Patent Description:
Convertible car seats are designed to protect children in vehicles from the effects of impacts or sudden changes in motion (e.g., sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, etc.).

Chinese patent publication <CIT> discloses an automobile safety chair for a child. The automobile safety chair comprises a base, a chair body and a headrest; a slideway seat is arranged on the base; a first guide chute is formed in the bottom of the chair body; a first slide rod which is in sliding fit with the first guide chute is arranged on the slideway seat; a lifting block is arranged between the chair body and the base; a second guide chute is formed in the slideway seat; a second slide rod and a third slide rod which are in sliding fit with the second guide chute are respectively mounted on the lifting block; a plurality of limiting grooves are formed in the wall of the second guide chute in parallel; a back plate is fixedly connected to a chair back of the chair body, and a headrest plate is arranged between the chair back and the back plate; a pull rod is vertically arranged on the headrest plate, and a pull rod spring is arranged between the pull rod and the headrest plate; a lower locking block is hinged to the bottom end of the pull rod through a lower linkage arm, and a plurality of back plate locking holes which are in locking fit with the lower locking block are formed in the side of the back plate from top to bottom.

Systems and methods for a convertible car seat in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In the invention, a convertible car seat includes an outer shell having a seat portion and a back portion, a base assembly having a mechanism for mounting the car seat, an adjustable headrest, and an adjustment mechanism. The back portion comprises multiple panels configured to support a back of a child to be seated in the convertible car seat. The multiple panels are located between the child and the outer shell. In a collapsed position the multiple panels are nested together, wherein the multiple panels are nested together telescopically.

Other objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following,or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures, which are presented as exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the invention, wherein:.

Turning now to the drawings, systems and methods for a convertible car seat in accordance with embodiments of the inventions are disclosed. A convertible car seat is a car seat that is used for children. Generally, there are two modes of convertible car seats, rear-facing and forward facing. Rear-facing convertible car seats can be used for newborns and toddlers. Forward-facing convertible car seats can be used for children that fit the height and weight requirements. While it is important for a car seat to be properly secured to a vehicle (e.g., car seat or underlying structure) to protect the child, it is also important that the car seat be properly sized and configured to support the child correctly and provide maximum protection in the event of an impact. As a child grows, their proportions change rapidly in the early years of life and any selected seat configuration will be quickly outgrown as the child develops. For example, in early infancy a child's bones are supple and capable of more flexure than those of an adult; however, their head and neck are particularly vulnerable to impact or sudden directional changes in momentum as the head is large and the supporting musculature of the neck is still developing. In such situations an improper amount, or location, of head and neck support through a headrest can result in reduced protection in the event of an impact. These issues can compound with improper harness placement because, in some convertible car seats, the position of the harness is dependent on the position of the headrest. Thus, ensuring each component of the convertible car seat is the correct shape and in the correct location for the child supports the child both for everyday comfort and for an impact event.

Convertible car seats in accordance with embodiments of the invention include an adjustable headrest mechanism. The adjustable headrest mechanism allows a user to adjust a headrest of a convertible car seat to the position of a child. By allowing a user to adapt the position of the headrest to a child, a convertible car seat provides added comfort and safety for an impact event. Further, in various embodiments, the adjustable headrest moves concurrently with slots for the shoulder straps of a harness. When a user adjusts the adjustable headrest, the slots for the shoulder straps adjust along with the adjustable headrest, which ensures the harness is correctly placed in relation to the child. Correct placement of the harness also promotes comfort and safety for the child. Systems and methods for convertible car seats with adjustable headrests in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below.

<FIG> are renderings of a convertible car seat having an adjustable headrest in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The convertible car seat <NUM> includes an outer shell <NUM> and a base assembly <NUM>. The base assembly <NUM> includes belt paths and/or a variety of mechanisms, such as a click-tight belt retainer, for mounting the convertible car seat <NUM> on a vehicle seat in a vehicle. The outer shell <NUM> has a seating portion <NUM> and a back portion <NUM>. The seating portion <NUM> includes a seat <NUM> holding the child's legs and the back portion <NUM> includes a seat back holding the child's upper body. The back portion <NUM> further includes an adjustable headrest <NUM> supporting the child's head.

In various embodiments, the adjustable headrest <NUM> of the convertible car seat <NUM> includes a handle <NUM>, which allows a user to change the position of the adjustable headrest <NUM>. In the collapsed position, a first panel <NUM>, a second panel <NUM>, and a third panel <NUM> are nested together.

In several embodiments, the adjustable headrest of the convertible car seat can include a button and/or a rotatable knob, which allows a user to change the position of the adjustable headrest. Although the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel are nested together in accordance with embodiments of the invention shown with respect to <FIG>, the panels can have any one of a variety of positions, including those that are partially nested or fully nested.

In many embodiments, the convertible car seat <NUM> can include an energy absorption system <NUM>. In an impact event, the energy absorption system <NUM> absorbs energy from the impact, limiting the movement of the convertible car seat <NUM> during the impact event. In a variety of embodiments, the convertible car seat <NUM> includes an anti-rebound bar <NUM>. Anti-rebound bar <NUM> can be used when the convertible car seat <NUM> is installed in a rear-facing configuration and braces against the back of the vehicle seat. The anti-rebound bar <NUM> helps prevent the convertible car seat <NUM> from rotating into the vehicle seat back during an impact event when the convertible car seat <NUM> is installed in a rear-facing configuration.

<FIG>are renderings of a convertible car seat having an adjustable headrest in an extended position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The convertible car seat <NUM> includes an outer shell <NUM> and a base assembly <NUM>. The outer shell <NUM> has a seating portion <NUM> and a back portion <NUM>. The seating portion <NUM> includes a seat <NUM> holding the child's legs and the back portion <NUM> includes a seat back holding the child's upper body. The back portion <NUM> has an adjustable headrest <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the adjustable headrest <NUM> of the convertible car seat <NUM> includes a handle <NUM>, which allows a user to change the position of the adjustable headrest <NUM>. The first panel <NUM>, the second panel <NUM>, and the third panel <NUM> extend from each other to provide a solid surface to support the back of the child. While a child is seated in the convertible car seat <NUM>, the first panel <NUM>, the second panel <NUM>, and the third panel <NUM> are located between the child and the outer shell <NUM> of the convertible car seat <NUM>. Further, the first panel <NUM> includes slots <NUM>, which receive the shoulder straps of a harness. At one end, the first panel <NUM> is fixed to the adjustable headrest. Therefore, the location of the slots <NUM> adjust along with the adjustable headrest <NUM>. At the end opposite of the adjustable headrest <NUM>, the first panel <NUM> is connected to the second panel <NUM>, which is further connected to the third panel <NUM>.

In several embodiments, the panels can have any one of a variety of designs while providing support to the back of the child. For example, the panels can include apertures for weight savings or increased strength. The panels can also be curved to complement the natural shape of the back of a child. Further, the surface of the panels can be smooth, textured, or ribbed.

In various embodiments, the first panel <NUM> includes channels <NUM> on each side of the first panel <NUM>. Tabs <NUM> extend through each channel <NUM> and are connected to the second panel <NUM>. The movement of the tabs <NUM> is restricted to the channels <NUM> of the first panel <NUM>. When a user adjusts the adjustable headrest <NUM>, the tabs <NUM> move in the channels <NUM> corresponding to the user's movement. The engagement between the tabs <NUM> and the channels <NUM> keeps the first panel <NUM> and second panel <NUM> connected to maintain a solid back surface to support the back of the child. The tabs <NUM> can include protrusions formed into one or more of the panels and/or any removable element, such as a screw, bolt, rivet, and the like.

In many embodiments, the second panel <NUM> and the third panel <NUM> are connected in substantially the same way as the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM>. The third panel <NUM> includes channels <NUM> that extend on each side of the third panel <NUM>. Tabs <NUM> are connected to the second panel <NUM> and extend through the channels <NUM> of the third panel <NUM>. The engagement between the tabs <NUM> and the channels <NUM> keep the second panel <NUM> and third panel <NUM> connected to maintain a solid back surface to support the back of the child. The connection of the first panel <NUM> to the second panel <NUM> and the second channel <NUM> to the third channel <NUM> prevents the panels from over-extending and creates a solid surface to support the back of a child regardless of the position of the adjustable headrest <NUM>.

In several embodiments, the panels can be connected in any one of a variety of ways. For example, the first panel can be embedded within the second panel. To prevent over-extension, the first panel can include a lip that can slide within the second panel but engage a ridge on the second panel. Further, the second panel can be embedded within the third panel. This structure of the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel would mimic that of a telescope capable of extending and reducing its length.

Although a variety of convertible car seats in accordance with embodiments of the invention are shown with respect to <FIG>, any of a variety of convertible car seats, including those that have fewer or more panels, can be utilized as appropriate to the requirements of specific applications of embodiments of the invention.

<FIG> is a rendering of a convertible car seat having an adjustable headrest in an extended position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The convertible car seat <NUM> includes a base assembly <NUM> and an adjustment mechanism <NUM>. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> is connected to the back side of the first panel <NUM>. By pulling the handle <NUM> of the adjustable headrest <NUM>, a user unlocks the adjustment mechanism <NUM>. Once unlocked, a user can move the adjustable headrest <NUM> to a desired position. Because the adjustable headrest <NUM> is connected to the first panel <NUM> and the first panel <NUM> is connected to adjustment mechanism <NUM>, a user's movement of the adjustment headrest <NUM> will correspondingly move the first panel <NUM> and the adjustment mechanism <NUM> as a single unit. The connection of the first panel <NUM> to the second panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM> to the third panel <NUM> causes a user's movement of the adjustable headrest <NUM> to also move the second panel <NUM> and the third panel <NUM>.

In a number of embodiments, the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel can move in any one of a variety of ways in relation to one another. For example, when a user pulls the handle to adjust the adjustable headrest, the first panel could completely extend, which could cause the second panel to then extend. The full extension of the second panel could then cause the third panel to begin extending. Additionally, the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel could simultaneously extend, such that every panel is either nested, partially extended, or fully extended.

In many embodiments, the user can unlock the adjustment mechanism in any one of a variety of ways, such as pushing down the handle, pressing a button, or rotating a knob. Further, a preliminary step may be necessary to unlock the handle. For example, a user may be required to laterally pull the handle before the handle is capable of moving to unlock the adjustment mechanism. An additional unlock step could prevent a user from unintentionally moving the handle and thus unlocking the adjustment mechanism. Moreover, a preliminary step would allow a user to use the handle in the locked position to adjust the overall position of the convertible car seat. Or, the handle could be used as a grip when moving the convertible car seat to the vehicle.

In various embodiments, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> engages pockets <NUM> in the frame <NUM> of the convertible car seat <NUM>. The frame <NUM> of the convertible car seat <NUM> does not move in relation to the adjustment mechanism <NUM>. And the pockets <NUM> correspond to various positions in which the adjustable headrest <NUM> can be in the locked position. For example, when a user pulls the handle <NUM> of the adjustable headrest <NUM> to unlock the adjustment mechanism <NUM>, the user can then adjust the adjustable headrest <NUM> to a desired position. Once in the desired position, the user can release the handle <NUM>, which causes the adjustment mechanism <NUM> to re-engage the respective pockets <NUM> for a locked position. As a user adjusts the adjustable headrest <NUM>, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> slides within the frame <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rendering of an adjustment mechanism for an adjustable headrest in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> of the adjustable headrest <NUM> includes a handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> includes an actuator <NUM>, which can engage arms <NUM>. Securing elements <NUM> extend through each arm <NUM> to connect each arm <NUM> to the body <NUM> of the adjustment mechanism <NUM>. The connection between the arms <NUM> and the adjustment mechanism <NUM> allows the arms <NUM> to rotate about the axis of each of the securing elements <NUM>. The securing elements <NUM> can include protrusions formed into the adjustment mechanism <NUM>, the arms <NUM>, and/or any removable element, such as a screw, bolt, rivet, and the like as appropriate to the requirements of specific applications of embodiments of the invention.

The frame can have one or more pairs of pockets <NUM>. Each pair of pockets <NUM> can define a position at which the headrest <NUM> can be placed. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> includes bars <NUM>, which engage pockets <NUM> at a first end of the bars <NUM>. The bars <NUM> include pins <NUM> located on or near an opposite end of the bars <NUM>. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> includes a spring <NUM> located between the bars <NUM>. The spring <NUM> forces the bars <NUM> outward and into engagement with the pockets <NUM>. The engagement between the bars <NUM> and the pockets <NUM> locks the adjustment mechanism <NUM> in place. When the adjustment mechanism <NUM> is in the locked position, the headrest <NUM> is held in the desired position.

To adjust the adjustable headrest <NUM>, a user pulls the handle <NUM>, which unlocks the adjustment mechanism <NUM>. Once unlocked, a user can adjust the adjustable headrest <NUM> to a desired position corresponding to the pockets <NUM> in the frame438. In a variety of embodiments, when a user pulls the handle <NUM> upward, the actuator <NUM> moves upward with the handle <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> forces the arms <NUM> to rotate about the securing elements <NUM>. This rotation of the arms <NUM> translates the vertical force of the actuator <NUM> into a lateral force. The lateral force of the arms <NUM> caused by the actuator <NUM> forces the pins <NUM> inward, moving the bars <NUM> out of engagement with the pockets <NUM>. This unlocks the adjustment mechanism <NUM>. Once unlocked, a user can adjust the adjustable headrest <NUM> to the desired position. Once the desired position is reached, a user can release the handle <NUM>. Without force from the user, the actuator <NUM> no longer pivots the arms <NUM>. The force of the spring <NUM> moves the bars <NUM> outward to re-engage with a pair of pockets <NUM>. When the bars <NUM> engage the pockets <NUM>, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> returns to a locked position.

Although a variety of convertible car seats in accordance with embodiments of the invention are shown with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, any of a variety of convertible car seats, including those that utilize alternative elements for moving the bars in and out of engagement with the openings, can be utilized as appropriate to the requirements of specific applications of embodiments of the invention. For example, the bars can include notches or hooks. The arms of the adjustment mechanism could pull these components inward, thereby disengaging the bars from the pockets. Further, the adjustment mechanism could be vertically flipped, such that pressing the handle downward actuates the pins inward to disengage the bars from the pockets. In several embodiments, the spring can be any one of a variety springs, such as a leaf spring, a spring belt, or a torsion spring. In a number of embodiments, the bars can be pushed outward by a rubber component that compresses when the arms are actuated.

In the invention, the multiple panels are nested together. Nested together as used herein could optionally be defined as being packed compactly together. As the multiple panels are flat or nearly flat they may in some instances be packed together when they are nested to reduce the overall space spanned by the multiple panels.

If objects are telescopically nested then it may optionally mean that the object fit together or nest to make themselves more compact to reduce the overall size in a linear direction. The telescopically nested objects may in some instances used to extend in the linear direction. In the invention adjusting the headrest causes the multiple panels to expand or contract telescopically.

If a panel is embedded within another panel, it optionally means that it is configured to be slid inside of a space within the other panel.

The terms "seat portion" and "seating portion" are equivalent herein.

Although the present invention has been described in certain specific aspects, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. In particular, any of the various processes described above can be performed in alternative sequences and/or in parallel in order to achieve similar results in a manner that is more appropriate to the requirements of a specific application. It is therefore to be understood that the present invention can be practiced otherwise than specifically described without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It will be evident to the annotator skilled in the art to freely combine several or all of the embodiments discussed here as deemed suitable for a specific application of the invention. Throughout this disclosure, terms like "advantageous", "exemplary" or "preferred" indicate elements or dimensions which are particularly suitable (but not essential) to the invention or an embodiment thereof, and may be modified wherever deemed suitable by the skilled annotator, except where expressly required. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claim 1:
A convertible car seat (<NUM>) comprising:
an outer shell (<NUM>) having a seating portion (<NUM>) and a back portion (<NUM>),
wherein the back portion comprises multiple panels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to support a back of a child to be seated in the convertible car seat, wherein the multiple panels are located between the child and the outer shell, wherein in a collapsed position the multiple panels are nested together, wherein the multiple panels are nested together telescopically;
a base assembly (<NUM>) having a mechanism for mounting the convertible car seat;
an adjustable headrest (<NUM>); and
an adjustment mechanism.