Patent Publication Number: US-9403450-B2

Title: Child safety seat assemblies

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/678,688 filed on Nov. 16, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/560,808 filed on Nov. 17, 2011, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present inventions relate to child safety seat assemblies. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A child safety seat is usually required to seat a young child in a vehicle for protecting the child during crash collision. The child safety seat can be attached on the vehicle passenger&#39;s seat with the seatbelt of the vehicle. However, the use of the seatbelt for fastening the child safety seat may be inconvenient, and result in erroneous installation that fails to protect the child during collision. 
     Another approach proposes to incorporate a standardized latch system (i.e., ISOFIX standard) in the child safety seat through which the seat can be securely attached with an anchorage fixture provided in the vehicle. Because the ISOFIX latch system provides a tight hold of the child safety seat, the energy resulting from a crash collision may be substantially transmitted to the child and cause injury. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a child safety seat that can address at least the aforementioned issues. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application describes child safety seat assemblies that include a support base, and a child safety seat arranged on the support base. In one embodiment, the support base includes a shell body, an arm extending transversally relative to the shell body, two latch assemblies and a cushion structure. The shell body has an inner sidewall, and an interior affixed with an anchor structure, the anchor structure including a side segment. The arm has a tube portion, and a rod arranged through the tube portion, the tube portion including an extension connected with the side segment of the anchor structure. The two latch assemblies are respectively connected with a left and a right end of the rod, the latch assemblies being operable to fixedly attach the shell body with an anchorage fixture of a vehicle, and the rod being rotatable relative to the tube portion to turn the two latch assemblies to either of a storage state and a deployed state. The cushion structure is arranged adjacent to a joint region where the side segment and the extension of the tube portion are connected with each other, or in the support base at a position between the tube portion and the inner sidewall of the shell body, the cushion structure being operable to cushion a displacement of the shell body and the anchor structure relative to the arm and the latch assemblies when a car collision occurs. 
     In other embodiments, the support base for a child safety seat includes a shell body having an interior affixed with an anchor structure, an arm extending transversally relative to the shell body, two latch assemblies operable to fixedly attach the shell body with an anchorage fixture of a vehicle, and a cushion structure. The arm has a rod pivotally supported through a tube portion, the tube portion including an extension connected with a side segment of the anchor structure. The two latch assemblies are respectively connected with a left and a right end of the rod, the rod being rotatable with the two latch assemblies relative to the tube portion. The cushion structure interacts with the arm to cushion a displacement of the shell body and the anchor structure relative to the arm and the latch assemblies when a car collision occurs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view illustrating an embodiment of a support base for a child safety seat; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view illustrating a construction of the support base shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged view illustrating one cushion structure shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view illustrating an operation of the cushion structure provided in the support base of  FIG. 1  when installed in a vehicle; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view illustrating a second embodiment of a support base for a child safety seat; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged view illustrating a cushion structure provided in the support base shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view illustrating exemplary operation of the cushion structure shown in  FIG. 6  when the support base is installed in a vehicle; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view illustrating a third embodiment of a support base for a child safety seat; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged view illustrating a cushion structure provided in the support base shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view illustrating exemplary operation of the cushion structure shown in  FIG. 9  when the support base is installed in a vehicle; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating a fourth embodiment of a support base for a child safety seat; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic view illustrating a latch assembly detached from the support base shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating the support base shown in  FIG. 11  with the latch assemblies in a deployed state; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic view illustrating an interior of the shell body of the base shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view illustrating the assembly of a tubular anchor with an arm in the shell body shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the tubular anchor shown in  FIG. 15  assembled with the arm; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic view illustrating exemplary operation of the cushion structure shown in  FIG. 15  when the support base is installed in a vehicle; 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic view illustrating another cushion structure that can be used in the support base shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic view illustrating the cushion structure of  FIG. 18  disposed adjacent to a joint region of a tubular anchor with an arm in the support base; 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic view illustrating exemplary operation of the cushion structure shown in  FIG. 19  when the support base is installed in a vehicle; 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic view illustrating another cushion structure that can be used in the support base shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic view illustrating a cushion structure shown in  FIG. 21  disposed adjacent to a joint region of a tubular anchor with an arm in the support base; 
         FIG. 23  is a schematic view illustrating exemplary operation of the cushion structure shown in  FIG. 22  when the support base is installed in a vehicle; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view illustrating another variant cushion structure that can be used in the support base shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a partially enlarged view illustrating the assembly of the cushion structure shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a cushioning pad of the cushion structure shown in  FIG. 25 ; and 
         FIG. 27  is a schematic view illustrating exemplary operation of the cushion structure shown in  FIG. 25  when the support base is installed in a vehicle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present application describes child safety seat assemblies that include a support base, and a child safety seat arranged on the support base. In one embodiment, the support base includes a shell body, a latch assembly operable to fixedly attach the shell body with an anchorage fixture of a vehicle, and a cushion structure coupled with the shell body, wherein the cushion structure is operable to allow a cushioned displacement of the shell body relative to the latch assembly when the child safety seat is subject to collision. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view illustrating an embodiment of a support base  100  for a child safety seat, and  FIG. 2  is a schematic view illustrating a construction of the base  100 . The support base  100  can include a shell body  102 , and two adjustable arms  104  having distal ends respectively provided with latch assemblies  106  and cushion structures  108 . The shell body  102  can be formed from the assembly of upper and lower housing parts  102 A and  102 B, and have a rear  102 R and a front  102 F. The upper housing part  102 A can have an upper outward surface having a construction adapted to detachably support a child safety seat  101 . 
     The adjustable arms  104  can be movably assembled through the shell body  102  transversally spaced apart from each other, and can be movable along a lengthwise axis of the shell body  102  that extends from the rear  102 R to the front  102 F. A portion of the arms  104  away from the end where the latch assembly  106  is mounted can include a plurality of locking openings  110  disposed along the lengthwise axis of the shell body  102 . The interior of the shell body  102  may also include at least one locking member (not shown) movable transversally to engage with and disengage from any one of the locking openings  110  to lock the arms  104  in place. Accordingly, the arms  104  can be operable to adjust a length at which the latch assemblies  106  extend from the rear  102 R of the shell body  102 . An actuator mechanism  109  may be operable to unlock the arms  104 . 
     The two latch assemblies  106  can be respectively arranged adjacent to the distal ends of the two arms  104 , and can be operable to lock and unlock with respect to an anchorage fixture provided in a vehicle. Each latch assembly  106  can include an outer casing  106 A that can enclose a locking hook  106 B. 
     For operating the latch assemblies  106 , each of the arms  104  can have an interior in which an extension  120 , a sliding part  122  having a projection  124 , and a bracket  126  can be installed. The bracket  126  can be affixed with the latch assembly  106 , in particular with the outer casing  106 A of the latch assembly  106 . The extension  120  can be affixed with the outer casing  106 A of the latch assembly  106 , and protrude forward from the bracket  126  along the lengthwise axis of the arm  104 . The bracket  126  can have a sidewall provided with two holes  130  and  132  spaced apart from each other along the lengthwise axis of the arm  104 . A spring  134  can be connected between the sliding part  122  and the extension  120 . The projection  124  fixedly joined with the sliding part  122  can be disposed through the bracket  126  and through the interior of the outer housing  106 A. An actuator mechanism  136  may be assembled with the lower housing part  102 B, and can be coupled with the sliding parts  122  via transmission cables (not shown). The actuator mechanism  136  can be operable to switch the locking hooks  106 B from a locking state to an unlocking state for permitting detachment of the support base  100  from the anchorage fixture of the vehicle. 
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged view illustrating one cushion structure  108  shown in  FIG. 2 . The cushion structures  108  can be disposed symmetrically adjacent to the two adjustable arms  104 , and have a same construction. The cushion structures  108  can be coupled with the shell body  102 , and are configured to allow a cushioned displacement of the shell body  102  relative to the latch assemblies  106  when collision occurs. Each cushion structure  108  can include a rear portion  104 A of each arm  104  having two holes  112  and  114  that are separated from each other via a solid cushioning portion  116  having a slit  116 A. The cushioning portion  116  can be made of the material of the arm  104 , and is located adjacent to the holes  112  and  114 . The holes  112  and  114  may be located in a region of the adjustable arm  104  adjacent to the outer housing  106 A of the latch assembly  106 , and may be spaced apart from each other along the lengthwise axis of the arm  104 . The slit  116 A can be connected between the two holes  112  and  114 , and is narrower than the holes  112  and  114 . A fastener such as a rivet  118  can be respectively engaged through the hole  112  of the arm  104  and the hole  130  of the bracket  126  to affix the bracket  126  with the arm  104  associated therewith. The rivet  118  passing through the hole  112  can be in contact with the cushioning portion  116 . 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic view illustrating an operation of the cushion structure  108  when the support base  100  is installed in a vehicle. In case the vehicle is subject to a sudden colliding force parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shell body  102  (e.g., when the collision occurs at the front of the vehicle), the inertia of the support base  100  may cause the shell body  102  and the arms  104  to displace away from the attachment points of the latch assemblies  106  with the anchorage fixture of the vehicle. As a result, each rivet  118  affixed with one associated latch assembly  106  can be urged to push against the cushioning portion  116 , and move from the hole  112  through the cushioning portion  116  to the hole  114 . In particular, the shaft portion of the rivet  118  can have a diameter that is slightly larger than the slit  116 A, which causes deformation (e.g., plastic deformation) of the slit  116 A for absorbing a part of the collision energy as the rivet  118  moves from the hole  112  to the hole  114 . This cushioned displacement of the shell body  102  and the arms  104  relative to the latch assemblies  106  can dissipate a part of the collision energy to reduce the risk of injury to the child. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic view illustrating a second embodiment of a support base  200  for a child safety seat. The support base  200  can include a shell body  102 , adjustable arms  104  and latch assemblies  106  like previously described. One difference lies in the design of the cushion structures  202  (only one is shown in  FIG. 5 ) that are provided symmetrically on the two arms  104  adjacent to the latch assemblies  106 . 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged view illustrating one cushion structure  202 . The cushion structure  202  can include the rear portion  104 A of one arm  104  having two spaced-apart holes  212  and  218  that are disposed along the lengthwise axis of the arm  104  and are isolated from each other via a cushioning portion  202 A. The cushioning portion  202 A can be made of the same material of the arm  104 , and is located adjacent to the holes  212  and  218 . A fastener such as rivet  208  can be respectively engaged through the hole  204  of the arm  104  and the hole  130  of the bracket  126  (as better shown in  FIG. 2 ) to affix the bracket  126  with the arm  104  associated therewith. The rivet  208  passing through the hole  204  can be in contact with the cushioning portion  202 A. 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic view illustrating exemplary operation of the cushion structure  202  when the support base  200  is installed in a vehicle. In case the vehicle is subject to a sudden colliding force parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shell body  102  (e.g., when the collision occurs at the front of the vehicle), the inertia of the support base  100  may cause the shell body  102  and the arms  104  to displace away from the attachment points of the latch assemblies  106  with the anchorage fixture of the vehicle. As a result, the rivet  208  can be urged to push against and break at least partially the cushioning portion  202 A of the arm  104  between the holes  212  and  218 , and move from the hole  212  to the hole  218 . The break of the cushioning portion  202 A between the holes  212  and  218  may create a trench  210 , such that a portion of a collision energy can be dissipated. This cushioned displacement of the shell body  102  and the arms  104  relative to the latch assemblies  106  can dissipate a part of the collision energy to reduce the risk of injury to the child. 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic view illustrating a third embodiment of a support base  300 . The support base  300  can include the shell body  102 , and two adjustable arms  304  of a same construction including the latch assemblies  106  and cushion structures  306  (only one arm  304  with one cushion structure  306  is exemplary shown in  FIG. 8 , the other one being similar in construction). Each of the arms  304  can include two hollow segments  308  and  310  that can be fixedly connected with each other by partially inserting into each other. The segment  308  can be affixed with the outer casing  106 A of the latch assembly  106 , and can have an interior through which the extension  120 , the sliding part  122  with the projection  124 , and the bracket  126  are respectively installed. The locking openings  110  can be distributed lengthwise along the segment  310 . The segment  310  can have a portion  310 A that is assembled through the interior of the segment  308 . The cushion structure  306  can be arranged adjacent to the portion  310 A. 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged view illustrating the cushion structure  306 . The cushion structure  306  can include a cushioning pad  314  that is affixed in an overlapping region between the segments  310  and  308 . The segment  310  can include an elongated slot  312  that extends along the lengthwise axis of the arm  304  and has opposite first and second ends  312 A and  312 B. A rivet  316  can be fixedly engaged with the segment  308 , and assembled through the slot  312  adjacent to the first end  312 A. An abutment  318  can be affixed with the segment  310  adjacent to the second end  312 B of the slot  312 . The cushioning pad  314  can be exemplary made of cast aluminum, but any other deformable materials may also be suitable. Moreover, the cushioning pad  314  can also include a plurality of openings  320  to increase the ability of the cushioning pad  314  to deform. The cushioning pad  314  can be disposed between the rivet  316  and the abutment  318 , and can at least partially overlap with the slot  312 . 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic view illustrating exemplary operation of the cushion structure  306  when the support base  300  is installed in a vehicle. In case the vehicle is subject to a sudden colliding force parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shell body  102  (e.g., when the collision occurs at the front of the vehicle), the inertia of the support base  300  and the seat installed thereon may cause the shell body  102  and the arms  304  to displace away from the attachment points of the latch assemblies  106  with the anchorage fixture of the vehicle. Because the segment  308  is affixed with one associated latch assembly  106 , the segment  310  locked with the shell body  102  can urge the rivet  316  to move from the first end  312 A toward the second end  312 B of the slot  312 , which compresses the cushioning pad  314  for absorbing a part of the energy created by the collision. This cushioned displacement of the shell body  102  and the arms  304  relative to the latch assemblies  106  can absorb a part of the collision energy to reduce the risk of injury to the child. It will be appreciated that the cushioning pad  314  may also be used in combination with the cushion structures in any of the support bases described previously. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating a fourth embodiment of a support base  400  for a child safety seat,  FIG. 12  is a schematic view illustrating a latch assembly  406  detached from the support base  400 , and  FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating the support base  400  with the latch assemblies  406  in a deployed state. Referring to  FIGS. 11-13 , the support base  400  can include a shell body  402  having a rear  402 R and a front  402 F, an elongated arm  404  extending transversally parallel to a width of the shell body  402 , and two latch assemblies  406  connected with the left and right ends of the arm  404 . The shell body  402  can be formed from the assembly of upper and lower housing parts  402 A and  402 B. The upper housing part  402 A can have an outer surface having a construction adapted to detachably support a child safety seat (not shown). The lower housing part  402 B can have left and right sides symmetrically provided with openings  408  adjacent to the rear  402 R of the base  402 . Two opposite end portions of the arm  404  can respectively extend through the openings  408 , and connect with the latch assemblies  406 . The size of the openings  408  may be larger than a cross-section of the two end portions of the arm  404 , so that a limited range of displacement of the arm  404  in the openings  408  is permitted. Each latch assembly  406  can include an outer casing  406 A that encloses various components of the latch assembly  406 . 
     In  FIG. 11 , the support base  400  is shown in a configuration in which the latch assemblies  406  are folded toward the shell body  402  for facilitating storage of the support base  400 . In  FIG. 13 , the support base  400  is shown in a configuration in which the latch assemblies  406  are deployed rearward for fastening with the anchorage fixture of a vehicle. 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic view illustrating an interior of the shell body  402 . The interior of the shell body  402  can be affixed with a tubular anchor  410  of a U-shape including a transversal segment  410 A and two side segments  410 B. The arm  404  can include a transversal segment  412 , and two transversally spaced-part extensions  414  projecting from an outer surface of the transversal segment  412 . The transversal segment  412  can include a tube portion  412 A, and a rod  412 B extending transversally through an interior of the tube portion  412 A. Two opposite ends of the rod  412 B can project outward from the left and right ends of the tube portion  412 A, and connect with the latch assemblies  406 . The rod  412 B can rotate within the tube portion  412 A to concurrently turn the two latch assemblies  406  to either of a storage state and a deployed state. The two extensions  414  can be fixedly joined with the tube portion  412 A symmetrically at left and right sides relative to a center of the tube portion  412 A, and can respectively affix with the side segments  410 B of the tubular anchor  410 . 
       FIG. 15  is an exploded view illustrating the assembly of the tubular anchor  410  with the arm  404 , and  FIG. 16  is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the tubular anchor  410  assembled with the arm  404 . The side segments  410 B of the tubular anchor  410  can have a cross-section that is larger than the extensions  414  in size. The extensions  414  can respectively insert at least partially through the side segments  410 B for affixing the arm  404  with the tubular anchor  410 . 
     Each cushion structure  420  can be respectively disposed in the joint region between one side segment  410 B of the tubular anchor  410  and one extension  414  of the arm  404 . The cushion structure  420  can include a distal portion  414 A of the extension  414  having two holes  422  and  424 , and an adjacent cushioning portion  426  including a slit  426 A connected between the two holes  422  and  424 . The cushioning portion  426  can be made of the same material of the extension  414  or arm  404 . The slit  426 A can be narrower than the holes  422  and  424  in size. The holes  422  and  424  and the slit  426 A may be distributed along an axis of insertion of the extension  414  through the side segment  410 B. 
     Once the extension  414  is put in place through the associated side segment  410 B, a hole  418  formed through the side segment  410 B can be aligned with the hole  422  of the extension  414 . A fastener such as rivet  428  then can be engaged through the hole  418  of the side segment  410 B and the hole  422  of the extension  414  in contact with the cushioning portion  426  to fixedly fasten the tubular anchor  410  with the arm  404 . The rivet  428  can be greater than the size of the slit  426 A, so that the rivet  428  cannot easily move through the slit  426 A once it is engaged through the hole  422 . 
       FIG. 17  is a schematic view illustrating exemplary operation of the cushion structure  420  when the support base  400  is installed in a vehicle. In case the vehicle is subject to a sudden colliding force parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shell body  402  (e.g., when the collision occurs at the front of the vehicle), the inertia of the support base  400  and the seat installed thereon may cause the shell body  402  and the tubular anchor  410  to displace toward the front  402 F of the shell body  402  away from the attachment points of the latch assemblies  406  with the anchorage fixture of the vehicle. As a result, the rivet  428  affixed with each side segment  410 B can be urged to move relative to the extension  414  of the arm  404  from the hole  422  to the hole  424  through the cushioning portion  426 . Because the size of the slit  426 A is smaller than that of the rivet  428 , some frictional resistance can be generated against the displacement of the rivet  428  through the slit  426 A to dissipate the collision energy. This cushioned displacement of the shell body  402  and the tubular anchor  410  relative to the latch assemblies  406  can dissipate a part of the collision energy to reduce the risk of injury to the child. 
     In conjunction with  FIGS. 11-14 ,  FIG. 18  is a schematic view illustrating an embodiment of a cushion structure  502  that can be used in replacement of the cushion structure  420  in the support base  400 , and  FIG. 19  is a schematic view illustrating a cushion structure  502  disposed adjacent to a joint region of the tubular anchor  410  with the arm  404 . Each of the cushion structures  502  can be respectively disposed in the joint region between one side segment  410 B of the tubular anchor  410  and one extension  414  of the arm  404 . The cushion structure  502  can include the distal portion  414 A of the extension  414  having two spaced-apart holes  504  and  506  isolated from each other via a cushioning portion  502 A. The cushioning portion  502 A may be made of the same material of the extension  414  or arm  404 . The holes  504  and  506  may be distributed along an axis of insertion of the extension  414  through the side segment  410 B. 
     Once the extension  414  is put in place through the associated side segment  410 B, the hole  418  formed through the side segment  410 B can be aligned with the hole  504  of the extension  414 . A fastener such as rivet  508  then can be engaged through the hole  418  of the side segment  410 B and the hole  504  of the extension  414  to fixedly fasten the tubular anchor  410  with the arm  404 . 
       FIG. 20  is a schematic view illustrating exemplary operation of the cushion structure  502  when the support base  400  is installed in a vehicle. In case the vehicle is subject to a sudden colliding force parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shell body  402 , the inertia of the support base  400  and the seat installed thereon can cause the shell body  402  and the tubular anchor  410  to move toward the front  402 A away from the attachment points of the latch assemblies  406  with the anchorage fixture of the vehicle. As a result, the rivet  508  affixed with each side segment  410 B can be urged to break the cushioning portion  502 A of the extension  414  between the holes  504  and  506 , and move relative to the extension  414  from the hole  504  to the hole  506 . The break of the cushioning portion  502 A between the holes  504  and  506  may create a trench  510  in the extension  414  to dissipate collision energy. This cushioned displacement of the shell body  402  and the tubular anchor  410  relative to the latch assemblies  406  can dissipate a part of the collision energy to reduce the risk of injury to the child. 
       FIG. 21  is a schematic view illustrating another cushion structure  602  that can be used in replacement of the cushion structure  420  in the support base  400 , and  FIG. 22  is a schematic view illustrating a cushion structure  602  disposed adjacent to a joint region of the tubular anchor  410  with the arm  404  in the support base. Each of the cushion structures  602  can be respectively disposed in the joint region between one side segment  410 B of the tubular anchor  410  and one extension  414  of the arm  404 . The cushion structure  602  can include the distal portion  414 A of the extension  414  having three spaced-apart holes  604 ,  606  and  608 , and a slit  610 . The holes  604 ,  606  and  608  and the slit  610  can be distributed along an axis of insertion of the extension  414  through the side segment  410 B, the hole  606  being located between the holes  604  and  608 . The slit  610  can be connected between the holes  606  and  608 , and the holes  604  and  606  can be isolated from each other via a solid sidewall of the extension  414 . In alternate embodiments, the holes  604  and  606  may also be connected with each other via a slit, or the holes  606  and  608  may be isolated from each other via a solid sidewall. Like previously described, the solid material of the extension  414  between the holes  604  and  606 , and between the holes  606  and  608  can form cushioning portions. 
     Once the extension  414  is put in place through the associated side segment  410 B, the hole  418  formed through the side segment  410 B can be aligned with the hole  604  of the extension  414 . A rivet  612  then can be engaged through the hole  418  of the side segment  410 B and the hole  604  of the extension  414  to fixedly fasten the tubular anchor  410  with the arm  404 . 
     In conjunction with  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 23  is a schematic view illustrating exemplary operation of the cushion structure  602  when the support base is installed in a vehicle. In case the vehicle is subject to a sudden colliding force parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shell body  402  (e.g., when the collision occurs at the front of the vehicle), the inertia of the support base and the seat installed thereon may cause the shell body  402  and the tubular anchor  410  to displace away from the arm  404 . As a result, the rivet  612  affixed with each side segment  410 B can be urged to break the solid material of the extension  414  between the holes  604  and  606  (which creates a trench  614 ), and move from the hole  604  to the hole  606 . 
     In case the collision is stronger, the rivet  612  may move further from the hole  606  via the slit  610  to the hole  608  after breaking the material of the extension  414  between the holes  604  and  606 . Because the size of the slit  610  is smaller than that of the rivet  612 , some frictional resistance can be generated against the displacement of the rivet  612  through the slit  610  to dissipate collision energy. This gradual cushioned displacement of the shell body  402  and the tubular anchor  410  relative to the latch assemblies  406  can dissipate a part of the collision energy to reduce the risk of injury to the child. 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view illustrating another cushion structure  702  that can be used in the support base  400 , and  FIG. 25  is a partially enlarged view illustrating a cushion structure  702  provided in the shell body  402  of the support base. In this embodiment, the extension  414  can include an elongated slot  704  having first and second ends  704 A and  704 B. Once the extension  414  is put in place through the associated side segment  410 B, a rivet  706  can be engaged through the side segment  410 B and guided through the slot  704  of the extension  414  to movably connect the tubular anchor  410  with the arm  404 . 
     The cushion structure  702  can include a cushioning pad  705  that is disposed in the base  402  at a position between the arm  404  and an inner sidewall of the shell body  402 . A plurality of ribs  708  can protrude from an inner sidewall of the shell body  402 , and engage with a plurality of mount slots  710  formed through the cushioning pad  705  to affix the cushioning pad  705  with the shell body  402 . 
       FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the cushioning pad  705 . The cushioning pad  705  can be made in a single piece made of cast aluminum. The mount slots  710  can be disposed on upper and lower edges of the cushioning pad  705 . The cushioning pad  705  can also include a plurality of elongated openings  712 A and circular openings  712 B. The elongated openings  712 A can be disposed adjacent to the mount slots  710  at the upper edge of the cushioning pad  705 , and the circular openings  712 B can be disposed adjacent to the mount slots  710  at the lower edge of the cushioning pad  705 . 
       FIG. 27  is a schematic view illustrating exemplary operation of the cushion structure  702  when the support base is installed in a vehicle. In case the vehicle is subject to a sudden colliding force parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shell body  402  (e.g., when the collision occurs at the front of the vehicle), the inertia of the support base  400  and the seat installed thereon may cause the shell body  402  and the tubular anchor  410  to displace away from the arm  404  and the latch assemblies  406  fixedly attached with the anchorage fixture of the vehicle. As a result, the rivet  706  affixed with each side segment  410 B can be urged to move along the slot  704  from the first end  704 A to the second end  704 B. Moreover, the tube portion  412 A of the transversal segment  412  can press against the cushioning pad  705  and causes its deformation. It is worth noting that the slot  704  and rivet  706  may be replaced with any of the cushion structures described previously in  FIGS. 15 through 23  for use in combination with the cushioning pad  705 . 
     While the cushion structures have been described as being implemented in support bases, it will be appreciated that the cushion structures can also be formed with the seat body so that the seat body can be directly attached with the anchorage fixture of the vehicle. Alternatively, the support base and the seat portion may also formed in a unitary body. 
     The bases described herein can include cushion structures that can allow cushioned displacement of the shell body relative to the attachment points of the latch assemblies with the anchorage fixture of the vehicle. As a result, the cushion structures can absorb a part of the collision energy occurring during collision of the vehicle to reduce the risk of injury to the child. 
     Realizations of the support bases for child safety seats have been described in the context of particular embodiments. These embodiments are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventions as defined in the claims that follow.