CN223919161U

CN223919161U - Child car seat system and child car seat

Info

Publication number: CN223919161U
Application number: CN202422392209.9U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 大卫·A·雷曼; 扎卡里·C·哈庭斯汀; 安德鲁·J·泰勒; 纳撒尼尔·W·基布勒; 凯尔·S·梅森; 格雷戈里·S·塞勒斯; 布鲁斯·L·威廉姆斯
Original assignee: China Wonderland Nurserygoods Co Ltd
Current assignee: China Wonderland Nurserygoods Co Ltd
Priority date: 2024-02-01
Filing date: 2024-09-29
Publication date: 2026-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 2034-09-29
Also published as: TW202533966A; WO2025165414A1

Abstract

This utility model discloses a child seat system and a child seat. The child seat system, which can be accommodated in a vehicle seat, includes a support base and a child seat positionable on the support base. A seatbelt assembly is associated with the child seat. The seatbelt assembly is operable to restrict movement of an occupant seated in the child seat. The seatbelt assembly includes a crotch strap and at least one shoulder strap. Seatbelt openings are formed in the child seat and configured to receive the crotch strap at multiple locations relative to the front of the child seat. The effective length of the crotch strap extending from the child seat varies among the multiple locations.

Description

Child seat system and child seat

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 63/627,894, filed on 1 at 2 months of 2024, U.S. application Ser. No. 63/554,664, filed on 16 at 2 months of 2024, and U.S. application Ser. No. 63/665,452, filed on 28 at 6 months of 2024, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of child restraint systems for use in vehicles, and more particularly to child seat systems and child seats having multi-use configurations.

Background

Some child vehicle seats currently available on the market have a multi-purpose configuration that allows the seat to continue to be used as the child grows. For example, some child vehicle seats may be selectively used in any one or more of (1) a rearward, reclined configuration for an infant, (2) a forward, reclined configuration for a toddler, (3) a forward, high back booster configuration for a child weighing, for example, 40 pounds to 100 pounds, and (4) a forward, no back booster configuration for a child weighing, for example, 40 pounds to 120 pounds.

Disclosure of utility model

According to an embodiment, a child seat system receivable on a vehicle seat includes a support base and a child seat positionable on the support base. A seat belt assembly is associated with the child seat. The seat belt assembly is operable to limit movement of an occupant seated within the child seat. The harness assembly includes a crotch strap and at least one shoulder strap. A harness opening is formed in the child seat and is configured to receive the crotch strap at a plurality of positions relative to a front of the child seat. The effective length of the crotch strap extending from the child seat varies between the plurality of positions.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment the belt opening is H-shaped.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment the child seat comprises a seat back portion and a seat pan portion, and the seat belt opening is formed in the seat pan portion.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the seat belt opening includes a first belt receiving slot and a second belt receiving slot spaced apart from the first belt receiving slot. The crotch strap may be positioned within each of the first strap receiving slot and the second strap receiving slot. The first strap receiving slot defines a first position of the plurality of positions and the second strap receiving slot defines a second position of the plurality of positions.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the first strap receiving slot is positioned closer to the front of the child seat than the second strap receiving slot.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the crotch strap has a first effective length when the crotch strap extends from the first strap receiving slot and a second effective length when the crotch strap extends from the second strap receiving slot. The first effective length is greater than the second effective length.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment the safety belt opening comprises a connecting slot extending between and operably coupling the first and second belt receiving slots.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, one end of the crotch strap may be connected to the seat pan portion by the anchor pin.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the seat pan portion may be separable from the child seat and the crotch strap may be separable from the child seat having the seat pan portion.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, a secondary pin is positioned between the first strap receiving slot and the second strap receiving slot.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the crotch strap is wrapped around the auxiliary pin when the crotch strap is arranged at the second strap receiving slot.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the crotch strap comprises a webbing and a buckle secured to one end of the webbing.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, a recess is formed in the seat plate portion and the buckle may be positioned within the recess.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the buckle defines a portion of a seat support surface when the buckle is positioned within the recess.

According to an embodiment, a child seat includes a seatback portion and a seat pan portion. The seat pan portion has a seat support surface upon which a child may be received. A seat belt assembly is associated with the child seat to limit movement of an occupant seated within the child seat. The seat belt assembly includes a crotch belt including a buckle, and the buckle is shaped and positionable to define a portion of the seat support surface.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat pan portion includes a recess, and the buckle is positionable within the recess to define the portion of the seat support surface.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the seat pan portion may be removably coupled with the seat back portion.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the crotch strap is secured to the seat pan portion. The crotch strap is separable from the child seat having the seat pan portion.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment the crotch strap extends through a seat belt opening formed in the seat pan portion.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment the safety belt opening comprises a first belt receiving slot and a second belt receiving slot separate from the first belt receiving slot, and the crotch belt may extend through the first belt receiving slot or the second belt receiving slot.

According to an embodiment, a child seat system receivable on a vehicle seat includes a support base and a child seat positionable about the support base. The child seat includes a seatback portion and a seat pan portion. The seat pan portion may be removably mounted to the child seat. An occupant may be accommodated on the child seat only when the seat pan portion is connected to the child seat.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments an booster locking mechanism is disposed at the seat pan portion and is operable to selectively lock the seat pan portion to the child seat.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the booster locking mechanism includes a latch plate and the child seat includes a pin. The latch plate is movable into engagement with the pin to couple the seat pan portion with the child seat.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the booster locking mechanism includes an actuator operably coupled with the latch plate. The actuator is operable to move the latch plate out of engagement with the pin to release the seat pan portion from the child seat.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment the actuator is arranged at a seat support surface of the seat pan portion.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the actuator is a handle pivotally mounted to the seat pan portion.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments a seat belt assembly is associated with the child seat to limit movement of the occupant seated within the child seat. The harness assembly includes a crotch strap and at least one shoulder strap.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the crotch strap is fixedly attached to the seat pan portion. The crotch strap is separable from the child seat having the seat pan portion.

According to an embodiment, a child seat includes a seat pan portion, a seat back portion coupled with the seat pan portion, a headrest disposed at the seat back portion, and at least one strap guide disposed at the headrest, the at least one strap guide having an opening defining a portion of a vehicle strap path of the child seat.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the at least one strap guide is integrally formed with the headrest.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the at least one strap guide is a separate component secured to the headrest.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the headrest includes a central body and at least one headrest side member, the at least one strap guide being aligned with and disposed at a bottom of the at least one headrest side member.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment the child seat further comprises a side impact protection device positioned vertically below the at least one belt guide.

Drawings

The following description should not be taken as limiting in any way. Referring to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1A is a right perspective view of a child seat system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a left perspective view of the child seat system of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1C is a bottom perspective view of the child seat system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1D is a top perspective view of the child seat system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1E is a side view of the child seat system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a view of the child seat system of FIGS. 1A-1E with a seat pan portion removed according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a seat pan portion of a child safety seat according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an booster locking mechanism of a seat pan portion in a locked configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the booster locking mechanism of the seat pan portion of FIG. 4A in an unlocked configuration in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a seat pan portion child safety seat including a seat belt opening according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the seat pan portion of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a child seat system including a storage compartment disposed at an upright portion of the child seat, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a portion of a child seat system including a belt tensioner in an open position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a portion of a child seat system including a belt tensioner in a closed position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a front view of a belt tensioner of the child seat system of FIGS. 8A-8B according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9B is a side view of a belt tensioner of the child seat system of FIGS. 8A-8B according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a front view of an upright support surface of a child seat according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of a child seat including a belt tensioner in a closed position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11B is a detailed view of a belt tensioner locking mechanism according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12A is a front view of a headrest of a child seat according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the headrest of FIG. 12A according to embodiments;

FIG. 13A is a bottom perspective view of a child seat having a movable headrest according to embodiments;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of a headrest including a locking mechanism operable to a headrest in a position relative to a child seat according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14A is a side view of a child seat having a cavity for receiving a latch connector according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14B is a detailed view of the cavity of FIG. 14A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a child seat with an insert in a first configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a child seat with an insert in a second configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 16A is a schematic illustration of the insert of FIG. 15A, according to an embodiment, and

FIG. 16B is a cut-away perspective view of a first insert portion and a second insert portion of the insert of FIG. 16A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a left perspective view of a child seat system according to an embodiment, and

Fig. 18 is a side view of the child seat system of fig. 17, according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method is provided herein by way of example and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to fig. 1A-2, an example of a child seat system 20 is illustrated. In each of the non-limiting embodiments shown, the child seat system 20 includes a support base 22 that may be removably secured to the vehicle seat 10, such as by a latch or anchor mechanism, not shown. This LATCH or anchor system, which is often used, is sometimes referred to as a "lower anchor and tie down for children," such as the LATCH system. Alternatively or additionally, the child seat system 20 may be removably secured to the vehicle seat 10 by a vehicle strap associated with the vehicle seat 10.

The child seat system 20 additionally includes a child seat 24 associated with the support base 22. In an embodiment, the child seat 24 is detachably coupled with the support base 22, thereby allowing the child seat 24 to be separated from the support base 22. Additionally, at least a portion of the support base 22 and the child seat 24 may be permanently connected or secured together, as will be described in detail below. As used herein, the term "permanently attached" means an embodiment in which the child seat 24, or a portion thereof, is not detachable from the support base 22 by a user.

The child seat 24 includes a seatback portion 26 and at least a portion of a seat pan portion 28 disposed at an angle relative to the seatback portion 26. The seat portion 28 may, but need not, be configured to be removably coupled with the seatback portion 26. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the seatback portion 26 is formed from the seat shell 25 of the child seat 24 and includes a seatback having an upstanding support surface 30 that faces generally forward and extends from a first end or top 32 of the seatback portion 26 to a second opposite end or bottom 34 of the seatback portion 26. The first upright side member 36 may be disposed at a first side 38 of the upright support surface 30 and the second upright side member 40 may be disposed at a second opposite side 42 of the upright support surface 30. Thus, the first upright side member 36 and the second upright side member 40 form the left and right sides, respectively, of the seatback portion 26. As shown, the first upstanding side member 36 and the second upstanding side member 40 extend forwardly from the upstanding support surface 30. The first upstanding side member 36 and the second upstanding side member 40 may extend generally orthogonally to the upstanding support surface 30 or alternatively may extend at another angle therefrom, such as greater than 90 °. Thus, the upright support surface 30 and the first and second upright side members 36, 40 define a back area or upright support cavity in which the upper body of the child is received.

When the child seat 24 is installed in a vehicle, the upright side members 36, 40 may assist in proper positioning of the vehicle belt in one or more modes of operation. In some embodiments, each upstanding side member 36, 40 has an opening 44a, 44b formed therein. The openings 44a, 44b may be configured to receive a vehicle strap (not shown) to secure the child seat 24 to the vehicle seat 10 in a forward facing configuration, or to secure the upper body of a child positioned within the upright support cavity.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the seatback portion 26 of the child seat 24 includes a headrest 46. The headrest 46 may be attached to or integral with the seatback portion 26 or may be removably coupled with the seatback portion. The headrest 46 may be fixed or, in some embodiments, may be configured to move relative to the upright support surface 30. For example, the head rest 46 may be configured to translate between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the upright support surface 30, allowing adjustment according to the size of a child positioned within the child seat 24. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments in which the seatback portion 26 does not include a headrest 46 are also contemplated herein.

The seat pan portion 28 of the child seat 24 may include a seat support surface 50 that faces generally upward and extends from a first end or front 52 to a second end or rear 54 of the seat pan portion 28. The first seat side member 56 may be disposed at a first side 58 of the seat support surface 50 and the second seat side member 60 may be disposed at a second opposite side 62 of the seat support surface 50. The first seat side member 56 and the second seat side member 60 extend upward and from the left and right sides of the seat portion. The seat support surface 50 and the first and second seat side members 56, 60 in combination define an area in which at least a portion of the lower torso of a child may be received.

As shown, the seat side members 56, 60 extend at an angle from the seat support surface 50. The angle of the first seat side member 56 relative to the seat support surface 50 may be, but need not be, the same as the angle of the first upright side member 36 relative to the upright support surface 30. Similarly, the angle of the second seat side member 60 relative to the seat support surface 50 may be, but need not be, the same as the angle of the second upright side member 40 relative to the upright support surface 30.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each seat side member 56, 60 has a slot 66 formed therein configured to act as a leg strap guide during at least one mode of use of the child seat 24. In some modes of operation of the child seat 24, the slot 66 may be configured to receive and position a leg strap portion of a vehicle restraint or a separate restraint strap to secure a child within the child seat 24.

The seat pan portion 28 of the child seat 24 may be a seat pan support surface 70 (see fig. 2) that may be removably connected to the child seat system 20. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the seat pan support surface 70 may be formed from a portion of the seat shell 25 that is located above the support base 22. However, in other embodiments, the seat pan support surface 70 may be a surface of the support base 22 itself such that the seat pan portion 28 may be positioned directly adjacent to the support base 22. When separated from the remainder of the child seat system 20, the seat pan portion 28 may be configured as an booster seat positionable in direct contact with the vehicle seat and configured to support a child thereon. Although not shown, the seat pan portion 28 may include one or more locating features configured to cooperate with one or more corresponding locating features disposed at or extending from the seat pan surface or seat pan surface adjacent the seat back portion 26. These combined locating and position features are operable to properly locate the seat pan portion 28 relative to the seat pan support surface 70 when the seat pan portion is installed.

The booster seat may include a booster locking mechanism 80 operable to selectively couple the booster seat with the remainder of the child seat system 20. The booster locking mechanism 80 includes at least one locking member 82 movably mounted to the seat pan portion 28. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the locking member 82 is pivotally mounted to the seat pan portion 28, such as to the bottom of the seat pan portion 28. As shown, the locking member 82 may be a latch plate having an engagement assembly 84 and a release member 86. The engagement assembly 84 may be disposed at an end 88 of the latch plate 82 and may be shaped as a hook configured to engage a pin or shaft 90 located near the seat support surface 50. In one embodiment, a recess 92 is defined between the engagement assembly 84 and the release member 86. A biasing mechanism (not shown), such as a torsion spring, may be operatively coupled with the latch plate 82. In one embodiment, the biasing mechanism is operable to bias the latch plate 82 toward the first locking position (fig. 4A). In the first locked position, a pin 90 disposed at or near the seat plate support surface 70 is received within a recess 92 and/or engaged by the engagement assembly 84 of the latch plate 82.

The seat pan portion 28 additionally includes an actuator 100 that is operatively coupled with the booster locking mechanism 80. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the actuator 100 is a release handle disposed at an outer surface of the seat plate portion 28, such as at the seat support surface 50 thereof. The actuator 100 may be movable, e.g., rotatable, relative to the seat plate portion 28. The actuator 100 may be substantially flush with the seat support surface 50 of the seat pan portion 28 when not activated. In one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the actuator 100 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the latch plate 82. A portion of the actuator 100, such as its distal end 102, is configured to contact and rotate the latch plate 82 out of engagement with the pin 90. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the actuator 100 is configured to engage the release member 86 of the latch plate 82. To operate the actuator 100, the actuator 100 is lifted, causing the actuator 100 to pivot about its axis into engagement with the release member 86. Rotation of the actuator 100 applies a force to the release member 86, causing the entire latch plate 82 to rotate about its axis in a direction opposite the biasing force of the biasing mechanism. This rotation of the latch plate 82 moves the engagement assembly 84 away from the pin 90. Once the pin 90 and the engagement assembly 84 are separated from one another, the seat pan portion 28 may be separated from the remainder of the child seat 24.

Although not generally shown, the child seat system 20 may additionally include a harness assembly operable to secure a child within the child seat 24. A typical seat belt assembly includes at least one shoulder or waist belt connectable to at least one crotch belt 120. Referring to fig. 5 and 6, the crotch strap 120 may be positioned between the legs of the occupant and has a strip of webbing 122 and buckle 124 at a first end thereof. A latch (not shown) associated with one or more waist straps and/or shoulder straps is configured to be releasably secured to the buckle 124 to secure the child in the child seat 24. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, a portion of the seat belt, such as the crotch strap 120, is connected to the seat pan portion 28 and is thus separable from the remainder of the child seat system 20 having the seat pan portion 28. Thus, the child seat is configured to be received only when the seat pan portion 28 is connected to the child seat 24. The second end 126 of the webbing 122 of the crotch strap 120 may be connected to the seat pan portion 28 by at least one anchor pin 128. This connection forms a rigid interface between the buckle 124 of the crotch strap 120 and the structure of the seat pan portion 28.

As shown in fig. 3 and 5, the seat pan portion 28 of the child seat 24 has a first strap receiving slot 130 and a second strap receiving slot 132 that is separate from the first strap receiving slot 130. In an embodiment, the first strap receiving slot 130 is positioned closer to the front portion 52 of the seat plate portion 28 than the second strap receiving slot 132, and/or the second strap receiving slot 132 is positioned closer to the rear portion 54 of the seat plate portion 28 than the first strap receiving slot 130. Further, the connection groove 134 may extend between and connect with the first and second belt receiving grooves 130 and 132. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the first and second strap receiving slots 130, 132 and the connecting slot 134 combine to form an H-shape. The user may deploy the webbing 122 of the crotch strap 120 through the connecting slot 134 to reposition the webbing 122 between the first strap receiving slot 130 and the second strap receiving slot 132.

The webbing 122 of the crotch strap 120 may bypass either the first strap receiving slot 130 or the second strap receiving slot 132 depending on the size of the child within the child seat 24. The webbing 122 may bypass the auxiliary pin 136 before passing through the respective webbing receiving slot 130, 132. The auxiliary pin 136 may be disposed between the first and second strap receiving grooves 130 and 132. In one embodiment, the auxiliary pin is generally aligned with or adjacent to the back of the first strap receiving slot 130. When the webbing 122 is disposed at the first webbing receiving groove 130, the webbing 122 extending from the anchor pin 128 passes under the auxiliary pin 136 and rotates about 90 degrees or less thereto in the vicinity of the first webbing receiving groove 130. When the webbing 122 is disposed at the second strap receiving groove 132, the webbing 122 extending from the anchor pin 128 wraps approximately 180 degrees around the auxiliary pin 136 and extends rearward in the direction of the anchor pin 128 to the second strap receiving groove 132. In this manner, the effective length of the webbing 122 extending from the second webbing receiving slot 132 is shorter than the effective length of the webbing 122 extending from the first webbing receiving slot 130. As used herein, "effective length" refers to the length of the webbing 122 that extends beyond the seat support surface 50. This length may be measured generally perpendicular to the seat support surface 50. Thus, when the crotch strap 120 is adjusted for a older child by repositioning the webbing 122 in the first strap receiving slot 130, the webbing 122 is positioned away from the seat back and lengthened to extend away from the seat support surface 50.

In one embodiment, a recess 138 is formed at the seat support surface 50 of the seat plate portion 28. The crotch buckle 124 may be received in the recess 138 for storage when the seat belt is not in use, such as when the seat pan portion 28 is separated from the seat back portion 26 of the child seat 24. In one embodiment, the crotch buckle 124 is shaped and positioned to define a portion of the seat support surface 50, such as when the crotch buckle 124 is received in the recess 138. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the recess 138 is located adjacent to the actuator 100 associated with the booster lock mechanism 80. For example, the actuator 100 may have a generally U-shape or a C-shape, and the recess 138 may be defined within the interior of the C-shape. However, embodiments are also contemplated herein in which the recess 138 is formed in another suitable location (e.g., the front of the first strap receiving slot 130).

Referring now to fig. 7, in the non-limiting embodiment shown, a portion of a harness, such as a lap belt and/or shoulder straps, is connected to the seatback portion 26 and/or support base 22 of the child seat 24. Thus, the lap belt and/or shoulder straps remain with the child seat 24 even though the seat pan portion 28 is not connected to the child seat 24. In one embodiment, the cavity 140 is formed in the upright support surface 30 of the seatback portion 26. A portion of the seat belt, such as a latch, at or near the seatback portion 26 may be receivable within the cavity 140. Further, the cap 142 may be movable relative to the cavity 140 to selectively seal the cavity 140.

Referring now to fig. 8A-11B, in one embodiment, the seatback portion 26 of the child seat 24 includes a belt tensioner 150. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, an opening 152 is formed in the upright support surface 30, and the belt tensioner 150 may be received within the opening 152. The profile of the belt tensioner 150 may be complementary to the profile of the opening 152 such that a substantial entirety of the belt tensioner 150 may be received within the recess 152. A vehicle belt (not shown) associated with the vehicle seat may be positioned along a belt receiving path defined between upright support surface 30 and belt tensioner 150. In one embodiment, the belt tensioner 150 is selectively movable relative to the upright support surface 30 to adjust the tension applied to the vehicle belt along the vehicle belt-receiving path. For example, the belt tensioner 150 may be configured to pivot about at least one axis between an open position (fig. 8A) and a closed position (fig. 8B) to selectively tighten the portion of the vehicle belt sandwiched between the belt tensioner 150 and the opening 152 to couple the child seat 24 with the vehicle belt, thereby limiting movement of the child seat 24 and the support base 22 relative to the vehicle seat.

The belt tensioner locking mechanism 154 may be used to secure the belt tensioner 150 in the closed position. As shown in fig. 8A and 10, a pin or shaft 156 may be disposed within an opening 152 formed in the upright support surface 30. At least one slot 158 may be formed at a surface 160 of the belt tensioner 150 facing the opening 152, the slot 158 being aligned with the pin 156 and defining a path for receiving the pin. At least one locking pawl 162 is movably mounted on the belt tensioner 150. As shown in fig. 11A-11B, the locking pawl 162 has a throat 164 for receiving the pin 156 therein and at least one engagement feature 166 movable into engagement with the pin 156 to limit movement of the locking pawl 162 and thus movement of the belt tensioner 150 relative to the seat back portion 26. In one embodiment, the locking pawl 162 is rotatable about an axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Further, the locking pawl 162 can be biased toward the engaged position by a biasing mechanism (not shown).

As the belt tensioner 150 rotates toward the opening 152, the pin 156 is received within the slot 158 and may engage a surface 168 of the locking pawl 162. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the surface 168 of the locking pawl 162 is contoured, e.g., sloped, such that the engagement between the pin 156 and the surface 168 counteracts the biasing force of the biasing member. Thus, this engagement can rotate the locking pawl 162 from the engaged position to the disengaged position. Once the pin 156 reaches a particular position, such as once the pin 156 is received within the throat 164 of the locking pawl 162, the pin 156 no longer counteracts the biasing force of the biasing member. Thus, the bias acting on the locking pawl 162 rotates the locking pawl 162 to the engaged position.

The actuator 170 may be operably coupled with the locking pawl 162 to rotate the locking pawl 162 to the disengaged position to release the belt tensioner 150. While the actuator 170 is shown on the belt tensioner 150 directly adjacent the belt tensioner locking mechanism 154, it should be understood that embodiments in which the actuator 170 is located remotely from the belt tensioner are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The actuator 170 may be associated with a release member 172, such as a protrusion extending outwardly from the body of the locking pawl 162. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment shown, the actuator 170 includes a rib 174 that is movable into engagement with the release member 172. When a force is applied to the actuator 170, such as when the actuator 170 is rotationally lowered, the force is transferred to the release member 172, such as by the rib 174. The force counteracts the bias of the biasing mechanism, thereby driving the locking pawl 162 to rotate toward the disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the belt tensioner 150 may be moved away from the opening 152.

With continued reference to fig. 1A-2 and with further reference to fig. 12A and 12B, the headrest 46 of the child seat 24 may include at least one strap guide 200, such as a shoulder strap guide, having an opening 202 to receive a vehicle strap therein. Thus, the opening 202 may define a portion of a vehicle belt path of the child seat 24. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, a first shoulder strap guide 200a having an opening 202a is disposed at a first side of the headrest 46 and a second shoulder strap guide 200b having an opening 202b is disposed at an opposite side of the headrest 46. The shoulder strap guides 200a, 200b may be integrally formed with the body 204 of the headrest 46 or, alternatively, may be separate components secured to the body. At least one shoulder strap guide 200 may be mounted in alignment with and as an extension of a portion of the headrest 46. For example, the body 204 of the headrest 46 may include a central body 206 and at least one headrest side member, such as a first headrest side member 208 and a second headrest side member 210 extending from opposite sides of the central body 206. At least one shoulder strap guide 200 may be positioned on a bottom surface of one or both of the first and second headrest side members 208, 210. The shoulder strap guide 200 may have a shape that is complementary to an adjacent portion of the headrest 46 such that the shoulder strap guide 200 is flush with the body 204 and defines a portion of the contour of the headrest 46. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the first shoulder strap guide 200a is aligned with the first headrest side member 208 and the second shoulder strap guide 200b is aligned with the second headrest side member 210. At least one shoulder strap guide 200a, 200b may be permanently secured to the headrest 46 or, alternatively, may be removably coupled with the headrest.

Referring again to fig. 1A-2 and with further reference to fig. 13A and 13B, the headrest 46 of the child seat 24 as described herein may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the upright support surface 30 of the child seat 24 to allow adjustment according to the size of a child positioned within the child seat 24. The locking mechanism 220, which is operable to selectively lock the headrest 46 to a position relative to the child seat 24, generally includes an engagement assembly 222 associated with the headrest 46 and receivable within one of a plurality of openings or slots formed in a channel at or adjacent to the upright support surface 30. As shown, a channel 224 having a plurality of slots 226 may be located on a side proximate the head restraint 46, such as in axial alignment with the engagement assembly 222. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the engagement assembly is a ratchet tooth or tooth 228 that is rotatable about an axis between a locked position in which the engagement assembly is engaged with the slot 226 and an unlocked position in which the engagement assembly 228 is disengaged from the plurality of slots 226.

The locking mechanism 220 may additionally include a connecting member 230 movably mounted to the headrest 46, and the engagement assembly 228 may be operably coupled with the connecting member 230. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, a pin 232 extending from the engagement assembly 228 may be received within a slot 234 formed in the connection member 230. The user may apply a force directly or indirectly to the connection member 230. The connection member 230 moves, e.g., translates, relative to the headrest 46 when a force is applied thereto. Such forces are transferred from the connection member 230 to the engagement assembly 228 through the slot engagement. The engagement assembly pivots out of engagement with an adjacent slot 226 formed in the channel 224 due to the orientation of the slot 234 relative to the direction of movement of the connecting member 230. In this unlocked position, the head rest 46 is movable between a plurality of positions.

A biasing mechanism 236 (e.g., a torsion spring or coil spring) may be operably coupled with the engagement assembly 228 and may bias the engagement assembly into engagement with the adjacent slot 226 a. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the biasing mechanism 236 is operable to bias the connecting member 190 toward the unactuated position. In such embodiments, the biasing mechanism 236 indirectly biases the engagement assembly into engagement with the slot 226. However, in other embodiments, the biasing mechanism 236 may be directly coupled with the engagement assembly. Thus, the force applied by the user to the connection member 230 counteracts the bias of the biasing mechanism 236.

Referring now to fig. 14A and 14B, in some embodiments, the child seat system 20 includes a latch system 240 that includes one or more latch connectors 242 operable to engage corresponding anchors (not shown) of the vehicle seat to mount the child seat system 20 to the vehicle seat. Each latch connector 242 may be tethered, such as by a strap or webbing 244, to a suitable portion of the child seat system 20, such as a portion of the support base 22 or seat shell 25. Each latch connector 242 may be convertible from a closed or engaged configuration (as shown in fig. 14B) in which the latch member 246 of the latch connector 242 is closed or extended, as by a release actuator (not shown), to an open or release configuration (not shown) in which the latch member 246 of the latch connector 242 is open or retracted, and thus separable from the vehicle anchor.

In an embodiment, a cavity 250 may be formed at the child seat 24, such as at the seatback portion 26 of the seat housing 25, for receiving or capturing the corresponding latch connector 242 when separated from the vehicle seat anchor. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, such cavities 250 are formed at the rear surface of at least one upstanding side member 36, 40. However, it should be understood that such cavities 250 may be located at any suitable location around the child seat system 20, such as near the seatback portion 26 at the interface with the seat pan portion 28, or in the support base 22. As shown, the shaft 252 may be mounted inside the cavity 250 and the latch connector 242 may be operable to engage the shaft 252 via the latch member 246, thereby coupling the latch connector 242 with the shaft 252 and restricting movement of the latch connector 242 from the cavity 250. Such cavities 250 provide a storage means for managing the latch connector 242 when not in use.

Referring now to fig. 15A-16B, a child seat system 300 having a support base 302 and a child seat 304 connectable to the support base 302 is illustrated. As previously described, the child seat 304 may be permanently connected to the support base 302, or alternatively, may be removably connected to the support base. Either configuration, the child seat 304 may, but need not, be rotatable relative to the support base 302. As previously described, the child seat 304 may have a seatback portion 306 and a seat pan portion 308. The seat pan portion 308 may, but need not, be removably coupled with the seat back portion 306. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the insert 310 may be positioned within an area of the child seat 24 configured to receive a child. When installed, the insert 310 occupies additional space within the area of the child seat 24 configured to receive a child to accommodate the size of the area to the size of the child. The insert 310 may be configurable for multiple different phases of operation, such as according to the size and/or weight of a child that may be housed within the area of the child seat. In one embodiment, the different phases may be applicable from newborns to children weighing about 40 pounds.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the insert 310 is an assembly that includes a first insert portion 312 and a second insert portion 314. The first insertion portion 312 may include an elongated first central body 316 positionable in overlapping arrangement with at least a portion of the upright support surface 307 of the seatback portion 306 and at least a portion of the seat support surface 309 of the seat pan portion. The first central body 316 may have one or more folds or pleats formed therein. As shown, the first seat side barrier 318 and the second seat side barrier 320 are connected to opposite sides of the first center body 316, such as near a first end thereof. The first seat side fence 318 and the second seat side fence 320 may be aligned with the portion of the first central body 316 that is configured to overlap the seat support surface 309. The first and second seat side guards 318, 320 may be movable, such as rotatable relative to the first central body 316 to position the seat side guards 318, 320 at the seat side members relative to the seat pan portion 308.

The second insertion portion 314 similarly includes an elongated second central body 322 positionable in overlapping arrangement with at least a portion of the upright support surface 307 and at least a portion of the seat support surface 309. Further, a first upstanding side baffle 324 and a second upstanding side baffle 326 may be connected to opposite sides of the second central body 322, such as near a second end thereof. The first upstanding side baffle 324 and the second upstanding side baffle 326 may be aligned with the portion of the first central body 322 that is configured to overlap the upstanding support surface 307. For example, the first upstanding side baffles 324 and the second upstanding side baffles 326 may be movable, e.g., rotatable, relative to the second central body 322 to position the upstanding side baffles 324, 326 at an upstanding side member relative to the seatback portion 306 of the child seat 304 or relative to a corresponding surface of the headrest 330. In one embodiment, the first upstanding side baffles 324 and the second upstanding side baffles 326 form a headrest for a child sitting on the insert 310.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 15A, the second central body 322 additionally includes a first seat pan 332 and a second seat pan 334 disposed adjacent opposite ends thereof. In such embodiments, the first and second seat stops 332, 334 may be movable, e.g., rotatable, relative to the second central body 322, and may be positioned adjacent to the seat side members of the seat pan portion 308. As shown, the first and second seat stops 332, 334 and the first and second upright side stops 324, 326 of the second insert portion 314 may be disposed at opposite sides of the first and second seat side stops 318, 320 of the first insert portion 312.

In one embodiment, the length of the second central body 322 is less than the length of the first central body 316. However, embodiments are also contemplated herein in which the first central body 316 and the second central body 322 are substantially equal in length or in which the second central body 322 is longer than the first central body 316. As shown, respective openings 328a, 328b for receiving a portion of a seat belt (e.g., crotch belt 340) may be formed in both the first central body 316 and the second central body 322.

The insert portions 312, 314 may be used in combination or individually depending on the desired stage of operation. When configured for the first stage, both the first insert portion 312 and the second insert portion 314 are mounted about the child seat 24. In the first stage, insert 310 is intended for children up to 11 pounds. The first insert portion 312 may be disposed near the interface between the seatback portion 306 and the seat pan portion 308 such that the first and second seat side guards 318 and 320 contact a portion of both the seat side member and the upright side member. The second insertion portion 314 may be mounted in alignment with the first insertion portion 312. Thus, when two insert portions 312, 314 are used, the first central body 316 and the second central body 322 (including the openings 328a, 328b formed therein) are arranged in overlapping relation. In one embodiment, the second central body 322 is positioned immediately upward adjacent to the first central body 316. However, embodiments in which the first central body 316 is located atop the second central body 322 are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

The insert 310 may also be configured for a second stage in which one of the insert portions has been removed. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment shown in fig. 15B, only the first insert portion 312 is installed around the child seat 24 during the second stage. Alternatively, only the second insertion portion 314 may be installed around the child seat 24 during the second stage. When first insert portion 312 or second insert portion 314 (but not both) are installed, insert 310 may be intended for children weighing from about 11 pounds to about 40 pounds. In one embodiment, when the child seat 24 is used with children exceeding 40 pounds, both the first insert portion 312 and the second insert portion 314 of the insert 310 are removed from the child seat 24.

Referring again to fig. 1A-2, the child seat system 20 may include at least one side impact protection device. The at least one Side Impact Protection (SIP) device may be removably connected to the child seat system 20 in any suitable manner, such as by double sided tape, adhesive, or mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, at least one SIP device may be permanently connected to or integral with the child seat system such that one or more SIP devices form an integral part with the structure of the seatback portion 26, the structure of the seat pan portion 28, or a soft object associated with the seatback portion 26 or the seat pan portion 28. As will be described in more detail below, one or more SIP devices may be mounted at various locations around the support base 22 and/or the child seat 24. For example, the SIP device may be located at the seat pan portion 28, the seat back portion 26, or the headrest 46 of the child seat 24, for example. In addition, such SIP devices may be disposed at an interior or exterior surface of the child seat 24.

The SIP device associated with the child seat system 20 may be formed of a material having a hardness less than the hardness of the seat shell 25. The use of a reduced durometer material may facilitate absorption of energy applied to the child seat system 20 during an accident such as a side impact. In some embodiments, the material of the SIP device of the child seat system 20 is also stiffer than the soft goods mounted around the seat shell 25 to provide additional energy absorption beyond that of the soft goods. In an embodiment, the SIP device may be configured with sacrificial features configured to fracture or deform during a collision to help absorb energy. In one embodiment, the SIP device is configured to move between a default position and an impact position to help absorb energy in a side impact event. The SIP device or portions thereof may be formed from a foam material, such as expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded Polystyrene (EPS), and/or Expanded Polyolefin (EPO) having exemplary densities, such as 30g/l, 45g/l, and 50 g/l. Various other materials and specifications thereof are contemplated.

With continued reference to fig. 1, in one embodiment, the child seat system 20 includes one or more SIP devices 400a, 400b operable to restrict or control movement of the head of an occupant of the child seat system 20 during a side impact. The head SIP devices 400a, 400b may be disposed at an area of the child seat 24 around or adjacent to the head of the occupant. In one embodiment, at least one head SIP device 400a, 400b is associated with, and in some embodiments mounted to, the headrest 46 of the child seat 24. Although the head SIP devices 400a, 400b are shown disposed at the inner surface of the headrest 46, in other embodiments, the head SIP devices 400a, 400b may be disposed at the outer surface of the headrest 46.

Alternatively or additionally, the child seat system 20 may also include one or more SIP devices 402a, 402b disposed at an inner surface of the child seat 24 operable to limit or control movement of shoulders of an occupant of the child seat system 20. Such SIP devices 402a, 402b, also referred to herein as "shoulder SIP devices," may be disposed at an area of the child seat 24, such as the seatback portion 26 of the child seat 24, that is generally aligned with and configured to contact an occupant's shoulder or upper arm. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the first shoulder SIP device 402a may be coupled with and extend downwardly beyond the bottom of the first headrest side member 47, and the second shoulder SIP device 402b may be coupled with and extend downwardly beyond the bottom of the second headrest side member 49. The shoulder SIP devices 402a, 402b are movable with the headrest 46 relative to the seat body of the child seat 24, such as between a first position and a second position.

Another SIP device suitable for use with a child seat is operable to restrict movement of the torso or buttocks of an occupant of the child seat. Such SIP devices 404a, 404b may be referred to herein as "torso SIP devices," and these devices are typically disposed at an occupant facing surface of the child seat 24 at the child seat (seat-pan portion 28 or seatback portion 26) that is generally aligned with and configured to contact the occupant's torso. It should be appreciated that torso SIP devices 404a, 404b as shown and described herein may be integrated into child seat 24 in lieu of or in combination with one or more of head SIP devices 400a, 400b and shoulder SIP devices 402a, 402b as previously described herein. In embodiments of the child seat system 300 including the insert 310, as shown in fig. 15A-16B, the baffles 318, 320, 324, 326 associated with either insert portion 312, 314 may be considered torso SIP devices 404a, 404B.

The child seat system 20 may alternatively or additionally include one or more SIP devices 406 disposed at the sides of the seatback portion 26 and may protrude outwardly, such as near the interface with the vehicle belt path. Such SIP devices 406, also referred to herein as "external SIP devices," may be disposed at the child seat, the support base, or both. Further, it should be understood that the external SIP device 406 as shown and described herein may be integrated into the child seat in lieu of or in combination with one or more of the head SIP device, the shoulder SIP device, and the torso SIP device as previously described herein. The external SIP device 406 may be operable to limit or control interaction between the exterior of the child seat system 20 and an adjacent portion of the vehicle (e.g., a vehicle door).

Referring now to fig. 17 and 18, another example of a child seat system 420 is shown. Similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 1A-1E, the child seat system 420 includes a support base 422 and a child seat 424 associated with the support base 422. The child seat 424 may be permanently connected to the support base 422 or may be removably coupled thereto. The child seat 424 includes a seatback portion 426 and at least a portion of a seat pan portion 428 disposed at an angle relative to the seatback portion 426. The seatback portion 426 may be formed from a seat shell 425 of the child seat 424 and includes a seatback having a generally forward facing upright support surface 430 extending from a first end or top 432 of the seatback portion 426 to a second opposite end or bottom 434 of the seatback portion 426. The first upright side member 436 may be disposed at a first side (not shown) of the upright support surface 430 and extend outwardly along the first side, and the second upright side member 440 may be disposed at a second opposite side 442 of the upright support surface 430 and extend outwardly along the second opposite side. Thus, the first upright side member 436 and the second upright side member 440 form the left and right sides of the seatback portion 426, respectively. The first upright side member 436 and the second upright side member 440 may extend generally orthogonal to the upright support surface 430 or, alternatively, may extend therefrom at another angle, such as greater than 90 °. Thus, the upright support surface 430 and the first and second upright side members 436, 440 define a back area or upright support cavity in which the upper body of the child is received.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the seatback portion 426 of the child seat 424 includes a headrest 446. The headrest 446 may be attached to or integral with the seatback portion 26 or may be removably coupled thereto. The headrest 446 may be stationary or, in some embodiments, may be configured to move relative to the upright support surface 430. For example, the headrest 446 may be configured to translate relative to the upright support surface 430 between a retracted position and an extended position, allowing for adjustment according to the size of a child positioned within the child seat 424.

The seat pan portion 428 of the child seat 424 may include a seat support surface 450 that faces generally upward and extends from a first end or front 452 to a second end or rear 454 of the seat pan portion 428. The first seat side member 456 may be disposed at a first side (not shown) of the seat support surface 450 and the second seat side member 460 may be disposed at a second opposite side 462 of the seat support surface 450. The first seat side member 456 and the second seat side member 460 extend upward and from the left and right sides of the seat portion. The seat support surface 450 and the first and second seat side members 456, 460 in combination define an area in which at least a portion of the lower body of a child may be received.

As shown, the seat side members 456, 460 extend at an angle from the seat support surface 450. The angle of the first seat side member 456 relative to the seat support surface 450 may be, but need not be, the same as the angle of the first upright side member 436 relative to the upright support surface 430. Similarly, the angle of the second seat side member 460 relative to the seat support surface 450 may be, but need not be, the same as the angle of the second upright side member 440 relative to the upright support surface 430. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each seat side member 456, 460 has a slot 466 formed therein configured to act as a leg strap guide during at least one mode of use of the child seat 424. In some modes of operation of the child seat 424, the slot 466 may be configured to receive and position a leg strap portion of a vehicle restraint or a separate restraint strap to secure a child within the child seat 424.

When the child seat 424 is installed in a vehicle, the upright side members 436, 440 may facilitate proper positioning of the vehicle belt during one or more modes of operation. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each upright side member 436, 440 has an opening 444a, 444b formed therein that is configured to receive a vehicle strap (not shown) to secure the child seat 424 to the vehicle seat in the forward-facing configuration and/or to secure the upper body of a child positioned within the upright support cavity. The geometry of the openings 444a, 444b formed in the upright side members 436, 440 of the child seat 424 as shown in the non-limiting embodiment in fig. 17 and 18 is different from the openings 44a, 44b of the child seat 24 in fig. 1A-1E. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in fig. 1A-1E, the support 68 (see fig. 1E) located at or associated with the upstanding side members 36, 40 is disposed at an angle relative to the upper portion 45 of the openings 44a, 44 b. Thus, the interface between the support 68 and the upper portion 45 of the openings 44a, 44b forms a sharp corner. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in fig. 17 and 18, support 468 is modified to have a more arcuate profile, and thus sharp corners at the interface between support 468 and upper portion 445 of openings 444a, 444b are eliminated. However, sharp corners have a relatively rounded configuration. It should be appreciated that any of the embodiments described herein with respect to child seat 24 are equally applicable to child seat 424.

The term "about" is intended to encompass the degree of error associated with measuring a particular quantity from the device available at the time of filing the application. As used herein, the term "substantially" and derivatives thereof and words of similar import, when used in connection with a size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship, or other parameter, encompass the size, shape, orientation, distance, spatial relationship, or other parameter, and may also encompass ranges up to 10% and up to 10% less than the parameter, including ranges up to 5% and 5% less than the parameter, including ranges up to 3% and 3% less than the parameter, including ranges up to 1% and 1% less than the parameter.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A child seat system receivable on a vehicle seat, the child seat system comprising:

a support base;

A child seat positionable on the support base;

A seat belt assembly associated with the child seat and operable to restrict movement of an occupant seated within the child seat, the seat belt assembly including a crotch strap and at least one shoulder strap;

A seat belt opening formed in the child seat, the seat belt opening configured to receive the crotch belt at a plurality of positions relative to a front portion of the child seat, and

Wherein the effective length of the crotch strap extending from the child seat varies between the plurality of positions.

2. The child seat system according to claim 1, wherein the harness opening is H-shaped.

3. The child seat system of claim 1, wherein the child seat comprises a seat back portion and a seat pan portion, the seat belt opening being formed in the seat pan portion.

4. The child seat system of claim 3, wherein the harness opening includes a first strap receiving slot and a second strap receiving slot spaced apart from the first strap receiving slot, the crotch strap positionable within each of the first strap receiving slot and the second strap receiving slot, wherein the first strap receiving slot defines a first position of the plurality of positions and the second strap receiving slot defines a second position of the plurality of positions.

5. The child seat system of claim 4, wherein the first strap receiving slot is positioned closer to the front of the child seat than the second strap receiving slot.

6. The child seat system of claim 5, wherein the crotch strap has a first effective length when the crotch strap extends from the first strap receiving slot and a second effective length when the crotch strap extends from the second strap receiving slot, the first effective length being greater than the second effective length.

7. The child seat system according to claim 4, wherein the harness opening further comprises a connecting slot, the connecting slot extends between the first belt receiving slot and the second belt receiving slot, and operatively coupling the first strap receiving slot with the second strap receiving slot.

8. The child seat system according to claim 4, further comprising an anchor pin, wherein one end of the crotch strap is connectable to the seat pan portion by the anchor pin.

9. The child seat system of claim 8, wherein the seat pan portion is separable from the child seat and the crotch strap is separable from the child seat having the seat pan portion.

10. The child seat system of claim 4, further comprising an auxiliary pin positioned between the first strap receiving slot and the second strap receiving slot.

11. The child seat system according to claim 10, wherein the crotch strap wraps around the auxiliary pin when the crotch strap is disposed at the second strap receiving slot.

12. A child seat system according to claim 3, wherein the crotch strap comprises a webbing and a buckle secured to one end of the webbing.

13. The child seat system of claim 12, further comprising a recess formed in the seat pan portion, the buckle positionable within the recess.

14. The child seat system of claim 13, wherein the buckle defines a portion of a seat support surface when the buckle is positioned within the recess.

15. A child seat, comprising:

A seat back portion and a seat pan portion, the seat pan portion having a seat support surface upon which a child can be received, and

A seat belt assembly associated with the child seat to limit movement of an occupant seated within the child seat, the seat belt assembly including a crotch strap including a buckle shaped and positionable to define a portion of the seat support surface.

16. The child seat according to claim 15, wherein the seat pan portion comprises a recess and the buckle is positionable within the recess to define the portion of the seat support surface.

17. The child seat according to claim 15, wherein the seat pan portion is removably coupleable with the seat back portion.

18. The child seat according to claim 17, wherein the crotch strap is secured to the seat pan portion, the crotch strap being separable from the child seat having the seat pan portion.

19. The child seat according to claim 15, wherein the crotch strap extends through a seat belt opening formed in the seat pan portion.

20. The child seat according to claim 19, wherein the harness opening is H-shaped.

21. The child seat according to claim 19, wherein the harness opening comprises a first harness receiving slot and a second harness receiving slot separate from the first harness receiving slot, the crotch harness being extendable through either the first harness receiving slot or the second harness receiving slot.

22. A child seat system receivable on a vehicle seat, the child seat system comprising:

a support base;

a child seat positionable about the support base, the child seat including a seatback portion and a seat pan portion, the seat pan portion being removably mountable to the child seat, and

Wherein an occupant can be accommodated on the child seat only when the seat pan portion is connected to the child seat.

23. The child seat system of claim 22, further comprising an booster locking mechanism disposed at the seat pan portion, the booster locking mechanism operable to selectively lock the seat pan portion to the child seat.

24. The child seat system of claim 23, wherein the booster locking mechanism further comprises a latch plate and the child seat further comprises a pin, the latch plate movable into engagement with the pin to couple the seat pan portion with the child seat.

25. The child seat system of claim 24, wherein the booster locking mechanism further comprises an actuator operably coupled with the latch plate, the actuator operable to move the latch plate out of engagement with the pin to release the seat pan portion from the child seat.

26. The child seat system according to claim 25, wherein the actuator is disposed at a seat support surface of the seat pan portion.

27. The child seat system according to claim 25, wherein the actuator is a handle pivotally mounted to the seat pan portion.

28. The child seat system of claim 22, further comprising a harness assembly associated with the child seat to limit movement of the occupant seated within the child seat, the harness assembly including a crotch strap and at least one shoulder strap.

29. The child seat system according to claim 28, wherein the crotch strap is fixedly attached to the seat pan portion, the crotch strap being separable from the child seat having the seat pan portion.

30. A child seat, comprising:

A seat plate portion;

A seatback portion coupled to the seat pan portion;

A headrest disposed at the back portion, and

At least one strap guide disposed at the headrest, the at least one strap guide having an opening defining a portion of a vehicle strap path of the child seat.

31. The child seat according to claim 30, wherein the at least one strap guide is integrally formed with the headrest.

32. The child seat according to claim 30, wherein the at least one strap guide is a separate component secured to the headrest.

33. The child seat according to claim 30, wherein the headrest comprises a central body and at least one headrest side member, the at least one strap guide being aligned with and disposed at a bottom of the at least one headrest side member.

34. The child seat of claim 30, further comprising a side impact protection device positioned vertically below the at least one belt guide.