Patent Abstract:
A child car seat is provided that has a single point of actuation that simultaneously allows for adjustment of the position of the back support relative to the seat and of the headrest relative to the back support.

Full Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/487,768 filed May 19, 2011; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/587,866 filed Jan. 18, 2012; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/591,627 filed Jan. 27, 2012; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present application is also being co-filed with applications titled Child Car Seat (Applicant reference BTE-P0005-01) and titled Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (Applicant reference BTE-P0005-03) the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to generally to a child car seat, and more particularly to a child car seat with an adjustment mechanism that allows simultaneous adjustment of back and headrest height. 
       BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Child car seats can often be bulky items that prove difficult and costly to transport. Additionally, as a child grows, differing styles of car seats are appropriate. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a child car seat that is both compactable for transport and convertible from a style having a back portion to a booster style. 
         [0004]    According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a child car seat is provided including: a seat portion; a back portion adjustably coupled to the seat portion; a headrest adjustably coupled to the back portion; and an actuator, the actuator having a first position that locks the back portion relative to the seat portion and that locks the back portion relative to the headrest portion, the actuator having a second position that allows movement of the back portion relative to both the seat portion and the headrest portion. 
         [0005]    According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a child car seat is provided including: a seat portion; a back portion coupled to and vertically adjustable relative to the seat portion; a headrest coupled to and vertically adjustable relative to the back portion; and an actuator, the actuator having a first position that locks the back portion relative to the seat portion and that locks the back portion relative to the headrest portion, the actuator having a second position that allows movement of the back portion relative to both the seat portion and the headrest portion. 
         [0006]    According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a child car seat back portion is provided including: a seat coupler operable to couple the back portion to a seat portion of a child car seat; a back support coupled to and vertically adjustable relative to the seat coupler; a headrest coupled to and vertically adjustable relative to the back support; and an actuator, the actuator having a first position that locks the position of the back support relative to the seat coupler and that locks the back support relative to the headrest, the actuator having a second position that allows movement of the back support relative to both the seat coupler and the headrest. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The above-mentioned and other features of the disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1   a  illustrates a child seat with a back portion attached and in a first orientation; 
           [0009]      FIG. 1   b  illustrates the child seat of  FIG. 1  being used as a booster seat with a back; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates the child seat of  FIG. 1  with the back portion removed; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  shows the child seat of  FIG. 1  with the back portion attached and in a second position; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the child seat of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 5   a &amp; b  are side cross-sectional and perspective views of the back portion of  FIG. 1 , respectively; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5   c  is a plan view of the back portion of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5   d  is a side cross-sectional view of the back portion of  FIG. 1   
           [0016]      FIGS. 6   a &amp; b  is a overhead perspective view of a portion of the child seat in the position of  FIG. 3  with the upholstery removed; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is an overhead perspective view of the child seat in the position of  FIG. 1  with various parts removed to show additional detail and with the upholstery removed; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a riser apparatus of the child seat of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9   a - c  are pictures of a belt tether used with the apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 10   a - e  are pictures of the child seat of  FIG. 1  with a head support portion at multiple settings; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 11   a - c  are pictures of inserts used in the child seat of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 12   a - b  are perspective views of the base portion of the child seat of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a front bottom perspective view of the base portion of the child seat of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a back bottom perspective view of the base portion of the child seat of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of a lower attachment mechanism of the child seat of  FIG. 1  with portions removed; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a side perspective view of the lower attachment mechanism of the child seat of  FIG. 1  with portions removed; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 17   a - b  are overhead and side plan views of the lower attachment mechanism of the child seat of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0028]      FIGS. 18   a - b  are perspective views of the lower attachment mechanism of the child seat of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
       [0029]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. 
         [0031]    Referring to FIG. la, an exemplary child car seat  10  is shown. Car seat  10  generally includes a base portion  12  and a back portion  14 . Base portion  12  and back portion  14  are separable.  FIG. 2  shows car seat  10  in use where back portion  14  is removed and only base portion  12  is being used. In addition to being separable, base portion  12  and back portion  14  have orientations that are hingedly connected. Fig. la shows seat  10  with back portion  14  locked in an upright position.  FIG. 3  shows seat  10  with back portion  14  in a lowered position. 
         [0032]    Back portion  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 5   a &amp; b  includes head support portion  16  and lumbar support portion  18 . Head support portion  16  is adjustable and lockable relative to lumbar support portion  18 . Lumbar support portion  18  is further adjustable relative to base portion  12 . Head support portion  16  includes an adjustment mechanism  42  ( FIGS. 5   a &amp; b ). Adjustment mechanism  42  includes a lock rod,  40  ( FIG. 5   d ), and a button (actuator)  46  mechanically coupled to lock rod  40 . 
         [0033]    Button  46  includes a lower portion  47  that engages slides  44  ( FIG. 5   a ). Slides  44  are fixedly coupled to lock rod  40 . Button  46  further includes upper portion  49  that includes a front lock projections  52 . Front lock projections  52  are sized, shaped, and located to engage lock receivers  53  disposed on the rear of head support portion  16 . 
         [0034]    Lock rod  40  ( FIG. 5   d ) is moveable through activation of button  46 . Lock rod  40  has a first position that corresponds with a first position of button  46 , in which lock rod  40  engages one of detents  48  in lock plate  50  of lumbar portion  18 . 
         [0035]    The first position of button  46  locks the relative positioning of the head support portion  16  and the lumbar support portion  18  relative to each other and vertically relative to base portion  12  by placing lock rod  40  it its first position. The first position of button  46  also places front lock projections  52  within lock receivers  53 . A plurality of springs bias button  46  and lock rod  40  to the first position. 
         [0036]    Lock rod  40  has a second position that corresponds with a second position of button  46  in which lock rod  40  is disengaged from detents  48  of lock plate  50  and front lock projections  52  disengage from lock receivers  53 . The second position allows adjustment of the height of head support portion  16  relative to lumbar support portion  18  and the adjustment of either or both head support portion  16  and lumbar support portion  18  relative to base portion  12 . Movement of button  46  between the first position and the second position involves pressing button  46  rearward such that it rotates about its upper end. 
         [0037]    Harness voids  55  are disposed on either side of button  46  in lumbar support portion  18 . As lumbar support portion  18  is adjusted relative to base portion  12 , harness voids  55  are also adjusted. Accordingly, the height of harness voids  55  are adjustable without having to remove and re-thread belts. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 10   a - e  show head support portion  16  positioned at a plurality of heights. Head support portion  16  includes covering  200 . Covering  200  includes head support covering  216  and torso covering  218 . As shown by the varying heights in  FIGS. 10   a - e , both head support covering  216  and torso covering  218  move with head support portion  16 . 
         [0039]    Torso support covering  218  includes a central portion  220 , opposing upper side portions  222 , and opposing lower side portions  224 . Opposing upper side portions  222  are positioned rearwardly of head support portion  16 . Accordingly, any attempt to push side portions  222 ,  224  inwardly causes upper side portions  222  to abut the rear side of head support portion  16 . Once upper side portions  222  are abutting the rear side of head support portion  16 , further inward motion imparted to upper side portions  222  causes upper side portions to flex. The flexing is provided as the lower sides of upper side portions  222  do not engage the back side of head support portion  16 . The flexing allows buildup of potential energy that urges upper side portions  222  outwardly. 
         [0040]    Opposing lower side portions  224  include inner flexible supports  226 ,  FIGS. 11   a - c . When head support portion is in the highest position,  FIG. 10   a , the lower end of opposing lower side portions  224  almost clear armrests  54 . Armrests  54  engage the lower ends of opposing lower side portions  224  to keep opposing lower side portions  224  between armrests  54 . As head support portion  16  is lowered, greater portions of opposing lower side portions  224  are below the height of armrests  54 . Accordingly, as head support portion  16  is lowered, greater portions of opposing lower side portions  224  are urged inwardly. 
         [0041]    As previously noted, opposing upper side portions are restricted from moving inward. Lowering head support portion  16  urges opposing lower side portions  224  inward. Opposing upper  222  and lower side portions  224  are formed from a continuous piece of fabric. The opposing forces supplied by head support portion  16  and armrests  54  cause side portions  222 ,  224  to flex. 
         [0042]    Inner flexible supports  226  are sewn into opposing lower side portions  224  and include inner sides  234 ,  FIG. 11   a , and outer sides  232 ,  FIG. 11   b . Inner flexible supports  226 , on outer sides  232 , have a plurality of substantially horizontal voids  228  as well as curving generally vertical void  230 . Inner sides  234  of inner flexible supports  226  also have curving generally vertical void  236  that mirrors void  230 . Inner flexible supports  226  are illustratively made from expanded polypropylene. Expanded polypropylene is flexible, as will be discussed in more detail below. Voids  228 ,  230 ,  236  aid in allowing supports  226  to bend and flex when stressed by armrests  54  and head support  16  (via upper side portions  222 ). 
         [0043]    As seen most clearly in  FIGS. 10   a - e , lowering head support portion  16  also lowers covering  200  including head support covering  216  and torso covering  218 . As previously noted, a lower positioning of torso covering  218  causes greater position interference with armrests  54 . Thus, lower positioning of head support portion  16  provides an increased amount of lower side portions  224  between armrests  54 . An increased amount of lower side portions  224  between armrests  54  creates a smaller space between inner surfaces of opposing lower side portions  224 . Accordingly, a lower overall height is paired with a decreased width of the seating area. On average, a child for whom a lower height is appropriate would also find that a decreased width of the seating area is also appropriate. Thus, appropriate adjustment of the height of head support portion  16  also provides appropriate adjustment of the width of the seating area. 
         [0044]    Lumbar support portion  18  includes lumbar housing  20 , fabric covering  21 , and a pair of support beams  22 . Lumbar housing  20  is primarily constructed of a hard plastic. Fabric covering covers lumbar housing  21  and also includes lateral pockets  23  ( FIG. 1 ). Lateral pockets  23  contain side impact supports. Side impact supports are plastic pieces designed to cushion and protect in the event that later forces are imparted on car seat  10 . When lumbar support portion  18  is raised relative to base portion  12  ( FIGS. 1   b ,  5   d,    4 ) a greater portion of lateral pockets are clear of armrests  54 . Fabric covering  21  then pulls pockets  23  and side impact supports outward and rearward. When lumbar support portion  18  is lowered relative to base portion  12  ( FIGS. 5   b ,  1 ) armrests  54  engage more of pockets  23  and urge them inward. 
         [0045]    When lumbar support portion  18  is in the raised position, or otherwise, car seat  10  can also serve as a booster seat with a back ( FIG. 1   b ). In such a configuration, the harness belts can be removed and seatbelts from the car can be used. Head support portion  16  further includes belt retainer  19  to aid in this configuration. 
         [0046]    Beams  22  are spaced laterally from each other and assume an “L” shape. Each beam includes a lumbar beam portion  24  fixedly coupled within lumbar housing  20  and a base beam portion  26  that extends out of a lower end  28  of lumbar housing  20 . Beams  22  also include an arced portion  30  in between lumbar beam portion  24  and base beam portion  26 . Arced portions  30  are curved such that a longitudinal axis  32  of lumbar beam portion  24  is approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  34  of base beam portion  26 ,  FIG. 4 . Arced portions  30  have locks  74  attached thereto. Beams  22  are rectangular in cross section and define interior space  36  therein. Base ends  38  of base beam portions  26  are open and sized to receive rotatable connectors  78  of base portion  12  therein. When back portion  14  is attached to base portion  12 , rotatable connectors  78  of base portion  12  are each received in interior space  36  of respective base ends  38  of beams  22 . Rotatable connectors  78  are sized to snugly fit within interior space  36  of respective base ends  38  of beams  22 . Accordingly, when rotatable connectors  78  are within interior space  36  of base ends  38 , only pulling base beam portion  26  directly along longitudinal axis  34  of base beam portion  26  allows disengagement of rotatable connectors  78  from base beam portion  26 . Additionally, base ends  38  are connected to each other by cross brace  80 . 
         [0047]    Base portion  12  includes right and left armrests  54  and a seat portion  56  between armrests  54 . Seat portion  56  includes front seat portion  58  and rear seat portion  60 . Front seat portion  58  includes a top surface  62  that includes a strap aperture  64  and a strap coupler/release (not shown). Strap aperture  64  receives a strap therethrough, that when pulled, tightens seat restraints (not shown). The strap coupler/release receives the strap such that when the strap is pulled, it is prevented from retracting back into base portion  12 . A user may depress the strap coupler/release to selectively allow the strap to retract into base portion  12 . Strap coupler/release is biased to the position that prevents strap retraction. 
         [0048]    Front seat portion  58  also includes a bottom surface that includes riser apparatus  68 . Riser apparatus  68 ,  FIG. 8 , includes is a foot  66  that can be extended from below base portion  12  to alter the angle that base portion  12  assumes relative to the surface on which car seat  10  rests. Riser apparatus  68  further includes handle  116 , retainer bar  118 , and a pair of springs  120 . Foot  66  includes seat engaging portion  122  and legs  124 . Legs  124  are disposed at the lateral sides of seat engaging portion  122  and extend generally perpendicular thereto. Each leg  124  includes alignment spines  126  on fore and aft surfaces thereof and includes detent void  128 . Alignment spines  126  correspond and complement tracks defined in the lower surface of base portion  12  to define a movement track for foot  66  relative to base portion  12 . More specifically, spines  126  and the tracks in base portion  12  define a linear movement of foot  66 . Each detent void  128  includes four detents  129  sized to receive retainer bar  118  therein. Detents  129  are vertically aligned, which is consistent with the linear movement of foot  66 . Springs  120  have one end that engages retainer bar  118  and opposite ends that couple to projections on base portion  12 . Springs  120  thereby bias retainer bar  118  to a rearward position. The rearward position of retainer bar  118  fixes the relative position of foot  66  to base portion  12 . Handle  116  is coupled to retainer bar  118  such that movement of handle  116  causes movement of retainer bar  118 . Handle  116  is slidable relative to base portion  12  by virtue of being coupled to base portion  12  through slots  132 . Front edge  130  of handle  116  is graspable by a user. In that handle  116  is fixedly coupled to retainer bar  118  and that springs  120  bias retainer bar  118  rearward, handle  116  is likewise biased rearward. A user can pull front edge  130  to move handle  116  forward. Such forward movement results in forward movement of retainer bar  118  which allows movement of foot  66  relative to base portion  12 . When a user releases front edge  130 , springs  120 , through retainer bar  118 , pull handle  116  rearward and cause retainer bar  118  to engage a detent  129 . The position of foot  66  relative to base portion  12  is then again fixed. 
         [0049]    In addition to allowing extension of foot  66  by activation of handle  116 , the rear surface of detent void  128  is angled between detents  129 . Accordingly, if a user places one hand on foot  66  and applies an upward force on base portion  12  (or a rearward force on head portion  16 ) the rear surface of detent void will allow legs  124  to lower and urge retainer bar  118  forward. Once legs  124  are low enough such that retainer bar  118  clears the next higher detent  129 , springs  120  pull retainer bar  118  into the next higher detent  129 . Thus, foot  66  can be extended by force. However, foot  66  can not be retracted by force due to the shape of detent void  128 . 
         [0050]    Rear seat portion  60  includes tray  70  and connection support box  72 . Tray  70 ,  FIG. 7 , extends at a constant width and includes lock bar  76 , rotation bar  82 , rotatable connectors  78 , support grid  84 , lock bar mounts  86 , and rotation bar mounts  88 .  FIG. 6   a  shows rear seat portion  60  with back portion  14  removed and connection support box  72  raised.  FIG. 6   b  shows rear seat portion  60  with back portion  14  removed and connection support box  72  lowered. 
         [0051]      FIG. 7  shows base portion  12  with the connection support box  72  removed to show additional detail. It should be appreciated that connection support box  72  is not readily removable. Lock bar mounts  86 , rotation bar mounts  88 , and support grid  84  are formed up portions that extend upward from floor  90  of tray  70 . Lock bar mounts  86  and rotation bar mounts  88  include co-linear apertures therein through which lock bar  76  and rotation bar  82  are received, respectively. Rotatable connectors  78  include apertures therein that receive rotation bar therethrough to allow free rotation of rotatable connectors  78  about rotation bar  82 . Rotatable connectors  78  include mount portions  100 . Rotatable connectors  78  are coupled to connection support box  72  at the lateral sides of tray  70  such that mount portions  100  extend through rectangular apertures in end wall  98  of connection support box  72 . Rotatable connectors  78  are thereby coupled to connection support box  72 . Accordingly, connection support box  72  is also freely rotatable about rotation bar  82 . 
         [0052]    Connection support box  72  includes upper wall  92 , lower wall  94 , side walls  96 , and end wall  98 . Upper wall  92  is sized to have the substantially same dimensions as tray  70 . However, upper wall  92  includes apertures  102  that accommodate the curving of support beams  22  and locks  74 , and does not cover rotation bar mounts  88 . Upper wall  92  further includes upper side  104  that, when in a lowered position, provides support to a child seated in seat  10 . Upper wall  92  includes lower side  106  that includes ridges  114 . When lowered, ridges  114  engage support grid  84  to provide support to upper wall  92  and connection support box  72  generally. 
         [0053]    In use, seat  10  is readily convertible between the full seat  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , the booster seat (base portion  12  only) shown in  FIG. 2 , and the storage/shipment orientation shown in  FIG. 3 . To transition from the full seat  10  of  FIG. 1 , a user first removes the necessary upholstery, if any, to allow access to locks  74  and allow rotation of connection support box  72 . A user squeezes on tabs  108  of locks  74  to allow unlocking and disengagement of locks  74  from lock bar  76 . Once unlocked, back portion  14  is rotated forward about rotation bar  82 . As part of this rotation, support beams  22 , rotatable connectors  78 , and connection support box  72  all rotate forward about rotation bar  82 . Once rotated forward, seat  10  is in the position shown in  FIG. 3 . In this position, the distance from the bottom of base portion  12  to the height of the back of back portion  14  is smaller than the smallest dimension (height, width, depth) of the seat  10  in the upright position of  FIG. 1 . Additionally, this position,  FIG. 3 , provides that the back portion  14  overlaps with the base portion  12  in all three dimensions, thereby allowing for additional compactness. Indeed, both the configurations of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3  provide that the back portion  14  overlaps with the base portion  12  in all three dimensions. 
         [0054]    From the position shown in  FIG. 3 , back portion  14  can be pulled upwardly to disengage support beams  22  from connection support box  72  and rotatable connectors  78 . Once back portion  14  is disengaged, connection support box  72  and rotatable connectors  78  can be rotated back down such that the upper surface  104  of upper wall  92  again provides a seating surface. Any desired upholstery is then repositioned or re-attached to arrive at the orientation of seat  10  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0055]    To transition from the seat  10  orientation shown in  FIG. 2 , appropriate upholstery is pulled back or removed to expose connection support box  72  as shown in  FIG. 6   b . Connection support box  72  along with rotatable connectors  78  are rotated upward to the position shown in  FIG. 6   a . Back portion  14  is then lowered onto base portion  12  such that open base ends  38  of support beams  22  engage and receive rotatable connectors  78  therein. Once rotatable connectors  78  are properly seated within base ends  38 , back portion  14 , connection support box  72 , and rotatable connectors  78  are all rotated rearwardly until locks  74  engage and lock with lock bar  76 . The engagement of locks  74  with lock bar  76  prevents rotation of support beams  22  about rotation bar  82 . Additionally, engagement of locks  74  with lock bar  76  prevents movement of base beam portion  26  along longitudinal axis  34  of base beam portion  26 . Disengagement of rotatable connectors  78  from base beam portion  26  is thereby prevented. 
         [0056]    In the configurations shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , support grid  84  provides support to lower side  106  of upper wall  92 . Thus, support grid  84  allows for clearance and coupling of base portion  12  and support beams  22  while providing a substantially similar support platform to support the child user of seat  10 . 
         [0057]    Additionally, lower sides of lumbar housing  20  provide an arced surface  110 . Arced surface  110  is sized an shaped such that, when in the orientation of  FIG. 1 , arced surface  110  has clearance relative to armrests  54 . Similarly, arced surface  110  is sized and shaped such that, when in the orientation of  FIG. 3 , arced surface  110  has clearance relative to the armrests  54 , more specifically, front portions  112  of armrests  54 . 
         [0058]    As previously noted, seat  10  can operate as a booster seat (base portion  12  only) shown in  FIG. 2 . Such operation also includes the use of belt tether  140  ( FIG. 9   a - c ). Belt tether  140  includes elastic (not shown), strap  144 , and pair of retainers  146 . The elastic couples to the rear of base portion  12 . Strap  144  extends between the elastic and retainers  146 . Retainers  146  are two identical molded parts. Retainers  146  have open hook portion  148  and slotted adjuster portion  150 . One retainer  146  is rotated  180  degrees relative to the other, so open hook portions  148  are facing opposite directions. Retainers  146  are then placed next to the other so that slotted portions  150  line up. Slotted portions  150  include upper slots  152  and lower slots  154 . An end of strap  144  is threaded through the upper slots  152  on both retainers  146 , then back through lower slots  154  ( FIG. 9   a ). The end of strap  144  is then folded and sewn onto itself to prevent the retainers  146  from detaching. 
         [0059]    The geometry of slots  152 ,  154  serves to act as a sliding bar locking adjuster when load is applied to retainers  146  in a direction outward from the strap. In use, retainers  146  are spread apart and the vehicle shoulder belt is inserted so as to travel though the loop shaped opening formed by both retainers  146  together ( FIG. 9   b ). The upper end of strap  144  is pulled down to adjust and hold the vehicle shoulder-belt in the correct position on the child seated in the base portion  12  ( FIGS. 9   c ,  2 ). 
         [0060]    Base portion  12  of car seat  10  further includes rigid attachment assembly  240 . Rigid attachment assembly  240  includes two rigid rods  242  disposed within rod pathways  248  built into base portion  12  and disposed 280 mm apart and conforming to ISO 13216-1. Rigid attachment assembly  240  is used to connect seat  10  to lower anchorages provided proximate the seat bight. In addition to rods  242 , assembly  240  includes springs  244 , outward locks  246 , and inward locks  247 . 
         [0061]    Rod pathways  248  are rectangular and define pathways in which rods  242  can slide. Rods  242  include body  250 , latch end  252 , latch release  254 , spring interface  256 , and slide bolt  258 . Latch end  252  is disposed at one end of body  250 . Latch end  252  provides a latch that engages a LATCH anchorage system. Latch end  252  is pushed on to the LATCH anchorage system to achieve fixation thereto. Rods  242  are unlatched from the LATCH anchorage system by depressing latch release  254 . Spring interface  256  is located at the opposite end of body  250  from latch end  252 . Spring interface  256  includes a portion that is secured to body  250  and a portion that is sized and shaped to fit within a cylindrical void of coil springs  244 . Slide bolt  258  passes through a bolt void in body  250 . Slide bolt  258 , in assembly, further passes through slide void  260  of rod pathways  248 . Each slide bolt  258  includes bolt head  262  having a diameter greater than a width of slide voids  260 . Slide voids  260 , with slide bolts  258  define the allowed travel of rods  242  within rod pathways  248 . 
         [0062]    In operation, rods  242  have a stowed position where springs  244  are compressed and rods  242  are retracted within rod pathways  248  such that latch ends  252  are proximate rod pathways  248 . Rods  242  further have an extended position where springs  244  are decompressed and latch ends  252  are extended away from rod pathways  248 . Accordingly, springs  244  urge rods  242  to the extended position. 
         [0063]    Outward locks  246 , when engaged ( FIG. 18   a ), prevent movement of rods  242  outwardly under the urging of springs  244  or otherwise. Outward locks  246 , when disengaged ( FIG. 18   b ), allow movement of rods  242  outwardly under the urging of springs  244  or otherwise. Each outward lock  246  is constructed from metal plate(s)  264  and lock spring  266 . In the illustrated embodiment, metal plate  264  is actually two abutting identically sized plates. Metal plate  264  is sized to have a width that is less than a width of rod pathways  248 . Metal plate  264  further includes rod void  268  therein. Rod void  268  is substantially rectangular in cross section and having dimensions that are slightly larger than the outer dimensions of body  250 . Metal plate  264  is further sized to extend through lock aperture  270  defined in rod pathways  248 . Metal plate  264  acts as a lever that uses the point at which it extends through lock aperture  270  as a fulcrum. Metal plate  264  is thus able to rotate to assume multiple angles relative to rods  242  (and relative to longitudinal axis  243  of rods  242 ). Lock buttons  271  rotatably engage base  12 . Rotation of lock buttons  271  provides for engagement with lock plate  264  to move lock plates  264  between the engaged and disengaged positions. 
         [0064]    When metal plate  264  is perpendicular, or nearly perpendicular, to longitudinal axis  243  of rod  242 , rod  242  is able to move freely within rod void  268 . Absent other forces, when metal plate  264  is perpendicular to longitudinal axis  243  spring  244  are able to urge rods  242  outwardly. Placing metal plate  264  into perpendicular positioning requires compression of lock spring  266 . A user&#39;s finger, via lock button  271 , urges the portion of metal plate  264  extending outside of rod pathways  248  rearward (direction  272 ) to place metal plate  264  perpendicular to longitudinal axis  243 . Absent urging by a user&#39;s finger, lock spring  266  is able to urge metal plate  264  to a position away from perpendicular relative to longitudinal axis  243 . Furthermore, lock button  271  includes spring arm  273  that urges lock button  271  to a position that does not engage metal plate  264 . Accordingly, absent user urging, lock button  271  and metal plates  264  default to the position shown in  FIG. 18   a . 
         [0065]    When lock spring  266  urges metal plate  264  away from perpendicular, the cross section of rod void  268 , as seen from the perspective of longitudinal axis  243 , has decreased height. Accordingly, upper and lower sides of rod void  268  engage upper and lower sides of rod  242 , respectively. Such engagement prevents relative movement therebetween. Thus, because metal plate  264  is prevented from having translational movement along longitudinal axis  243 , rod  242  is similarly locked from movement along longitudinal axis  243 . Any force that would that would cause rod  242  to extend outwardly also pulls metal plate  264  to further rotate away from perpendicular. Thus, such force causes rod void  268  to exert more locking force on rod  242 . Thus, absent a user urging metal plate  264  to the perpendicular position, any force that urges rod  242  outwardly (direction  272 ) is met with rod  242  being locked in place. However, any force that would that would cause rod  242  to extend inwardly (direction  274 ) also pushes metal plate  264  to compress lock spring  266  until metal plate  264  is close enough to perpendicular to allow relative movement between metal plate  264  and rod  242 . Thus, rod  242  is able to move inward (direction  274 ) but not outward (direction  272 ). Accordingly, in use, seat  10  can become more tightly bound to a vehicle, but cannot become less tightly bound unless a user acts on metal plate  264 . 
         [0066]    In use, rods  242  are extended by a user acting on metal plate  264  and allowing springs  244  to urge rods  242  outwardly (direction  272 ). Base portion  12  is located such that latch ends  252  are aligned with lower anchorages. Base portion  12  is then pressed rearward (direction  272 ) to cause latches in latch ends to couple to the lower anchorages. However, it should be appreciated that a force pressing base portion rearward (direction  272 ) onto lower anchorages also causes the equal and opposite force (direction  274 ) exerted by the lower anchorages onto rods  242 . 
         [0067]    As previously discussed, forces in direction  274  exerted on rods  242  can cause movement of metal plate  264  and allow rods  242  to move in direction  274 . This can result in the inability to exert enough force on latch ends  252  to achieve latching onto lower anchorages. Thus, users could be required to directly grasp rods  242  to urge them in direction  274 . Directly grasping rods  242  can be difficult and cumbersome. 
         [0068]    Accordingly, inward locks  247  are provided. As previously noted, bolt head  262  extends on the outer side of rod pathways  248  and travels in unison with rods  242  due to a connection therebetween. Inward locks  247  are formed from a flexible plastic and include release button  276 , fulcrums  278 , block  280 , and spring member  290 . 
         [0069]    Inward locks  247  are coupled to the exterior of rod pathways  248  and are located substantially within exterior molding  13  of base portion  12 . Release button  276  includes first surface  292  and second surface  294  perpendicular to first surface  292 . When inward lock  247  is coupled to rod pathway  248 , first surface  292  is substantially parallel to surface  306  in which slide void  260  is formed. Block  280  is angled such that block end  296  engages surface  306 . Release button  276 , block  280 , and fulcrums  278  are formed to rigidly move together. Spring member  290 , however, while formed together with the rest of inward lock  247 , is formed to hinge in a spring-like manner relative to the balance of inward lock  247 . In assembly, outer surface  298  of spring member  290  engages an inner surface of exterior molding  13  of base portion  12 . 
         [0070]    Accordingly, in a rest position, spring member  290  engages an inner surface of exterior molding  13 . The size and relative offset of spring member  290  to block  280  causes block end  296  to abut surface  306 . The rigid nature of inward locks  247  also proscribes that spring member  290  causes second surface  294  of release button  276  extend out of inward lock aperture  300  defined in exterior molding  13  (See  FIG. 12   a ). 
         [0071]    A user presses on the portion of second surface  294  extending out of inward lock aperture  300  to cause inward lock  247  to rotate about fulcrums  278 . Such rotation causes block end  296  to rotate away from abutment with surface  306 . Once a user stops pressing on the portion of second surface  294  extending out of inward lock aperture  300 , spring member  290  urges block end  296  to rotate towards abutment with surface  306 . 
         [0072]    As previously discussed, as rods  242  slide within rod pathways  248 , slide bolt  258  slides within slide void  260 . Also, bolt head  262  slides along surface  306 . So as to not impede such sliding, fulcrums  278  are positioned on opposing sides of slide void  260 , giving clearance for bolt head  262  to slide between fulcrums  278 , see  FIG. 15 . As movement of rods  242  nears its terminal position in direction  274 , bolt head  262  abuts surface  302  of block end  296 . Surface  302  of block end  296  is abutted by bolt head  262  when bolt head  262  moves in direction  274 . Surface  302  provides a beveled surface. Accordingly, further movement after such abutment urges inward lock  247  to rotate about fulcrums  278  causing block end  296  to rotate away from abutment with surface  306 . Bolt head  262  is thus able to travel “under” and past block end  296 . Alternatively, the user can depress second surface  294  to allow bolt head  262  and rod  242  to slide to their terminal positions in direction  274 . 
         [0073]    Once bolt head  262  and rod  242  are at their terminal positions in direction  274 , block end  296  is able to abut surface  306 . Any movement or attempted movement of bolt head  262  in direction  272  causes bolt head  262  to abut surface  304  of block end  296 . Unlike surface  302  of block end  296  encountered by bolt head  262  when moving in direction  272 , surface  304  of block end  296  that is encountered when moving in direction  274  is not beveled. Surface  304  prevents movement of bolt head  262 . Bolt head  262  can only move past block end  296  once second surface  294  is depressed to cause block end  296  to rotate out of abutment with surface  306  of rod pathways  248 . 
         [0074]    Accordingly, in use, a user attempting to secure seat  10  in a car activates outward locks  246  such that springs  244  can urge rods  242  to their terminal positions in direction  274 . If necessary, the user also activates inward locks to aid in bolt head  262  passing “under” block end  296  to reach its terminal position in direction  274 . Once rods  242  are fully extended, the user releases any of outward and inward locks  246 ,  247  that were previously being acted upon by the user. Base portion  12  is located such that latch ends  252  are aligned with lower anchorages. Base portion  12  is then pressed rearward (direction  272 ) to cause latches in latch ends to couple to the lower anchorages. The equal and opposite force (direction  274 ) exerted by the lower anchorages onto rods  242  are countered by bolt head  262  abutting surface  304  of block end  296 . Thus, substantially all force imparted to base portion  12  is translated to rods  242  and latch ends  252 . The imparted force thus causes latch ends  252  to couple to lower anchorages. Next the user presses second surfaces  294  to unlock rods  242  from their terminal position. While keeping second surfaces  294  depressed, the user imparts force in direction  272 . This force causes rotation of metal plates  264  and compression of lock springs  266  such that rods  242  are able to move in direction  274  relative to base portion  12  which tightens the connection between base portion  12  and the seat in which base portion  12  is mounted. 
         [0075]    Removal of base portion  12  from the seat in which is mounted is achieved as follows. First, metal plates  264  of outward locks are pressed in direction  272  to unlock outward locks  246 . Base portion  12  is then pulled in direction  274  to cause rods  242  to extend out of base portion  12 . Once latch releases  254  are out of base portion  12  and are accessible by the user, the user releases metal plates  264 . The user then depresses latch releases  254  which cause latch ends  252  to disengage from lower anchorages. 
         [0076]    While this invention has been described as having preferred designs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1