GB2488672A

GB2488672A - Anchor attachment structure for child safety seat

Info

Publication number: GB2488672A
Application number: GB1203791.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Xian Long Mo
Original assignee: BP Childrens Products HK Co Ltd
Current assignee: BP Childrens Products HK Co Ltd
Priority date: 2011-03-03
Filing date: 2012-03-02
Publication date: 2012-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-02
Also published as: DE102012101723A1; DE102012101723B4; CN102653251A; CN102653251B; GB2488672B; GB201203791D0

Abstract

An anchor attachment structure adapted to fasten a child safety seat with an anchorage of a vehicle seat includes a frame 12 having an engaging slot 112, a catch 15 movably assembled with the frame 12, a release actuator 13 assembled with the frame 12 and operatively connected with the catch 15, and a detent 14 movably assembled with the frame 12. The catch 15 has a hook portion 155, and is operable between a locking state where the catch 15 extends into the engaging slot 112, and an unlocking state where the catch 15 lies substantially outside the engaging slot 112. The detent 14 is operable to hold the catch 15 in the unlocking state. Preferably there is a first spring 16 and a second spring 17. The first spring may be connected with the catch and the frame and the second spring may be connected with the detent and the frame. The second spring may drive the detent to engage with the catch and the first spring is preferably loaded when the catch is in the unlocked position.

Description

ANCHOR ATTACHMENT STRUCTURE FOR CHILD SAFETY SEAT

[0001] This application claims priority of China application no. 201110051360.0 filed on March 3,2011.

[00021 The present invention relates to child safety seats, and more particularly to child safety seats provided with anchor attachment structures.

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

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

[00041 Therefore, there is a need for an anchor attachment structure suitable for use with a child safeiy seat that can address at least the foregoing issues. \

[0005J The present application describes an anchor attachment structure adapted to fasten a child safety seat with an anchorage of a vehicle seat. In one aspect, the anchor attachment structure includes a frame having an engaging slot, a catch movably assembled with the frame, a release actuator assembled with the frame and operatively connected with the catch, and a detent movably assembled with the frame. The catch has a hook portion, and is operable between a locking state where the catch extend into the engaging slot, and an unlocking state where the catch lies substantially outside the engaging slot. The detent is operable to hold the catch in the unlocking state.

[0006] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an anchor attachment structure suitable for use with a child safety seat; [0008] Figure 2 is a schematic view illustrating the anchor attachment structure in an unlocking state; [0009] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the anchor attachment structure shown in Figure 1; [0010] Figure 4 is a schematic view illustrating an internal assembly of the anchor attachment structure in a locking state; [0011] Figure 5 is a schematic view illustrating the internal assembly of the anchor attachment structure in an unlocking state; Is [0012] Figure 6 is a schematic view illustrating the anchor attachment structure locked with an anchorage of a vehicle seat; and [0013] Figure 7 is a schematic view illustrating the anchor attachment structure in the unlocking state before engagement of the anchorage.

[00 14] Figures 1-3 are schematic views illustrating an anchor attachment structure 100 suitable for use with a child safety seat according to an embodiment of the present invention. The anchor attachment structure 100 can include a housing 11, a frame 12, a release actuator 13, a detent 14, a catch 15, a first spring 16, a second spring 17 and a connection member 18. The housing 11 can at least partially enclose the frame 12. The housing 11 and the frame 12 can respectively include restraint slots 112 through which an anchorage 30 of a vehicle seat can be inserted and locked with the anchor attachment structure 100. The release actuator 13 can be movably assembled with the frame 12, and can be operatively connected with the catch 15.

100151. Referring to Figure 4, the detent 14 and the catch 15 can be movably assembled with the frame 12. In particular, the detent 14 can be installed so as to be able to perform sliding movements relative to the frame 12. The connection member 18 (e.g., a rivet, pin or the like) can respectively pass through the housing 11, the frame 12 and the catch 15, whereby the frame 12 can be affixed with the housing 11, and the catch 15 can be pivotally connected relative to the housing 11 and the frame 12. The catch 15 can thereby rotate relative to the frame 12 and the housing 11 driven by either of the first spring 16 and,the release actuator 13.

190161 The first spring 16 can be respectively connected with the caich 15 and the frame 12. In one embodiment, the first spring 16 can be a torsion spring that is wrapped around thc connection member 18. The second spring 17 can be respectively connected with the detent 14 and the frame 12. In one embodiment, the frame 12 can have a bent sidewall 122 where is formed a projecting stud 122a. The second spring 17 can be a biasing spring that has a first end connected with the stud I 22a and a second end abutted against the detent 14.

10017] As shown in Figure 3, the housing 11 can include a first opening 111, the frame 12 can include a second opening 121, and the catch 15 can include a third opening 151. The connection member iS can pass through the first, second and third openings 111, 121 and 151 to assemble the catch 15, the frame 12 and thehousing 11, the catch 15 being movable relative to the frame 12 between a locking position and an unlocking position.

[0018] Referring to Figures 3-5, the release actuator 13 can include a button 131 and a driving plate 132. The button 131 can be assembled with the frame 12. The driving plate 132 can have a first end inserted through the burton 131, and a second end operatively connected with the catch 15.

[0019] The detent 14 can include an elongated base 141 that has two uprising sidewalls 142 and 143 located at two opposite sides, The sidewall 142 can have a coupling portion 144 formed as a tab that extends generally parallel to the base 141.

During operation, the sidewall 142 can be constantly pressing the second spring 17, is such that the second spring 17 is continuously loaded. A side edge of the coupling portion 144 may have a protrusion 144a that projects transversally and inserts through a slot 123 of the frame 12. The detent 14 can be thereby guided in sliding movement relative to the frame 12 along a direction substantially parallel to the engaging slots 112 to switch between an engaged position for holding the catch 15 in the unlocking state, and a disengaged position permitting displacement of the catch 15 to the locking state.

While the detent 14 is switched between the engaged position and the disengaged position, a portion of the sidewall 143 located in the engaging slots 112 can be driven in movement. - [0020] The catch 15 can be formed with a shape that has a central hole 151, a plurality of actuation portions 152, 153 and 154, and a hook portion 155. The actuation portions 152, 153 and 154 can be located at peripheral locations spaced-apart from one another and radially distant from the hole 151. The connection member 18 can pass through the hole 151 to pivotally mount the catch 15. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the actuation portion 152 can be formed as a lip that cS releasibly engage with the coupling portion 144. The driving plate 132 can have a slot 132a through which the aàtuation portion 153 can be movably disposed, the actuation portion 153 being in contact with at least one rim of the slot 132a. The actuation portions 152 and 154 can be approximately diametrically opposite relative to the hole 151. As the detent 14 travels relative to the frame 12, the actuation portion 154 can detachably contact with the sidewall 143 of the detent 14. The hook portion 155 can project outward at a side of the catch 15 opposite to that of the actuation portion 152. As the catch 15 rotates about the connection member 18, the hook portion 155 can travel into and out of the is engaging slots 112. More specifically, the hook portion 155 can switch between a first position lying in the engaging slots 112 (i.e., corresponding to the locking state of the catch 15), and a second position substantially withdrawn froth the engaging plots 112 (i.e., corresponding to the unlocking state of the catch 15) [0021] The first spring 16 can have a first end connected with the catch 15, and a second end connected with the frame 12 (as better shown in Figures 4 and 5). As shown in Figures 1-3, the catch 15 can be biased by the first spring 16 to rotate about the connection member 18 toward the locking position where the hook portion 155 lies in the engaging slots 112. Moreover, the catch 15 can be driven by the release actuator 13 to rotate in a reverse direction toward the unlocking position where the hook portion is substantially withdrawn from the engaging slots 112.

100221 Figure 7 is a schematic view illustrating the anchor attachment structure in an unlocking state. In the unlocking state, the first spring 16 is loaded, and the second spring 17 biases the detent 14 to the engaged position so, that the coupling portion 144 of the detent 14 engages with the actuation portion 152 of the catch 15.

The catch 15 can be thereby held by the detent 14 in the unlocking position with the hook portion 155 substantially withdrawn from the engaging slots 112 to substantially open the engaging slots 112. Moreover, the sidewall 143 of the detent 14 is located in the engaging slots 112 facing the end opening of the engaging slots 112.

[0023] When the child safety seat is installed on the vehicle seat, the anchor attachment structure 100 can be pushed toward the fixed anchorage 30 of the vehicle seat so that the anchorage 30 inserts through the engaging slots 112. As it travels along the engaging slots 112, the anchorage 30 can exert a pushing action F2 against the sidewall 143 of the detent 14. As a result, the sidewall 143 can move in the engaging slots 112, and the detent 14 dan move (e.g., to the left as shown in Figure 7) and switch to the disengaged position, which causes the coupling portion 144 to disengage from the actuation portion 152 of the catch 15. The first spring 16 then can urge the catch 15 to rotate about the connection member 18 in direction B until the catch 15 reaches the locking position shown in Figure 6. In the locking position, the hook portion 155 can lie in the engaging slots 112, such that the engaging slots 112 can be substantially closed to restrainedly hold and lock the anchorage 30 in place [0024J While the catch 15 is in the locking position, the coupling portion 144 of the detent 14 can rest in contact with an underside of the actuation portion 152 so that the detent 14 can be kept in the disengaged position compressing the second spring 17.

Meanwhile, the sidewall 143 of the detent 14 can contact with the actuation portion 154 ofthecatchl5.

10025] Referring to Figure 6, when the child safety seat has to be removed from the vehicle seat, a pressing force Fl can be applied on the button 131. As a result, the driving plate 132 can move to tighten the first spring 16, and drive the catch 15 to rotate in a direction A so that the hook portion 155 can be withdrawn from the engaging slots 112. The catch 15 can rotate until the actuation portion 152 passes below the coupling portion 144. Biased by the second spring 17, the detent 14 then can move toward the right side as i1lustrited in the figure, which displaces the sidewall 143 frirther in the engaging slots 112 toward its end opening. The detent 14 can move until the coupling portion 144 recovers the position engaged with the actuation portion 152 to keep the catch 15 in the unlocking position. While the detent 14 is in the engaged position, the second spring 17 is in a loaded state. As shown in Figure 7, the unlocking position of the catch 15 can substantially open the engaging slots 112, so that the anchorage 30 can be removed from the anchor attachment structure 100.

[0026] At least one advantage Of the structures described herein is the ability to provide an anchor attachment structure that is relatively simple in construction, and easy to operate.

[0027] Realizations in accordance with the present invention therefore have been described only in the context of particular embodiments. These embodiments are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided for ôomponents described herein as a single instance. Structures and ftinctionality presented as discrete components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, thodifleations, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMS; 1. An anchor attachment structure adapted to fasten a child safety seat with an anchorage of a vehicle seat, the anchor attachment structure comprising: a frame having an engaging slot; a catch movably assembled with the frame and having a hook portion, the catch being operable between a locking state where the catch extends into the engaging slot, and an unlocking state where the catch lies substantially outside the engaging slot; a release actuator assembled with the frame and operatively connected with the catch; and a detent movably assembled with the frame, the detent being operable to hold the catch in the unlocking state.
2. The anchor attachment structure according to claim 1, wherein the detent includes a first sidewall, the detent being operable to move relative to the frame between a first position where the detent engages and holds the catch in the unlocking state, and a second position where the detent is disengaged from the catch which is turned to the locking state.
3. The anchor attachment structure according to claim 2, wherein the first sidewall has a portion located in the engaging slot that is driven in movement as the detent, is switched between the first position and the second position.
4. The anchor attachment structure according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the catch is pivotally connected with the frame.
5. The anchor attachment structure according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the detent is movable relative to the frame along a direction subtantia1ly parallel to the engaging slot.
6. The anchor attachment structure according to claim 2, wherein the detent includes a coupling portion that is adapted to engage with the catch to hold the catch in the unlocking state.
7. The anchor attachment structure according to claim 6, further including a first and a second spring, wherein the first spring is respectively connected with the catch and the frame, and the second spring is respectively connected with the detent and the frame, the second spring being operable to drive the detent in movement so as to cause the coupling portion to engage with the catch for holding the catch in the unlocking state, the first spring being loaded when the catch is in the unlocking state.
8. The anchor attachment structure according to claim 6, wherein the release actuator includes a button movably assembled with the frame, and a driving plate is affixed with the button, the driving plate-being operatively connected with the catch.
9. The anchor attachment structure according. to claim 7, wherein the detent includes a base, the first sidewall and a second sidewall being respectively provided at two opposite sides of the base, the coupling portion projects from the second sidewall, the second sidewall abuts against the second spring, and the coupling portion is movable to engage and disengage the catch.
10. The anchor attachment structure according to claim 8, wherein the catch includes a first and a second actuation portion disposed at spaced-apart peripheral locations, the first actuation portion being movable to engage with and disengage from the coupling portion, the driving plate being operatively connected with the second S actuation portion, and the hook portion projecting from a side of the catch opposite to the first actuation portion, and the hook portion traveling into and out of the engaging slot when the catch is switched between the locking state and the unlocking state.
11. The anchor attachment structure according to claim 10, wherein the driving plate includes a slot through which the second actuation portion is disposed.
12. The anchor. attachment structure according to claim 11, further comprising a housing enclosing at least partially the frame.
13. An anchor attachment structure adapted to fasten a child safety seat with an anchorage of a vehicle seat, the anchor attachment structure being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.