FR2812253A1 - AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY DEVICE FOR A CHILD WITH AN INDEPENDENT BASE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an automobile safety device for a child composed of a portable element (1) and a base (2) permanently fixed to the seat of the vehicle. The element (1) is assembled to the base (2) in a position perpendicular to that of the latter thus proposing a simple installation of the child, the latter then facing the adult. The element is then placed back to the road thanks to a rotation of the element (1) with respect to the element (2) also ensuring the locking of the assembly of the two elements.

Description

The invention relates to the technical sector of security devices

automotive

  for children, usable at the rear and / or front of vehicles for individuals.

  The term "automotive child safety device" is limited to the lower weight categories, ie groups 0, 0+, and 1, devices respectively for children from 0 to 10 kg, from 0 to 13 kg and from 9 at 18 kg. This patent relates more precisely to devices made up of a shell and a carrying handle, offering multiple functions such as carrying out

  of the vehicle or use in a sun lounger.

  The child's "reception and protection" functions are provided by the shell element, made up of: - either a single element constituting the seat and back of the device,

  - or of several elements respectively constituting the seat, the backrest, the support -

head...

  These elements are relatively rigid and light in order to meet the requirements of standards and the convenience expected by the consumer. This is why, their constitution is mainly based on: - plastics (polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS) blown, injected, thermoformed, or rotomolded, - polystyrenes, - polyurethanes,

  that can reinforce tubular reinforcements, in particular metallic.

  The "portage" function is now obtained by a handle whose design and ergonomics vary depending on the device. Depending on the model, the handle offers a

  displacement parallel to the body, perpendicular to the body or both possibilities.

  Commonly, these devices are fixed to the vehicle seat directly by means of the seat belt, which requires the operation to be repeated each time the child enters and exits the vehicle, with all the risks that may

  generate repeated manipulations regarding safety settings.

  Currently, it is known to associate these devices with a second element called "base" or "base" in order to solve the problem mentioned above. The base is fixed in the vehicle using the seat belt and remains permanently. At each entry and exit of the vehicle, the shell is then only fitted and locked on the base. A bit of the seat belt can, if necessary, assist the base in its function of holding the hull, thanks to an adequate path.

around the hull.

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  The main drawback of current safety devices lies in the repeated and not always easy handling caused by the installation of the

  device in the vehicle, whether the latter is accompanied by a base or not.

  Indeed, without a base, the device is directly held by the belt, the correct positioning of which is mandatory for effective retention of the device. This means that on a daily gesture, the user must exercise special care to ensure the safety of his child. In addition, the mandatory points of passage of the strap are not always easily accessible, thus requiring some effort to install the device. In conclusion, in addition to the fact that the

  repetition is a constraint, it can also represent a danger.

  Devices fitted with a base offer better reliability of the installation, knowing that it should only be carried out when the product is first used. The practical aspect is also supposed to be improved thanks to the base since the installation is then limited to a simple nesting of the two elements one inside the other. However, the space for entering the device into the vehicle is limited by the presence of the base and necessarily requires the handle to be folded down before entering the vehicle. The operation then consists in positioning with precision and at arm's length, a device weighing ten kilos, perpendicular to the seat of the vehicle while this device no longer has any real possibility of gripping, the handle having been previously

  folded down to reduce the size of the device.

  Finally, whatever the device, after installation in the vehicle, it is frequently necessary to adjust the position of the child in the device or to adjust the adjustment of the harness. Outside, the position of the child, perpendicular to the adult and back to the road, no longer allows to act effectively since the accessibility inside the shell is limited and the adjuster is very often nearby of the seat backrest, which reduces the field of action. Added to this is the routing of the vehicle seat belt, one of which

  strands are often stretched in the space between the child and the adult.

  The aim sought, according to the invention, is therefore to provide greater comfort of use to adults by proposing a device provided with a base relative to

which the latter can rotate.

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  According to a first characteristic, the invention resides in the pivoting of the shell relative to the base. This then makes it possible to initially position the shell on the base facing the adult, that is to say parallel to the seat. This first step is carried out simply since the product is placed inside the vehicle in the direction of its length, which allows a reduced bulk. This position then allows the adult to control the installation of the child in the shell and if necessary to replace it with ease or easily adjust the harness.

  since the child and the shell are facing the adult.

  According to a second characteristic, the invention proposes to simplify this first installation step, a conical shape in the center of the base ensuring a function of centering and instant positioning of the shell without position search

  or locking as is the case for current devices.

  According to a third characteristic, the invention proposes a locking of the assembly of the two elements, hull and base, by means of the second stage of the installation, that is to say the rotation of the hull relative to the 'base to position it perpendicular to the seat. The separation of the two elements can then only be carried out by a reverse rotation movement and not by a vertical translation. In addition to the first characteristic, the advantage of this rotational locking resides in the elimination of the jerk often necessary on current devices to actuate the lock. Indeed, this sudden movement has the disadvantage of shaking the child and if necessary to wake him up. In the solution mentioned, a rotation lock is ensured to avoid any risk

  incident, using the handle when it is placed horizontally.

  Finally, the device will also be provided with two side handles to ensure easy transport with a studied grip, even when the handle is folded down. This is of particular real interest during installation in the vehicle, to limit the overall size of the device (folded handle), while retaining a

adapted grip.

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  Figure 1 shows on a reduced scale and without limitation, the element (1)

  shell placed on the base element (2) of a safety device according to the invention.

  The two elements are placed perpendicular to each other, which

  corresponds to the first step of installing the element (1) in the vehicle.

  FIG. 2 shows on a reduced scale and without limitation, the element (1) shell assembled with the element (2) base, of a safety device according to the invention. The two elements are placed parallel to each other, which corresponds to the second stage of installation, i.e. after the rotation

  of the element (1) relative to the element (2).

  Figure 3 shows on a reduced scale and without limitation the element (1) alone, composed of its handle (a), its side handles (p), and its base (s) offering

  two rails ensuring the swing function of the device.

  FIG. 4 shows on a reduced scale and in a nonlimiting manner the element (2) and highlights the bosses (g), the centering cone (c), the anchoring part "T" (t), the baffle ( x), the part (u) and the zones zl, z2 and z3 for passing the safety belt. Figure 5 shows a side view and in section, without limitation, the

  elements (1) and (2) assembled and highlights the stop (b).

  The base (1) is fixed to the vehicle seat using the seat belt which passes through the zones zl, z2, and z3. Zones zl and z3 are imperatively located at least mm from the point constituting the intersection - back of the vehicle seat and seat of the vehicle seat - in order to comply with the requirements of the European standard in force. The passage through the zone z2 ensures a deflection of the path of the strap making it possible to free the space necessary for the rotation of the element (1) on

element (2).

  In preparation for installation in the vehicle, the handle (a) can be folded down from its vertical position towards the back of the element (1) in an intermediate position at around 45, which considerably reduces the space requirement of the element (1) and thus facilitate its entry into the vehicle. Babywearing is not for

  penalized as much because the handles (p) then take over from the handle (a).

  The first stage of the installation consists in stacking the element (1) on the base (2) this stage is carried out simply and without blind search for the adequate position thanks to the cone (c) located in the center of the base ( 2), allowing automatic centering of the element (1) in the intended position. The cone (c) is surmounted by the part (t) which will be inserted in an opening of corresponding shape located under the element (1) and opening onto a circular cavity. Following this step, the adult can easily readjust the child's position and the harness adjustment since it is placed in front of him and not

  perpendicularly as is commonly the case.

  When the child is correctly installed, the adult can rotate the element (1) on the base (2) and thus place it back to the road. As soon as the rotation is initiated, the part (t) inserted in the element (1), keeps the latter pressed against the base (2). When the rotation is complete, the stop (b) is added to the part (t) for locking in translation of the element (1). These two points constitute an effective and sufficient attachment of the two elements with respect to each other, guaranteeing the solidarity of the two elements in the event of an accident. The locking in rotation of the two elements is ensured by the handle, which the adult comes to lower horizontally when the rotation is effective. The latter then presses against the

  bosses (g) and thus condemns rotation.

  In the event of an impact, the part (u) makes it possible to limit the risks of deformation of the element (1) whose seat-back angle could be open. Indeed, this part being directly in contact with the back of the element (1), allows to block any

  movement of the backrest relative to the base towards the front of the vehicle.

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Claims (6)

  1) Automobile child safety device, consisting of a portable element (1) and a base (2) permanently fixed to the vehicle seat, characterized in that the element (1) is assembled to the base (2) in a position perpendicular to that of the base (2), ie perpendicular to the driving direction. 2) Automobile child safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking of the element (1) on the base (2) is effected by means of a rotation, placing the child back to the road and blocking the part (t) of the element (2) as well as the stop (b) of the element (1), thus preventing any movement of   translation of the element (1) relative to the base (2).   3) Automobile child safety device, consisting of a portable element (1) and a base (2) permanently fixed to the vehicle seat, characterized in that the element (1) is locked on the base (2) is performed by means of a rotation, placing the child back to the road and blocking the part (t) of the element (2) as well as the stop (b) of the element (1 ), thus preventing any movement of   translation of the element (1) relative to the base (2).   4) Automobile child safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking of the element (1) on the base (2) is effected by means   of a rotation, placing the child back to the road.   ) Automobile child safety device, consisting of a portable element (1) and a base (2) permanently fixed on the vehicle seat, characterized in that the locking of the element (1) on the base (2) is carried out by means of a   rotation, placing the child back to the road.   6) Automobile child safety device according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the locking of the rotation of the element (1) relative to the base (2) is ensured by the handle which, when placed horizontally, comes into contact with the bosses (g) of the base (2) thus eliminating the possibilities of rotation.   7) Automobile child safety device according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that the centering of the elements one   relative to each other is provided by the cone (c). 7 2812253   8) Automotive child safety device according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that the portage can be ensured, handle folded down, by the handles (p).