Child seat

An adjustable child seat includes a backrest and a seat base and may be used with or without the backrest. The child seat includes adjustable arm rests. The height of the backrest and the depth of the seat base are also adjustable. The connection between the backrest and the seat base is configured to prevent unintentional separation but allows simple and intuitive separation when desired. A belt guide operating in either a seat belt locking mode or a seat belt free mode is also provided.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to child seats and, in particular, to child restraint seats. Child restraint seats, are provided in many sizes and configurations. Generally, conventional child restraint seats are “grown out of” in relatively short periods, and thus need to be replaced at various milestones in the physical development of the child. As the child grows, he or she graduates to a seat configured to accommodate the child's increased height and weight. Although the growth rate of children varies widely, even with the slowest growing children, replacement of the car seat becomes necessary before the end of the car seat life expectancy.

While the child is an infant, the parent must place the child in a rearwardly facing infant car seat for vehicular travel. The infant car seat needs to be designed to support an infant, who is not able to support him or her self, thereby allowing the infant, who cannot sit up on its own, to lie or recline in the seat. Once the child is able to sit upright, the infant seat must be replaced by a toddler-sized seat. In addition to providing a rearward-facing seating environment, the toddler-sized seat provides a forward-facing and slightly reclined seating environment for the toddler. The toddler seat is secured to the rear seat of the vehicle and typically includes a harness to secure the toddler within the seat. Eventually, however, the child outgrows the toddler-sized seat and progresses to a youth-sized seat. The youth-sized seat can accommodate children over 40 lbs. and functions primarily as a booster seat.

Child car seats must be replaced relatively frequently to accommodate the relatively fast growth rate of children—increasing height, weight, and needs of the child. Additionally, parents and other adults often must care for several children who do not fit within the same seat model. In this instance, the parents must buy two or more seats to accommodate their various-sized children.

Thus, there is a need to eliminate the waste and expense associated with the purchase of numerous child seats caused by the failure of most conventional seats to provide any adjustment for accommodating the change in the size of the occupant. As a child grows, the size of both the upper and lower body changes. Thus, there is a need for a car seat that allows the user to adjust the depth of the seat and the height of the backrest so that children of a variety of sizes may be accommodated.

Some existing child seats provides armrests for the child occupying the seat. However, most of these seats do not provide any adjustment in the position of the armrests to correspond to the size of the child. Furthermore, the adjustable armrests currently available do not provide for simple operation and cost effective design. Thus, there remains a need for a child seat that provides for cost effective and easy to operate adjustable armrests.

Many existing child seats provide extra amenities, such as storage pockets and beverage or container holders (i.e., cupholders). Existing cupholder designs are cumbersome, because some are not permanently attached to the child seat and/or do not provide for a retracted position when not in use. Thus, there remains a need for a child seat that provides an object holder attached to the seat that can move between a retracted storage position and an extended, in-use position.

Certain existing child seats are of two piece design. The back rest and the seat base are formed separately and are connected together, typically in a manner that permits adjustment of the angle of the backrest. This two piece design is advantageous because it allows for compact storage and shipping. Two piece designs also allow the child seats to be used either with or without the back.

Many existing car seats are problematic in that removal of the child seat from the vehicle causes the backrest and the seat base to separate unintentionally while handling the seat outside the vehicle. When moved away from the backrest of the conventional vehicle seat, the backrest of the child seat may fall to a position in a plane with the seat base and separate from the seat base. Thus, there remains a need for a two piece child seat having a configuration that reduces the likelihood of unintentional separation of the backrest and the seat base, yet still provides for simple and intuitive separation when desired.

Most child seats include a shoulder height belt guide to properly align the seat belt with the child's torso. Existing belt guides fall into two general categories, locking or free. Locking belt guides prevent any movement of the seat belt once the belt guide is locked. This configuration is preferred by many parents, because of the limited movement it provides for naturally restless children. On the other hand, some parents prefer a belt guide that operates in a free mode that allows the seat belt to withdraw and retract in response to movement of the child. Unfortunately, existing belt guides fail to provide the parent with the option between either a locking mode or free mode of operation. Thus, there remains a need for a child seat having a belt guide that provides the user with the choice of selecting operating modes between locking and free.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a child seat that solves the aforementioned problems and drawbacks of known conventional child seats. This object is not limiting on the present invention, as many other advantageous and objects of the present invention are provided, as discussed further below. Furthermore, not all of the deficiencies of existing designs, discussed above, are overcome by each exemplary embodiment of the present invention discussed below.

According to the present invention a child seat comprising an adjustable backrest is provided. The backrest includes a top portion movably connected to a bottom portion wherein the position of the top portion is vertically adjustable; a latch connected to one of the top and bottom portions; and notches located in the other of the top and bottom portions. The latch is positioned to engage one of the notches to fix the position of top portion relative to the bottom portion.

The child seat may further include a release mechanism for disengaging the latch from the one of the notches. The release mechanism may include a member adapted to contact the latch and disengage the latch from the notch, and the latch may be configured to bend when contacted by the member. Preferably, the member includes a wedged surface positioned to contact the latch. The release mechanism may include a movable handle that is moved to disengage the latch from the notch. The latch is preferably biased toward engagement with one of the notches.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a child seat comprising a backrest having a top portion movably connected to a bottom portion wherein the position of the top portion is vertically adjustable; a tab connected to one of the top portion and the bottom portion; and notches located in the other of the top portion and the bottom portion is provided. The tab is positioned to engage one of the notches to fix the position of the top portion relative to the bottom portion.

The tab may be biased away from a position of engagement with one of the notches. The child seat may further include a movable rigid member positioned to contact the tab and control the engagement of the tab with one of the notches. The rigid member may be connected to the top portion of the backrest. Preferably, the rigid member is biased in an equilibrium position that corresponds to the tab being engaged with one of the notches and includes an enlarged section that contacts the tab when the rigid member is in the equilibrium position to force the tab to engage one of the notches. In addition, the rigid member may include a narrow section that contacts the tab when the rigid member is moved out of the equilibrium position, thereby allowing movement of the top portion relative to the bottom portion. The child seat may also include a handle connected to the rigid member and a spring for biasing the rigid member into the equilibrium position.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a child seat having a seat portion and an object holder is provided. The seat portion includes a base having a seating surface, and the object holder is attached to the base and movable to a position at least partially under the seating surface. The object holder may be pivotally or slidably attached to the base. Preferably, the object holder is configured so that when the object holder is moved under the seating surface a portion of the object holder remains accessible, thereby providing a gripping surface.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a child seat is provided having a seat base including two connected portions. Each portion having a top surface, wherein the connected portions together form a seating surface, and wherein the connected portions are movably connected to each other, thereby allowing the area of the seating surface to be varied.

According to the present invention, one of the connected portions may be an interior connected portion that slides into the other connected portion. The interior connected portion may include a pushbutton that engages one of a plurality of holes located in the exterior connected portion. The pushbutton may be located on the seating surface or on the side of the seat base.

In another alternative embodiment, the connected portions may be pivotally connected. The first of the two connected portions may be adapted to rotate about 180 degrees from a first position, wherein most of the first connected portion may be contained within the other connected portion, to a second position, wherein most of the first connected portion may be located outside of the other connected portion to thereby enlarge the area of the seating surface.

According to another alternative, the connecting portions may be connected together with a linkage. The linkage may include a threaded rod and an arm, wherein one end of the arm is attached to one of the connected portions and another end of the arm is movably connected to the threaded rod so that when the rod rotates the arm moves to change the position of the connected portions relative to one another.

In another alternative, the child seat may further include a rod having a threaded portion, wherein one of the connected portions is attached to the threaded portion of the rod and the other connected portion is attached to another portion of the rod so that when the rod rotates the connected portion attached to the threaded portion moves to change the relative distance between the connected portions.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a child seat having a base and an adjustable armrest is provided. The armrest may be connected to the base on a side of the seating surface; and may be adjustable between first and second positions. The armrest includes a connecting portion that slidably fits into or over a corresponding receiving portion of the base. The receiving portion may include a slot for receiving a tab located on the connecting portion. Preferably, the tab is attached to a flexible portion of the connecting portion of the armrest thereby allowing the tab to disengage with the slot when the tab is depressed.

According to yet another preferred embodiment a child seat including base pivotally connected to a backrest is provided. The base and the backrest are pivotally connected by a connection mechanism that includes a plurality of hooks engaged with a bar. The curved surface of at least one of the hooks opposes the curved surface of at least two of the other hooks. The bar may include a plurality of flat sections, wherein each flat section is positioned to engage with one of the hook sections. Preferably, the flat sections are arranged so that when the child seat is in a normal, installed position, each flat section of the bar faces the curved surface of one of the hooks.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention a child seat comprising a back rest and having a guide for a seat belt is provided. The guide includes a locked position for locking the seat belt in position relative to the belt guide and a free position wherein the seat belt can move relative to the guide. 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following description any reference to directions such as, for example, up, down, horizontal and vertical is meant to refer to the directions associated with a child seat when in use in a vehicle.

As shown inFIG. 1, the present invention is directed to a child vehicle seat. The car seat10includes a backrest100connected to a seat base200. The backrest100includes a top portion110serving as a headrest. The backrest100further includes a lower or bottom portion120. The bottom portion serves as a back support120and is connected to the base200.

The seat base200may be used either with or without the backrest100. When the base200is to be solely used without the backrest100as a backless booster seat, a mechanism for connecting with the backrest100may be omitted. In such a case, the seat base will include a smooth seating surface.

The base200preferably includes front and rear portions connected together. Preferably, the front portion210is connected to the rear portion220so that a generally smooth seating surface is created. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the position of the front portion210relative to the rear portion220may be adjusted in order to vary the depth of the seat size of the seating surface.

The base200also includes a pair of armrests250which may be of fixed or variable height. As shown inFIG. 1, the base200includes two upwardly extending sections240for receiving the armrests250. As described further below, the height of each armrest250relative to the seating surface of the base200may be adjusted to conform to the occupant of the seat10. The armrests250function to properly locate the lapbelt across the lower pelvic region of the occupant.

The child seat10may also include an object holder300. As shown inFIG. 1, the object holder300may be attached to the base200. In particular, the container holder300may be mounted under the seating surface of the base200from movement between a retracted, storage position and an extended, in-use position.FIG. 1shows the container bolder300in the retracted position.

The exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 1further includes a conventional belt guide450. As shown in the drawings, the conventional belt guide450only provides for use of a vehicle shoulder belt (not shown) in a “free” mode. The belt guide450does not include provision for locking the seat belt in position. As discussed further below, with reference toFIG. 12, the present invention includes a belt guide having both “free” and “locking” modes of operation.

As shown inFIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the backrest100is pivotally attached to the base200. The bottom portion of the backrest120includes at least three hooks125. The hooks125engage a bar225located near the back edge of the rear portion220of the base200. As described further below, the bar225includes flat sections226that are positioned to permit the hooks125to disengage from the bar225when separation of the backrest100from the base200is desired. Separation of the seat parts may be required or desired for storage or shipping of the child seat, for example.

FIG. 2discloses the base200with an enlarged or extended seating surface. The front portion210of the base200is extended further away from the rear portion220of the base.FIG. 2also discloses an extended position of the container holder300. For exemplary purposes only,FIGS. 1 and 2show two alternative positions for certain features of the child seat10. However, included within the scope of the present invention are many additional adjustment positions of the various seat components (e.g. container holder300, seat base200, backrest100, armrest250, etc.) including positions intermediate to and beyond the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings.

Preferably, the parts associated with the child seat10are conventional plastic formed in an injection molding process.

As shown inFIG. 2, the height of the armrests250is adjustable. In a preferred embodiment, each armrest250includes a flexible tab255. Preferably, the flexible tab255in integrally formed with the rest of the armrest250during an injection molding process. The tab255may include protrusions260. The protrusions260are positioned to engage one of at least two holes242located in an armrest receiving portion240of the base200. The holes242may be divided into two adjacent holes to conform to the exemplary shape of the protrusions260shown inFIG. 2.

For convenience,FIG. 2shows one of the two armrest250in an exploded view. However, according to the present invention, both of the armrests250are adjustable. When one of the armrests250is secured in a selected position, the protrusions260are located in one of the holes242. When a change in the height of the armrest is desired, the protrusions260are pushed inwardly, and the tab255pivots inward relative to the armrest250allowing the protrusion260to disengage from the hole242. The armrest250then may slide upward or downward, as appropriate, until the protrusions260engage the desired holes242.

While the preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 2is directed to protrusions located on a pivoting and flexible tab, the present invention includes other acceptable alternatives, such as a push button or latch mechanism. Furthermore, although the drawings show the armrest250to be inserted into the base200, the present invention includes an alternative arrangement in which the armrest250slides over the upwardly extending portion240of the base200. In such an arrangement, the flexible tab255and protrusions260would be positioned on the upwardly extending portion240of the base200, and the holes242would be located on the arm rest250.

With reference toFIGS. 3 through 8, the backrest height adjustment mechanism will now be described. As mentioned above, the backrest100includes a top portion110and a bottom portion120. The top portion110functions primarily as a head and neck rest for the seat occupant. The bottom portion120provides upper and lower back support. The height of the backrest100may be adjusted by sliding the top portion110upward or downward relative to the bottom portion120. The height adjustment allows for proper positioning of the shoulder belt relative to the occupant. In addition, the height adjustment ensures that the top of the backrest100supports the occupant's head.

As shown inFIG. 3, the top portion110may be slidably attached to the bottom portion120. The bottom portion120may include a guide section122for maintaining the vertical alignment of the top portion110. The position of the top portion110relative to the bottom portion120may be locked or fixed using a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include a latch160positioned to engage a series of notches130.

As shown inFIG. 3, the latch160is preferably connected to the top portion110. The notches130are preferably located on the bottom portion120. The latch160is pivotally connected to the top portion110. The pivotal connection between the latch160and the top portion110is preferably made by integrally forming the latch160with the top portion110during an injection molding process. Alternatively, the latch160may be pivotally connected to the top portion110through other acceptable arrangements such as, for example, a hinge and pin connection.

The latch160is biased toward engagement with the notches130. As a result, secure connection between the top portion110and bottom portion120of the backrest100is maintained. As shown inFIG. 4, the latch160includes at least one protrusion162for engaging a notch130. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, when the backrest100is locked (i.e., no relative movement between the top portion110and the bottom portion120), the protrusion162of the latch160fits securely in one of the notches130.

The child seat10may further include a release mechanism for unlocking the backrest100. The release mechanism includes a handle150located at the top of the backrest100. The handle150is connected to a pair of rigid members170positioned to interact with the latch160. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, two rigid members170are provided. However only one rigid member is required. As an alternative, a flexible member may be stretched to disengage the latch. The tensile force on the member during disengagement would bias the handle toward its normal position.

Preferably, each rigid member170is a sliding rail connected to the top portion110of the backrest100. Each rail170includes a wedge172located at its lower end, adjacent to the latch160. The wedge172is positioned so that when the handle150is depressed, the wedge172moves downwardly to contact and lift the latch160and disengage the protrusion162from the notch130, as shown inFIG. 6.

With the handle maintained in a depressed condition to disengage the latch160from the notch130, the position of the upper portion110of the backrest100may be changed upwardly or downwardly. When the new desired position is reached, the handle150may be released causing the biasing force on the latch160to force the bars170upwards. The protrusion162on the latch160then can engage the adjacent notch130located in the backrest100to lock the backrest in position. Following release of the handle150, a minor adjustment in the height of the top portion110relative to the bottom portion120may be required in order to align the latch160with the closest notch130. In an alternative embodiment, the handle150may be biased upwardly by a spring or other mechanism.

The child seat may be arranged so that lifting of the handle150provides for disengagement or unlocking of the top and bottom portions of the backrest100.

An alternative embodiment of the height adjustment mechanism for the backrest100is disclosed inFIGS. 7 and 8. As shown inFIG. 7, the bottom portion120′ of the backrest100′ may include a series of notches140positioned to receive a tab145connected to the upper portion110′ of the backrest100′. As shown inFIG. 7, a pair of tabs145are preferably provided. Similarly, the bottom portion120′ preferably includes two vertical rows of notches140, each row positioned to interact with one of the tabs145. The tabs145are biased inwardly away from the notches140. In the exemplary embodiment shown the biasing is provided by a compression spring143. The spring143is positioned in a slot142located in the tab145. The tab145is slidably connected to the top portion110′ of the backrest100to slide in and out of notches140. A post144is provided in the slot142of the tab145. The spring143contacts the post144, and at the other end the spring143contacts the tab145at one end of the slot142.

As shown inFIG. 7, when the tab145is fully engaged with the notch140, the spring143is compressed due to the position of the post144in the slot142. As shown inFIG. 8, when the tab145is disengaged from the notch140, the position of the post144in the slot142allows the compressive force on the spring143to be released.

The position of the tabs145relative to the notches140is controlled by a release mechanism which includes a handle150′ connected to an elongated, vertical rigid member180. The rigid control member180is slidably connected to the top portion110′ of the backrest100′. Preferably, the control member180is biased to an equilibrium position shown inFIG. 7by a pair of springs186. The equilibrium position of the rigid member180corresponds to a locked or latched position of the backrest100′. In the equilibrium position, an enlarged portion182of the control member180contacts the tabs145, thereby overcoming the force of the springs143and forcing each of the tabs145into engagement with one of the notches140to lock the backrest100′.

When a change in position of the top portion110′ of the backrest100′ is desired, the handle150is moved upwardly or downwardly to move the rigid member180out of its equilibrium position. When the rigid member is moved out of its equilibrium position, the enlarged portion182of the rigid member no longer forces the tabs145outwardly to engage the notch. Instead, a narrow portion184of the rigid member180(located either above or below the enlarged portion182) engages the tabs145, allowing each tab to retract out of the notch140due to the biasing of the spring143.

When the tabs145are in the retracted position, the top portion110′ of the backrest100may be adjusted upwardly or downwardly as desired. When a new desired position is reached, the handle150is released, and the control member180returns to its equilibrium position due to the biasing of the springs186. In the equilibrium position, the enlarged portion182of the control member180forces the tabs145to move outwardly and engage the corresponding notches140. After release of the handle150, the position of the top portion110′ may require a further minor adjustment in order to align the tabs145with the closest corresponding notches140. The notches130and the latch160may be configured (e.g., rounded) as necessary to improve engagement.

The connection between the backrest110and the base200of the child seat10will now be discussed with reference toFIGS. 1,2and9. As shown inFIG. 2, the backrest100includes at least three hooks125protruding downwardly from the bottom portion120of the backrest100. The hooks125engage with a bar225located in the base200. As shown inFIG. 2, the hooks125are arranged so that at least two hooks face in one direction and at least one hook faces in the other direction. The bar225includes three semi-circular sections corresponding to the locations of the hooks125. The semi-circular sections include flat sections226facing in opposite directions to the curved portions of the hooks125when the backrest100is installed in the base200, as shown inFIG. 1. For example, the flat section of the central semi-circular section inFIG. 2faces the front of the child seat, and the flat sections of the leftmost and rightmost semicircular sections ofFIG. 2face the rear of the child car seat. This arrangement of the hooks125and bar225prevents inadvertent separation of the backrest100from the base200. Preferably, the bar225is integrally formed with the seat base200through an injection molding process.

In order to separate the backrest100from the base200, the curved portions of the hooks must be aligned with the flat sections226of the bar225. When the child seat10is in its normal position and the backrest100is positioned as shown inFIG. 1, the hooks125are in contact with the curved perimeter of the bar225. As a result, separation of the backrest100from the base200is prevented. If the backrest100is pivoted past a point of normal operation, for example greater than 45 degrees from the vertical position shown inFIG. 1, separation of the backrest100from the base200is still prevented due to the opposite facing of adjacent hooks125. For example, when the backrest100is pivoted to a position in substantially the same plane as the base200, separation of the backrest100and the base200would not occur because each hook engages at least one quadrant of the curved perimeter of the bar225. The bar225or hooks125may further include nubs or protrusions to alert the user when the backrest100is being reclined past the maximum angle of suggested operation.

In a conventional child seat, oppositely facing hooks are not included, thereby allowing the backrest to lift off the base whenever the hooks are not fully enclosed by the structure of the seat base in the manner shown inFIG. 1. In order to fully separate the backrest100from the base200, the backrest100must be further rotated to a position approximately 180 degrees relative to the normal use position shown inFIG. 1. In such a position, shown inFIG. 9, each hook125engages one of the flat sections226of the bar225, thereby eliminating any engagement between the hooks125and the bar225and allowing a simple separation of the backrest100from the seat base200.

The exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in the drawings includes three hooks. However, three hooks is only the minimum number of hooks required by the present invention. The scope of the present invention includes a connection having four or more hooks, as long as at least one of the hooks is oriented in a generally opposite direction as one of the remaining hooks to prevent an undesired separation of the backrest from the seat back. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention also includes a backrest and seat base arrangement in which the hooks125are attached to the seat base200and the bar225is attached to the backrest100.

The arrangement of the object holder300according to the present invention will now be described.FIG. 10discloses the object holder in an extended position. The object holder300includes an extension320that may be attached to the seat base200. The extension320includes a slot305for receiving a post215secured to the base200of the child seat. When not in use, the object holder300may be pushed inwardly under the seating surface allowing slot305to slide along the post215to a retracted position. The extension320slides into a recess205located in the seat base.

The slot305may include inwardly protruding bumps315. The bumps315serve to prevent the container holder300from changing position without the intentional application of sufficient force to move the extension320and bumps315past the fixed post215. Alternative arrangements may be provided such as, for example, the provision of bumps on the post215along with corresponding detents in the side surfaces of the slot305.

FIG. 11discloses an alternative embodiment of an object holder301according to the present invention. The object holder301is pivotally attached to the base section200at a pivot point303. The object holder301can be pivoted in the direction of the arrow inFIG. 11to move the container holder301from the retracted position to the extended position. As in the previous embodiment, the container holder301may include bumps302to maintain the container holder301in the desired position.

A portion of the object holders300,301may be accessed when the object holder300,301is retracted in order provide a handgrip for use in changing position of the holder.

As shown inFIG. 12, the child seat10may include a belt guide400. The belt guide400provides a path for a vehicle seat belt over the shoulder of the occupant of the child seat. According to the desires of the user or supervising adult, the belt guide400may be used in either a locking or free mode.

The belt guide400includes two substantially parallel bars. The upper bar420is located just below the side head protectors of the top portion110of the backrest100and is pivotally secured to the backrest100. The lower bar410extends from the point425where the guide400is secured to the backrest100and is positioned below the upper bar420to create a gap440between the upper and lower bars. The belt guide400further includes a locking tab435for adjusting the position of the upper bar420. The locking tab435is pivotally connected to the top portion110of the backrest at pivot point430, and includes a slot to receive the bar420. The locking tab435is arranged with a knob or lever to facilitate operation by the user.

When the belt guide400is used in the locking mode, the seat belt passes through the small gap415between the top portion110of the backrest and the upper bar420of the belt guide. In order to position the seat belt above the upper bar420in gap415, the locking tab435is rotated counterclockwise upward about the pivot point430to separate from the upper bar420, thereby creating a passage through which the seat belt can be placed above the upper bar420. After the seat belt is positioned above the upper bar420, the locking tab435is pivoted downward in a clockwise direction, engaging the upper bar420through camming action and forcing the upper bar420upwards against the top portion110of the backrest.

The seat belt is clamped between the upper bar420and the backrest100. The frictional force applied by the bar420and the backrest100secures the belt in position. Preferably, the seatbelt becomes convoluted during clamping, thereby enhancing the clamping action of the belt guide400.

When the belt guide400is desired to be used in the free mode, the seat belt is placed in the gap440between the upper bar420and the lower bar410. The upper bar420and the lower bar410do not clamp the seat belt, thereby allowing the seat belt to slide back and forth through the gap440.

When used in the free mode, the belt guide400allows the occupant of the child seat to move relative to the backrest100. On the other hand, when used in the locking mode, the belt guide400limits the movement of the occupant of the child seat. Use of the belt guide400in the locking mode may be desired to restrict movement of an overly energetic child.

As mentioned above, the child seat10may be configured to permit the user to adjust the depth of the seat base200. The seat depth adjustment will now be described with reference toFIGS. 13 through 17.

In a first embodiment, shown inFIG. 13, the front portion210of the seat base slides over the rear portion220. A rod260passes through both the front portion210and the rear portion220. The rod includes a pair of disks or pins263positioned to sandwich an interior vertical wall211located in the front portion210of the seat base200. The arrangement of the disk263and the wall211ensures that the position of the rod260relative to the front portion210of the seat base does not change. The rod260includes a threaded portion262which engages a substantially vertical wall221of the rear portion220of the seat base. The rod further includes a handle261.

Rotation of the handle261causes a corresponding rotation of the threaded portion262of the rod260thereby moving the rear portion220and the front portion210of the base closer to or further away from each other. Thus, through rotation of the handle261, the user of the child seat may vary the depth of the seat base200as necessary to accommodate different sized occupants.

FIG. 13is an exemplary embodiment. Thus, in an alternative embodiment the seat base can be reconfigured so that the rear portion '220of the seat base con slide over the front portion210.

FIG. 14discloses an alternative embodiment of the seat base200. As shown inFIG. 14a rod270is provided. The rod270passes through the seat base200in a direction perpendicular to the depth of the seat. A set of linkage arms275are connected to threaded collars274at both ends of the rod270. The collars274ride on threaded portions272of the rod270. At ends opposite to the collar274the linkage arms275are secured together at a pivot point276and fixed to one of the front portion210or rear portion220of the seat base.FIG. 14shows the arms275connected to the front portion of the seat base.

The rod270passes through a slot in the front portion210and is rotatably fixed to the rear portion220of the base200to allow movement of the front portion210and rear portion220of the seat base200relative to one another. Rotation of either handle271turns the threaded portions272of the rod and creates corresponding movement of the collars274and the attached275. The arms274are fixed to the portions of the seat base at pivot points276. Therefore, rotation of the threaded portion272drives the arms275inwardly or outwardly creating a corresponding movement of the front portion210of the seat base. For example, if the handle271is rotated such that the arms275are drawn toward the middle of the seat base200, the front portion210of the seat base moves away from the rear portion220creating a larger seating surface.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the connection between the arms275and one of the portions of the seat base may be omitted. For example, the rod270may be rotatably connected to the rear portion220of the seat. The connection between the arms275and the rear portion220of the seat may be omitted. Thus, rotation of the handle271creates a movement of the front portion210of the seat either away from or toward the rear portion220.FIG. 14represents an exemplary embodiment. Thus, as mentioned above, it is clear that the front portion210may pass outside the rear portion220rather

Another alternative embodiment of the seat base200is shown inFIG. 15. The front portion210of the seat base slips into the rear portion220. The front portion may include an upwardly biased push button290extending upward through one of a series of holes285located in the rear portion220of the seat. As shown inFIG. 15, the push button may be located either on the side or on the top of the seat base. Any number of holes285may be provided in the rear portion220depending on the amount of the seat adjustment desired.FIG. 15merely discloses two of many possible alternatives (i.e., two or three holes). As mentioned above, the front portion210of the seat base may slide over rather than under the rear portion220. In this alternative, the push button290would be provided on the rear portion220, and the holes285would be formed in the front portion210.

FIGS. 16 and 17disclose yet another alternative of the seat base200. As shown in the drawings, a front portion212of the seat base is pivotally connected to a rear portion222at a pivot point214.FIG. 17shows the seat base in a shortened position. When increased seat depth is desired, a handle located at the pivot point214is rotated to change the position of the front portion212to extend out from the rear portion222as shown inFIG. 16. Preferably, the front portion212rotates downwardly from the position shown inFIG. 17in order to prevent interference with a smooth seating surface located at the top of the rear portion222. The shape and configuration of the front portion212may be varied as necessary to provide maximum comfort to the user of the child seat.

As mentioned above, the present invention includes a child seat that may be used either with or without the backrest. The backless booster seat may include the features described above, such as, the object holder, adjustable armrests and seat base with depth adjustment.