reference to FIG. 25, the child seat 100 includes a
tether 500. One end of the tether 500 is secured to an upper
posterior cross member on the frame 122 (see FIG. 12). The other
end of the tether 500 is connected to a tether clip 502 that may be
used to secure the tether 500 to a tether anchor in an automobile.
The tether clip includes a hook portion 504 and a buckle portion
506.
[0086] Conveniently, the tether 500 may also serve as a carrying
strap. To this end, the child seat 100 includes a tether clip
connection slot 510 on the posterior side of the base shell 118.
The tether clip connection slot 510 is dimensioned to receive the
hook portion 504 of the tether clip. Adjacent to the tether clip
connection slot is a buckle groove 512 dimensioned to receive the
buckle portion 506 of the tether clip 502.
[0087] FIG. 25 shows the tether clip connection slot with the
tether clip 502 removed from the slot 510. FIG. 26 shows the tether
clip connection slot 510 with the hook portion 504 of the tether
clip 502 hooked in the slot 510 and the buckle portion 506 of the
tether clip positioned in the groove 512. As shown in FIG. 27, when
the tether clip 502 is hooked in the slot 512, a user may grab the
tether 500 and place it over his or her shoulder as a means for
conveniently carrying the child seat in back-pack fashion. The
length of the tether/carrying strap 500 may be conveniently
adjusted at the buckle portion 506, to accommodate the size of the
user.
Instruction Manual Storage
[0088] With reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, the child seat 100
includes a pouch 530 built into the headrest cover 109. The pouch
530 in the headrest cover 109 is generally rectangular in shape and
is dimensioned to receive the instruction manual for the child seat
100. The pouch 530 is positioned on the top portion of the seat and
the opening to the pouch is covered by a flap 532. The flap 532
includes one edge that is fixed to the headrest cover, and an
opposing edge that connects to the headrest cover using a fastener,
such as a hook and loop fastener. As shown in FIG. 29, pulling the
edge of the flap back exposes the opening to the pouch 530 in the
headrest cover.
[0089] When the headrest cover 109 is properly positioned on the
headrest 102, the pouch 530 is situated in front of the foam
headrest 102 and behind the exterior surface of the headrest cover
109. Padding may be added between the pouch 530 and the headrest
cover 109. The pouch 530 provides a convenient location for storage
of the instruction manual, allowing a user of the seat 100 to
quickly and conveniently access the instruction manual when needed.
This convenient location for storage of the instruction manual also
helps the user avoid losing the instruction manual.
Color Coded Parts and Instruction Manual
[0090] The instruction manual, seat labels, and various parts of
the child seat 100 are all color coded to help the user identify
and properly operate different parts on the seat. With reference to
FIG. 32, a page 550 from the instruction manual is shown. This page
550 shows the child seat 100 along with various component parts of
the child seat. As noted by this page 550 of the instruction
manual, portions of the manual and seat 100 color coded in yellow
refer to the retractable harness 110 and related components. Other
portions of the instruction manual and seat 100 color coded in gray
refer to the vehicle connection buckles 280 and related components.
Still other portions of the instruction manual and seat 100 color
coded in red refer to the vehicle seat belt and components for
attaching the seat 100 to the vehicle seat belt. Of course any
other color may be substituted for the colors described above such
as substituting the color black for the color gray.
[0091] As noted above, numerous text references in the instruction
manual are highlighted in yellow to indicate to the reader that the
text being read is in reference to the retractable harness system
110 of the seat 100. Likewise, numerous parts on the seat 100 are
yellow to help the user easily identify and understand proper
operation of the retractable harness system when reading about the
retractable harness system in the manual. For example, with
reference to FIG. 32, the knob 234 and the retraction latch 116
(color not shown) are both yellow in color. Thus, when the reader
identifies yellow text in the instruction manual, he or she may
easily identify the component parts to which the instruction manual
refers for operation of the retractable harness system.
Additional Embodiments Anticipated
[0092] The child vehicle seat and restraint system disclosed herein
is designed for use in any moving vehicle, including, without
limitation, cars, vans, trucks, airplanes, etc. Although the
present invention has been described with respect to certain
preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of skill in
the art that other implementations and adaptations are possible.
Moreover, there are advantages to individual advancements described
herein that may be obtained without incorporating other aspects
described above. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention
should not be limited to the description of the preferred
embodiments contained herein.
* * * * *