GB2488671A

GB2488671A - Child safety seat and anchor attachment structure

Info

Publication number: GB2488671A
Application number: GB1203790.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Xian Long Mo
Original assignee: BP Childrens Products HK Co Ltd
Current assignee: BP Childrens Products HK Co Ltd
Priority date: 2011-03-02
Filing date: 2012-03-02
Publication date: 2012-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-02
Also published as: CN102653250B; DE102012101713A1; GB2488671B; DE102012101713B4; CN102653250A; GB201203790D0

Abstract

An anchor attachment structure suitable for fastening a child safety seat with an anchorage of a vehicle seat comprises a frame 12 having an engaging slot 121. A release actuator is 13 assembled with the frame and a catch 15 is adapted to hold an anchorage of the vehicle seat in the engaging slot. A driving member 14 is movably assembled with the frame and has a first end connected with the release actuator 13, and a second end in contact with the catch 15. A first spring 16 is operatively connected with the catch. The catch 15 is biased by the first spring 16 to substantially close the engaging slot 121, and is driven by the driving member 14 to substantially open the engaging slot 121. Also claimed is an anchor attachment structure having an extension adjusting mechanism, and a child safety seat comprising an anchor attachment structure.

Description

CHILD SAFETY SEAT AND ANCHOR ATTACHMENT STRUCTURE

THEREOF

10001] This application claims priority of China application no. 201110049657.3 filed onMarch 2, 2011.

100021 The present invention relates to child safety seats, and more particularly to child safety seats provided with anchor attachment structures.

[0003] Young children under the age of six months cannot sit on a vehicle seat.

On the other hand, a child held with the arms of a caregiver who is sitting on the vehicle seat may incur significant risks of injuries in case of car accidents. Accordingly, child safety seats are usually required to properly install a young child in the vehicle. In certain proposed designs, the child safety seat can be provided with an anchor Is attachment structure that can be used to fasten the child safety seat with an anchorage of the vehicle seat. However, most anchor attachment structures currently available are complex in construction, which increases the manufacture cost.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an anchor attachment structure suitable for use with a child safety seat that can address at least the foregoing issues.

[0005] The present application dcscribós an anchor attachment structure adapted to fasten a child safety seat with a vehicle seat. In one aspect, the anchor attachment structure comprises a frame having an engaging slot, a release actuator assembled with the frame, a catch adapted to restrainedly hold an anchorage of a vehicle seat in the engaging slot, a driving member movably assembled with the frame, the driving member having a first end connected with the release actuator, and a second end in contact with th catch, and a first spring operatively connected with the catch. The catch is biased by' the first spring to substantially close the engaging slot, and is driven by the driving member to substantially open the engaging slot.

[00061 In another aspect, the anchor attachment structure comprises a frame, a release actuator, and an extension adjusting mechanism assembled with the frame and driven in movement by the release actuator. The extension adjusting mechanism includes a detent movably assembled with the frame, and a spring having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected with the detent, and the second end being connected with the frame. The spring is operable to urge the detent to extend outward from the frame for engaging with a child safety seat, and the release actuator is operable to drive the detent to move in a direction for loading the spring 10007] Viewed from another aspect, the present application also describes a child safety seat. The child safety seat includes a base, and an anchor attachment Is structure assembled with the base and operable to fasten the child safety seat with an anchorage of a vehicle seat. The anchor attachment structure includes a frame having, an engaging slot, a release actuator assembled with the frame, a catch operable to substantially close the engaging slot to restrainedly hold the anchorage in the engaging slot, and a driving member operable to drive the catch to substantially open the engaging slot.

[0008] Embodiments of the invention will now, be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an anchor attachment structure suitable for use with a child safety seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the anchor attachment structure of Figure 1 in an unlocking state; [0011] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the anchor attachment structure shown in Figurel; [0012] Figure 4 is a schematic view illustrating an interior of the anchor attachment structure shown in Figure 1 in a locking state; [0013] Figure 5 is a schematic view illustrating an interior of the anchor attachment structure shown in Figure 1 in an unlocking state; [0014] Figure 6 is a schematic view illustrating the anchor attachment structure shown in Figure 1 locked with an anchorage of a vehicle seat; [0015] Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating an anchor attachment structure suitable for use with a child safety seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 10016] Figure 8 is a schematic view illustrating the anchor attachment structure of Figure 7 in an unlocking state; [0017] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the anchor attachment structure shown in Figure 7; 100181 Figure 10 is a schematic view illustrating an internal construction pf the anchor attachment structure shown in Figure 7; [0019] Figure 11 is a schematic view illustrating the anchor attachment structure shown in Figure 7 locked with an anchorage of a vehicle seat; [0020] Figure 12 is a schematic view illustrating an operation for adjusting an extension of the anchor attachment structure shown in Figure 7 relative to a base of a child safety seat; 10021] Figure 13 is a schematic view illustrating an internal construction of anchor attachment structure as shown in Figure 8; [00221 Figure 14 is a perspective view illustrating an anchor attachment structure suitable for use with a child safety seat according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [0023] Figure 15 is a schematic view illustrating the anchor attachment structure of Figure 14 in an unlocking state; [0024] Figure 16 is an exploded view of the anchor attachment structure shown in Figure 14; 10025] Figures 17 and 18 are schematic views illustrating an operation of the anchor* attachment structure shown in Figure 14 for fastening with an anchorage of a.

vehicle seat; and [00261 Figure 19 is a schematic view illustrating the anchor attachment structure of Figure 14 in an unlocking state.

[0027] Figures 1-3 are schematic vjews illustrating an anchor attachment structure 100 suitable for use with a child safety seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The anchor attachment structure 100 can include a housing 11, a frame 12, a release actuator 13, a driving member 14, acatch.15 a spring 16 and a connection pin 17. The housing 11 can at least partially enclose the frame 12. The housing 11 and the frame 12 can respectively define engaging slots 121 aligned with each other. The release actuator 13 can be movably assembled with the frame 12.

The catch 15 can be movably assembled with the frame 12 at a position adjacent to the engaging slots 121. The driving member 14 can have a first end connected with the release actuator 13, and a second end that can come in contact against the catch 15.

The spring 16 can be a torsion spring. The spring 16 can be mounted around the connection pin 17, and can have a first end connected with the catch 15, and a second end connected with the frame 12. The connection pin 17 can be fixedly secured through the frame 12 and the housing 11, and the catch 15 can be pivotally assembled with the frame 12 about the connection pin 17. The catch 15 can be operable to rotate relative to the frame 12 between a locking position where the catch 15 extends into the engaging slots 121 to substantially close the engaging slots 121, and an unlocking position where the catch 15 lies substantially outside the engaging slots 121 to substantially open the engaging slots 121. The catch 15 can be biased by the spring 16 to the locking position, and driven by the driving member 14 to the unlocking position.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the catch 15 can inölude a flange 151 and an obstructing extension* 152. In one embodiment, the driving member 14 can be formed as an elongated arm. The driving member 14 can have a first end inserted through the release actuator 13, and a second end that can rest in contact with the flange 151 of the catch 15. The driving member 14 can be operable to push against the flange 151 to drive rotation of the catch 15, which causes the obstructing extension 152 to move from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0029] In Figure 4, the anchor attachment structure 100 is shown in a locking state. In the locking state, the catch 15 is held in a position where the obstructing extension 152 lies in the engaging slots 121 to substantially close the engaging slots 121.

When the child safety seat is installed on a vehicle seat, the engaging slots 121.of the anchor attachment structure 100 can be pushed toward a fixed anchorage 301 of the vehicle seat so that the anchorage 301 inserts and travels through the engaging slots 121., As a result, the anchorage 301 can push the catch 15 in rotation in a direction A until the catch 15 reaches the unlocking state shown in Figure 5. While the catch 15 is rotating toward the unlocking state, the flange 151 is spaced apart from the driving member 14, and the spring 16 can twist to a loaded state. Once the anchorage 301 is fully inserted into the engaging slots 121, the spring 16 can urge the catch 15 to rotate in a reverse direction B until it reaches the locking state shown in. Figure 6. In this position, the obstructing extension 152 can lie in the engaging slots 121 to substantially close the engaging slots 121 and block disengagement of the anchorage 301. Accordingly, the anchorage 301 can be restrainedly held and locked in place in the engaging slots 121.

[0030] Referring to Figure 6, when the child safety seat has to be removed from the vehicle seat, a force F can be applied on the rçlease actuator 13, which drives the driving member 14 in movement and causes its distal end to push against the flange 151 of the' catch 15. As a result, the catch 15. can be driven to rotate about the pin 17 in a direction C for twisting and loading the spring 16 and causing the obstructing extension 152 to travel out of the engaging slots 121, until the catch 15 reaches the unlocking state shown in Figure 5 that substantially opens the engaging slots 121. Then the anchor attachment structure 100 can be pulled away so that the anchorage 301 can be removed from the engaging slots 121. Eventually, the release actuator 13 can be released, and the spring 16 can urge the catch 15 to rotate about the connection pin 17 in the direction B shown in Figure 5, whereby the obstructing extension 152 can recover its position across the engaging slots 121 shown in Figure 4.

100311. Figures 7-9 are schematic views illustrating an anchor attachment structure 100' used in a child safety seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The anchor attachment structure 100'. can be movably assembled with a base that is suitable for use in combination with the child safety seat, and can be movably adjusted relative to the base. In one embodiment, the anchor attachment structure 100' can include a frame 12', a release actuator 13', a driving member 14', a catch iS', a spring 16' and a connecting pin 17'. The connection between the aforementioned parts may be similar to the construction of the first embodiment described previously.

[0032] As shown in Figure 9, the frame 12' can include first and second side frame portions 122' and 123'. The first and second side frame portions 122' and 123' can be assembled with each other via spaced-apart fasteners 18' to delimit at least partially an accommodation space 124' (as better shown in Figures 7 and 8) in which are assembled the driving member 14' and the catch 15'.

[0033] The driving member 14' can include a plurality of elongated slots 141' * through which the fasteners 18' are respectively mounted, whereby the driving member 14' can be movably assembled with the frame 12' The release actuator 13' can contact and drive the driving member 14' in movement.

100341 The release actuator 13' can include an actuation knob 131', and a driving part 132' operatively connected with the actuation knob 131'. The actuation knob 131' and the driving part 132' can be pivotally mounted with the frame 12', and can be operable to drive the driving member 14' in movement. The actuation knob 131' can be mounted with* the second side frame portion 123' outside the accommodating space 124'. The driving part 132' can be assembled in the accommodating space 124'.

100351 In one embodiment, the anchor attachment structure 100' can also include an extension adjusting mechanism 19'. The extension adjusting mechanism 19' can include a detent 191' and a spring 192'. The detent 191' can be movably assembled with the frame 12'. The spring 192' can have a first end connected with the detent 191', and a second end connected with the frame 12'.

[0036] Referring to Figures 7 and 9, each of the first and second side frame portions 122' and 123' can respectively include a recess 1221'. When the first and second side frame portions 122' and 123' are assembled together, the recess 1221' of the first side frame portion 122' can be aligned with the recess 1221' of the second side frame portions 123' so as to define an opening 125' through which an end of the detent 191', being biased by the spring 192', can extend on an outside of the frame 12'.

* [0037] The driving part 132' can have a flange 1321' that can come in contact with and move apart from an end of the detent 191'. Once it is assembled with the frame 12', the driving part 132' can have two opposite sides that can respectively

S

contact with the driving member 14' and the detent 191', so that the driving member 14' and the detent 191' can be selectively driven in movement by the driving part 132'.

[0038] In Figures 7 and 10, the anchor attachment structure 100' is shown in a locking state. In the locking state, the obstructing extension 152' of the catch 15' lies across the engaging slots 121', such that the engaging slots 121' are substantially closed by the catch 15'. Moreover, the actuation knob 131' can be in a first position, and the biasing action of the spring 192' can urge the detent 191' to extend outward from the openings 125'.

[0039] Referring to Figures 7, 11 and 12, as the actuation knob 131" is rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), the driving part 132' can push the detent 191' to move downward so as to compress the spring 192'. As a result, the extension adjusting mechanism 19' can be turned from a locked state as shown in Figure 10 to an unlocked state as shown in Figure 12, which allows adjustment of the anchor attachment structure 100'. In one embodiment, a base 30 of the child safety seat can include a plurality of is locking openings 302. When the extension adjusting mechanism 19' is in the unlocked state, the anchor attachment structure 100' can be movable relative to the base and the child safety seat to adjust an extension of the anchor attachment structure 100'.

The detent 191' can engage through different locking openings 302 to hold the anchor attachment structure 100' at different positions between a ftilly extended positiori, and a retracted position facilitating storage. Accordingly, the anchor attachment structure 100' can be desirably concealed in the base 30, and can be adjusted in position relative to the anchorage 301' to accommodate different sizes of vehicle seats.

[0040] Referring to Figures 7, 10, 11 and 13, when the child safety seat is installed on the vehicle seat, the anchor attachment structure 100' can be pushed toward the fixed anchorage 301' of the vehicle seat so that the anchorage 301' inserts through the engaging slots 121'. As a result, the anchorage 301' can push the obstructing extension 152' of the catch 15 to rotate in a direction (e.g., anti-clockwise as shown in Figure 10), until the catch 15' reaches the unlocking state shown in Figure 13. While the catch 15' is rotating toward the unlocking state, the flange 151' is spaced apart from the driving member 14', and the spring 16' can twist to a loaded state. Once the anchorage 30l'is fully inserted into the engaging slots 121', the spring 16' can urge the catch 15' to rotate in a reverse direction (e.g., clockwise as shown in Figure 10), until it reaches the locking state shown in Figure 11. In this position, the obstructing extension 152' can lie in and substantially close the engaging slots 121' to block disengagement of the anchorage 301'. Accordingly, the anchorage 301' can be restrained held and locked in place in the engaging slots 121'.

[0041] Referring to Figure 11, when the child safety seat has to be removed from the vehicle seat, the actuation knob 131' and the driving part 132' can be rotated in a second direction (e.g., anticlobkwise). Owing to the cooperation between the elongated slots 141' and the fasteners 18', the driving member 14' can be driven by the driving part 132' to move in a direction (e.g., to the left side as shown in the figures) for pushing the catch 15' in rotation about the connecting pin 17'. This rotation of the catch 15' can cause the spring 16' to twist to a loaded state, and have the obstructing extension 152' travel out of the engaging slots 121'. The anchor attachment structure 100' can be thereby turned to an unlocked state, as shown* in Figure 13. Then the anchor attachment structure 100' can be pulled away so that the anchorage 301' is removed from the engaging slots 121'. Eventually, the actuation knob 131' can be released, and the spring 16' can urge the catch 15' to rotate about the connecting pin 17' such that the obstructing extension 152' can recover its position in the engaging slots 121' shown in Figure 10.

[0042J It is noted that while the actuation knob 131' is rotated clockwise as shown in Figure 11, the flange 1321' of the driving part 132' can be in contact with the detent 191' to effectively prevent excessive rotation of the actuation knob 131'.

10043] Figures 14-16 are schematic views illustrating an anôhor attachment.

structure 100" according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The anchor attachment structure 100" can include a frame 12", a release actuator 13", a driving member 14", a catch 15", a spring 16", a connecting pin 17" and a biasing assembly 20". The biasing assembly 20" can be movably connected with the frame 12". The connection of the other elements may be similar to the first and second embodiments described previously.

[0044] In one embodiment, the release actuator 13" and the driving member 14" can be formed integrally in a single body.

[0045] The catch 15" can have a distal end forming a contact portion 151", and an obstructing extension 152". The frame 12" can have a. guide slot 126" of an arc shape. The contact portion 151" can be guided in movement along the guide. slot 126", so that the obstructing extension 152" can travel into and out of the engaging slots 121 ". The movements of the catch 15" can be driven by the action of the driving member 14" and the spring 16". . / 100461 The biasing assembly 20" can include a spring 201" and an ejector 202". The spring 201" can have two ends respectively connected with thc driving member 14'.' and the ejector 202". The spring 201" can urge the ejector 202" toward an end opening of the engaging slot 121".

[0047J As shown in Figure 17, when the child safety seat i's installed on the vehicle seat, the anchor attachment structure 100" can be pushed toward the, fixed anchorage 301" of the vehicle seat so that the anchorage 301" inserts through the engaging slots 121". As a result, the anchorage 301." can push the obstructing extension 152" in rotation (e.g., clockwise as shown in Figure 17), and the contact portion 151" can slide along the guide slot 126". Meanwhile, the anchorage 301" can also push the ejector 202" to move toward the left side as shown in Figure 17 to compress the spring 201 ", and the spring 16" can twist to a loaded, state. Once the anchorage 301" is fully inserted into the engaging slots 121", the spring 16" can urge the catch 15" to rotate in a reverse direction (e.g., anticlockwise as'shown in Figure 18), is until it reaches the locking state shown in Figure 18. In this position, the obstructing extension 152" can lie in the engaging slots 121" to block disengagement of the anchorage 301 ". Accordingly, the anchorage 301" can be restrainedly held and locked in place in the engaging slots 121".

[0048J Referring tQ Figures 18 and 19, when the child safety seat has to be removed from the vehicle seat, the release aôtuator 13" can be displaced in a direction (e.g., toward the right side as shown in Figure 19) to cause an end of the driving member 14" to abut and push against the contact portion 151" of the catch 15". As a result, the catch 15" can rotate clockwise about the connecting pin 17" whereas the spring 16" can twist to a loaded state, which results in the obstructing extension 152" traveling but of the engaging slots 121" to release the anchorage 301 ". In the resulting unlocking state shown in Figure 19, the spring 201" can push the ejector 202" to eject the anchorage 301" out of the engaging slots 121". Then the release actuator 13" can be released, and the spring 16" can urge the catch 15" to. rotate anticlockwise about the connecting pin 17", whereby the obstructing extension 152" can recover its position extending into the engaging slots 121" as shOwn in Figure 17.

* [0049] As described previously, the driving member (e.g., 14, 14'or 14") of the anchor attachment structure can have a first end connected with the release actuator (e.g., 13, 13' or 13"), and a second end in contact with the catch (e.g., 15, 15' or 15").

*The driving member can connect with the release actuator, for example, by* contacting or engaging therewith, by being joined thereto, by being integrally formed with the release actuator, or similarly co-operating therewith. By operating the release actuator, the catch can be biased by a spring action to extend into the engaging slots (e.g., 121, 121' or 121") for restrainedly holding an anchorage of the vehicle seat. In addition, the catch can also be driven by the driving member to travel out of the engaging slots; such that the anchorage can be removed from the slots. The anchor attachment structures described herein can be simple in construction, and easily assembled.

[0050] Some embodiments also provide a child safety seat, which can include a base 30, and an anchor attachment structure 100 (or 100' or 100") mounted with the base 30. The anehor attachment structure 100 can be used to fasten the child safety seat with an anchorage 301 of the vehicle seat. * [00511 As shown in Figure 12, the base 30 can include at least two locking openings 302. The anchor attachment structure 100 can be movably installed on the base 30. The anchor attachment structure 100 can include the frame 12, the release actuator 13, the driving member 14, the catch 15, and the extension adjusting mechanism 19. The construction and operation of the aforementioned elements may be as described previously.

[0052] Realizations in accordance with the present invention therefore have been described only in the context of particular embodiments. These embodiments are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided for components described herein as a single instance. Structures *and functionality presented as discrete components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented * as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, arid improvements may fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.