Abstract:
A protector device for a child-care instrument such as a child safety car seat or a child bed provides cushioning and protection around the child while allowing the support space for receiving the child to be adapted to different stages of the growth of the child. The protector device includes a head protector surrounding the child&#39;s head, an upper protector surrounding the child&#39;s upper body, and a lower protector surrounding the child&#39;s lower body. Protector elements may also support the child&#39;s head and body from below. The adaptable protector device makes the child-care instrument safer and more comfortable for the child in various stages of growth.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    The present application is a Divisional Application of our copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/496,151, filed on Feb. 1, 2000. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to a device for changing the capacity of a space for supporting a juvenile whose body is in the process of growth, and more particularly, it relates to a device for enabling a child seat or bed to be configured into a state optimum for a baby based on medical criteria in a neonatal period, infancy or childhood.  
         DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART  
         [0004]    The most important factors of a child-care instrument are excellent safeness and comfortability for a juvenile or child. Among child-care instruments, particularly a child safety car seat employed in a car must be comfortable and assure a high safety in supporting a child in a proper state responsive to the growth of the child.  
           [0005]    A neonate grows into an infant, a child and a school child, and its habitus or growth changes in this process. Therefore, the juvenile safety car seat must change the space for supporting the juvenile in response to the change of its habitus for regularly providing an optimum space responsive to the growth of the child. Further, it is extremely important to protect the brain, the neck and respiration of the juvenile, particularly a neonate or an infant whose brain is in a developmental stage.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    An object of the present invention is to provide a juvenile safety car seat capable of providing optimum comfortability and safeness for a child with due regard to the growth stage of the child&#39;s body.  
           [0007]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a child safety car seat improved for easy handling.  
           [0008]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a safety car seat improved in safety on the basis of an improved attachability to a seat of a car.  
           [0009]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a protector capable of providing optimum comfortability and safeness for a child with due regard to the growth stage of the child&#39;s body, particularly a protector enabling protection with a multilayer structure for a child whose brain is in a developmental stage.  
           [0010]    A further object of the present invention relates to a child-care instrument and a bed for a neonate enabling a bed state optimum for a baby based on medical criteria in a neonatal period, infancy or childhood.  
           [0011]    The child safety seat according to the present invention provides a child safety seat adapted to be secured to a car seat by a seat belt provided on said car seat, said child safety seat comprising a seat body including a backrest for supporting a child&#39;s back, a headrest movably supported by said seat body, said headrest including a head guard wall rising from a plane of said headrest for protecting the top of the head of a child in said safety seat, and headrest moving means operatively connected to said headrest for controlling a position of said headrest including said head guard wall relative to said backrest.  
           [0012]    Thus, it is possible to protect the juvenile with a capacity responsive to its growth. Consequently, the child safety car seat has been improved for comfort and safety of the entire child.  
           [0013]    In the aforementioned aspect, the capacity-variable device preferably has a head space control device for changing the capacity of a head space that is part of the support space, in response to growth of the head of the child.  
           [0014]    Thus, it is possible to protect the head of the child with a capacity responsive to growth of the child. Consequently, the child safety car seat can be improved in comfortability and safeness for the head of the child. The term “juvenile” is used herein as a synonym for “child”.  
           [0015]    In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferable state, the following structures are employed:  
           [0016]    More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes a head guard for protecting the head of a juvenile and a head guard vertical position control device for controlling the vertical position of the head guard with respect to the head position of the juvenile.  
           [0017]    More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes a head guard provided substantially above a backrest portion of the aforementioned juvenile safety car seat and a head guard attachment angle control device for controlling the angle of attachment of the head guard with respect to the aforementioned backrest portion, in order to protect the head of the juvenile.  
           [0018]    More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes a pair of side guards for protecting the lateral surfaces of the head of the juvenile and a side guard vertical position control device for controlling the vertical positions of the aforementioned pair of side guards with respect to the head position of the juvenile.  
           [0019]    More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes a pair of side guards for protecting the lateral surfaces of the head of the juvenile and a side guard space control device changing the space between the aforementioned pair of side guards.  
           [0020]    More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes a pair of side guards for protecting the lateral surfaces of the head of the juvenile and a side guard attaching and/or detaching device rendering the aforementioned pair of side guards attachable to and/or detachable from the aforementioned juvenile safety car seat.  
           [0021]    More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes a head guard and a pair of side guards for protecting the head of the juvenile, a coupling member for coupling the aforementioned head guard and the aforementioned pair of side guards with each other, and a coupling member vertical position control device for controlling the vertical position of the aforementioned coupling member with respect to the head position of the juvenile.  
           [0022]    More preferably, the aforementioned head space control device includes a head protector arranged in a clearance defined between the aforementioned head space forming part of the aforementioned support space and the head of the juvenile for forming a head receiving space.  
           [0023]    In the aforementioned aspect, the aforementioned capacity-variable device has a shoulder space control device changing the capacity of a shoulder region of the aforementioned support space in response to growth of the shoulders of the juvenile.  
           [0024]    Thus, it is possible to protect the shoulders of the juvenile with a capacity responsive to growth of the juvenile. Consequently, the juvenile safety car seat can be improved in comfortability and safeness for the shoulders of the juvenile.  
           [0025]    In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferable state, the following structures are employed:  
           [0026]    More preferably, the aforementioned shoulder space control device includes a safety belt having a shoulder belt located on the shoulder of the juvenile and a shoulder belt vertical position control device for controlling the vertical position of the aforementioned shoulder belt with respect to the shoulder position of the juvenile.  
           [0027]    More preferably, the aforementioned shoulder space control device includes a safety belt having a shoulder belt located on the shoulder of the juvenile and a shoulder belt width position control device for controlling the position of the shoulder belt in the width direction with respect to the shoulder position of the juvenile.  
           [0028]    More preferably, the aforementioned shoulder space control device includes a safety belt having a shoulder belt located on the shoulder of the juvenile and a shoulder belt inclination control device for controlling inclination of the aforementioned shoulder belt with respect to the shoulder position of the juvenile.  
           [0029]    More preferably, the aforementioned shoulder space control device includes a shoulder protector arranged in a clearance defined between the aforementioned shoulder region of the aforementioned support space and the shoulder of the juvenile for forming a shoulder receiving space.  
           [0030]    In the aforementioned aspect, the aforementioned capacity-variable device preferably has an abdominal space control device changing the capacity of an abdominal region of the aforementioned support space in response to growth of the abdominal region of the juvenile.  
           [0031]    Thus, it is possible to protect the abdominal region of the child with a capacity responsive to growth of the juvenile. Consequently, the present child safety car seat is improved in comfortability and safety for the abdominal region of the juvenile.  
           [0032]    In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferable state, the following structures are employed:  
           [0033]    More preferably, the abdominal space control device includes a safety belt having a crotch belt located on the crotch of the juvenile and a crotch belt horizontal position control device for controlling the horizontal position of the aforementioned crotch belt with respect to the abdominal position of the juvenile.  
           [0034]    More preferably, the abdominal space control device includes a safety belt having a crotch belt located on the crotch of the juvenile and a crotch belt vertical position control device for controlling the vertical position of the aforementioned crotch belt with respect to the abdominal position of the juvenile.  
           [0035]    More preferably, the aforementioned abdominal space control device includes a safety belt having a crotch belt located on the crotch of the juvenile and a crotch belt inclination control device for controlling inclination of the aforementioned crotch belt with respect to the abdominal position of the juvenile.  
           [0036]    More preferably, the aforementioned abdominal space control device includes an abdominal protector arranged in a clearance defined between the aforementioned abdominal region of the aforementioned support space and the abdomen of the juvenile for forming an abdomen receiving space.  
           [0037]    More preferably, the aforementioned abdominal space control device includes a crotch belt protector attached to the aforementioned crotch belt to fill up a clearance between the crotch of the juvenile and the aforementioned crotch belt.  
           [0038]    In the aforementioned aspect, the capacity-variable device preferably has a leg space control device changing the capacity of a leg region of the aforementioned support space in response to growth of the legs of the juvenile.  
           [0039]    Thus, it is possible to protect the legs of the juvenile with a capacity responsive to growth of the juvenile. Consequently, the present child safety car seat is improved in comfortability and safeness for the legs of the juvenile.  
           [0040]    In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferable state, the following structures are employed:  
           [0041]    More preferably, the aforementioned leg space control device includes a footrest step located under the feet of the juvenile and a footrest, located under the legs of the juvenile, provided to be horizontally slidable.  
           [0042]    More preferably, the aforementioned leg space control device includes a leg protector arranged in a clearance defined between the aforementioned leg region of the aforementioned support space and the legs of the juvenile for forming a leg receiving space.  
           [0043]    A juvenile safety car seat according to another aspect of the present invention, which is fixed to a seat of a car with a seat belt provided on the seat of the car, comprises a seat body receiving the juvenile, a base supporting the aforementioned seat body from below to be rotatable and backwardly inclinable, a rotational position locking device locking the aforementioned seat body to a rotational position with respect to the aforementioned base, a backward inclination angle locking device locking the aforementioned seat body at an angle of backward inclination with respect to the aforementioned base, and a locking release device supported by the aforementioned base to simultaneously release the seat body from locking by the aforementioned rotational position locking device and locking by the aforementioned backward inclination angle locking device.  
           [0044]    Thus, the rotational position locking device and the backward inclination angle locking device can be handled with the single locking release device. The position of the locking release device, which is provided on the seat body, remains unchanged after the juvenile safety car seat is attached to the seat of the car. Consequently, handleability of the rotational position locking device and the backward inclination angle locking device has been improved.  
           [0045]    In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferable state, the following structure is employed:  
           [0046]    More preferably, the aforementioned seat body has a seat portion, a backrest portion and a seat portion angle control device changing the angle formed by the aforementioned seat portion and the aforementioned backrest portion in response to change of the angle of backward inclination.  
           [0047]    Thus, it is possible to eliminate pressure against the abdomen of the child. Consequently, the present child safety car seat has been made more comfortable.  
           [0048]    A juvenile safety car seat according to still another aspect of the present invention, which is fixed to a seat of a car with a seat belt provided on the seat of the car, comprises an attachment angle control device for controlling the angle of attachment of the aforementioned juvenile safety car seat with respect to the aforementioned seat of the car.  
           [0049]    Thus, it is possible to attach the present child safety car seat to the seat of the car at a proper attachment angle regardless of the shape of the seat of the car. Consequently, the present child safety car seat has been made more comfortable.  
           [0050]    In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferable state, the following structure is employed:  
           [0051]    More preferably, the aforementioned child safety car seat has a seat body supporting a child and a base supporting the aforementioned seat body, and the aforementioned attachment angle control device is provided on a bottom surface portion of the aforementioned base with a leg member projectable and stowable with respect to the aforementioned bottom surface portion in order to control inclination with respect to the aforementioned seat of the car.  
           [0052]    A protector according to a further aspect of the present invention is employed for a child-care instrument having a support space for receiving a juvenile whose body is in the process of growth, and the aforementioned protector forms a receiving space for filling up a clearance defined between the aforementioned support space and the child while rendering the capacity of the aforementioned receiving space variable in response to the child&#39;s growth.  
           [0053]    Thus, it is possible to protect the juvenile with a capacity responsive to growth of its body. Consequently, the child-care instrument employing this protector has been made more comfortable and safer for the entire body of the child.  
           [0054]    In the aforementioned aspect, the protector preferably includes a head protector protecting the head of the child.  
           [0055]    Thus, it is possible to protect the head of the child with a capacity responsive to the child&#39;s growth. Consequently, the child-care instrument employing the protector has been improved and made safer for the child&#39;s head.  
           [0056]    In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferable state, the following structures are employed:  
           [0057]    More preferably, the aforementioned head protector includes a pair of head side wall portions protecting the temporal regions of the child and a head side wall space control device for controlling the space between the pair of head side wall portions.  
           [0058]    More preferably, the aforementioned head protector includes an inner head protector and an outer head protector arranged to doubly enclose the temporal regions and the parietal region of the child. Further preferably, the aforementioned inner head protector is so provided that the position of the inner head protector is vertically controllable with respect to the aforementioned outer head protector.  
           [0059]    In the aforementioned aspect, the aforementioned protector preferably includes a shoulder protector protecting the shoulder region of the child.  
           [0060]    Thus, it is possible to protect the shoulder region of the child with a capacity responsive to growth of the child. Consequently, the child-care instrument employing the protector has been improved to be more comfortable and safer for the shoulder region of the child.  
           [0061]    In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferable state, the following structure is employed:  
           [0062]    More preferably, the aforementioned shoulder protector includes a shoulder side wall portion protecting the lateral surfaces of the shoulder of the neonate or the infant and a shoulder side wall position control device for controlling the vertical position of the shoulder side wall portion.  
           [0063]    In the aforementioned aspect, the aforementioned protector preferably includes an abdominal protector protecting the abdominal region of the child.  
           [0064]    In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferable state, the following structure is employed:  
           [0065]    More preferably, the aforementioned abdominal protector includes a crotch protector protecting the crotch region of the child.  
           [0066]    In the aforementioned aspect, the aforementioned protector preferably includes a leg protector for protecting the child&#39;s legs with comfort and safety during the child&#39;s growth.  
           [0067]    In the aforementioned aspect, the aforementioned protector preferably includes an upper protector protecting the head region and the shoulder region of the child, and a lower protector protecting the abdominal region and the leg region, and at least either the aforementioned upper protector or the aforementioned lower protector includes a length control device for controlling the length as the child grows taller.  
           [0068]    Thus, it is possible to protect the child with a capacity responsive to growth. Consequently, the child-care instrument employing the protector has been made more comfortable and safer.  
           [0069]    A protector for a child-care instrument according to a further aspect of the present invention, consisting of a flexible material, is arranged in a juvenile receiving space of the child-care instrument, and comprises an upper protector enclosing the upper half of the body of a juvenile, a lower protector enclosing the lower half of the child&#39;s body, and a head protector arranged inside the upper protector for enclosing the head of the child, whereby the head, particularly the brain, is well protected in a way comfortable for the growing child.  
           [0070]    In order to implement the aforementioned aspect in a more preferable state, the following structures are employed:  
           [0071]    More preferably, the protector further comprises a coupling device for detachably coupling the aforementioned upper protector and the aforementioned lower protector with each other.  
           [0072]    More preferably, the protector further comprises a coupling device for detachably coupling the aforementioned head protector to the aforementioned upper protector.  
           [0073]    A child-care instrument according to a further aspect of the present invention has a space supporting a baby, and the aforementioned space is provided to be capable of selecting a neonatal bed mode suitable as a habitat of a baby in a neonatal period, an infantile bed mode suitable to the habits of a baby in infancy, and a child seat mode suitable for the habits of a baby in childhood.  
           [0074]    According to the aforementioned child-care instrument, it is possible to apply a bed mode or a seat mode most suitable for the baby on the basis of medical criteria for a baby in a neonatal period, infancy or childhood whose brain is in a developmental stage in particular, for protecting the brain, the neck and respiration of the baby in a proper state.  
           [0075]    In the aforementioned aspect, the child-care instrument preferably has a protector for properly filling up a clearance defined between the aforementioned space and the baby by changing the mode in response to growth of the baby in a neonatal period or infancy in a state used in the aforementioned neonatal bed mode or the aforementioned infantile bed mode.  
           [0076]    The aforementioned protector is integrally provided with a first head protector protecting the head of the baby from below, a second head protector protecting the head of the baby from the parietal side and the lateral surface sides, a first body protector supporting the body of the baby from below, and second body protectors, supporting the body of the baby from the lateral sides, provided in a pair on both sides of the first body protector.  
           [0077]    More preferably, the child-care instrument is provided to be capable of coupling lower end portions of the second body protectors located on both sides and a lower end portion of the first body protector by bending the lower end portion of the first body protector upward.  
           [0078]    Thus, when employing the protectors integrally provided to enclose the baby, it is possible to properly support the baby in response to its growth by displacing the position for supporting the baby.  
           [0079]    More preferably, the child-care instrument further has a head pad for filling up a clearance between the first head protector and the head of the baby in order to protect the head of the baby.  
           [0080]    Thus, it is possible to reliably protect the brain and the neck of the baby in a neonatal period, infancy or childhood whose brain is in a developmental stage.  
           [0081]    More preferably, the aforementioned head pad has a sunshade for shielding the baby against exposure to light. Thus, it is possible to protect a baby in a neonatal period particularly sensitive to photic stimulation in a proper state.  
           [0082]    More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned head pad coming into contact with the baby is prepared from a material feeling approximate to the mother&#39;s breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.  
           [0083]    More preferably, the child-care instrument further comprises a lumbar pad detachably provided inside the aforementioned second body protectors for covering the lumbar region of the baby. Thus, it is possible to protect the baby whose lumbar region is in a developmental stage in a proper state.  
           [0084]    More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned lumbar pad coming into contact with the baby is prepared from a material feeling approximate to the mother&#39;s breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.  
           [0085]    More preferably, the child-care instrument further comprises a leg cover detachably provide on the protector for covering a portion close to the legs of the baby from above. Thus, it is possible to prevent the baby from chilling against cold air from an air conditioner, for example.  
           [0086]    More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned leg cover coming into contact with the baby is prepared from a material feeling approximate to the mother&#39;s breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.  
           [0087]    More preferably, the child-care instrument further comprises a pair of body covers provided on both sides of the body of the baby for covering the body from above. Thus, the baby can be wrapped and put at ease. Further, it is possible to prevent the baby from chilling against cold air from an air conditioner, for example.  
           [0088]    More preferably, the child-care instrument further has a fixing device for opening the aforementioned pair of body covers outward and temporarily fixing the pair of body covers in the open states. Thus, when employing this child-care instrument as a juvenile safety car seat, it is possible to hold a safety belt provided on the juvenile safety car seat on both sides with the body covers, whereby the baby can be smoothly put on/out of the juvenile safety car seat with no hindrance by the safety belt.  
           [0089]    More preferably, at least regions of the aforementioned pair of body covers coming into contact with the baby are prepared from a material feeding approximate to the mother&#39;s breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.  
           [0090]    More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned protector coming into contact with the baby is prepared from a material feeling approximate to the mother&#39;s breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.  
           [0091]    A bed for a neonate according to a further aspect of the present invention, having a support space suitable to the habitus of a baby in a neonatal period, has a protector for properly filling up a clearance defined between the aforementioned support space and the baby.  
           [0092]    According to the aforementioned bed for a newborn, it is possible to apply a bed mode most suitable for a baby in a neonatal period on the basis of medical criteria for a baby in a neonatal period whose brain is in a developmental stage in particular, for protecting the brain, the neck and respiration of the newborn baby.  
           [0093]    Preferably, the aforementioned bed for a neonate further has a head pad for filling up a clearance between the bed and the head of the baby in order to protect the head of the baby in a neonatal period.  
           [0094]    Thus, it is possible to protect the head of the baby in a neonatal period by a double structure of at least the protector and the head pad, and the brain and the neck of the baby in a neonatal period whose brain is in a developmental stage can be protected in a proper state.  
           [0095]    More preferably, the aforementioned head pad has a sunshade for shielding the baby against exposure to light. Thus, it is possible to protect the baby in a neonatal period particularly sensitive to photic stimulation in a proper state.  
           [0096]    More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned head pad coming into contact with the baby is prepared from a material feeling approximate to the mother&#39;s breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.  
           [0097]    More preferably, the bed for a neonate has a sunshade for shielding the baby against exposure to light. Thus, it is possible to protect the baby in a neonatal period particularly sensitive to photic stimulation in a proper state.  
           [0098]    More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned protector coming into contact with the baby is prepared from a material feeling approximate to the mother&#39;s breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.  
           [0099]    More preferably, the bed for a neonate further comprises a lumbar pad for filling up a clearance between the aforementioned bed for a neonate and the lumbar region of the baby. Thus, it is possible to protect the baby whose lumbar region is in a developmental stage in a proper state.  
           [0100]    More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned lumbar pad coming into contact with the baby is prepared from a material feeling approximate to the mother&#39;s breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.  
           [0101]    More preferably, the bed for a neonate further comprises a leg cover for covering a portion close to the legs of the baby from above. Thus, it is possible to protect the baby against a cold air chilling effect from an air conditioner, for example.  
           [0102]    More preferably, at least a region of the aforementioned leg cover coming into contact with the baby is prepared from a material feeling approximate to the mother&#39;s breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.  
           [0103]    More preferably, the bed for a neonate further comprises a pair of body covers provided on both sides of the body of the baby for covering the body from above. Thus, the baby can be wrapped and put at ease. Further, it is possible to protect the baby against a cold air chilling effect from an air conditioner, for example.  
           [0104]    More preferably, at least regions of the aforementioned pair of body covers coming into contact with the baby are prepared from a material feeling approximate to the mother&#39;s breast. Thus, the baby can be put at ease.  
           [0105]    The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0106]    [0106]FIG. 1 is a model diagram showing the concept of a support space of a juvenile or child safety car seat;  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 2 is a total perspective view showing the structure of a juvenile safety car seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0108]    FIGS.  3  to  8  are first to sixth diagrams showing the structure of a headrest vertical mover  100 ;  
         [0109]    FIGS.  9  to  13  are first to fifth diagrams showing the structure of a shoulder belt position controller  200 ;  
         [0110]    FIGS.  14  to  17  are first to fourth diagrams showing the structure of a sleeping support position controller  300 ;  
         [0111]    FIGS.  18  to  20  are first to third diagrams showing the structure of a crotch belt position controller  400 ;  
         [0112]    [0112]FIGS. 21 and 22 are first and second diagrams showing the structure of a footrest step position controller  500 ;  
         [0113]    FIGS.  23  to  26  are first to fourth diagrams showing the structures of a rotator  600 , a backward incliner  700  and a mover  800 ;  
         [0114]    FIGS.  27  to  29  are first to third diagrams showing the structure of a stand  900 ;  
         [0115]    [0115]FIG. 30 is a total perspective view showing a first mode of a child safety car seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0116]    [0116]FIG. 31 is a total perspective view showing a second mode of the juvenile safety car seat according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0117]    [0117]FIG. 32 is a total perspective view showing the juvenile safety car seat according to the second embodiment of the present invention, to which a protector is attached;  
         [0118]    [0118]FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a neonatal bed mode, suitable to the habits or growth of a baby in a neonatal period, of the child safety car seat to which the protector is attached;  
         [0119]    [0119]FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing an infantile bed mode, suitable to the habitus of an infantile baby, of the juvenile safety car seat to which the protector is attached;  
         [0120]    [0120]FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a child seat mode, suitable to the habits of a baby in childhood, of the juvenile safety car seat to which the protector is attached  
         [0121]    [0121]FIG. 36 is a plan view showing the structure of an inner head protector  950  according to the second embodiment;  
         [0122]    [0122]FIG. 37 is a plan view showing the structure of an outer head protector  960  according to the second embodiment;  
         [0123]    [0123]FIG. 38 is a plan view showing the structure of a body protector  970  according to the second embodiment;  
         [0124]    FIGS.  39  to  41  are first to third perspective views showing attachment of the body protector  970  to a juvenile safety car seat  2000  according to the second embodiment;  
         [0125]    FIGS.  42  to  44  are first to third perspective views showing attachment of the inner head protector  950  to the outer head protector  960  in the second embodiment;  
         [0126]    [0126]FIGS. 45 and 46 are first and second perspective views showing connection of the outer head protector  960  and the body protector  970  in the second embodiment;  
         [0127]    [0127]FIG. 47 is a perspective view showing attachment of a crotch belt  16  to a crotch protector  990  in the second embodiment;  
         [0128]    FIGS.  48  to  50  are first to third perspective views showing the overall structure of a protector  3000  according to a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0129]    [0129]FIG. 51 is a perspective view showing the structure of a second head pad  5000 ;  
         [0130]    [0130]FIG. 52 is a sectional view taken along the line LII-LII in FIG. 51;  
         [0131]    [0131]FIG. 53 is a perspective view showing a protector  3000  according to the third embodiment provided with lumbar pads  6001  and  6002 ; Fib.  54  is a sectional view taken along the line LIV-LIV in FIG. 53;  
         [0132]    [0132]FIG. 55 is a perspective view showing the protector  3000  according to the third embodiment provided with a leg cover  7000 ;  
         [0133]    [0133]FIG. 56 is a perspective view showing the protector  3000  according to the third embodiment provided with body covers  8001  and  8002 ;  
         [0134]    [0134]FIGS. 57 and 58 are sectional views, taken along the line LVII-LVII in FIG. 56, showing first and second used states; and  
         [0135]    [0135]FIG. 59 is a sectional view, taken along the line X-X′ in FIG. 56, showing a further embodiment. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0136]    As shown in FIG. 1, a newborn baby grows into an infant, a child and a schoolchild, and its habits change. For example, the shape of the head, the breadth of the shoulders, the lumbar size, the length of the legs and the like grow. Therefore, a child safety car seat must totally change the capacity of a support space for receiving a growing child. Thus, it is possible to regularly provide an optimum space responsive to the habits of the child for improving safeness.  
         [0137]    The internal space of a juvenile safety car seat  1  can be classified into a head space  1 A, a shoulder space  1 B, an abdominal space  1 C and a leg space  1 D in response to the portions of the body of the juvenile. Therefore, it is possible to totally change the capacity of the support space by implementing a structure rendering the capacity of each space variable.  
         [0138]    The structure of a juvenile safety car seat according to each embodiment of the present invention employing means for changing the capacity of each space is now described with reference to the drawings.  
         [0139]    First Embodiment  
         [0140]    This embodiment is described with reference to a juvenile safety car seat  1000  having means capable of changing the capacity of a support space in the juvenile car seat  1000  itself.  
         [0141]    The structure of the juvenile safety car seat  1000  according to this embodiment is now described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 omits illustration of a cushion member essentially required for the juvenile safety car seat  1000 , in order to clarify the structure of the juvenile safety car seat  1000 . A crotch belt  16  is covered with a cushion member  402  including a bellows member, to be self-sustainable.  
         [0142]    The juvenile safety car seat  1000  has a seat body  2  and a base  4  supporting the seat body  2  to be rotatable and backwardly inclinable. The seat body  2  includes a backrest portion  6 , a seat portion  8  and a headrest  10 .  
         [0143]    The seat body  2  has a dome shape for serving both sides as side guards and armrests, and the headrest  10  has a dome shape for serving both as a head guard and side guards. A pair of sleeping supports  12  and  14  are attached to the headrest  10 . The headrest  10  has a guard wall  10 A rising from a plane of the headrest  10  at such an angle that the top of the head of a child in the seat is at least partly covered, as seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and  4 .  
         [0144]    A five-point safety belt for fixing a juvenile to the juvenile safety car seat  1000  is provided on the backrest portion  6  and the seat portion  8 . This five-point safety belt has the crotch belt  16 , located on the crotch of the juvenile, having a buckle  17  on its upper portion, lumbar belts  18  and  20 , tongue plates  19  and  21  and shoulder belts  22  and  24 .  
         [0145]    The base  4  is provided with a footrest step  26  serving as a footrest and a control lever  28  for controlling rotation and backward inclination of the seat body  2 , i.e., locking the seat body  2  on a rotational position and a backwardly inclining position and releasing the same from the locked states.  
         [0146]    The juvenile safety car seat  1000  having the aforementioned structure is provided with a headrest vertical mover  100 , a shoulder belt position controller  200 , a sleeping support position controller  300 , a crotch belt position controller  400 , a footrest step position controller  500  and a mover  800 , in order to change the capacity of a support space.  
         [0147]    The headrest vertical mover  100  and the sleeping support position controller  300  form head space control means, the shoulder belt position controller  200  forms shoulder space control means, the crotch belt position controller  400  forms abdominal space control means, and the footrest step position controller  500  forms leg space control means. The mover  800  forms seat portion angle control means.  
         [0148]    The juvenile safety car seat  1000  is further provided with a rotator  600  and a backward incliner  700  in order to improve handleability, and provided with a stand  900  in order to improve attachability.  
         [0149]    The headrest vertical mover  100 , the shoulder belt position controller  200 , the sleeping support position controller  300 , the crotch belt position controller  400 , the footrest step position controller  500  the rotator  600 , the backward incliner  700 , the mover  800  and the stand  900  are now described with reference to the drawings.  
         [0150]    Headrest Vertical Mover  100   
         [0151]    The structure of the headrest vertical mover  100  is described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The headrest  10  is provided to be vertically slidable along headrest guide bars  102  and  104  provided on the seat body  2 . The headrest  10  is located most downward in FIG. 3 and most upward in FIG. 4 respectively.  
         [0152]    Means for fixing the headrest  10  to the seat body  2  is now described with reference to FIGS.  5  to  8 . FIG. 5 shows the headrest  10  fixed to the seat body  2 , FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 shows the headrest  10  released from fixation to the seat body  2 , and FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line VIII in FIG. 7.  
         [0153]    The headrest  10  is provided with a plurality of locking holes  106  along the direction of movement thereof, and the seat body  2  is provided with a locking lever  108  having a locking pin  108   c  inserted in any of the locking holes  106 .  
         [0154]    The locking lever  108  has a lever body  108   a , a block  108   b  inserted in the lever body  108   a , the locking pin  108   c  supported by the block  108   b , a coil spring  108   d  for supplying elastic force to the locking lever  108 , and a plate  108   e , supporting the coil spring  108   d , fixed to the locking pin  108   c.    
         [0155]    In a locked state, the locking pin  108   c  is inserted in any locking hole  106  due to the elastic force of the coil spring  108   d , as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In a state released from locking, the locking lever  108  is rotated anticlockwise for pulling up the locking pin  108   c  due to action of spiral engaging irregularities (not shown) provided on the inner peripheral surface of the lever body  108   a  and the outer peripheral surface of the block  108   b.    
         [0156]    Thus, it is possible to protect the head region of the juvenile with a capacity responsive to growth of the juvenile by rendering the headrest  10  vertically movable with respect to the seat body  2 . Consequently, the juvenile safety car seat  1000  can be improved in comfortability and safeness for the head region of the juvenile.  
         [0157]    While the headrest  10  serves both as a head guard and side guards in this embodiment, the headrest vertical mover  100  is also applicable to a head guard and side guards having individual structures respectively.  
         [0158]    Shoulder Belt Position Controller  200   
         [0159]    The structure of the shoulder belt position controller  200  is described with reference to FIGS.  9  to  13 . Referring to FIG. 9, circular holding plates  208  and  210  having slits  208   a  and  210   a  for receiving the shoulder belts  22  and  24  are rotatably attached to shoulder belt control arms  216  and  218  respectively in the shoulder belt position controller  200 . The shoulder belt control arms  216  and  218  are supported by a shoulder belt control pin  214  to be rotatable about the shoulder belt control pin  214 .  
         [0160]    The shoulder belt control pin  214  is vertically slidable along a shoulder belt control guide hole  220  provided on the seat body  2 . The holding plates  208  and  210  are attached to the shoulder belt control arms  216  and  218 , and also movable along elongated sliding holes  204  and  206  provided on the seat body  2 .  
         [0161]    Further, a vertical moving plate  202  is arranged on the front side of the seat body  2 , and guide holes  202   a  and  202   b  provided on the vertical moving plate  202  hold the holding plates  208  and  210 . The front end of the shoulder belt control pin  214  is fixed to the vertical moving plate  202 .  
         [0162]    Therefore, the vertical moving plate  202  vertically moves in response to vertical movement of the shoulder belt control pin  214 , so that the holding plates  208  and  210  vertically move along the sliding holes  204  and  206 . The holding plates  208  and  210  are located most downward in FIG. 9 and most upward in FIG. 10 respectively.  
         [0163]    The holding plates  208  and  210  are at a space L1 and the slits  208   a  and  210   a  are at an angle α1 when the holding plates  208  and  210  are located most downward, while the holding plates  208  and  210  are at a space L2 larger than the space L1 and the slits  208   a  and  210   a  are at an angle α2 smaller than the angle α1 when the holding plates  208  and  210  are located most upward.  
         [0164]    Position fixing means for the holding plates  208  and  210  is now described with reference to FIGS.  11  to  13 . FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the seat body  2 , and FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line XII in FIG. 11 showing the holding plates  208  and  210  at fixed positions. FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line XII in FIG. 11 showing the holding plates  208  and  210  released from positional fixation.  
         [0165]    As shown in FIG. 11, the shoulder belt control pin  214  is provided on its rear end with a shoulder belt control lever  212  for controlling the vertical positions of the holding plates  208  and  210 , and the seat body  2  is provided with shoulder belt control locking holes  222  along the direction of movement thereof.  
         [0166]    As shown in FIG. 12 in detail, the shoulder belt control lever  212  has a lever body  212   a  and a release button  212   b  stored in the lever body  212   a , and the shoulder belt control pin  214  is fixed to the release button  212   b.    
         [0167]    A coil spring  212   c  is provided in the lever body  212   a , so that elastic force can be supplied to the release button  212   b  with a plate  212   d . A locking pin  212   e  is mounted on the outer surface of the lever body  212   a , to be inserted into any shoulder belt control locking pin  222 .  
         [0168]    In a locked state, the elastic force of the coil spring  212   c  acts in a direction for inserting the locking pin  212   e  mounted on the lever body  212   a  into any shoulder belt control locking hole  222 , as shown in FIG. 12.  
         [0169]    In a state released from locking, the lever body  212   a  is pulled up against the elastic force of the coil spring  212   c , thereby pulling up the locking pin  212   e  from the shoulder belt control locking hole  222 , as shown in FIG. 13.  
         [0170]    Thus, it is possible to protect the shoulder region of the juvenile with a capacity responsive to growth of the juvenile by rendering the vertical positions of and the space between the holding plates  208  and  210  and the angle of the slits  208   a  and  210   a  controllable.  
         [0171]    While the vertical positions of and the space between the holding plates  208  and  210  and the angle of the slits  208   a  and  210   a  can be controlled by a single device in this embodiment, structures having these functions independently of each other can also be employed.  
         [0172]    Sleeping Support Position Controller  300   
         [0173]    The structure of the sleeping support position controller  300  is described with reference to FIGS.  14  to  17 . Referring to FIG. 14, the sleeping support position controller  300  has bearings  302  and  304  provided on the headrest  10  and shafts  306  and  308  provided on the sleeping supports  12  and  14 .  
         [0174]    The bearings  302  and  304  have substantially cylindrical shapes with front open portions, and are provided with stoppers  302   a ,  302   b ,  304   a  and  304   b  for limiting rotation of the sleeping supports  12  and  14 .  
         [0175]    The shafts  306  and  308  also have substantially cylindrical shapes with open portions receivable in the bearings  302  and  304 , and are provided with stoppers  306   a ,  306   b ,  308   a  and  308   b  for coming into contact with the bearings  302  and  304 .  
         [0176]    The shafts  306  and  308  are supported by pins  310  and  312  to be rotatable with respect to the bearings  302  and  304 , and supported by elastic force of coil springs  314  and  316  (see FIG. 3) inserted from above the pins  310  and  312 .  
         [0177]    The space between the sleeping supports  12  and  14  is narrow in FIG. 14 and widest in FIG. 15. FIGS. 14 and 15 are sectional views taken along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 3.  
         [0178]    Concave portions  318  provided on the lower surfaces of the shafts  306  and  308  engage with convex portions  320  provided on the lower surfaces of the bearings  302  and  304  as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 and the coil springs  314  and  316  inserted from above maintain this engaging state with elastic force, thereby fixing the positions of the sleeping supports  12  and  14 .  
         [0179]    [0179]FIG. 16 illustrates the shaft  306  and the sleeping support  12  in an inverted manner, in order to clearly illustrate the shapes of the concave portions  318  provided on the lower surfaces of the shafts  306  and  308 .  
         [0180]    Thus, it is possible to protect the head region of the juvenile with a capacity responsive to growth of the juvenile by rendering the space between the sleeping supports  12  and  14  controllable.  
         [0181]    In this embodiment, the sleeping supports  12  and  14  are fixed to the headrest  10  and hence a function/effect similar to that in the case of vertically moving the headrest  10  can be attained by vertically moving the headrest  10 . Alternatively, a structure independent of the headrest  10  can be employed.  
         [0182]    While the headrest  10  also serves as side guards and hence the side guards are fixed in this embodiment, the function of side guards may be separately added for applying the function of controlling the space between the sleeping supports  12  to the side guards.  
         [0183]    Crotch Belt Position Controller  400   
         [0184]    The structure of the crotch belt position controller  400  is described with reference to FIGS.  18  to  20 . Referring to FIG. 18, a fixing plate  416  to which the crotch belt  16  is fixed is mounted on the seat portion  8  provided on the seat body  2  in the crotch belt position controller  400 . The lower ends of the buckle  17  and the cushion member  402  including the bellows member for rendering the crotch belt  16  self-sustainable are fixed to a crotch belt position control plate  406  with fixing pins  404 .  
         [0185]    A crotch belt position control lever  408  for controlling the horizontal position of the crotch belt position control plate  406  and a crotch belt position control locking lever  410  consisting an elastic member are provided on the front side of the crotch belt position control plate  406 . The seat portion  8  provided on the seat body  2  has crotch belt position control locking holes  412  along the horizontal direction. The lower end of the crotch belt  16  is fixed to the fixing plate  416  through an opening  418  provided on the crotch belt position control lever  408 .  
         [0186]    The buckle  17  is arranged in a position at a distance L1 closest to the backrest portion  6  of the seat body  2  in FIG. 18, and arranged in a position at a distance L2&gt;L1 farthest from the backrest portion  6  of the seat body  2  in FIG. 19.  
         [0187]    As shown in FIG. 20, the buckle  17  can be reduced in height with respect to the seat portion  8  and can incline frontward when the same is closest to the backrest portion  6  by selecting the length of the crotch belt  16 .  
         [0188]    Thus, it is possible to protect the abdominal region of the juvenile with a capacity responsive to growth of the juvenile by rendering the horizontal position of the crotch belt  16  having the buckle  17  controllable. Consequently, the juvenile safety car seat  1000  can be improved in comfortability and safeness for the abdominal region of the juvenile.  
         [0189]    Footrest Step Position Controller  500   
         [0190]    The structure of the footrest step position controller  500  is described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. Referring to FIG. 21, the footrest step  26  is provided with a guide bar  501  for rendering the footrest step  26  frontwardly slidable, and a stopper  502  is provided on the rear end of the guide bar  501 .  
         [0191]    The footrest step  26  is located closest to the base  4  in FIG. 21, and most drawn out from the base  4  in FIG. 22.  
         [0192]    Thus, it is possible to protect the leg region of the juvenile with a capacity responsive to growth of the juvenile by rendering the footrest step  26  drawable from the base  4 .  
         [0193]    Rotator  600 , Backward Incliner  700  and Mover  800   
         [0194]    The structures of the rotator  600  and the backward incliner  700  are first described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24. The rotator  600  has a locking and locking release mechanism including a control lever  602  arranged on the front side of the base  4 , a locking button  604  for controlling a locked state of the control lever  602 , a coil spring  606  for supplying vertical elastic force to the locking button  604 , a locking plate  608 , coupled to the rear end of the control lever  602 , having a slit  608   a , a locking pin  610  having a concave portion  610   a  guided into the slit  608   a , and a plurality of locking holes  618  provided on the front and rear portions of the seat body  2  for receiving the locking pin  610  thereby limiting positions of rotation and backward inclination of the seat body  2  with respect to the base  4 .  
         [0195]    The base  4  is provided with a spherical concave region  612  limiting positions of rotation and backward inclination with respect to the seat body  2 , so that a spherical convex region  614  provided on the seat body  2  engages with the concave region  612  and the seat body  2  rotates with respect to the base  4  about a rotation pin  620 . The seat body  2  inclines with respect to the base  4  within the range of a guide hole  616  provided on the seat body  2 .  
         [0196]    The locking holes  618  are provided on a meridian horizontally extending through the rotation pin  620  of the spherical convex region  614 . The locking pin  610  is arranged on a position of the spherical concave region  612  corresponding to the aforementioned meridian.  
         [0197]    In order to release the seat body  2  from the positions of rotation and backward inclination with respect to the base  4  by the aforementioned locking and locking release mechanism, the control lever  602  is drawn out frontward while pressing the locking button  604  downward as shown in FIG. 24, so that the locking pin  610  obliquely moves downward. Thus, the locking pin  610  is disengaged from any locking hole  618 .  
         [0198]    Thus, the spherical convex region  614  provided on the seat body  2  engages with the concave region  612  provided on the base  4  while the locking pin  610  and the locking holes  618  are arranged on positions corresponding to the common meridian, thereby enabling implementation of the rotator  600  and the backward incliner  700  on the basis of a single locking mechanism. The seat body  2  is most upright with respect to the base  4  in FIG. 23, most inclined with respect to the base  4  in FIG. 25, and rotated by 180° with respect to the base  4  in FIG. 26.  
         [0199]    The structure of the mover  800  is now described with reference to FIG. 23. The mover  800  has a support plate  804  provided on the seat body  2  and a coupling plate  802  coupling the support plate  804  with the seat portion  8 .  
         [0200]    The coupling plate  802  is rotatably coupled with the seat portion  8  on the one end with a pin  806 , and rotatably coupled with the support plate  804  on another end with a pin  808 . The seat portion  8  is coupled to the support plate  804  on its rear end with a rotary shaft  810 .  
         [0201]    The mover  800  can be implemented by the aforementioned structure. When the seat body  2  is most upright with respect to the base  4 , the backrest portion  6  and the seat portion  8  form an angle α1 as shown in FIG. 23. When the seat body  2  is most inclined with respect to the base  4 , the backrest portion  6  and the seat portion  8  form an angle α2 larger than the angle α1, as shown in FIG. 25.  
         [0202]    Thus, the single control lever  602  controls operations of the rotator  600  and the backward incliner  700  and this control lever  602  is provided on the base  4 , so that the position of the juvenile safety car seat  1000  remains unchanged after the same is attached to the seat of the car. Further, it is possible to eliminate pressure against the abdomen of the juvenile with the mover  800 .  
         [0203]    Stand  900   
         [0204]    The structure of the stand  900  is described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. The stand  900  forms attachment angle control means for controlling the angle of attachment of the juvenile safety car seat  1000 .  
         [0205]    A fitting stand  902  is provided on the rear side of the bottom surface of the base  4  as a leg member projectable and stowable with respect to the bottom surface, in order to control inclination with respect to the seat of the car. The fitting stand  902  is projectable and stowable about a rotation axis  904 . The fitting stand  902  is stowed in FIG. 27 and projects in FIG. 28.  
         [0206]    As shown in FIG. 29, the fitting stand  902  has a concave shape  906  with a concave center. Thus, it is possible to attach the juvenile safety car seat  1000  to the seat of the car at a proper angle regardless of the shape (bucket type central rear seat) of the seat of the car.  
         [0207]    Second Embodiment  
         [0208]    This embodiment is described with reference to a juvenile safety car seat  2000  forming a receiving space by filling up a clearance between a support space defined by the juvenile safety car seat  2000  and a juvenile while rendering the capacity of the aforementioned receiving space variable in response to growth of the juvenile.  
         [0209]    The structure of the juvenile safety car seat  2000  according to the second embodiment is schematically described with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31. The juvenile safety car seat  2000  has a structure allowing selection of a bed state shown in FIG. 30 and a seat state shown in FIG. 31 in response to physical growth of the juvenile.  
         [0210]    More specifically, the juvenile safety car seat  2000  includes a seat body  2  and a base  4  supporting the seat body  2  to be rotatable and backwardly inclinable. The seat body  2  includes a backrest portion  6 , a seat portion  8  and a headrest  10 . The seat body  2  further includes side guards  2   a  and  2   b , and the seat portion  8  includes armrests  8   a  and  8   b.    
         [0211]    Sleeping supports  12  and  14  slidable along and detachable from the side guards  2   a  and  2   b  are mounted on the side guards  2   a  and  2   b.    
         [0212]    A five-point safety belt for fixing the juvenile to the juvenile safety car seat  2000  is provided on the backrest portion  6  and the seat portion  8 . This five-point safety belt has a crotch belt  16 , located on the crotch of the juvenile, having a buckle  17  on its upper portion, lumbar belts  18  and  20 , tongue plates  19  and  21  and shoulder belts  22  and  24 .  
         [0213]    The shoulder belts  22  and  24  are provided with a shoulder belt cover  25  for supporting the juvenile in a more preferable state. The backrest portion  6  is provided with shoulder belt receiving holes  6   a  for controlling the vertical positions of the shoulder belts  22  and  24  with respect to the juvenile.  
         [0214]    The base  4  is provided with a footrest step  26  and a control lever  28  for controlling rotation and backward inclination of the seat body  2 .  
         [0215]    The importance of the juvenile safety car seat  2000  allowing selection of the aforementioned bed state is now described.  
         [0216]    A baby, who is sometimes misidentified as a miniature adult, has still immature functions for existence, and hence improper sitting of the baby may result in a serious after effect. For example, the head of the baby, which is relatively heavy and supported by the weak cervical muscle, is weaker against a shock in a traffic accident or the like as compared with the remaining body parts.  
         [0217]    Further, the cranial bone protecting the brain and the cerebral blood vessel of the baby are still insufficient in structure and function. For example, a baby under the age of one, particularly at the age of about six months, held in arms can be lightly handled. If the baby is strongly shaken back and forth, however, this may sometimes result in cerebral hemorrhage followed by an after effect or death of the baby.  
         [0218]    In addition, it is important not to prevent the baby&#39;s abdominal respiration. Further, the nose of the baby is readily stuffed up, and if the baby is laid prone or in a position pressing the abdomen, there is a possibility of anoxia. In this case, abrupt cardiac arrest may result.  
         [0219]    Thus, it is important to lay the baby before the age of six months on its back not to press its abdomen. Further, it can be said preferable that an actively moving baby over the age of six months is also laid on its back since the aforementioned physiological properties still remain.  
         [0220]    In sufficient consideration of the aforementioned physiological properties of the baby, therefore, the juvenile safety car seat  2000 , i.e., a child seat, allows selection of the aforementioned bed state in order to protect the baby in a car in the true sense and protect the brain, the neck and respiration of the baby.  
         [0221]    The construction of child safety seats must take into account the developmental stages of the child during the first year after birth. These stages or periods include a newborn period, an infancy period and a childhood period. The changing characteristics of the child define these periods as follows. During the newborn period the child&#39;s weight is normally at least 2.5 kg.  
         [0222]    The average daily sleeping hours are about 18 to 22 h.  
         [0223]    The head is unsteady and the neck is still unfixed.  
         [0224]    The lumbar region is also unsteady.  
         [0225]    The head is heavy, the weight of the brain is 400 g, and its size is about one quarter of the grown size.  
         [0226]    The cranial bone is thin and soft.  
         [0227]    The blood vessels are so weak that a strong vibration readily results in intracerebral hemorrhage.  
         [0228]    Respiratory obstruction may result depending on the body position.  
         [0229]    Abdominal respiration takes place through a swollen abdomen.  
         [0230]    The baby is sensitive to sonic, photic or vibratory stimulation.  
         [0231]    The hip joint is readily dislocated.  
         [0232]    The baby remarkably grows in height and weight.  
         [0233]    The baby of the aforementioned newborn period is laid on a flat bed supporting its neck straight, allowing easy respiration and pressing the abdomen with a neonatal pad employing a cushion structure must be avoided while protecting the body, particularly the head of the baby against vibration caused by a collision. As shown in FIG. 33, therefore, it is preferable to use the child safety car seat  2000  on a rear seat  1000  of a car in the bed state perpendicularly to the traveling direction.  
         [0234]    The infancy period covers the age of two, three or more months when the weight is at least 5.5 kg.  
         [0235]    The average daily sleeping hours are about 16 to 20 h.  
         [0236]    The lumbar region is still unsteady.  
         [0237]    The specific gravity of the head is still large as compared with the weight.  
         [0238]    The cranial bone is still thin and soft.  
         [0239]    The blood vessels are so weak that strong vibration readily results in intracerebral hemorrhage  
         [0240]    Abdominal respiration takes place through a swollen abdomen.  
         [0241]    The baby gradually feels comfort or discomfort in response to vibrations.  
         [0242]    The baby remarkably grows in height and weight.  
         [0243]    The baby in infancy is laid on a flat bed protecting the heavy head of the baby against strong vibrations upon collision while avoiding to press the abdomen, with an infant pad employing a cushion structure for protecting the head and the body of the baby against strong vibrations. The required protection must take into account the growth of the baby. As shown in FIG. 34, therefore, it is preferable to use the child safety car seat  2000  on the rear seat  1000  of the car in the bed state perpendicularly to the traveling direction.  
         [0244]    The childhood covers the age of six, seven or more months when the child&#39;s weight is at least 7.0 kg, but less than 10.0 kg.  
         [0245]    The average daily sleeping hours are about 12 to 13 h.  
         [0246]    The specific gravity of the head is still large as compared with the weight.  
         [0247]    The cranial bone and the blood vessels are still weak as compared with an adult.  
         [0248]    The baby actively moves the body and likes to move its limbs without restrictions.  
         [0249]    The baby further feels comfort or discomfort in response to vibrations.  
         [0250]    The baby starts to feel interested in outside scenes.  
         [0251]    The cranial bone and the blood vessels of the baby in childhood having a stable lumbar region are still immature, and hence it is preferable to use a baby bed as long as possible. Also when using the juvenile safety car seat  2000  as a child seat, it is preferable to use the juvenile safety car seat  2000  on the rear seat  1000  of the car backward against the traveling direction, as shown in FIG. 35.  
         [0252]    In consideration of the above, the juvenile safety car seat  2000  according to this embodiment is provided with a protector consisting of a flexible material, which is arranged between the support space defined by the juvenile safety car seat  2000  and the juvenile for forming a receiving space while rendering the capacity of the receiving space variable in response to growth of the juvenile and supporting the juvenile in a comfortable and safe state, as shown in FIG. 32.  
         [0253]    This protector is constructed for a child, particularly a newborn baby or an infant, and has an inner head protector  950  for protecting the brain, the neck and respiration of the child, an outer head protector  960  for protecting a head space and a shoulder space, and a body protector  970  for protecting the shoulder space, an abdominal space and a leg space in particular.  
         [0254]    As shown in FIG. 36, the inner head protector  950  has a bottom inner head protector  952 , a side inner head protector  954  provided to cover the bottom inner head protector  952  and attachment belts  956  for attaching the inner head protector  950  to the outer head protector  960 .  
         [0255]    As shown in FIG. 37, the outer head protector  960  has a bottom outer head protector  962 , an upper outer head protector  964  and side outer head protectors  966 . A plurality of hook members  968  are provided in the vicinity of front end portions of the bottom outer head protector  962  and on the back surfaces of the side outer head protectors  966 , for controlling the height of the side outer head protectors  966  and coupling the outer head protector  960  with the body protector  970 .  
         [0256]    As shown in FIG. 38, the body protector  970  has a bottom body protector  972 , a back body protector  974 , an opening  976  for receiving the crotch belt  16 , side body protectors  978  and control belts  980 . The back body protector  974  is provided with a plurality of slits  974   a  for opening the shoulder belt receiving holes  6   a  provided on the backrest portion  6 .  
         [0257]    A plurality of hook members  982  are provided in the vicinity of a coupling portion between the bottom body protector  972  and the back body protector  974  and on the control belts  980 , for fixing the body protector  970  to the seat portion  8  and coupling the body protector  970  with the outer head protector  960 . Further, an attachment belt  984  is provided on the back surface of the bottom body protector  972 , for fixing the body protector  970  to the seat portion  8 .  
         [0258]    Attachment of the inner head protector  950 , the outer head protector  960  and the body protector  970  having the aforementioned structures to the juvenile safety car seat  2000  is now described with reference to FIGS.  39  to  46 .  
         [0259]    In order to attach the body protector  970  to the juvenile safety car seat  2000 , the crotch belt  16  is passed through the opening  976  and thereafter the control belts  980  are arranged around the lumbar belts  18  and  20  and positioned by the hook members  982 , as shown in FIGS.  39  to  41 . The attachment belt  984  provided on the back surface of the bottom body protector  972  is hung on the seat portion  8 .  
         [0260]    The inner head protector  950  is fixed to the outer head protector  960  with the attachment belts  956 , as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43. As shown in FIG. 44, the space between and the height of the side outer head protectors  966  are previously controlled through the hook members  968  as shown in FIG. 44, so that the outer head protector  960  fits the habitus of the juvenile. In order to attach the outer head protector  960 , the hook members  968  and  982  provided on the side outer head protectors  966  and the control belts  980  of the body protector  970  respectively are coupled with each other to come to positions responsive to the height of the juvenile, as shown in FIGS. 45 and 46.  
         [0261]    At this time, the position of the body protector  970  is so controlled that the positions of the slits  974   a  provided on the back body protector  974  align with those of the shoulder belt receiving holes  6   a , as shown in FIG. 45.  
         [0262]    As shown in FIG. 47, a crotch protector  990  may be attached to the crotch belt  16  with hook members  992  provided thereon for controlling the distance between the crotch of the juvenile and the crotch belt  16  at need.  
         [0263]    While all of the inner protector  950 , the outer head protector  960  and the body protector  970  are attached to the juvenile safety car seat  2000  in FIG. 32, these protectors may be properly selected and used as needed.  
         [0264]    When employing the aforementioned protectors  950 ,  960  and  970 , therefore, it is possible to select four guard modes, i.e., a quadruple guard with the side guards  2   a  and  2   b , the sleeping supports  12  and  14 , the outer head protector  960  and the inner head protector  950 , a triple guard with the side guards  2   a  and  2   b , the sleeping supports  12  and  14  and the outer head protector  960 , a double guard with the side guards  2   a  and  2   b  and the sleeping supports  12  and  14  and a single guard with only the side guards  2   a  and  2   b  in an upper space region including the head space region and the shoulder space region for the juvenile.  
         [0265]    In particular, the quadruple guard provides a remarkably important protection for a newborn child or an infant whose brain and neck are still insufficiently developed.  
         [0266]    In a lower space region including the abdominal space region and the leg space region for the juvenile, it is possible to select two guard modes, i.e., a double guard with the armrests  8   a  and  8   b  and the body protector  970  and a single guard with only the armrests  8   a  and  8   b.    
         [0267]    Thus, it is possible to protect the head space region, the shoulder space region, the abdominal space region and the leg space region enclosing the juvenile with a capacity responsive to growth of the juvenile. Consequently, the juvenile safety car seat  2000  employing the protectors  950 ,  960  and  970  can implement states most suitable to the three growth stages requiring particular features for protecting a baby and can be improved in comfortability and safeness for the juvenile by properly changing the modes of the inner head protector  950 , the outer head protector  960  and the body protector  970 .  
         [0268]    Third Embodiment  
         [0269]    The structure of a protector  3000  according to a third embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to FIGS.  48  to  59 .  
         [0270]    The structure of the protector  3000  is now described with reference to FIG. 48. The protector  3000 , employed along with the juvenile safety car seat  2000 , is provided to allow selection of a neonatal bed mode suitable for a newborn baby, or an infant or a child.  
         [0271]    This protector  3000  has a function for properly filling up a clearance defined between a space and a neonatal or infantile baby by changing the mode in response to growth of the baby in a state used in the neonatal bed mode or the infantile bed mode in particular.  
         [0272]    More specifically, the protector  3000  is integrally provided with a first head protector  3002  protecting the head of the baby from below, a second head protector  3005  protecting the head of the baby from above and from both sides, a first body protector  3001  supporting the body of the baby from below, and a pair of second body protectors, provided on both sides of the first body protector  3001 , supporting the body of the baby from both sides.  
         [0273]    According to this embodiment, the second body protectors include upper second body protectors  3006  and  3007  and lower second body protectors  3008  and  3009 .  
         [0274]    Openings SL3, SL4 and SL5 for attaching a first head pad  4000  or a second head pad  5000  described later are provided on the boundary between the first head protector  3002  and the second head protector  3005 .  
         [0275]    Slits SL1 and SL2 having horizontal openings are provided on the boundary between the second head protector  3005  and the first body protector  3001 , so that the shoulder belts  22  and  24  provided on the juvenile safety car seat  2000  pass through the slits SL1 and SL2.  
         [0276]    The second head protector  3005  and the upper second body protectors  3006  and  3007  are attachable to/detachable from each other with snap fasteners A1 and A2, while the upper second body protectors  3006  and  3007  and the lower second body protectors  3008  and  3009  are attachable to/detachable from each other with snap fasteners A3 and A4. Further, openings are provided on coupling portions between the upper second body protectors  3006  and  3007  and the lower second body protectors  3008  and  3009 , so that the lumbar belts  18  and  20  provided on the juvenile safety car seat  2000  pass through these openings.  
         [0277]    The first body protector  3001  is provided with an opening  3003 , so that the buckle  17  provided on the juvenile safety car seat  2000  passes through the opening  3003 . the first body protector  3001  is provided on its lower end with a flap  3001   a , so that the lower ends of the second body protectors  3008  and  3009  and the flap  3001   a  of the first body protector  3001  can be coupled with each other by bending the flap  3001   a  upward.  
         [0278]    Referring to FIG. 49, the first head pad  4000  is attached to the first head protector  3002  and the second head protector  3005 . This first head pad  4000  is attachable or detachable through the openings SL3, SL4 and SL5. The first head pad  4000  includes a bottom pad  4001  protecting the head of the baby from below and a guard pad  4002  protecting the head of the baby from above and from both sides.  
         [0279]    The flap  3001   a  provided on the lower end of the first body protector  3001  is bent upward so that the lower ends of the second body protectors  3008  and  3009  and the flap  3001   a  of the first body protector  3001  are detachably coupled with each other with snap fasteners A7 to A10.  
         [0280]    Further, snap fasteners A5, A6, A11 and A12 for attachably/detachably providing a leg cover  7000  described later are provided on the side surfaces of the second body protectors  3008  and  3009  and the back surface of the flap  3001   a.    
         [0281]    Referring to FIG. 50, the second head pad  5000  is attached to the first head protector  3002  and the second head protector  3005 . The second head pad  5000  is attachable/detachable through the openings SL3, SL4 and SL5.  
         [0282]    As shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, the second head pad  5000  includes a bottom pad  5001  protecting the head of the baby from below, a guard pad  5002  protecting the head of the baby from above and from both sides, and a domy sunshade  5003  for shielding the baby against exposure to light.  
         [0283]    Snap fasteners A13, A14, A15 and A16 are provided between the forward end of the guard pad  5002  and the bottom pad  5001 , so that the space of the guard pad  5002  is controllable.  
         [0284]    [0284]FIG. 52 shows the structure of the second head pad  5000  in detail. This figure is a sectional view taken along the line LII-LII in FIG. 51. The bottom pad  5001  is provided with a front surface member  5001   b  consisting of a material having air permeability on the side of the baby&#39;s head and with a back surface member  5001   c  having a cushiony property on the rear side. The back surface member  5001   c  is provided with belts  5004  and  5005  and buckles  5007  and  5008 , for fixing the second head pad  5000  through slits (not shown) provided on the first head pad  4000 .  
         [0285]    The guard pad  5002  is provided with a surface member  5002   a  having air permeability and a core member  5002  prepared from a silicon specific gel having continuous bubble structure, which is a silicon foaming agent (ten-time foaming). The silicon specific gel can effectively absorb a shock and put the baby at ease since the same feels approximate to the mother&#39;s breast.  
         [0286]    While specific materials for the respective parts of the protector  3000  according to this embodiment are not mentioned in the above, it is possible to effectively absorb a shock and put the baby at ease by employing the silicon specific gel for at least regions coming into contact with the baby.  
         [0287]    The sunshade  5003  includes a sunshade body  5003   b  formed by a member having a shielding property and an edge portion  5003   a , maintaining the dome shape of the sunshade body  5003   b , provided in view of design.  
         [0288]    The protector  3000  shown in FIG. 49 or  50  and having the aforementioned structure is particularly suitable for a newborn baby or infant. The first head pad  4000  or the second head pad  5000  enables at least a triple guard for the head of the baby along with the side guards  2   a  and  2   b  of the juvenile safety car seat  2000 . When the integrally formed protector  3000  according to this embodiment is located most downward with respect to the child safety car seat  2000  (the clearance between the buckle  17  and the opening  3003  is W3 or W2), the space between the head portion and the crotch portion is controlled in response to the length of the body of the baby, for supporting the baby in a space suitable to its current stage of development.  
         [0289]    [0289]FIG. 48 shows an infantile bed mode suitable to the growth of a baby in infancy or childhood. When the first head pad  4000  or the second head pad  5000  is detached and the integrally formed protector  3000  according to this embodiment is arranged on a prescribed position with respect to the juvenile safety car seat  2000  (the clearance between the buckle  17  and the opening  3003  is W) following growth of the baby, the space between the head portion and the crotch portion is controlled in response to the length of the body of the baby, for supporting the baby with a space suitable to its size.  
         [0290]    [0290]FIG. 30 shows a child bed mode suitable to the size of a baby in childhood. When the protector  3000  is detached following growth of the baby, it is possible to support the baby in a space suitable to its size.  
         [0291]    Thus, the clearance defined between the space and the baby is properly filled up by changing the mode in response to growth of the baby in a neonatal period, in infancy or in childhood, while the baby is safely and comfortably supported in a lying state so that the brain and the neck of the baby are safely supported without hindering abdominal respiration.  
         [0292]    In order to support the baby in a more preferably state, lumbar pads  6001  and  6002  are attachably/detachably provided inside the second body protectors  3008  and  3009  for protecting the lumbar region of the baby, as shown in FIG. 53.  
         [0293]    As shown in a sectional view of FIG. 54, the lumbar pads  6001  and  6002  are provided with surface members  6001   a  and  6002   a  having air permeability and core members  6001   b  and  6002   b  prepared from the silicon specific gel having a continuous bubble structure, which is a silicon foaming agent (ten-time foaming), similarly to the second head pad  5000 . The silicon specific gel can effectively absorb a shock and can put the baby at ease since the same feels approximate to the mother&#39;s breast.  
         [0294]    In order to support the baby in a more preferable state, the leg cover  7000  is provided to be attachable to/detachable from the protector  3000  with the snap fasteners A5, A6, A11 and A12 for protecting a portion close to the leg region of the baby from above, as shown in FIG. 55. Thus, the baby can be prevented from chilling caused by an air conditioner in the car particularly in air-conditioned driving.  
         [0295]    In order to support the baby in a more preferable state, a pair of body covers  8001  and  8002  are provided to be openable/closable through a snap fastener A17 for covering the abdomen of the baby from above, as shown in FIG. 46.  
         [0296]    The body covers  8001  and  8002  covering the abdomen of the baby from above can temporarily fix the shoulder belts  22  and  24  (including the lumbar belts  18  and  20  and the tongue plates  19  and  21 ) on both sides by coupling hook-and-loop fasteners  8001   a  and  8002   a  provided on the outer sides of the body covers  8001  and  8002  with hook-and-loop fasteners  3008   a  and  3009   a  provided on the outer sides of the second body protectors  3008  and  3009  of the protector  3000  thereby maintaining the body covers  8001  and  8002  in outwardly open states as shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, for example. Thus, the baby can be smoothly put on/out of the juvenile safety car seat  2000  without hindrance by the shoulder belts  22  and  24  (including the lumbar belts  18  and  20  and the tongue plates  19  and  21 ).  
         [0297]    Further, it is also possible to prevent the tongue plates  19  and  21  from temperature rise resulting from direct sunlight in summer.  
         [0298]    Also in the leg cover  7000  and the body covers  8001  and  8002 , it is possible to effectively absorb a shock and put the baby at ease by employing the silicon specific gel, feeling approximate to the mother&#39;s breast, for regions coming into contact with the baby.  
         [0299]    While the body covers  8001  and  8002  are provided on the protector  3000  in the structure shown in FIG. 58, these body covers  8001  and  8002  may alternatively be provided on the juvenile safety car seat  2000 , as shown in FIG. 59.  
         [0300]    The snap fasteners A1 to A17 implementing attachment/detachment of the respective members in the aforementioned embodiment may be replaced with hook-and-loop fasteners, for example.  
         [0301]    Application of the protector according to each of the second and third embodiments is not restricted to the juvenile safety car seat, but the protector is widely applicable to a general child-care instrument such as a playpen employed indoors or a baby carriage, for example.  
         [0302]    According to the inventive juvenile safety car seat having the capacity-variable device, it is possible to protect a juvenile in any growth stage with a support space having a capacity most suitable to the size of the juvenile or child.  
         [0303]    Consequently, the juvenile safety car seat can be improved in comfortability and safeness for the overall body of the juvenile. Further, it is possible to protect the baby with a composite multilayer structure by employing the protector, for further improving comfortability and safeness for a neonate or an infant whose brain is in a developmental stage.  
         [0304]    The juvenile safety car seat according to the present invention can be provided with only one locking release device. The position of the locking release device, which is provided on the seat body, remains unchanged after the juvenile safety car seat is attached to the seat of the car. Consequently, handleability of the rotation device and the backward inclination device can be improved.  
         [0305]    The juvenile safety car seat according to the present invention can be attached to the seat of the car at a proper angle regardless of the shape of the seat of the car. Consequently, the juvenile safety car seat can be improved in safeness on the basis of improvement of attachability.  
         [0306]    According to the inventive protector, it is possible to support a juvenile of any growth stage with a support space having a capacity responsive to the habitus of the juvenile. Further, the protector enables double protection with the upper protector and the head protector particularly for a neonate or an infant whose brain is in a developmental stage. Consequently, the child-care instrument employing this protector can be improved in comfortability and safeness for the overall body of the juvenile.  
         [0307]    According to the inventive protector for a child-care instrument, it is possible to support a juvenile of any growth stage with a support space having a capacity responsive to the growth of the juvenile.  
         [0308]    The child-care instrument according to the present invention allows selection of a neonatal bed mode suitable to the habitus of a baby in a neonatal period, an infantile bed mode suitable to the habitus of an infantile baby and a child seat mode suitable to the habitus of a baby in childhood, whereby it is possible to apply a bed mode and a seat mode most suitable for the baby on the basis of the medical criteria for a baby in a neonatal period, infancy or childhood whose brain is in a developmental stage in particular for protecting the brain, the neck and respiration of the baby in a proper state.  
         [0309]    The bed for a neonate according to the present invention enables application of a bed mode most suitable for a baby in a neonatal period on the basis of the medical criteria for a baby in a neonatal period whose brain is in a developmental stage in particular, for protecting the brain, the neck and respiration of the baby in a neonatal period in a proper state.  
         [0310]    Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirt and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.