AU2019203031B2

AU2019203031B2 - Light weight booster seat improvements

Info

Publication number: AU2019203031B2
Application number: AU2019203031A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Baldacchino; Mike Lumley; Wieslaw Maciejczyk; Daniel Serra
Original assignee: Britax Childcare Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Britax Childcare Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-14
Filing date: 2019-04-30
Publication date: 2020-10-22
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-14
Also published as: AU2014202615B9; AU2014202615B2; AU2014202615C1; AU2014202615A1; AU2019203031A1

Abstract

This invention relates to relates to a child restraint for use in a vehicle. In a particular form, the present invention relates to a booster seat comprising one or more of reinforcing elements and/or portions disposed beneath a posterior of a seat occupant which are adapted to deform if crash-induced forces reach or exceed a given threshold value, and which, via this deformation, position the occupant so that prospects for the occupant submarining out of the seat are reduced. 2/31 lo IIt 2-S z

Description

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LIGHTWEIGHT BOOSTER SEAT IMPROVEMENTS TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a child restraint for use in a vehicle. In a particular form, the present invention relates to a booster seat.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Child restraints have been developed to improve the safety of children traveling in vehicles. A variety of different types of child restraints have been developed for this purpose, with most child restraints consisting of a seat or chair which is supported on a rear seat of a vehicle, for receiving the child therein. There exists a variety of types of child safety seats that are approved for use with children of a variety of ages and/or sizes.

[0003] Type A child restraints are typically a rearward facing child restraint with an in-built harness, for accommodating babies/infants from birth up to around one of either 6 months (or approximately 9 kg), 12 months (or approximately 12 kg) or 30 months (or approximately 15 kg).

[0004] Type B child restraints are typically a forward facing child restraint with an in-built harness, for accommodating toddlers and young children from approximately 6 months to 4 years, or from approximately 8 - 18 kg.

[0005] Type D child restraints are typically a rearward facing child restraint with an in-built harness for children from approximately 6 months up to 4 years of age.

[0006] Type E and F child restraints are typically a booster seats or booster cushions used to accommodate children between 4 - 8 and even 10 years old, or approximately from 14 - 32 kg, and which are typically used in combination with the vehicle seat belt.

[0007] Type G child restraints are typically a forward facing child restraint for children from approximately 6 months up to 8 years of age.

[0008] Some seats may be a combination type A/B or B/E (or other combination) to accommodate a child as the child grows thereby avoiding the need to purchase, or otherwise source, a variety of different seats to accommodate a growing child.

[0009] The explanation above reflects the Australian Standards. Other countries have different ages and/or weight range for child restraints. For example, in Europe, the United Nations regulation for vehicles, ECE Regulation 44 for child restraints, has the following categories:

[0010] Group 0 and 0+: Rearward facing for children up to 10 or 12 kg respectively;

[0011] Group 1: Rearward or forward facing child restraints for children from 9 to 18 kg;

[0012] Group 2: Forward facing (possibly rearward facing) child restraints for children from 15 to 25 kg, which may either have an in-built harness or which could be a booster seat used with just the seat belt; and

[0013] Group 3: Forward facing child restraints for children from 22 to 36 kg; typically a booster seat to be used with just the seat belt.

[0014] Some seats may be a combination of Group 0 and/or Group 1 or more groups ,which may include one or more groups being rear facing.

[0015] In order to increase the strength of booster seats, stronger materials, such as dense injection-moulded plastics, have been employed. However, there is generally a weight penalty associated with increased strength, and, in the event of a collision, the effects of a heavier booster sandwiching a child between itself and a vehicle seat belt, can cause significant injury to the child, and may prove fatal.

[0016] Accordingly, in countries such as Australia, it is a regulatory requirement that all booster seats over 2 Kg in weight are tethered to a vehicle anchor point. However, these tethers complicate the process of moving and removing a booster seat. But reducing the weight of a booster seat sufficient that a tether is not required can potentially compromise the strength of the booster seat.

[0017] It is against this background that the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

[0018] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY

[0019] According to a first aspect, there is provided a child safety seat for a vehicle comprising at least a base portion comprising at least one insert which comprises a weakened region comprising an array of apertures extending from a non-occupant facing side (or underside) of the insert, at least a portion of which is, in use, disposed beneath a posterior of a seat occupant, and wherein the insert is adapted to deform in the vicinity of the weakened region if crash-induced forces reach or exceed a given threshold value, and which, via this deformation, position the occupant so that prospects for the occupant submarining out of the seat are reduced.

[0020] In one form, an occupant facing side of the base portion of the seat comprises a recess for the or each insert, and the shape of the or each recess is shaped to match a shape of an underside of the insert.

[0021] In one form, the weakened region of the insert comprises an array of apertures extending over a trailing (or rearmost) portion thereof.

[0022] In one form, the array of apertures extends from a trailing edge (i.e. an edge nearest the backrest portion) forward to a mid-region of the base portion.

[0023] In one form, the or each of the apertures a blind aperture.

[0024] In one form, the or each of the aperture is a slot.

[0025] In one form, the or each insert is comprised of a cushioning material.

[0026] In one form, the cushioning material is an expanded polystyrene (EPS).

[0027] In one form, the child safety seat further comprises a backrest portion.

[0028] In one form, the backrest portion is fixed relative to the base portion.

[0029] In one form, the backrest portion and base portion are integrally formed portions of a unitary body.

[0030] In one form, the backrest portion is pivotally mounted to the base portion.

[0031] In one form, the child safety seat is a booster seat.

[0032] In one form, the child safety seat is adapted for use without a top tether.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a child safety seat according to a first embodiment in use, minus a dress cover therefor, but seating an occupant;

[0035] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the child safety seat of Figure 1;

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the child safety seat of Figures 1 and 2;

[0037] Figure 4 is front view of the child safety seat of Figures 1 through 3;

[0038] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the child safety seat of Figures 1 through 4;

[0039] Figure 6 is a rear view of the child safety seat of Figures 1 through 5;

[0040] Figure 7 is a side view of the child safety seat of Figures 1 through 6;

[0041] Figure 8 is a top view of the child safety seat of Figures 1 through 7;

[0042] Figure 9 is a side view of a child safety seat according to a second embodiment;

[0043] Figure 10 is a rear view of the child safety seat of Figure 9;

[0044] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a child safety seat according to a third embodiment;

[0045] Figure 12 is a front view of the child safety seat of Figure 11;

[0046] Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of the child safety seat of Figures 11 and 12;

[0047] Figure 14 is a side view of the child safety seat of Figures 11 through 13;

[0048] Figure 15 is a detail perspective view of a seat insert from the child safety seat of Figures 11 through 14;

[0049] Figure 16 is an underside view of the seat insert of Figure 15;

[0050] Figure 17 is a perspective underside view of the seat insert of Figures 15 and 16;

[0051] Figure 18 is a side view of the seat inset of Figures 15 through 17;

[0052] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a child safety seat according to a further embodiment;

[0053] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a child safety seat according to a further embodiment;

[0054] Figure 21 is a perspective view of a child safety seat according to a further embodiment;

[0055] Figure 22 is a side view of the child safety seat of Figure 21;

[0056] Figure 23 is a front view of the child safety seat of Figure 21;

[0057] Figure 24 is a top view of the child safety seat of Figure 21;

[0058] Figure 25 is a perspective view of a seat insert from the child safety seat of Figures 21 through 24;

[0059] Figure 26 is a top view of the seat insert of Figure 25;

[0060] Figure 27 is a side view of the seat insert of Figure 25;

[0061] Figure 28 is an underside view of the seat insert of Figure 25;

[0062] Figure 29 is a front view of the seat insert of Figure 25;

[0063] Figure 30 is a front perspective view of a child safety seat according to a further embodiment;

[0064] Figure 31 is a rear perspective view of the child safety seat of Figure 30;

[0065] Figure 32 is a side view of the child safety seat of Figure 30;

[0066] Figure 33 is a front view of the child safety seat of Figure 30;

[0067] Figure 34 is a top view of the child safety seat of Figure 30;

[0068] Figure 35 is a rear perspective view of a child safety seat according to a further embodiment;

[0069] Figure 36 is a rear perspective view of the child safety seat of Figure 35;

[0070] Figure 37 is a top view of a child safety seat according to a further embodiment; and

[0071] Figure 38 is an underside view of the child safety seat of Figure 37.

[0072] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0073] Referring now to Figures 1 through 8, where there is shown a child safety seat 1 for a vehicle minus a dress covering and padding therefor, which have been omitted to permit visibility of features which would normally be covered by these.

[0074] The present invention will be described below in relation to a Type-E/F child safety seat or booster seat for use in a vehicle in a forward facing manner. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention could be equally applicable for use in a variety of different modes of child safety seats, and still fall within the spirit of the present invention.

[0075] The child safety seat 1 comprises a base (or seat) portion 2A and a backrest portion 2B. In this embodiment, the base portion 2A and back portion 2B are fixed relative to each other by way of being portions of an integrally formed seat shell 2.

[0076] The seat shell 2 further comprises a pair of side wings 4 extending forward from opposing edges of the back portion 2B, a headrest portion 6 extending upwardly from (i.e. which is an extension of) the back portion 2B, and a pair of headrest side wings 8 extending forward from opposing side edges of the headrest portion 6.

[0077] Depending from each of the headrest side wings 8 is a cushioning element 10 shaped so as to substantially cover an occupant facing side of a headrest side wing 8, extend around top, bottom and forward edges of the headrest side wing 8, and cover at least a portion of an outer side of the headrest side wing 8. In this embodiment, each cushioning element is made from expanded polystyrene (EPS).

[0078] Both the base portion 2A and the backrest portion 2B comprise a seat occupant facing side, and an opposing, non-occupant facing side.

[0079] The occupant facing side of the base portion 2A comprises a recess 12 for nesting an insert 14 comprised of a cushioning material. That is to say, the shape of this recess 12 is shaped to match a shape of an underside of the insert 14. In this embodiment, this cushioning material is expanded polystyrene (EPS).

[0080] The base portion 2A comprises pair of parallel channels 16 which extend forward from the recess 12 and through a forward edge of the base portion 2A. The underside of the insert 14 comprises a pair of ribs 18 which are sized to nest in these channels 16 to locate the insert 14 and prevent at least rotation and lateral movement of the insert 14 with respect to the base portion 2A of the child safety seat 1.

[0081] With reference to Figure 3, it can be seen that the insert 14 further comprises a pair of slots 20 through which there may be passed a strap 22 from which there depends an antisubmarine clip 24.

[0082] The non-occupant facing or rear side of the seat back portion 2B comprises means for securing a pair of reinforcing elements 30 of high specific strength (i.e. strength to weight) in laterally spaced apart positions extending along the backrest portion 2B and headrest portion 6. In this embodiment, the reinforcing elements comprise tubular aluminium rods 30, and the securement means for these comprise receiving means and retaining means. For each reinforcing rod 30, the receiving means may comprise a socket 32 for receiving a lowermost end of the rod 30, and an array of longitudinally spaced loops 34 through which the rod 30 is threaded. The retaining means may comprise a cantilevered catch or clip 36 for retaining an uppermost end of the rod 30. Each of the sockets 32, loops 34 and catches 36 is moulded into the seat shell 2.

[0083] During manufacture of child safety seat 1, each of the rods 30 can be threaded (lowermost end first) through the loops 34, until the lowermost end of each rod 30 meets an end stop in socket 32. The uppermost end of each rod 30 is then secured with a catch 36, which will capture the end of the rod 30.

[0084] Because the seat shell 2 is waisted (i.e. comprises a waist) where the seat back portion 2B blends into the headrest 6, this can create a point for potential flexion of the seat shell 2, especially in the event that the vehicle carrying the child safety seat 1 is involved in a collision. In rear impacts for example, the seat 1 occupant's head can be caused to rotate back against the headrest 6, potentially causing the headrest 6 to bend backwards. The use of reinforcing elements 30 prevents such flexion.

[0085] These reinforcing rods 30 both substantially strengthen and stiffen the seat back portion 2B and headrest portion 6 without adding substantial weight to the child safety seat 1.

[0086] Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, which illustrate an additional embodiment of the invention. Since most of the parts of the child safety seat 100 shown in Figures 9 and 10 are identical to corresponding parts shown in the seat 1 of Figures 1 through 8, they are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[0087] The non-occupant facing or rear side of the seat back portion 2B of seat 100 comprises integrally formed reinforcing elements 130 in laterally spaced apart positions extending along the backrest portion 2B. In this embodiment, the reinforcing elements comprise ribs 130 extending (and projecting) from and moulded into the non-occupant facing side of the back portion 2B. These reinforcing ribs 130 both substantially strengthen and stiffen the seat back portion 2B without adding substantial weight to the child safety seat 100.

[0088] Referring now to Figures 11 through 18, which illustrate an additional embodiment of the invention. Since most of the parts of the child safety seat 200 shown in Figures 11 through 18 are identical to corresponding parts shown in the seat 1 of Figures 1 through 8, they are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[0089] It can be seen in Figures 11, and 15 through 18, that the insert 14 of child safety seat 200 comprises a non-occupant facing side (or underside) comprising a plurality of apertures 210 therein. With reference to Figures 16 and 17, it can be seen that an array of these apertures 210 extends over a trailing (or rearmost) portion of the insert underside. More specifically, this array of apertures 210 extends from a trailing edge (i.e. an edge nearest the backrest portion 2B) forward to a mid-region of the insert 14.

[0090] These apertures 210 remove material from the insert 14 and thereby weaken the insert 14 in the region surrounding the apertures 210, this being namely the trailing portion of the insert 14. In use, the insert 14 supports the occupant in a first, normal seated position, and the trailing portion of the insert 14 supports a posterior of a seat occupant. In the event that the vehicle is involved in a collision, the insert 14 is adapted to deform to support the occupant in a second position in response to the collision.

[0091] When a vehicle carrying the child safety seat 200 is involved in a crash (or accident), crash induced forces will act on the child safety seat 200. In one form, the insert 14 is designed and arranged to ensure that the occupant is transferred from the first position to the second position if and only if the crash-induced forces reach or exceed a given threshold value. Therefore, the occupant will be automatically transferred to the second position if the vehicle has a serious accident with either of a frontal or rear impact, depending on seat orientation.

[0092] The apertures 210 are sized, shaped and positioned so as to ensure that the insert 14 yields and deforms in a desired manner and to a desired extent if and only if the crash-induced forces reach or exceed the given threshold value. If this threshold value is reached, then at least the trailing portion of the insert 14 will deform by way of being crushed beneath the occupant, resulting in movement of the occupant from their first, normal seated position, to a position in which prospects for the occupant submarining out of the seat 200 are reduced. More specifically, the posterior of the child will be caused to sink into the insert 14 (as the insert yields beneath the occupant), rather than slide across upper surface of the insert 14.

[0093] Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, it can be seen that depending from each of the headrest side wings 8 is a cushioning element 220 shaped so as to substantially cover a non-occupant facing side of a headrest side wing 8. In this embodiment, each cushioning element is made from expanded polystyrene (EPS).

[0094] Each headrest side wing 8 comprises a pocket 230 for receiving a cushioning element 220. In this embodiment, each pocket 203 is integrally formed into its headrest side wing 8 during moulding of the shell.

[0095] Referring now to Figure 19, which illustrates an additional embodiment of the invention. Since most of the parts of the child safety seat 300 shown in Figure 19 are identical to corresponding parts shown in the seat 200 of Figures 11 through 18, they are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[0096] Child safety seat 300 comprises a belt guide 310 for a sash of a lap-sash seatbelt, depending from each of the headrest side wings 8. In this embodiment, each belt guide 310 is integrally formed into its headrest side wing 8 during moulding of the shell.

[0097] Referring now to Figure 20, which illustrates an additional embodiment of the invention. Since most of the parts of the child safety seat 400 shown in Figure 20 are identical to corresponding parts shown in the seat 200 of Figures 11 through 18, they are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[0098] Child safety seat 400 comprises belt guides 410 for a sash of a lap-sash seatbelt, each of which depend from a dress cover 420 for seat 400, and more particularly which depend from cover portions 430 covering each of the headrest side wings 8.

[0099] Referring now to Figures 21 through 29, which illustrate a child safety seat 500, which comprises a base (or seat) portion 2A and a backrest portion 2B which are pivotally attached with respect to each other, so that child safety seat 500 can be configured in either of an in-use configuration (as illustrated in Figure 21), or a stowed configuration (not illustrated) in which the backrest portion 2B is folded down so as to lie adjacent to the base portion 2A.

[00100] As in previously described embodiments, the occupant facing side of the base portion 2A comprises a recess 12 for nesting an insert 14 comprised of a cushioning material. That is to say, the shape of this recess 12 is shaped to match a shape of an underside of the insert 14. In this embodiment, this cushioning material is expanded polystyrene (EPS).

[00101] The insert 14 of child safety seat 500 comprises a non-occupant facing side (or underside) comprising a plurality of apertures 210 therein. In the case of this illustrated embodiment, the apertures are slots 210.

[00102] The occupant facing (or upper side) of the insert 14 comprises a pattern of concentric, arcuate grooves. That is to say, these grooves are shaped so as to generally match a shape of a seat 500 occupant's posterior.

[00103] In the event that the vehicle is involved in a collision, these grooves will act in combination with the slots 210 to ensure that at least the trailing portion of the insert 14 will deform by way of being crushed beneath the occupant, resulting in movement of the occupant from their first, normal seated position, to a second position, in which prospects for the occupant submarining out of the seat 500 are reduced.

[00104] Referring now to Figures 30 through 31, which illustrate a child safety seat 600, which again comprises a base (or seat) portion 2A and a backrest portion 2B which are pivotally attached with respect to each other, so that child safety seat 600 can be folded.

[00105] In contrast with previously described embodiments, child safety seat 600 does not comprise an insert 14 comprised of a cushioning material. Child safety seat 600 does however still comprise a recess 12, and in fact a pair of recesses 12, in the occupant facing (i.e. upper) side of the base portion 2A. Each of these recesses 12 is a cavity defined by an elongate base rib 620 projecting on the underside of the base portion 2A. In use, child safety seat 600 rests upon these base ribs 620. For each of these recesses 12 there is a cover panel 610, which when in place make the upper surface of the base portion 2A seem continuous again.

[00106] Each of the upper surfaces of the base portion 2A, and the cover panels 610 comprises a pattern of slotted apertures 620 across at least trailing (i.e. rearmost) portions thereof.

[00107] In use, these trailing portions of the base portion 2A and the cover panels 610 will support a posterior of a seat occupant. In the event that the vehicle is involved in a collision, these slotted trailing portions are adapted to yield and deform, if and only if the crash-induced forces reach or exceed a given threshold value, to support the occupant in a second position in response to the collision, in which second position, prospects for the occupant submarining out of the seat 600 are reduced. More specifically, the posterior of the child will be caused to sink into these yielding trailing portions, rather than slide across upper surface of the base portion 2A.

[00108] Each of the base ribs 620 comprises a pattern of parallel, vertically extending slots 630 in at least trailing portions thereof, which pass completely through the base ribs 620 transversely so as to divide these trailing portions into a plurality of base rib segments 640. In use, these base rib segments 640 are positioned below the posterior of the seat occupant. In the event that the vehicle is involved in a collision, these base rib segments 640 are adapted to cause the trailing portions of the base ribs to yield and deform by crushing, if and only if the crash-induced forces reach or exceed a given threshold value. This yielding of the rib segments 640 will augment the effect created by the yielding of the trailing portions of the base portion 2A and the cover panels 610.

[00109] The non-occupant facing or rear side of the seat back portion 2B comprises integrally formed reinforcing elements, which, in the case of this illustrated embodiment are reinforcing ribs 650, which will double during the plastic moulding process for the seat back portion 2B, as runners for the flow of molten plastic, and so they are shaped accordingly.

[00110] The non-occupant facing or rear side of the seat back portion 2B further comprises a plurality of apertures 660, which will lighten the seat back portion 2B.

[00111] Referring now to Figures 35 and 36, which illustrate an additional embodiment of the invention. Since most of the parts of the child safety seat 700 shown in Figures 35 and 36 are identical to corresponding parts shown in the seat 1 of Figures 1 through 8, they are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[00112] Child safety seat 700 comprises a dress cover 710. A belt guide 720 for a sash of a lap sash seatbelt depends from a tether 730, which in turn depends from the dress cover 710 by way of being stitched to the dress cover 710 at or near a top and centre edge thereof. Alternatively, the tether 730 may depend from the seat shell 2 by way of being secured thereto by means such as riveting. The dress cover 710 comprises side wing cover portions 740 for each side wing 8, each of which (i.e. side wing cover portions 740) comprises a slotted aperture 750 in a lower edge thereof, through which the belt guide 720 and tether 730 can be threaded so as to ideally position the belt guide 720 for locating the sash belt on a shoulder of the seat occupant.

[00113] Where child safety seat 700 is to be positioned on a left hand side of a vehicle, the belt guide 720 and tether 730 will be threaded through the slotted aperture 750 in the left hand side wing cover portion 740, as illustrated in Figure 36. Where child safety seat 700 is to be positioned on a right hand side of a vehicle, the belt guide 720 and tether 730 will be threaded through the slotted aperture 750 in the right hand side wing cover portion 740.

[00114] Referring now to Figures 37 and 38, which illustrate an additional embodiment of the invention. Since most of the parts of the child safety seat 800 shown in Figures 37 and 38 are identical to corresponding parts of above described seats, they are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[00115] With reference to Figure 37, it can be seen that child safety seat 800 comprises a base portion 2A without the insert 14 of the child safety seat 1 illustrated in Figures 1 through 8, but a moulded upper surface which is integrally formed with the base portion 2A.

[00116] With reference to Figure 38, it can be seen that the non-occupant facing or underside of the base portion 2A of seat 800 comprises integrally formed reinforcing elements 810 in laterally spaced apart positions extending along the seat base portion 2A. In this embodiment, the reinforcing elements comprise ribs 810 extending (and projecting) from and moulded into the underside of the base portion 2A and extending between a front moulding edge 820 and a rear moulding edge 830 thereof. These reinforcing ribs 810 both substantially strengthen and stiffen the base portion 2A without adding substantial weight to the child safety seat 800.

[00117] Similarly, the non-occupant facing or rear side of the seat back portion 2B of seat 800 comprises integrally formed reinforcing elements 130 in laterally spaced apart positions extending along the seat back portion 2B. In this embodiment, the reinforcing elements comprise ribs 130 extending (and projecting) from and moulded into the non-occupant facing side of the back portion 2B. These reinforcing ribs 130 both substantially strengthen and stiffen the seat back portion 2B without adding substantial weight to the child safety seat 100.

[00118] Any one of the above described seats can be light enough for use in a vehicle without a tether strap tethering the seat to a vehicle anchor point. Alternatively however, a tether strap can be used to tether any one of the above described seats, and, moreover, this tether strap can be any one of a 'split' tether strap, or a single strap secured to the seat by a means sufficiently strong to withstand crash loads.

[00119] Any one of the above described seats may comprise at least one aperture, or a pair of apertures 7, for passing shoulder straps of a harness there through. The height of this aperture or apertures 7 will be at or near a shoulder height of the tallest occupant for which the seat is suitable.

[00120] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[00121] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[00122] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A child safety seat for a vehicle comprising at least a base portion comprising at least one insert which comprises a weakened region comprising an array of apertures extending from a non-occupant facing side (or underside) of the insert, at least a portion of which is, in use, disposed beneath a posterior of a seat occupant, and wherein the insert is adapted to deform in the vicinity of the weakened region if crash-induced forces reach or exceed a given threshold value, and which, via this deformation, position the occupant so that prospects for the occupant submarining out of the seat are reduced.

2. The child safety seat of claim 1, wherein an occupant facing side of the base portion of the seat comprises a recess for the or each insert, and the shape of the or each recess is shaped to match a shape of an underside of the insert.

3. The child safety seat as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weakened region of the insert comprises an array of apertures extending over a trailing (or rearmost) portion thereof.

4. The child safety seat of claim 3, wherein the array of apertures extends from a trailing edge (i.e. an edge nearest the backrest portion) forward to a mid-region of the base portion.

5. The child safety seat as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each of the apertures a blind aperture.

6. The child safety seat as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each of the aperture is a slot.

7. The child safety seat as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each insert is comprised of a cushioning material.

8. The child safety seat of claim 7, wherein the cushioning material is an expanded polystyrene (EPS).

9. The child safety seat as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a backrest portion.

10. The child safety seat of claim 9, wherein the backrest portion is fixed relative to the base portion.

11. The child safety seat of claim 10, wherein the backrest portion and base portion are integrally formed portions of a unitary body.

12. The child safety seat of claim 10, wherein the backrest portion is pivotally mounted to the base portion.

13. The child safety seat as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the child safety seat is a booster seat.

14. The child safety seat as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the child safety seat is adapted for use without a top tether.