US20180236900A1 - Child safety seat anchor assembly - Google Patents
Child safety seat anchor assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180236900A1 US20180236900A1 US15/439,373 US201715439373A US2018236900A1 US 20180236900 A1 US20180236900 A1 US 20180236900A1 US 201715439373 A US201715439373 A US 201715439373A US 2018236900 A1 US2018236900 A1 US 2018236900A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lower anchor
- normally open
- open switch
- seat
- child safety
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 37
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 37
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000001131 transforming effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 10
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006223 plastic coating Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012811 non-conductive material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011179 visual inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/002—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
- B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
- B60N2/06—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable slidable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
- B60N2/22—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/26—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
- B60N2/28—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/26—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
- B60N2/28—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
- B60N2/2887—Fixation to a transversal anchorage bar, e.g. isofix
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
- B60N2/26—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
- B60N2/28—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
- B60N2/2887—Fixation to a transversal anchorage bar, e.g. isofix
- B60N2/2893—Fixation to a transversal anchorage bar, e.g. isofix coupled to the seat sub-frame
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/005—Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles, e.g. dismountable auxiliary seats
- B60N2002/0055—Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles, e.g. dismountable auxiliary seats characterised by special measures to ensure that no seat or seat part collides, during its movement, with other seats, seat parts or the vehicle itself
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to child safety seat lower anchor assemblies in passenger vehicles and a method to prevent a front seat from interfering with a child safety seat located behind the front seat.
- Child safety seats for use in the automobile were developed. These child safety seats provide greater protection for the child occupant in the event of a collision.
- the term “child safety seat” encompasses, but is not limited to, both a baby car seat and a booster seat, and includes both a rear-facing child safety seat and a forward-facing child safety seat.
- a child safety seat in turn, has matching attachment systems that allow the child safety seat to attach to the lower anchors.
- Some child safety seats provide a flexible belt connecting the attachment system to the child safety seat.
- Other child safety seats provide a rigid attachment system.
- a child safety seat only works for its intended purpose of increasing child occupant safety when the seat is properly attached.
- vehicles have not provided the operator with any indication that a child safety seat is fully attached to both of the lower anchors.
- a vehicle operator cannot be certain that the child safety seat has been properly attached to the lower anchors.
- a front seat occupant may inadvertently move the front seatback toward the child safety seat and interfere with the child safety seat or the child occupant.
- the front seat occupant may move the front seatback into the structure of the child safety seat, when the child safety seat is rear facing, moving the child safety seat out of a position optimal for child safety.
- the front seat occupant may move the front seatback into the child's legs, when the child safety seat is front facing.
- vehicles have not prevented the front seat from interfering with child safety seats or occupants thereof in these manners.
- a lower anchor assembly comprises a segment of an electrical circuit comprising a lower anchor and a normally open switch, the normally open switch having a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the normally open switch is not in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of an electrical circuit is open, and, in the second position, the normally open switch is in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of an electrical circuit is closed.
- the closing of this segment of the electrical circuit can be used to supply an input signal to a controller in the vehicle programmed to notify the operator that a child safety seat has been attached, solving the problem of a vehicle operator not knowing whether a child safety seat has been properly attached to a lower anchor.
- a method of preventing a front seat occupant in a vehicle from interfering with a child safety seat or child safety seat occupant located behind the front seat comprises: presenting a vehicle including a pair of lower anchor assemblies each comprising a segment of an electrical circuit comprising a lower anchor, a normally open switch having a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the normally open switch is not in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of an electrical circuit is open, and, in the second position, the normally open switch is in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of the electrical circuit is closed, a front seat, and a rear seat located behind the front seat, the rear seat including a seatback and a bottom cushion, the pair of lower anchor assemblies accessible between the seatback and the bottom cushion, the front seat having a first position, a second position nearer the rear seat than the first position, and a third position nearer the rear seat than the second position; presenting a child safety seat comprising a lower anchor attachment system
- a vehicle rear seat comprises a pair of lower anchor assemblies accessible between a seatback and a bottom cushion, wherein each of the pair of lower anchor assemblies comprise a segment of an electrical circuit comprising a lower anchor, a normally open switch having a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the normally open switch is not in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of an electrical circuit is open, and, in the second position, the normally open switch is in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of the electrical circuit is closed.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interior of an automobile illustrating lower anchors disposed within a rear seat;
- FIG. 2A is a perspective view of child safety seat illustrating one embodiment of a lower anchor attachment system
- FIG. 2B is a perspective close up view of another embodiment of a lower anchor attachment system, illustrating an anchor clip housed within an elongated housing;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a child safety seat attached to a rear seat with a close up illustration of a clip attached to a lower anchor;
- FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a lower anchor assembly, according to one embodiment, illustrating a normally open switch in a first position
- FIG. 4B is a side view of a lower anchor assembly, according to one embodiment, illustrating a normally open switch in a first position
- FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a lower anchor assembly, according to one embodiment, illustrating a normally open switch in a closed second position
- FIG. 4D is a side view of a lower anchor assembly, according to one embodiment, illustrating a normally open switch in a closed second position
- FIG. 5A is an electrical circuit diagram illustrating a pair of lower anchor assemblies wired in series, each having a normally open switch in a first position;
- FIG. 5B is an electrical circuit diagram illustrating a pair of lower anchor assemblies wired in series, each having a normally open switch in a closed second position, forming a closed circuit and providing an input;
- FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a vehicle with a rear-facing child safety seat attached to an embodiment of a lower anchor assembly showing a child safety seat indicator display;
- FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a vehicle with a forward-facing child safety seat attached to an embodiment of a lower anchor assembly showing a child safety seat indicator display.
- FIG. 1 an interior of a vehicle 10 is illustrated, along with a pair of front seats 12 disposed near the front of the vehicle 10 and rear seats 14 disposed behind the front seats 12 .
- the vehicle may have one large front seat 12 .
- Many vehicles 10 include an electronic dashboard display 76 , which can provide vehicle operational information, climate controls, entertainment controls, navigation displays, etc.
- a front seat 12 is typically movable relative to the rear seat 14 .
- the front seat 12 can be located in a first position 68 relative to the rear seat 14 , defined by a distance from the rear seat 14 .
- the front seat 12 can be located in a second position 70 relative to the rear seat 14 . In the second position 70 , the front seat 12 is nearer to the rear seat 14 than when the front seat 12 is in the first position 68 .
- the front seat 12 can be located in a third position 72 relative to the rear seat 14 . In the third position 72 , the front seat 12 is nearer to the rear seat 14 than when the front seat 12 is in the second position 70 .
- the front seat 12 would be so close to the rear seat 14 that it would interfere with a child safety seat 22 that was placed on the rear seat 14 or collide with a child 74 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B ) occupying the child safety seat 22 . Therefore, when a child safety seat 22 (see FIG. 2A ) is placed onto the rear seat 14 , the front seat 12 should be able to move from the first position 68 to the second position 70 but not beyond the second position 70 to the third position 72 .
- the rear seat 14 typically includes a bottom cushion 16 and a seatback 18 .
- Lower anchors 20 to which a child safety seat 22 could attach are disposed generally where the bottom cushion 16 meets the seatback 18 .
- Some vehicles may use a third row of seating, utilizing one or more rear seats 14 each with their own pair of lower anchors 20 .
- the lower anchors 20 are recessed between the bottom cushion 16 and seatback 18 , making visual inspection difficult.
- Lower anchors 20 are typically made from metal, which is a conductor of electricity.
- the child safety seat 22 includes an attachment system 24 to attach the child safety seat 22 to a pair of lower anchors 20 .
- the attachment system 24 illustrated here includes a flexible strap 26 and a pair of clips 28 .
- Some child safety seats 22 house a clip 28 within an elongated rigid housing 30 , as illustrated in FIG. 2B .
- a release button 80 releases the clip 28 , allowing the clip 28 to disconnect from a lower anchor 20 .
- a vehicle user will place the child safety seat 22 onto a rear seat 14 , attach one clip 28 to a lower anchor 20 and attach the other clip 28 to the other lower anchor 20 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a child safety seat 22 installed on a rear seat 14 , with one clip 28 properly attached to a lower anchor 20 on the left side and the other clip 28 properly attached to another lower anchor 20 on the right side.
- the lower anchor assembly 32 comprises a segment of an electrical circuit 34 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B for the segment of an electrical circuit 34 forming part of an example complete circuit, discussed more fully below).
- the segment of an electrical circuit 34 comprises a lower anchor 20 and a normally open switch 36 .
- the normally open switch 36 includes an electrically conductive material, such as metal.
- the lower anchor 20 is in electrical communication with a conductive wire 38 and the normally open switch 36 is in electrical communication with a conductive wire 40 .
- the normally open switch 36 is here illustrated in a first position 42 . In this first position 42 , the normally open switch 36 is not in electrical communication with the lower anchor 20 .
- FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of what is illustrated in FIG. 4A .
- the normally open switch 36 is illustrated in a second position 44 , in FIG. 4C .
- the normally open switch 36 is in electrical communication with the lower anchor 20 .
- a clip 28 (see FIG. 4D ) of a child safety seat 22 has forced the normally open switch 36 to the second position 44 . Therefore, this segment of an electrical circuit 34 is closed and can be used to conduct electricity. Because this segment of an electrical circuit 34 is closed, electricity can flow from wire 38 , to lower anchor 20 , to normally open switch 36 , and to wire 40 , or the opposite way.
- FIG. 4D illustrates a side view of what is illustrated in FIG. 4C .
- a non-conductive separator 46 separates and therefore dielectrically isolates the metal electrically conductive portion 48 of the normally open switch 36 from the metal electrically conductive portion 50 of the lower anchor 20 .
- the non-conductive separator 46 can be a plastic coating or dielectric jacket covering a portion of the normally open switch 36 .
- the non-conductive separator 46 can be a plastic coating or dielectric jacket covering a portion of the lower anchor 20 .
- the non-conductive separator 46 can be made from any non-conductive material. The point of the non-conductive separator 46 is to allow the normally open switch 36 and the lower anchor 20 to be attached to each other without that attachment forming an electrical connection.
- the lower anchor 20 can include a U-shaped terminal portion 52 .
- the U-shaped terminal portion 52 can include an inside width 54 .
- the normally open switch 36 can include a U-shaped terminal portion 56 that has an inside width 58 .
- the inside width 58 of the U-shaped terminal portion 56 of the normally open switch 36 can be approximately equal to the inside width 54 of the U-shaped terminal portion 52 of the lower anchor 20 .
- the normally open switch 36 will substantially overlap the lower anchor 20 and cover the lower anchor 20 when the normally open switch 36 is forced into the second position 44 thus creating a more stable electrical connection.
- the normally open switch 36 can include a rounded edge 60 at the outer end.
- the rounded edge 60 can be rounded in the direction of the lower anchor 20 .
- the rounded edge 60 facilitates the clip 28 sliding over both the lower anchor 20 and the normally open switch 36 during attachment.
- the normally open switch 36 can include a bend 62 that angles the switch upwards.
- the bend 62 acts as a spring that maintains the normally open switch 36 in the first position 42 and keeps this segment of the electrical circuit 34 open, unless a clip 28 forces the normally open switch 36 downward into the second position 44 , thus closing this segment of the electrical circuit 34 .
- the bend 62 could occur approximately at one point, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D , or throughout a length of the normally open switch 36 .
- both lower anchors 20 utilized could implement an embodiment of the inventive lower anchor assembly 32 described herein.
- one lower anchor 20 will make part of a segment of an electrical circuit 34 and the other lower anchor 20 will make part of a separate segment of an electrical circuit 34 .
- FIG. 5A an example electrical circuit diagram is illustrated.
- This diagram shows a pair of lower anchor assemblies 32 connected in series. More specifically, the figure illustrates a first lower anchor assembly 32 comprising a segment of an electrical circuit 34 , which in turn includes a wire 40 electrically connected to a normally open switch 36 , a lower anchor 20 , and a wire 38 electrically connected to the lower anchor 20 .
- the wire 38 is then electrically connected to the second, spaced apart, lower anchor assembly 32 likewise comprising a segment of an electrical circuit 34 , which in turn likewise includes a wire 40 electrically connected to a normally open switch 36 , a lower anchor 20 , and a wire 38 electrically connected to the lower anchor 20 .
- a power source 64 completes the electrical circuit.
- the normally open switches 36 are illustrated in FIG. 5A in an open first position 42 . Therefore, the electrical circuit is open and electricity is not conducted through the circuit.
- FIG. 5B the same circuit is illustrated as in FIG. 5A , except that now the child safety seat 22 attachment system 24 has forced the normally open switches 36 to the closed second position 44 . Therefore, the electrical circuit is closed and electricity can flow through the circuit. If the attachment system 24 has not forced both of the two normally open switches 36 to the second position 44 , closing the circuit, then electricity would not be able flow through the circuit. Both clips 28 of the attachment system 24 must be properly attached to the pair of lower anchor assemblies 32 for the circuit to close. Because the circuit is now closed, electricity flows providing an input signal 66 that can be used for a variety of purposes, as discussed more fully below.
- the lower anchor assembly 32 can be used as part of a method of preventing a front seat 12 in a vehicle 10 from interfering with a child safety seat 22 or child safety seat occupant 74 located behind the front seat 12 .
- a person could present a vehicle 10 having an embodiment of the inventive lower anchor assembly 32 described herein.
- the vehicle 10 would incorporate a pair of lower anchor assemblies 32 , one for both of the clips 28 employed as the attachment system 24 of a child safety seat 22 .
- Each of the two lower anchor assemblies 32 could incorporate a segment of an electrical circuit 34 comprising a lower anchor 20 , a normally open switch 36 having a first position 42 and a second position 44 . In the first position 42 , the normally open switch 36 is not in electrical communication with the lower anchor 20 .
- the segment of an electrical circuit 34 is open, i.e., not conductive.
- the normally open switch 36 is in electrical communication with the lower anchor 20 .
- the segment of an electrical circuit 34 is closed, i.e., conductive.
- the vehicle 10 has a front seat 12 and a rear seat 14 located behind the front seat 12 .
- the rear seat 14 includes a seatback 18 and a bottom cushion 16 .
- the pair of lower anchor assemblies 32 are accessible between the seatback 18 and the bottom cushion 16 .
- the front seat 12 has a first position 68 , a second position 70 nearer the rear seat 14 than the first position 68 , and a third position 72 nearer the rear seat 14 than the second position 70 .
- each segment of the electrical circuit 34 can conduct electricity and provide an input 66 .
- a controller (not shown) can use this input 66 and electronically allow the front seat 12 to move from the first position 68 to the second position 70 but not beyond the second position 70 to the third position 72 . Without the input 66 , such as when a normally open switch 36 remains open, the controller could have electronically allowed the front seat 12 to move from the first position 68 to the third position 72 . By preventing the front seat 12 from moving beyond the second position 70 to the third position 72 , this method has prevented the front seat 12 from interfering with the child safety seat 22 (as illustrated in FIG. 6A ) or a child 74 occupying the child safety seat 22 (as illustrated in FIG. 6B ).
- the vehicle 10 includes a child safety seat indicator display 78 .
- the child safety seat indicator display 78 could be displayed on a dashboard display 76 , such as a graphic on an electronic screen, or as a light not on an electronic screen that can turn on and off.
- the child safety seat indicator display 78 can have a first value 82 and a second value 84 .
- the first value 82 for example, could indicate “no child safety seat,” some statement or graphic providing the same information (such as shown in FIG. 1 ), or could just be null.
- the second value 84 for example, could indicate “child safety seat present” or some statement or graphic providing the same information (such as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B ).
- the indicator display 78 can display the first value 82 when the when the normally open switch 36 of at least one of the pair of lower anchor assemblies 32 to which the child safety seat 22 could be attached is in the first position 42 . In this situation, the electrical circuit is open and not generating an input 66 for a controller to use.
- the indicator display 78 can display the second value 84 when the normally open switch 36 of both of the lower anchor assemblies 32 to which the child safety seat 22 is attached is in the second position 44 . In this situation, the electrical circuit is closed and is generating an input 66 for a controller to use. If a child safety seat 22 is properly attached, the vehicle 10 can display the second value 84 . When the input 66 is supplied, the controller uses that information to cause (such as via a program) indicator display 78 to display the second value 84 instead of the first value 82 .
- the vehicle 10 can automatically move the front seat 12 to a position ranging from the first position 68 to the second position 70 , if the front seat 12 is in the third position 72 when a child safety seat 22 has been properly attached to a pair of lower anchor assemblies 32 described herein, and input 66 is thus generated. More specifically, the controller could notice input 66 and (via a program) use this information to check to see if the front seat 12 is in the third position 72 , and if so, instruct a motor to move the front seat 12 away from the third position 72 . So moving the front seat 12 away from the third position 72 could prevent the front seat 12 from interfering with the proper position of the child safety seat 22 that has now been attached to the lower anchor assemblies 32 or a child 74 occupying said child safety seat 22 .
Abstract
The problem of a front seat occupant moving the front seatback so far so as to interfere with the proper positioning of a rear-facing child safety seat or to touch a child's legs while sitting in a front-facing child safety seat is solved by transforming the lower anchor into a segment of an electrical circuit with a normally open switch that is forced to the closed position when a child safety seat attachment system has attached to the lower anchor and the vehicle prevents the front seat from moving beyond a present distance toward the rear seat. The closing of the electrical circuit can be used to supply an input signal to a controller in the vehicle programmed to notify the operator that a child safety seat has been attached to prevent the front seat from moving beyond a fixed distance from the rear seat.
Description
- The present invention generally relates to child safety seat lower anchor assemblies in passenger vehicles and a method to prevent a front seat from interfering with a child safety seat located behind the front seat.
- Since the invention of the automobile, automobile manufacturers have prioritized passenger safety. From seat belts to inflatable air bags to headlights, automobile manufacturers provide many features to increase passenger safety. These safety features have prevented innumerable injuries.
- At some point since the invention of the automobile, child safety seats for use in the automobile were developed. These child safety seats provide greater protection for the child occupant in the event of a collision. Some countries now have laws requiring the use of a baby car seat designed specifically for children two years of age and younger. In addition, some countries have laws requiring children older than two years but under a set height (such as 4 feet 9 inches) to use a “booster” seat that places the child in a better position to use a seat belt. The term “child safety seat” encompasses, but is not limited to, both a baby car seat and a booster seat, and includes both a rear-facing child safety seat and a forward-facing child safety seat.
- International standards have been developed regulating the position of attachment points on a vehicle seat to which a child safety seat can be attached. These international standards are sometimes referred to as “ISOFIX” or, in the United States of America, “LATCH.” LATCH is an acronym for “Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren.” Among other things, these international standards require two attachment points, called “lower anchors” or just “anchors,” at the base of the seat where the seatback meets the bottom cushion. Typically, the lower anchors are to be spaced approximately 11 inches apart.
- A child safety seat, in turn, has matching attachment systems that allow the child safety seat to attach to the lower anchors. Some child safety seats provide a flexible belt connecting the attachment system to the child safety seat. Other child safety seats provide a rigid attachment system.
- The use of a child safety seat presents certain problems. For example, a child safety seat only works for its intended purpose of increasing child occupant safety when the seat is properly attached. However, heretofore, vehicles have not provided the operator with any indication that a child safety seat is fully attached to both of the lower anchors. Thus, a vehicle operator cannot be certain that the child safety seat has been properly attached to the lower anchors.
- In addition, a front seat occupant may inadvertently move the front seatback toward the child safety seat and interfere with the child safety seat or the child occupant. The front seat occupant may move the front seatback into the structure of the child safety seat, when the child safety seat is rear facing, moving the child safety seat out of a position optimal for child safety. The front seat occupant may move the front seatback into the child's legs, when the child safety seat is front facing. Heretofore, vehicles have not prevented the front seat from interfering with child safety seats or occupants thereof in these manners.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, a lower anchor assembly comprises a segment of an electrical circuit comprising a lower anchor and a normally open switch, the normally open switch having a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the normally open switch is not in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of an electrical circuit is open, and, in the second position, the normally open switch is in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of an electrical circuit is closed. The closing of this segment of the electrical circuit can be used to supply an input signal to a controller in the vehicle programmed to notify the operator that a child safety seat has been attached, solving the problem of a vehicle operator not knowing whether a child safety seat has been properly attached to a lower anchor.
- Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention can include any one or a combination of the following features:
-
- the lower anchor assembly further comprising a non-conductive separator, the normally open switch including an electrically conductive portion and the lower anchor including an electrically conductive portion, wherein the normally open switch and the lower anchor are attached together with a non-conductive separator separating the electrically conductive portion of the normally open switch from the electrically conductive portion of the lower anchor;
- the lower anchor comprising a U-shaped terminal portion having an inside width, the normally open switch further comprising a U-shaped terminal portion also having an inside width, wherein the inside width of the U-shaped terminal portion of the lower anchor is approximately equal to the inside width of the U-shaped terminal portion of the normally open switch;
- the normally open switch including a rounded edge, wherein the rounded edge is rounded in a direction toward the lower anchor; and
- the normally open switch further comprising a bend that acts as a spring maintaining the normally open switch in the first position unless forced into the second position.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method of preventing a front seat occupant in a vehicle from interfering with a child safety seat or child safety seat occupant located behind the front seat comprises: presenting a vehicle including a pair of lower anchor assemblies each comprising a segment of an electrical circuit comprising a lower anchor, a normally open switch having a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the normally open switch is not in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of an electrical circuit is open, and, in the second position, the normally open switch is in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of the electrical circuit is closed, a front seat, and a rear seat located behind the front seat, the rear seat including a seatback and a bottom cushion, the pair of lower anchor assemblies accessible between the seatback and the bottom cushion, the front seat having a first position, a second position nearer the rear seat than the first position, and a third position nearer the rear seat than the second position; presenting a child safety seat comprising a lower anchor attachment system including a pair of clips; placing the child safety seat onto the bottom cushion of the rear seat; connecting one of the clips to one of the pair of lower anchor assemblies, thus forcing the normally open switch of one of the lower anchor assemblies to the second position; connecting the other clip to the other of the pair of lower anchor assemblies, thus forcing the normally open switch of the other lower anchor assembly to the second position; and allowing the front seat to move from the first position to the second position but not beyond the second position to the third position. This method solves the problem of a front seat occupant moving the front seatback so far so as to interfere with the proper positioning of a rear-facing child safety seat or to touch the child's legs while sitting in a front-facing child safety seat.
- Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention can include any one or a combination of the following features:
-
- the vehicle further including a child safety seat indicator display having a first value and a second value, wherein the child safety seat indicator display displays the first value when the normally open switch of at least one of the pair of lower anchor assemblies is in the first position and the child safety seat indicator displays the second value when the normally open switch of both of the pair of lower anchor assemblies are in the second position, the method further comprising displaying the second value; and
- moving the front seat to a position ranging from the first position to the second position, if the front seat is in the third position.
- According to a third aspect of the present invention, a vehicle rear seat comprises a pair of lower anchor assemblies accessible between a seatback and a bottom cushion, wherein each of the pair of lower anchor assemblies comprise a segment of an electrical circuit comprising a lower anchor, a normally open switch having a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the normally open switch is not in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of an electrical circuit is open, and, in the second position, the normally open switch is in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of the electrical circuit is closed.
- Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention can include any one or a combination of the following features:
-
- each of the pair of lower anchor assemblies further comprising a non-conductive separator, the normally open switch including an electrically conductive portion and the lower anchor including an electrically conductive portion, wherein the normally open switch and the lower anchor are attached together with a non-conductive separator separating the electrically conductive portion of the normally open switch from the electrically conductive portion of the lower anchor;
- the lower anchor comprising a U-shaped terminal portion having an inside width, the normally open switch further comprising a U-shaped terminal portion also having an inside width, wherein the inside width of the U-shaped terminal portion of the lower anchor is approximately equal to the inside width of the U-shaped terminal portion of the normally open switch;
- the normally open switch including a rounded edge, wherein the rounded edge is rounded in a direction toward the lower anchor; and
- the normally open switch further comprising a bend that acts as a spring maintaining the normally open switch in the first position unless forced into the second position.
- These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interior of an automobile illustrating lower anchors disposed within a rear seat; -
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of child safety seat illustrating one embodiment of a lower anchor attachment system; -
FIG. 2B is a perspective close up view of another embodiment of a lower anchor attachment system, illustrating an anchor clip housed within an elongated housing; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a child safety seat attached to a rear seat with a close up illustration of a clip attached to a lower anchor; -
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a lower anchor assembly, according to one embodiment, illustrating a normally open switch in a first position; -
FIG. 4B is a side view of a lower anchor assembly, according to one embodiment, illustrating a normally open switch in a first position; -
FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a lower anchor assembly, according to one embodiment, illustrating a normally open switch in a closed second position; -
FIG. 4D is a side view of a lower anchor assembly, according to one embodiment, illustrating a normally open switch in a closed second position; -
FIG. 5A is an electrical circuit diagram illustrating a pair of lower anchor assemblies wired in series, each having a normally open switch in a first position; -
FIG. 5B is an electrical circuit diagram illustrating a pair of lower anchor assemblies wired in series, each having a normally open switch in a closed second position, forming a closed circuit and providing an input; -
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a vehicle with a rear-facing child safety seat attached to an embodiment of a lower anchor assembly showing a child safety seat indicator display; -
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a vehicle with a forward-facing child safety seat attached to an embodiment of a lower anchor assembly showing a child safety seat indicator display. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , an interior of avehicle 10 is illustrated, along with a pair offront seats 12 disposed near the front of thevehicle 10 andrear seats 14 disposed behind thefront seats 12. Instead of separatefront seats 12, the vehicle may have one largefront seat 12.Many vehicles 10 include anelectronic dashboard display 76, which can provide vehicle operational information, climate controls, entertainment controls, navigation displays, etc. - A
front seat 12 is typically movable relative to therear seat 14. For example, thefront seat 12 can be located in afirst position 68 relative to therear seat 14, defined by a distance from therear seat 14. In addition, thefront seat 12 can be located in asecond position 70 relative to therear seat 14. In thesecond position 70, thefront seat 12 is nearer to therear seat 14 than when thefront seat 12 is in thefirst position 68. Further, thefront seat 12 can be located in athird position 72 relative to therear seat 14. In thethird position 72, thefront seat 12 is nearer to therear seat 14 than when thefront seat 12 is in thesecond position 70. If thefront seat 12 were in thethird position 72, thefront seat 12 would be so close to therear seat 14 that it would interfere with achild safety seat 22 that was placed on therear seat 14 or collide with a child 74 (seeFIGS. 6A and 6B ) occupying thechild safety seat 22. Therefore, when a child safety seat 22 (seeFIG. 2A ) is placed onto therear seat 14, thefront seat 12 should be able to move from thefirst position 68 to thesecond position 70 but not beyond thesecond position 70 to thethird position 72. - The
rear seat 14 typically includes abottom cushion 16 and aseatback 18. Lower anchors 20 to which achild safety seat 22 could attach are disposed generally where thebottom cushion 16 meets theseatback 18. Some vehicles may use a third row of seating, utilizing one or morerear seats 14 each with their own pair of lower anchors 20. Sometimes thelower anchors 20 are recessed between thebottom cushion 16 andseatback 18, making visual inspection difficult. Lower anchors 20 are typically made from metal, which is a conductor of electricity. - Referring to
FIG. 2A , a typical front-facingchild safety seat 22 is illustrated. Thechild safety seat 22 includes anattachment system 24 to attach thechild safety seat 22 to a pair of lower anchors 20. Theattachment system 24 illustrated here includes aflexible strap 26 and a pair ofclips 28. Somechild safety seats 22 house aclip 28 within an elongatedrigid housing 30, as illustrated inFIG. 2B . Arelease button 80 releases theclip 28, allowing theclip 28 to disconnect from alower anchor 20. In use, a vehicle user will place thechild safety seat 22 onto arear seat 14, attach oneclip 28 to alower anchor 20 and attach theother clip 28 to the otherlower anchor 20.FIG. 3 illustrates achild safety seat 22 installed on arear seat 14, with oneclip 28 properly attached to alower anchor 20 on the left side and theother clip 28 properly attached to anotherlower anchor 20 on the right side. - Referring to
FIG. 4A , an embodiment of alower anchor assembly 32 is illustrated. In this embodiment, thelower anchor assembly 32 comprises a segment of an electrical circuit 34 (seeFIGS. 5A and 5B for the segment of anelectrical circuit 34 forming part of an example complete circuit, discussed more fully below). The segment of anelectrical circuit 34 comprises alower anchor 20 and a normallyopen switch 36. The normallyopen switch 36 includes an electrically conductive material, such as metal. Thelower anchor 20 is in electrical communication with aconductive wire 38 and the normallyopen switch 36 is in electrical communication with aconductive wire 40. The normallyopen switch 36 is here illustrated in afirst position 42. In thisfirst position 42, the normallyopen switch 36 is not in electrical communication with thelower anchor 20. Because the normallyopen switch 36 is not in electrical communication with thelower anchor 20, this segment of anelectrical circuit 34 is open and could not be used to conduct electricity. That is, this segment of anelectrical circuit 34 is not closed. The term “normally open” signifies that theswitch 36 will not physically be in a position relative to thelower anchor 20 to conduct electricity with thelower anchor 20 unless physically forced into contact with thelower anchor 20 by an outside force.FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of what is illustrated inFIG. 4A . - The normally
open switch 36 is illustrated in asecond position 44, inFIG. 4C . In thissecond position 44, the normallyopen switch 36 is in electrical communication with thelower anchor 20. A clip 28 (seeFIG. 4D ) of achild safety seat 22 has forced the normallyopen switch 36 to thesecond position 44. Therefore, this segment of anelectrical circuit 34 is closed and can be used to conduct electricity. Because this segment of anelectrical circuit 34 is closed, electricity can flow fromwire 38, to loweranchor 20, to normallyopen switch 36, and to wire 40, or the opposite way.FIG. 4D illustrates a side view of what is illustrated inFIG. 4C . - A
non-conductive separator 46 separates and therefore dielectrically isolates the metal electricallyconductive portion 48 of the normallyopen switch 36 from the metal electricallyconductive portion 50 of thelower anchor 20. Thenon-conductive separator 46 can be a plastic coating or dielectric jacket covering a portion of the normallyopen switch 36. Alternatively, thenon-conductive separator 46 can be a plastic coating or dielectric jacket covering a portion of thelower anchor 20. Thenon-conductive separator 46 can be made from any non-conductive material. The point of thenon-conductive separator 46 is to allow the normallyopen switch 36 and thelower anchor 20 to be attached to each other without that attachment forming an electrical connection. - The
lower anchor 20 can include aU-shaped terminal portion 52. TheU-shaped terminal portion 52 can include aninside width 54. Likewise, the normallyopen switch 36 can include aU-shaped terminal portion 56 that has aninside width 58. Theinside width 58 of theU-shaped terminal portion 56 of the normallyopen switch 36 can be approximately equal to theinside width 54 of theU-shaped terminal portion 52 of thelower anchor 20. When said insidewidths open switch 36 will substantially overlap thelower anchor 20 and cover thelower anchor 20 when the normallyopen switch 36 is forced into thesecond position 44 thus creating a more stable electrical connection. - The normally
open switch 36 can include arounded edge 60 at the outer end. Therounded edge 60 can be rounded in the direction of thelower anchor 20. Therounded edge 60 facilitates theclip 28 sliding over both thelower anchor 20 and the normallyopen switch 36 during attachment. - The normally
open switch 36 can include abend 62 that angles the switch upwards. Thebend 62 acts as a spring that maintains the normallyopen switch 36 in thefirst position 42 and keeps this segment of theelectrical circuit 34 open, unless aclip 28 forces the normallyopen switch 36 downward into thesecond position 44, thus closing this segment of theelectrical circuit 34. Thebend 62 could occur approximately at one point, as illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4D , or throughout a length of the normallyopen switch 36. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 2A and 3 , and as mentioned above, proper attachment of achild safety seat 22 requires attaching afirst clip 28 to a firstlower anchor 20 and asecond clip 28 to a secondlower anchor 20, spaced apart from the firstlower anchor 20. Therefore, for avehicle 10 to provide an enhanced notification that achild safety seat 22 has been installed, bothlower anchors 20 utilized could implement an embodiment of the inventivelower anchor assembly 32 described herein. In other words, onelower anchor 20 will make part of a segment of anelectrical circuit 34 and the otherlower anchor 20 will make part of a separate segment of anelectrical circuit 34. - Referring to
FIG. 5A , an example electrical circuit diagram is illustrated. This diagram shows a pair oflower anchor assemblies 32 connected in series. More specifically, the figure illustrates a firstlower anchor assembly 32 comprising a segment of anelectrical circuit 34, which in turn includes awire 40 electrically connected to a normallyopen switch 36, alower anchor 20, and awire 38 electrically connected to thelower anchor 20. Thewire 38 is then electrically connected to the second, spaced apart,lower anchor assembly 32 likewise comprising a segment of anelectrical circuit 34, which in turn likewise includes awire 40 electrically connected to a normallyopen switch 36, alower anchor 20, and awire 38 electrically connected to thelower anchor 20. Apower source 64 completes the electrical circuit. The normallyopen switches 36 are illustrated inFIG. 5A in an openfirst position 42. Therefore, the electrical circuit is open and electricity is not conducted through the circuit. - Referring to
FIG. 5B , the same circuit is illustrated as inFIG. 5A , except that now thechild safety seat 22attachment system 24 has forced the normallyopen switches 36 to the closedsecond position 44. Therefore, the electrical circuit is closed and electricity can flow through the circuit. If theattachment system 24 has not forced both of the two normallyopen switches 36 to thesecond position 44, closing the circuit, then electricity would not be able flow through the circuit. Both clips 28 of theattachment system 24 must be properly attached to the pair oflower anchor assemblies 32 for the circuit to close. Because the circuit is now closed, electricity flows providing aninput signal 66 that can be used for a variety of purposes, as discussed more fully below. - The
lower anchor assembly 32 can be used as part of a method of preventing afront seat 12 in avehicle 10 from interfering with achild safety seat 22 or childsafety seat occupant 74 located behind thefront seat 12. In use, a person could present avehicle 10 having an embodiment of the inventivelower anchor assembly 32 described herein. Preferably, thevehicle 10 would incorporate a pair oflower anchor assemblies 32, one for both of theclips 28 employed as theattachment system 24 of achild safety seat 22. Each of the twolower anchor assemblies 32 could incorporate a segment of anelectrical circuit 34 comprising alower anchor 20, a normallyopen switch 36 having afirst position 42 and asecond position 44. In thefirst position 42, the normallyopen switch 36 is not in electrical communication with thelower anchor 20. Thus, in thefirst position 42, the segment of anelectrical circuit 34 is open, i.e., not conductive. In thesecond position 44, the normallyopen switch 36 is in electrical communication with thelower anchor 20. Thus, in thesecond position 44, the segment of anelectrical circuit 34 is closed, i.e., conductive. - The
vehicle 10 has afront seat 12 and arear seat 14 located behind thefront seat 12. Therear seat 14 includes aseatback 18 and abottom cushion 16. The pair oflower anchor assemblies 32 are accessible between theseatback 18 and thebottom cushion 16. Thefront seat 12 has afirst position 68, asecond position 70 nearer therear seat 14 than thefirst position 68, and athird position 72 nearer therear seat 14 than thesecond position 70. - The person then can present a
child safety seat 22, which includes a loweranchor attachment system 24, which can include a pair ofclips 28. The person then can place thechild safety seat 22 onto thebottom cushion 16 of therear seat 14. The person then can connect one of theclips 28 to one of thelower anchor assemblies 32. That forces the normallyopen switch 36 of thelower anchor assembly 32 at issue to thesecond position 44. The person then can connect theother clip 24 to the otherlower anchor assembly 32, thus likewise forcing the normallyopen switch 36 of thislower anchor assembly 32 to thesecond position 44. - Because the normally
open switch 36 of the pair oflower anchor assemblies 32 are now in thesecond position 44, each segment of theelectrical circuit 34, to which thelower anchor assembly 32 belongs, can conduct electricity and provide aninput 66. A controller (not shown) can use thisinput 66 and electronically allow thefront seat 12 to move from thefirst position 68 to thesecond position 70 but not beyond thesecond position 70 to thethird position 72. Without theinput 66, such as when a normallyopen switch 36 remains open, the controller could have electronically allowed thefront seat 12 to move from thefirst position 68 to thethird position 72. By preventing thefront seat 12 from moving beyond thesecond position 70 to thethird position 72, this method has prevented thefront seat 12 from interfering with the child safety seat 22 (as illustrated inFIG. 6A ) or achild 74 occupying the child safety seat 22 (as illustrated inFIG. 6B ). - As another feature of this method, the
vehicle 10 includes a child safety seat indicator display 78. The child safety seat indicator display 78 could be displayed on adashboard display 76, such as a graphic on an electronic screen, or as a light not on an electronic screen that can turn on and off. The child safety seat indicator display 78 can have afirst value 82 and a second value 84. Thefirst value 82, for example, could indicate “no child safety seat,” some statement or graphic providing the same information (such as shown inFIG. 1 ), or could just be null. The second value 84, for example, could indicate “child safety seat present” or some statement or graphic providing the same information (such as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B ). The indicator display 78 can display thefirst value 82 when the when the normallyopen switch 36 of at least one of the pair oflower anchor assemblies 32 to which thechild safety seat 22 could be attached is in thefirst position 42. In this situation, the electrical circuit is open and not generating aninput 66 for a controller to use. The indicator display 78 can display the second value 84 when the normallyopen switch 36 of both of thelower anchor assemblies 32 to which thechild safety seat 22 is attached is in thesecond position 44. In this situation, the electrical circuit is closed and is generating aninput 66 for a controller to use. If achild safety seat 22 is properly attached, thevehicle 10 can display the second value 84. When theinput 66 is supplied, the controller uses that information to cause (such as via a program) indicator display 78 to display the second value 84 instead of thefirst value 82. - As another feature of this method, the
vehicle 10 can automatically move thefront seat 12 to a position ranging from thefirst position 68 to thesecond position 70, if thefront seat 12 is in thethird position 72 when achild safety seat 22 has been properly attached to a pair oflower anchor assemblies 32 described herein, andinput 66 is thus generated. More specifically, the controller could noticeinput 66 and (via a program) use this information to check to see if thefront seat 12 is in thethird position 72, and if so, instruct a motor to move thefront seat 12 away from thethird position 72. So moving thefront seat 12 away from thethird position 72 could prevent thefront seat 12 from interfering with the proper position of thechild safety seat 22 that has now been attached to thelower anchor assemblies 32 or achild 74 occupying saidchild safety seat 22. - It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims (17)
1. A lower anchor assembly comprising a segment of an electrical circuit comprising a lower anchor and a normally open switch, the normally open switch having a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the normally open switch is not in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of an electrical circuit is open, and, in the second position, the normally open switch is in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of an electrical circuit is closed.
2. The lower anchor assembly of claim 1 further comprising a non-conductive separator, the normally open switch including an electrically conductive portion and the lower anchor including an electrically conductive portion, wherein the normally open switch and the lower anchor are attached together with a non-conductive separator separating the electrically conductive portion of the normally open switch from the electrically conductive portion of the lower anchor.
3. The lower anchor assembly of claim 1 , the lower anchor comprising a U-shaped terminal portion having an inside width, the normally open switch further comprising a U-shaped terminal portion also having an inside width, wherein the inside width of the U-shaped terminal portion of the lower anchor is approximately equal to the inside width of the U-shaped terminal portion of the normally open switch.
4. The lower anchor assembly of claim 3 , the normally open switch including a rounded edge, wherein the rounded edge is rounded in a direction toward the lower anchor.
5. The lower anchor assembly of claim 1 , the normally open switch further comprising a bend that acts as a spring maintaining the normally open switch in the first position unless forced into the second position.
6. A method of preventing a front seat occupant in a vehicle from interfering with a child safety seat or child safety seat occupant located behind the front seat comprising:
presenting a vehicle including a pair of lower anchor assemblies each comprising
a segment of an electrical circuit comprising a lower anchor, a normally open switch having a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the normally open switch is not in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of an electrical circuit is open, and, in the second position, the normally open switch is in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of the electrical circuit is closed,
a front seat,
and a rear seat located behind the front seat, the rear seat including a seatback and a bottom cushion,
the pair of lower anchor assemblies accessible between the seatback and the bottom cushion,
the front seat having a first position, a second position nearer the rear seat than the first position, and a third position nearer the rear seat than the second position;
presenting a child safety seat comprising a lower anchor attachment system including a pair of clips;
placing the child safety seat onto the bottom cushion of the rear seat;
connecting one of the clips to one of the pair of lower anchor assemblies, thus forcing the normally open switch of one of the lower anchor assemblies to the second position;
connecting the other clip to the other of the pair of lower anchor assemblies, thus forcing the normally open switch of the other lower anchor assembly to the second position; and
allowing the front seat to move from the first position to the second position but not beyond the second position to the third position.
7. The method of claim 6 ,
the vehicle further including a child safety seat indicator display having a first value and a second value, wherein the child safety seat indicator display displays the first value when the normally open switch of at least one of the pair of lower anchor assemblies is in the first position and the child safety seat indicator displays the second value when the normally open switch of both of the pair of lower anchor assemblies are in the second position,
further comprising displaying the second value.
8. The method of claim 6 further comprising moving the front seat to a position ranging from the first position to the second position, if the front seat is in the third position.
9. A vehicle rear seat comprising a pair of lower anchor assemblies accessible between a seatback and a bottom cushion,
wherein each of the pair of lower anchor assemblies comprise a segment of an electrical circuit comprising a lower anchor, a normally open switch having a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the normally open switch is not in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of an electrical circuit is open, and, in the second position, the normally open switch is in electrical communication with the lower anchor and the segment of the electrical circuit is closed.
10. The vehicle rear seat of claim 9 , each of the pair of lower anchor assemblies further comprising a non-conductive separator, the normally open switch including an electrically conductive portion and the lower anchor including an electrically conductive portion, wherein the normally open switch and the lower anchor are attached together with a non-conductive separator separating the electrically conductive portion of the normally open switch from the electrically conductive portion of the lower anchor.
11. The vehicle rear seat of claim 9 , the lower anchor comprising a U-shaped terminal portion having an inside width, the normally open switch further comprising a U-shaped terminal portion also having an inside width, wherein the inside width of the U-shaped terminal portion of the lower anchor is approximately equal to the inside width of the U-shaped terminal portion of the normally open switch.
12. The vehicle rear seat of claim 11 , the normally open switch including a rounded edge, wherein the rounded edge is rounded in a direction toward the lower anchor.
13. The vehicle rear seat of claim 9 , the normally open switch further comprising a bend that acts as a spring maintaining the normally open switch in the first position unless forced into the second position.
14. The vehicle rear seat of claim 9 further comprising:
a bottom cushion; and
a child safety seat disposed upon the bottom cushion, the child safety seat including a lower anchor attachment system including a pair of clips;
wherein, one clip of the pair of clips is connected to one lower anchor assembly of the pair of lower anchor assemblies, forcing the normally open switch of the one lower anchor assembly to the second position; and
wherein, the other clip of the pair of claims is connected to the other lower anchor assembly of the pair of lower anchor assemblies, forcing the normally open switch of the other lower anchor assembly to the second position.
15. The vehicle rear seat of claim 14 , wherein, the child safety seat is forward-facing.
16. The vehicle rear seat of claim 14 , wherein, the child safety seat is rear-facing.
17. The vehicle rear seat of claim 9 , the normally open switch of each of the pair of lower anchor assemblies further comprising a bend that acts as a spring maintaining the normally open switch in the first position unless forced into the second position.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/439,373 US10065529B1 (en) | 2017-02-22 | 2017-02-22 | Child safety seat anchor assembly |
CN201810140246.7A CN108454472B (en) | 2017-02-22 | 2018-02-11 | Child safety seat anchor assembly |
DE102018103777.5A DE102018103777A1 (en) | 2017-02-22 | 2018-02-20 | Anchor assembly for child safety seat |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/439,373 US10065529B1 (en) | 2017-02-22 | 2017-02-22 | Child safety seat anchor assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20180236900A1 true US20180236900A1 (en) | 2018-08-23 |
US10065529B1 US10065529B1 (en) | 2018-09-04 |
Family
ID=63046176
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/439,373 Active 2037-03-09 US10065529B1 (en) | 2017-02-22 | 2017-02-22 | Child safety seat anchor assembly |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10065529B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN108454472B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102018103777A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200269807A1 (en) * | 2019-02-22 | 2020-08-27 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Integration of child safety seat with vehicle seatbelt reminder systems |
CN112677916A (en) * | 2019-10-17 | 2021-04-20 | 通用汽车环球科技运作有限责任公司 | Detection sensing device for upper and lower LATCH fasteners |
US11597340B2 (en) * | 2019-08-16 | 2023-03-07 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Activity profile application and portability to facilitate vehicle cabin configuration |
US11618353B2 (en) | 2019-08-09 | 2023-04-04 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Methods, apparatus and systems for securing an infant car seat to a vehicle seat with a tight fit and without using a detachable vehicle installation base or a vehicle seat belt, and ride-hailing methods relating to same |
TWI817033B (en) * | 2019-08-09 | 2023-10-01 | 瑞士商明門瑞士股份有限公司 | Methods, apparatus and systems for securing an infant car seat to a vehicle seat with a tight fit and without using a detachable vehicle installation base or a vehicle seat belt, and ride-hailing methods relating to same |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11453312B2 (en) | 2019-03-21 | 2022-09-27 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle seat operation |
CN112550093B (en) * | 2019-09-10 | 2023-10-20 | 明门瑞士股份有限公司 | Child safety seat and warning system thereof |
CN112550144A (en) * | 2019-09-10 | 2021-03-26 | 宝钜瑞士股份有限公司 | Child safety seat and assembly system reminding device thereof |
KR20220045639A (en) * | 2020-10-06 | 2022-04-13 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Power supply apparatus for vehicle child seat |
US11396248B2 (en) * | 2020-11-03 | 2022-07-26 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Anchor attachment detection sensors |
FR3119804A1 (en) | 2021-02-17 | 2022-08-19 | Faurecia Sièges d'Automobile | Third Row Easy Entry Seating System |
Family Cites Families (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS61229644A (en) * | 1985-04-04 | 1986-10-13 | Yoshitoshi Imaizumi | Engine switch device |
DE29510590U1 (en) * | 1995-06-29 | 1996-11-07 | Trw Repa Gmbh | Seat belt buckle in vehicles |
US5690356A (en) * | 1995-11-30 | 1997-11-25 | Alliedsignal Inc. | Integrated switch for air bag deactivation |
US5871063A (en) | 1997-01-22 | 1999-02-16 | Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. | Seat belt latch sensor system |
JP3374739B2 (en) * | 1998-01-09 | 2003-02-10 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Vehicle child seat detection system |
DE19827057A1 (en) * | 1998-06-18 | 1999-12-23 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Device for recognizing a child seat locked on a vehicle seat |
ES2183604T3 (en) * | 1998-07-07 | 2003-03-16 | Trw Automotive Electron & Comp | DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE LOCK POSITION OF A UNION MECHANISM FOR THE SETTING OF A CHILD SEAT. |
US6002325A (en) | 1998-08-24 | 1999-12-14 | Blue Ridge International Products Company | Seat belt status alerting unit |
JP3428495B2 (en) * | 1999-05-21 | 2003-07-22 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Airbag device operation control system for passenger seat |
WO2002092401A1 (en) * | 2001-05-15 | 2002-11-21 | Stoneridge Control Device, Inc. | Child seat sensor assembly |
DE20204318U1 (en) * | 2002-03-19 | 2002-08-08 | Eao Esa Elektro Zweigniederlas | Switch for a buckle |
US7410214B2 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2008-08-12 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus for measuring child seat anchor tension |
US7159686B2 (en) * | 2003-09-17 | 2007-01-09 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus and method for detection of a latching device |
US7168738B2 (en) * | 2003-10-17 | 2007-01-30 | General Motors Corporation | Child restraint seat detection devices |
US7021709B2 (en) * | 2003-11-20 | 2006-04-04 | General Motors Corporation | Child restraint seat anchors with integrated child seat detectors |
US20050189805A1 (en) | 2004-03-01 | 2005-09-01 | Edward Burley | Lower anchor and tethers for children (latch) detection and measurement device |
WO2008063999A2 (en) * | 2006-11-13 | 2008-05-29 | Britax Child Safety, Inc. | Adaptor device and latch sensor circuit for child safety seat |
KR100787670B1 (en) | 2006-12-07 | 2007-12-21 | 현대자동차주식회사 | The airbag art exhibition apparatus according to the infant sheet mount for a vehicle |
DE102011009263A1 (en) * | 2011-01-24 | 2012-07-26 | Polycontact Ag | Child seat status query and power supply |
JP5769638B2 (en) * | 2012-01-11 | 2015-08-26 | ホシデン株式会社 | Slide switch |
-
2017
- 2017-02-22 US US15/439,373 patent/US10065529B1/en active Active
-
2018
- 2018-02-11 CN CN201810140246.7A patent/CN108454472B/en active Active
- 2018-02-20 DE DE102018103777.5A patent/DE102018103777A1/en active Pending
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200269807A1 (en) * | 2019-02-22 | 2020-08-27 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Integration of child safety seat with vehicle seatbelt reminder systems |
US11618353B2 (en) | 2019-08-09 | 2023-04-04 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Methods, apparatus and systems for securing an infant car seat to a vehicle seat with a tight fit and without using a detachable vehicle installation base or a vehicle seat belt, and ride-hailing methods relating to same |
TWI817033B (en) * | 2019-08-09 | 2023-10-01 | 瑞士商明門瑞士股份有限公司 | Methods, apparatus and systems for securing an infant car seat to a vehicle seat with a tight fit and without using a detachable vehicle installation base or a vehicle seat belt, and ride-hailing methods relating to same |
EP4253141A3 (en) * | 2019-08-09 | 2024-01-10 | Wonderland Switzerland AG | Methods, apparatus and systems for securing an infant car seat to a vehicle seat with a tight fit and without using a detachable vehicle installation base or a vehicle seat belt, and ride-hailing methods relating to same |
US11597340B2 (en) * | 2019-08-16 | 2023-03-07 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Activity profile application and portability to facilitate vehicle cabin configuration |
CN112677916A (en) * | 2019-10-17 | 2021-04-20 | 通用汽车环球科技运作有限责任公司 | Detection sensing device for upper and lower LATCH fasteners |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10065529B1 (en) | 2018-09-04 |
CN108454472A (en) | 2018-08-28 |
CN108454472B (en) | 2022-04-12 |
DE102018103777A1 (en) | 2018-08-23 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10065529B1 (en) | Child safety seat anchor assembly | |
KR101782273B1 (en) | Telescopic cover element of a receiving device of a vehicle seat | |
US8556293B2 (en) | Buckle connectors for inflatable personal restraints and associated methods of use and manufacture | |
US6179378B1 (en) | Mat with a heating wire for a motor vehicle seat heater, and motor vehicle seat with such a mat | |
US5690356A (en) | Integrated switch for air bag deactivation | |
US7815256B2 (en) | Vehicle seat | |
US9176202B2 (en) | Electronic module assembly for inflatable personal restraint systems and associated methods | |
EP1612109B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a rear facing infant seat | |
CN111605452A (en) | Integration of child safety seat and vehicle seat belt reminder system | |
JP4285281B2 (en) | Vehicle seat belt warning device | |
JP2001500816A (en) | Vehicle occupant sensing apparatus and method | |
WO1997030864A9 (en) | Vehicle passenger sensing system and method | |
GB2298123A (en) | A rear seat and seat belt assembly for a motor vehicle | |
US10414298B2 (en) | Vehicle seat | |
JP2009090963A (en) | Seat for vehicle | |
US11034319B2 (en) | Air bag module | |
CN110103786A (en) | A kind of child safety seat and its installation suggestion method with installation suggestion function | |
CN109109702B (en) | Vehicle seat | |
EP2399477B1 (en) | Seatbelt buckle assembly | |
US10434980B2 (en) | Vehicle seat belt system | |
US9539925B2 (en) | Buckle arrangement | |
JPH08244507A (en) | Fixing structure of rope-like body in seat | |
CN116234729A (en) | Seat device for vehicle | |
US10290984B2 (en) | Vehicle seat with retractable electrical connectivity device | |
US7011375B1 (en) | Apparatus and method to assist seat belt engagement |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MIRANDA NIETO, JORGE ADOLFO;ERALES, MIGUEL ANGEL;REEL/FRAME:041342/0912 Effective date: 20170220 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |