WO2025006389A1

WO2025006389A1 - Booster seat with anchors

Info

Publication number: WO2025006389A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/035253
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven G. Gerhart; Matthew Beiler
Original assignee: Wonderland Switzerland Ag
Priority date: 2023-06-29
Filing date: 2024-06-24
Publication date: 2025-01-02

Abstract

A booster seat installable on a vehicle seat includes a body formed by a seat shell. The body has a seat pan portion. An anchor system is connected to said seat pan portion. The anchor system includes at least one anchor having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat.

Description

BOOSTER SEAT WITH ANCHORS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63/510,953, filed on June 29, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the art of child restraint systems for use in a vehicle, and more particularly to child car seats having multiple use configurations.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Car safety seats for children are commercially available based on the age, weight, and size of the child being transported. For example, a young child can initially use an infant car seat that is installed facing rearward in the vehicle and includes an independent harness for securely holding the child. As the child grows in size and maturity level, the infant car seat may be no longer appropriate or needed. In this case, a booster seat can be used to seat the child at a raised position, such that the vehicle's seatbelt can be used to safely hold the child. Unlike an infant car seat or toddler seat, a booster seat is usually placed on the vehicle seat without attachment thereto. In the event of a collision or sudden stop, the booster seat may be subject to displacement, which may adversely affect the restraining protection provided by the seatbelt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0003] According to an embodiment, a booster seat installable on a vehicle seat includes a body formed by a seat shell. The body has a seat pan portion. An anchor system is connected to the seat pan portion. The anchor system includes at least one anchor having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one anchor is movable relative to the body between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a recess is formed at a bottom surface of the body and the at least one anchor is receivable within the recess in the stowed configuration. [0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the seat shell includes a detent engageable with the at least one anchor in the stowed configuration.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one anchor is rotatable relative to the seat shell between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the least one anchor is translatable relative to the seat shell between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a release actuator is operably coupled to the latch. Operation of the release actuator disengages the latch from the anchor system.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the release actuator is disposed on the seat shell.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the body includes a seat back portion. The seat back portion is permanently connected to the seat pan portion.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the seat shell forms both the seat pan portion and the seat back portion.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the body includes a seat back portion. The seat back portion is removably connectable to the seat pan portion.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the body is removably connectable to a base member to form a child seat. The child seat is a different type of seat than the booster seat.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the child seat is a toddler seat.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the base member has a harness for restraining a child to the child seat.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the body is absent a harness.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a vehicle belt associated with the vehicle seat is configured to secure a child to the body. [0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the anchor system includes a pair of anchors operably coupled to one another by a cross-member. The cross-member is directly connected to the seat shell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first child seat according to an embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view of a first child seat according to another embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a second child seat including the first child seat of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first child seat connected to a vehicle seat according to an embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of an anchor of an anchor system of the first child seat according to an embodiment;

[0026] FIGS. 6A and 6B are top and bottom perspective views of a first child seat having an anchor system in a stowed configuration according to an embodiment;

[0027] FIGS. 7A and 7B are top and bottom perspective views of a first child seat having an anchor system in a deployed configuration according to an embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a first child seat including an anchor system in a stower configuration according to an embodiment; and

[0029] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a first child seat according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

[0031] With reference now to the FIG. 1, an example of a first child seat 20 that can be detachably affixed to a vehicle seat 10 is illustrated. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the first child seat 20 is a booster seat. A booster seat as described herein is intended to cover any seat suitable to properly position a child relative to a vehicle seat 10 so that the child seated thereon may be secured thereon using the vehicle belt. A booster seat is typically suitable for use by children weighing between, e.g., 40 pounds and 120 pounds. At least a portion of the booster seat may employ a harness that is not connected or connectable to the booster seat or portion thereof. For example, a seat pan portion of the booster seat may be absent a restraint harness that secures a child thereto, and instead rely on the belt of the vehicle seat 10 upon which the booster seat is positioned.

[0032] The booster seat 20 includes a seat pan portion 22 such as formed by a seat shell 24 and may include a seat pad, cushion, or the like (not shown) arranged thereon. A bottom surface 25 of the seat shell 24 is positionable in direct contact with a portion of a vehicle seat 10. In embodiments where the booster seat 20 has a backless configuration (see FIGS. 1 and 4), the seat shell 24 may have a generally rectangular or square shape. An upwardly facing surface of the seat shell 24 forms a seat support surface 26 on which a child may be seated. The seat support surface 26 may extend from a first end or front 28 to a second end or rear 30 of the seat pan portion 22. In an embodiment, the booster seat 20 has one or more armrests 32 arranged at or near the lateral sides 34, 36 of the seat support surface 26. As shown, the armrests 32 may extend from generally adjacent to the rear 30 of the seat shell 24 forward to a location between the front 28 and rear 30 of the seat pan portion 22. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the armrests 32 are integrally formed with the seat shell 24. However, embodiments where the armrests 32 are separate pieces movably connected to, and in some embodiments separable from the seat shell 24 are also within the scope of the disclosure.

[0033] The booster seat of FIG. 1 may be considered a backless or no-back booster seat. As shown, the booster seat is absent a harness for restraining a child seated thereon. Rather, a vehicle seat belt associated with the vehicle seat 10 is used to secure a child seated on the booster seat 20. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the booster seat 20 may additionally include a seat back portion 40. In such embodiments, the booster seat 20 may be considered a high-back booster seat. The seat back portion 40 may be permanently coupled to or integrally formed with the seat pan portion 22 or may be removably couplable thereto. As used herein the term “permanently connected” is identifies embodiments where the seat back portion 40 is not intended to be disassembled from the seat pan portion 22 by a user. In embodiments where the seat back portion 40 is integrally formed with the seat pan portion 22, the seat shell 24 may form both the seat pan portion 22 and the seat back portion 40. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the seat back portion 40 includes an upright support surface 42 generally facing forward and that extends from a first end or top 44 of the seat back portion 40 to a second, opposite end or bottom 46 of the seat back portion 40.

[0034] In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the seat back portion 40 of the booster seat 20 includes a headrest 48. The headrest 48 may be attached to or integral with the seat back portion 40. The headrest 48 may be stationary, or in some embodiments, may be configured to move relative to the upright support surface 42. For example, the headrest 48 may be configured to translate relative to the upright support surface 42 between a retracted position and an extended position, allowing for adjustment based on the size of the child positioned within the booster seat 20. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments where the seat back portion 40 does not include a headrest 48 are also contemplated herein.

[0035] In embodiments where the booster seat 20 includes a seat back portion 40, the booster seat 20 may but need not additionally includes a harness (not shown) for securing a child thereto. Such a harness may include a first portion, such as a buckle for example, arranged at the seat pan portion 26, and one or more straps, such as shoulder straps for example, extending from the seat back portion 40 and connectable to the buckle. In such embodiments including a harness, the portion of the harness arranged at the seat pan portion 26 may only be used to secure a child to the booster seat 20 when the seat back portion 40 is attached to the seat pan portion 26.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 3, the booster seat 20, whether configured as only a seat pan portion 22 or as a seat pan portion 22 and a seat back portion 40 in combination, may be removably connectable to a separate base member 50 to form a second child seat 52. For example, the booster seat 20 may have one or more recesses (not shown) formed therein and the base member 50 may have one or more protrusions 54 positionable within the recesses to properly position the booster seat 20 about the base member 50. However, any suitable connection or interface between the booster seat 20 and the base member 50 is within the scope of the disclosure. The second child seat 52 is a different type of child seat than the first child seat 20. In an embodiment, the second child seat 52 is a toddler seat positionable in both a forward-facing configuration and a rearward-facing configuration relative to a vehicle seat 10 and the separate base member 50 has a harness 56 connected thereto. In such embodiments, the second child seat 52 can also be detachably fixed to a vehicle seat 10.

[0037] With reference now to FIGS. 4- 8, unlike existing booster seats that are typically held in position about a vehicle seat 10 simply by the weight of the child seated thereon, in an embodiment, the booster seat 20 is securable, via an integrated anchor system 60, to a vehicle seat 10 of a vehicle. The vehicle seat 10 typically has a vehicle seat back 12, a vehicle seat pan 14, and a seat bight 16 (i.e., the region of intersection of the vehicle seat back 12 and the vehicle seat pan 14). The anchor system 60 may be configured to secure the booster seat 20 to a vehicle anchor 18 of the vehicle seat 10, and in some embodiments, may be arranged to facilitate alignment with standard arrangements of vehicle anchors. [0038] The anchor system 60, sometimes referred to as a “lower anchor and tether for children” e.g., LATCH system, has one or more anchors 62 connectable to a corresponding vehicle anchor 18 embedded within a vehicle seat for example. The anchor system 60 may be an adjustable anchor system which may be formed of various rigid components that are adjustable relative to the seat pan portion 22 of the booster seat 20. In other configurations, one or more components of the anchor system 60 may be fixed to and/or in position relative to the booster seat 20.

[0039] The anchor system 60 may be coupled to the seat pan portion 22, such as near the back end 30 thereof for example. In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the FIGS., the anchor system 60 includes a pair of anchors 62. However, embodiments including only a single anchor or more than two anchors are also contemplated herein. Each anchor 62 is coupled to a respective mechanical constraining point on the seat shell 24. Although two mechanical constraining points 64, 66 are shown at respective sides of the booster seat 20, in other example implementations, the anchor system 60 more generally may be coupled to the booster seat 20 at one or more mechanical constraining points that are not necessarily positioned on the side(s) of the booster seat 20.

[0040] An example of an anchor 62 is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 5. As shown, the anchors 62 may have an elongated shape (e.g., an oblong rectangle) having a body 70 with an opening 72 and include a locking mechanism (e.g., a latch) 74 that is engageable with a corresponding vehicle anchor 18 in or proximate to the seat bight 16 of the vehicle seat 10. In this manner, the anchor system 60 may directly couple the booster seat 20 to the vehicle seat 10.

[0041] In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the two anchors 62 are configured to pivot or rotate relative to the seat pan portion 22 between a stowed configuration (FIGS. 6 A and 6B) and a deployed configuration (FIGS. 7 A and 7B). In the stowed configuration, the body 70 of each anchor 62 may be generally received within a recess 68 formed in the bottom surface 25 of the seat pan portion 22. Although not shown, a detent may be formed in the seat shell 24 operable to engage a portion of the anchors 62 and retain the anchors 62 in the stowed configuration. In an embodiment, in the stowed configuration, no portion of the anchor 62 protrudes beyond the rear 30 of the seat pan portion 22. In the deployed configuration, the majority of the body 70 of the anchor extends beyond the rear 30 of the seat pan portion 22 when in the deployed configuration.

[0042] In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the anchor 62 is rotated approximately 180 degrees about the axis X between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. However, embodiments where the stowed and deployed configurations are less than 180 degrees apart or are separated by more than 180 degrees are also within the scope of the disclosure. Further, it should be appreciated that the anchors 62 may be moved between the stowed and deployed configurations manually, or in response to operation of an actuator (not shown) operably coupled thereto.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, the anchors 62 may be operably coupled to one another by a rigid cross-member 76. This connection allows for the anchors 62 to be operated simultaneously or in unison such that a rotation of the rigid cross-member 76 about an axis X will cause a rotation of both anchors 62 between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, the two anchors 62 may be connected by a rigid crossmember 76 but may also be independently rotatable about the axis X. It should be appreciated that the anchor system 60 illustrated and described herein is intended as an example only, and that embodiments where the anchors 62 are fixedly mounted to the seat shell 24, or embodiments where the anchors 62 are alternatively or additionally movable in another suitable manner, such as translatable for example, are also within the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the rigid cross-member 76 may be directly connected to the seat pan portion 22 of the seat shell 24.

[0044] The anchor system 60 may include (or be coupled to) a release mechanism 80 (e.g., a button, a knob, a slidable tab) to unlatch the anchors 62 from the vehicle anchors 18, such as for separation of the booster seat 20 from the vehicle. As best shown in FIG. 8, in the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a release handle 82 is operable to disengage the latch 74 located at the end of the body 70 of at least one anchor 62 of the booster seat 20 from a vehicle anchor 18. As shown, the release handle 82 is connected to at least one release member 84. The release member 84 may be configured as a rigid strap, a cable, a wire, or other flexible or semiflexible tension member, or may be a rigid member, such as a rod, shaft, or the like. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a first release member 84 connected to the release handle 82 is operably coupled to the latch 74 associated with a first anchor 62 arranged adjacent to the lateral side 34 of the seat shell 24 and a second release member 84 connected to the release handle 82 is operably coupled to the latch 74 associated with a second anchor 62 arranged near the lateral side 36 of the seat shell 24. When a force F is applied to the release handle 82 in a first direction, such as when the release handle 82 is pulled for example, a corresponding force is applied to the first and second release members 84, causing the latches 74 to open.

[0045] In an embodiment, a biasing member 86 is operably coupled to the release handle 82. When the force F is applied to the release handle 82 in the first direction, the force F opposes the bias of the biasing member 86. With the latches 74 open, the booster seat 20 and the anchors 62 may be moved out of engagement with the vehicle anchors 18. Upon removal of the force F from the release handle 82, the biasing force of the biasing member 86 will cause the release handle 82 to translate back to its original position, and the latches 74 to close.

[0046] In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the anchors 62 may be configured and arranged, and the mechanical constraining point(s) for the anchor system 60 may be positioned for relatively easy engagement with the vehicle anchors 18 located in or proximate to the seat bight 16 so as to facilitate installation of the booster seat 20 in a vehicle. In an embodiment, the anchors 62 may be configured and arranged, and the mechanical constraining point(s) 64, 66 may be positioned, such that upon engagement of the anchors 62 with the vehicle anchors 18, there is a tight fit between the booster seat 20 and the vehicle seat 10 (e.g., the installed booster seat 20 passes the CPS “inch test”).

[0047] However, in other embodiments, when the anchors 62 are connected to the vehicle anchors 18, a gap or clearance may be created due to the position of the vehicle seat back 12 of the vehicle seat 10. In an embodiment, one or more feet 90 protrude from a portion of the seat shell 24, such as from the bottom surface 25 for example, and extend beyond the rear 30 of the seat support surface 26. Accordingly, the booster seat 20 may be positionable such that the one or more feet 90 are positioned on the vehicle seat pan 14 and contact the vehicle seat back 12 to reduce the clearance between the booster seat 20 and the vehicle seat back 12. Further, the feet may be sufficiently narrow such that a portion thereof can be received in the seat bight 16, if necessary, without affecting operation of the anchor system 60 and its connection with one or more vehicle anchors 18.

[0048] A booster seat 20 as illustrated and described herein is connectable to the vehicle anchors of a vehicle seat. Such a connection holds the booster seat 20 in position about the vehicle seat 10, not only making it easier for a child to get in and out of the booster seat 20, but also preventing an unoccupied seat from becoming a projectile in the event of a crash.

[0049] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. As used herein, the term “substantially” and derivatives thereof, and words of similar import, when used to describe a size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship, or other parameter includes the stated size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship, or other parameter, and can also include a range up to 10% more and up to 10% less than the stated parameter, including 5% more and 5% less, including 3% more and 3% less, including 1% more and 1% less. [0050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

[0051] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A booster seat installable on a vehicle seat, the booster seat comprising: a body formed by a seat shell, said body having a seat pan portion; and an anchor system connected to said seat pan portion, said anchor system including at least one anchor having a latch configured to releasably engage a vehicle anchor of the vehicle seat.

2. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein said at least one anchor is movable relative to said body between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

3. The booster seat of claim 2, wherein a recess is formed at a bottom surface of said body and said at least one anchor is receivable within said recess in said stowed configuration.

4. The booster seat of claim 2, wherein said seat shell further comprises a detent engageable with said at least one anchor in said stowed configuration.

5. The booster seat of claim 2, wherein said at least one anchor is rotatable relative to said seat shell between said stowed configuration and said deployed configuration.

6. The booster seat of claim 2, wherein said at least one anchor is translatable relative to said seat shell between said stowed configuration and said deployed configuration.

7. The booster seat of claim 2, further including a release actuator operably coupled to said latch, wherein operation of said release actuator disengages said latch from the anchor system.

8. The booster seat of claim 7, wherein said release actuator is disposed on said seat shell.

9. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein said body further comprises a seat back portion, said seat back portion being permanently connected to said seat pan portion.

10. The booster seat of claim 9, wherein said seat shell forms both said seat pan portion and said seat back portion.

11. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein said body further comprises a seat back portion, said seat back portion being removably connectable to said seat pan portion.

12. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein said body is removably connectable to a base member to form a child seat, wherein the child seat is a different type of seat than said booster seat.

13. The booster seat of claim 12, wherein said child seat is a toddler seat.

14. The booster seat of claim 12, wherein said base member has a harness for restraining a child to the child seat.

15. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein said body is absent a harness.

16. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein a vehicle belt associated with the vehicle seat is configured to secure a child to said body.

17. The booster seat of claim 1, wherein the anchor system includes a pair of anchors operably coupled to one another by a cross-member, wherein the cross-member is directly connected to the seat shell.