Patent ID: 12240356

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to further explain the principle and structure of the disclosure, the preferred embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments are only for illustrative and explanatory purposes, and cannot be used to limit the patent protection scope of the disclosure.

The terms used in the disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular forms of “a”, “said” and “the” used in the disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates other meanings. It should also be understood, the terms “and/or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

The following is a more detailed description of the various concepts and implementations of the tether assembly and the child safety seat. The seat of the child safety seat may be rotated between a rearward position, a lateral position and a forward position for facilitating use. It should be understood, the various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in a variety of ways. Furthermore, examples of specific implementations and applications are mainly for illustrative purposes, so that those skilled in the art can implement implementations and alternatives that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

FIG.1is a side view of an embodiment of a child safety seat of the disclosure, andFIG.2is a front view of the embodiment of the child safety seat of the disclosure.

The child safety seat1may comprise a base10, a seat20disposed above the base10, and a top rod30erected at the rear of the base10.

The base10may be provided with an anchor part110protruding backwardly. The anchor part110may be an ISOFIX connector (a connector which can be fixed to an ISOFIX interface), and includes two anchoring arms111.

The child safety seat1may comprises a tether assembly40. Optionally, the tether assembly40may also be a separate assembly other than the child safety seat1. The tether assembly40may be a Top Tether connector (a connector which can be fixed to a Top Tether interface).

The top rod30may be fixed to the rear of the base10. Specifically, the top rod30may be substantially vertically erected at the rear of the base10. An upper portion of the top rod30may be provided with an opening330. In different embodiments, the top rod30may be provided with one or two openings330. A top tether410(will be described in detail below) of the tether assembly40is fixed to the child safety seat1through the opening330. For example, the top tether410extends into the top rod30through the opening330and is fixed therein.

In an embodiment, the top rod30may include two vertical rods310and one fixing portion320, and tops of the two vertical rods310are each provided with an the opening330.

One ends of two belts (e.g., a connecting belt412and an adjusting belt411) of the top tether410may respectively be fixed to the top rod30via the two vertical rods310. One connecting belt412and two adjusting belts411of the top tether410are connected to each other via two adjusters430, and a tether fixing portion450is fixedly or movably connected to one of the adjusting belts411, such that the tether assembly40formed as a whole into a Y shape or a V shape. Moreover, one ends of the belts may move a certain distance within the top rod30.

One ends of two belts (e.g., two connecting belts412) of the top tether410may be respectively fixed to the top rod30through the two vertical rods310. Moreover, two adjusters430are fixed to the other ends of the two belts. Both ends of one adjusting belt411respectively pass through the two adjusters430to form two free ends4111, and the tether fixing portion450is fixedly or movably connected to the adjusting belts411, such that the tether assembly40is formed as a whole into a Y shape or a V shape.

One ends of two belts (e.g., two connecting belts412) in the top tether410may be respectively fixed to the top rod30through two vertical rods310. A connecting member460is fixed to the other ends of the two belts. One end of one of the adjusting belts411is fixed to the connecting member460. The other end of this adjusting belt411may pass through one adjuster430, and another adjusting belt411may pass through another adjuster430to form two free ends4111, such that the tether assembly40is formed as a whole into a Y shape or a V shape. The above two adjusters430may be connected to each other (e.g., via the connecting belts412).

In an embodiment, both ends of one belt in the top tether410(e.g., the connecting belt412) are fixed to the top rod30respectively through the two vertical rods310. The adjusting belts411are fixedly or slidably connected to the belt (optionally, connected to other adjusting belt411, the connecting belt412and the adjuster430), such that the tether assembly40is formed as a whole into a T shape.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.6, the top rod30may include two vertical rods310and one fixing portion320.

Specifically, the top rod30includes: two vertical rods310, symmetrically erected at the rear of the base10; a fixing portion320, coupled to top ends of the two vertical rods310, and an accommodating portion340, disposed centrally on a lower surface of the fixing portion320.

One end of one belt (e.g., a connecting belt412) in the top tether410may be fixed to the top rod30. The end of the belt may move a limited distance within the top rod30.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.7, the top rod30may include one vertical rod310and one accommodating portion340.

One end of one belt (e.g., a connecting belts412) in the top tether410may be fixed to the top rod30. The end of the belt may move a certain distance within the accommodating portion340. In this application, two adjusters430may be replaced by one two-way adjuster440(will be explained hereinbelow). One adjuster430may also be replaced by one two-way adjuster440.

The vertical rod310and the fixing portion320may be made of different materials, for example, the vertical rod310is made of a metal, and the fixing portion320is made of a plastic.

The seat20is rotatably disposed on the base10, and may rotate relative to the base10along an axis substantially perpendicular to an upper surface of the base10by an angle range. A lower surface and the upper surface of the base10may form an angle, such that the seat20is tilted forward.

FIG.8is a schematic view of an embodiment of the tether assembly of the disclosure.

The tether assembly40may comprise: at least two adjusters430; a top tether410, fixed to the child safety seat1, and passing through at least two adjusters430to form a same number of free end4111as that of the at least two adjusters; a tether fixing portion450, coupled to the top tether410and may be fixed to a vehicle. The at least two adjusters430each may lock and release the top tether410passing therethrough.

In an embodiment, the tether assembly40has two adjusters430. However, the tether assembly40may have more than two adjusters430.

As shown inFIG.12, the connecting belt412may extend into the adjuster430from a side, and bypass a fixing portion on the adjuster430, and then extend out of the adjuster430from a lower side. In this way, the connecting belt412may be fixed to the adjuster430. The adjusting belt411(e.g., connected to the tether fixing portion450) may enter the adjuster430from an opening on the lower side of the adjuster430, bypass a portion of the button432, downwardly pass a gap formed between the button432and the adjuster housing431, and finally extends from a left side of the adjuster430to form a free end4111. When the button432is pressed rightward, the gap formed between the button432and the adjuster housing431becomes larger, so that the adjusting belt411may move freely relative to the adjuster430. When the button432is released, the gap formed between the button432and the adjuster housing431becomes smaller (e.g., by an elastic force of a return spring), such that the adjusting belt411is clamped (stuck) by the button432and the adjuster housing431and cannot move freely relative to the adjuster430.

FIG.4is a plan view of the adjuster of the tether assembly of the disclosure, andFIG.5is a perspective view of the adjuster of the tether assembly of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, one end of the adjuster430may be designed as an adjusting end, and the adjusting end may be designed as a button, for example.

In an additional embodiment, the adjuster430may include the adjuster housing431and the button432. The button432may have an opening on one side, and for example, the opening is located above or below the button432. A weaved tether (e.g., the adjusting belt411which will be explained hereinbelow) may enter the button432from the opening and pass through a variable-width slit defined by the button432and the housing431, and then extend out from the opening.

The adjuster430may be provided with a reset mechanism such as a spring and the like, so that when the button432is not pressed, the slit tend to shrink, so that the weaved tether passing through the adjuster430is stuck and cannot move relative to the adjuster430. Moreover, when the button432is pressed, the slit tends to increase, so that the weaved tether passing through the adjuster430may move relative to the adjuster430.

The adjuster430may also have some other structures. For example, the weaved tether may enter the adjuster430from one side and extend out from the other side. The specific structure of the adjuster430is not limited here, as long as it can make the adjuster have a function of adjusting the length of the weaved tether passing through it, and can lock the weaved tether when no adjustment is needed.

The adjuster430may be provided with a fixing portion on the other side, such that another weaved tether may be fixedly connected to the adjuster430.

The adjuster430may be formed with an opening to expose a mark indicating that the adjuster430is locked or released. For example, the mark is a symbol of different colors.

The tether fixing portion450may be a hook (or a hook-shaped anchor), which can be fixedly or slidably disposed at a distal end of the top tether410.

The two adjusters430of the tether assembly40may be arranged in opposite directions, such that two free ends4111formed by the top tether410passing through the two adjusters430extend out in opposite directions. It would be understood, since the top tether410is flexible, the directions of the adjusters430arranged on the top tether410may change. Therefore, the two adjusters430are arranged in opposite directions means that after the tether assembly40fixes the child safety seat1to a vehicle, in a state that the tether assembly40is tightened, the two adjusters430are arranged in a manner of having substantially reversed directions. The two free ends4111in opposite directions means that after the tether assembly40fixes the child safety seat1to a vehicle, the two free ends4111are in basically reversed directions when they just extend out from the two adjusters430. Due to action of gravity, the two free ends4111will be in a dropping posture, for example. Optionally, the tether assembly40may have only one adjuster430.

The two adjusters430of the tether assembly40may be arranged in a same direction, such that the two free ends4111formed by the top tether410passing through the two adjusters430extend out in the same direction.

As shown inFIG.8, in an embodiment, the top tether410may include a first adjusting belt411a, a second adjusting belt411b, a first adjuster430a, a second adjuster430b, and a connecting belt (or first connecting belt)412. The first adjusting belt411a, the second adjusting belt411band the connecting belt412may be related to each other (e.g., directly connected or indirectly connected to each other via the first adjuster430aand the second adjuster430b) so as to constitute the top tether410.

One end of the connecting belt412is fixed to one side of the top rod30(e.g., the inside of one vertical rod310), and the other end of the connecting belt412is fixed to the first adjuster430a.

One end of the first adjusting belt411ais fixed to the other side of the top rod30(e.g., the inside of the other vertical rod310), and the other end of the first adjusting belt411apasses through the second adjuster430bto form one free end4111extending toward the child safety seat1.

One end of the second adjusting belt411bis fixed to the second adjuster430b, and the other end of the second adjusting belt411bpasses through the first adjuster430ato form one free end4111extending away from the child safety seat1.

One end of the tether fixing portion450may be slidably or fixedly connected to the second adjusting belt411b, and the other end of the tether fixing portion is formed as a hook.

In this way, the tether assembly40can be tightened in two opposite directions, such that the tether assembly40may be mounted more easily, moreover, because the tightening force may be applied more easily, the tether assembly40may also be assuredly tightened, thereby improving safety of the tether assembly. In addition, the length of the tether assembly40can be adjusted in a larger range.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the top tether410may have only one adjuster430. Optionally, in this embodiment, the top tether410may have three adjusters430. Optionally, the adjusters430may be two-way adjusters (as will be explained hereinbelow).

As shown inFIG.9, in an embodiment, the top tether410may have a first adjusting belt411a, a second adjusting belt411b, a first adjuster430a, a second adjuster430b, a first connecting belt412a, and a second connecting belt412b.

Both ends of the first connecting belt412aare respectively fixed to both sides of the top rod30, for example, fixed on the two vertical rods310or fixed to the inner side of the two vertical rods310.

One end of the first adjusting belt411ais slidably or fixedly connected to the first connecting belt412a, and the other end of the first adjusting belt411apasses through the first adjuster430ato form one free end4111extending toward the child safety seat1.

Both ends of the second connecting belt412bare respectively fixed to the first adjuster430aand the second adjuster430b.

One end of the second adjusting belt411bpasses through the second adjuster430bto form one free end4111extending out of the child safety seat1, and the tether fixing portion450is fixed to the other end of the second connecting belt412b.

In this way, the tether assembly40occupies a relative small space, and can be mounted in the relatively narrow compartment of the vehicle.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the top tether410may have only one adjuster430. Optionally, in this embodiment, the top tether410may have three adjusters430. Optionally, one adjuster430may be a two-way adjuster (as will be explained hereinbelow).

As shown inFIG.10, the tether assembly may further comprise a connecting member460for connecting two connecting belts412and one adjusting belt411together. The two connecting belts412may be fixed to a side of the connecting member460, and one adjusting belt411may be fixed to the other side of the connecting member460. The connecting member460may be an iron sheet with three elongated holes formed therein.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the top tether410may have only one adjuster430. Optionally, in this embodiment, the top tether410may have three adjusters430. Optionally, one adjuster430may be a two-way adjuster (as will be explained hereinbelow).

FIG.11is a schematic view of an additional embodiment of the tether assembly of the disclosure.

The tether assembly40may comprises a first adjuster430a, a second adjuster430b, and one adjusting belt411. The first adjuster430aand the second adjuster430bare arranged in a same direction. Both ends of the adjusting belt411respectively pass through the first adjuster430aand the second adjuster430bto form two free ends4111extending in a same direction (the direction away from the child safety seat). The first adjuster430aand the second adjuster430bmay be fixed to both sides of the top rod30via a connecting belt412. The tether fixing portion450is slidably connected to the adjusting belt411.

In this way, when the child safety seat1is placed on the right side seat and the left side of the vehicle, the tether assembly40can be adjusted by the adjuster on the closer side, so it is more convenient to apply force. Adjustments performed by two adjusters have similar effects. In addition, two adjusters may make the adjustable range of the length of the tether assembly40wider.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the top tether410may have only one adjuster430. Optionally, in this embodiment, the top tether410may have three adjusters430. Optionally, one adjuster430may be a two-way adjuster (as will be explained hereinbelow).

FIG.13is a schematic view of an embodiment of the tether assembly40of the child safety seat of the disclosure. The tether assembly40may comprise a top tether410, an adjuster430, and a tether fixing portion450. The top tether410may include an adjusting belt411and a connecting belt412. The adjusting belt411may pass through the adjuster430to extend for forming a free end4111. The adjuster430may have a button. When the button is not pressed, the adjuster430locks the adjusting belt411, and when the button is pressed, the adjuster430releases the adjusting belt411. At this time, pulling the free end4111may shorten a length of the adjusting belt411, and pulling the adjusting belt411may increase the length of the adjusting belt411.

FIG.14is a schematic view of another embodiment of the tether assembly40of the child safety seat of the disclosure. The tether assembly40may have two adjusters430. The two adjusters430may be arranged in opposite directions. The top tether410may include two adjusting belts411and one connecting belt412. The connecting belt412is connected between the two adjusters430. The two adjusting belts411respectively pass through the two adjusters430to form two free ends4111toward opposite directions, such that the length of the tether assembly40may adjusted in two opposite directions by pulling the two free ends4111.

In an embodiment, the tether fixing portion450is fixed to an end of one of the two adjusting belts411, and the other one of the two adjusting belts411is fixed on the top rod30.

In another embodiment, the tether fixing portion450is slidably connected to one of the two adjusting belts411, and the other one of the two adjusting belts411is fixed on the top rod30.

In a further embodiment, the tether assembly40further comprises a two-way adjuster441. The two-way adjuster441may adjust the length of the tether assembly40in two opposite directions. In other words, the two adjusting belts411may respectively pass through the two-way adjuster441from both ends to form two free ends4111toward opposite directions, such that the length of the tether assembly40may adjusted in two opposite directions by pulling the two free ends4111.

FIG.15is a schematic view of another embodiment of the tether assembly of the child safety seat of the disclosure, andFIG.16is a schematic view of another embodiment of the tether assembly of the child safety seat of the disclosure. The embodiments shown inFIG.15andFIG.16are respectively similar to the embodiments shown inFIG.13andFIG.14except that a two-way adjuster440is used to replace the two adjusters430and the connecting belt412.

FIG.17is a perspective view of a two-way adjuster of the child safety seat of the disclosure;FIG.18is another perspective view of the two-way adjuster of the child safety seat of the disclosure;FIG.19is a section view of the two-way adjuster of the child safety seat of the disclosure, in which a button is not pressed;FIG.20is a section view of the two-way adjuster of the child safety seat of the disclosure, in which a button is pressed;FIG.21is a perspective section view of the two-way adjuster of the child safety seat of the disclosure;FIG.22is a top view of the two-way adjuster of the child safety seat of the disclosure, in which a button is not pressed;FIG.23is a bottom view of the two-way adjuster of the child safety seat of the disclosure, in which a button is not pressed;FIG.24is a top view of the two-way adjuster of the child safety seat of the disclosure, in which a button is pressed;FIG.25is a schematic section view of the two-way adjuster of the child safety seat of the disclosure.

The two-way adjuster440may include: an adjuster housing441having two first openings facing opposite directions; two buttons442respectively disposed at the two first openings and capable of moving in directions into and away from the adjuster housing441; fixed sheets443fixed at a bottom of the adjuster housing441and formed with two second openings; two locking members444disposed inside the adjuster housing441and respectively move along with the two buttons442to a locked position and a released position, wherein two belts (e.g., top belts410) may respectively enter the adjuster housing441via the two second openings, pass through a gap between the two locking members444and the fixed sheet443, and extend out of the adjuster housing441to form two free ends extending in opposite directions, and wherein in the locked position, the two locking members444and the fixed sheet443respectively clamp the two belts, and in the released position, the two locking members444and the fixed sheet443allow the two belts to move.

A spring may be disposed between the two buttons442, so as to respectively apply force to the two buttons442for restoring the adjuster housing441.

An upper surface of the adjuster housing441may be formed with two tightening indicating windows445to respectively indicate whether the two belts are tightened. Different positions on the upper surfaces of the two buttons442may be marked with different colors, such that when the buttons442are in the locked position, the tightening indicating windows445show one color (e.g., green) on the upper surface of the buttons442, and when the buttons442are in the released position, the tightening indicating windows445show the other one color (e.g., red) on the upper surface of the buttons442. Alternatively, the tightening indicating windows445may also be disposed at other positions of the adjuster housing441, such as a side surface, a bottom surface and both ends, and the application is not limited thereto. The tightening indicating windows445may also be used to provide information in other ways, such as lines, graphic marks, and the present application is not limited thereto. The tightening indicating windows445may also be formed of a transparent material so that the inside of the adjuster housing441can be seen.

The two-way adjuster440may adjust the length of the top tether410in different directions.

As shown inFIG.25, when the top tether410passes through the two-way adjuster440, it firstly enters the adjuster housing441upward from the openings of the locking members444, then passes upward through an inner side of the fixed sheet443and the buttons442(the middle inFIG.25), then bypasses the fixed sheet443, and extends downward again on outside of the fixed sheet443(left and right sides inFIG.25) to pass through the gap between the fixed sheet443and the locking members444, and finally extends out of the adjuster housing441downward below the locking members444.

In this way, when the top tether410is tightened, the top tether410may be clamped between the locking members444and the fixed sheet443(because when the adjusting belts111is tensioned, the top tether410pulls the fixed sheet443outward, such that the fixed sheet443and the locking members444tend to be closer to each other), so as to realize positioning of the top tether410. Moreover, when the length of the top tether410needs to be adjusted, the buttons442may be pressed, so as to bring the fixed sheet443away from the locking members444, and the top tether410is released, accordingly a length adjustment may be performed.

When the two-way adjuster440is used, the two top belts410passing through the two-way adjuster440respectively extend into the top rod30and are connected to the tether fixing portion450, such that the length of the tether assembly40can be adjusted in different directions.

After considering the description and practicing the disclosure, those skilled in the art will easily think of other embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the tether assembly may be connected to the base10, and may also be connected to the seat20. The disclosure is intended to cover any variants, uses or adaptable changes of the embodiments. These variants, uses or adaptable changes follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include those in the technical field not related in the disclosure. The description and the embodiments are only regarded as exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of the disclosure shall only be defined by the claims attached below.

Although the disclosure has been provided by with reference to typical embodiments, the terms used are illustrative and exemplary rather than restrictive. Since the disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit and essence of the disclosure, it should be understood, the above-mentioned embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but shall be interpreted in the broadest sense within the scope defined by the claims. Therefore, any variation falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents shall be covered by the claims.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

Child Safety Seat1Base10Anchor Part110Anchor Arm111Seat20Top Rod30Vertical Rod310Fixing Portion320Opening330Accommodating Portion340Tether Assembly40Top Tether410Adjusting Belt411First Adjusting Belt411aSecond Adjusting Belt411bFree End4111Connecting Belt412First Connecting Belt412aSecond Connecting Belt412bAdjuster430First Adjuster430aSecond Adjuster430bHousing431Button (Adjusting End)432Two-Way Adjuster440Adjuster Housing441Button442Fixed Sheet443Locking Member444Tightening Indicating Window445Tether Fixing Portion450Connecting Member460