(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2013/0088057 A1
`Szakelyhidi et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Apr. 11, 2013
`
`US 2013 0088057A1
`
`(54) CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM WITH
`AUTOMATED INSTALLATION
`
`(75) Inventors: Dave Szakelyhidi, Olympia, WA (US);
`Robert D. Daley, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
`Henry F. Thorne, West View, PA (US);
`Frederick Karl Hopke, Glenshaw, PA
`SS John J. Walker, Pittsburgh, PA
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: THORLEY INDUSTRIES LLC,
`Pittsburgh, PA (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/315,867
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 9, 2011
`
`O
`O
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/543.938, filed on Oct.
`6, 2011, provisional application No. 61/559,949, filed
`on Nov. 15, 2011.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`B60N 2/28
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`USPC ....................................................... 297/250.1
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Provided is a child restraint system (CRS) with automated
`installation that provides automated feedback and control of
`seat installation angle, belt latching and tightening, and con
`firmation of correct install. The CRS utilizes sensors to moni
`tor CRS base angle relative to level, confirm correct latching
`of the CRS to its base and then to the vehicle seat, and confirm
`tightening of the belts to the required tension to be crashwor
`thy. The stepwise operation and confirmation of the installa
`tion procedure may be operated via button(s) or other tactical
`input, and relayed to the user via electronic visual display
`and/or audible means. All operations will be overseen and
`processed by an integrated control system, affording minimal
`user decision or interface. An intelligent latching device
`which can be adapted for use with an existing CRS is also
`provided.
`
`
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`518 N.
`
`Power System
`---------------- - - ----------------
`
`514
`
`
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`502
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`504
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`re-r--------area as
`
`u-controller
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`User Interface
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`F.G. 15A
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`instruct user to
`Calibrate unit
`
`Base placed on
`ground next to
`vehicle
`
`Sensing puck
`placed on vehicle
`floor
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`
`
`
`
`Read base angle
`(6B)
`
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`
`Record base angle
`(6B)
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`
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`Yes
`
`instruct user to
`move vehicle to
`more level ground.
`
`Alert user unit is
`ready for install
`
`Calibration failed
`
`Calibration
`successful
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`F.G. 15B
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`Calibrated unit
`placed in vehicle
`Seat and install
`
`Read system
`Sensors (S)
`
`
`
`
`
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`
`
`Yes
`
`Read level
`sensor (9)
`
`e greater tha
`predetermined
`
`Yes
`
`Turn off
`level motor
`
`Read
`tension
`sensor (F)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Turn off
`tension
`motor
`
`
`
`Read level
`SeSO
`
`No
`
`Alert user CRS
`is unsafe to
`use
`
`CAD
`
`Yes
`
`evel motd
`on?
`
`Turn on level
`motor to
`increase 6
`
`Turn on
`tension
`notor
`
`
`
`
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`
`
`
`
`Turn on level motor
`to decrease 6
`slightly
`
`Yes
`
`
`
`
`
`Yes
`
`
`
`Alert user
`install was
`unsuccessful
`
`No
`
`0 above
`range?
`
`
`
`
`
`InstructuSerto
`try install again
`
`Alert user
`install was
`successful
`
`
`
`FG. 15C
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`Read system
`SeSOS
`Sn
`
`Read tension
`SeSo
`(F)
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`
`
`Turn off
`tension motor
`
`Alert user belt
`is tensioned
`properly
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`
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`Alert user
`CRS is unsafe
`to USe
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`Abort instal
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`Turn on
`tension motor
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`US 2013/0O88057 A1
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`Apr. 11, 2013
`
`CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM WITH
`AUTOMATED INSTALLATION
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`0001. This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.
`C. S 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/543.938,
`filed Oct. 6, 2011, and 61/559,949, filed Nov. 15, 2011, which
`are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`0002 1. Field of the Invention
`0003. The present invention is generally directed to a child
`car seat or child restraint system (CRS) for use in an automo
`bile and, more particularly, to self-adjusting and automati
`cally installing a CRS.
`0004 2. Description of Related Art
`0005 Numerous industry and government guidance docu
`ments and standards recommend proper constraints for CRS
`installation. Aside from CRS manufacturer datasheets, perti
`nent information regarding standards and guidance can be
`found in three National Highway Traffic Safety Administra
`tion (NHTSA) reports, entitled, “Driver mistakes when
`installing child seats”, “Misuse of Child Restraints, and
`“Child Restraint Use Survey: LATCHUse and Misuse”. Also,
`FMVSS213 and 225 standards include testing and crashwor
`thiness requirements for a CRS.
`0006. In addition, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
`state that after the CRS undergoes crash impact testing, the
`angle between the CRS's back support surface for the child
`and the vertical should not exceed 70 degrees. In order to
`minimize this angle of travel after crash impact and to prevent
`separation of the child from the CRS, manufacturers state that
`when installing a CRS in the rear-facing position, the child
`seat should be reclined at least 30 degrees from vertical and up
`to 45 degrees from vertical when the car is parked on a level
`Surface. Because vehicle seats are at varying angles, it has
`become standard for most child restraint manufacturers to
`provide a means to level the child restraint seat in relation to
`the vehicle seat angle, in order to achieve this optimal CRS
`seat back angle range. Existing devices for leveling include
`mechanical legs, screw mechanisms, levers, spacers, plat
`forms, and other non-automated means. All of these devices
`are hand actuated. There have also been a few limited
`attempts at a motorized CRS recliner. In relaying the angle of
`the seat to the user, there are numerous mechanical devices
`currently in use, including bubble floats, rolling balls, and
`other sight windows or pendulum indicators. Some electro
`mechanical based angle feedback indicators are also cur
`rently in existence.
`0007 Modern child restraint systems can be connected to
`the vehicle by the vehicle seatbelt or by the Lower Anchors
`and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system, which is inte
`grated with the CRS, having specialized connectors and belts.
`It is required that either the LATCH system belt or the vehicle
`seat belt connect the CRS tight enough that it cannot move
`more than one inch side to side and front to back in relation to
`the vehicle seat to which it is attached. Many manufacturers
`use a simple belt cinch, while others rely on cranks and lever
`arms, or other mechanical means to assista user in tightening.
`There are even a few devices that use motor actuated mecha
`nisms to tighten the belt. As for determination of torque, there
`
`have been mechanical devices described, but only a few elec
`tro-mechanical means of feedback.
`0008 Feedback of the CRS infant carrier seat to its base
`and then to the vehicle have also been disclosed, however, the
`manner in which this connection has been determined has not
`been in the CRS latches themselves, but in the vehicle or
`infant carrier seat housing and also in the vehicle seatbelt or
`latch anchor points.
`0009. A 2009 NHTSA study entitled Drivers' Mistakes
`When Installing Child Seats (DOTHS 811 234) mentioned
`that approximately 73% of child restraints were installed
`incorrectly. It also states that in 72% of these installs, the user
`assumed that they had correctly installed the CRS, while in
`fact it was wrong.
`0010. Accordingly, a need exists for a CRS installation
`system that can be more effectively achieved by automation,
`with less user error/inconvenience and greater safety.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`Provided is a CRS with automated installation that
`0011
`provides automated feedback and control of seat installation
`angle, belt latching and tightening, and confirmation of cor
`rect install. More specifically, the CRS disclosed herein uti
`lizes sensors to monitor CRS base angle relative to level,
`confirm correct latching of the CRS to its base and then to the
`vehicle seat, and confirm tightening of the belts to the
`required tension to be crashworthy. The stepwise operation
`and confirmation of the installation procedure will be oper
`ated via button(s) or other tactical input, and relayed to the
`user via electronic visual display and/or audible means. All
`operations will be overseen and processed by an integrated
`control system, affording minimal user decision or interface.
`0012 More specifically, provided is a child seat config
`ured to be secured to a seat of a vehicle. The child seat
`includes: a seat base secured to the seat of the vehicle; a child
`receiving portion Supported by the seat base; a belt tensioning
`system incorporated into the seat base for receiving a belt that
`couples the seat base to the seat of the vehicle; a leveling
`system incorporated into the seat base for leveling the seat
`base relative to the seat of the vehicle; and a controller opera
`tively coupled to the belt tensioning system and the leveling
`system. The controller activates the belt tensioning system
`and the leveling system such that the belt tensioning system
`tensions the belt to a predetermined tension and the leveling
`system levels the seat base to a predetermined angle relative
`to the seat of the vehicle.
`0013 The controller may be configured to activate the belt
`tensioning system and the leveling system iteratively, simul
`taneously, or sequentially. The belt received by the belt ten
`sioning system may be a seatbelt of the vehicle or a belt of a
`LATCH system. The child seat may be selected from the
`group comprising: rear-facing infant carriers; forward-facing
`and rear-facing convertible child seats; and booster seats with
`harnesses.
`0014. The child seat may further include: at least one
`sensor for determining tension of the belt received by the belt
`tensioning system; and at least one sensor for determining the
`angle of the seat base relative to the seat of the vehicle. The at
`least one sensor for determining tension and the at least one
`sensor for determining the angle may be operatively coupled
`to the controller. The controller may activate the belt tension
`ing system and the leveling system such that the belt tension
`ing system tensions the belt to a predetermined tension and
`the leveling system levels the seat base to a predetermined
`
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`
`Apr. 11, 2013
`
`angle relative to the seat of the vehicle based on feedback
`from the at least one sensor for determining tension and the at
`least one sensor for determining the angle.
`0015. A user interface may be positioned on at least one of
`the seat base or the child receiving portion to allow a user to
`initiate the belt tensioning system and the leveling system.
`Alternatively, the user interface may be an individual elec
`tronic module communicating with a controller of the child
`seat via a wire or wirelessly. The user interface may provide
`feedback to the user of a status of the child seat. The leveling
`system may be configured to raise and lower a foot connected
`to a bottom surface of the seat base.
`0016. In addition, provided is a child seat configured to be
`secured to a seat of a vehicle. The child seat includes: a seat
`base secured to the seat of the vehicle; a child receiving
`portion Supported by the seat base; a leveling system incor
`porated into the seat base for leveling the seat base relative to
`the seat of the vehicle; and a controller operatively coupled to
`the belt tensioning system and the leveling system. The con
`troller receives feedback from at least one sensor associated
`with the child seat of an angle of the seat base relative to the
`seat of the vehicle and provides an indication to a user of the
`angle of the seat base relative to the seat of the vehicle.
`0017. The indication may be a visual indication provided
`on a display connected to at least one of the seat base or the
`child receiving portion. Alternatively, the indication may be
`at least one of a visual or audible indication that the seat base
`is positioned relative to the seat of the vehicle at an acceptable
`angle. The acceptable angle may be determined by the con
`troller by comparing the angle of the seat base relative to the
`seat of the vehicle determined by the at least one sensor with
`a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle may be at
`least one of a factory set angle or an angle determined by
`calibrating the car seat relative to eithera surface on which the
`vehicle is resting or a surface of the vehicle. The leveling
`system may be manually activated to level the seat base to a
`predetermined angle. Alternatively, the leveling system may
`be activated by the controller to level the seat base to a
`predetermined angle based on feedback from the at least one
`SSO.
`0018. The child seat may further include a belt tensioning
`system incorporated into the seat base for receiving a belt that
`couples the seat base to the seat of the vehicle. The controller
`may be configured to receive feedback from at least one
`sensor associated with the belt that couples the seat base to the
`seat of the vehicle and provide an indication to a user of the
`tension on the belt. The belt received by the belt tensioning
`system may beat least one of a seatbelt of the vehicle or a belt
`of a LATCH system. The belt tensioning system may be
`manually activated to tension the belt to a predetermined
`tension. The belt tensioning system may be activated by the
`controller to tension the belt to a predetermined tension based
`on feedback from the at least one sensor associated with the
`belt.
`0019. Also provided is a child car seat that includes: a seat
`base secured to a seat of a vehicle; an infant carrier removably
`connected to the seat base; a belt tensioning system incorpo
`rated into the seat base for receiving a belt that couples the
`seat base to the seat of the vehicle; a leveling system incor
`porated into the seat base for leveling the seat base relative to
`the seat of the vehicle; and a controller operatively coupled to
`the belt tensioning system and the leveling system. The con
`troller activates the belt tensioning system and the leveling
`system such that the belt tensioning system tensions the belt
`
`to a predetermined tension and the leveling system levels the
`seat base to a predetermined angle relative to the seat of the
`vehicle.
`0020. These and other features and characteristics of the
`present invention, as well as the methods of operation and
`functions of the related elements of structures and the com
`bination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become
`more apparent upon consideration of the following descrip
`tion and the appended claims with reference to the accompa
`nying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,
`wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding
`parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood,
`however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration
`and description only and are not intended as a definition of the
`limits of the invention. As used in the specification and the
`claims, the singular form of “a”, “an', and “the' include
`plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0021
`For the purpose of facilitating understanding of the
`invention, the accompanying drawings and description illus
`trate preferred embodiments thereof, from which the inven
`tion, various embodiments of its structures, construction and
`method of operation, and many advantages may be under
`stood and appreciated.
`(0022 FIGS. 1A-1C provide several views of a LATCH
`device that incorporates a system for the confirmation of belt
`latching in accordance with the present invention;
`0023 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carrier base and
`LATCH device embodying various features of a CRS accord
`ing to the present invention;
`0024 FIG. 3 is a side view of the carrier base of FIG. 2
`with an elevating foot which rotates around a central pivot
`point in the extended position;
`0025 FIG. 4 is a side view of the carrier base with the
`elevating foot in the extended position of FIG.3 installed in a
`vehicle seat;
`0026 FIG. 5 is a bottom-side perspective view of a level
`ing mechanism for use with the CRS in accordance with the
`present invention with a motor and cam assembly for driving
`the elevating foot to an extended position;
`0027 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a leveling foot with a
`linear motion mechanism according to another embodiment
`of the present invention having a scissor mechanism for pro
`viding automated leveling and angle feedback;
`0028 FIG. 7 is a side view of a linear motion leveling
`mechanism with a foot extending from the carrier base
`installed in a vehicle seat;
`0029 FIG. 8 is a side view of the carrier base of FIG. 2
`installed in a vehicle seat having a roller attached to the foot
`and a lip extension that fits between the vehicle seat cushion
`and back for easier installation;
`0030 FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carrier base of
`FIG. 2 with a belt for attaching the base to a vehicle seat and
`a tension detection sensor for measuring the tension on the
`belt;
`FIG. 10 is a top-side perspective view of a tension
`0031
`ing mechanism according to the present invention for auto
`matically increasing the tension on a belt;
`0032 FIG. 11 is a bottom-side perspective view of the
`tensioning mechanism of FIG. 10 showing the belt wound
`around a belt tightening spindle and a latching mechanism
`consisting of a pawl and ratchet for preventing “backdriving
`of the belt;
`
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`0033 FIG. 12 is a side view of the pawl and ratchet mecha
`nism of FIG. 11;
`0034 FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bottom of the
`carrier base of FIG.2 with a foot of the leveling mechanism in
`the open position, so that the tensioning mechanism is acces
`sible;
`0035 FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodi
`ment of a carrier base with a belt in an improved routing
`configuration;
`0036 FIG. 15A is a block diagram of the electronic com
`ponents of the CRS showing the relationship between the
`components and the microcontroller;
`0037 FIG.15B is a flow chart describing the algorithm for
`calibrating a CRS according to the present invention;
`0038 FIG. 15C is a flow chart describing the installation,
`leveling, and tensioning algorithm as used by a CRS accord
`ing to the present invention;
`0039 FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the carrier base of
`FIG. 2 with a battery and a self-generating power mechanism
`exposed;
`0040 FIG. 17 is a side view of the carrier base of FIG. 2
`with a control center of a user interface shown in an enlarged
`manner,
`0041
`FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the base and carrier
`according to the present invention with a power connection
`Socket for transferring power and data between the base and
`carrier;
`0042 FIG. 19 is a side view of the carrier base of FIG. 2
`connected to an infant carrier with an enlarged view of the
`latch mechanism for connecting the base to the carrier;
`0043 FIGS. 20A and 20B provide side and perspective
`views, respectively, illustrating the sensor configuration for
`connecting the CRS to a base in accordance with the present
`invention;
`0044 FIG. 21 is a front view of an infant carrier according
`to the present invention with a motorized mechanism to
`tighten/loosen a harness and harness tension sensors;
`0045 FIG.22 is a perspective view of the back portion of
`the carrier of FIG. 21 with a motor mechanism for adjusting
`the height of a harness;
`0046 FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an intelligent latch
`ing device having a latch and tensioner mechanism and con
`nectors for attachment to a LATCH system;
`0047 FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the latch and ten
`sioner mechanism of FIG. 23;
`0048 FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the latch and tensioner
`mechanism of FIG. 23;
`0049 FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of the latch and
`tensioner mechanism of FIG. 23 in which a motor, gear train,
`and spindle are visible;
`0050 FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the latch and ten
`sioner mechanism of FIG. 23; and
`0051
`FIG. 28 is a flow chart depicting the process for
`increasing the tension of a belt for use with the intelligent
`latching device of FIG. 23.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`0052 For purposes of the description hereinafter, the
`terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizon
`tal', “top”, “bottom, “lateral, “longitudinal', and deriva
`tives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the
`drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the
`invention may assume alternative variations and step
`
`sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It
`is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
`illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the
`following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments
`of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physi
`cal characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed
`herein are not to be considered as limiting.
`0053 ACRS with automated installation embodying vari
`ous aspects of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1
`through 23. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the
`art, however, that the CRS of FIGS. 1 through 23 represents
`but one of a wide variety of structures, configurations and
`modes of operation of child restraints which fall within the
`Scope of the present invention. For instance, the aspects of the
`present invention discussed herein may be incorporated into
`rear-facing infant carriers, forward-facing and rear-facing
`convertible child carriers, and booster seats with harnesses
`and for use with lap/shoulder belts.
`0054 The CRS, according to the present invention, is
`firmly attached to a vehicle seat by a belt. In one embodiment,
`the CRS is configured for use with the Lower Anchors and
`Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system, which has a European
`equivalent in the ISOFIX system. With reference to FIGS.
`1A-1C, connectors 2 adapted for use with a LATCH device
`are illustrated. The connectors 2 incorporate a sensor 4 to
`detect the presence of the connection point, always a metal
`bar 6, within the engagement jaws 8 of the connectors 2.
`The sensor 4 may be an optical interrupt Switch, contact
`switch, miniaturized metal detecting circuit, or other similar
`device. A wire lead 10 transmits a signal from the sensors 4 to
`a controller (not shown) provided on the CRS indicating that
`the connector 2 is attached to the bar 6 of the LATCH system.
`Alternatively, the CRS could be attached to the vehicle seat
`through other standardized CRS vehicle connection points
`Such as a seatbelt.
`0055 With reference to FIGS. 2 through 17, an infant
`carrier base of a CRS with automated installation is illus
`trated. The base of the CRS is adapted to firmly attach to a
`vehicle interior seat. The base 12 comprises a cradle shaped
`structure adapted to receive and hold an infant carrier (not
`shown), a belt 14 for anchoring the base to the vehicle seat,
`and a leveling mechanism 20 which levels the base 12 relative
`to the vehicle seat thereby ensuring that the infant carrier is
`held at a level orientation.
`0056. As shown in FIG. 2, the belt 14 extends from the
`connectors 2 located on either side of the CRS through holes
`located on the side of the base structure, and to a tensioning
`mechanism 60. The leveling mechanism 20 extends from the
`lower portion of the base 12 to counteract the slope (theta) of
`a vehicle seat. A foot 24 is located at the base of the leveling
`mechanism 20. A height adjust manual release 18 extends
`from the base of the foot allowing a user to adjust the height
`manually. Optionally, the tensioning mechanism 60 is a
`motorized tensioning device for automatically adjusting the
`tension of the belt 14. In the case of an automated tensioning
`mechanism, the base 12 may further comprise a manual
`release 62 extending from the base 12 allowing a user to
`release the belt 14 from the automated mechanism and to
`adjust tension manually using overdrive crank 78. The base
`12 further comprises a user interface having a control center
`90 such as a visual display for displaying visual data for a
`user. Relevant data includes, for example, an indicator light
`informing the user of whether the seat is level, whether the
`base is securely anchored to the vehicle seat by the connec
`
`Page 33 of 40
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`

`US 2013/0O88057 A1
`
`Apr. 11, 2013
`
`tors, and whether a harness securing the child to the infant
`carrier is securely in place. The control center may also
`include input devices allowing a user to input data regarding
`the child to be secured to the CRS.
`0057 With reference to FIGS. 3 through 8, as described
`above, a CRS of the present invention includes a system for
`automatically leveling the CRS and providing angle feedback
`to a user. According to one embodiment of the automated
`leveling system, shown in FIGS. 3 through 5, the leveling
`mechanism 20 comprises a foot 24 extending from the carrier
`base 12. The foot 24 extends in a downward direction rotating
`around a rotational joint 22. The advantage of the rotational
`joint 22 is that there is the ability to achieve a greater amount
`of motion of the foot 24 with a smaller amount of motion of a
`drive mechanism. In this way, the challenge of extending the
`foot beyond the height of the seat base is effectively miti
`gated.
`0058 As depicted in FIG. 3, the foot 24 extends from the
`lower portion of the infant carrier base 12 in a telescoping
`arrangement in which a plurality of elevating sections 26 are
`nested within one another when the foot 24 is in a closed
`position. As the foot extends downward, rotating around the
`rotation joint 22, the nested sections 26 disengage from one
`another. FIG. 4 depicts the base 12 with the foot 24 in the
`extended position installed in a vehicle seat 16. Optionally, as
`shown in FIG. 5, the leveling mechanism 20 includes a motor
`28 for driving the expansion of the telescoping foot 24. The
`leveling mechanism including the motor is housed in the
`interior of the carrier base 12.
`0059 FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of the leveling
`mechanism having a motor for automated leveling. The
`mechanism comprises the motor 28 engaged with a cam 30 by
`a Hirth coupling 32. The motor 28 used to power the cam 30
`may be electrical or any other type, such as hydraulic. A Hirth
`coupling is a mechanical connection used to connect two
`pieces of a shaft together and characterized by teeth that mesh
`together on the end faces of each half of the shaft. As the
`motor 28 drives the cam 30, the cam 30 rotates thereby exert
`ing force on the telescoping foot 24 causing the foot 24 to
`extend and the nested sections 26 of the foot to disengage. In
`addition to the cam mechanism, a screw jack mechanism,
`rack and pinion mechanism, Scissor lift mechanism, or other
`type of linear motion mechanism may also be used to provide
`means of leveling the height via a rotational joint with a
`motor. In addition, rotary motion mechanisms to adjust height
`could also be used. Rotary motion mechanisms include a
`gearing mechanism, sprocket and chain mechanism, pulley
`and belt mechanism, or direct drive with a rotary motor.
`0060. It is desirable that the height of the infant carrier
`base be adjustable without a motor as well, in case the user is
`unable or unwilling to use the automated System. Manual
`release is accomplished by a release knob which disengages
`the cam from the motor. As shown in FIG. 5, the leveling
`mechanism 20 further comprises a manual release knob 34
`and manual overdrive knob 36. The manual release knob 34
`allows a user to disengage the motor 28 from the cam 30
`thereby preventing the motor from Supporting the cam 30,
`causing the foot 24 to return to the retracted position. Once the
`motor 28 is disengaged, a user can rotate the manual overdrive
`knob 36 to manually manipulate the height of the foot 24.
`Height may also be adjusted through other mechanical
`mechanisms such as, for example, a turn crank that actuates a
`spindle comprising part of a drive train or with a slip clutch
`mechanism.
`
`0061. It is desirable that the height adjustment system is
`not backdriveable so that, in the eventofa crash, the forces are
`not transferred through the drive train of the actuating mecha
`nism. In view of this concern, the leveling mechanism 20
`further comprises a locking mechanism 38 with a ratchet and
`pawl for securing the cam 30 in place once the desired height
`is reached.
`0062 Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the CRS
`may include a liner extension mechanism 200 to adjust the
`height of the base 12. A liner extension mechanism relies on
`motorized leg(s), which can be raised or lowered to achieve
`the required optimal angle. As with the rotational adjustment
`mechanism, the extendable foot is driven by a motor. The
`motor used to power the legs may be of any type, electrical or
`other, such as hydraulic. The motorized legs may extend and
`contract by means of a screw jack mechanism, scissor jack,
`cable and pulley, chain, hydraulic/pneumatic piston, or other
`type of mechanical mechanism. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in
`one embodiment of the automated leveling system with linear
`extension