WO2012104575A1

WO2012104575A1 - Device for reducing the rake of a child seat

Info

Publication number: WO2012104575A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/000070
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip Jeffrey TAYLOR; Nicholas John PAXTON
Original assignee: Silver Cross (Ip) Ltd
Priority date: 2011-01-31
Filing date: 2012-01-25
Publication date: 2012-08-09
Also published as: CN103501659A; EP2670280A1; GB201101711D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for reducing the rake of a child seat. The invention particularly relates to a device that is suitable for reducing the rake of a child seat such that the child seat can support a child in a generally flat position. The invention also relates to child transportation system comprising a child seat and a device for reducing the rake of the child seat.

Description

DEVICE FOR REDUCING THE RAKE OF A CHILD SEAT

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE The invention relates to a device for reducing the rake of a child seat. The invention particularly relates to a device that is suitable for reducing the rake of a child seat such that the child seat can support a child in a generally flat position. The invention also relates to a child transportation system comprising a child seat and a device for reducing the rake of the child seat.

BACKGROUND

A child seat is a structure that is designed to support a child. As shown in Figure 1 , a conventional child seat (S) typically a back portion (BP) and a seat portion (SP). The back portion and seat portion converge at an apex (A) so as to that the child seat has a generally L-shaped (wedge-shaped) configuration. The rake of the child seat is determined by the apex angle Θ between the back portion and the seat portion.

The term "child seat" is intended to cover a range of different child seats, including child seats of child transportation systems.

The term "child transportation system" relates to any system suitable for transporting a child, including a wheeled child conveyance, a car seat, an infant carrier and the like.

The term "wheeled child conveyance" covers a range of child carrying vehicles which can be pushed or steered manually, including perambulators (pram), pushchairs, convertibles, strollers, combination pushchairs and the like.

Many health professionals recommend that very young children (for example, children up to approximately six months old) should lie in a substantially flat position whenever possible. The flat position aids breathing and thereby avoids oxygen saturation. The flat position also promotes spinal development.

Accordingly, a child seat that is intended to be used from birth should preferably allow a child to lie in a substantially flat position. Indeed, under European Standard EN 1888, a wheeled child conveyance is only considered to be suitable for use from birth if the child seat can be adjusted to have a rake angle of 150° or more. To date, the rake of a child seat is typically adjusted by using means to adjust the position of the back portion relative to the seat portion. Conventionally, these means allow the back portion to be pivoted with respect to the seat portion until the seat has a desired rake. When adapting this type of child seat for use with a very young child, the position of the back portion is adjusted with respect to the seat portion until the seat is substantially flat (i.e. the seat has a low rake with a rake angle falling in the range of approximately 150° to 180°).

The means for adjusting the position of the back portion with respect to the seat portion and subsequently retaining the back portion at a desired angle of inclination are typically complex and may be subject to failure. The adjustment of a child seat using these types of means can be a time consuming process. Moreover, the adjusting process can be prone to human error when using these means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to alleviate or overcome at least some of the above-mentioned problems. The present invention seeks to provide improved and alternative means for reducing the rake of a child seat.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for reducing the rake of a child seat. The device is adapted is reconfigure the shape of the child seat when it is mounted on the seat, and thereby reduce the rake of the seat. The device comprises:

an upper region for supporting at least part of a child located in the seat;

a lower region for mating with at least part of the child seat; and

stiffening means for restricting deformation of the supporting surface during use.

The device preferably reduces the rake of the child seat such that the child seat has a rake falling in the range of approximately 150° to 180°. Hence, the child seat is able to support a child in a substantially flat position and is suitable for use from birth.

The device for reducing the rake of a child seat is simple and easy to use, inexpensive to manufacture, removable, adjustable and/or easy to store.

The upper region preferably comprises a supporting surface.

The supporting surface is preferably a substantially planar surface.

The supporting surface is preferably configured to extend in a substantially horizontal plane when the device is mounted on the child seat.

The stiffening means is preferably sufficiently rigid to resist deformation of the supporting surface under the application of a load of up to approximately 15kg. The stiffening means preferably comprises one or more substantially planar members

The stiffening means is preferably configured to complement the configuration of the supporting surface. The stiffening means preferably comprises a plastics material, high density fibre board material and/or carbon composite material. The stiffening means preferably comprises a corrugated form.

In a preferred embodiment, the stiffening means comprises a corrugated polypropylene board member. The device preferably comprises a wedge-shaped body portion comprising: an upper surface for supporting at least part of a child located in the seat; a first lower surface for mating with at least a part of a back portion of the seat;

a second lower surface for mating with at least a part of a seat portion of the seat;

stiffening means mounted in a first chamber of the body portion and configured to restrict deformation of the upper surface.

The stiffening means is preferably removably mounted in the first chamber of the body portion.

The device may comprise a wedge-shaped member mounted in a second chamber of the body portion. The wedge-shaped member is preferably removably mounted in the second chamber of the body portion.

The device may further comprise a peripheral edge portion that is configured to conform to at least a part of a peripheral edge of the child seat.

The device may comprise cushioning means mounted in a third chamber of the body portion.

The device may comprise a plurality of apertures configured for harness straps to extend there through. The device may be a cushion-type device configured to be mounted in an apex region of the child seat.

The device may be a liner-type device configured to extend at least substantially along the length of the seat when it is mounted on the child seat.

A second aspect of the disclosure relates to a child transportation system comprising:

a child seat;

a device for reducing the rake of the child seat according the first aspect of the invention.

The child transportation system may be a car seat, infant carrier or a wheeled child conveyance.

The child transportation system may be wheeled child conveyance comprising:

a chassis having a frame, set of wheels, push handle and brake means; and a child seat having a predetermined first rake;

a. device for reducing the rake of the child seat according to the first aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present disclosure and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example only to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of a child seat;

Figure 2 depicts a first embodiment of a device according to the first aspect of the invention; Figure 3 depicts a second embodiment of a device mounted in a child seat according to the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 4 depicts a third embodiment of a device mounted in a child seat according to a first aspect of the invention;

Figure 5a depicts a side view of a fourth embodiment of a device according to a first aspect of the invention; Figure 5b depicts a top view of the fourth embodiment of the device as depicted in Figure 5a;

Figure 5c depicts a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the device as depicted in Figure 5a;

Figure 6 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a wheeled child conveyance according to a second aspect of the invention;

Figure 7 depicts a side view of the wheeled child conveyance of Figure 6 whereby the seat unit is arranged in a rearward facing, substantially upright position;

Figure 8 depicts a side view of the wheeled child conveyance of Figure 6 whereby the seat unit is arranged in a forward facing, substantially horizontal position;

Figure 9 depicts a side view of the wheeled child conveyance of Figure 6 whereby the seat unit is arranged in a forward facing, reclined position;

Figure 10 depicts a side view of the wheeled child conveyance of Figure 6 whereby the seat unit is separated from the chassis;

Figure 11 depicts a schematic side view of a seat of the wheeled child conveyance of Figure 6; Figure 12 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the device mounted in a the seat of the wheeled child conveyance of Figure 6; Figure 13 depicts a perspective view of the device of Figure 12 mounted in the seat of a wheeled child conveyance of Figure 6;

Figure 14 depicts a top view of a baby lying flat on the device of Figure 12 mounted in the seat of a wheeled child conveyance of Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Device for Reducing the Rake of a Child Seat

A first aspect of the invention relates to a device (D) for reducing the rake of a child seat (S).

The device is configured to be mountable on the child seat. The device is preferably removably mountable on the child seat so as to allow for the adjustment of child seat as and when required.

The device comprises:

a supporting surface for supporting at least a part of a child located in the child seat; and

The device is configured such that it adapts (reconfigures, modifies) the shape of the child seat when it is mounted on the child seat. The device flattens (smoothes, level-outs) the shape of the child seat when it is mounted on the child seat. The flattening effect reduces the rake of the child seat (increases the rake angle of the child seat). The device reduces the rake of the child seat so as to provide a different sitting position. When mounted on the child seat, the device adjusts the child seat from a higher rake configuration to a lower rake configuration. The device increases the rake angle of the child seat from a first rake angle Θ to a second rake angle λ, whereby the second rake angle λ is higher than the first rake angle Θ.

So as to provide a child seat that is suitable for use from birth, the device preferably reduces the rake of the child seat such that the child seat is able to support in a child in a substantially flat position. The child seat is deemed to support a child in a substantially flat position if the second rake angle λ falls in the range of approximately 150° to 180°.

The supporting surface is preferably a substantially planar surface.

The supporting surface is preferably configured to extend in a substantially horizontal plane when the device is mounted in the child seat.

The device must be sufficiently rigid so that the supporting surface is able to at least substantially maintain it shape during use. If the device is not sufficiently rigid, then the supporting surface will deform (bend, distort, flex, twist) under the weight of the child. Thus, the rake of the seat will increase and the rake reducing effects of the device will be diminished (lessened). Accordingly, the device comprises stiffening means to provide a stiffening effect that is sufficient to at least restrict deformation of the supporting surface during use. The stiffening means preferably minimise or even prevent deformation of the supporting surface during use. The stiffening means helps to maintain the shape of the supporting surface during use and thereby helps to maintain the rake reducing effect of the rake, The stiffening means is sufficiently rigid to at counteract (resist, withstand) the weight of at least a very young child up to the age of approximately 6 months old. The stiffening means is preferably rigid to resist a load of up to 15kg. The stiffening means is preferably configured to complement the configuration of the supporting surface. For example, the stiffening means may have substantially the same shape and size as the supporting surface.

The stiffening means may comprise one or more stiffening member.

The stiffening means preferably comprises one or more planar member.

The stiffening means is preferably arranged proximate and parallel to the supporting surface.

The stiffening means may comprise any suitable rigid material. For example, the stiffening means may comprise a plastics material, high density fibre board and/or a carbon composite material. The stiffening means may have a corrugated form to improve the rigidity of the stiffening means.

The stiffening means may be mounted in a chamber (cavity space, void, pocket) of the device. The stiffening means may be removably mounted in the cavity space of the device to allow for the removal and/or replacement of the stiffening means. The removable mounting of the stiffening means also allows for an adjustment of the stiffening effect as required.

The device may comprise closure means to seal the opening of the chamber. If the stiffening means is removably mountable, the device may comprise releasable closure means to releasably seal the opening of the chamber. The releasable closure means may comprise any suitable closure means including Velcro, zip, hook and eye, ties, latches, clips, magnetic and the like. The device preferably comprises a body portion that is configured so as to occupy at least a portion of the child seat and thereby flatten the shape (i.e. reduce the rake) of the child seat. Since a child seat has a generally L-shaped (wedge-shaped) configuration, the body portion is preferably a wedge-shaped body portion.

Figure 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a device (D) having wedge-shaped body (B). The housing of the wedge-shaped body portion comprises a first surface (S1 ) and a second surface (S2) extending from an apex (W) and a third surface (S3) extending between the first surface and second surface.

When the wedge-shaped body portion (B) is inserted into a child seat (S), the first surface (S1) follows the contour and forms a mating contact with at least a part of the back portion of the seat (BP), the second surface (S2) follows the contour and forms a mating contact with at least a part of the seat portion of the seat (SP). The third surface (S3) extends across the seat so as to form a supporting surface to support at least a part of a child located in the seat. The device may be a cushion-type device that is configured to occupy a part of the child seat. For example, the device may be a cushion-type device that is configured be mounted in an apex region of the child seat as shown in Figures 3. In this embodiment, the device comprises a wedge-shaped body (B) whereby the first surface (S1) follows the contour and forms a mating contact with a lower part of the back portion of the seat (BP), the second surface (S2) follows the contour and forms a mating contact at least substantially along the seat portion (SP), whilst third surface (S3) is a generally planar surface extending in a substantially horizontal direction x between the back portion and the seat portion. The third surface forms a supporting surface for supporting a lower region of a child located in the child seat (for example, the bottom and/or legs of the child). As shown in Figure 3, the insertion of the device modifies the shape of the child seat such that the rake angle increases from a first rake angle Θ defined between the back portion and the seat portion to a second rake angle λ defined between the supporting surface and the back portion. In the embodiment depicted, the device modifies the shape of the child seat such that the rake angle increases from θ=100° to λ=152°. Since the second rake angle λ>150°, the reconfigured child seat is deemed to be able to support a child in a substantially flat position. Hence, the cushion-type device is able to adjust the rake of the child seat so that the child seat is suitable for use from birth.

Figure 4 depicts an example of a liner-type device that is configured to substantially occupy (line, extend along) a child seat (S). The device comprises a wedge-shaped body (B) whereby the first surface (S1) follows the contour and forms a mating a contact at least substantially along the back portion of the seat (BP), the second surface (S2) follows the contour and forms a mating contact along the seat portion (SP) whilst the third surface (S3) is a generally planar surface extending along the length of the child seat. The third surface forms a supporting surface (SS) for supporting both a lower region and upper region of a child located in the child seat (for example, the head, neck, shoulders and/or back together with the bottom and/or legs of the child). As shown in Figure 4, the insertion of the device modifies the shape of the child seat such that the rake angle of the child seat increases from a first rake angle rake Θ defined between the back portion and the seat portion to a second rake angle λ defined between the horizontal plane x and the supporting surface. In the embodiment depicted, the first rake angle Θ is approximately 120° and the second rake angle λ is approximately 170°. Since the second rake angle λ>150°, the reconfigured child seat is deemed to be able to support a child in a substantially flat position. Hence, the liner-type device is able to adjust the rake of the child seat so that the child seat is suitable for use from birth.

The device may comprise a peripheral edge portion (PP) that is configured to follow the contours of at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the seat. The peripheral edge portion is provided so as to protect a child located in the seat. The peripheral edge portion may at have a tubular (pipe-like) configuration. The peripheral edge portion may comprise a tubular housing and cushioning means mounted in the housing. The housing may comprise a soft material suitable for use with a child, for example a fleece material. The cushioning means may comprise any suitable cushioning material, for example wadding and/or foam. The peripheral edge portion may extend around at least a peripheral edge portion of the body portion. The peripheral edge portion may be separately formed from the body portion. The peripheral edge portion may be releasably coupled to the body portion. Alternatively, the peripheral edge may be preferably integrally formed with the body portion.

Figures 5a to 5c depicts an embodiment of a device comprising a wedge- shaped body portion (B) integrally formed with a peripheral edge portion (PP). The device is configured to at least substantially line a child seat. The wedge shaped body portion comprises a supporting surface (SS), a first lower surface (LS1) and a second lower surface (LS2). The supporting surface has a substantially obround shape that is configured to correspond to the shape of the child seat.

The peripheral edge portion (PP) comprises a tubular body portion (T) filled with wadding (WD).

The device further comprises stiffening means to restrict deformation of the supporting surface during use. In this embodiment, the stiffening means comprises a corrugated polypropylene board member (S ). The member is substantially planar and has a substantially obround shape that corresponds with configuration of the supporting surface. The member is removably mounted in a first chamber (C1) formed in a body portion of the device. The opening of the first chamber (OC1) is formed in the housing on a lower surface of the body portion. The opening of the first chamber is releasably sealed using Velcro and a zip. When the member is mounted in the first chamber, the member and supporting surface are proximate and co-planar. The member provides a stiffening effect that is sufficient to minimise any bending of the supporting surface up to a load of 15kg. Accordingly, the supporting surface will not deform under the weight of a very young child (a child that requires a substantially flat position) and the device will maintain it's rake reducing effect on the child seat.

The body portion may comprise a wedge-shaped member (WM) as depicted in Figures 5a to 5c. The wedge-shaped member helps to form the wedge shape of the body portion. The wedge-shaped member is preferably mounted in a chamber in the body portion. The wedge-shaped member may be removably mounted in the chamber to allow for the removal and/or replacement of the wedge-shaped member. The removable mounting also allows for the adjustment the wedge-shaped member.

The wedge-shaped member may be mounted in the same chamber as the stiffening member (the first chamber C1). Alternatively, the wedge-shaped member may be mounted in a second chamber (C2) formed in the body portion as depicted in Figures 5a to 5c. The opening of the second chamber (OC2) is preferably formed in the housing on a lower surface of the body portion. The opening of the second chamber is preferably adjacent to the opening of the first chamber for the stiffening means. The opening of the second chamber is preferably releasably secured using any suitable releasable closure means. The releasable closure means for the first chamber may be configured such that they also releasably seal the second chamber.

The wedge-shaped member may be an inflatable member. Hence the configuration of the wedge-shaped body portion may be adjusted by deflating or inflating the wedge-shaped member as required. Alternatively, the wedge- shaped member may comprise a foam material, preferably a high density foam material to provide a sufficient supporting effect.

As shown in Figures 5a to 5c, the device may comprise a plurality of apertures (H) that are configured for harness straps to extend there through. The apertures may be arranged in the body portion and/or peripheral edge portion of the device. As depicted in Figures 5a to 5c, the device may comprise a series of apertures that correspond to the optional locations of shoulder straps (H1), an aperture configured for a crotch strap (H2) and, if provided, an opposing pair of apertures (H3) configured for waist straps.

The device preferably comprises cushioning means to provide a cushioning effect. The cushioning means may comprise one or more layers of cushioning material. The cushioning means are preferably mounted in a third chamber of the body portion. The cushioning means may be arranged in the body portion between the supporting surface and the stiffening means. The cushioning means comprises any suitable cushioning material. For example, the cushioning means may comprise one or more layers of wadding and/or foam. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 5a to 5c, the device comprises cushioning means securely mounted in a third chamber (3C) between the supporting surface (SS) and the stiffening member (SM). The cushioning means comprises a first layer (1L) of wadding approximately 3 to10mm thick, a second layer (2L) of low density foam material approximately 5 to 10mm thick and a third layer (3L) of high density foam material approximately 5 to 10mm thick.

The housing of the body portion preferably comprises a soft material suitable for use with a child. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 5a to 5c, the housing of the body portion comprises a fleece material.

The device may comprise engagement means to couple the device to the child seat. The coupling of the device and the child seat restricts movement of the device relative to the chid seat and thereby helps to maintain the reduced rake of the child seat. The engagement means may be releasable engagement means to allow for the removable mounting of the device on the child seat. The engagement means may be configured to engage with complementary engagement means of the child seat. The engagement means may comprise male/female engagement means, hook and eye, latches, tie, zip, clips, and/or Velcro engagement means. The device is suitable for reducing the rake of any type of child seat. For example, the device is suitable for reducing the rake of a child seat of a child transportation system, including a wheeled child conveyance, a car seat, an infant carrier and the like.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a child transportation system comprising a child seat and a device for reducing the rake of the child seat as described above. A Wheeled Child Conveyance

Figures 6 to 14 relate to an example of a wheeled child conveyance comprising a device for reducing the rake of the child seat. The device sufficiently adjusts the rake of the seat such the seat is able to support a child in a substantially flat position and the wheeled child conveyance is thereby suitable for use from birth.

A wheeled child conveyance (1) comprises a chassis (2) and a seat unit (3). The chassis is a wheeled framework designed to accommodate and transport the seat. The seat unit is a structure designed to support a child.

The chassis (2) comprises a frame (2A), a set of wheels (2B), a push handle (2C) and brake means (2D). The frame is preferably a foldable frame. The push handle may be an extendable and/or pivotable handle. The chassis may further comprise a storage compartment.

The seat unit (3) comprises a seat back (4) and a seat pad (5) that are configured to form a seat (6). The seat back (4) is arranged to support an upper part of a child. For example, the seat back may be configured to support the back, neck and/or head of a child. The seat pad (5) is arranged to support the lower part of a child. For example, the seat pad may be configured to support the bottom and/or upper legs of a child. The seat back (4) and seat pad (5) are securely (permanently) coupled or integrally formed such that the relative positions or inclination of the seat back and/or seat pad can not be adjusted. Hence, the seat back and seat pad define a seat (6) with a predetermined first rake and first rake angle Θ. So as to provide a wheeled child conveyance with a comfortable upright sitting position, the seat back and seat pad are configured to form a seat with a generally high rake. The seat preferably has a first rake angle Θ falling in the range of approximately 100° to 130°. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 6 to 14, the seat back (4) and seat pad (5) are configured to form a seat having a generally L-shaped configuration with a first rake angle of approximately 100°.

The seat unit comprises a device (7) that is configured to reduce the rake of the seat (increase the rake angle of the seat) when it is mounted on the seat. The features and effects of the device are discussed below.

The seat unit may comprise a seat base (8) that is configured to support the lower legs and optionally the feet of a child. The seat unit may comprise a harness (9) for securing a child within the seat well. The harness preferably comprises a first shoulder strap (9a), a second shoulder strap (9b), a crotch strap (9c), a strap engaging means (9d) and optionally a first waist strap (9e) and a second waist strap (9f). The harness may further comprise cushion means (9g) to provide protective padding over one or more straps.

The seat unit may comprise a foldable hood (10) or canopy to generally protect a child from the elements, for example the rain, wind or sunshine. The seat unit may comprise a bumper bar (11) configured to extend across the seat well. The bumper bar may be further configured to act as a carry handle of the seat unit. The seat unit may be rotatable with respect to the chassis of the wheeled child conveyance. The seat unit may be rotatable between a first position and a second position and, optionally any intermediate position there between.

When arranged in the first position, the seat unit may be configured to extend in a generally vertical direction Y such that a child located in the seat sits in a substantially upright sitting position (as shown in Figure 7). Accordingly, the first position of the seat unit may otherwise be referred to as an "upright position". When arranged in the second position, the seat unit may be configured to extend in a generally horizontal direction X (as shown in Figure 8). Accordingly, the second position may otherwise be referred to as the "horizontal position". However, a child located in the seat can not lie in a substantially flat position due to the L-shaped configuration of the seat. According to the invention, this problem may be overcome by mounting the device (7) in the seat.

The device is configured to reduce the rake of the seat and thereby allows the child to lie in a flatter position within the wheeled child conveyance. As shown in the Figures 11 to 13, the device is a liner-type device as discussed and depicted with respect to Figures 5a to 5c. When the device is mounted in the seat, the shape of the seat is modified such that the rake angle increases from a first rake angle Θ defined by the angle between the seat back (4) and seat pad (5) of the seat to a second rake angle λ defined between the horizontal axis x and the supporting surface. In the embodiment depicted, the rake angle increases from angle 6=100° to λ=170°. Thus, the insertion of the device sufficiently adjusts the rake of the seat so as to support a child in a substantially flat position in accordance with European guidelines. Hence, the wheeled child conveyance is deemed to be suitable for use from birth when fitted with the device.

The seat unit may be further arranged in one or more intermediate positions, whereby the seat unit is configured to extend in a direction P between the generally vertical direction Y and the generally horizontal direction X (as shown in Figure 9). Accordingly, a child located in the seat sits in a substantially reclining position and so the intermediate position may otherwise be referred to as a "reclining position".

The seat unit may be securely mounted on the chassis of the wheeled child conveyance. Alternatively, the seat unit may be removably mounted on the chassis as shown in Figure 10. By removably mounting the seat unit, the adjustable seating system may be carried and stored separately from the chassis.

The seat unit may be mounted in a rearward facing position. For example, Figure 7 depicts an embodiment of the wheeled child conveyance where the seat unit is arranged in a rearward facing, upright position. Hence, a child located in the wheeled child conveyance will sit in a generally upright position facing the operator of the wheeled child conveyance.

Additionally or alternatively, the seat unit may be mounted in a forward facing position on the chassis. For example, Figure 8 depicts an embodiment of the wheeled child conveyance where the seat unit is arranged in a forward facing, horizontal position. Hence, a child located in the wheeled child conveyance will extend in a generally horizontal direction away from the operator of the wheeled child conveyance. Figure 9 depicts an embodiment of the wheeled child conveyance where the seat unit is arranged in a forward facing, reclining position. Hence, a child located in the wheeled child conveyance will sit in a substantially inclined position facing away from the operator.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" are variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprise", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to the applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

The structural arrangement and use of subsection headings within the description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention or exclude any combination of features unless the context requires.

Claims

1. A device for reducing the rake of a child seat, whereby

the device is adapted to occupy at least a part of the seat and thereby flatten the shape of the seat, when it is mounted on the seat,

and wherein the device comprises:

a supporting surface for supporting at least a part of a child located in the seat;

2. A device for reducing the rake of a child seat, whereby the device is

adapted so as to reconfigure the shape of the child seat when it is mounted on the seat, and thereby reduce the rake of the seat and wherein the device comprise:

an upper region for supporting at least part of a child located in the seat; a lower region for mating with at least part of the child seat; and stiffening means for restricting deformation of the upper region during use.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, whereby the device is configured to reduce the rake of the child seat such that the child seat has a rake falling in the range of approximately 150° to 180°.

4. A device according to claim 2, wherein the upper region comprises a supporting surface.

5. A device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the supporting surface is a substantially planar surface.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the supporting surface is configured to extend in a substantially horizontal plane when the device is mounted on the child seat.

7. A device according to claim 1 or 4 any preceding claim, wherein the stiffening means is sufficiently rigid to resist deformation of the supporting surface under the application of a load of up to approximately 15kg.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the stiffening means comprises one or more substantially planar members

9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the stiffening means is configured to complement the configuration of the supporting surface.

10 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the stiffening means comprises a plastics material, high density fibre board material and/or carbon composite material.

11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the stiffening means comprises a corrugated form.

12 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the stiffening means comprises a corrugated polypropylene board member.

13 A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a wedge-shaped body portion comprising:

an upper surface for supporting at least part of a child located in the seat; a first lower surface for mating with at least a part of a back portion of the seat;

14 A device according to claim 13, wherein the stiffening means is preferably removably mounted in the first chamber of the body portion.

15 A device according to claim 13, further comprising a wedge-shaped member mounted in a second chamber of the body portion, whereby the wedge-shaped member is optionally removably mounted in the second chamber of the body portion.

16 A device according to claim 13, further comprise a peripheral edge portion that is configured to conform to at least a part of a peripheral edge of the child seat.

17. A device according to claim 13, further comprising cushioning means mounted in a third chamber of the body portion.

18, A device according to claim 13, further comprising a plurality of apertures configured for harness straps to extend there through.

19. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is a cushion-type device configured to be mounted in an apex region of the child seat.

A device according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the device is a liner- type device configured to extend at least substantially along the length of the seat when it is mounted on the child seat.

A child transportation system comprising:

a child seat;

a device for reducing the rake of the child seat comprising the features as defined in any of claims 1 to 20.

22. A system according to claim 21, wherein the child transportation system comprises a car seat, infant carrier or a wheeled child conveyance.

23. A wheeled child conveyance comprising: