Child vehicle seat having an adjustable harness system

A child vehicle seat includes a seat portion and a headrest assembly. The headrest assembly defines at least one belt aperture. The headrest assembly is movable in relation to the seat portion between an upper position and a lower position. The child vehicle seat further includes a harness system including (i) at least one shoulder belt portion extending through the at least one belt aperture defined in the headrest assembly, and (ii) a crotch belt assembly that is movable in relation to the seat portion between an extended position and a retracted position. Movement of the headrest assembly in relation to the seat portion from the upper position to the lower position causes the crotch belt assembly to move from the extended position to the retracted position.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to the field of child seats for motor vehicles.

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.

A continuing challenge for users of conventional child vehicle seats and restraint systems is properly positioning the harness upon the child. In particular, the shoulder belts included with the shoulder harness should extend from the back of the seat within a specified range of the child's shoulder. In addition, the crotch belt of the buckle harness should extend from the bottom of the seat within a specified range of the child's crotch. Furthermore, the buckle of the buckle harness should be properly positioned within a specific range near the midsection of the child. Users of child seats are often required to make various adjustments to the harness such that all belts and buckles are properly situated for the child that will be using the seat. Therefore, a need exists for a child seat where the shoulder harness and buckle harness are easily and/or automatically adjusted, depending upon the size of the child. Furthermore, a need exists for a child seat where the position of the belts with respect to the seat may be changed depending upon the size of the child. Preferably, this would include automatically changing the position of the shoulder belt with respect to the back of the seat and automatically changing position of the crotch belt with respect to the seat bottom, depending upon the size of the child.

Another challenge for users of conventional child seat designs is the relative complexity of the headrest and shoulder harness adjustment for the seat. The headrest and shoulder harness positions should typically be adjusted as the child grows. However, the adjustment mechanisms for the headrest and/or shoulder harness can be awkward and difficult to manipulate on many seats. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a headrest mechanism for a child seat that is easy to adjust. It would also be desirable to provide a harness system that is automatically adjusted when the headrest is adjusted, thereby relieving users of the need to readjust the harness after moving the headrest.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a child vehicle seat that includes a seat portion and a headrest assembly. The headrest assembly defines at least one belt aperture. The headrest assembly is movable in relation to the seat portion between an upper position and a lower position. The child vehicle seat further includes a harness system including (i) at least one shoulder belt portion extending through the at least one belt aperture defined in the headrest assembly, and (ii) a crotch belt assembly that is movable in relation to the seat portion between an extended position and a retracted position. Movement of the headrest assembly in relation to the seat portion from the upper position to the lower position causes the crotch belt assembly to move from the extended position to the retracted position.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a child vehicle seat that includes a seat portion and a headrest assembly that is movable in relation to the seat portion, the headrest assembly defining at least one belt aperture. The child vehicle seat further includes a harness system including (i) at least one shoulder belt extending through the at least one belt aperture defined in the headrest assembly, and (ii) a crotch belt that is movable in relation to the seat portion Movement of the headrest assembly in relation to the seat portion causes movement of the crotch belt in relation to the seat portion.

DESCRIPTION

Overview

With general reference toFIG. 1, a child's vehicle seat and restraint system100comprises a seat portion104and a headrest102. The seat portion104of the child seat100includes a base shell118which is secured to the posterior side of a rigid frame122. A foam shell120is secured to the base shell118and covers the anterior side of the rigid frame. The headrest102is attached to an adjustable headrest support130which is slideably retained upon the frame.

As shown inFIG. 12, the child seat100also includes a harness110which is designed to secure an occupant within the seat. The harness110includes a plurality of straps that form a web200used to secure a child in the seat. The harness110also includes a front buckle112and a front clip114used to properly position the harness straps upon the child. A central belt retractor300is secured to the rigid frame122and is operable to remove slack in the harness once a child occupant is positioned in the child seat100.

Frame

With reference toFIG. 2, the frame122of the child seat includes two L-shaped members126separated by a plurality of metallic cross members128that extend between the L-shaped members126. The cross members128extend through holes defined in the L-shaped members126and 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 leg132, a curved portion134, and a long leg136. Two parallel support bars138are also included in the frame. Each support bar138includes a first end connected to the short leg132of one of the L-shaped members126and a second end that extends toward the top of the long leg136of the same L-shaped member126. An S-shaped plate140connects the second end of each support member to the long leg136of the L-shaped member126. One of the cross members128extends through the first end of the support bars138to secure the support bars to the short legs132of the L-shaped members126. An additional metallic cross member129is provided that extends between the support bars138and through the S-shaped plates. The rigid frame122is made of a lightweight metallic material, such as aluminum.

The frame122generally provides a strong skeletal structure for the child seat100to which all load bearing components on the child seat are attached. Because the frame122is 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

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 3, the base shell118cradles the frame122about the posterior side of the frame122. To this end, the profile of the base shell118is generally L-shaped, similar the L-shaped members126of the frame122. The base shell118is made of a relatively stiff plastic material, such as polypropylene. The base shell118includes a bottom portion150designed to receive the short legs132of the frame122, and a back portion152designed to receive the long legs136of the frame122. The frame122is secured to the base shell118in any means commonly used in the art such as rivets, nuts and bolts, or other fasteners.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the back portion152of the base shell118includes a recessed angled panel156positioned between two rear heels158. A window160is formed in the back portion152above the recessed angled panel156. The window160is flanked by two side wings162. A top panel164is formed above the window160and extends between the two side wings162. Two columns166extend from the top panel164down to the heels158. The two columns166partially surround the long legs136of the L-shaped members126of the frame122. Triangular openings168are formed between the wings162, columns166and heels158, as shown inFIG. 4.

The bottom portion150of the base shell118includes a generally flat portion designed to provide a surface for the base shell that rests upon the vehicle seat. The bottom portion150of the base shell is best seen inFIGS. 25 and 26. Anti-skid material may be adhered or otherwise affixed to the bottom surface of the bottom portion150of 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 inFIG. 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.

The two rear heels158also blend into the bottom portion150of the base shell and provide additional support for the base shell when it is placed in the vehicle seat. The bottom portion150of the base shell118is cupped by the two side wings162which extend down from the back portion152and into the bottom portion150of the base shell. The short legs132of the frame122are located in the cupped bottom portion. As shown inFIG. 14, the bottom portion150of the base shell118also includes a central channel154through which a harness belt passes.

Foam Shell

With reference now toFIG. 6-8, the top foam shell120is generally a single integral component. The foam shell generally comprises a seat170and a backrest172. Two arm rests174flank the seat170, and a recess176is formed in the front of the seat, as shown inFIG. 6. The arm rests flow into two sidewalls178that flank the backrest172. An opening is formed in the backrest for receiving the adjustable headrest support130. The foam shell120is 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® expanded polypropylene beads. The foam shell is relatively flexible compared to the more rigid portions of the child seat100, 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.

As described above, the foam shell is positioned over the anterior sides of the frame122and base shell118. The frame122is thus generally enclosed by a two-part shell which includes the base shell118on one side and the foam shell120on the other side. The foam shell120is secured to the frame122and/or base shell118using any of various fastening methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the foam shell120may be secured to the base and frame using hook and loop type fastener strips, such as those sold under the trademark VELCRO®, or nuts and bolts or other fasteners.

An exemplary fastener360which may be used to secure the foam headrest102to the headrest support130is shown inFIGS. 30A,30B, and31. The fastener360includes two complementary molded locking pieces362and364. Each locking piece includes a circular anchor366with an extending post368. The extending post includes two opposing tines370and372. Each tine370,372includes a first plurality of teeth374axially positioned along one interior side and a second plurality of teeth376axially positioned along another interior side such that the first plurality of teeth374are 90° offset from the second plurality of teeth376. When the posts368are mated, the tines370,372from one locking piece362slide along the tines370,372of the opposite locking piece364, and the teeth374,376on the tines act in a ratcheting fashion, such that the posts368can only become further engaged, and are locked from disengagement. When the posts368are fully engaged, the locking pieces362,364are fastened and cannot be pulled apart without destruction of the locking pieces. When used on the seat100, the circular anchor366from one locking piece362is embedded in the foam shell with its post368extending through a hole363defined in the foam headrest102(see, e.g.,FIG. 1). The post368of the other locking piece364extends through a hole365defined in the headrest support130(see, e.g.,FIGS. 7 and 8). When the two posts368are engaged, the ratcheting action on the teeth locks the posts together, thereby securing the foam headrest102to the headrest support130.

Headrest Support

With reference to FIGS.1and7-9, the headrest support130is generally rectangular in shape and is adjustably mounted on the parallel support bars138of the frame122. The headrest support130includes a front face182and a rear face184. As best seen inFIG. 9, u-shaped channels190are positioned along the edges of the headrest support. The u-shaped channels190are designed to curve around and receive the support bars138, thus guiding the headrest support130as it slides up and down along the support bars138. The headrest support130includes a forward portion131(see, e.g.,FIGS. 7 and 8) and a rear portion133(see, e.g.,FIG. 9). The forward portion131and the rear portion are secured together, and thus, move in unison during adjustment of the headrest support130.

As discussed above, the headrest is mounted directly on the headrest support130. For example, fasteners360, such as those shown inFIGS. 30A,30B, and31may be used to secure the headrest102to the headrest support130. In an alternative embodiment, a resilient foam material is interposed between the forward portion131of the headrest130and the rear portion133of the headrest130. The resilient foam material provides cushioned support for the headrest.

The front face182of the headrest support130also includes two belt guides186. The two belt guides186extend from the front face182and provide for passage of the harness straps200through the headrest support. The headrest102includes holes designed to allow the belt guides186to extend through the foam cushion of the headrest. As explained in further detail below, the belt guides186also properly position the harness straps at various vertical heights as the headrest support130and headrest102are moved to account for children of different sizes in the child seat100. A slit198is also defined in the headrest support130to provide an additional passage from the front face182to the rear face184. As explained in further detail below, the slit198is designed to receive the end of one of the harness belts, and secure it to the headrest support130, thereby assisting in automatically adjusting the harness as the headrest support130and headrest102are moved.

Also included on the front face182of the headrest support130, behind the headrest102, is a panel adjustment mechanism148. With reference toFIGS. 9 and 16, the panel adjustment mechanism includes a horizontal center track191defined in the headrest support130. Two pins193are positioned in the horizontal center track191. The two pins193are biased toward the outer edges of the track191by a center spring192. Each pin193includes a locking post (not shown) designed to extend out of an end the track191and into one of a plurality of holes149in the support bar138of the frame. However, each of the two pins193are slideable within the track191such that the locking posts may be removed from the holes149in the support bar if the pins193are moved a sufficient distance toward the center of the track191against the bias of center spring192. A knob194is provided on each pin193to facilitate movement of the pin within the track191. As best seen inFIG. 16, each knob194extends out of the track and contacts an angled cam surface146on the end of an adjustment bar144that is slideably mounted to the front face182of the headrest support130. The angled cam surface146is defined by two angled slots187(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 bar144includes a handle142(seeFIGS. 7-8). The handle142is spring biased in a downward position.

According to the above arrangement, when a user pulls up the handle142, the adjustment bar144slides upward and the angled surface146of an angled slot also moves upward. As the angled cam surface146slides upward, the knobs194on the pins193ride along the angled cam surface, forcing the pins193closer together, toward the center of the track. When the pins193are moved to the center of the track, the locking posts on the pins are removed from the holes149in the support bar138. Accordingly, the headrest support130and connected headrest102are free to slide along the support bar138. When the proper position for the headrest102is found, the user releases the handle142and the handle returns to a downward position. As the handle142returns to the downward position, the adjustment bar144and angled cam surface146also move downward, allowing the knobs194on the pins193in the track191to move further apart. The spring192then forces the pins apart, thereby forcing the locking posts into the holes149in the support bar138when the locking posts are properly aligned with the holes149.FIG. 16shows an alternative embodiment of an adjustment bar144′ 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 handle142in order to remove the pins193from the corresponding holes149defined in the support bar138so that the headrest support130could be adjusted.

With reference toFIGS. 1,10and11, the headrest102is mounted on the top portion of the headrest support130. The headrest102is comprised of the same material as the foam shell120. 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® expanded polypropylene beads.

The headrest102includes a central portion101that is secured to the headrest support130. The central portion101includes two shoulder harness slots105that are aligned with the harness guides186, allowing straps to pass through the headrest support130and headrest102. The central portion101of the headrest102is integral with two flexible sidewalls103having generally curved perimeters. Each sidewall103extends about 6 to 12 inches outward and away from the location where the central portion101is attached to the headrest support130. Each sidewall103also curves around the base shell118as it extends away from the central portion101. While the central portion101is securely fastened to the headrest support130, the sidewalls103are free to bend in relation to the central portion101. In particular, the sidewalls103of the headrest102are free to pivot near the point where the headrest102is fastened to the headrest support130and toward an occupant's head sitting in the child seat100in the event of an accident. This provides a significant amount of protection for the occupant of the seat100in the event of a side impact to the vehicle or a rollover. The dense foam material that forms the headrest102not only cradles the occupant's head in the event of an accident, but also serves as a cushion for sleeping.

Any number of different types of fasteners may be used to secure the headrest to the headrest support. For example, the fasteners360described above with two locking pieces362,364may be used to secure the foam of the headrest102to the headrest support130. Alternatively, loop and hook fastener material, such as VELCRO®, may be positioned on the back side of the headrest102and used to secure the headrest102to the headrest support130. Low-density foam cushioning124may 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

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, a seat cover108covers the seat portion104, and a headrest cover109covers the headrest102. Foam cushioning124is placed on the foam shell, under the seat cover108, to make the seat100more comfortable for the occupant. The seat cover108and headrest cover109provide a comfortable feel to the seating surface of the child seat100and 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.

In one embodiment, the seat cover108is designed for removal from the foam shell120and base shell118without the need to remove any straps from the harness of the child seat100. This embodiment is generally shown with reference toFIGS. 21 and 22. In this embodiment, the seat cover108and headrest cover109include a plurality of slits380-384and a plurality of flaps390-394. The slits and flaps allow the seat cover108and headrest cover109to be manipulated around the harness straps. For example, slit384allows the buckle112of the buckle harness system211(described below) to pass through the slit384, and flap394may be opened to re-insert the buckle through the slit when reattaching the cover to the seat. The backrest flaps390and392and slits380and382are 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®, 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 cover108is designed to overlap the edges of the base shell118. The periphery198of the seat cover108is lined with an elastic material that helps retain the seat cover108on the base shell118.

Harness System

The harness system110is generally shown with reference toFIGS. 12-16. The harness system110includes a web200comprised of a plurality of belts/straps as well as several buckles. As shown inFIG. 12, the harness system110may be considered a two-part system, including a shoulder harness system201and a buckle harness system211. 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 toFIG. 12. Thereafter, features of the harness system are described in relation to other portions of the child seat100.

Shoulder Harness System

With reference toFIG. 12. The shoulder harness system201includes a shoulder belt202that includes a first end204fastened to one port of a Y-connector250and a second end206fastened to another end of a Y-connector250. Starting with the first end204, the shoulder belt moves up from the Y-connector250, over the cross member129, and down under the frame122. After passing under the two short legs132of the L-shaped members126, the shoulder belt202is passed back up to the cross member129on the other side of the frame122. The shoulder belt202then loops over the cross member129on the opposite side of the cross member from where it originally looped over, and follows back down to the Y-connector250, where the shoulder belt202terminates and is again fastened to the Y-connector (also seeFIG. 4). The other belt fastened to the Y-connector250is a retraction belt208. The retraction belt moves down along the angled panel156of the base shell and, after making turn, passes into the central channel of the base shell. A dotted line118is provided inFIG. 12to represent this portion of the base shell118in relation to the frame122. After passing through the central channel of the base shell, the retraction belt208feeds into the retractor (represented by dotted line300). In particular, the end of the retraction belt is fastened to the feed bar302of the retractor. The feed bar may be turned in the direction of arrow232using knob234(also seeFIG. 1) to wind the retraction belt208in the retractor300, thereby tightening the shoulder belt202and helping to secure an occupant in the child seat100. Conversely, the knob234and feed bar302may be turned in the direction opposite arrow232to pay out additional portions of the retraction belt208from the retractor, thereby providing additional slack for the shoulder belt when a larger occupant is seated in the child seat100.

Referring now toFIGS. 13-16, the shoulder harness system is shown with respect to the frame122, base shell118, and headrest support130. As shown inFIG. 13, the shoulder belt202passes through both belt guides186on the headrest support130as the shoulder belt202winds over cross bar129and under the bottom portion of the base shell118. Although the shoulder belt202passes through the belt guides186on the headrest support130, the shoulder belt only slideably engages the belt guides and does not connect to the belt guides. This allows the headrest support130and attached headrest102to move up and down upon the frame122and move to various positions, as discussed above, without the need for removal, loosening or other adjustment of the harness110, including the shoulder belt202. Accordingly, the headrest102and associated mechanism is independent of the harness110. Furthermore, this arrangement of the harness shoulder belt202passing through the belt guides186means that the headrest is not a load-bearing component of the child seat100. The arrangement of the shoulder belt202upon the frame122means 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.

Buckle Harness System

Referring again toFIG. 12, the harness belts200of the child seat further comprise belts in a buckle harness system211. The buckle harness system211includes a crotch adjustment belt214and a crotch belt220. A first end216of the crotch adjustment belt214is inserted through the slit198in the headrest support130(represented by dotted lines130inFIG. 12) and is fastened to a buckle260. The buckle260secures the first end216to the headrest support130, since the buckle is prevented from passing through the slit198to the headrest support130(as shown inFIG. 16). The crotch adjustment belt214extends up from the buckle260and over the center portion of the cross bar129. Then, the crotch adjustment belt208passes down to the cross bar128cand turns toward cross bar128b. After passing under cross bar128b, the crotch adjustment belt208is fastened to crotch adjustment bar128a. An adjustable connector240is looped around the crotch adjustment belt208between the cross bars128aand128bsuch that the adjustable connector240is free to slide upon the crotch adjustment belt214. One end of a crotch belt220is securely fastened to the adjustable connector240. The opposite end of the crotch belt220is connected to the buckle112. As the headrest support130and associated first end216of the crotch adjustment belt214move up, slack is provided in the crotch adjustment belt214. This slack allows the buckle112connected to the crotch belt220to extend further away from cross bars128aand128b. Conversely, when the headrest support130and associated first end216of the crotch adjustment belt214move down, the crotch adjustment belt214is tightened and less of the belt is available between cross bars128aand128b. With less belt available between these cross bars, the fastener240and buckle112are pulled downward toward the cross bars128aand128b.

Referring now toFIGS. 14-15, the crotch adjustment belt214is shown in two different positions. InFIG. 14, the crotch belt214is in an extended position. In this extended position, the headrest support130and headrest102are moved fully up, providing slack in the crotch adjustment belt214that allows the adjustable connector240and attached crotch belt220to move to the extended position. InFIG. 15, the crotch adjustment belt is in a retracted position. In this retracted position, the headrest support130and headrest102are moved fully down, taking up slack in the crotch adjustment belt214to move the crotch belt220to its retracted position. In this retracted position, a spacer222is shown encouraging the adjustable connector240more rearward. The spacer222is a plastic material that prevents the adjustable connector from contacting the portion of the belt214covered by the spacer222. Therefore, when little slack is available in the belt214, the adjustable connector and associated crotch belt are encouraged toward the back of the seat. Accordingly, as the headrest102is 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 system211that automatically adjusts to the size of the occupant, based on the location of the headrest102. In an alternative embodiment shown inFIGS. 14A and 15A, the front buckle112is not slidable along the crotch adjustment belt214as is the case in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 14 and 15. Rather, the front buckle112is attached to one end of the belt214as shown inFIGS. 14A and 15A. A tether belt221is added to limit upward movement of the front buckle112. To this end, one end of the tether belt221is secured to the cross bar128bwhile the other end of the tether belt221is secured to the one end of the belt214as shown inFIGS. 14A and 15A.

Altogether, the disclosed harness system110, including the shoulder harness system201and buckle harness system211provide 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 system201and the buckle harness system211provide 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

With reference to FIGS.1and17-20, a central belt retractor300is provided on the front portion of the base shell118. As shown inFIG. 1, a decorative and protective covering330generally shields the central retractor300when the seat is assembled. Removal of the protective covering330exposes the retractor300.

As best shown inFIG. 18, the central retractor300includes a spool306and latch116that cooperate in a ratchet fashion to wind the retraction belt208on the spool. The spool306is retained within a retractor housing304that is secured to cross bar128a. The spool306is mounted to an axle302that extends through the housing304. As shown inFIGS. 19A-19C, a wound power spring320connects the spool306to the axle302and biases the spool toward clockwise movement, in the direction of arrow350, which will wind the retraction belt208on the spool. The spool306includes two circular sidewalls308with ratchet teeth310formed on the circular sidewalls. As shown inFIGS. 17 and 20, a handle324is fixed to the end of the axle302to allow for manual rotation of the axle302and spool306. In particular, manual rotation of the handle324by a user will cause the retraction belt208to be wound upon the spool. As described previously, because the retraction belt208is connected to the shoulder harness system201, winding the retraction belt208upon the spool will tighten the retraction belt208and shoulder belt202and generally tighten the shoulder harness on an occupant of the seat.

Returning toFIG. 18, the latch116is provided for locking the spool306in place. The latch116includes a front handle318and two pawls312that extend rearwardly from the front handle318. Each pawl312includes a plurality of pawl teeth310designed to engage the spool teeth310in a ratchet fashion. The latch116includes two pivot posts316that connect the latch to the retractor housing304. The latch116also pivots within the housing304on the pivot posts316. The front handle portion318of the latch116is biased downward by two springs326. Because the latch116is biased downward, the pawl teeth314are encouraged toward engagement with the spool teeth310.

Rotation of the spool306in the clockwise direction, as noted by arrow350inFIG. 18, results in the retraction belt208winding upon the spool306. Because the spool306is 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 teeth310and the pawl teeth314, the spool is normally blocked from counter-clockwise rotation, opposite the direction of arrow350, which would allow the retraction belt208to be paid out. Furthermore, if the user wishes to take up additional slack in the retraction belt208and attached shoulder belt202, the handle324connected to the axis302may be rotated in the direction of arrow350, causing additional lengths of the retraction belt208to be wound upon the spool306, and thereby tightening the shoulder belt202upon the occupant of the seat. Additional lengths of belt wound upon the spool306are retained by the spool because of the ratchet action of the spool teeth310with the pawl teeth314. When the user desires to pay out previously wound lengths of the retraction belt208in order to loosen the connected shoulder belt202, the latch handle318is moved upward. Upward movement of the latch handle318releases the pawl teeth314from the spool teeth310. This separation allows the spool to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, opposite the direction of arrow350, and pay out additional lengths of the retraction belt208when the shoulder harness system201is pulled outwardly. However, because the spool308is spring biased, slack in the retraction belt208and shoulder harness system201is 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

Returning toFIGS. 1,3-5,13,17, and20a system is provided for mounting the child seat100in a vehicle. In particular, vehicle connection straps270are provided that are connected to vehicle connection buckles280. The connection straps are partially wound on retractable spools of retractors290(seeFIG. 20) located under cross bar128a. The retractors290for the vehicle connection straps270operate in a similar fashion to the retractor300for the retraction belt208and connected shoulder belts202(as described above with reference toFIGS. 17-20). For example, similar to retractor300, the retractors290for the vehicle connection straps270are spring biased and automatically tighten the vehicle connection straps270. The retractors290may be released by pressing the buttons284located next to the retraction latch116on the bottom front portion of the seat. Depression of one of the buttons284rotates a lever that releases a pawl from engagement with teeth on the retractor290. When the pawl is otherwise engaged with the teeth, the pawl locks the retractor290from rotating in a direction that would pay out the vehicle connection strap270. When the pawl is released from the teeth by depression of the button284, the retractor290is allowed to rotate and pay out the vehicle connection strap270. In one embodiment, the buttons284are connected by a connecting bar such that depression of either button284will release both of the retractors290. It should be appreciated that the retractors290and the vehicle connection buckles280may, 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. US 2004/0084939, the disclosure of which is hereby totally incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The vehicle connection straps270extend horizontally from the spools of the retractor290along the bottom portion of the base shell118. At one of the cross members128of the frame122, the straps270make a perpendicular turn and extend vertically along the base shell. Thereafter, the connection straps pass through 45° slots282in the base shell118. The 45° slots282redirect the straps270in a generally horizontal direction such that the straps270extend sideways relative to the upright child seat100. The straps terminate in connection buckles280operable to connect to anchors in the vehicle seat.

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 openings168in the posterior portion of the base shell118and frame122. After passing the shoulder belt through the openings168, the belts may be buckled to the shoulder belt anchors of the vehicle seat belt and tightened, thus securing the child seat100to the vehicle seat.

Proper Harness Position Indicators

The child seat100is equipped with both a clip position indicator and a shoulder slot position indicator. The clip location indicator396is provided on the clip itself. The clip position indicator396includes a design, icon, wording, or other indicia to show the proper position of the clip relative to the child. For example, as shown inFIG. 23, the clip position indicator includes the words, “Adjust to armpit level.” As also shown inFIG. 23, shoulder pads395in the form of TPE pads are slideably positioned on the shoulder belts to provide shoulder padding for the child. As shown inFIG. 24, the shoulder pads395include 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.

In an alternative embodiment shown inFIG. 21A, the shoulder slot position indicator is provided on the headrest cover109. 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 inFIG. 21A, the shoulder slot position indicator398includes 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

With reference toFIG. 25, the child seat100includes a tether500. One end of the tether500is secured to an upper posterior cross member on the frame122(seeFIG. 12). The other end of the tether500is connected to a tether clip502that may be used to secure the tether500to a tether anchor in an automobile. The tether clip includes a hook portion504and a buckle portion506.

Conveniently, the tether500may also serve as a carrying strap. To this end, the child seat100includes a tether clip connection slot510on the posterior side of the base shell118. The tether clip connection slot510is dimensioned to receive the hook portion504of the tether clip. Adjacent to the tether clip connection slot is a buckle groove512dimensioned to receive the buckle portion506of the tether clip502.

FIG. 25shows the tether clip connection slot with the tether clip502removed from the slot510.FIG. 26shows the tether clip connection slot510with the hook portion504of the tether clip502hooked in the slot510and the buckle portion506of the tether clip positioned in the groove512. As shown inFIG. 27, when the tether clip502is hooked in the slot512, a user may grab the tether500and 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 strap500may be conveniently adjusted at the buckle portion506, to accommodate the size of the user.

Instruction Manual Storage

With reference toFIGS. 28 and 29, the child seat100includes a pouch530built into the headrest cover109. The pouch530in the headrest cover109is generally rectangular in shape and is dimensioned to receive the instruction manual for the child seat100. The pouch530is positioned on the top portion of the seat and the opening to the pouch is covered by a flap532. The flap532includes 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 inFIG. 29, pulling the edge of the flap back exposes the opening to the pouch530in the headrest cover.

When the headrest cover109is properly positioned on the headrest102, the pouch530is situated in front of the foam headrest102and behind the exterior surface of the headrest cover109. Padding may be added between the pouch530and the headrest cover109. The pouch530provides a convenient location for storage of the instruction manual, allowing a user of the seat100to 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

The instruction manual, seat labels, and various parts of the child seat100are all color coded to help the user identify and properly operate different parts on the seat. With reference toFIG. 32, a page550from the instruction manual is shown. This page550shows the child seat100along with various component parts of the child seat. As noted by this page550of the instruction manual, portions of the manual and seat100color coded in yellow refer to the retractable harness110and related components. Other portions of the instruction manual and seat100color coded in gray refer to the vehicle connection buckles280and related components. Still other portions of the instruction manual and seat100color coded in red refer to the vehicle seat belt and components for attaching the seat100to 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.

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 system110of the seat100. Likewise, numerous parts on the seat100are 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 toFIG. 32, the knob234and the retraction latch116(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

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.